Notes and Study material for Exams
Hiuen Tsang (602-664), also known as Xuanzang, was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler, and translator. He is best known for his pilgrimage to India in search of sacred Buddhist texts, which he translated into Chinese. Hiuen Tsang was born in 602 in the Tang dynasty capital of Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an). He was ordained as … Read more
The Enduring Legacy: Exploring Hindu Literature in Ancient India Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest and most complex religions, has a rich and vibrant literary tradition that spans millennia. This literature, encompassing a vast array of texts, offers profound insights into the beliefs, practices, and philosophical underpinnings of this ancient faith. From the epic tales … Read more
Buddhist Literature Introduction Buddhism is a religion that originated in India over 2,500 years ago. It is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as the Buddha. The Buddha taught that suffering is caused by attachment and that the way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path. Buddhist literature … Read more
The Divergent Paths: Exploring the Early Buddhist Schools in India The Buddha’s teachings, born from his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, were not a monolithic entity. Instead, they sparked a vibrant and diverse intellectual landscape, giving rise to numerous schools of thought within the nascent Buddhist tradition. These early Buddhist schools, flourishing in the centuries … Read more
Shramana: A Journey Through Ancient Indian Thought and Practice The term “Shramana” holds a significant place in the tapestry of ancient Indian thought and practice. It signifies a broad spectrum of ascetic and philosophical movements that emerged in the pre-Buddhist and early Buddhist periods, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural and religious landscape of … Read more
The Melodies of the Mountains: Buddhist Chanting in Ladakh Ladakh, a high-altitude region nestled in the Himalayas, is a land of stark beauty and profound spirituality. Its rugged landscapes and unforgiving climate have shaped a resilient culture deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. At the heart of this culture lies the practice of chanting, a vibrant … Read more
Jat-Jatin The Jats are a large and influential ethnic group found in the northern Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. They are also found in smaller numbers in other parts of India, as well as in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Jats are a warrior caste, and have a long history of military … Read more
A World in Miniature: Exploring the Art of Miniature Paintings in India Miniature paintings, a vibrant and intricate art form, have captivated audiences for centuries in India. These small-scale masterpieces, often painted on paper or ivory, offer a window into the rich cultural tapestry of the subcontinent, capturing its history, mythology, literature, and daily life … Read more
A Tapestry of Stories: Exploring the Rich History of Mural Paintings in India India, a land of vibrant culture and ancient traditions, boasts a rich artistic heritage that spans millennia. Among its many artistic expressions, mural paintings stand out as a captivating testament to the country’s history, beliefs, and artistic prowess. These vibrant wall paintings, … Read more
Indo-Islamic Architecture: A Fusion of Cultures and Styles Indo-Islamic architecture, a captivating blend of Indian and Islamic architectural traditions, stands as a testament to the rich cultural exchange that flourished in the Indian subcontinent for centuries. This unique architectural style emerged during the medieval period, primarily under the patronage of Muslim rulers who established their … Read more