Ashwamedha "अश्व मेध" to Ashwavadha "अश्व वध:" : a concocted Mughal journey.

Ashwamedha as Horse sacrifice was propagated by Moghuls as against popular belief that Britishers tempered it. Here are chronological archaeo and painting records proving ashwamedha was never to kill horse untill the Mughal courtiers interpolated it.

The study found that 27 kings from 18 dynasties had performed a total of 81 documented Ashwamedha Yagyas from the 1st century BCE to the 18th century CE.

Here we go. Retweet and bookmark this important debunking

#Archaeology

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Hindu ancient text emphasises the importance of Yagya and Nation building. Two of major text arer here

ऋग्वेदः - "अ॒ग्निमीळे॑ पुरोहितं॒ य॒ज्ञस्य॑ देवं॒ ऋत्विज॑म्। हो॒तारं॑ रत्नधात॒मम्॥" इति। अत्र अग्निः यज्ञे पुरोहितः (ऋत्विज्) भवति।
”agnim īḻe purohitaṃ yajñasya devam ṛtvijam | hotāraṃ ratnadhātamam ||” implies that the agni is the purohit (priest) in this sacred spiritual act (yagya)

शतपथब्राह्मणम् (१३.१.६) इत्यस्मिन् स्पष्टं वर्तते - "राष्ट्रं वा अश्वमेधः"। अत्र अश्वमेधयज्ञस्य वास्तविकं तात्पर्यम् देशस्य सुशासनं व्यवस्थापनं च इति, यत्र मानवसाधनं पर्यावरणं च सम्मिलितं भवतः।

Shatpath Brahman (13.1.6), it is stated that ”Rashtram va Ash­wamedha”, which implies the real meaning of Ashwamedha Yagya is to administer and manage the country efficiently, which not only involves human resources but also the ecosystem.

Note: No Horse "Sacrifice" Advised.

2/24

"Connections Between Vedic and Sumerian Civilizations"

Meru and Sumeru might not be just mythological concepts; they could have coexisted with striking similarities.

Both cultures worshipped sun deities and had similar creation myths involving cosmic battles and detailed genealogies of gods. Linguistic parallels further support these connections.

Despite historical gaps, this analysis offers a glimpse into ancient cross-cultural influences, inviting us to consider how ideas traveled long before modern communication.

#Bookmark this #Thread of #Threads 📚

1/ ***Language***

Sumerian and Sanskrit, though geographically distant, share intriguing similarities offering insights into early human civilization. Both are among the oldest written languages, with linguistic ties suggesting possible cultural exchange between their regions.

Sumerian and Sanskrit share complex inflectional systems for nouns, verbs, and sentences, suggesting common structural principles or ancient interactions. Lexical similarities also exist in areas like agriculture, family, nature, and religion.

Shail Vyas, Homi Bhabha Fellow, found more than 90 commonalities amont the name of musical instruments x.com/Ugra___/status…

2/

"Breast Cloth" and "Mulakkam" : a Breast tax or Adulthood tax

The projection as "Breast-Tax" is a recent twist.

No records in 300 years of history—discovery only 48 years ago.

#thread #bookmark

1/15 Mentions of Breast-Tax in Chronology:

- 1972: Book by T.K. Ravi
- 1973: Book by T.K. Ravi
- 2000: Book by S.N. Sadesivan
- 2011: Book by A. Raju
- 2016: BBC
- 2017: Indiatimes, Scroll, The Hindu
- 2018: Deccan Chronicle, India Today, Movie by Pagare
- 2019: Books by Menon, Emmanuel T, Subhrashis, S. Pillai

2/15

Boar: Reverence to Hunt

Boars embody incredible strength, courage, virility, and ferocity, making them formidable creatures both revered and feared across cultures.

Throughout Bharat's known history, since Kaliyuga in 3101 BCE, Varah has been depicted saving Bhumi Devi, symbolizing the divine intervention and the cosmic duty of preserving the earth. Varah, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, embodies the primal power and resilience necessary to uphold the world.

