You Want Me to Talk to You in ENGLISH?

In his speech "Building a Strong India" at Island Grounds, Madras on 23rd February 1949, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, who is regarded as "Iron Man" of India says - "You want me to talk to you in English. I shall obey your command; but take it from me that it will not be long before you yourselves will have to speak in our NATIONAL LANGUAGE. If you do not do that, you will drag the country backward. We have to exert our maximum effort to go forward. Unless you do that, I am afraid, you will suffer. These sentences have to be contemplated by the Govt., if they want India to have its uniqueness in the world community. 

Its almost 70 years we achieved Independence from British rule yet we are haunted by poverty, economic inequity, corruption and many such evils. The 18th and 19th Century generation who suffered physical and mental trauma for the sake of Indian Independence are the real Nationalists. By Nationalists, I mean people who are patriotic and sacrificed their lives to bring back past glory of Indianism or Sanatana Dharma. British showed resistance to leave India by show-casing India as a victim of Communal Problems. In such situations, Britishers claimed that they deserve to rule India for the sake of making India more stable. Is this perception true? 

Is the world blind to acknowledge the fact that India never occupied any other country? When India was living peacefully, who in the name of traders occupied the coastal regions of India and expanded their territories and deceived India for its soft attitude? Or is it true that Indians before British rule were not happy with the rulers and hence took chance to invade India and planned to put things in Order? Yes, this question is partially true. Because, during Moghul dynasty, lacs of Hindus were killed and many temples were destroyed. Is it written in the Holy Quran that no other God has to be accepted other than Muhammad? and subsequently, those who practice any other religion should either be forcefully converted to Islam or if they resist they should be beheaded. If a religion does not accept a harmonious relation with other religion, then what is the universal credibility of this religion? 

We can go on arguing about the damage Moghuls and Britishers have done to the India. Whatever has happened..., happened. The fact is that when the home rule is weak, then it is quite natural that foreigners will capture the territory and exploit the conditions for their benefit. It is somehow not correct to be in the present and complain about the past. 70 years passed by and still India is a Developing Country. I do not agree to this statement. I say India is a Developing Country BY CHOICE. Where-ever we want development, we have developed. For example - India is the largest exporter of software products and services. India is among the elite countries in the space explorations. Some of the Indians are leading the best Companies in the world such as Google, Microsoft etc., The West is turning towards East to learn and master the "Art of Living" through Yoga and Meditation. The world would have developed materialistically but Indians since ages have mastered the inner world. Unfortunately, we lost our memory of who we are from an unprecedented incidents during Moghul and Britishers treachery. 

Now, the problem is not by outsiders. There is actually no threat from China or Pakistan. The threat is only within India and manifested in different forms such as - Economic Injustice, Animal and Human Violence, Corruption and much bigger threat is LACK OF PATRIOTISM among Indians. Yes, I strongly believe that all the problems mentioned above are just off-shoots of lack of patriotism towards ones own country. Are Indians not patriotic? Patriotism among Indians is ego-based. Just because, Indians hate Pakistan and China, they love India. Real patriotism depends on the kind of knowledge an individual has about ones own country. We are taught about our Glorious Past by Europeans and French. We felicitate them by Padma awards and keep the MATTER at rest. Why should people from other lands sacrifice their comforts and do active research and fight for protecting the left-over memories of Sanatana Dharma? We are still clinging to the Britishers policy of Education and never trying to question its relevance to our conditions. 

If we want to change the fate of India, it can only happen if we try once again with all our efforts to change the education system in India. Our education system comprises of Primary, Secondary, Higher Secondary and Higher Education. What is the goal of this education system? To convert a student into a job seeker and make him a professional slave in a Foreign Organization? If he is lucky he will survive 40 years working like a donkey or else he will be thrown out from the organization by blaming the automation syndrome. If a person loses job at the age of 40 years, will he easily be employable at the age of 40 years? If he does not secure equal pay and status, who has to be blamed? Higher education should lead to Higher Learning. Higher learning is about knowing by which all everything is learned. During Ancient days, students are not just taught subjects related to vocational interests, but, they are exposed to concepts such as Patience, Will Power, Dedication Perseverance, Morality, Self Control, Self Mastery etc. which they believed are important elements for reaching higher goals of life. Now-a-days, the present education system is just training the minds leaving the heart. Hence, we find apathy among Indians for the weak and downtrodden. The present education system teaches short-cuts to be successful but is silent on why we are failing. 

Hence, it is high time, the policy makers come together and re-engineer the current education system from the grass roots. It is waste to wet the leaves and ignore the roots. The plant will die. Hence, if a change has to take place, it is at the grass root level. The weapon to change is through education.

• The education that connects the students with the past competence of Indians and teaches the student the current responsibilities, 

•  the education that enables student to be more patriotic, 

• the education that allows people to achieve material pleasures but with spiritual approach, 

• the education that leads every citizen to connect his work to the country's identity, 

• the education that helps Indians teach the world the proper way of living and finally 

• that education that teaches us ART OF LIVING AND ART OF LEAVING. 

This is not something new and we need not get confused about how we can gain such knowledge. Its all there HERE AND NOW. Even though we have lost the rich ancient texts, still we access the wisdom from our Vedas and Upanishads. 

There is a general feeling among the present community that Vedas are related to Hindu Religion. This perception can be removed by educating the young minds only when they are exposed to the Science involved in the Vedas. Researchers from Greece, German and French have concluded that what is observed as rituals in Vedas is only 15% but what can be studied to reveal the secrets of Medicine, Astronomy, Management, Art, War is observed to be 85%. Basically, as Germans did, we Indians need to be exposed to the language of Sanskrit. By encouraging Sanskrit in Indian schools and colleges, India need not fear of taking blame of promoting religion. Learning a language that allows us to know the secrets of life and living is universal. In fact, Sanskrit is the best and easiest language for Computer Programming and this is proved by none other than a Developed and Cosmopolitan country called USA. NASA Scientist Rick Briggs says - "There is at least one language, Sanskrit, which for the duration of almost 1,000 years was a living spoken language with a considerable literature of its own. Besides works of literary value, there was a long philosophical and grammatical tradition that has continued to exist with undiminished vigor until the present century. Their grammar experts device a method for paraphrasing Sanskrit in a manner that is identical not only in essence but in form with current work in Artificial Intelligence,."

