1️⃣ The Archaeological Survey of India won't reveal the true story of Rohtasgarh Fort.

- Ancient Times: Legend has it that Rohtasgarh was established by Rohitashva, the son of the mythical Suryavanshi ruler Harishchandra, which inspired the area's name. However, since there are no definitive ruins from before the 7th century, its early history remains enigmatic.

Imagery AI Created
2️⃣ An ancient inscription traces back to Mahasamanta Shashankadava, believed to be connected to Shashanka, the Gauda monarch. Around the 13th century, the Khayaravala dynasty, which likely had ties to local Kharwar tribes, governed the area. A notable inscription from 1223 CE references Shri Pratapa, who triumphed over a Muslim "Yavana" force. The royal seal features a humped bull as its emblem.

1️⃣ In Goa, Hindu communities embrace an age-old custom of venerating anthills, considering them sacred representations of the Earth Goddess. Locally referred to as Sateri (Santeri), Bhoomika, Ela, among other names, these anthills are honored as symbols of mother earth's divinity. The village name "Bhoma" in Goa is rooted in this reverence, connecting back to Bhoomi (Earth). One notable example is the revered anthill in Virnoda, Goa. 2️⃣ The revered structures are termite mounds, not ant hills, as termites and ants are biologically different species. In Konkani, "ro’in" signifies anthills, which historically connects to the Austric-rooted word "Rono," meaning "full of holes."

1️⃣ # Victorian Code of Modesty: A Thread on Female Status and personal Life vs Men

## The Hidden Reality Behind Victorian "Virtue"

The Victorian era (1837-1901) created one of history's most elaborate systems of female subjugation, disguised as moral protection. While we often picture prudish women fainting at exposed ankles, the reality was a calculated legal, medical, and social framework that stripped women of personhood while claiming to honor their virtue.

This should be bookmarked for future references. RT max 2️⃣ ## The Doctrine of Separate Spheres: Biology as Destiny

Victorian society was built on the "doctrine of separate spheres"- the belief that men and women were naturally designed for completely different roles:

**Men's Domain:**
- Public sphere (politics, business, law, commerce)
- Active, rational, progressive nature
- Financial providers and decision-makers
- Natural sexual beings with legitimate desires

**Women's Domain:**
- Private sphere (home, family, religion)
- Passive, emotional, nurturing nature
- Moral guardians without sexual feelings
- Dependent beings requiring male protection

This wasn't merely social convention - Victorians believed it was **biological destiny**[4]. As one Victorian theorist declared: "The man's power is active, progressive, defensive... but the woman's power is for rule, not for battle"[5].

1️⃣ What is Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)?

AKTC is a philanthropic agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), founded in 1988 in Geneva, Switzerland, with the aim to revitalize historic cities, conserve monuments, and leverage culture for community development. 2️⃣ Who Founded AKTC?

AKTC was created by His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims, as part of AKDN’s broader mandate to improve welfare in Asia and Africa.

1/ 🧵Colonial Science & Caste: A Madras Observatory Story
How did Brahmins become human instruments of empire? A thread on caste, race, and the strange machinery of colonial astronomy in India. 👇 2/ Brahmin as Tools

The Madras Observatory served as more than just a center for astronomical study; it was where colonial science intersected with issues of caste and ethnicity. Brahmins were chosen not solely for their expertise, but for their skills in calculation, documentation, and adherence to orders. They gradually became regarded less as intellectuals and more as automated entities—akin to "human substitutes for self-recording devices."

Despite their crucial contributions, Indian assistants were often reduced to mere 'tools' or machines, with their wisdom and independence minimized in official narratives.

Join me in celebrating the 132nd Birth Anniversary of Paramananda Acharya, a trailblazer in Odisha Archaeology.

Discover the legacy of this Padma Shri awardee in putting Odisha in the map of #Archaeology 🎉🔍

1/9 Paramananda is renowned for restoring the Khiching temple in Mayurbhanj, which is crafted from green stone (chlorite slabs). He embarked on extensive jungle journeys by bicycle, often lasting days, to transform the ruins into a revitalized mandir.

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The term "Gypsies" refers to the Romani people, who have origins in North India. It's believed they began their migration from the regions of Punjab and Rajasthan around the 8th century. Tracing their ancestry back to northern India, particularly the Punjab area, the Romani people embarked on a westward journey about 1,000 to 1,500 years ago.

Their path took them through Persia, Armenia, and the Byzantine Empire, reaching Europe between the 8th and 14th centuries. The earliest European records of the Romani date back to the 14th century, marking their spread across the continent.

