R Mahalakshmi-Frontline

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Sergej Tschachotin the scientist, circa 1907.

Sergej Tschachotin: Anti-fascist scientist who used ‘Pavlovian Reflex’ to understand propaganda

German documentary Sergej in the Urn by Boris Hars-Tschachotin explores Sergej’s scientific contributions and his courageous political activism.

A depiction from Sanchi, dated 1st century CE, showing Asoka on his chariot, visiting the Nagas at Ramagrama.

The king who dared to apologise

In Olivelle’s book, Mauryan king Asoka stands out as an icon whose legacy must be upheld at a time when violence and aggression seem to be the norm.

Devotees performing a puja at the Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, for Maha Shivratri on February 18. Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of the Arya Samaj, disavowed Puranic religion and idolatory.

Sanatana Dharma’s historical roots reveal a complex journey

A pivotal force in the construction of Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma was shaped by colonialism, reform movements, and socio-religious ideologies.

Edicts of Asoka discovered in Nittur village, Karnataka.

Scrutinising the Asokan approach: Review of ‘The Asoka Inscriptions’ by Herman Tieken

Asoka’s humane administrative acumen is revealed in each and every edict.

The Azhagar Koil at Madurai. In “Ariyappadatha Tamilakam”, ThoPa narrates the legend of the deity Alakar and his consort, Tuluka Nachiyar, a Turkish “princess”.

An intellectual feast: Review of ‘The Sweet Salt of Tamil’ by Tho Paramasivan

The English translation of Tho Paramasivan’s Ariyappadatha Tamilakam offers just enough salt to taste the richness of Tamil.

‘The Religious Enterprise’ by K.M. Shrimali is a deep dive into matters of faith

The two volumes serve as a comprehensive history of religious traditions in early India.

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