Gangetic India

  • Comparing Sun Tzu and Kautilya

    Comparing Sun Tzu and Kautilya

    Sun Tzu, the author of The Art of War, and Kautilya, the author of the Arthashastra. Both wrote for rulers and generals who were constantly at war. Both believed that power was too important to be left to emotion, impulse or heroism. Both wanted to discipline rulers and professionalise the business of war. …

  • How Vasudeva Became Vishnu

    How Vasudeva Became Vishnu

    At Malhar, a small town near Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, we find an image of a soldier with four arms, holding a conch shell, a wheel and a mace. It has been identified as the earliest image of Vishnu. The inscription on the stone has been dated to 200 BC…

  • Cultural Significance of State Trees

    Cultural Significance of State Trees

    Every state in India has a tree. Unfortunately, when you go to the various railway stations and airports in the capital city of each state, you do not find the state tree…

  • Three Aryan Invasions

    Three Aryan Invasions

    When people speak of the Aryan invasion, it is important to clarify which Aryan invasion they are talking about. Believe it or not, there are actually THREE…