Hence, time and again we should remember that instead of going after a language that is only used to communicate our opinions and understood by many, it is better to research and learn the language of Sanskrit that reveals many secrets and will pave way to solutions to current world problems. For example, if someone writes a wonderful thought provoking book in English and becomes successful. In how many languages it will be converted? Why is the language conversion? When someone likes the "truth in a book", they feel to read it..., or for that matter they even try to learn the language used to read it or translate into their language to read. In the same way, if India and Indians do learn about Sanskrit and translate their learning into innovations that enables peace in the world, every country has a reason to associate with India and learn from India. Because, there should be some uniqueness about India for the relation to sustain else, no relationship will sustain if the relationship is not meaningful. In that sense, is it not relevant for India, the birth place of many scientific inventions to turn its eyes inwards and search the light of wisdom without having to go anywhere else? I believe, the seeds have to be sown now or never we can aspire to claim about our country's superiority. It is India's responsibility to keep the world in order and it has the capacity to do so because, all other countries have grown materialistically but are blind inwards. We have seen the depths and highs of inner world and the capacity of our yogic energies to the development of the world at large. Hence, there is an urgency to declare Sanskrit as the National Language for Indians and initiate the journey for Higher Learning for Higher Living.

Dr. B. Ravikanth


Reference

The text about NASA Scientist on Sanskrit is extracted from https://daily.bhaskar.com/news/JM-WHA-sanskrit-scientific-language-5500175-PHO.html

What happened to Vedapureeswarar Temple, Puducherry?

A question should be asked, why travelers from Greek, French, British and other countries travel to India? Why should they leave their comfort homes and take a risk of traveling to India? During 17th Century, when French travelers traveled to India, all is not well for them. They have succumbed to the prevailing diseases in India and many of them (unrecorded) died without going to their homelands. Yet, many of them stayed back in the Land of Bharat. As you read on you will understand the ulterior motives of some French and other Europeans to stay back. 

 

A French Traveler by name - Gaston Laurent Coeurdoux lived in South India for 47 years. He has fair command on Sanskrit, Latin, Russian, Greek and German. He found similarities in all these languages. During his stay in South India, he composed Sanskrit - French - Telugu Dictionary. His cultural studies in India has opened Gateway for the Europeans to learn about India. French is the language which any European has to master if he claims himself to be called as a Scholar. Coeurdoux was very much interested in the Indian Culture especially on Indian Painting and preparation of Canvas and pigments. We should remember the fact that earlier Voltaire (another French) talked much about Indian paintings as precious export material to Europe. 

Lets try to understand the other side of Coeurdoux in order to bring the ulterior motives of why he traveled to India. The word Coeurdoux means "soft-hearted" person which somehow doesn't suit the person in this context. These French Travelers did not come to India to study India but to convert more Indians into Christianity. They did not hide this fact but openly stated their motives. However, in order to be successful to convert Indians to Christianity, they believed that they should know the Culture of India as better as Indians do. Only then they could convince or relate themselves to the Indians to convert to their religion. Hence, in this case, Coeurdoux appeared to be a very good scholar of Indian Culture.

 

In 1705, there was a famous Pagode called Vedapurshwar temple of Puducherry. Pagode means temple during those days. Now this word is being used to depict temples in Japan. This Vedapurshwar temple is famous for Lord Shiva Deity. This temple is adjacent to St. Paul Cathedral Church. Hence, there was always a sense of hatred on Idol Worship in temple premises and the Coeurdoux asked the King Louis (the 14th King) for demolishing the temple. The King gave permission but the action of demolition was not carried because some of the French Governor's thought that the so-called act would provoke the sentiments of the locals and thus kept the matter in abeyance. 

In a diary written by Ananda Ranga Pillai (Volume 5) who is a du-bash (which means a person who can translate between two languages) has narrated the incident of French demolition of the famous Vedapurshwar temple. Joseph François Dupleix was one of the French Governor who married Jeanne Albert in the year 1741. Jeanne Albert was a Christian convert. Albert was known to the Hindus as Joanna Begum and proved of great help to her husband in his negotiations with the native princes. It was understood that Jeanne pestered her husband to demolish the famous Hindu temple of Lord Shiva which ultimately happened. The incident can be understood from the following testimony found on 7th September 1748. 

 

The testimony reads like this - "This morning tents were pitched round St. Paul Church, and two hundred soldiers and a hundred sepoys were quartered there - and priests were told that the Shiva temple would be demolished." The next day, just then, news was brought that Father Coeurdoux, the superior of St. Paul Church, had kicked the inner shrine with his foot and ordered the Christians to break the Vahanams. Then Father Coeurdoux of Karikal came with a great hammer, kicked the lingam, broke it with his hammer and ordered the Coffrees (pagans) and the Europeans to break the image of Vishnu and the other Gods. Madame went and told the priest that he might break the idols as he pleased. He answered that she had accomplished what had been impossible for 50 years..."

This account of sadism tells us that a traveler to India in the disguise of a Scholar (as he appeared to be to Indians) took to Violence and Destruction of a rich Hindu Heritage. 

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%88_%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%80%E0%AE%B8%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%86%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D_%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8B%E0%AE%AA%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D.jpg

With the painstaking efforts of Diwan Kandappa Mudaliar and public assistance, the temple was reconstructed in the year 1788 which is now located in Gandhi Street. Lord Shiva is known as Vedapureeswarar and Parvathi is known as Tripurasundari. 

Reference:

I take the opportunity to refer the above story of facts to Michel Danino in his lecture addressing Students of IIT Gandhinagar. 

Dr. B. Ravikanth

SANSKRIT LANGUAGE: IS IT FORGOTTEN?

Sanskrit is regarded as the ancient language in Hinduism, where it was used as a means of communication and dialogue by the Hindu Celestial Gods, and then by the Indo-Aryans. Sanskrit is also widely used in Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. The term ‘Sanskrit’ is derived from the conjoining of the prefix ‘Sam’ meaning ‘samyak’ which indicates ‘entirely’, and ‘krit’ that indicates ‘done’. Thus, the name indicates perfectly or entirely done in terms of communication, reading, hearing, and the use of vocabulary to transcend and express an emotion. An extraordinarily complex language with a vast vocabulary, it is still widely used today in the reading of sacred texts and hymns.

NASA has described Sanskrit as the best language for computers. NASA has been researching on 60,000 Sanskrit manuscripts written on palm leaves, to decipher the ancient technologies from the manuscripts. Sanskrit is taught and studied in many renowned universities across the globe. For instance,

The State University of Ohio
The University of Columbia
Harvard University
Indiana University
The University of Alabama
The University of Calgary
The University of Chicago
The University of Florida
The University of Toronto
The University of Virginia
The University of Queensland
The University of Bonn
The University of Berlin
Oxford University
Cambridge University
The University of Rome
The University of Beijing

Sanskrit has been admired by many European scholars for ages. Influenced by the literary beauty of Sanskrit, Heinrich Roth and Johann Ernst Hanxleden had started offering scholarship to the learners of Sanskrit in Europe. Sir William Jones, an eminent scholar and philologist in the 18th century, had given the following statement of admiration to the Asiatic Society in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1786:

"The Sanskrit language, whatever be its antiquity, is of a wonderful structure; more perfect than the Greek, more copious than the Latin, and more exquisitely refined than either, yet bearing to both of them a stronger affinity, both in the roots of verbs and in the forms of grammar".

