In the twenty-first century, soft power and cultural diplomacy have gained popularity in the field of international affairs. India is therefore unable to avoid this global change. India, an ancient civilization with a rich cultural legacy, is drawing attention from all over the world with its amazing cultural diversity and exotic allure of spirituality, making it a potential center of soft power. For India, the idea of soft power is not a novel one. With its rich spiritual and material culture, India has long influenced the world and its neighbors. But in the last 20 years, following its economic boom, India has once again begun to reclaim its former allure. The government has recently begun investigating India’s historic ties to the nations in the for the moment, the People’s Republic of China, another old civilization nearby, is emerging quickly and breath taxingly, enthralling the entire globe with its astounding economic growth. Since the beginning of the Chinese dynasty, India has had a strong influence on Chinese philosophy and way of life through Buddhism. However, Indian Sanskrit writings and Vedic thought have also been translated into Chinese throughout history. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to India’s longstanding cultural ties to East and Southeast Asian nations through maritime trade, as well as the proactive measures India has made to capitalize on these ties through its “Look East and Act East Policies.” With the growing influence of China.

Keywords: Cultural legacy, Chinese dynasty, Buddhism, Sanskrit writings

What is Simraungarh? Where does it belong? What was its history? Until a few years ago, People knew very little about it. Because at that time, Nepalese history writing was limited to the praise of the center and it’s ruling class. But after the political change of 1990 AD., Nepalese history writing took a new turn. After this concept of regional historiography of various regions, classes, castes came forward. As a result, the history writing of a particular place also began to gain priority. Scholars, including related bodies, started showing interest in this. As in the revised new curriculum implemented by T. U., from 1996 AD, the history of historically important regions was also included. In this process, the history of Simraungarh was also given importance in the curriculum. Extensive research about this state, which was rich in art and culture, began to be done. Thus, its history was unknown before. Its civilization and culture were neglected. So it’s called a kingdom hidden in the womb of history. In the presented article is briefly discussed about establishment of Simraungarh, its achievements, its influence on Kathmandu valley, prominent rulers, and finally its fall, which is based on primary and secondary source materials.

Keywords: Karnatdescedant, Devaldevi, Harisinhadeva, Nanyadeva, Taleju

With the emergence of Saivism and Vaishnavism in elite standards, Jainism lost its glory in the beginning of the 14th century in Karnataka. It is well known that the early rulers of the Vijayanagara dynasty favored Jainism. Thus, we come across the donations made to the Jaina chaityalayas belonging to the Sangama dynasty. The temples at Hampi are the conglomeration of the religious interests of the Sangama, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu dynasties. In the plentitude of their power, the Vijayanagara rulers upheld the Karnata dharma. By observing the patterns and trends of the Vijayanagara religion, the reader can identify that the long history of toleration was disturbed by the short persecution waves rather than understanding it as a long and continuous history of persecution alone. The mega throne was the conservator of the best traditions and we find Muslims, Christians, Brahmins and non – Brahmins, Lingayats and Jainas (whether they were in majority or minority) lived in amity and were ruled with equal tolerance. This research paper speaks about the Jaina inscriptions issued by the rulers of the Vijayanagara dynasty such as Bukkaraya I, Harihara II, Devaraya II and Krishnadevaraya along with the inscriptions issued by some of the feudatories like the Wodeyars of Karkal, the Chowters of Mudabidris, the Nandvar Bangars, the Ajalars of Aldangadi, the Mulars of Bailangidi and the Savants of Mulki. The article further deals with the scope for further studies followed by conclusions.

