MUSIC PRODUCES A KIND OF PLEASURE WHICH HUMAN CANNOT DO WITHOUT
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The Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, Karnataka, stands as a testament to India's rich architectural and engineering heritage. Among its many intricate carvings is a depiction of Masana Bhairava, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, holding what appears to be an advanced mechanical device. This sculpture has sparked discussions about the technological prowess of ancient Indian artisans.
The device in question resembles a planetary gear system, characterized by an outer gear with 32 teeth and an inner gear with 16 teeth—a precise 2:1 ratio. Such mechanisms are fundamental in modern engineering, used in applications ranging from automobile transmissions to sophisticated machinery. The presence of this depiction in a centuries-old temple raises intriguing questions about the depth of mechanical knowledge possessed by our ancestors. Key Insights: 1. Advanced Understanding of Mechanics: The accurate representation of a planetary gear system suggests that ancient Indian craftsmen had a sophisticated grasp of mechanical principles. This challenges the conventional narrative that such knowledge was absent in ancient times. 2. Integration of Art and Science: The fusion of intricate artistry with precise mechanical representation indicates a holistic approach to knowledge, where art and science were not seen as separate domains but as interconnected disciplines. 3. Preservation of Knowledge: The detailed carvings serve as a medium to transmit complex ideas, ensuring that such knowledge was preserved and communicated across generations. This discovery not only highlights the ingenuity of ancient Indian artisans but also underscores the importance of re-examining historical artifacts with a fresh perspective. It prompts us to appreciate the advanced understanding embedded in our cultural heritage and encourages further exploration into the technological achievements of ancient civilizations. As we marvel at the Hoysaleswara Temple's architectural splendor, let us also acknowledge and celebrate the profound scientific insights it encapsulates. This serves as a powerful reminder of the rich legacy of innovation and knowledge that forms the foundation of our present and future advancements.
This concert at Mudhra Chennai 30th Fine Art Festival on 5th December 2024 accompanied by M. Vijay, M. Balaji and A. S. Krishnan. Please click below to download.
This concert was at Mudhra, Chennai 30th Fine Art Festival on 4th Dec. 2024 accompanied by K. Mohankumar, R. Prasad and S. Bharath. Please click below to download
Thisssss concert at Mudhra, Chennai at 30th Fine Arts Festival on 3rd December 2024, accompanied by VVS Rao, M.S. Varadhan and M. Gururaj. Please click below to download.
This concert at Mudhra, Chennai 30th Fine Art festival on1st Dec 2024 accompanied by B.U.G. Prasad, T. Bhakthavatsalam and T. Krishnaswamy. Please click below to download;
This concert at Mudhra, Chennai 30th Fine Art Festival on 2nd December 2024 accompanied by M. Shriramya,A. Srikanth and A.Parashara. Please click below to download
Whether or not you identify as Hindu, the Mahabharata speaks to something universal. For Hindus, the Mahabharata is more than just a sacred text—it is the living, breathing heart of their cultural identity. But it’s also a part of India’s broader historical narrative, one that belongs to all of us. The evidence unearthed over the years—whether in the form of ancient weapons, submerged cities, or lost civilizations—reminds us that the Mahabharata is not just a story. It’s a window into our past, a story that stretches across centuries and spans faiths. It speaks to the resilience of our ancestors, to the rich history of India that transcends borders and religions. This is not just a Hindu epic; this is India’s epic.
1. Real-World Archaeological Sites
Archaeological sites mirror Mahabharata's locations with real c.
If you dig deep enough into the earth, sometimes, you find the unexpected. In northern India, over 35 sites have been uncovered that show striking similarities to the places described in the Mahabharata. You’ll find copper utensils, seals, and gold ornaments—artifacts that have no place in a fantasy. These discoveries don’t just point to a “mythical” culture; they tell us that the world the Mahabharata describes was once alive in the very land we walk on today. It’s a story we’re connected to, not just in words, but through the artifacts left behind. For Hindus, it’s proof that the past lives on in the present—but it’s also a testament to the rich history of the Indian subcontinent, which holds meaning for everyone, no matter their faith.
