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The 12th century story of Ashu Nair and Abraham bin Yiju
Explore the captivating 12th-century tale of Abraham bin Yiju, a Tunisian Jewish merchant, and Ashu Nair, a local Malayali woman, whose unique story unfolds on the vibrant Malabar coast. Their lives are meticulously reconstructed through surviving letters, shedding light on their prosperous two-decade partnership and family, ultimately marked by a heartbreaking tragedy. This historical account…
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The Heart of Sri Krishna: The Story of Two Gopalas
In the heart of a typical village, where anonymity thrives amidst a self-sufficient hamlet, the Krishna temple stands as a living history book. The tale unfolds with the lineage of Keshava Bhatta, the devout Archaka of the temple, and his son Gopala, who, after a rain-soaked adventure in the forest, discovers an unexpected companion, another…
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The Dark Truth at the Heart of Shah Jahan’s Letter to Jahangir
The blog post delves into the intricate realm of medieval Muslim history in India, particularly the theme of royal succession. It highlights the pervasive pattern of treachery, betrayal, and violence that accompanied the ascension of rulers, shedding light on the history of Islamic empires globally. Focusing on the Mughal dynasty, it provides a case in…
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Lessons from the Tragic History of the Prahladpuri Temple
In the blog post a narrative unfolds the sorrowful tale of the Prahladapuri Temple in Multan, Pakistan, offering a glimpse into the shared fate of Hindu temples in the region. Beginning with Multan’s rich Sufi shrine heritage and its ancient names, it highlights the early desecration of the Aditya temple by Muhammad bin Qasim. The…
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Some Protagonists of Sacred Traditions: The Book that Sanctifies Every Hindu Home
This blog post introduces the English translation of D.V. Gundappa’s seminal work, “Vaidikadharmasampradāyastharu,” now titled “Some Protagonists of Sacred Traditions.” It pays tribute to both the original work and its insightful author, emphasizing the book’s ability to deliver spiritual wisdom and inner peace. The introduction explores the absence of extensive philosophical quotations, focusing instead on…
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If the West Bends Over Any Further, We’ll Be Left with a Broken Spine: Nations and Muslim Appeasement
This insightful blog post delves into the complex issue of appeasement in Western nations and its potential consequences in the face of extremist Islamic jihadist ideologies. Drawing from historical events and lessons, it cautions against the dangers of bending too far in the direction of compassion, underscoring the need for a careful balance between empathy…
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How the Hindu Society Lost Access to its Own Culture
This is the first episode in a series featuring an English adaptation of DVG’s 1957 lecture on Samskruti (Culture). DVG offers profound insights into society and culture, exploring facets like human relationships, attitudes toward work, marriage, and self-discipline, reflecting on a bygone era, and contrasting it with contemporary society. His discourse delves into the intrinsic…
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“Kshatra: The Tradition of Valour in India” — The Book that Must Decorate Every Hindu Home
Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh’s ‘The Indian Tradition of Valour’ presents a remarkable exploration of the multifaceted facets of Kshatra (valour) in the context of India’s civilisational, political, social, and cultural history. This unique work delves into the crucial role of Kshatra in safeguarding and preserving Dharma while offering profound insights into the philosophy and essence…
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A Ready Reckoner of Aurangzeb’s Industrial Scale Temple Destructions
This podcast episode delves into the extensive records of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s temple destructions throughout India, presenting a chilling account of over thirty Hindu temples ravaged in regions spanning Agra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Karnataka. The extensive evidence from historical sources, including royal orders, chronicles, and scholarly accounts, sheds light on…
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A Historical Journey with the Banana
This blog post explores the deep-rooted significance of the banana in the Sanatana civilization. From its mentions in Hindu rituals to its poetic symbolism, the banana is celebrated for its multifaceted roles in the culture. With insights into the Sanskrit synonyms for banana and its importance for Indian sages following Ahimsa (non-injury), the post also…