Keywords: Vijayanagara empire, Bhaktas, Bhavyas, Bhimadevi, Irugappa Nayaka, Chaichappa, Jainism in Mudabidri, Trailokya Jinalaya, Chengalpattu inscription

This research delves into the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Pakistan, unraveling their historical and spiritual significance. The paper aims to sheds light on the role of these sites which play in attracting pilgrims and tourists interested in Buddhist heritage. Pakistan, with its rich cultural and religious diversity, boasts several sites deeply rooted in Buddhism, offering a unique blend of history, spirituality, and architectural marvels. The study begins with an overview of Buddhism’s historical presence in the region, highlighting its rise and establishment in ancient Gandhara. Subsequently, the paper explores specific pilgrimage sites, such as Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, and Julian, unraveling their historical contexts and religious importance. Taxila, an ancient centre of learning and Buddhist philosophy, serves as a testament to the region’s intellectual and spiritual legacy. Takht-i-Bahi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases exceptional Buddhist monastic architecture, providing insights into the daily lives of monks during ancient times. Julian, with its ancient stupas and monastic remains, adds to the spiritual aura of the region. Furthermore, the research examines the role of these pilgrimage sites in attracting pilgrims and tourists. The interplay between spirituality, history, and tourism is analyzed, emphasizing how these sites act as conduits for cultural exchange and understanding. The paper also investigates the impact of tourism on the preservation of these heritage sites, balancing the economic benefits with the need for responsible tourism practices. Through a multidisciplinary approach that combines historical research, cultural analysis, and tourism studies, this paper contributes to the broader understanding of Buddhist heritage in Pakistan. The findings aim to encourage sustainable tourism practices, fostering the preservation of these sacred sites for future generations while promoting cultural exchange and dialogue.

Keywords: Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites, Gandhara, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Historical and Spiritual Significance

This article is the summary of a travelogue written in 1845 by Dr. Hoffmeister, who was a physician, botanist, and historian-scientist to Prince Waldemar of Prussia, who was himself a talented artist of international fame. This article only describes his stay in Lucknow, in detail and, the places he visited, like Agra, Bharatpur, and Delhi. This paper records the historical account of Lucknow in detail, where Nabab Amjad Ali Shah was the ruler. Dr. Hoffmeister described the famous buildings and their sculpture; the Hindu and Muslim dresses; the sadhus; the musicians; the dancing girls; and even the music sung at that time. The Royal Stables and Gardens; Nabab’s State Steamer; the cuisines of that time; the ways of entertainment by seeing animal fights; the unique hunting system by falcons and cheetah; the Nabab’s jewellery, palace, and its riches; the royal-cuisines; and the unforgettable farewell given to the prince. Further, he described the cities he met on the way to Nainital, like Agra, Bharatpur, and Mathura, and their monuments and palaces. he visited in these cities likelike Red Fort, Moti Masjid, Humayun Tomb, Nizamuddin Dargah, Purana Quila, Allaudin- Mosque, and Feroz Shah Kotelah ,supported with the notes from the Archeological Survey of India for comparison. The sketches drawn at these places by the prince were attached wherever available to the text along with old photographs from Google to exhibit reality.

Keywords: Allaudin- Mosque, Amjad Ali shah, Avadh-cuisines, Bara Imambara, Menageries,

This article brings forth the British Nizam relations, the decisive attitude of Nizam and the role played by his Diwan Salar Jung during the Great Revolt of 1857. Northern and Central Indian territories played the theatres of war while Southern India remained aloof during the period of war. The role played by the Hyderabad state undoubtedly kept South India away from the embers of war. This article speaks of the efforts made by the commoners, soldiers and troops to fight against the British and the fusion between the people and power. It is interesting to note that the people along with the Maulanas, Rohillas, Arabs and Bedars threatened the throne for not fighting against the British. Though there were some sporadic raisings in the state, they were all put down by the British with some effort. The people and the soldiers involved in the revolt were either killed or imprisoned and the zamindars or the leaders who conspired against the British lost their wealth by confiscation. The article further discusses the role played by a few unsung warriors such as Turrabaz Khan, Alla – ud – din, Raja Venkatappa Naik etc and their contribution in shaping the early independence struggle in South India. Though the attack on the Residency building was the only major incident in Hyderabad Nizam’s dominion; its impact incited and inspired many other tributaries in and around South India and paved the way for a strong and dire urge for freedom.