On the contrary, hunting boar was heroic in known Western history, celebrated in epic tales and royal pastimes, where the hunt tested bravery and skill. The boar was a symbol of both bounty and battle.

In modern times, "suar/swine" is used as an insult, reflecting a shift in perception. Let us begin with what is available on Boar, bridging ancient reverence and contemporary views.

Long thread #Bookmark and Share

1/17 Boars, a species of wild pigs, are believed to have originated in the lush, biodiverse landscapes of Indonesia approximately 4.2 million years ago. Over millennia, these adaptable creatures migrated and thrived across various terrains, leading to their domestication in East and Central Asia around 10,000 years ago. This domestication marked a pivotal shift in human agricultural practices, influencing the development of early civilizations.

Note: The accompanying map serves solely for illustrative purposes and does not delineate modern political boundaries or country borders.

2/17

Crackers are not the real culprits for air pollution in Delhi: It all started with the Punjab and Haryana Water Acts of 2008.

Forget Diwali crackers; let's discuss these acts and their environmental impact. It's not fireworks; the real culprits are often ignored.

Bookmark and share this important information.

1/9 The pollution issue traces back to the 1970s and 80s during the transformative Green Revolution in Punjab and Haryana. Aimed at bolstering national food security, traditional crops like maize, pearl millet, pulses, and oilseeds were swapped for a wheat-paddy rotation. However, the consequences for water tables were overlooked.

The adoption of contemporary irrigation methods, including tube wells, has inadvertently led to over-extraction of groundwater, draining vital aquifers. This depletion poses a serious threat to farming and fresh water resources.

With the change in cultivation patterns, particularly in Punjab, a concerning phenomenon started to unfold—the rapid decline of the water table.

2/9

Remember!

Britons sitting on looted wealth engineered artificial famines, killing millions and leaving behind genetic defects like shorter stature and diabetes.

Here are some pictures of the atrocities we all keep in our hearts as a warning..

1/8 Bengal famines caused by Churchill

2/8

Ever wondered why this year's rainy season is extended and furious?

The answer may lie in the Vedas and Hindu Shastra. Various ancient Sanskrit texts describe cyclic variations in Indian monsoon rainfall occurring every 3, 5, 7, 18, and 60 years. Time series analysis of seasonal rainfall data shows significant peaks near these periods.

We should all know that Venus, Mars, and Jupiter are nearest to the Earth in nearly 1.6, 15-17, and 59-63 years respectively. Indian rainfall oscillates every 2–3, 5–7, 11–12, 18–20, and 60 years. Narasimha and Kailas, using wavelet analysis, confirmed the first four patterns. These cycles vary in amplitude and phase, based on 100 years of data.

Let's check what we have got.

1/9 The monsoon season, known for bringing rain to much of the country, has been depicted in literature since the Rigveda. Vedic texts describe the evaporation-rainfall cycle effected by the Sun.

Out of 3,5,7,18,60 years cycle, 3 and 60 sems to have strong correlation with the rainy season. We shall discuss 3 and 60 with proofs while 5,7,18 we will see what our ancient astronomers have got

2/9

While scientists are still searching for the extinct "Saraswati" River, a possible clue lies in the Arabian Sea.

A 100 km ridge on the sea shelf, at depths ranging from 50 to 300 meters, aligns with the probable course of the mighty Saraswati River. It is believed that the Saraswati River flowed for about 15,000 years before becoming extinct. For approximately 3,000 of those years, it may have flowed through the ridge now submerged 140 meters below today's sea level.

Do we have the "will" to explore possible clues ?

*Ps : This is my personal opinion

/1 Several ancient Indian texts have provided detailed descriptions of the Saraswati river. Among these, the oldest is the Rig Veda, where the Saraswati river is described as the mightiest and the best among all rivers, despite the term "saras" actually meaning a lake.

The epic Mahabharata also mentions the Saraswati as being lost in the desert sands and then reappearing at different places in its downstream course, making it clear that the composer was aware of the Saraswati losing its flow strength.

