Sanskrit treatises on music and literature containing references to musical instruments begin from about the 3rd century B-c* In Barhut, Sanchi, Bhaja, etc., the artists of ancient India have sculptured various types of musical instruments in the scenes depicting the life of the Buddha. Continue Reading...

Thanjavur attained prominence under the Cholas in the ninth century, Vijayalaya, the first great ruler of the dynasty (850-71), having captured it and made it his capital. The Brihadisvara temple is a symbol of the greatness of the Chola empire under its author, emperor Rajaraja (985-1012), whose splendour it reflects. Continue Reading...

The history of the Maurya empire after the death of Ashoka is not very well recorded. There are only stray references in Buddhist texts, the Indian Puranas and some Western classical texts and these references often Continue Reading...

The Eastern Group of monuments, I situated near Khajuraho village, includes three Brahmanical temples, Brahma, Vamana and Javari, and three Jaina temples, Ghantai, Adinatha and Parsvanatha. The Brahmanical temples are located along or near the Khajuraho-sagar, while the Jaina temples are situated further south and are conveniently accessed by a metalled road. Continue Reading...

The largest building so far excavated is one at Mohenjo Daro with a superficial area of 230 x 78 feet Continue Reading...

In my opinion, the Sthala Puranas not only enables us to have an insight into history but also enrich our knowledge of local culture and local customs. It seems to me that if they are read together in a connected manner they will throw more light on our history than even the 18 major Puranas and Upapuranas. In fact, they fill the gaps in the major Puranas. Continue Reading...