Keywords: British Nizam relations, Hyderabad and 1857 revolt, suppression of Rohillas, Jamadar Cheeda Khan, Raja Venkatappa Naik, Shorapore rebellion

During the last few decades, a number of Neolithic sites have been excavated in different parts of Odisha to understand the emergence of Early Farming Communities in the region. These sites include Golabai Sasan, Suabarei, Kuchai and Hikudi, etc. Excavation was also conducted at the site of Bang-Harirajpur in Coastal Odisha for two seasons which yielded Neolithic remains. The main objective of this paper is to provide a descriptive account of the Neolithic Potteries of Bang-Harirajpur.

Keywords: Neolithic, Pottery, Excavation, Odisha, Early farming

Copper and Iron smelting technology are correlated with each other. The man has invented Iron smelting technology while smelting Copper. In short, Iron has came out from Copper smelting furnace which is getting sufficient temperature to extract Iron from Copper ore. Initially, this operation has occurred in accidently. Later, they have developed to manufacturing Iron according to their need. The certain factors are influence to produce high quality of metal smelting process particularly fuel and good supply of air. A part from Copper and Iron technology, we have evidence of other metals also in this context. This paper is attempting to analysis some basic concepts related to the manufacturing and technology of the smelting furnaces in India. It also traced that construction process, smelting process and also various types of furnaces.

Keywords: Copper, Furnaces, Iron, Metallurgy, Smelting and Technology

This article delves into the economic facets of the lost Prachi Valley Civilization in Odisha, spanning from the 3rd century B.C. to the 9th century A.D. The Prachi Valley, once the cradle of a diverse and culturally rich civilization, flourished along the banks of the sacred Prachi River. Despite its historical significance, the origins of the Prachi Valley Civilization remain shrouded in mystery, with legends tracing its sanctity back to mythical times as documented in various Puranas. Focusing on the economic life of the Prachi Valley inhabitants, this paper underscores the necessity of understanding Odisha’s ancient history, including its genealogical dynastic rule. The economic dynamics explored in this study played a pivotal role in the formation and flourishing of this remarkable civilization, situated beside the comparatively modest Prachi River in contrast to the formidable Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Birupa. The research meticulously examines the revenue system, delving into the roles of land-owning individuals, labouring classes, and the intricate land and taxation systems. Additionally, it scrutinizes the trade and industry aspects, encompassing both inland and outland trade, trade routes, trading articles, and the significant trading centres associated with different genealogical dynastic rules. Through this comprehensive analysis, the paper aims to unveil the economic intricacies that contributed to the glory of the Prachi Valley Civilization, shedding light on a chapter of Odisha’s history that has remained relatively obscured.

Keywords: Economic dynamics, Genealogical dynastic rule, Prachi Valley Civilization, Revenue system, Trade and industry

This article seeks to shed light on the Śaiva-Tāntrik trends and the connotation of Coitus and affectionate imagery in the Mahanadi Valley locales of central-western part of Odisha. It first examines the development of Tantrik practices in this region specifically. Esotreic Śaiva- Tāntrik trend developed a sophisticated way of theory that linked their practices to evolve the coitus imagery in the wall of the Saiva group of temple walls, which they claimed their practices could achieve most efficaciously. But the relation between tantric trend in Śaivaite group as well as in Śākta cult, with presence of Kama-Kala-Yantra module in this three Śaivaite temple in modern Boudh town of Mahanadi valley. This paper intends to outline the relatively little known of such coitus images as agency of the Śaiva-Tāntrik trend is which is prevailed in this locale, and how the Somavam̊śī rulers are the part of this tradition will be studied very carefully. The temple tradition, people’s migration, and diffusion of ideas are reflected in this region due to Bhauma-Kara and Somavam̊śī ruler.

Keywords: Tāntrikism, Śaiva-Tāntrik, Erotic, Panchamakaras, Dakṣināchārī, Śiddhis, Star shaped Liṅgas-Yoni-Pīṭha, Astha-Kamakala Rituals.

