Indian History with Dr. Veenus

Muhammad Ghori (1173-1206 CE) was the Muslim ruler who laid the foundation for the subsequent Islamic ruling dynasties of India which saw its pinnacle later in the Mughal Empire (1526-1857 CE). He ruled a vast area comprising parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Iran, Bangladesh, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan together with his elder brother Ghiyath al-Din Muhammad (1139-1202 CE), which wid...

The history of Islam concerns the political, social, economic, military, and cultural developments of the Islamic civilization. Most historians believe that Islam originated in Mecca and Medina at the start of the 7th century CE.

The Arabs were the first Muslims to invade India. But their conquests in India were confined to Sind and Multan. It was left to the Turks to complete the work begun by the Arabs. The Turks, however did not invade solely with the object of spreading Islam in India. They wanted to loot India as well.

The period of the Gupta rule is one of the brightest in the history of India, characterized by all round peace, prosperity and intellectual development. Hence, this age has been fittingly described as ‘the Golden Age of Hindu Rule’

The Gupta Empire was an ancient Indian empire which existed from the early 4th century CE to late 6th century CE. At its zenith, from approximately 319 to 467 CE, it covered much of the Indian subcontinent. This period is considered as the Golden Age of India by historians.

A flourishing civilization emerged on the banks of the river Indus in the second half of the third millennium BCE and spread across large parts of North-Western and Western India. This is what is known as Harappan Civilisation or Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC). It is among the earliest and finest examples of urban civic planning.

Sikhism is the world’s fifth-largest religion with more than 25 million Sikhs worldwide. The Sikh Gurus, known as spiritual guides or teachers, established the religion. Guru Nanak was the first Guru and was born in the 15th Century in the Punjab region of India. Sikhs believe in the Oneness of all beings and the equality of everyone. Guru Nanak taught that one must honour God by honouring others...

Puppetry is one of the ancient forms of entertainment. Several regional genres make puppetry one of the richest heritage of India. Puppetry show includes pictorial story depiction using puppets, live music, gestures & narration. Puppetry has been of interest both for entertainment and educational purpose. Moreover, it has been of philosophical importance in the Indian culture.

The crafts of India are diverse, rich in history, culture & religion. Himachal Pradesh is known as Dev Bhumi in India. Among arts & crafts that come out of Himachal Pradesh, is known for its: Embroidery, Weaving, Jewellery & Paintings.

The Maurya Empire, or the Mauryan Empire, was a geographically extensive ancient Indian Iron Age historical power in South Asia based in Magadha, having been founded by Chandragupta Maurya in 322 BCE, and existing in loose-knit fashion until 185 BCE.

India, the land of diverse cultures and ethnicities, is known for its wide variety of martial arts that have developed since the ancient times. Earlier used for warfare, these art forms are today usually used for demonstration, as a part of  a ritual, achieving physical fitness or as a means of self-defence.

This episode elaborates on the message behind celebrating Janamashtami.

Jainism is traditionally known as Jain Dharma which is an ancient Indian religion. Followers of Jainism are called “Jains”.  Jains trace their spiritual ideas and history through a succession of twenty-four victorious saviours and teachers known as tirthankaras. Jains believe that Jainism is an eternal dharma with the tirthankaras guiding every cycle of the Jain cosmology. The main religious...

This episode gives a detailed account on the folk dances of India.

India disintegrated into multiple autonomous republics throughout the sixth century BC. The sixteen significant and strong kingdoms as a result developed. The era from the start of the 6th century BC to the emergence of Magadha is referred to as the "Sixteen Mahajanapada Age."  This episode elaborates on these Sixteen Mahajanapadas in detail.

Sources can be both written documents and artefacts – and both types can inform us about the past. The source can be an old biography or an old historical record as well. The Sources are to help us get as close as possible to the event.

India has been one of the Earliest issuers of coins in the world and has been known for its sheer diversity in terms of Minting Techniques, Motifs, Sizes, Shapes, & the Metals Used. Coins are an important source of history, as they Suggest Important Historical Processes.

Distinct styles of dance have evolved in different regions of India, each with their own specific nuances. However, all these dance forms are governed by the basic rules and guidelines laid down in the Natya Shastra. Presently, as per Sangeet Natak Akademi, there exists eight classical dance forms in India, which include Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Odissi, Manipuri, Kathak and...

History is a sequence of events of past. These events are categorised as a bunch of Causes and Effects. It is the condition Necessary & Sufficient for bringing about change in the given event. Moreover, it talks about the relationship of cause and effect between events. It is an act or process that produces an effect.

Cartography or mapmaking is the study and practice of making maps. In simpler terms means the art of drawing maps or charts.

The Bhakti movement was a major Hindu religious revival movement during medieval India that sought to bring reforms to all strata of society by preaching the practice of devotion to achieve salvation. Originating in Tamil Nadu, it gained prominence through the poems and teachings of the Vaishnava Alvars & Shaiva Nayanars before spreading northwards. It swept through east and north India from t...

This episode gives a detailed account on the awards and honours bestowed by Government of India.

India was known throughout the world for its education system and universities during ancient times.

A Mudra is a symbolic or ritual gesture or pose in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. While some mudras involve the entire body, most are performed with the hands and fingers. A Buddha image can have one of several common mudras, combined with different asanas. The main mudras used represent specific moments in the life of Gautama Buddha, and are shorthand depictions of these.

In this episode Dr Sunil Mehra highlights the impact of lifestyle on health and how our present society and culture is disease oriented.