First published in 2016, Rajiv Malhotra's 'The Battle for Sanskrit' is as relevant today as it was then. In the book, the author challenges dominant Western narratives that seek to desacralize Sanskrit by stripping it of its religious and cultural significance. Written in an easy-to-read style with scholarly insights, the book urges both traditional and modern readers to engage in an honest dialogue. The book is an important one that defends heritage and also seeks to de-westernise Indology.
Latest Posts

Concerns of the Colonized – Freedom for Temples
For centuries, Hindu temples thrived as autonomous centers of faith, culture, and community life. However, today, the secular state treats temples as mere public property and exploits them, subjecting them to to excessive taxation, mismanagement, and neglect. Unlike religious institutions of other faiths, Hindu temples remain uniquely burdened by government interference, highlighting a systemic inequality. In this call to liberate Hindu temples, Raghu Bhaskaran addresses the concerns of corruption and mismanagement if temples are freed and asserts that freeing temples is a key step towards Hindus owning their narrative.

No Waqf, No Fawq, Just some FAQs on Hindu Temple Properties
A Hindu temple and its properties do not belong to the government, the public or even the Hindu community — they belong solely to the residing deity, the Pradhana Devata. Historical arguments about coercion in temple land donations ignore the broader reality that all land ownership has evolved under different rulers. While institutions like the Waqf Board retain vast properties, temples face state control and encroachment, reducing them to mere revenue sources. This neglect betrays both the faith of past donors and the cultural heritage temples embody.

Oppenheimer – An Open Letter to Christopher Nolan
As we pass the 2025 Oscars, Charu Uppal recalls the grand success of the movie Oppenheimer in the 2024 Oscars. In this open letter to the director Christopher Nolan, she points out how the movie conspicuously avoids showing the suffering of the Japanese people, barely mentioning the names Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Even more troubling is the decision to juxtapose the sacred Bhagavad Gita with an intimate scene — a choice that was neither accidental nor faithful to historical context. In an industry that does not shy away from showing violence, the film omits the human cost of the bomb while including a scene that offended millions. Creative freedom is vital, but so is cultural responsibility.

The Ghent School : Promoting a Better Understanding of India
The Ghent School, led by Prof. Balagangadhara, challenges colonial narratives that have shaped India's understanding of religion, caste, and culture. It argues that India's traditions differ fundamentally from Western religious frameworks, emphasizing rituals over doctrinal beliefs. The school advocates for decolonizing Indian social sciences by rediscovering indigenous perspectives and rejecting imposed categorizations. By understanding India's traditions on their own terms, it proposes a more nuanced approach to multiculturalism and identity.
Daily Feed
Bhima Karna Yuddha – 5
Bhima cut each of Karna’s arrows into three pieces even as they were flying in air. The battle was so intense that the soldiers around them could hear the sound emanating from their gloves
On Sabarimala
The recent verdict on the entry of women in the Sabarimala shrine serves as a grim reminder of the wide gap between the colonial moorings of the modern Indian State and the spiritual aspirations of the Indian people.
How not to wish Hindus during their festivals
The negative hysteria that surrounds Hindu festivals has certainly amplified in recent times.
On the existence of the Self: Part 4
The nature of consciousness is the biggest debating point in western traditions and sciences. The overwhelming consensus remains that it is secondary to matter and arises as an epiphenomenon.
Jihãd and Religious Riot
Inextricably linked to Jihad is the religious riot as it is central to its ideology.
Libertarian Paternalism and Dharma
Authority might suppress individual rights and wants, while individual liberty might lead to internal conflicts within the society or sub-optimal collective growth.
Hridayaleeswarar and the Power of the Mind
The technique of Manana to first internalise a task in one's mind before ever implementing it is an essential part of Hindu philosophy.
An Analysis of NPR’s Depiction of Hindus in 2019
Even though it was recently unmasked and forced to apologise, NPR has had Hinduphobic views for quite some time.
Chandori’s secret
Severe droughts in Maharashtra led to a surprise discovery of beautiful temples on the Godavari basin that give a fascinating account of the region's history.
Ayutthaya – The Thai Capital of Rama Kings
Ayutthaya was the seat of power in Thailand for centuries and the ruins of its temples are a reminder of the Indic influence in this region.
“Rama of the Axe” by Ranjith Radhakrishnan – A Review
A comprehensive review of "Rama of the Axe" by Ranjith Radhakrishnan, and his treatment of plots and characters beyond what is mainstream, including but not limited to the protagonist Bhagwan Parashurama and the antagonist Kartyavira Arjuna.
Daily Feed
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.
Dharma, Ecology and Development
The ecological threat to shrines like Kedarnath due to ever-increasing tourist rush is real. While sustainable development is a great buzzword, it is unclear to most people what it actually means in terms of policy and economics.
An Indian Classics Curriculum
Classical Indian texts need to be introduced into the curriculum so that students are made aware of the massive strides their ancestors took in all fields of intellectual rigour.
‘Worshipping False Gods’ By Arun Shourie: A Review-Summary
The 'right wing’, the ‘left wing’, the Hindus, the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Aryan-Dravidian deniers, the anti-Brahmins, practically everyone can make use of Ambedkar's writings to bash the opponent. However, at the core of his ideology was a strong antipathy to both Hinduism and the Brahmins.
Unseen Temples of India – Legacy and Narrative – Part 2
Building a separate structure to house murtis, carriers of divinity, for personal and public worship of deities is an old tradition prevalent in India.
Manisha Chitale takes us through the history and evolution of temple architecture in the country and how temples have shaped the Sanatana dharmik civilisation.
Advancements from the Ancient Vedic Culture – Part 2
In this second part of a series on Ancient India, we delve further into the achievements from that golden period
Palani – A grand pilgrimage to Murugan’s abode(Part 1)
As one of the most sacred sites dedicated to Murugan, thousands visit Palani and worship the commander of the army of devas.
Keezhadi – Unearthing a civilisation
The Keezhada excavations have unearthed a plethora of information about the ancient Tamil civilisation.
Glory and gluttony: Conscious Presentism
The distortion of Hinduism at the altar of European historians for their own benefit has greatly dented the understanding of Indians themselves.
The Ancient Barabar Caves near Gaya
The Mauryan era Barabar Caves of the Ajivika sect are perhaps the oldest man-made caves in India.
The connection between subaltern politics of India and Marxism
There is a deep-rooted connection between Marxism and the rise of subaltern politics in India which is in the hope of a revolution.
Śaṅkara Charitam – a retelling – Chapter 15 – Guru Parampara
Chapter 15 of Śaṅkara Charitam, titled Guru Parampara, takes us through the experience of Śaṅkara taking his leave from his Guru Govinda Bhagavatpāda and embarking on his journey to Kasi. The Guru Parampara, the lineage of the Gurus who preceeded Śaṅkara, is explored.