The focus of the present paper is on the prehistoric cultural heritage of the site Jagannathpur in Galudih area in Purbi Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. The state Jharkhand is located in Eastern part of India and preserve rich resources like minerals, rocks, metallic ores and diversified vegetations which attracted prehistoric people from the very beginning. The river Subarnarekha is very ancient in origin which flows through the studied area and also preserves the remnants of prehistoric culture. The search was initiated by Captain Beaching in 1868 and later by V. Ball, P. Mitra, S.C. Sinha, D. Sen, A. K. Ghosh, R. Ray, D. K. Mondal and others. Site Jagannathpur was discovered by A. K. Ghosh in 1970. Present study has been carried out in the site Jagannathpur to reconstruct the geo-chronology of prehistoric cultures as part of the prehistoric cultural heritage of Jharkhand.

Keywords: Cultural heritage, Prehistory, Site, Stone tools

India can always boast of its rich cultural heritage. Travel and Tourism in India is an integral part of Indian tradition and culture. In ancient times, travel was primarily for pilgrimage – as the holy places dotting the country attracted people from different parts of the world. These bear testimony to the exquisite inheritance of this land, and are examples of unparalleled craftsmanship of the people of the bygone ages. Andhra Pradesh is one of the 29 states of India whose recorded history begins in the Vedic period. It is mentioned in Sanskrit epics such as Aitereya Brahmana (800BCE). The Assaka Mahajanapada (700-300 BCE)was an ancient kingdom located between the Godavari and Krishna Rivers in southeastern India. Kadapa, a centrally located district in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh is situated at a short distance from two major cities – Chennai and Banglore. It is a district rich with semi perennial rivulets, streams, beautiful villages, shimmering waterfalls and deep mysterious caves. The district also finds a mention in the accounts of Hieuntansng as a wild jungle region, rich in mineraland forest wealth. Gandikota is a small village on the right bank of Pennar, 15 km from Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh in India. Here Lies the famous fort of Gandikota, which acquired its name obviously due to the ‘gorge’ (in Telugu it is called ‘Gandi’), formed between the Erramalai range of hills, also known as Gandikota hills and the river Pennar that flows at its foot, reducing its width to a mere 300 ft. Situated amidst beautiful landscape and wild forests, it is endowed with vast natural resources. This paper deals with Andhra Pradesh tourism has vast potential for generating employment and earning large sums of foreign exchange besides giving a flip to the country’s overall economic and social development.

Keywords: Culture, Heritage, Travel, Tourism

Dwarf carvings identified as Vamana or Bhairava figures are seen in both Indian and Sri Lankan contexts. Most of the artistry and the context of those carvings were appreciated by scholars. A focused, objective anthropometric assessment was not done in view of interpreting Vamana figures. In the current study, Vamana carvings from different sites in India and Sri Lanka were examined. Upper body segment to lower body segment ratio was manually calculated in ten Vamana figures carved in standing position with minimal postural obliteration of segmental heights and preserved anatomical details. Specific observable clinical features of achondroplasia were also examined in the Vamana carvings. Calculated upper to lower body segment ratios of the selected Vamana figures were compared with that of achondroplasia and observed anatomical features of Vamana figures were correlated with clinical parameters of interest in achondroplasia. The mean value of the upper segment to lower segment ratios of the selected figures was 2.0. The upper to lower segment ratio of an adult person of average stature is 1.0 but in adults with achondroplasia the ratio reaches 1.7 at skeletal maturity. Results of the study indicate that the range of upper segment to lower segment ratio of selected Vamana figures is between 1.8-2.27. This range and mean value are above the mentioned ratio for adults with achondroplasia indicating short lower body segment. The current study’s findings objectively justify that these Vamana figures are artistic representations of adults with achondroplasia, with a slight exaggeration of limb shortness compared to the upper segment to clearly represent the intended population. The Vamana figures examined are an artistic representation of achondroplastic adults during ancient times. Rather than a depiction of hypothetical beings, achondroplastic adults engaged in security or guarding duties and aesthetic activities were retrospectively utilized as a theme to artistically illustrate the concepts of Vamana and Bhairava in literature.