Sanskrit is not totally forgotten. Lets see the facts:

1. According to 2001 census, Sanskrit is the native language of 14, 135 people in India. It is growing since then.

2. Samskrita Bharati promotes the greatness of the language not just in India but across the globe.

3.  There are 7 Sanskrit speaking villages in India such as - Mattur & Hosahalli (Karnataka), Jhiri, Bhaguwar & Mohad (Madhya Pradesh), Sasana (Orissa), Ganoda (Rajasthan).

Not only the historic monuments but Sanskrit is the heritage of India too. If Sanskrit is not preserved and revived, a greater being of ancient India will be lost in the wilderness. It is as precious as the Tejo Mahal. Indian Eagle believes in the eternity and glory of Sanskrit as pride of India.

(Extracted from https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/facts-of-sanskrit-in-india/)

Media and Kashmir

Why there is a disturbance in Kashmir? Who is to be blamed? Is there any solution to Kashmir problem? What does a common man know about Kashmir issue? Is the truth being covered by hidden politics? Does some sections of politicians want Kashmir an unresolved dispute for their Political ambitions to be fulfilled? If the Kashmir issue is resolved.., will the fight between Indians and Muslims get resolved? These questions linger in every Indian Citizen who every time observes some sections of the media  promoting hatred among Hindus and Muslims.

A French Journalist disclosed some facts about how media is coming in the way for Kashmir Solution. Here is the extract of French Journalist who has keen interest towards India has to say;

He says - "Ultimately, the truth must be said: We foreign journalists all come to Kashmir to get our pound of flesh. Our stories cannot be good and complete unless we can harp at human rights in Kashmir, speak of torture, rape, custody killings and generally berate the bad Indian army, because this is what our editors expect of us. Thus, most of us have already - at least subconsciously - set our mind to what we are going to say, even before setting foot in Kashmir. And the same can be said of most of the western diplomats who come to Kashmir on fact-finding missions for their government. Often, before they get down to write their reports, they have already decided what they are going to say - and even if they haven't, they ultimately will. The reason is simple: both journalists and diplomats depend on two sources for their reporting in Kashmir: one is the stringers of Indian newspapers, who happen to be mostly Kashmiris. Publicly and in their writings, they have to be careful about what they say; but privately, specially in the presence of western journalists, whom they expect to share their feelings, they usually vent their hatred of India. And the second source is the taxi drivers of Srinagar, who are controlled by a handful of operators, who book hotels, get airline tickets confirmed, arrange meetings with separatists leaders, even with militants, or bring foreigners to houses where Kashmiri women have been supposedly raped and generally shape the mind of their proteges. Needless to say and that is only fair - they have only one goal: to show the great suffering of the Kashmiri people at the hands of the Indian imperialists. 

There are lots of questions that need probing. A sample are given below;

1. Are Journalists from India genuine? Who are those Journalists from India whose spouses are not from Indian origin and hence most of the news updates about Muslims and Hindus are biased?

2. How many Indian Media Journalists are receiving instructions from foreign sponsored agencies to read the canned script that was pre-decided. 

3. Who is this Indian journalist, working for famous Human Rights agency based in Delhi, which is sponsored by German money..., who downloads the script - "BSF broke into a house of two Kashmiris and beat father and son" and publishes as a news item. 

4. Why should Indian Government keep pouring crores of rupees into Kashmir? Yet, Indians are not allowed to buy land in Kashmir. If Kashmirians want Independence, why don't they stop using Indian money and stop utilising the Government of India's services to export their carpets? 

5. Why Human Right activists in India and World do not focus on rare Hindu Temples being guarded by Kashmiri Pandits without caring for their lives? 

Isn't it the time for India to take a action policy on Kashmir? Why it has to hesitate its own land? Take an example of British. They fought to keep the Falkland islands which are thousands of miles away from Great Britain. Like wise, Spain fought a war with Basques Separatists, France is reluctant to compromise on Corsica - an island. 

Hence, why should India feel guilty about retaining what has been hers for 5000 years? By doing so, and as a lot majority of True Muslims perceive, living in India is a source of strength for them. There is unity among them while living in diversity. Why can't brothers - India and Pakistan get United and see how they can be more indigenous and observe the true colours of China. Pakistan has to really think why China is interested to partner with Pakistan? Does China (a hardcore communist country) believe that its economy will grow exponentially if it partners with a country whose government is consistently unstable, always busy in rebuilding its infrastructure which is damaged by terrorist attacks? and always getting pestered by United Nations in sponsoring state terrorists?

The fact that Indian Muslims have to think is that - Among 120 million Muslims in India, only a tiny percentage descends from the Turks, Afghans or Iranians who invaded India. The majority of them who were earlier Hindus, were targeted and converted to Islam by force, by coercion from Arab and Muslim invasion. Indian Muslims need not leave Islam. But, they have to re-think how they want to practice Islam? Do they want Islam that is out of their geography? If Indian Muslims want to live in peace, then they have to turn to pages in Koran and question why another God such as Ram cannot co-exist with Rahim. India has tolerance because of the fact that each and every person can pursue his religious endeavour. But, it is time India has to announce its Spiritual Policy in the land of Bharat. The policy should be very clear and loud. Having 5000 years of rich legacy of Sanatana Dharma, anybody can practice their religion only after understanding the essence of Sanatana Dharma . They have right to pursue their religion and offer prayers that do not and in no way opposes the spirit of Sanatana Dharma. 

Reference:

I profoundly thank F.G., the author of "Re-writing Indian History" without whose work, I may not be able to bring facts into limelight. 

Perception about India since Centuries!

I take into account some of the texts which describe about the National Character of Hindus as stated by Europeans and our own Mohammedans  from the book - "What India can Teach?" written by Friedrich Max Muller (p.no 41 and 42).

FM Muller says....."it is quite true that during the two thousand years which precede the time of Mahmud of Gazni, India has had but few foreign visitors, and few foreign critics; still it is surely extremely strange that whenever, either Greek, or in Chinese, or in Persian, or in Arab writings, we meet with an attempts at describing the distinguishing features in the national character of the Indians, regard for truth and justice should always be mentioned first.

Ktesias, the famous Greek physician of Artaxerxes Mnemon (present at the battle of Cunaxa, 404 B.C.), the first Greek writer who tells us anything about the character of the Indians, such as he heard it described at the Persian court, has a special chapter 'On the justice of the Indians."

Megasthenes, the ambassador of Seleucus Nicator at the court of Sandrocottus in Palibothra (Pataliputra, the modern Patna), states that thefts were extremely rare, and that they honoured truth and virtue. 

Arrian (in the second century, the pupil of Epictetus), when speaking of the public overseers or superintendents in India, says: 'They oversee what goes on in the country or towns, and report everything to the King, where the people have a King, and to the magistrates, where the people are self-governed, and it is against use and wont for these to give in a false report, but indeed no Indian is accused of lying.'

