Peoples Telangana

Nalanda University was attacked three times. First attack was done by order of Brahmin General named Pushyamitra who took advantage of declining Mauryan dynasty and its weak rulers. It should be noted they attacked the university and the monks but not burnt down the libraries. The attack was against only the Buddhists. Guptas came to power after decline of Mauryan dynasty . When Guptas came to power they reconstructed the University and restored the glory of Nalanda once again. But after decline of Guptas dynasty, there was another which came to power in eastern India that was Gauda Dynasty (of present day Bengal). King Shashanka was one of the most powerful ruler of Gaudiya Dynasty. The development of the Bengali calendar is often attributed to Shashanka because the starting date falls within his reign. During his time, Buddhists were heavily persecuted and Nalanda University was attacked. In the inscriptions of Chinese monk Xuanzang ( who travelled to India during that period) mentio...

In a world where access to quality education and healthcare is a fundamental right, India is poised to embark on a transformative journey. Inspired by the successful models of Nordic and Scandinavian countries, the idea of advocating for free education and healthcare for all in India is gaining momentum. This article explores the potential benefits, challenges, and strategies to make this vision a reality. Breaking Down Barriers: Universal Access Free education and healthcare would ensure that every Indian citizen, regardless of their background, has equal opportunities. This eliminates the financial barriers that currently hinder social mobility for millions. Education: Current Scenario: Despite significant strides in increasing enrollment rates (reaching 94.8% for 6-17-year-olds in 2021-22, according to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER)), significant disparities remain. Dropout rates: High dropout rates, particularly among girls and students from marginalized commun...

MOHAN GURUSWAMY: In his last days Napoleon Bonaparte, now Britain’s prisoner on the remote island of St.Helena (1815-21) and slowly being poisoned with arsenic wrote to his son Francois, by his second wife the Austrian princess Marie Louise, exhorting him to study history “for that is the only truth!” After Napoleon died Marie Louise answering the call of duty married the Duke of Parma while Francois the titular king of Rome lived in Vienna. One does not know how much history Francois studied in his twenty one years, but one were to go by what was written about his father in Europe soon after Waterloo, he would have discovered that written history is the version of the victor and far from the whole truth. History invariably is written and rewritten to serve the political and ideological cause of the ruling elites. No wonder Winston Churchill said: “Gentlemen, history will be kind to us- we will write it!”  Take Indian history as is being taught in our schools today, it is the histo...

Crony capitalism, a system where close ties between businesses and the political elite result in preferential treatment and unfair advantages, has been a recurring concern in India. While it has existed in various forms throughout Indian history, its manifestation in recent years has raised significant concerns about economic inequality, corruption, and the erosion of democratic institutions. Historical Roots: The seeds of crony capitalism in India can be traced back to the "License Raj" era, characterized by extensive government control and a complex system of permits and licenses. This system often led to favoritism and rent-seeking behavior, benefiting a select few businesses with political connections. Contemporary Manifestations: Favoritism in Government Contracts: 2G Spectrum Scam: The allocation of 2G spectrum licenses at below-market prices to select telecom companies led to massive losses for the exchequer and allegations of widespread corruption, benefiting a f...

 IIT Madras Director, Professor V. Kamakoti, has drawn sharp criticism for his recent remarks on the alleged medicinal properties of cow urine. During an address at a "Go Samrakshana Sala" (cow protection shelter) in Chennai, Professor Kamakoti attributed various health benefits to cow urine, including antibacterial, antifungal, and digestive properties. He even cited an anecdote about an ascetic who reportedly cured a high fever by consuming cow urine. This incident follows a series of instances where IIT faculty members have made controversial statements that lack scientific basis. IIT Mandi Director:  In 2023, the IIT Mandi director, Laxmidhar Behera, faced criticism for attributing landslides and cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh to the consumption of meat. IIT Delhi Professor:  Earlier this year, an associate professor at IIT Delhi, Divya Dwivedi, sparked controversy with comments suggesting a future for India without Hinduism. These incidents raise concerns about the ...

The question of why nations fail is a profound one that has puzzled economists, historians, and political scientists for centuries. Many factors contribute to the success or failure of nations. One widely discussed theory comes from the book  "Why Nations Fail"  by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson. According to them, the primary reason nations succeed or fail lies in their institutions. Key Points from the Book: Inclusive vs. Extractive Institutions: Inclusive institutions  encourage participation, innovation, and economic activity by providing property rights, a level playing field, and incentives for investment. These lead to sustained economic growth. Extractive institutions  concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few, leading to economic stagnation and social unrest. They hinder innovation and discourage the majority from engaging in economic activities. Historical Examples: The authors discuss historical examples like the differences between North an...

Date: January 6, 2025 . The big picture : Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin announced a $1 million prize for decoding the Indus Valley script, highlighting Tamil Nadu's cultural and historical significance. Event : Inauguration of a three-day conference in Chennai marking the IVC's centenary. Quote : "The riddle hasn’t been answered for the past 100 years despite several efforts by archaeologists and experts," said Stalin. Key points: Prize : $1 million for decoding the IVC script to the satisfaction of archaeological experts. Historical claim: Stalin emphasizes Tamil Nadu's central role in Indian history, linking IVC symbols like bulls to Dravidian culture. Cultural connection : Stalin pointed out parallels between IVC seals and ancient Tamil practices like bull-taming. Background : Discovery : IVC was discovered by Sir John Marshall in 1924, suggesting a Dravidian link. Legacy : A statue of Marshall to be erected in Tamil Nadu. Research and archaeology: New find...