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An Extraordinary Portrait of Dharmic Village Administration in Ukkal
This blog post takes readers on a historical journey to Koolamandal and Ukkal, two lesser-known but culturally rich villages in South India. Koolamandal was once a vibrant center of Sanatana society, home to the magnificent Gangaikondacholeesvarar Temple built by Rajendra Chola I. Ukkal, on the other hand, is known for its extraordinary village administration system,…
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Swami Vivekananda on the Ahistoricity of Hinduism
This insightful blog post explores Swami Vivekananda’s perspective on the universality of Vedanta as a religion, contrasting it with Christianity and other religions that revolve around historical founders. Swami Vivekananda emphasizes the ahistoricity of the Vedas and the eternal principles they embody, which allows Hinduism to remain unshaken even if the historicity of its prophets…
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In Karl Marx’s Sick World, the Sacred Puri Jagannatha Temple was a Centre of Prostitution
This thought-provoking blog post delves into Karl Marx’s views on Indian history, culture, and Hinduism, emphasizing the significance of understanding these perspectives to comprehend the ideologies of Indian Marxists. The text highlights how Marx’s knowledge, while profound, was not free from biases and misjudgments. It critiques the limitations of Indian scholars’ analyses of Marx’s thoughts…
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Kunti-Gita: The Timeless Roar of a Valorous Hindu Mother
Explore the intricate wisdom of Kunti, a character from the Mahabharata’s Udyoga Parva, and her unwavering commitment to Dharma and heroic principles. In this blog post, Kunti’s interactions with Sri Krishna, her powerful reflections on Kshatra Dharma, and her calls to her sons for valor and retribution are examined. The narrative delves into the fiery…
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Episodes from the Udyoga Parva as Profound Guides to the Contemporary Hindu Society
Delve into the Udyoga Parva, a pivotal section of the Mahabharata, and explore its significance as a guide to statecraft, diplomacy, ethics, and values. This blog post draws parallels between the Udyoga Parva and the Sundara Kanda in the Ramayana, highlighting how both serve as preludes to battles defending Dharma against Adharma. Contrasting Sri Rama’s…
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Who is a Guru?
Explore the significance of Guru Purnima, a celebration of Maharishi Ved Vyas’ birthday, and dive into the profound role of a true Guru in the spiritual journey. Maharishi Ved Vyas, the sage behind the Mahabharata and the classification of Vedic literature, holds a unique place in Hindu history. This blog delves into the essence of…
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When an Erudite Poet Pledged an Alphabet in his Name to get a Loan
In this extraordinary tale from Saundatti, a town under Ratta dynasty rule, a scholar and poet named Rudrabhatta found himself on the edge of bankruptcy and approached a wealthy moneylender for a loan without any collateral. The moneylender agreed but requested one letter from Rudrabhatta’s name, the letter “Bha,” as collateral. Thus, Rudrabhatta became Rudraṭa…
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The Awful Record of the Sufis in India told in their Own Words
In this thought-provoking blog post, I unravel the myth of Sufism and its relationship with Hinduism, shedding light on the disturbing historical truths behind this enigmatic mysticism. While many Hindus have embraced Sufism as a bridge between religions, I delve into the genuine Sufi literature and the fanaticism that contradicts this perception. I explore the…
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Why Indian Marxist Historians are Worse than Communist Historians of Soviet Russia and Maoist China
In this blog post, the author delves into the pervasive influence of Marxist history writing, drawing parallels between Soviet Russian and Indian Marxist historical narratives. The article highlights the deliberate omission of crucial historical events, such as the excesses during collectivization and famines in the Soviet Union, as well as the stifling of dissenting voices…
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How the Fanatic Syed Ahmad Barelvi Met his Maker at Balakot
The blog post discusses the historical narrative of post-Mughal India, highlighting the glorification of figures like Tipu Sultan as freedom fighters against British rule while sidelining others like Siraj-ud-Daulah. It delves into the controversial figures of Shah Waliullah, Abdul Aziz, and Syed Ahmad Barelvi, who are often depicted as “Muslim revivalists” but had a more…