/2

Edwin Lord Weeks, a famed painter, captured India's vibrant landscapes and rich culture from 1882-1888. I planned 2 hours for this thread but spent 6, mesmerized.

Zoom in the find intricacies and share your thoughts on Sunday!!

#MegaThread

1/29 Festival at Fatehpur Sikri

2/29

#Sanskrit's reach extended beyond India to Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam 2000 years ago. Dive into its widespread influence in this #Thread.

*Map not political

Src #wikiwand #Archaeology

1/ The earliest surviving Sanskrit inscription, the Vo Canh inscription, was discovered near Nha Trang, Vietnam, and dates back to the 3rd century CE. It mentions the granddaughter of a king, indicating a matrilineal society. #Archaeology

2/

"Indian Ocean Floor"

Zoom in to spot the revered Indus and Ganges on the ocean floor.

The green ridges were pliable by foot 12,000 years ago, reminiscent of Ratnagiri art.

1/2 Original

2/2

"Wife selling" emerged in late 17th-century England as an alternative to nearly impossible divorces. Husbands would publicly parade their wives with a halter, auctioning them off to the highest bidder.

Until the passing of the Marriage Act of 1753, a formal ceremony of marriage before a clergyman was not a legal requirement in England, and marriages were unregistered Sale of a Wife in Smithfield Market
"Now is your time gemmen; here's my Fat Heifer and ten pounds worth of bad Halfpence, all for half a Guinea, why her Hide's worth more to a Tanner; I'll warrant She's Beef to the Heels, and tho' her Horns ben't Wisible, yet he that buys her will soon feel their Sharpness.--there han't been such a Beast in the Market for Years--Zounds says the Fool in Blue Apron, I think I'll take her of thee, She and the Halfpence, must be worth the Money, I have had two Wives, and wou'd have Sold 'em for half that Sum"
Published 25th July 1797 by Laurie & Whittle, 53 Fleet Street, London

2/

Discover the fascinating contradictions of the Victorian Era.

From progress to repression, this period left an enduring mark.

Bookmark this🧵

1/12 What was Victorian Era ?

The Victorian Era spanned from 1837 to 1901 under Queen Victoria's reign, characterized by a mix of progress and repression. The influence of Victorian Model deployed in Britain is also visible in the countries they colonised.

Key Features of the Victorian Era:

📏 Era focused on strict morality, values for women and the poor. Emphasized family, social etiquette, hard work, thriftiness. Society upheld moral standards, strong religious influence.

👫 Gender Roles: Women focused on domestic duties, motherhood; men were breadwinners, heads of households.

💍 Arranged Marriages

💰 Dowry System

🚫 Stigmatizing Sensuality

🔖 Social Class Division: Victorian society had a rigid class structure: upper class (nobility and wealthy), middle class (professionals, merchants), lower class (unskilled laborers, servants).

#Thread about Victorian era for us to ponder how it seeped into our lives and continues to do so even today.

2/12

Amazon Women : The Amazons were legendary warrior women in Greek mythology hailing from the region near the Black Sea, known for their expertise in battle, horsemanship, and archery.

- As daughters of Ares, the god of war, the Amazons lived within a female-exclusive society that only welcomed men for procreation, with male offspring being deliberately eliminated.

- These powerful women were believed to reside on the outskirts of the Greek world, often linked to the territory surrounding the southern Black Sea coast, notably Themiskyra city-state.

- Another tale linked to Amazon involves the Gargareans, an all-male tribe who engaged in annual copulation with the Amazons. This arrangement aimed to ensure the reproduction of both tribes. The Amazons raised the female offspring as warriors and entrusted the male children to the Gargareans.

#Thread #Bookmark this because this holds an important clue to the Archaeological blackout
* Pic representational

1/ 2/

In a popular legend, the conflict between the Amazons and Heracles revolves around Queen Hippolyta's enchanted girdle. In some versions, Heracles secures the girdle through diplomacy and gifts, while in other retellings, the narrative transforms into a fierce clash between Heracles and the Amazons. Despite the formidable skills of the Amazons, they are eventually defeated by Heracles and his allies.