For a long time, scholars placed the Mahabharata around 900-1000 BCE. But archaeologist B.B. Lal turned that assumption upside down, suggesting the epic could date back to 1500-2000 BCE. How did he come to this conclusion? Well, it started at the Sanauli excavation, where relics were discovered that could have come straight out of the Mahabharata itself. Ancient weapons, pottery, and even chariots—these aren’t the imaginings of a poet; these are traces of a real time period. And suddenly, the Mahabharata stops being something distant and mythical. It becomes part of India’s deep, living history. This is a timeline we should all be proud of, no matter where we come from.
3. The Submerged City of Dwarka
Submerged Dwarka city found off Gujarat coast, circa 1500 BCE.
The Mahabharata speaks of Dwarka, Lord Krishna’s city, sinking beneath the waves. For years, people thought it was just a poetic image—an idea of a city too grand to exist. But then marine archaeologists off Gujarat’s coast found submerged structures that date back around 1500 BCE. These aren’t just random ruins—they might be the remnants of the city described in the Mahabharata. Whether or not Dwarka sank exactly as the epic tells us is a question for the future, but what’s undeniable is that the story of Dwarka is tied to real geographical features that hold meaning for us all. Dwarka wasn’t just a myth; it was a place, and it might still be there, beneath the waves, waiting for us to understand its story.
4. The Battlefield of Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra excavation reveals iron weapons, confirming large-scale battle.
Kurukshetra. The very name conjures images of warriors, gods, and kings battling in a war that shook the world. But the evidence from the battlefield itself suggests it wasn’t just a story—it was a real event. Excavations in the region have uncovered iron weapons, remnants of chariots, and signs of large-scale conflict. Dating back to around 2800 BCE, these arrows, spearheads, and chariot fittings are real tools of war. They may not have been wielded by gods, but they were certainly part of the war described in the Mahabharata. These weapons didn’t just shape the course of the battle—they shaped the course of history. And that history is ours to claim, not as a myth, but as part of the rich, ancient heritage of India.
5. The Gulf of Cambay
Submerged structures in Gulf of Cambay hint at ancient civilization.
Deep under the waters near the Gulf of Cambay, scientists discovered what appeared to be the remains of an ancient civilization. Submerged structures, pottery, and other artifacts suggest that this area could have been home to people thousands of years ago. These discoveries are pushing the boundaries of what we know about India’s ancient past. Could these be remnants of the same world described in the Mahabharata? We may never know for sure, but what we do know is that these underwater structures are adding another layer of mystery to the rich historical landscape of India.
6. Ancient Artifacts from Rajasthan
Ancient artifacts from Rajasthan align with Mahabharata-era civilization.
In Rajasthan’s Vejha village, the Archaeological Survey of India uncovered ancient artifacts that date back over 2,500 years. Pottery, tools, and relics—these items reflect the world of the Mahabharata, offering another glimpse into the civilization described in the epic. The Mahabharata’s world wasn’t just about grand battles or gods and kings. It was about the everyday lives of the people who lived in this ancient land, their tools, their stories, their struggles. These artifacts are a reminder that the Mahabharata wasn’t just for the elite. It was for everyone, from the highest kings to the humblest villagers.
7. Saraswati River
Existence of a now-extinct riverbed that aligns with the Saraswati's description
The Mahabharata frequently mentions the Saraswati River, describing it as a mighty river flowing through ancient India. Modern geological and satellite studies have confirmed the existence of a now-dry riverbed matching the Saraswati's description. These studies indicate that the river likely existed around 6000-2000 BCE before drying up completely due to tectonic shifts and climatic changes. The epic describes major cities like Hastinapur, Kurukshetra, and Panipat along the banks of the Saraswati, and excavations in these regions have yielded artifacts aligning with the Painted Grey Ware (PGW) culture. This evidence ties the Mahabharata's geographical descriptions to real historical locations, adding credibility to its historical basis.