Once logistic giants now mostly settled in Europe or remains roadside selling tools and daily implements.

1/5 Their population is around 2-20 million in the world. Romani culture emphasizes family, community, and oral traditions. Storytelling, music, and dance are central – think flamenco in Spain or jazz manouche in France, influenced by Romani artists.
Strict moral codes govern purity, marriage, and elder respect.

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The Gubyaukgyi (or Kubyauk-gyi) temple, near Bagan, Myanmar, was built in 1113 AD by Prince Yazakumar after King Kyansittha's death. It's renowned for its well-preserved frescoes, the oldest in Bagan, featuring Old Mon captions that mark early language use in Myanmar.

Located near the Myazedi Pagoda, it stands beside a key historical pillar with inscriptions in Pali, Old Mon, Old Burmese, and Pyu, often dubbed the "Burmese Rosetta Stone" for its linguistic significance.

1/13 Stone pillars with inscriptions in four ancient Southeast Asian languages: Pali, Old Mon, Old Burmese, and Pyu. The inscription on the pillar displayed by the Myazedi Pagoda is called the Burmese Rosetta Stone, given its historical and linguistic significance as a key to deciphering the Pyu language.

Compare the protection given to this pillar by a relatively smaller country. @AsiGOI can learn from these smaller countries as to how to protect heritages of national importance.

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Did you know that "Bull Leaping" or "Bull Taming" finds its roots in India, and was gender neutral ? It later made its way to Europe, where it goes by different names. The earliest seal dates back to around 2600-1900 BCE. The second piece of evidence for Bull Leaping comes from Banawali, near the dry Saraswati riverbed in Haryana, dating from 2300-1700 BCE.

#Archaeology

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The subsequent known depiction of bull-leaping appears on Hüseyindede vases, originating from the early Hittite period around 1650 BCE. #Archaeology

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DEVDASI | Journey from GLEAM to GLOOM | Most respected to most dejected

Thread to look back in time to where we are today. An untold story in the evocative book 'NITYASUMANGALI' by Saskia C Kersenboon

Exploring the devadasi system's transformation, this narrative traces its shift from revered spiritual practice to marginalized existence. Devadasis, once divine performers in temples, faced decline as societal changes turned respect into rejection. Kersenboon's research reflects on cultural shifts, urging readers to ponder tradition, power, and identity.

1/15 Devdasis, also known as Rudra Ganikas, played a crucial role in temple ceremonies. They were the figures who encircled the IDOLs during rituals led by the royals. Revered as both sacred and auspicious, they symbolized wealth and protection for the populace. They also conducted various ceremonies related to weddings and births.

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Ever imagined yourself to be displayed as object in a Zoo ?

Here this thread captures real people and real agony. DONT proceed further if you are weak hearted.

This is a poster used during the era of Human Zoos. Note a "Negro" associated with an image of a monkey.

* sensitive material

1/9 This part of a show called “Les Indes,” where captives from India are being paraded

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Delving into Dholavira's metrology revelations.

Beyond ancient docks, lies advanced metrological wisdom.

From Mauryan architecture to now known as Qutub Minar, and Tajo Mahal the 5000 years old legacy lives on.

Bookmark this thread.

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As per latest studies, Dholavira construction used metrological units continued even in Tajo Mahal.

The author of this paper used "Dhanus" as 1.9 meters to evaluate dimensions and found that #harappan were not only fond of ratios but applied to all settlement of that period with some MOE

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The Brihadeshwarar Devalaya was founded by the Tamil emperor Arulmozhivarman, popularly known as Rajaraja Chola I, in 1002 CE. It was the first major building project of the great Tamil Chola dynasty.

Inspired by Shaivism, the temple stands as a significant testament to this tradition.

The frescoes on the Devalaya walls were damaged due to exposure to smoke and camphor. The Tanjore Nayak replaced the damaged paintings with their own. Later, @ASIGoI repaired the paintings. However, a few of the original artworks have begun to reappear.

1/16 This exquisite fresco, dating back over a millennium, vividly captures the grace of two female and one male dancer in a mesmerizing performance. Nestled within the revered Brihadeshwarar Devalaya in Tamil Nadu, this ancient artwork reflects the region's rich cultural heritage and the timeless allure of classical Indian dance traditions.

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Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu, and other gods and goddesses blessing Guru Nanak Ji as a child

Paiting at Baba Atal Gurdwara, Amritsar.

Bābakalasī Gurū Nānak Jī Nali'ā Paḍata | ਬਾਬਕਲਸੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਜੀ ਨਲਿਆ ਪੰਡਤ (Translated using Google Translation. Please correct me if there are any errors).

