Notes and Study material for Exams
Deciphering the Past: A Journey Through the Ashoka Inscriptions The reign of Emperor Ashoka, the third ruler of the Mauryan dynasty in ancient India, marked a pivotal moment in the subcontinent’s history. His legacy, however, extends far beyond his military conquests and administrative prowess. Ashoka’s reign witnessed a profound transformation in his personal beliefs, leading … Read more
Milinda Panha: A Dialogue on Buddhism and Skepticism The Milinda Panha, also known as the Questions of King Milinda, is a pivotal text in the Pali Canon, the collection of Buddhist scriptures in the Theravada tradition. This dialogue between the Indo-Greek King Menander I (Milinda) and the Buddhist monk Nagasena, dating back to the 2nd … Read more
A Tale of Three States: Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Goa India, a land of diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories, is home to 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its unique identity. This article delves into the stories of three states â Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Goa â showcasing their distinct characteristics and highlighting … Read more
Unveiling the Mysteries of Jivaka Chintamani: A Journey Through the Heart of Ancient Indian Medicine The Jivaka Chintamani, a monumental work of Sanskrit medical literature, stands as a testament to the rich and sophisticated medical knowledge that flourished in ancient India. This treatise, attributed to the legendary physician Vagbhata, offers a comprehensive exploration of the … Read more
Theravada Buddhism: The Ancient Path of the Elders Theravada Buddhism, meaning “the way of the elders,” is one of the oldest and most influential branches of Buddhism. It traces its lineage directly back to the teachings of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, and emphasizes the original Pali canon as the authoritative source of Buddhist doctrine. This … Read more
Puranas Divided into sarga, pratisarga, manvantantar, vamsa (genealogical list of kings) & vamsanucharita. 18 main puranas & 18 subsidiary puranas. Vedas Meaning “knowledge”. Rigveda (hymns), Yajurveda (sacrificial formulae), Atharvaveda (magical charms & spell), Samveda. Vedas are called aparusheya (not created by man) & nity Upanishads About 200 in number. Deal with philosophy. Oldest & … Read more
El Nino El Niño is the name given to the occasional development of warm ocean surface waters along the coast of Ecuador and Peru. When this warming occurs the usual upwelling of cold, nutrient rich deep ocean water is significantly reduced. El Niño normally occurs around Christmas and usually lasts for a few weeks to a few months. Sometimes … Read more
Religion in India: A Tapestry of Faith and Diversity India, a land of ancient civilizations and vibrant cultures, is also a melting pot of religious beliefs and practices. From the Himalayas in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, a diverse array of faiths have flourished for centuries, shaping the nation’s history, art, … Read more
Unraveling the Legacy of the Cholas: A Civilization That Shaped South India The Chola dynasty, a powerful and influential empire that ruled over much of South India for nearly five centuries, left an indelible mark on the region’s history, culture, and architecture. Their legacy, spanning from the 9th to the 13th centuries, continues to fascinate … Read more