The recurring motif of conflict between the Amazons and Greek gods is a prevalent theme in mythology. The Amazons often engaged in battles with Greek deities such as Ares, Artemis, and Athena, with no definitive victor emerging.

Another connection to Anatolia is found in Ephesus, where legends suggest that Amazons made offerings to the goddess Artemis at her temple and performed ceremonial war dances, a tradition that was upheld annually. Amazons were credited with laying the foundation of numerous settlements in Asia Minor, including Ephesus, Cyme, Sinope, Priene, Myrina, Smyrna, and Mytilene on Lesbos.

Herodotus (c. 484 – 425/413 BCE), writing in his Histories (Bk. 4, 110-117), gives a lengthy description of a meeting between Amazons and Scythians. Young warriors of the latter group persuaded a number of visiting Amazons to set up a new society together, with the women insisting neither they nor their offspring would change their lifestyles at all. This new race was considered the origins of the Sarmatians in southern Russia, appropriately enough, a people famous for their horses and military aggression.

--------------------------------
Hereon various sculptures depicting "Amazon Woman vs Greek Man" for avid readers and researchers.

**1. Slab from the Amazonomachy frieze depicting five figures, three Greeks and two Amazons, and a horse. From the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, around 350 BCE (British Museum).

**2. An artist's depiction of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus as it may have appeared when it was completed c. 350 BCE. From the game Old World.

**3 The Ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

2/

Hellenistic Influence on Gandhara Art

The Hellenistic culture emerged following Alexander's conquests in the fourth century B.C.E. This era marked significant advancements in art, architecture, and literature. The Hellenistic world gradually fell to the Romans, with its final demise occurring in 31 B.C.

Key elements of Hellenistic influence include:

• Koine Greek: A widely spoken Attic-based Greek dialect that became the lingua franca of the ancient world.
• Alexandria: A prominent center of commerce and Hellenistic civilization.
• The polis: A type of Greek city-state that expanded to other regions of the Mediterranean.
• Stoicism: A philosophy advocating for living life according to rational order and performing virtuous acts for their inherent value.
• The Acropolis of Pergamon: An eminent example of monumental architecture featuring buildings that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and create a captivating public space.
• The Theater of Pergamon: A steep theater accommodating up to 10,000 spectators.

#bookmark this thread

Pic AI generated and not real

1/ Hellenistic architecture influenced Gandhara art, blending with local traditions to create visually stunning and functional spaces in monastic complexes and stupas. This cultural exchange enriched artistic expression, showcasing how diversity can lead to remarkable achievements in art.

2/

T͟h͟e͟ ͟o͟r͟i͟g͟i͟n͟ ͟a͟n͟d͟ ͟A͟g͟e͟ ͟o͟f͟ ͟"͟W͟e͟d͟d͟i͟n͟g͟ ͟R͟i͟n͟g͟s͟"͟
The literary evidence suggests that giving ring to the bride was introduced by Egypt and Greeks around 3rd century bce however, later this concept of wedding rings and marriage was adopted in Rome and Bactrian region through Alexander

M͟a͟r͟r͟i͟a͟g͟e͟ ͟l͟a͟w͟s͟ ͟i͟n͟ ͟R͟o͟m͟e͟
- Romans established clear legal regulations for prenuptial arrangements, weddings, and divorces, referring to their system as Justae Nuptiae, Justum Matrimonium, or Ligitimum Matrimonium.
- Marriage in ancient Rome required legal approval (connubium), with restrictions on who could marry.
- Parental consent was crucial for marriage, with age requirements set at 12 for brides and 14 for grooms.
- Roman wedding contracts were binding, with breaches resulting in serious consequences. The engagement was typically marked by the groom presenting money or an iron ring.

