Narendra Modi: A Pracharak Morphed into a Politician?
Modi has always claimed that he was “an apolitical CM”. This claim extends back to his first faltering steps in the public arena, which, undeniably, have endowed him with a unique pedigree. But this claim needs to be scrutinised. Extract from Christophe Jaffrelot's 'Gujarat Under Modi: Laboratory of Today’s India', to be published on 15 February 2024.
Indians, Episode 6: Khajuraho and the World of Tantra
Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandelas who built 85 temples between 900–1150 CE. The 25 that survive are now famed for their fine sculpture, including graphic sex on their walls. In the late first millennium, such temples arose across India, at Badami, Mathura, Konark, etc. Who built them and why? And how did Indians of that era turn into today’s woeful prudes easily scandalised by such erotica, no hint of which appears on their modern religious monuments?
Indians, Episode 5: Nalanda and the Decline of Buddhism
By the early colonial period, Indians had even forgotten that a man called the Buddha had existed in their past! Only in the 19th century did Indians rediscover Nalanda and their amazing Buddhist heritage.
Did Islam Become More Syncretic in India? An Interview With William Dalrymple
Can anyone talk of the land donated by Mughal emperors for temples, of them celebrating Holi and performing in Ram Leela, or the translations of Sanskrit classics into Persian, and the succession of marriages with Hindu wives?
To unravel the fascinating syncretic history of Muslim rule and Islam in India at the time, noted historian and chronicler William Darlymple talks to Vrinda Gopinath.
Archaeological sites like Keeladi have pushed back the rise of complex societies in south India to at least the 6th century BCE. In the late first millennium BCE, a ‘cultural package’ from Aryavarta began moving south. It would radically reshape the religions, languages, and social norms of south India...
In 327 BCE, the Greek warrior Alexander of Macedon invaded the Punjab. He was forced to turn back after his army suffered heavy losses in fighting Porus. Soon after, the Greek-ruled Seleucid Empire arose west of the Punjab, and the Mauryan Empire to its east, with its capital in Pataliputra. This produced a freer flow of ideas between India and Greece, as in science, art, and philosophy—and a fascinating account of India by Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to the Mauryan court...
General Jean-François Allard with his family on the terrace of their house at Anarkali, #Lahore.
1836 CE painting by Imam Baksh Lahori from the Edith & Cary Welch collection sold by Sothebys (£127,000)
A former French Commander assigned to #Sikh Army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Allard is seen seated here with his wife Banu Pan Dei.
He was, in his circles, well known for the style of his partitioned beard which he would roll over his ears while having meals. #IndianHistory#Art#IndianHeritage
Remembering Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: A Scholar, Patriot and Builder of Modern India
Today, November 11, marks the 135th birth anniversary of India's first education minister. The Maulana played a crucial role in bringing Indian Muslims out of their self-imposed political indifference to cooperate with their Hindu brethren in the task of freeing the country from foreign rule.
O Mother, do not talk to me about the Kheras.
I belong to Ranjha, and he belongs to me.
And the Kheras dream aimlessly.
People say Heer is crazy, and her companion is a cowherd!
~ Shah Hussain
Stylistically and intellectually, Punjabi poets drew heavy influences from spiritual traditions in Hinduism and Islam and Bulleh Shah, too, wrote most of his works in the kafi style of poetry, alongside composing verses in other styles such as Doha, 👇🏻
‘The Indians’: Historians tell the many histories of India with humanness and scholarly objectivity
The expansive compendium of short essays on India by subject-matter experts, whose perspectives are suited to those who like history without a side of rhetoric.
The importance of Teachers can't be overlooked for their contribution to the nation building. From early learning to college, #Teachers play a important part.
To recognise their contribution, 5th September is celebrated as #TeachersDay in #India
This c1627-50 CE #Mughal#IndianMiniaturePainting of 'A Group of Learned Men under a Tree' was sold by Sotheby's on 21st March 2012 for $20,000.
Three Ladies Bathing in a Secluded Spot by a River Bank are Surprised by a Interloper Peeping (Tom) at them through the Bushes.
The setting reminisces the exploits of #Hindu God #Krishna
Today's #GoodMorning post is not a #Painting but this 10th century Buff Sandstone Relief of a 'Goddess Admiring Herself in a Mirror'.
This sensuous #Goddess has Her right arm raised to secure a lock of hair, the left hand holding a mirror
This item which once adorned a #Hindu Temple in #MadhyaPradesh#India belonged to the Doris Wiener (#Art smuggler) collection which was sold by Christie's