A seemingly local controversy in Udupi sparked a nationwide digital outrage, revealing a far deeper civilisational crisis: the growing tendency to sanitize India's philosophical traditions to fit modern sensibilities. Examining the history of rigorous debate across Indian schools of thought, this essay argues that intellectual sharpness - not polite uniformity -was the hallmark of India's knowledge systems. It makes the case that reclaiming India's authentic civilisational confidence requires preserving the raw, uncompromising vocabulary and traditions that once made its philosophical culture so vibrant.
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Ikigai: A Modern Simplification That Sacrificed Ancient Depth
Has the world mistaken a simplified self-help framework for the ultimate philosophy of purpose? This essay argues that while Ikigai offers valuable insights into meaningful living, it pales beside the Vedic framework of the Purusharthas -Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. By comparing the two, it reveals why the Purusharthas remain one of humanity's most comprehensive and enduring blueprints for a meaningful life.

Dharma Beyond Religion: From Human Ethics to Cosmic Order
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.

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.
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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 Curse of Gandhari’ by Aditi Banerjee: A Review
Rohan Raghav Sharma reviews Aditi Banerjee's book titled: "The Curse of Gandhari"; and takes us on a journey through the plot, while analysing the construction of the narrative alongwith his understanding of the author's thoughts and approach.
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.
Book Review: The Āśrama System: The History and Hermeneutics of a Religious Institution
Sukrit Banerjee's review concisely outlines Patrick Olivelle's findings on the evolution of the Āśrama System.
Vedakosha Vibhaaga – Origin, organization and propagation of Vedic knowledge
The Vedas and the knowledge contained in them was deciphered by rishis and passed on in the guru-shishya tradition.
‘Flight of the Deity’ from Modhera – Part 1
An ancient connection draws a professor to a land which feels to him as home.
Ancient Indian Cosmology – Origins of the Universe
The cosmic conceptualization of the universe by ancient Indian rishis stands true to this day.
Buddha, Caste and Environment
The Buddha realised that the future of any civilisation depended on its relationship with Nature.
Swami Karpatri Ji: The forgotten Dharma SamarAt
The various causes taken up Swami Karpatri in the service of Sanatana Dharma deserve much more recognition.
Bhima Karna Yuddha – Part 4
Seeing five of the Kaurava brothers dead on the ground, Karna experienced a mix of sorrow and anger. Gathering his senses back, he rushed at Bhima and discharged five and then seventy sharp arrows at him.
Is modern day Sikhism a colonial construct?
Sikhism for long was just another sect to come out of Sanatana Dharma but thanks to colonial powers, it has now formed a distinct identity.
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Nachiketa and the Secret of Death
The young Nachiketa approaches Yama as directed by his father and is granted three wishes for his bravery.
The ancient ingenuity of water harvesting
The amazing feats of engineering built centuries ago by the people of India's Golden Desert to harvest water, are still used today -- and are often superior to modern water mega-projects.
Immigrants were once welcomed in Assam – Part 1
Sentiments involving immigrants from Bengal into Assam have ebbed and flowed as time has gone by.
Recollecting a near forgotten Exodus
The exodus of Indians from Burma was a grave human tragedy whose story deserves to be told.
Buddhism and Its Vedic Connections
Buddhism was one of the nastik schools of thought that rejected the authority of the Vedas but used many of its teachings to build its philosophical foundation.
‘Savarkar: Echoes from a Forgotten Past, 1883–1924’ – By Vikram Sampath: A Review
In this review of Dr. Vikram Sampath's book titled: "Savarkar: Echoes from a Forgotten Past, 1883–1924"; Rohan Raghav Sharma analyses and opines on Dr. Sampath's presentation of Savarkar's story, his approach towards Savarkar's sentencing and suffering; interspersed with the correct historical context.
Bodh Gaya – The centre of the Buddhist world
The centre where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment is truly the centre of Buddhism.
Did Sri Aurobindo Take the Easy Way Out?
A casual glance at Sri Aurobindo's life would make you believe that in order to avoid the vagaries of life he chose the spiritual path, in reality, it was anything but.
Christian Missionaries on Caste
Caste in Hindu society is synonymous and inextricably intertwined with Hindu religious customs, traditions, and Dharma and hence forms a natural bulwark against Christian missions.
Significance of Knowing the 'Fourth'
Turiya is pure consciousness and is the background that underlies and transcends the three common states of consciousness.
Savarkar: The Veer
Savarkar's enormous impact on the revolutionary struggle for India's independence has been intentionally hidden while others have been propped up as saviours.
On the existence of the Self: Part 2
The prior existence of consciousness is necessary for the universe to make its presence known to us.