̳I̳n̳f̳l̳u̳e̳n̳c̳e̳ ̳o̳n̳ ̳H̳i̳n̳d̳u̳ ̳S̳e̳c̳t̳-̳B̳u̳d̳d̳h̳i̳s̳m̳
- The adoption of the Ring Ceremony may have been influenced by Buddhism after Alexander's return from Gandhar and Bactria.
- The Lalitavistata describes the Buddha selecting his bride and giving her his ring as a mark of engagement, indicating the custom of engagement rings existed by the 1st or 2nd century CE in Bactrian region Some egyptian quotes from Egypt 1st century ad

O little ring that art going to encircle my fair mistress’s finger, thou that no value hast save the giver’s love that goes with thee, be charming in her sight. May she with delight receive thee and straightway slip thee on her finger. May thou fit her, as well as she fits me; and may thy circle, nor over-tight nor yet too loose, softly gird her finger.
Happy ring, thou wilt be touched by her I love. Ah me, already I begin to envy my own gift’s happy lot…Go forth, little gift, upon thy way, and may my mistress see in thee the symbol of my changeless love.
~Ovid (43 BC–AD 17/18)
Excerpt from Amores, Book II, Elegy XV
(Translated by J. Lewis May, 1930)

It is in pursuance of this custom that even at the present day, an iron ring is sent by way of present to a woman when betrothed.

~Pliny the Elder (AD 23 – 79)
Naturalis Historia

2/

Turkmenistan's ancient architects left behind a legacy of awe-inspiring structures, demonstrating unparalleled craftsmanship and ingenuity.

This thread explores the parallels created by invaders in India during the same era. I could identify two such parallels with Turkmenistan; please share your thoughts as well.

1/ Big and Little Kyz-Kalas forts, built between 600-900 AD, are popular tourist attractions in Merv.

The grandiose Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar showcases Seljuk’s power in Merv.

Great Kyz Kala is an awe-inspiring mud-brick structure in Merv, believed to be built between the 6th and 8th centuries CE.

No parallel I could found in India

2/

A recently published research paper delves into the likely interpolations in Valmiki Ramayan, with a specific focus on two sections:

1. 'Bala Kanda's Original Ramayan'
2. 'Uttara Kanda'

Valmiki Ramayan, often hailed as the national epic of India, was penned by the pioneering poet of the literary world, the 'Adi Kavi' Guru Valmiki.

The paper underscores the unique characteristics of the 'Uttara Kanda,' highlighting its distinct content, texture, and poetic quality. It delves deeper into an exploration of this section, outlining disparities between the 'Uttara Kanda' and the other six Kandas by analyzing nuances of its poetic style including language, style, emotion, and expressions.

Moreover, the research scrutinizes various incidents such as the Phalashruti at the end of 'Yuddha Kanda,' Sita's banishment, Shambuk's termination, the narrative of Valmiki Ramayan sung by Lava-Kusa, and Sita's Agni Pariksha to investigate potential interpolations.

In essence, this research paper offers a comprehensive analysis of these interpolations in Valmiki Ramayan, particularly spotlighting the 'Uttara Kanda.'

Presenting findings of the paper without adding or compressing it. If you are in a hurry this thread is not for you, but since you are reading this line you must go further and comment as a peer reviewer on the research paper link in last tweet...

1/ The Valmiki Ramayan comprises around 24,000 shlokas, with each shloka being a verse. These verses are categorized into seven kandas:

1. Bala Kanda
2. Ayodhya Kanda
3. Aranya Kanda
4. Kishkindha Kanda
5. Sundara Kanda
6. Yuddha Kanda
7. Uttara Kanda

The text notes that the Valmiki Ramayan is made up of 500 sargas, but it actually contains over 600 chapters. (xi-xvi)

2/

Closed, endogamous communities have a rich history in Southern Asia. Throughout the past millennium, they have been referred to as 'jati' in Sanskrit, 'qaum' in Arabic, 'zat' in Persian, among other terms.

Interestingly, there is no direct equivalent for "caste" in any Indian or Asian language, despite its pervasive use today in Indian public and policy discussions.

The term was originally introduced as 'casta' by Iberians – Portuguese and Spanish – first in the Iberian peninsula and later in Asia and the Americas. However, the precise ways in which this term was utilized – descriptively, administratively, and sociologically – remain less explored.

