Notes and Study material for Exams
The Grihyasutras: A Glimpse into Ancient Indian Domestic Life The Grihyasutras, literally meaning “household manuals,” are a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts that provide invaluable insights into the domestic rituals, practices, and social norms of ancient India. These texts, composed between the 8th century BCE and the 4th century CE, offer a unique window into … Read more
The Origins of the Indian Notational System: A Journey Through Time The Indian notational system, with its unique place-value system and the use of zero, stands as a cornerstone of modern mathematics. Its influence has reverberated across continents, shaping the way we understand and manipulate numbers today. But how did this revolutionary system come into … Read more
The Rig Veda: A Tapestry of Ancient Indian Thought and Culture The Rig Veda, the oldest surviving collection of Indo-Aryan hymns, stands as a cornerstone of Indian civilization. Composed over a period of centuries, likely between 1500 and 1200 BCE, it offers a glimpse into the beliefs, rituals, and social structures of a vibrant and … Read more
Dravidian Literature Dravidian literature is the body of literature written in the Dravidian languages. It is one of the oldest and richest literatures in the world, with a history that spans over 2,000 years. Dravidian literature is known for its diversity, covering a wide range of genres, including poetry, drama, fiction, and non-fiction. It is … Read more
The Mahabharata: A Timeless Epic of Dharma, War, and the Human Condition The Mahabharata, one of the two great Sanskrit epics of ancient India, stands as a monumental work of literature, philosophy, and mythology. Its vast narrative, spanning generations and encompassing a complex web of characters, battles, and moral dilemmas, continues to resonate with readers … Read more
Pandita Ramabai Pandita Ramabai was born in Mangalore District in 1858. Her father was a Chitpavan Brahman scholar, who taught her Sanskrit and refused to arrange her marriage. The family traveled from one pilgrimage site to another; her father supporting them by giving recitations of the Purāṇas. The famine of 1874 reduced the family to … Read more
The Sahitya Akademi: A Beacon of Literary Excellence in India The Sahitya Akademi, established in 1954, stands as a testament to India’s rich literary heritage and its commitment to fostering artistic expression. This national academy, dedicated to the promotion and development of Indian literature, has played a pivotal role in shaping the literary landscape of … Read more
Bhasa: The Enigma of Ancient Indian Theatre Bhasa, a name that echoes through the annals of Sanskrit literature, remains shrouded in mystery. While his works are celebrated for their dramatic brilliance and poetic depth, the playwright himself is a shadowy figure, his life and times a subject of intense scholarly debate. This article delves into … Read more
The Indo-Aryan Group of Languages: A Journey Through Time and Space The Indo-Aryan group of languages, a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of history, culture, and linguistic evolution, stands as a testament to the enduring power of language. This vast and diverse family, encompassing over 1.5 billion speakers, stretches across a geographical expanse from … Read more
Vinavasavadatta: A Tale of Love, Loss, and the Power of Narrative Introduction: Vinavasavadatta, a Sanskrit play attributed to the legendary poet Bhasa, stands as a testament to the enduring power of love, loss, and the transformative nature of storytelling. This captivating drama, set against the backdrop of ancient India, explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and … Read more