The Chinese,  who come next in order of time, bear the same, I believe, unanimous testimony in favour of the honesty and veracity of the Hindus. Let me (FM Muller) quote Hiuen-tsang, the most famous of the Chinese Buddhist pilgrims, who visited India in the 7th Century. 'Though the Indians', he writes, 'are of a light temperament, they are distinguished by the straightforwardness and honesty of their character. With regard to riches, they never take anything unjustly; with regard to justice they make even excessive concessions....Straightforwardness is the distinguishing feature of their administration.'

If we turn to the accounts given by the Mohammedan Conquerors of India, we find Idrisi, in his Geography (written in the 11th Century), summing up their opinion of the Indians in the following words;

'The Indians are naturally inclined to justice, and never depart from it in their actions. Their good faith, honesty and fidelity to their engagements are well-known and they are so famous for these qualities that people flock to their country from every side. 

Again in the 13th Century, Shems-ed-din Abu Abdallah quotes the following judgment of Bedi ezr Zenan: The Indians are innumerable, like grains of sand, free from all deceit and violence. They fear neither death nor life. 

In the 14th Century we have Friar Jordanus, who goes out of his way to tell us that the people of Lesser India (South and Western India) are true in speech and eminent in Justice.

In the 15th Century, Abu Fazl, the minister of the Emperor Akbar, says in his Ain-i-Akbari: 'The Hindus are religious, affable, cheerful, lovers of justice, given to retirement, able in business, admirers of truth, grateful and of unbounded fidelity; and their soldiers know not what it is to fly from the field of battle.'

So, in this way we can go on quoting from passages after passages that it was Love of Truth in India that inspired millions of people who came in contact with India. No one accused Indians of Falsehood. There must surely be some ground for this and I call it the strong legacy of INDIANISM. This Indianism is not a volatile or fad that it appears and disappears. But, timeless nature of Bharat since times immemorial. Today, there is a need to recover from Amnesia and recall and rediscover our rich heritage and culture. All the Young Generations should stand by the true Indian Spirit and Order and help the globe know the purpose of their existence. 

 

The spirit of India in a German

Why we have to be an Indian? In the words of Friedrich Max Muller

            Ever wondered why I have to be an Indian? For many in India, it is a stupid question as they live in India and so they think they are Indians. Take an example – You happened to be caught at a crime scene and police are interrogating you. You prove you’re not guilty by verbalizing all that you can say about your innocence. Should the police take you into custody just because you are at the location of crime scene? Sounds disturbing isn’t it? If you think, being at the crime scene should not prove us to be a criminal, in the same way being in India doesn’t qualify one to be an Indian. Every Indian has to prove their character again and again that is in consensus with the “time-less” National Character. Else, the future generations with Artificial Intelligence will not believe that there was an Indian and there was a country like India. Is India that great? You ask an Indian and he may brush his memories and bring to consciousness the tall tales of mighty kings from Ramayana and Mahabharata. For Europeans, these tales maybe anecdotal and hence they may not be convinced by the logic. Hence, there should be a way out that should convince a Greek or an European to learn more about India. As a matter of fact there is no need for us to convince the West about the greatness of India. It is us to rub our eyes and look into the real nature of India sine times immemorial. India has produced Saints and Scholars of greatest reputation but all have been stereotyped by the Western World as Soft and Biased. Somehow, the genes of Aryans spread across the Globe. I feel the pain to share the fact that volumes of knowledge that are documented by our Vedic Seers are lost due to foreign apathy towards nullifying our Hindu Ancient Truths. Yet, India, time and again proved that its 4000 year old charisma is reflected in Aryans who are born in different places of the world and worked for the cause of reviving the vivid Heritage and Culture of Sanatana Dharma. In this context, I bring to you one of the great personalities from Germany who I believe is an Aryan in his earlier life and worked towards upholding the spirit of Sanatana Dharma.    

          Friedrick Max Muller, was born at Dessau on the 6^th December 1823. He was the only son of a distinguished poet Wilhelm Muller. At school Muller, decided to devote himself to the classical languages. He entered the University of Leipzig in 1841, began to learn Sanskrit, and published a translation of the Hitopadesa in 1844. For the knowledge of the readers, Hitopadesa is believed to be a 12^th Century Indian Sanskrit text consisting of fables that have profound moral values relating to worldly affairs. Having deep interest in philology and philosophy, Max Muller, under the influence of Eugene Burnouf collected materials relating to Rig-veda. He went to England in 1846, and the Board of Directors of the East India Company commissioned him to bring out at their expense a complete edition of the Rig-Veda with Sayana’s commentary. This proves the point that Britishers before establishing their base in India wants to know the depth of Indian culture from the sacred Vedic texts. In 1859, Max Muller published his History of Ancient Sanskrit Literature, a work containing much valuable and important research in literary chronology based on knowledge of many works then available only in manuscript.  FM Muller completed the herculean task of translating Rig-Veda in 1873. He is also credited with translating Kalidasa’s Meghadoota. Though a busy scholar and voluminous writer, Max Muller was ‘quite a man of the world’. He was conferred Degrees, titles, and honours from all the European countries. He died at Oxford on October 28, 1900. Basing on his brief history I could collect, I believe that the greatness of a person lies in the greater tasks that the person has contemplated in his life to achieve.

Some interesting truths that FM Muller has shared are highlighted, in his lectures given to Indian Civil Service Officers of Colonial Britan at the University of Cambridge, before they were commissioned on administrative assignments in India.

The title of this article is justified from the message given by FM MulleriIn his book titled – “What can India Teach Us? P.no 5, he records that, “If I were to look over the whole world to find out the country most richly endowed with all the wealth, power, and beauty that nature can bestow – in some parts a very paradise on earth – I should point to India. If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions of some of them which well deserve the attention even of those who have studied Plato and Kant – I should point to India. And if I were to ask myself from what literature we, here in Europe, we have been nurtured almost exclusively on the thoughts of Greeks and Romans, and of one Semitic race, the Jewish, may draw that corrective which is most wanted in order to make our inner life more perfect, more comprehensive, more universal, in fact more truly human, a life not for this life only, but a transfigured and eternal life – again I should point to India.

FM Muller, while addressing the Indian Civil Service Officers, mentioned what tasks they can take up in India.

He says –

·     “If you have acquired any special tastes here in England, you will find plenty to satisfy them in India; and whoever has learnt to take an interest in any of the great problems that occupy the best thinkers and workers at home need certainly not be afraid of India proving to him an intellectual exile.

·         If you care for geology, there is work for you from the Himalayas to Ceylon.

·    If you are a zoologist, think of Haecket, who is just now rushing through Indian forests and dredging in Indian seas, and to whom his stay in India is like the realization of the brightest dream of his life.

·       

           If you are interested in ethnology, why, India is like a living ethnological museum.