Keywords: Vamana, Bhairava, Achondroplasia, Carvings

In this context the temple architecture are not only the abode of God and place of worship, but they are also the cradle of knowledge, art, architecture and culture. The present study has dealt with the architectural development, the socio-political atmosphere and philosophical aspects of the erotic contents at Khajurāho. It also aims to have deeper insight into the role of temples of Khajurāho in various spheres of life during the Candella period. It also analyses the contribution of the sacred place Khajurāho to the origin and development of the temple cluster. Another endeavor of this paper is to trace the construction, development and patronization of temples at Khajurāho on the basis of epigraphical and architectural data. Further this paper also highlights the better understanding of the relationship of common masses, kings, nobles and temple’s day to day activities.

Keywords: Art, Architecture, Erotic, Candella, Patronization.

The Milindpañho, a text of the c. 1st century AD, is a non-canonical text related to the Pāli canon of Theravāda Buddhism. The Milindpañho is an account of the conversation between Milinda, the king of Sagala and Nāgasena. Buddhist literature provided ample knowledge of forest and animal activities. In this context, Milindpañho provides essential information about animals in different contexts of cultures. It also provides information for agricultural operations based on removing forests and bringing uncultivated regions under cultivation.

As this research paper relies on the primary source, its objective primarily seeks to produce a prolegomenon for a representational pattern of the forest-based resources and creatures expressing a specific symbolism and character in the mainstream of society. This study also highlights the forest monk tradition and how it is endowed with how many qualities a monk accomplishes in arahantship. This paper also deals with how Buddhist tradition prefers the urban space.

Keywords: Forest, Animals, Agriculture land, Trade Route, Silk Route etc.

This study examines the portrayal of the Magadha kingdom in the Jaina Padmapurāṇa, focusing on how religion is associated with the region. The paper analyses the textual descriptions of Magadha’s geography, flora and fauna, economy, and capital city of Rājagīr. It explores how the Jaina text incorporates and contests elements of Brahmanical religion while asserting Jaina philosophical and religious ideas. The arrival of Mahāvīra in Rājagīr and his sermons are examined as key moments linking Jaina teachings and philosophy to the Magadha region. The paper argues that the Padmapurāṇa uses rich geographical descriptions and religious narratives to establish Magadha as an important centre for Jaina thought and practice. By analysing the text’s depiction of landscape, urban spaces, kingship, and religious contestation, the study demonstrates how regional geography is utilized to situate and elevate Jaina religious traditions within the cultural landscape of ancient Magadha.

Keywords: Magadha, Jainism, Padmapurāṇa, Rājagīr, Mahāvīra

This article delves into the complex role of religious legitimacy in state formation and the maintenance of political authority in medieval India, with a focus on the fifteenth-century text Kānhaḍade Prabandha. While recent historiography has often emphasized temple construction as a key method of legitimizing royal authority, this study explores a broader, more nuanced set of legitimation practices. It highlights how rulers, as portrayed in Kānhaḍade Prabandha, employed sacred symbols and acts of valour not only to establish but also to sustain their political power. The research underscores that religious legitimacy was crucial not only during state formation but also as a mechanism to reinforce royal claims across generations. Kānhaḍade Prabandha written long after the events it narrates, exemplifies how historical accounts were shaped to legitimize the rule of later descendants, elevating biographical narratives to the level of religious texts. This elevation conferred greater authority on the narratives and endowed the actions of historical figures with divine significance, thereby strengthening the perceived divine right of their lineage to govern. The article advocates for a more comprehensive understanding of legitimation in Indian historiography, recognizing the intricate interplay between sacred symbols, valour in the construction of royal authority.