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Friday, January 9, 2026
TopicAncient India

Topic: ancient India

How did ancient Indians, Africans, Greeks understand science? Panch tatva, God, myth

At the launch of his book 'Mythakon se Vigyan Tak', Gauhar Raza spoke about the development of science, scientific consciousness, and myths across ancient civilisations.

Torture, death, fines — how Arthashastra guided ancient kings on addressing crime & dissent

Ancient and medieval Indian theorists had a grim view of justice. Arthashastra insisted on harsh punishments—but also restrained state power in surprisingly moral ways.

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.

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.

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.

‘Invisible planes in 4th century India, rockets of Krishna’s grandson’: What states want in NCERT books

Haryana proposes students be taught that Maharishi Kanada is father of atomic theory not John Dalton. YSRCP-led Andhra says need to 'not succumb to superstition in name of antiquity'.

Army launches Project Udbhav to ‘rediscover profound Indic heritage of statecraft, warfare’

Panel discussion under project, which concluded Friday, encompassed talks on ancient texts from the 4th century BCE to the 8th century CE, with a focus on Kautilya, Kamandaka etc.

Did Vedic Indians invent kissing? UK-Denmark study says liplocks go way back, spread love (& herpes)

Studies have cited Vedic India as the birthplace of smooching — which may have changed course of the herpes simplex virus — but new research in journal 'Science' challenges assumptions.

On Camera

Global economic growth to slow in 2026 as Trump’s tariffs bite, UN says

The global economy is forecast to expand 2.7% this year, down from an estimated 2.8% in 2025. Growth is expected to go back up to 2.9% by 2027.

2025: Pakistan’s deadliest year in over a decade

Islamabad-based think-tank PICSS's new report says Pakistan saw 'pronounced escalation' in violence last year, with 3,413 conflict-related deaths compared to 1,950 in previous year.

A year-end Mea Culpa in National Interest—The Army-Islam combo doesn’t kill democracy

Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.