Indiology

Credit: Cottage9 The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, also known as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, is a prestigious Vaishnav temple devoted to Ranganatha, the reclining form of the Hindu deity, the Lord Vishnu. Situated on the Srirangam island between the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers in Srirangam , Tiruchirapalli district, Tamil Nadu. It's not just a temple but a temple town with a unique Sapta-Prakaram formation, consisting of seven concentric rectangular enclosures formed by rampart walls around the sanctum sanctorum. The Temple's origins possibly date back to the Sangam period , around the 1st century CE. However, as it stands today, the temple represents an amalgamation of architectural styles and building activities from various royal dynasties who revered and contributed to its magnificence. The temple's construction can be traced back to the early Chola dynasty rulers, particularly during the 1st century CE (Sangam Period). The early Cholas, ruling from Uraiyoor, located to the...

The upcoming web series   “Heeramandi”   by celebrated   director Sanjay Leela Bhansali  explores the historical context of   Lahore’s renowned red-light district.   Though plot details are kept under wraps, viewers can anticipate a narrative that draws from the rich tapestry of history, culture, and societal complexities of the period. Beyond the Red Lights: Life in Heeramandi The history of Heeramandi can be traced back to the  Mughal era,  a time when Lahore was the capital of the empire. During this period, the city thrived as a centre of trade, culture, and intellectual exchange.  Heeramandi also known as Shahi Mohalla  emerged as a prominent district where  courtesans, known as  tawaifs   or nautch girls, flourished. The courtesans of Heeramandi were highly skilled in various  performing arts, including dance, music, poetry, and conversation.  They entertained the nobility, merchants, and intellectuals with...

Paradip: India's Leading Cargo Hub Credit: Daily Shipping Times  A significant milestone has been reached in India's maritime sector as Paradip Port in Odisha has surpassed Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat to become the country’s largest major port in terms of cargo volumes during the fiscal year 2023-24 . This achievement highlights the impressive growth and strategic importance of Paradip Port in supporting trade and commerce. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways recently reported that Paradip Port has displayed outstanding performance by managing an unprecedented volume of cargo, solidifying its status as a prominent maritime hub in the area. With a handling capacity exceeding 150 million tonnes, Paradip Port has experienced a consistent rise in cargo throughput , surpassing its competitors and establishing new standards in port operations. The rise of Paradip Port as the leading port facility in the country can be attributed to a variety of factors. One key f...

  Bhaskara II Credit: ishot Introduction Bhaskara II, also known as Bhaskaracharya, was a renowned Indian mathematician and astronomer who flourished in the 12th century. He revolutionized various branches of mathematics, such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, through his groundbreaking contributions. Bhaskara II was inspired by his father, Mahesvara, a well-known mathematician and astronomer, to pursue a passion for the subject. He initially received his education from his father and later studied at the prestigious Ujjain University , known for its excellence in mathematical education.  Bhaskara II is the only ancient mathematician honoured with a dedicated monument. In 1817, Colebrooke became the first European to translate Bhaskara II's mathematical classics into English. Bhaskara II oversaw a cosmic observatory in Ujjain, the primary mathematical hub in ancient India. His works significantly advanced the mathematical and astronomical knowledge of the 12th century...