1/5 Another wall painting were Hindu God and GOdesses are praying before Gurudwara

"Sansarik" is imprinted on the cow. Can someone elaborate its significance.

Paiting at Baba Atal Gurdwara, Amritsar.

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In 1770, the British Invasion on Australia's native territories, along with the determined original Australian opposition, was thoroughly documented by both James Cook and Joseph Banks, the British botanist who journeyed with the Endeavour expedition. In his journals, which can be found on the State Library of NSW website, Banks described the efforts of Aboriginal fighters to block the expedition's landing at Botany Bay. Cook similarly recorded the armed resistance to the British landing party, writing in his journal on April 30, 1770, that "all they seem'd to want was for us to be gone."

The Ṛgveda is believed to originate from the early 3rd millennium BCE., with some hymns possibly tracing back to the late 4th millennium BCE.

Its compilation likely ended around 1500 B.C., not in 1500 BCE as commonly believed, just as the Indus Valley civilization was fading and Mesopotamia was undergoing a time of uncertainty and turmoil (Levitt 2003: 356b).

Here in this thread, a commonality between Sumerian and Bhartiy text.

1/7 The argument links an Indo-European view with the Vedic origin of the god Indra's name from the Sanskrit "indh-" meaning "to kindle." However, this doesn’t explain all of Indra's traits, which resemble those of the Sumerian god Enlil.

Both Indra and Enlil lead their pantheons, surpass higher moral gods, separate heaven from earth, and are storm gods in both literal and figurative senses. Indra's defeat of Aryan enemies parallels Enlil's conquests.

In Vedic and 3rd millennium B.C. Sumerian traditions, major natural forces were personified. Both have chief gods of air and storm—Indra for the Vedic and Enlil for the Sumerian—showing the significance of rain and storms in their cultures (Dandekar 1958: 13, Jacobsen 1949: 150). This connection is clear.

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Have you ever wondered why the topic of dinosaurs in India seems absent from common knowledge?

In truth, dinosaurs thrived in the Indian peninsula 250 to 65 million years ago, and they were unlike any others seen globally.

Sadly, many people, including myself, aren't aware of this, which is why I'm sharing this #thread.

1️⃣ The very first dinosaur discovery, Titanosaurus Indicus, unearthed from the Deccan Traps in Jabalpur, dates back to 1832 and is 70 million years old. After vanishing in 1877, it made a dramatic comeback, resurfacing in the Shiwalik Gallery of the Indian Museum.

2️⃣

IMO, History is variable and rewritten by the rulers.

In this series here's a brief thread on an expected spurt of Krishna and Radha's relationship following the Mongolian incursion. The artwork, largely from Kangra, Sirmaur, and Mandi, portrays Krishna observing Radha, glancing at other gopis, or caught in moments of affection.

Take a couple of minutes to explore this intriguing twist. If you believe that these scene are from any epic pl do share

#Thread 🧵 Pic representational This earliest find is after Akbar started interpolation.

In the scene,
- Krishna Kisses Radha.
- The crown are typical marriage crown during the period.
- There are persian vases placed in the back and front of the scene

The Page from the Boston Rasikapriya (Lover's Breviary)
India (Rajasthan, Amber?)
ca.1610 (Mughal rule)

Regardless of the patent under the name Ludo by Britisher Alfred in 1896, Pachisi (25) has been played in India for over 5000 years. #Archaeology uncovers cultural appropriation.

Bhanpur (3000 bce), Banawali Haryana (3000bce), Chandraketugarh (200 bce), Modern in 1938, the American toy and game company Transogram launched a widespread board game edition titled Game of India, which was subsequently advertised as Pa-Chiz-Si: The Game of India

Critical analysis of a Market Scene in Rua Direita, Goa 1596 ce, roughly after 100 years of exploitation by the Portuguese.

Very important and rare view in the past of Goa after 30 years of Goa inqu!s!tion.

#Archaeohistories

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https://twitter.com/GemsOfINDOLOGY/status/1891359451854381320

There appears a native woman upper selling goods to seemingly a converted. The contrast between the converted and native is startling. However, both seems to be from poor class.

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Thread exploring the tradition of 'Nose-Piercing in India. Some believe it's inherently Indian, although it was actually foreign to Indian customs 1000 years back. Let's dive in.

Female Beauty #Archaeohistories

1/14 The first mention of nose-ring (for nose piercing) is in Old Testament when Abhraham's servant gives his daughter-in-law 'Rebekah' a golden nose-ring ("Shanf" in Hebrew). This practice of gifting rings to brides continues even today.

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