·      

         If you are fond of archaeology, if you have ever assisted at the opening of a barrow in England, and know the delight of finding a fibula, or knife, or a flint in a heap of rubbish, read only ‘General Cunningham’s Annual Reports of the Archaeological Survey of India,’ and you will be impatient for the time when you can take your spade and bring to light the ancient Viharas or Colleges built by the Buddhist monarchs of India.

·   

   If ever you amused with coins, Persian, Carian, Thracian, Parthian, Greek, Macedonian, Seythian, Roman, and Mohammedan, you can discover heritage coins. For example – When Warren Hastings was Governer-General, an earthen pot was found on the bank of a river in the province of Benaras, containing 172 gold coins from ancient Persia (Darics). However, due to many reasons, all those gold coins disappeared when Warren Hastings returned to England. It rests with you to prevent the revival of such Vandalism.  

·   If you are interested to study religion, where can you study its true origin, its natural growth, and its inevitable decay better than in India, the home of Brahmanism, the birthplace of Buddhism, and the refuge of Zoroastrianism, even now the mother of new superstitions – and why not, in the future, the regenerated child of the purest faith, if only purified from the dust of nineteen centuries?

·   

    You will find yourselves everywhere in India between an immense past and an immense future, take any of the burning questions such as higher education, parliamentary representation, codification of laws, finance, emigration, poor-law, and whether you have anything to teach and to try, or anything to observe and to learn, India will supply you with a laboratory such as exits nowhere else.

·      

       That very Sanskrit, the study of which may at first seem so tedious to you and so useless, if only you carry on will open before you large layers of literature, as yet almost unknown and unexplored, and allow you an insight into strata of thought deeper than any you have known before, and rich in lessons that appeal to the deepest sympathies of the human heart.

    

               Muller recalls that the best of western intelligentsia have devoted their study on the outward material world such as the growth of the earth, the first appearance of living cells and its steady progress from the lowest to the highest stages. Muller firmly believes that there is an inward and intellectual world also which has to be studied in its historical development. And in that study of the history of human mind, in that study of our true selves, India occupies a place second to no other country. Muller adds by saying that whatever sphere of the human mind you may select for the special study, whether it be language, or religion, or mythology, or philosophy, whether it be laws or customs, primitive art or primitive science, everywhere, you have to go to India, whether you like it or not, because some of the most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India, and in India only.

           This address by Max Muller to the Indian Civil Service Officers is only a sample of lasting impressions that Muller has towards India. When a German can study the length, breadth and depth of India, it is our prime responsibility as Indians to live to the characteristic of Indianism. As Friedrich Max Muller rightly analysed about India as the history of histories and still the mystery of all mysteries to be discovered. Muller believes and suggests all Indian Civil Service Officers that if only if they want to know the real nature of India, the best way is to learn the language of Sanskrit. He opines that Sanskrit literature if studied only in a right spirit, is full of human interests, full of lessons which according to him even Greek could never teach a subject worthy. The words of Muller are not exaggeration of India. However, in the present situation, there is a need to know our history by knowing which we can learn the very life of history of all countries. The young need to turn to books, to flip the pages back and buy enough patience to learn not with an academic attitude but to generate highest levels of patriotism and enthusiasm in re-designing the education system, the policies, the practices that suit the Indian psyche and bring it closure to its supreme characteristics of Sanatana Dharma.

Note: I give full credit and take apologies from the publisher of India – What it can teach us? for taking paragraphs (p. no 4-10) and placing the same in this article. I have done this with an intention to place before the readers the originality and nothing but original verbatim otherwise, the true spirit of knowing about India maybe compromised. The reason for me to publish some parts of original text is to inculcate the true patriotism in the younger generation. There is no commercial interest as such and I hope some of the students who get inspired by this article take up task that promote harmony and peace to this Great land of Vedic Culture.

Reference:

India – What can it teach us?  by Friedrich Max Muller published by Rupa Publications India Pvt. Ltd (2002)

Education System: Let us revive the Ancient Indian Education

Education System: Let us revive the Ancient Indian Education

The British when they took over India, had a problem of managing their organizations with the locals. How do they communicate? Hence, they planned to train a section of Indians (British Clones) whom they could entrust with their work and see that they in turn communicate with others for effective functioning. The Britishers tried to take control of the industrial set up is through establishing a new system of education that would replace the indigenous Indian education. In the words of Macaulay – “We must at present do our best to form a class, who may be interpreters between us and the millions we govern; a class of persons, Indians in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, in morals and in intellects.” It is difficult to debate whether Thomas Babington Macaulay ever said like that or not. However, we can observe the fact how the Indian system of education changed its form since then and by observing so, we can assume that TB Macaulay may have the intention to change the system of Indian Education. Also, contrary to what I said, there are few other who complain that some of the Freedom fighters have crossed the boundaries and got exposure to foreign education. How do we understand this? Yes, the observations maybe correct. A choice to go and learn the system of education and understand the global perspectives is entirely different from willfully changing the system of education without the consent of Indians. An Indian having strong foundations of Indian education can take the choice of understanding different cultures but, he cannot be forced to pull from his indigenous education and forcibly inculcate foreign values in his mind? How does one define the system of education given to us by the Britishers? The education I think it is not called. Because, education as said by Swami Vivekananda – “is the manifestation of perfection already in Man”. Hence, the ancient system of education always emphasise on “realization”. Realisation leads us to be original and free from any “Conditioning”. Till Britishers have started this exploitation on us, we are a country which has the gravitation to pull people from all of the world and teach them what they are interested to learn and not what we are interested to offer. Nalanda was established in the 5^th Century A.D in Bihar, India. It was devoted to teach Buddhism, but the University also trained students in fine arts, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, politics and the art of war. Likewise, Ancient Takshasila in ancient Gandhara, now in Pakistan was an early Hindu and Buddhist center of learning. The Vedas and the eighteen arts, which included skills such as Archery, Hunting and elephant lore were taught in addition to law school, medical school and school of military science. India is proud to say that the famous treatise Arthashastra (Economics) by Chanakya is composed in Takshasila itself. Also, the famous Ayurvedic healer, Charaka studied in Takshasila.

When, during 5^th and 6^th Centuries our system of education is so strong, why we lost it, how we lost it? Are Indians so weak to lose the roots of education? Or Is it that the Greeks, the Europeans exploited our Innocence. I personally feel that those who invaded India, were led by aggressive mind but we are directed by compassionate heart. Even though our system of education is replaced, they cannot be vanished from India’s Collective Unconscious. If we refer to our Ancient Seers, we learned all the Wisdom through listening and realization. Indians never had any problems of memory. Memory for Indians is a Childs play. Take an example – Nowhere in the world there is a concept of “Avadhanam” which is a literary feat from the very ancient days. It requires immense memory power and test a person’s capability literature and grammar and verbalize multiple questions starting from 8 to 1000 by Prucchaka (one who asks questions to Avadhani) simultaneously. Till date this great memory feat called “Dharana Shakti” is demonstrated by living literary personalities. Hence, we can summarise the fact that Indian system of education is covered with dust and it is the time we rub the dust open the pages of Indianised Wisdom.

