Encyclopaedia on India

The Agrawal community stands as one of India’s most influential mercantile groups, with a history deeply rooted in the ancient state of Agragan. Much like the famed city-states of Greece, Agragan was a flourishing janapada, referenced in the Mahabharata as well as in Buddhist and Jain texts. Its territory extended across Fatehpur, Sikar, Jhunjhunu, and Nawalgarh in Rajasthan, reached Mahendragarh and Hisar in Haryana, touched parts of Punjab, and stretched eastward to Agra. At the heart of this prosperous state was Agroha, a city now in ruins but still revered as the cultural nucleus of the Agrawals. Origins and Lineage The Agrawals trace their ancestry to Maharaja Agrasen, a legendary monarch of the Solar Dynasty. Agrasen is remembered not only as a ruler but also as a visionary who embraced Vanika Dharma a code of ethics for traders and merchants. His reign emphasized equality, compassion, and collective prosperity, values that continue to shape the Agrawal identity. According to...

Introduction The Nagar community is one of the most ancient Brahmin groups in India, with roots stretching back to Puranic times. Originating in Gujarat, the Nagars have played a defining role in shaping the region’s social, cultural, and religious life. Over centuries, they have been admired for their adaptability, scholarship, and contributions to politics, diplomacy, and literature. Their Journey is a fascinating blend of legend, migration, and heritage, reflecting both continuity and transformation. Origins and Early History Historians present diverse theories about the origins of the Nagars. Some argue they are of pure Aryan descent, migrating from Southern Europe or Central Asia. One theory suggests they traveled from the Hindu Kush mountains to Tibet, passed through Kashmir, and eventually settled near Kurukshetra in northern India. Other scholars propose Graeco-Scythian or Dravido-Scythian roots, while another view traces them to Scythian-Turkish descent, possibly link...

Introduction Maharashtra, one of India’s most culturally diverse states, is home to numerous tribal communities that have preserved their unique traditions, customs, and ways of life for centuries. These tribes, often residing in hilly and forested regions, represent the primitive and indigenous population of the state. Many of them are engaged in agriculture, hunting, fishing, and forest-based livelihoods. The Constitution of India recognizes several of these groups as Scheduled Tribes, ensuring them special rights and protections. Major Tribes of Maharashtra Warli Tribe The Warli Tribe is among the most well-known in Maharashtra, particularly famous for its Warli art, a distinctive form of mural painting using geometric patterns. They primarily inhabit the Thane and Palghar districts. Agriculture is their main occupation, and their art reflects themes of daily life, farming, and nature. Bhil Tribe The Bhils are one of the largest tribal ...

Introduction Palmistry, the ancient art of interpreting the lines and mounts on the human palm, has intrigued civilizations for centuries. From India to Greece, cultures have believed that the palm holds hidden truths about personality, destiny, and health. Among the many lines studied by palmists, the Health Line also known as the Line of Mercury is considered especially significant. This line generally begins beneath the little finger and runs diagonally across the palm toward the Mount of Mercury, near the base of the thumb. Its origin may vary, sometimes emerging from the Mount of Mars, the Life Line, or even the center of the palm, but its destination remains constant. Palmists regard it as a vital indicator of both physical well-being and material prosperity. Nature and Variations of the Health Line The Health Line is not uniform across individuals. In some palms, it appears bold and distinct, while in others it is faint, resembling a delicate thread. A clear and firm Healt...

Introduction The late Romantics in Malayalam literature were a group of poets who embodied extreme idealism and dream-like visions. Their works often reflected an obsession with death, the brevity of life, and the futility of human existence. Unlike mere aesthetes who created art for art’s sake, these poets infused their writings with profound reflections on suffering, human dignity, and metaphysical thought. Following in the footsteps of the Great Trio of Malayalam literature Vallathol, Ulloor, and Kumaran Asan—the late Romantics carved a distinct niche in the literary landscape of Kerala. Nalappat Narayana Menon: A Philosopher-Poet Among the late Romantics, Nalappat Narayana Menon (1887–1955) stands out as a significant figure. Though his poetic output was limited, his intellectual pursuits in criticism, psychology, and Indian philosophy enriched Malayalam literature . His most celebrated work, Kannunirthulli (Teardrop), is an elegy mourning the death of his wife. Written in a ...

Introduction The Sixty-Four Arts described in the Kamasutra are far more than ornamental skills or diversions of pleasure. They represent a holistic framework for cultivating refinement, creativity, and cultural sophistication. Traditionally, these arts were expected to be mastered by young women, not merely as preparation for marriage but as a way to nurture qualities of playfulness, intelligence, sensuality, and grace. Often celebrated as the “Great Work on Love,” the Kamasutra transcends its popular reputation as a manual of intimacy. In truth, it is a doctrine of aesthetics and human expression, embracing sensory pleasures such as silken fabrics, aromatic foods, perfumes, music, dance, and painting. These elements elevate intimacy into a divine and atmospheric experience, where art and love merge seamlessly. Historical Background The Origins of The Kamasutra date back to the 3rd century CE, when the sage Vatsyayana Mallanaga composed this seminal text. Far from being a tre...

Introduction The Vijayanagar Empire stands as one of the most remarkable epochs in South Indian history. For over three centuries, it flourished under four successive dynasties the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva, and finally the Aravidu. Each dynasty contributed to the empire’s political consolidation, cultural brilliance, and architectural grandeur. Yet, it was the Aravidu Dynasty, the last Hindu ruling family of Vijayanagar, that presided over its decline between the mid‑16th and mid‑17th centuries. Their reign was marked by resilience and determination, but despite their efforts, they could not restore the glory once achieved under celebrated rulers like Krishnadeva Raya. Rise of the Aravidu Dynasty The Aravidus rose to prominence in the aftermath of the catastrophic Battle of Talikota in 1565 CE. This battle, fought between Vijayanagar and a coalition of the Deccan Sultanates Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Golconda, and Bidar resulted in the sacking of the capital city and the destruction of ...