Notes and Study material for Exams
The Vedas: A Tapestry of Ancient Wisdom The Vedas, meaning “knowledge” in Sanskrit, are the foundational texts of Hinduism, considered to be the oldest surviving scriptures in the world. Dating back to at least 1500 BCE, they encapsulate a vast body of knowledge encompassing religious beliefs, rituals, philosophy, cosmology, and social practices of ancient India. … Read more
Kalaripayattu: The Ancient Martial Art of Kerala Introduction Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art form originating in the state of Kerala, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and martial prowess of the region. This unique art, steeped in history and tradition, transcends the boundaries of mere combat techniques, encompassing philosophy, spirituality, and a … Read more
Reformers like Raja Rammohan Roy, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Jyotiba Phule, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Pandita Ramabai understood that ignorance and backwardness in the Society was responsible for hindering its progress and development. They studied the religious scriptures and criticized the prevalent religious and social practices. According to them, society should be based … Read more
The Bhakti Movement in Indian history represents a movement that popularized devotional surrender to a personally conceived supreme God. Its origins are traced to the Brahamanical and Buddhist traditions of ancient India. It was in south India that it grew from a religious tradition into a popular movement based on religious Equality and broad based … Read more
Hindu Dharma: General characteristics and some common beliefs – Purusharthas– rituals and ethics – festivals and sacred days – pilgrimage and fairs. Yoga Guided by a Satguru Hindus believe that a spiritually awakened master, or satguru, is essential to know the Transcendent Absolute, as are personal discipline, good conduct, purification, pilgrimage, self-inquiry and … Read more
The Mimamsa School: A Journey Through Ritual and Interpretation The Mimamsa school, a prominent school of Hindu philosophy, stands as a testament to the intricate relationship between ritual, interpretation, and the pursuit of liberation. Rooted in the Vedic tradition, Mimamsa delves into the meaning and significance of rituals, seeking to establish a framework for understanding … Read more
Philosophy of Mimamsa Dharma Mīmāṃsā, a Sanskrit word meaning “revered thought,” is the name of one of the six astika (“orthodox”) schools of Hindu philosophy, whose primary inquiry is into the nature of dharma (duty) based on close hermeneutics of the Vedas. Its core tenets are ritualism (orthopraxy), anti-asceticism and anti-mysticism. The central aim of … Read more
Foundation of the Mauryan Empire: The foundation of the Maurya Empire in 321 B.C. by Chandragupta Maurya was a unique event in history. Particularly in view of the fact that it was found shortly after Alexander’s victorious campaigns in North-West India during 327 B.C. – 325 B.C. There is no unanimity with regard to … Read more
Swami vivekanand Swami Vivekananda is one of the greatest thinkers of Indian Renaissance. Vivekananda was moved with pity on seeing the impoverished state of the masses. He says: “Material civilization, may even luxuries necessary to create work for the poor. Bread, I do not believe in a God who cannot give me bread here, giving … Read more
Varina Vyavastha or Varina System Vedas prescribe that all human beings should leave ignorance, get educated, select a profession for himself based on his “tatva” (basic traits) and Education, take a vow to follow such a profession, and follow such a profession. Vedas classifies all profession into three viz. “Knowledge based”, … Read more