Let’s take an example, the present engineering education has been narrowed down to cater only to Information Technology. The students who pursue Computer Science are designated as Software Engineers. What are they working for? Where are they working? Are they victims of Macaulay system of education? Are they Westerners Clones? A Civil Engineer is also forced to enter into Information Technology. Are there no opportunities for Civil Engineering Students or do Civil engineering students are not aware of creating opportunities. Let us take an example of Ramappa Temple which is located 77 kms from Warangal. The City of Warangal happened to be the ancient capital of Kakatiya Dynasty. The inscriptions on Ramappa Temple dates to the year 1213 AD and was built by a General Recherla Rudra during the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva. The Wikipedia informs us that it stands majestically on a 6 ft high star shaped platform. The hall in front of the sanctum has numerous carved pillars that have been positioned to create an effect that combines light and space wonderfully. The temple is named after the sculptor Ramappa, who built it, and is perhaps the only temple in India to be named after a craftsman who built it. History says that it took 40 years to build this temple. The main structure is in a reddish sandstone, but the columns round the outside have large brackets of black basalt. These are carved as mythical animals or female dancers or musicians, and are "the masterpieces of Kakatiya art, notable for their delicate carving, sensuous postures and elongated bodies and heads". Are these details not relevant for a Civil Engineering Student to appreciate the Art works of Ancient India? The Ancient Civil Constructions are timeless. These ancient constructions have to face the continuous aggressions of external invaders. What are left in front of us are the broken forts and broken pieces of rock on the idols. Archeological Department has taken the ownership of the temples. It is understood from the tourists that inside the Sanctum Sanctorium, devotees were unable to perform the abhisheka (offering water or milk on the Shiva Linga). Since 30 years after performing many abhisheka the water got stagnated and no room left for the water for easy disposal. Similarly, in Warangal, we also find 1000 pillar temple constructed by the Kakatiyas for over 70 years. The temple is constructed on the sand which is a mystery for Civil Engineering these days.

There are plenty of opportunities for Civil Engineering Students to work for Ancient Caves, Forts, Monuments, Temples etc. The good news is that they need not create or build Ancient temples as they were constructed during ancient times. But, they can learn the civil engineering principles and see that the current state of Ancient Monuments is retained without any further damage. The course structure, syllabus and modules should be revised according to the needs of the India and not according to Western Influences. Likewise, a Doctor is observed as God according to Indian traditions because he is the one who is a representation of God cures our physical health issues. India is proud to bring into light the ancient system of medicine in the form of Ayurveda. This Ayurveda is a concept of medicine which is extracted from the natural elements available in plenty in the earth’s atmosphere. But, the Western influence on Medicine is resulting in degradation of health by allopathic medicines which are causing collateral damage to the human immune system. Slowly, the Westerners are understanding what life is and how they can nourish their lives but physically and mentally. Hence, they are looking at East and Settling in India. Their missionary practices are unable to help them to be calm in the most disturbing conditions of life. Hence, Westerners liked the concept of our ancient system of Meditation and Yoga because they feel this concept is more logical and unconditional to understand the truth.

To summarise, the purpose of education is not to support the knowledge acquired to our selfish activities but protect the mankind and nature from the threats and offer a perfect living to the next generations to come. Otherwise, the next generations would curse us for all the damage that we have done for the extinction of life on earth.

Dr. B. Ravikanth

Indian Tolerance

Indian Tolerance

Couple of months back, some sections of the society be it Muslims or Christians complained that they are facing threats from Hindu community and they perceived religious intolerance. I was surprised to learn about this remark. I am not sure what they mean by Hindu Threat or Dominance. Did ever in the History, India proved to be a threat to foreign lands or religions? Or, is it that India is the only country in the world which has suffered to the worst ever aggression from the Greeks, the Britishers and finally from the Islamic rulers.

I am proud to be a Hindu and I mean it. When I say I am Hindu, I do not mean the surface level religious practices but the inner identity that no other faith would have thought about it.

If somebody asks me who I am, I initiate by saying - Chatussagara Paryantam Go Brahmanebhyah Shubham Bhavatu and followed by identifying myself from the rich ancient Rishi lineage as a gratitude for what I am today. Chatussagara Paryantam means “all the four seas covered”, Go Brahmanebhyah Shubham Bhavatu indicates that “all cows and brahmins should be bestowed with the best auspiciousness”. Why is it said like that? Does this mean only cows and Brahmins are the only living entities be taken care and nobody else? This kind of thinking is very mean and proves ignorance. According to Hindu Dharma, Cow or “Go” is a sacred animal. Hindus worship Cow as they believe all God’s to be present in the Cow. Even, if we are silent on the religious part of praying Cow, yet, Cow is the only animal which inhales and exhales oxygen. Also, the product of Cow such as Milk and Milk products along with the cow dung are sufficient for a householder to raise his family for the rest of his life. Hence, Cow which is called Go-Matha translated as “Mother” because it nurtures the entire family with its offerings. There are other animals but all of them come after Cow due to its importance and sacredness. The above saying indicates that all animals starting with cow should be safe and be protected. In the same way, a Brahmin is a person who studies the eternal knowledge of Veda and protects its sanctity. Technically speaking, a Brahmin is a person who is in constant contemplation of Brahman not just in his thoughts but also manifested in his deeds. As a Brahmin, his duty is to offer prayers to the Prakruti (nature) and all the God’s (in different forms) to seek their blessings for the well being of the society. When we say that Cows and Brahmins should be protected and they should be bestowed with goodness, we are seeking for our own well-being and not for any selfish motives. The essence of this identity is that he shall follow all the activities according to the Dharma that is prescribed by Ancient Seers. Hence, A Hindu will always function in the materialistic world with a Spiritual vision.

Having such impartial and eternal vision, how can anybody expect intolerance and dominance by Hindu’s in India? The straight forward question is, can Muslims, Christians, Jains and Buddhists be safe anywhere else in the world other than in India? Or, because, India is soft towards its own Dharma, other religions can take it granted to speak their rubbish mind out?

Probably, this generation of Muslims should not forget their past. There should be a self-exploration to know their roots. Are they real Muslims or are they forcefully converted from Hindu religion to Muslim during the Moghul Period? Facts are not known to the current generation.

I tried to get to know the intolerance by Moghul dynasty on Hindu and the Hindu temples. If I try to source data from any text authored by Indian, my work may be perceived biased. Hence, I referred to a book – “Rewriting Indian History” by Francois Gautier (FG) who happened to be French, lived in India and studied Indian history. A French when he is about to write the history of India, will not be biased. In fact he will not have any reason to be. He can write books about the greatness of French revolution to Indian struggle for Independence. Yet, FG did not do so. He studied Indian History by spending enough time on research and finally could bring the facts into the light. The following is the extract taken from his book Rewriting Indian History.

