Indian History

Kuruma Archaeological Site / Image Credit About 8 km from the famed Sun Temple at Konark, the ancient Buddhist archaeological site of Kuruma  in the Puri district is located in the sleepy village of Jama Dharma in Odisha.  Kuruma Archaeological Site 1 / Image credit Among the most interesting discoveries from Kuruma is an image of a crowned Buddha seated in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, known as the " Earth Witness Gesture ".  In this famous gesture, the Buddha touches the ground with his right hand, calling upon the Earth to witness his triumph over the temptations and distractions of the supernatural Mara , the demon of illusion. Mara is best known for his temptation of the historical Buddha.

  Manasa Devi / Image credit One of the distinctive traditional festivals of Bishnupur in the Bankura district of West Bengal is Jhapan , a festival associated with the worship of Goddess Manasa , the serpent deity. Traditionally regarded in Bengal as the goddess of snakes, Manasa is also associated with protection from snakebites, fertility, rainfall and agricultural prosperity. Jhapan therefore reflects both the religious traditions surrounding Manasa worship and the agrarian culture of western Bengal. Observed during the month of Shravan, the festival features prayers and songs in praise of Manasa as well as performances by traditional snake handlers. They display live snakes, including cobras and pythons, often carrying them in traditional bamboo baskets known as jhapis . The festival is particularly noted for its snake-handling demonstrations and attracts visitors to Bishnupur. Jhapan has a long association with the cultural traditions of the former Malla kingdom of Mallab...

Madhukeshwar temple at  Banavasi / Image Credit   1. Who was the founder of the Kadamba dynasty? A. Mayurasharma B. Krishnavarma I C. Kakusthavarma D. Ravivarma 2. Which of the following was the capital of Kadambas? A. Badami B. Banavasi C. Kalyani D. Talakad 3. Which inscription is important for information about Mayurasharma and the early Kadamba dynasty? A. Talagunda inscription B. Aihole inscription C. Hathigumpha inscription D. Besanagar inscription 4. Which of the following is home to the famous Madhukeshwara temple? A. Banavasi  B. Badami C. Manyakheta D. Kalyani 5. The Gudnapur inscription, mentioning a temple for Manmatha, is associated with which Kadamba ruler? A. Mayurasharma B. Krishnavarma I C. Kakusthavarma D. Ravivarma Satavahana Empire Quiz Satavahana Empire Quiz

During the British colonial period, English acquired an increasingly important position in India, particularly in administration, education and public life. Even after India attained independence in 1947, the question of the status of Hindi and its place among the country’s official languages remained a contentious issue. Against this backdrop, Purushottam Das Tandon, popularly known as Rajarshi, is remembered for his prominent role in advocating Hindi and promoting its use in public life. Tandon’s strong advocacy of Hindi and the Devanagari script sometimes drew criticism from his opponents, some of whom accused him of being communal and chauvinistic. However, his contribution to the promotion of Hindi was significant. He was a leading advocate of Hindi in the debates over India’s language policy during the freedom struggle and the early years of independence. During his student days he joined Indian National congress in 1899. After being expelled from Muir Central College of the Alla...

Mehrangarh Fort / Image credit: Pexels Your lasting impression of Jodhpur is likely to be of the impressive Mehrangarh Fort, whose massive ramparts rise from a sheer-sided sandstone outcrop. As you pass through its arched gateways and imposing crenellated walls, it feels like stepping back into the medieval period. Jodhpur, the second-largest city in Rajasthan, was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, the Rathore ruler of Marwar. The city became the new capital of Marwar, replacing Mandore, the former capital of the Rathore rulers. Several places of interest around Jodhpur can be visited on a day trip. Among the most famous are the Hindu and Jain temples at Osian, about an hour's drive from Jodhpur. Mandore, located on the northern outskirts of the city, is another important attraction. It served as the capital of Marwar before Rao Jodha founded Jodhpur. Places of attractions  Mehrangarh Fort The quintessential medieval fort of Mehrangarh has stood tall for centuries in Jodhpur, epitomisi...

Qutb Minar Located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, Qutb Minar stands within the Qutb complex which is a World Heritage Site. The complex brims with mosques, tombs, gateways and gardens.  Qutub-ud-din Aibak, founder of the Slave dynasty and the first Sultan of Delhi had initiated the construction of Qutb Minar. This massive 72.5 metre tower is named after him.  However, according to another school of thought, the monument gets its name from the famous Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, a disciple of Moinuddin Chisti who was the founder of the Chisti order in India. Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, popularly known as Qutub Sahib, is credited with the popularization of the Chisti order of Sufism in Delhi. His tomb is in Mehrauli.  The soaring Qutb Minar consists of five distinct storeys of which only the first level was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak before his death of a sudden fall from a horse while playing polo (chaugan). The structure was completed by later Muslim rulers includin...