A seemingly local controversy in Udupi sparked a nationwide digital outrage, revealing a far deeper civilisational crisis: the growing tendency to sanitize India's philosophical traditions to fit modern sensibilities. Examining the history of rigorous debate across Indian schools of thought, this essay argues that intellectual sharpness - not polite uniformity -was the hallmark of India's knowledge systems. It makes the case that reclaiming India's authentic civilisational confidence requires preserving the raw, uncompromising vocabulary and traditions that once made its philosophical culture so vibrant.
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Ikigai: A Modern Simplification That Sacrificed Ancient Depth
Has the world mistaken a simplified self-help framework for the ultimate philosophy of purpose? This essay argues that while Ikigai offers valuable insights into meaningful living, it pales beside the Vedic framework of the Purusharthas -Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. By comparing the two, it reveals why the Purusharthas remain one of humanity's most comprehensive and enduring blueprints for a meaningful life.

Dharma Beyond Religion: From Human Ethics to Cosmic Order
What does Dharma truly mean beyond morality, religion, or social duty? This thought-provoking essay by Astha Mishra explores the classical understanding of Dharma as "that which sustains" - a principle that extends from ethical human conduct to the laws of nature and the cosmos itself. Drawing on Vedic thought, the author argues that dharma is the sustaining force that aligns with Rta, the cosmic order, offering a profound framework that bridges philosophy, science, and civilizational wisdom.

Beyond the Shivling: Rediscovering Prithvinath’s Buried Past
A visit to Uttar Pradesh’s Prithvinath Temple uncovers a neglected chapter of India’s civilizational heritage hidden in plain sight. Beyond its famed giant Shivling lie ancient and medieval idols - possibly linked to Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Buddhist traditions - slowly deteriorating from exposure and devotional practices. Combining historical observation, art analysis, and local memory, the article argues that these overlooked remnants may hold important clues to the region’s cultural and trade-route history. It is also a passionate call for preservation before an invaluable part of India’s past is lost forever.

