Topic: Thinking Medieval

The Cholas built massive temples dedicated to Shiva in Tamil Nadu, inspiring other kingdoms. But because they were too expensive to maintain, the Ganga dynasty in Odisha chose to patronise an existing local deity — Jagannath in Puri.

Maulana Daud’s ‘Chandayan’ originated in a cultural context we can think of as Hindu, above which Sufism had become a major strand of elite devotion.

Nalanda started losing importance by the 11th century, with rulers determining that Brahmin settlements were far more useful than Buddhist monasteries. Brahmins were willing to work as a state cadre, whereas Buddhist monks would not.

In the 13th century, Iran’s Mongol conquerors presided over Buddhism’s last great flowering in the West.

The standard narrative paints a picture of constant, merciless 'Islamic' persecution, based on a selective reading of a handful of medieval loudmouths. The reality is much more complex.

Dara Shikoh’s wedding cost Rs 32 lakh – $48 million today. Reportedly, just the first of two Ambani pre-wedding bashes cost $151 million.

Indians created fragile systems that collapsed under environmental pressure. The best example of this is the Indus Valley Civilisation.

In an India that was post-Mughal but pre-British Raj, diplomacy, popular religion, and a constellation of genius painters created the most spectacular Ramayana adaptation ever.

Dalit Lingayats, educated in the Vedas, defeated Buddhists in debate. Women conducted rituals, and exercised free will in marriages.

Middle castes reveal a complicated social history. Caste is rooted in politics, not just religion