scorecardresearch
Add as a preferred source on Google
Monday, April 20, 2026
HomeOpinionThePrint Purana

ThePrint Purana

Ancient Indian medical system had an image crisis. A new name fixed it

Ayurvedic texts have evidence that the leaders of the medical profession were trying to clean up their image and get rid of the charlatans among them.

Kautilya’s ‘Arthashastra’, Manu’s laws—Ancient India had rich literature on jurisprudence

Today, the plaintiff is expected to provide evidence in court. Jurists in ancient India saw the issue as more complex—the burden of proof was determined after both parties had spoken.

Maitreyi from Upanishads broke wife-mother mould in ancient India

Maitreyi chooses the knowledge that leads to immortality over her husband’s offer of money. Her philosophical ambition reveals the roots of women-led institutions in Buddhism and Jainism.

Actors of ancient India performed with ‘weapons, fire & poison’. Kautilya wasn’t a fan

Travelling troupes of actors and singers were prime opportunities to sneak in spies and infiltrate enemy kingdoms. Knowing this, Kautilya imposed several rules on their performance.

Panchatantra had Hebrew, Spanish, Latin versions. Different cultures made it their own

Early in the 20th century, Professor Johannes Hertel, a pioneer in Panchatantra research, recorded over 200 versions of the book in more than 50 languages.

Rome to Kabul, ancient India was a global player in trade. Kautilya’s Arthshastra tells all

Ancient Indians carried out a thriving global trade in a dazzling array of goods, from pearls, corals, and silk to wine, warhorses, and elephants.

Ancient India’s battle of ideas: Yudhisthira & Arjuna are ideal kings. Don’t be like Ashoka

The literary creation of the figures of Yudhisthira and Arjuna in the Mahabharata was likely a response to the historical example of Ashoka’s crisis of conscience.

When did large Hindu temples come into being? Not before 500 AD

Dharmashastras opposed temple-based religious and ritual activities. Vishnu Smriti says that Vedic recitation shouldn't be conducted 'in a temple, in a cemetery, at a crossroads, or on a road.'

Gargi Vachaknavi – India’s first woman philosopher who ‘shut up’ men in King Janaka’s court

King Janaka, better known to Indians as the father of Sita, once invited learned Brahmins to celebrate a lavish ritual. Videha, the kingdom over which...

On Camera

India’s close encounters with Pakistan on Siachen

Pakistan's SSG team was not adequately provisioned for the inclement weather. If it managed to consolidate its position, the story of Siachen would have been different. 

The rebirth of YES BANK, a financial thriller: How captains of industry brought it back from the brink

In March 2020, Prashant Kumar took over as CEO & MD overseeing YES Bank reconstruction. He was ably supported by veteran banker Sunil Mehta, CA Atul Bheda & consultant Mahesh Krishnamurti.

Why Siliguri Corridor is strategically important for India & how it is being secured | Cut The Clutter

This special edition of Cut The Clutter, straight from the Siliguri corridor, details the strategic importance of the narrow strip of land in West Bengal, and how it’s a vital link connecting the Northeast to the rest of India.

Trump, Netanyahu’s Iran gamble: The regime change rebound

American objectives are unmet. They neither have muscle nor motivation to resume the war. As for Iran, the regime didn’t just survive, it’s now led by more radical individuals.