Canberra, 2 October 2015 The regions around the Hindu Kush mountain ranges went through three hundred years of turmoil to create and consolidate kingdoms that rose and fell with the regularity and assurance of day following night. The Khyber Pass was at the centre of this upheaval and went through an era of volatility seldom […]
Continue readingIndian History: Part 39 BENGAL RISING Part I THE PALA DYNASTY
Canberra, 11 April 2015 At the height of his power Harshavardhana of Kanauj had full sovereignty over Western and Central Bengal and also controlled some parts of the eastern kingdom of Kamarupa (Assam). Harshvardhana’s empire was already heading for ruin during the last years of his reign and his death accelerated the process of disintegration […]
Continue readingINDIAN HISTORY Part 25: THE GOLDEN GUPTAS Section V: The Empire and Its Governance
Canberra, 27 February 2014 The Guptas followed the traditional concepts of hereditary monarchy and that of primogeniture. The king’s right to rule was considered divinely ordained and was further sanctified by Brahminical ceremonies. However, this divine right was bestowed with the caveat that the king was duty and honour bound to institute righteous policies, follow […]
Continue readingIndian History Part 21: OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Canberra, 17 December 2013 Introduction All old civilisations are proud of their heritage and even claim exclusivity in some cultural developments through the ages. India is no exception. Ancient India was extremely race-conscious and followed a rigid caste system that was enforced by the laws of the land. [While the law of the land in […]
Continue readingFROM INDUS TO INDEPENDENCE: A TREK THROUGH INDIAN HISTORY: Part 17
Canberra, 14 October 2013 THE KUSHANS Section II KANISHKA: THE CONQUEROR Kanishka is a name cherished by Indian tradition, famous beyond the geographical limits of the sub-continent, and one that continues to live in the legends of China, Tibet and Mongolia. Strangely, the details of the reign of this powerful ruler is largely unauthenticated and […]
Continue readingFROM INDUS TO INDEPENDENCE: A TREK THROUGH INDIAN HISTORY Part 8
Canberra, 18 February 2013 THE FERMENT OF RELIGIOUS THOUGHT (~600 to 250 BC) Section II A Prince Explains Life and Creates a Religion The Story of Buddhism Kapilavastu was the capital of the Aryan tribe of Sakya (meaning proud) whose territories were situated between the rivers Rapti and Rohini in the Himalayan foothills. The Sakyas […]
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