Encyclopaedia on India

The Murundas, a tribe of intriguing provenance, are believed to have emerged as a foreign influence in India, particularly during the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE. Primarily settled towards the east of the Ganges, they played a substantial role in the historical tapestry of the Utkal region, which corresponds to modern-day Odisha. The Murunda dynasty is thought to have succeeded the Mahameghavahana dynasty , creating a notable period of governance until their eventual supersession by the Nagas of Vindhyatabi and the Gupta Empire. Geographically, the Murundas emphasized their presence across six critical cities: Boraita, Koryagaza, Kondota, Kelyana, Aganagora, and Talarga. Their influence extended over the Chota-Nagpur plateau and parts of Central India, marking their significance in ancient Indian polity. The Vishnu Purana references the Murundas, associating them with a lineage of eleven princes who succeeded the Tusharas or Tokhari, further establishing their historical presence. Addi...

The Jnatrkas tribe, also recognized as the Natha or Naya clan, holds profound historical significance in the Indian subcontinent, primarily due to its connection with Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. Mahavira, known as the last Tirthankara of the Jains, emerged from this tribe and made substantial contributions to religious reform, establishing Jainism as one of the major religions in India. Settling in regions such as Vaishali, Kundagrama, and its suburb Kollaga, the Jnatrkas cultivated a lifestyle characterized by ethical adherence and spiritual discipline. They were known for their profound fear of sin, which motivated them to abstain from wicked deeds and refrain from causing harm to any living being. Consequently, the Jnatrkas practiced vegetarianism, aligning their dietary choices with their moral philosophy. The Jnatrkas also housed a religious establishment known as Duipalasa, located outside their settlement at Kollaga, which reflects their commitment to spiritual practi...

  The Daradas were a prominent tribe from the north-western part of ancient India, particularly associated with the region that encompasses parts of modern-day Kashmir. Historical texts, including the Mahabharata, articulate the involvement of the Daradas in significant military conflicts, notably their alliance with the Kauravas during the great Kurukshetra War. The Mahabharata describes their defeat at the hands of Vasudeva Krishna, who led an alliance against the Kauravas that included various tribes such as the Khasas, Sakas, Yavanas, Trigarttas, and Malavas. This indicates the strategic importance of the Daradas in the political and military landscape of their time. Epic and Puranic traditions suggest that the Daradas occupied the north-west frontier of Kashmir, illustrating their geographical and cultural significance within the region. Their historical relevance is further underscored by various names attributed to them, including Dardae and Derdai, reflecting their integr...

Madhu Forest, historically recognized as Madhuvana, is situated to the west of the River Yamuna and holds significant importance in the epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The forest gained its name from the demon Madhu, who was ultimately vanquished by Shatrughna, the valiant brother of Lord Rama, the revered king of Kosala. Following this victorious endeavor, Shatrughna cleared the dense thicket and established the city of Mathura, which later became the capital of the Surasena Kingdom. The Yadava dynasty, particularly under the rulers Ugrasrena and Kansa, were prominent figures who governed Mathura, which thrived in cultural and economic prosperity for centuries. The Holy Book of Shrimad Bhagavatam narrates an episode from the Satya Yuga, which highlights the significance of Madhuvan as a place for performing austerities. Dhruva, a figure of immense reverence, visited the forest to seek spiritual enlightenment and a kingdom greater than that of his great-grandfather, Brahma. ...

Dandakaranya, a vast expanse of forested land located in the central and eastern parts of India, holds a significant position in both historical and spiritual contexts. Spanning the states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, Dandakaranya is situated between the Godavari and Narmada Rivers. This extensive forest, often referred to as the largest in Ancient India, serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of biodiversity and cultural heritage that define the region. Historically, Dandakaranya is famously associated with the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, spent 14 years of exile traversing this dense forest. This narrative has imbued Dandakaranya with considerable religious significance, as it is revered by Hindus as a sacred space where divine occurrences have taken place. Furthermore, Dandakaranya is noted for its diverse geography; the eastern section features abrupt hills, while the western elevation...

The theatre of ancient India serves as a profound reflection of the country’s rich artistic heritage, traceable back to the Vedic period. It is widely believed that theatrical traditions emerged during the times of the Rig Veda, where ritualistic performances were integral to the spiritual and communal life of the Vedic people. These early forms of theatre can be understood as an extension of religious rituals practiced by the Vedic Aryans, aimed at reinforcing cultural narratives and societal norms. The seminal work in this domain, the " Natya Shastra " by Bharata Muni, laid the foundational principles of Indian drama and is often regarded as the first treatise on theatre. In this text, Bharata introduced the term "roopaka," which signifies the artistic portrayal of reality in a nuanced manner, highlighting the essence of performance art in conveying deeper meanings and emotions. These principles not only formalized theatre as an art form but also enriched its a...

  The Gupta Period, flourishing around 320 to 550 CE in India, was marked by significant advancements in culture, art, and science, including the realm of culinary practices. This era is illuminated by the literary works of noted playwrights such as Kalidasa, as well as texts like "Angavijja" and the "Bharata Samhita," which provide insights into the dietary habits of the time. The diet in the Gupta Empire was diverse, primarily characterized by both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. This variety was influenced by the prevailing religious beliefs, particularly Buddhism and Jainism, which promoted vegetarianism among their adherents. Cereals, vegetables, fruits, and dairy products formed the cornerstone of the Gupta diet, with regional variations based on local agriculture. Non-vegetarian foods, including meat and fish, were consumed depending on geographical location and individual practices. Significant culinary contributions during this period arose particula...