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/

Step into a world of mystery and enchantment.

Unveil the secrets of the ancient Minoans in Crete and their fascinating link to the Indus Valley.

Prepare to be awestruck by the astonishing remnants they left behind.

🧵 Join me on this incredible journey.

1/
Interestingly enough, there are significant similarities between the Minoan civilization and the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization #IVSC

- Marvel at their advanced cities and magnificent palaces.
- Explore their bustling trade routes and sophisticated writing system.
- Admire their intricate artistry – from seals to pottery.
- Immerse yourself in vibrant frescoes that depict both sacred and everyday scenes.
- Witness their unique matriarchal religion with its striking snake and bull motifs, along with thrilling rituals like bull-leaping.
- Take note of how, during the Bronze Age, the Minoans left an indelible mark on Mycenaean culture, centered around the awe-inspiring Knossos.
- Around 1600 BC, they reached the zenith of their civilization, boasting paved streets, piped water systems, and symbolic motifs.
- both civilization developed a writing system yet to be deciphered
- the vastu complying burial practices show starking similarities
- Both revered nature and had deities associated with fertility and animals such as snakes and bulls.

Lets check out the similarities listed above

2/

#Thread The star 'Canopus' has an intriguing connection with 'Agastya'.

Throughout millennia, their cosmic dance unfolds.

From Kanyakumari to Vindya, a celestial tale unfolds.

1/8
#archaeohistories #Archaeology

Due to Earth's precession, the visibility of the star 'Agastya' or Canoplus has been changing:

- Initially, it was observed from Kanyakumari around 10,000 BCE
- Later, from Vindhya around 5200 BCE
- Jammu 1400 BCE

Looking forward, the predictions are as follows:

- Visible from Jammu upto 3400 CE
- Visible from Vindhya until approximately 7400 CE
- Visible from Kanyakumari until around 11,000 CE

2/8

Get ready to be captivated as we unveil the incredible story of Draupadi Cheerharan and Krishna's intervention, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. 📚🔍

This will be a long #Thread, so make sure to bookmark it and retweet!

1/16 In the epic Mahabharata, specifically in the Sabhāparvan (61.35-38), there is a dramatic scene:

1. Draupadi is forcefully brought into the gaming hall.
2. Karṇa instructs Duḥśāsana to strip both the Pānḍavas and Draupadī of their garments (61.38).
3. The Pāṇḍavas respond by removing their upper garments.
4. Subsequently, Duḥśāsana attempts to remove Draupadī's single cloth in front of everyone present.

Interestingly, this attempted stripping is rarely mentioned thereafter. In this analysis, we will explore this contradiction in greater detail.

2/16

Some #Archaeological remains in #Maldives

In 1959, an image of Buddha was discovered on Thoddu Island. It is believed to date back to the 8th-9th century CE.

Unfortunately, in 2012, some radicals broke the sculptures.

#Archaeology

1/9 The sage identified as Akaththiyar (Agastya), based on an engraving found on a Tantric stone cube at the museum. The cube also had engravings of Lakshmi, Kubera, and a Tantric deity. An inscription in Eveylaa Akuru was found at the bottom.

[National Museum, Maldives]

2/9

Discover the power of "See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil" - a timeless message by Shri Mahatma Gandhi.

Did you know this iconic symbol of peace and tolerance actually originated in 17th century Japan? It's a powerful global symbol that still resonates today.

1/9 The Kōshin Stone Tablet in Kamakura, Japan is a significant artifact dating back to 1677 AD. It depicts the origins of the three monkey motif, famous for its symbolic meaning. The intricately carved stone tablet showcases monkeys in poses avoiding harm and negativity.

2/9

"Po Nagar is a Cham temple tower founded sometime before 781 ce. Located in Nha Trang, #Vietnam, it was originally a #Shiva temple.

The Po Nagar is situated on Cù Lao Mountain. It consists of 3levels. The main tower standing about 25 m high."

#Archaeology

1/10 In 781, Cham King Satyavarman regained power at "Ha-Ra Bridge" and took important actions:

- Restored a damaged temple.
- Updated inscriptions about a mukhalinga with angelic jewelry.

However, foreign robbers, Java, arrived by ship and Stole the jewelry & Broke the linga.

2/10

The emergence of the Rakshas (demon) and abduction scenes in Indian storytelling during the 2nd century CE indeed signaled a significant shift in the social fabric of Bharat, as India was known at that time?
#Bharat

1/13 These narrative elements reflected deeper changes occurring within society. Incorporation of these themes into tales served as an artistic expression capturing evolving cultural norms and belief.
Could this be an advise for woman to stay alert ? Or seek support from male

2/13

#Thread Oldest man marks in #Bharat

1. Ostritch Eggshell found in Patne, Maharashtra
- Engraved #Ostrich eggshell pieces revealing an artist's struggle with controlled strokes, resulting in captivating cross-hatchings.

