अयोध्या मथुरा माया काशी काञ्ची अवन्तिका । पुरी द्वारावती चैव सप्तैते मोक्षदायकाः॥ Kashi, a name that evokes a multitude of emotions ranging from bliss, joy, ecstasy, love and relief is the city that promises liberation. Since the dawn of time, Kashi has been considered to be the centre of learning, knowledge, wisdom and Advaita. Sages,... Continue Reading →
History of Banaras – Part VI (Contribution by the Marathas)
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1666 had taken refuge in the ancient city of Benares after his miraculous escape from captivity. He was most distressed on seeing the fear in the eyes of Hindus who had suffered immensely in the hands of the Mughals. Even though Raje desired to rebuild Kashi after the horrific desecration in... Continue Reading →
History of Banaras – Part V (Atrocities and bloodbath by Aurangzeb)
Aurangzeb seized absolute control of the throne in 1661 after murdering Dara Shikoh, instigating the execution of Shah Shuja in the hands of local rulers of Burma, executing his younger brother Murad Bakhsh in jail and imprisoning his father, Shah Jahan. Memoirs and court records graphically describe his fanaticism and deep roots in Islamic... Continue Reading →
History of Banaras – Part IV (Plunder and destruction by the Mughals)
It is difficult to ascertain the extent of damage inflicted by the Delhi Sultanate, but a fair number of mosques and tombs built on the sites of temples during this period using the stones of the temples demolished are still visible in the city. It has been documented that Razia Sultana had built a mosque... Continue Reading →
History of Banaras – Part III (Trail of destruction by the Delhi Sultanate)
The second attack by the Muslim invader Qutb al-Din Aibak in 1197 - 98 effectively ended the golden period of the Gahadavalas and established a violent intolerant Muslim rule that was determined to destroy every trace of the glorious heritage of Kashi. Kashi, a city that has existed since the dawn of creation grew in... Continue Reading →
Chandranath Shiva Temple, Hetampur Village, Birbhum District, West Bengal
Undivided Bengal, often considered to be the richest province in Akhanda Bharat thrived under the patronage of the invaders namely the Delhi Sultanate, Mughals and the British. This province gradually imbibed the culture, language and religious norms of the invaders. Though the Mughals were less than pleased with Hindus and Hindu kings and went out of... Continue Reading →
Prachin Shiv Mandir, Salwan Village, Karnal District, Haryana
Karnal named after Daanveer Karna is one of the most historically, culturally and spiritually important cities of India. Karnal has been at the centre of many great battles and wars that have determined the course of Indian history. Karnal district is home to many archaeological sites predating the Harappan civilization, tirthas and ancient temples of... Continue Reading →
Rasika Raya Brick Temple, Haripur Gada, Baripada Subdivision, Mayurbhanj District, Odisha
Mayurbhanj in the northern corner of Odisha was the seat of power of the erstwhile Bhanja dynasty. During the late 14th century, the Delhi Sultanate invaded Odisha and ravaged the historical city of Khiching desecrating temples on their way. The Bhanjas were forced to abandon their ancestral capital of Khiching and flee to safety. An... Continue Reading →
Kandhar Fort, Kandhar, Nanded District, Maharashtra
A stunning find of a fragmentary stone inscription in an old well near Kandhar in 1959 with a detailed description of the buildings in the ancient capital and the philanthropic activities of Raja Krishna III of the mighty Rashtrakuta dynasty threw light on one of the unknown capitals of the dynasty. The inscription mentions the... Continue Reading →
Raja Harsh Ka Tila, Thanesar, Kurukshetra District, Haryana
The ancient city of 'Dharmakshetra Kurukshetra' holds the key to understanding our glorious past dating back to the Vedic times. Every square inch of this city and its outskirts is both historically and archaeologically important. Kurukshetra has been at the helm of many significant events and has faced the brunt of successive Muslim invasions over... Continue Reading →