FG wrote referring to Muslims dominance – “….., And so as long as this concept One God is ingrained in the minds of Muslims, there will be a problem of intolerance, of tolerating other creeds. And this is what happened in India from the 7^th Century onwards: invaders, who believed in One God, came upon this country, which had a million Gods….and for them it was the symbol of all what they thought was wrong. Hence, they planned and executed to disturb and demolish the 4000 year old Hindu faith. They entered this beautiful land and initiated systematic destruction of everything that was beautiful, holy and refined. Thus the conquest of Afghanistan in the year 1000, was followed by the annihilation of the entire Hindu population there; Indeed, the region is still called Hindu Kush. The Bahmani Sultans in Central India, made it a rule to kill 1 lac Hindus a year. In 1399, Teimur killed 1 lac Hindus in a single day and many more on other occasions. Historian Konraad Elst, in his book “Negationism in India”, quotes Professor K.S.Lal, who calculated that the Hindu population decreased by eighty million between the year 1000 and 1525, indeed, probably the biggest holocaust in the world’s history, far greater than the genocide of the Incas in South America by the Spanish and the Portuguese.”

These facts of mass killing for proving the Muslim faith right cannot be accepted by a typical Muslim at this point. Yet, some Muslim leaders in order to create a false identity and provoke hatred among Hindus succumb to hate speeches against Hindus. The Genocide as it is called is not over yet. What are the facts according to Muslim Records about Mass Killings of Hindus? Let me put them across.

FG writes – “Aurangzeb (1658-1707) did not just build an isolated mosque on a destroyed temple, he ordered all temples destroyed and mosques to be built on their sites. Among them the Kashi Vishvanath, one of the most sacred places of Hindu worship, Krishna’s birth temple in Mathura, the rebuilt Somnath temple in the coast of Gujarat, the Vishnu temple replaced with the Alamgir mosque now overlooking Benares and the Treta-ka-Thakur temple in Ayodhya. The number of Temples destroyed by Aurangzeb is counted in five, if not six figures, according to his own official court chronicles: “Aurangzeb ordered all provincial governors to destroy all schools and temples of the pagans and to make a complete end to all pagan teaching and practices”…”Hasan Ali Khan came and said that 172 temples in the area had been destroyed”…” His majesty went to Chittor and 63 temples were destroyed”…Abu Tarab appointed to destroy the idol temples of Amber, reported that 66 temples had been razed to the ground”. Aurangzeb did not stop at destroying temples, their users were also wiped-out; even his own brother, Dara Shikoh, was executed for taking an interest in Hindu religion and the Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur was beheaded because he objected to Aurangzeb’s forced conversions.”  

Having gone through all these facts, can anybody have still doubt on thinking negatively about Hindus to be intolerant towards other religions or is it vice-versa. What is the intention behind, Aurangzeb’s systematic temple destruction? He wants to instill fear among Hindus about Idol worship and left no choice except for them to convert forcefully to Islam otherwise they have to take the wrath of Kings Punishment.

Let us analyse the present situation. A typical muslim and a Christian is happy to live in India unless somebody from their section provokes them by showing their authority or threatening them from isolation. What is the solution? India is happy to share its demography with highest number of Muslim population, which indicates that in the world, Muslims are happy to be in India otherwise, they would have migrated to Muslim favoured countries like Pakistan or Afghanistan. When this question was asked to some identity seeking, hatred promoting politicians from Muslim community that why they are not choosing the option to go to Pakistan for a better living? The answer is – they are the children of India and they have equal right to stay in India. The question is, are they interested to stay in India because of birth factors or they want to be patriotic to India. If geography is the cause, they can shift their geography to Pakistan. I am afraid whether Pakistan will accept Muslims from India. If these fellows are patriotic, then they should refer to India not in the vision of early Britishers who came in disguise to trade in India and later exploited it but go back centuries old India which is called Bharat, (Bha+Rath) a Sanskrit word which means a Land where people are longing for absolute wisdom. This wisdom does not contain any hatred among religions or in human beings. This wisdom does not allow people to go after destruction of other faiths but appreciate and recognize the faith in order.  

It is very difficult to restore Indianism among Indians as long as the Western Education is occupying the driver’s seat. India, should not forget the Nalanda and Takshasila which are the World’s principal Universities in Ancient India which attracted foreign students to study in India. We should revive the ancient system of education according to the modern day needs and not blindly go after western education. The problem with western system of education is that it also blinds the learner the host country’s eternal values, principles and character. Hence, I pray Lord Shiva, the giver of the highest wisdom to bestow the right education among Indians and give us the strength to protect our Sanatana Dharma and revive the lost Indianism.

Dr. B. Ravikanth

Chandra Gupta Maurya, The Great

Chandra Gupta Maurya, The Great

The title “The Great” suffixed to Chandra Gupta Maurya is intentional and rational. Alexander, The Great, this generation is clueless as to why the greatness is applicable to him. Maybe, Alexander at the end of his life, he may feel guilty of wearing the title. Is Greatness a result of invasions and showing mightiness? Then, we should also allow Donald Trump, US President or Kim Jong-Un to use the title. If we reason that a King has to be powerful not in misusing his powers towards unnecessary invasions, but, in building a strong empire where the citizens living in the empire feel patriotic and lead a life with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. India is proud to see a Great Leader in Chandra Gupta Maurya. He was the founder of Maurya Dynasty.  He lived from  340-298 BCE. He was the father of Emperor Bindusara and Grand-father of Emperor Ashoka. Even though he was a conqueror, he managed the territories much better than the earlier rulers. Much is not known about him but we are fortunate to know from the Kautalya’s Arthashastra. Kautalya is also called Chanakya who was the Prime Minister of Chandragupta. A great work like Arthasastra could only be thought and written by none other than Kautaliya. During later part of the century many writers would have contributed more on the Arthasastra. By doing so, doubt raised on the actual time period of Arthasastra. The main purpose of Arthasastra may not be to describe the Mauryan polity, but as a standard guideline for all rulers to govern their territories in a wise and scientific manner. Another classical way of understanding Maurya Dynasty is from the works of Megasthenes called “Indika”. Megasthenes (born C. 350 BC – died C. 290) was a Greek Ambassador in the court of Chandragupta. He was sent to India by Hellenistic King Seleucus I. He gave the most complete account of India then known to the Greek and was the reference point for later generation historians. On the contrary, we find that Alain Danielou, a French Historian may not know the real nature of Indians. He perceives – Chanakya and Chandragupta’s rule as Machiavellian: “It was”, writes Danielou, “a centralized despotism, resting on military power and disguised into a constitutional monarchy”. (Histoire de l’Inde p. 114). How can he use these kinds words when he was not even born (AD 4^th Oct 1907 to 27 Jan  1994) during Mauryan times? With narrow outlook towards life and with minimal interest to investigate the truth, we will find this kind of interpretation. A good historian should not be judgmental but put the truth as it is and not as you think it is. Young students who want to know the rich legacy of the past can be confused with such kind of statements.

Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta described the capital in the following words:

“At the Junction of this river (Ganges) with another is situated Palibothra, a city of eighty stadia (14.72 kilometers) in length and fifteen stadia (2.72 kilometers) in breadth. It is of a shape of a parallelogram and is girded with a wooden wall, pierced with loopholes for the discharge of arrows. It has a ditch in front for defence and for receiving the sewage of the city. This ditch, which encompassed it all round, is 600 feet in breadth and 30 cubits in depth, and the wall is crowned with 570 towers and has four and sixty gates.”

During 326 BCE, while fighting his way into India, Alexander the Great came across the army of King Porus, the ruler of the local state of Paurava, located in modern day Punjab. After fighting to his last breath, King Porus surrendered to Alexander, who was impressed by the courage and stature of his enemy. Alexander made Porus his ally and turned him into king of all conquered India as a Macedonian tributary. Chandragupta with the help of his Chief Advisor – Chanakya entered the capital of Magadha Kingdom, Pataliputra, where he triggered a Civil War. He finally seized the throne putting an end to the Nanda Dynasty. After this victory, Chandragupta fought and defeated Alexander’s generals located in Gandhara, present day Afghanistan. Following these successful campaigns, Chandragupta was seen as a brave leader who defeated part of the Greek invaders and ended the corrupt Nanda government, thus gaining wide public support. After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE, the Eastern territories controlled by the Macedonians fell into the hands of General Seleucus, including the region of the Punjab, which today is part of Northern India and Eastern Pakistan. Seleucus was busy enough with what was happening on the western borders, so Chandragupta saw a tempting opportunity and launched an attack on Seleucus and captured a big portion of what today is Pakistan and Afghanistan. In 305 BCE, Chandragupta signed a treaty with Seleucus in which both rulers established borders, and the Punjab was given to Chandragupta in return for 500 war elephants.

Currently, India has a problem with Pakistan on the issue of Kashmir. Pakistan claims that some portions of Kashmir is their property and the issue is debated since generations without any logical solution. The delay in the solution has led to so many proxy wars in the name of religion and many innocent lives were lost. If in case a solution has to be decided, India, should remember the glory of its military strength and prove the neighbours that no part of India can be compromised. In return to have a good deal, Pakistan as is still under-developed, can seek support of India in terms of socio, cultural, technological development of the country for the next decade. It has to be win-win or India should not shy away from playing the card of war when it is required to protect its sovereign land. When civilization started in Egypt, India is Civilized and maintained its dignity. In the current situation, India lost its memories and living in the assumptions of Western Intelligentsia. It is time, India and Indians are made aware of the rich and past glory and inspired to lead such a living.

Dr. B. Ravikanth

Reference:

Some parts of the texts are taken from the link https://www.ancient.eu/Chandragupta_Maurya/

The Glory of Ancient Indian Painting

The Glory of Ancient Indian Painting

Source: https://www.indianetzone.com/57/history_indian_paintings.htm

Indian painting has, unfortunately, been largely erased by time, as in the case of the Ajanta caves. It even went through an eclipse and was revived by the Mughal influence. But the remains of Indian paintings show the immensity of the work and the genius of it. The paintings that have mostly survived from ancient times are those of the Buddhist artists; but painting in India was certainly pre-Buddhist. Indeed in ancient India, there were six "limbs", six essential elements "sadanga" to a great painting which are considered as the prime principles of the art even today. So strong were these principles, that they have found a place even in Vatsyayana’s Kamasutra. The Six Limbs are:

“Roopabhedah pramanani bhava-lavanya-yojanam |Sadrishyam varnakabhangam iti chitram shadakam ||”

1. Roopbedha: The knowledge of looks and appearances

Brief: ‘Roopa’ means the outer form or appearance of the subject. The perception is visual as well as mental. ‘Bheda,’ on the other hand, means difference. In other words, to create a painting, an artist needs to have a sound knowledge about the different forms that exist. He has to know how a form of life differs from a form of death. Both have their own characteristic features and sublimity.

2. Pramanani – Accuracy and precision of measurement and structure.

Brief: This principle is governed by certain laws, which give us the capability of proving the correctness of our perception and delineation. ‘Pramamani’ teaches us the exact measure, proportion and distance of the subjects. It provides an insight into the structural anatomy of objects, too.

3. Bhava – The feelings on forms.

Brief: ‘Bhava’ means an emotion, a feeling, an intention, or an idea. This aspect of art is depicted in the form of feelings expressed by the subject.

4. Lavanya Yojanam – Blending grace in an artistic representation.

Brief: Your painting should be gracefully high in its artistic quality. The pramanani is for stringent proportions, and bhava is for expressing movement. But, lavanya yojanamis for controlling the over-expression of both. The motive is to bring about a sense of beauty in a dignified and organised manner. Ravindranath Tagore, the famous artist from West Bengal, has described lavanya yojanam as a ‘loving mother,’ who is also careful about the rules of raising up her child.

5. Sadrisyam or Resemblance.

Brief: This is perhaps the most challenging task of creating a painting. Sadrisyam suggests the degree to which a depiction is similar to an artist’s vision or the subject itself. In a way, it is also a way of depicting similitude.

6. Varnakabhangam - An artistic way of making use of the brush and colours.

Brief: It defines the proper mannerisms of using the right type of brush and various colours. So, obviously, there shall be the use of brush and pigments. What this principle focuses on, is the way the strokes are being applied to a canvas, and the knowledge of the artist about the different colours.

What is great about our Ancient Indian paintings, Sri Aurobindo remarks that: "the Indian artist sets out from the other end of the scale of values of experience which connect  life and the spirit. The whole creative force here comes from a spiritual and psychic vision, the emphasis of the physical is secondary and always deliberately limited so as to give an overwhelmingly spiritual and psychic impression and everything is suppressed which does not serve this purpose". (Foundations, p.246). It is unfortunate that today most Indian painting imitates Western modern art, but for a few exceptions. There is nothing wrong to copy Westerners but essence of Indian painting can always be put in the backdrop of Western paintings. And it is hoped that Indian painters will soon come back to the essential, which is the vision of the inner eye, the transcription, not of the religious, but of the spiritual and the occult.

Please note:

The description of Shadangas is taken from internet link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sadanga-six-limbs-indian-art-paintings-mohina-singh

and some parts of the text is extracted from Rewriting Indian History by Francois Gautier, p.no 32, 33.

Dr. B. Ravikanth