- Dated back to 25,000±200 BP

#Archaeology

1/

1/15 Another Engraved Ostrich Eggshell Discovery in Ravishankar Nagar, Bhopal - An intricately engraved piece of ostrich eggshell with 7 distinct scars artistically arranged to form a captivating pseudo-oval shape.
Ostritches migrated to Africa from India

2/15

https://twitter.com/64098246/status/1723713310397268037

Horse Rockart in Pandavahara Gumpha, Khurda, Odisha is a powerful testament against the fake Aryan Invasion Theory. Its survival now hinges on combating rampant mining activities.
#Archaeology

1/4 @ASIGoI @MinOfCultureGoI @sambitswaraj @narendramodi @PMOIndia @INTACHIndia This sign reinforces the historical significance of Horse Rockart in Pandavahara gumpha. Preserving our cultural heritage is crucial to dispel misconceptions and challenge controversial theories. Protecting this site from mining activities is essential . #PreserveOurHistory

2/4

Choose a mistry over an enthusiast to repair, and this is what you get: the astounding Kichakesvari Temple, Khiching, Odisha 7th c. ce

Largest temple in town dedicated to Goddess Kichakeswari, the family goddess of the ruling chiefs of Mayurbhanj & State deity

#Archaeology

1/7 Khiching - Kichakesvari Temple - Lingapuja and Goddess with sword,

2/7

1/ Unearthed from the depths of #Uzbekistan's past, a silver bowl reveals a captivating #archaeological mystery

Emblazoned upon enigmatic "4-Arm Goddess," the forgotten realms of ancient civilizations from 6th century ce

Let's embark on a journey to unravel its secrets 🧵 2/ Kushan seal with Nana on lion-throne (second century AD; after Callieri 1997).

Bhirana: Asia's largest and world's oldest 9000-Year-Old Civilization!

In a study published in Nature, scientists have discovered that the ancient civilization of Bhirana predates even Sumer & Egypt's pharaonic era.

#Archaeology #Bharat Potsherds, Bhirrana

Forget Diwali crackers, ever heard of the Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act 2009 and Haryana Preservation of Sub-soil Water Act, 2009? These acts are to blame for Delhi's pollution. Let's dive into this fascinating topic in a thread. #Pollution #DiwaliCrackers

1/n In the 1970s and 1980s, Punjab and Haryana experienced a remarkable transformation known as the Green Revolution. To ensure food security for the country, they transitioned from traditional crops like maize, pearl millet, pulses, and oilseeds to a wheat-paddy cultivation cycle. Unfortunately, the impact on water tables was not adequately considered.
2/n

1/ The Unfinished Shiva Temple in Bhojpur, Madhya Pradesh, #Bharat, is a captivating architectural marvel.

- Construction began over 1,000 years ago under the patronage of King Raja Bhoja.
- Despite remaining unfinished, it houses a colossal stone lingam and fragments of walls.
- The reasons for its abrupt halt are still unknown, with theories ranging from political unrest to divine intervention.
- It continues to intrigue visitors and historians despite its incomplete state.

Inside the Sanctum:
- The temple houses a 7.5-foot (2.3 m) high lingam.

Original Location:
- The temple originally stood on the banks of a reservoir, 18.5 miles long and 7.5 miles wide.

Reservoir Formation:
- The reservoir was formed through the construction of three earth-and-stone dams during Bhoja's reign.
- The first dam was built on the Betwa River, trapping the river's waters in a depression surrounded by hills.
- A second dam was constructed between the hills, near present-day Mendua village.
- A third dam, located in present-day Bhopal, diverted water from the smaller Kaliasot river into the Betwa dam's reservoir.
- The man-made reservoir existed until the 15th century when Hoshang Shah emptied it by breaching two of the dams.

1/ #Archaeology • CC
1/ 2/ The colossal 7.5 foot Shiva lingam

Prepare to be captivated by a modern tale.

#Shiva story from Ardhnareeshwar to a family man, then the unexpected journey of becoming a solo smoker.

The change happened during Moghul and coloniser's rule.

Discover how a brush can be more dangerous than a sword. 🧵

1/

In the earliest depiction from 1700 years, Shiva is shown as an inspiration for couples to be happy. The modern sciences now admits that Unison decreases tensions.


2/

https://twitter.com/GemsOfINDOLOGY/status/1630032493343805441?t=1MJ66SgFhektF03uyimtRQ&s=19

1/ Assam State Museum has 13,802 objects and out of which 1,621 are displayed. @himantabiswa sir if you can get these #Archaeological objects scanned, it will be a great boon for Assam Heritage and Tourism. museums.assam.gov.in/portlets/maste… @himantabiswa 2/ This represent a beautiful female figure standing in tribhanga posture against a plain damaged back ground.
11th Century
Pic 1 : restored with Photoshop
Pic 2 : Poor Quality Government site NMMA
@himantabiswa you need to focus here boss.
#Assam #Archaeology

Who could bear to break the head of this stunning Mother Child sculpture?

Located at Mankeshwar Temple in Osmanabad, it’s an archaeological wonder. #Archaeology

Mankeshwar Temple, Osmanabad is an ancient Hindu temple located on the banks of river Manjira in Tuljapur village… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 2/ Strewn Hindu figures Rubbles and broken idols show that someone tried to destroy the Mankeshwar temple