Historical and Civilisational Studies
Articles
Why Dilute the Vision of the University at Nalanda?

In a remarkable speech delivered at Nalanda on November 20, 1951 at the inauguration of the Magadh Research Institute for the study of Pali, Prakrit and research in Buddhist literature and philosophy, Dr. Rajendra Prasad the first President of the In

Projecting India’s Civilisational and Cultural Perspective: Need for an Integrated Vision

In his address on ‘The Influence of Indian Spiritual Thought in England’ on 11th March 1898 at Calcutta Swami Vivekananda distinctly referred to the Indian civilisational reach worldwide. While travelling in the Eastern parts of Asia,

The Epics and our National Life: ignored perspectives, six examples and some views

Avant Propos: Constructing – Deconstructionism Inspired by the theory and belief of an imagined India a vocal and influential section in the Indian and Western academia and intelligentsia has been uninterruptedly inspiring and promoting a

Perspectives on Standards in Public Life & Swaraj

Of late the debate on standards in public life, of probity in public life and of the use and abuse of power in a democratic framework has been occupying the centre stage. While the debate has often developed to no-holds barred level it is nevertheles

Encircling the ‘Light of Asia’: the Lumbini Project

Though he often lamented the extent and depth of Indian influence on Chinese civilisation in the past, Ambassador Hu Shih (1891-1962) scholar-formidable of China’s cultural renaissance nevertheless conceded India’s immense contribution to his cou

Revisiting the Indian Tradition of Public Dissent

Avant Propos Writing a foreword to noted social historian and political philosopher Dharampal’s (1922-2006) book ‘Civil Disobedience in Indian Tradition’ [1971] legendary Indian mass leader and socialist thinker Jayaprakash Nar

Is India Not a Nation?

Most of the British and European nationals who came to India in the 18th and 19thcenturies were simply dismayed at its vast geographical dimensions, it’s cultural diversity and religious plurality. They could not believe that

The Necessity of Reinventing a Shared Cultural Past–India and Southeast Asia

[The story of India’s two thousand years old association with the Southeast Asian region remains a unique and unparalleled saga in the history of civilisations. It is a fascinating story that continues to retain its vibrancy and appeal. Indian c

India's Soft-Power:Call Comes From The East!

Introduction: There has been renewed fighting over the last few weeks between two Asian nations Thailand and Cambodia, in India’s near abroad region, over the 9th Century Hindu Temple complex situated on a mountain-top. Preah Vihear is a

Recreating Nalanda - Is the Deeper Raison d’être Missing?

The great Nalanda University of yore is being sought to be revived and the ongoing effort since 2007 has been widely projected and discussed. It is but natural that the state of Bihar has been selected as the venue for recreating what was once undoub

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