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.
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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.

Dhurandhar IS Propaganda: Counterpropaganda
Is Dhurandhar propaganda - or a challenge to Bollywood's dominant ideological narrative? Sriram Chellapilla argues that the film breaks from decades of cinematic conventions that framed Pakistan, nationalism, and secularism through a particular political lens. In doing so, it exposes Bollywood's own embedded propaganda structures and gives expression to viewpoints long excluded from mainstream storytelling. The essay presents Dhurandhar not as propaganda, but as powerful counterpropaganda against an entrenched ideological and political narrative.

Secularism Was Never Ours: The Wrong Word for the Wrong Country
What does “secularism” really mean, and does the concept fit India’s civilizational experience? In this essay, Kshiteesh Sharma traces the origins of secularism to specific Christian conflicts in Europe and argues that the term was later transplanted into India without regard for its distinct dharmic traditions. Examining the history of the 42nd Amendment, temple administration, and differing state approaches to religious communities, the article questions whether India’s current model is truly neutral or a legacy of colonial categories. Ultimately, it calls for a re-examination of governance through indigenous concepts such as Dharma and Rajadharma rather than imported frameworks.
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The Eteranal Dasas of Sree Padmanabha Swamy – V (Making of Modern Travancore – Continued)
The modern state of Kerala owes a lot to the past rulers of the region.
Why we need a Heritage Tribunal
The attitude of most heritage conservationists with regard to temples leaves a lot to be desired as these marvels struggle to survive.
Bhagvada Gita and violence (Part 1)
Bhagvada Gita is unambiguous in its endorsement of Ahimsa as the highest ideal. However, what constitutes Ahimsa goes beyond mere non-violence on the physical plane of being.
How not to wish Hindus during their festivals
The negative hysteria that surrounds Hindu festivals has certainly amplified in recent times.
Hindu – The Archetypal Liberal
The natural liberal outlook of the Hindus has long been obscured by the left-right conflict of the western world.
Why all religions are not the same
A synopsis of "The heathen in his blindness", in which Professor S. N. Balagangadhara demolishes the idea of analyzing non-Abrahamic cultures through the western religious framework obsessed with theory-making.
Prithviraj Chauhan – Debunking Historical Myths Around The King (Part-2)
To sum up, ‘Traitors par sum Jayachandras’ is one of the filthiest crimes committed to History in modern times.
Indian Roots of Tibetan Buddhism
The relationship of India with Tibet is one of a benevolent Guru with an able disciple. The ancient university at Nalanda had a tremendous impact on the spiritual and intellectual evolution of Tibetan culture.
Immigrants were once welcomed in Assam – Part 3
The complex relationship between how immigrants were once welcomed to the current state of resentment needs to be sorted for Assam's future.
Does Kantara depict women in bad light?
In this review of Kantara, Rohan Raghav Sharma tackles the allegations that the film depicts women in a poor light by analysing the actions of the key characters as well as scenes that may be interpreted as such.
Kalasa Pujan: Its Meaning, Significance And Other Sacred Constituents
As we invoke Brahmā at the base, Rudra at the neck, and Vishnu at the face of the 'kalasa', we thus worship three aspects of creation, dissolution, and sustenance.
Jambukeswarar Temple- The Humble Abode of Goddess Akilandeswari
The Jambukeswarar temple, situated in Trichy, was built by the Sangam era Chola King, Kochengannan. It is here that Lord Shiva is worshiped as the manifestation of the element, Water.
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Logic behind the perversion of caste
Caste in old India was a cooperative and cultural principle, but it is now being turned into a principle of social conflict.
Pleasures of Sanskrit
Sanskrit poets took great joy in playing around with its alphabets, verses, rhymes: incorporated them in visual patterns,all for the purpose of celebrating the Sanskrit language.
Understanding Indian Economy: Ancient To Modern – Part 2
Part 1 of this series was a summary of the ancient Indian economy. In this part, we shall look at the mediaeval economy of India, which began with the fall of the Gupta dynasty in the 7th century CE and finally culminated with the beginning of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century CE. This part also covers the important rise of Europe in dominating the world order through its colonial expansion and how it specifically impacted India too.
Hindu View of Christianity and Islam – Part 3
Prophetic religions believe that there is a special God who has a special people, and who is known only through their special intermediary.
Vena, Veda, Venus
Many scholars starting with Tilak have suggested that Vedic Vena is Venus but this identification has been disputed.
48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene – A Review
In this review of the book "48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene, Rohan Raghav Sharma reviews the relevance, appropriateness, and applicability of individual rules mentioned in the book; along with the writing style and historical research needed for the examples and allegories mentioned to illustrate practical implementation of the rules by historical figures.
Ramappa – A unique Shiva temple
Built by the Kakatiya rulers around the 13th century CE, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, has a marked influence of Hoysala architecture and yet has been given a unique personality by its chief architect cum sculptor, after whom the temple is named.
Thiruvannamalai – Shiva’s primordial form and Ramana Maharshi’s spiritual energy
The place where Lord Shiva manifested as a pillar of light and Ramana Maharshi attained samadhi.
Danger! Educated Gypsy
Ian Hancock's book on the Romani people, who trace their origins to India, is an instructive account of Romani history, identity and the challenges they face in the quasi-hostile environs of the modern West.
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.
Caste in stone – Part 1 (Introduction)
Caste politics derives sustenance from centuries of erroneous scholarship that began with the British colonial project in India. The theories so derived have since been challenged by many scholars but the associated myths persist as strongly as ever.
Is the Hindutva movement casteist? – Part 1
The labeling of the Hindutva movement as casteist leaves a lot to be desired.
