Notes and Study material for Exams
Ramanuja: The Architect of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta Introduction: Ramanuja, a towering figure in the history of Hindu philosophy, stands as one of the most influential proponents of Vedanta, the philosophical system derived from the Upanishads. His unique interpretation of Vedanta, known as Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism), has profoundly shaped the religious and philosophical landscape of Hinduism, particularly … Read more
The Ikshvaku Dynasty (c. 225-340 A.D) was a feudatory tribe under the patronage of the great Satavahana Empire that ruled the Andhra region, delta of the Krishna and Godavari rivers on the east coast, situating their capital at Dharanikota (present day Amravati). Their downfall around the 3 rd century C.E due to the … Read more
The Statue of Equality: A Monument to Ramanuja’s Vision of Inclusivity The Statue of Equality, a towering 216-foot bronze monument dedicated to the 11th-century Vaishnava philosopher and social reformer Ramanuja, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and a beacon of inclusivity in the modern world. Inaugurated in February 2022 in Hyderabad, India, the … Read more
Taxila university By some accounts, Taxila was considered to be one of the earliest (or the earliest) universities in the world. Others do not consider it a university in the modern sense, in that the teachers living there may not have had official membership of particular colleges, and there did not seem to have existed … Read more
Western Indian Temples Western Indian temples are a type of Hindu temple that is found in the western part of India. They are characterized by their intricate architecture, which often includes elaborate carvings and sculptures. Western Indian temples are also known for their rich religious history, and many of them are important pilgrimage sites for … Read more
The Enduring Legacy of the Mathura School of Art: A Journey Through Time The Mathura School of Art, a vibrant and influential artistic tradition that flourished in ancient India, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and artistic prowess of its creators. This school, centered around the city of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, left an … Read more
The Kumbh Mela: A Sea of Faith and Cultural Tapestry The Kumbh Mela, a massive Hindu pilgrimage and festival, is a spectacle unlike any other. It is a confluence of faith, culture, and human spirit, drawing millions of devotees from across India and the world. This article delves into the history, significance, rituals, and cultural … Read more
The Nyaya School: A Journey Through Logic and Epistemology in Ancient India The Nyaya school of Indian philosophy, one of the six orthodox (Ästika) schools of Hinduism, stands as a testament to the ancient Indian pursuit of knowledge and understanding. While often overshadowed by the more prominent schools like Vedanta, Nyaya’s unique focus on logic … Read more
Shashanka: A Great Patron of Hinduism? A Reassessment of the King and His Legacy The reign of Shashanka, the king of Gauda (modern West Bengal and Bangladesh) from the late 6th to early 7th century CE, remains shrouded in a veil of historical ambiguity. While some sources portray him as a ruthless tyrant who destroyed … Read more
The Divine Play: A Journey into the Life and Teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a 19th-century Indian mystic and spiritual teacher, stands as a towering figure in the history of Hinduism. His life, marked by profound spiritual experiences and a deep love for all beings, continues to inspire millions across the globe. This article … Read more