From Silence to Rain-Washed Grace: A Sacred Pilgrimage
This travelogue by Pradeep Krishnan traces a deeply spiritual pilgrimage through the sacred landscapes of northern Karnataka and Maharashtra, where temples, ashrams, and saintly traditions transform travel into an inward journey. From the serene ashrams of Vijayapura and the powerful presence of Akkalkot Maharaj to the rain-soaked grace of Siddharoodha Swami Math, the author reflects on moments of devotion, silence, and unexpected blessings. Rich with encounters that reveal Bharat’s living spiritual heritage, the journey becomes a meditation on faith, continuity, and the enduring power of dharma.
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On Fortresses In The Rigveda, Atharvaveda Śaunakiya And (Pre)Harappa And The Dating Of The Samhitas – A. A. Semenenko – Translation
This paper was originally written in Russian by Dr. Aleksandr A. Semenenko, a historian based in Voronezh, Russia.
Dr. Semenenko is one of the few Western scholars who have defended the Out-of-India theory which purports to explain the spread of the Indo-European languages. His work is ground-breaking, because he relies not only on textual or linguistic proof, but also on archaeological and material evidence. His researches have now provided a very solid archaeological underpinning for the OIT.
Dr. Semenenko has recently presented summaries of his findings at Sangam Talks:
Steppe Route of Indo European Dispersal:Preliminary Findings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgRdwkZnGqA)
The Tarimian Trace of the Indo European Dispersal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyY7EHotXto)
The Rigveda Chronology And The Indo European Homeland (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1Bsm79cVvk)
Dr. Semenenko's original and far-reaching work has been endorsed by such pioneers of the OIT such as Shrikant Talageri and Koenraad Elst: see for example, the Sangam Talk "Getting serious about the "Aryan" debate" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDSy9gPAB3s)
The bulk of Dr. Sememnenko's work is in Russian. However, he has also written extensively in English as well, and interested readers can find his path-breaking papers at:
https://independent.academia.edu/AlexandrSemenenko/Articles-in-English
or at:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Aleksandr-Semenenko-2
In this monograph, which is the first of his papers to be published in India, Dr. Semenenko shows that Rigvedic hymns mentioning forts being besieged or stormed do not occur in the oldest layers of the Rigveda. The oldest mentions of forts occur in a peaceful context. Dr. Semenenko also decisively refutes the AIT, according to which the earliest hymns should have described the destruction of forts. The author demonstrates that the description of fortresses in the Rigveda and the Atharvaveda reflect a unique chain of archaeological events in the history of South Asia — wherein a period when fortified settlements were besieged and burned down was followed by a period when they existed peacefully. This sequence of events corresponds to a transition from the Early Harappan period to that of Mature Harappa, and was never repeated again. With this insight, Dr. Semenenko has succeeded in establishing an absolute chronology for the Rigveda (which was hitherto not possible).
The translator dedicates his translation to the memory of his late lamented Russian teacher, Dr. Ganesh.V. Marathe. This translation was rendered possible only owing to Dr. Marathe's charity towards a schoolboy who could not have afforded to pay for the Russian lessons.
The Golden Era of Indic Civilisation – Angkor (Part 4)
The temples of Angkor are a standing testimony of the Indic influences not only in religion and iconography but also in script and language.
Uttiramerur – Democratic tenets inscribed on stone
The practice of stone inscriptions by the Pallavas and Cholas at Uttiramerur is one of the great legacies of that era.
Religious Nationalism of the Two Nation Theory
In this article, Adarsh Jha digs for facts behind the much talked about "Two Nation Theory"; and how the two parties debating it are faring, 75 years after the partition.
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
Islam clearly spells out its terms of engagement with the non-believers by following the template laid out by the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. We ignore it to our peril.
India’s take on the Individual vs. Collective
The Indic perspective throws light on how the tussle between the individual and collective is in fact inconsequential.
India’s History: Part I, By Rabindranath Tagore
This is an English translation of the essay “Bharatbarsher Itihas” by Rabindranath Tagore, to be found in his anthology of Bengali essays entitled “Bharatavarsha”. The anthology contains several of Rabindranath’s longish essays concerning historical, cultural, and political dimensions of India, all written between 1901 and 1905, a period which can be described as the zenith of Bengal’s (and in turn, India’s) rebirth in the Modern Era. Each of these essays, though deeply embedded within the historical context of the author’s time and space, is largely relevant for all of India today.
The Plea For Carbon Dating Of The Wuzukhana Shivalinga Is A Himalayan Blunder
The plea for carbon dating of the Wuzukhana Shivalinga is inimical to Hindu interests. However, a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) survey of the entire "Visweshvara Hill" and also the whole Gyanvapi mosque complex will confirm the history of Avimuktesvara linga and the Gyanvapi site and provide irrefutable legal evidence in this matter.
Is there a trap in devotion?
An Indic Response to Jason Gregory’s piece on “The Trap of Devotion to God and Guru”.
Śaṅkara Charitam – a re-telling – Chapter 09
In the 9th Chapter of Śaṅkara Charitam, Shri Ramesh Venkatraman takes us to the moment of Śaṅkara's Saṃnyāsa. The unfolding of events is captured; as well as the pre-requisites, eligibility and implications for Śaṅkara after taking the pledge of Saṃnyāsa.
Śaṅkara Charitam – A Re-telling – Chapter – 02
Mahadeva is petitioned, and Sivaguru and Aryambha become the vehicles of divine descent.
On Secularism, Modernization and Hinduism: Part 2
While a lot of energy is spent on understanding the threats posed by Islam, Christianity, or leftist liberals to the Hindu way of life, we don’t spend as much energy on understanding the threats posed by secularisation and the costs thereof to Hindu religion.
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The Indus: What your geography teacher did not teach you
The Indus river which accounts for 80% of Pakistan’s agricultural wealth and food production is expected to become a major point of contention as climate change comes into effect.
The Story of Islamic Imperialism in India – Part 2
The ruthless campaign by Islamic tyrants was met with fierce Hindu resistance at every step.
Śaṅkara Charitam – A Re-telling – Chapter 03
Skanda comes as Kumārila Bhaṭṭa, Sivaguru and Āryambha are given a vision of the divine descent and are asked to make a choice.
Suryanar Kovil, Kumbakonam – Part 3
Understanding the threat posed by predatory ideologies is a must if Hinduism is to survive in the future.
‘Temple Economics’ by Sandeep Singh – A Review Janhavi Naik
Sandeep Singh’s 'Temple Economics' explores the economic systems around Hindu temples with meticulous detail. Divided into four parts, the book covers the history, destruction, and potential restoration of temple economies, emphasizing their cultural and economic significance.
Numerical Imagination of Ancient India
The conception of astronomical numbers by mathematicians in India made them stand well above the rest.
On Equality
The idea of inherent equality in society is a gross misrepresentation of reality according to Indic traditions.
The Infinite Lotus
The Lotus is ubiquitous in the iconography and literature of India. Exploring the diverse contexts in which it is used throws light on its very deep significance and convergence of meaning.
Ārya Prajñā: Artificial Intelligence according to Indian ethical values – Part II
All cultures develop machines and industries in their own image and hence an effort to build such machinery through an authentic Indic and Dharmic perspective should be our aim.
Book Review: The Āśrama System: The History and Hermeneutics of a Religious Institution
Sukrit Banerjee's review concisely outlines Patrick Olivelle's findings on the evolution of the Āśrama System.
Is Savitri a Feminist or the Divine Power?
Savitri's devotion towards her husband Satyavan brings to light the deeper yogic meaning behind the story that now seems to have been lost.
Thoughtful Reflections on ‘Mahabharata Unravelled’ by Ami Ganatra
A deeper dive into some characters and aspects of Mahabharata with the help of Ami Ganatra's book "Mahabharat Unravelled".
