Notes and Study material for Exams
Padayani: A Dance of Devotion, Ritual, and Storytelling Padayani, a vibrant and captivating ritualistic dance form originating in Kerala, India, is a captivating blend of art, religion, and cultural heritage. This ancient tradition, deeply rooted in the beliefs and practices of the local communities, transcends mere entertainment, serving as a powerful medium for expressing devotion, … 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
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 … Read more
The Enduring Legacy of Sanskrit: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Linguistics Sanskrit, the ancient language of India, holds a unique place in the world’s linguistic and cultural landscape. Its rich history, profound influence on various disciplines, and enduring relevance in modern times make it a fascinating subject of study. This article delves into the … Read more
Kautilya was the Prime Minister of Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta found the Mauryan Empire with his help. Arthashastra was written by him. It is the most important source for writing the history of the Mauryas and is divided into 15 adhikarnas or sections and 180 Prakaranas or subdivisions. It has about 6,000 slokas. The book was … Read more
Literary Sources of Ancient India: Unveiling the Tapestry of a Civilization Ancient India, a land steeped in history and culture, boasts a rich literary heritage that offers invaluable insights into its diverse society, beliefs, and practices. These literary sources, spanning centuries and genres, provide a vibrant tapestry of information about the lives, thoughts, and aspirations … Read more
Kumbh Mela Large Gathering Religious Pilgrimage Ritualistic Bathing Large Gathering: A logistical marvel The scale of the Mela is staggering. Every three years, a cycle rotates through four locations along sacred rivers in India: Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain, and Prayagraj. Each location sees millions of pilgrims descend upon the city, creating a temporary metropolis with its … Read more
Buddhism is a world religion and is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is known as the Buddha (literally the Enlightened One or Awakened One). Siddhārtha Gautama was the historical founder of Buddhism. After asceticism and meditation, he discovered the Buddhist Middle Way—a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and … Read more
Anekantvada Anekantavada, in Jainism, the ontological assumption that any entity is at once enduring but also undergoing change that is both constant and inevitable. The doctrine of anekantavada states that all entities have three aspects: substance (dravya), quality (guna), and mode (paryaya). Dravya serves as a substratum for multiple gunas, each of which is itself … Read more
Temple Architecture and Sculpture â Part III: The Evolution of Form and Meaning This article delves into the fascinating world of temple architecture and sculpture, exploring the evolution of form and meaning across various cultures and periods. We will examine how these structures and their adornments reflected the beliefs, rituals, and artistic sensibilities of different … Read more