In this article, Dr. Koenraad Elst reflects on how India's national symbols—its flag, anthem, and the very name Bharat—are deeply rooted in Hindu tradition. Elst argues that despite the secularist intentions of Nehruvian India, the Dharma Cakra in the flag, the reference to Ma Durga in the anthem, and the nation taking its name from King Bharata, reveal a cultural continuity that cannot be denied: that India, by heritage and spirit, remains a Hindu Rāṣṭra.
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Roots in Exile
In the wake of the massacre of Hindus in Pahalgam, Anjali George pens this poem ruminating on exile, identity and the quiet power of resilience. Weaving together stories of communities forced into exile, whose histories have been erased or silenced, the poem explores how faith, culture and memory survive displacement and how the uprooted still find ways to take root again.

‘The Battle for Sanskrit’ by Rajiv Malhotra – A Review
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.

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.
Daily Feed
5th August 2020 – A Day of Independence From Fear
The Ayodhya Temple marks a day of independence from the shackles that have bound Hindus for far too long.
The Sword of Kali by Chittaranjan Naik: Part 1
Dr Pingali Gopal encapsulates an old debate about the nature of Hinduism.
The nature of physical reality
In this book, Subhash Kak explores the intriguing questions at the cutting edge of consciousness studies. He not only presents the parallels between Vedanta and modern science but also spends a good deal of time exploring where the two profoundly disagree with each other and why.
The glories of Shri Harinama
Shri Harinama's potential to liberate, as experienced by many, is a testament to its power.
The Relevance of Ram – and that of Ramjanmabhoomi
The site at Ayodhya is doubly important as it signifies the existence of a perfect dharmic state along with the presence of Maryada-Purushottam - Sri Ram.
Understanding Indian Economy: Ancient To Modern – Part 3
In the previous parts, we looked at the ancient and mediaeval Indian economies and the impact of European colonialism on India and the world. The British left in 1947, our economy was in shambles, and there were many problems with the intellectual narratives set by the colonials. This part is an assessment of British rule in India and where we stood at independence.
Devadasi – The Fallen Idol
Once sought for their extraordinary talents in the creative arts, now reduced to a forgettable chapter in India's history, the Devadasis have endured it all.
Thoughts on 3067 BCE being the year of the Mahabharata War
Incorrect methodologies to determine the time period of the Mahabharata war has led to much confusion.
Immigrants were once welcomed in Assam – Part 2
Immigrants from current Bangladesh were invited during the colonial though things changed rapidly as we approached the partition and beyond.
A Contentious Law: Places of Worship Act, 1991
An analytical dive into the Places of Worship Act, 1991, its applicability and exemptions, from the point of view of its constitutionality.
Recent excavation of ancient temple – Mahabalipuram Part III
Recently discovered temple complex provides intriguing proof of temple construction dating back more than 2000 years in Mahabalipuram.
Daily Feed
Caste — According to Ananda Coomaraswamy
Deriving spiritual contentment out of work that suited one's disposition was considered more worthy than being disillusioned by a job which was contrary to one's nature.
Hindu and Muslim Rajputs and a pre-partition Panchayat: In conversation with my grandfather
The relationship between Hindu and Muslim Rajputs was one of camaraderie during pre-independence times.
Hindu View of Christianity and Islam – Part 1
Abrahamic Gods cannot shed their jealousy and exclusive character as they continue to regard the Gods of other people as “abominations.”
Genetics and the Aryan invasion debate
The recent article in ‘The Hindu’ claiming that new research in genetics unambiguously supports the Aryan Invasion Theory is a case of wishful thinking that force-fits available evidence to reach ideologically motivated conclusions. The truth is that the debate has only begun.
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.
Do You Know Where The Original Idol Of Shringar Gauri Is?
The Adi-Visvesvara Temple houses the original argha (seat) of the Visvesvara Jyotirlinga, and the original vigraha (idol) of Shringara Gauri and Saubhagya Gauri.
Why I became a Dharma Slacktivist
The overall campaign from various fronts targetting Hindus is massive but that should only make us fight harder.
A review summary of Cultures Differ Differently: Selected Essays of S.N. Balagangadhara
In this granular review, Dr Pingali Gopal summarises the key arguments of the anthology containing Dr SN Balagangadhara's arguments.
Ayodhya Forever
Dr. Koenraad Elst recounts his recent trip to Ayodhya, while analysing its historicity and devotional zeal; and takes an evaluative look at the road ahead for Hindus to preserve important dharmik sites from the tourism-driven, possibly unnecessary beautification and commercialisation.
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.
India’s Emblems of Renunciation
Emblems in India's history have always been a combination of temporal and sacred unlike what we see in modern independent India today.