There have been classification in most parts of the world based on their status, color, hierarchy etc.

Lets delve

#Bookmark this #thread on Caste system in the ancient world

1/ The term "caste" has a rich history. Originally derived from Spanish and Portuguese, it referred to lineage or tribe. The word took on its modern sense when Portuguese colonizers encountered the Indian social groups in 1498, where it described endogamous social divisions.

The term "caste" was first used in English in 1613 in the context of India. In Latin America, "caste" is also used to refer to a racial classification system based on ancestry. Despite the linguistic link between the Latin American and South Asian systems, the comparability of the two remains a subject of debate.

Historically, European societies were stratified into closed social systems like nobility, clergy, bourgeoisie, and peasants. Each group had distinct privileges and rights that were inherited and not based on wealth or citizenship. Inter-caste marriage often led to loss of privileges. Some countries gave titles to these groups with their own codes of behavior and dress. These closed social classes were sometimes referred to as estates in parts of Europe.

In European society, below the recognized estates, a large group of serfs served those with status. Serfs endured into the mid-19th century, with limited rights and restricted mobility. Marriage and living arrangements were controlled by State, Church, landowners, and local custom.

2/

Unraveling the Mystique of the Indian Holi Festival 🎨
From All-Women to Coed,
From Music & Fire to Water,
From feast to Bhang

Called by various names throughout the ages and regions : "Dol-Jatra", "Dulhendi", "Dhola", "Odad", "Holikotsav", "Holi", "Rangwali Holi", "Dol Purnima", "Dhuleti", "Dhulandi", "Ukuli", "Manjal Kuli", "Yaosang", "Shigmo", "Phagwah", or "Jajiri"

-Archaeo evidences suggest that Full moon of Falguna was celebrated by woman with music followed by a full night Jagran on following day dedicating to Shiva untill ~1000 years ago
-Evidence of pichkaries and Water are seen from 10th century some participation by man is also visible in this era
-Around 1500, The men participation increased
-Around 1750, Radha Krishna paintings also became popular.
-By 1970, Holi association with Bhang is seen

Let’s explore the Journey of #Holi as we know today #Thread DM #होलिका_दहन Happy Holi

1/13 3rd century bce

The earliest mention of the Holi festival dates back to the Sitabenga Cave Inscription from the 2nd or 3rd century BCE. - “adipayariiti hadayarti 1 sabhava-garu kavayo e ratayarh .... dule vasarhtiya hasavanubhute I kudasphataiii evarii alarh g”
-It describes how during the swing-festival of the vernal full moon, people used to tie garlands thick with jasmine flowers around their necks as they enjoyed frolics and music.

-In a second picture from Chandraketugarh, Bengal, woman can be seen playing music with garlands around her neck. (Similar to the inscription found in Sitabenga) This suggests that around 2200 years ago, Holi may have been primarily a women's festival.

-Approximately 2200 years ago, during the time of Holi, the weather would have been as hot as it is on April 23rd today due to the earth's precession.

2/13

"African Eve: Hoax or Hypothesis?"

- A critical analysis of the replacement hypothesis suggesting modern humans evolved only in sub-Saharan Africa.
- The hypothesis is refuted using genetic, anthropological, and archaeological perspectives.

#Archaeology

1/ The field of Pleistocene archaeology and paleoanthropology has been compromised by sectarian preoccupations and struggles for authority.

- The concept of "anatomically modern humans" is nonsensical.
- The belief upheld for a long time is that the "Upper Paleolithic" was introduced from Africa to Europe.
- The case of false datings by Professor Reiner Protsch "von Zieten", exposed in 2003.
- The "Afro-European sapiens" model and the "African Eve" complete replacement scenario have gained traction but face methodological problems.
- The mitochondrial Eve model, which assumed constancy of mutation rates, has been debunked.
- Various genetic hypotheses about the origins of "Moderns" have placed the hypothetical split between them and other humans at different periods.

2/