India Heritage Note and PPT and Invitation Letter PDF

India Heritage
Background Paper
Convention on
“Repositioning India in the New Millennium”
at IIPA on 13-11-2003
By
P.C. Shekar Reddy, B.Tech.

Convener
Organizing Committee &
Consortium of Organisations for Promotion and Preservation of
Indian Heritage
D-3, Akashbarthi Apartments, 24, IP Ext. Patparganj, Delhi-92,

Ph: 011-22723019 (0) 9811123293, 9848285649
E-MAIL: delhi3@gmail.com
GLIMPSES OF IMMORTAL INDIA
Contents
India the Cradle of Mankind .......................................................................................................... 1

Dwarka Site Pre-dates Civilization ................................................................................................ 2
Seafaring in Ancient India .............................................................................................................. 3
Panis .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Mesopotamia .................................................................................................................................... 4
Sumerian Civilization...................................................................................................................... 4
Sir John Marshall ............................................................................................................................ 6
Angkor vat (Cambodia) .................................................................................................................. 8
Irish-Sacred Cow from India.......................................................................................................... 8
Can Savitri be a Muslim Name?..................................................................................................... 9
Termilai and Mediterranean Gods ................................................................................................ 9
Culture ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Heritage ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Suras and Asuras ............................................................................................................................... 11
Nagas ................................................................................................................................................. 12
Vishvakarma...................................................................................................................................... 12
Bhagiratha ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Harappan Civilization ....................................................................................................................... 13
India the Home Land of Gypsies ..................................................................................................... 15
Kohinoor ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Himalayas .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Patanjali ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Kapila................................................................................................................................................. 16
Mother of Sciences ................................................................................................................ 17
Medicine and Surgery ....................................................................................................................... 20
Literature................................................................................................................................... 21
Bhagavad-Gita .................................................................................................................................. 21
Sukra Charya and Moral Philosophy ............................................................................................... 25
Vishnu Sharma & The Panchatantra................................................................................................ 26
Agasthya ............................................................................................................................................ 27
Tirukkural of Tiru Alluvar ............................................................................................................... 27
Medieval Period ..................................................................................................................... 28
Why Indians did not pursue their quest of knowledge after 12th century? ............................ 33
Divine Indian Brotherhood........................................................................................................... 33
To build bridges between the past and the present. ................................................................... 34
GLIMPSES OF IMMORTAL INDIA
O Lord Lead me from the unreal to the real. Om Asato maa sad-gamaya;
Lead me from the darkness to light tamaso maa jyotir-ga-maya;
Lead me from death to immortality mrtyor-maa amrutam gamaya.
May there be peace, peace, and perfect peace. Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih.
- A Sanskrit invocation from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishads 1.3.28).
India the Cradle of Mankind

"India is the cradle of human race, the birthplace of human speech, the grandmother of
legend, the great grandmother of tradition. The land that all men desire to see and having
seen once even by a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of the rest of the
globe combined”. “India had the start of the whole world in the beginning of things, she had
the first Civilization. She had the first Accumulation of Material wealth she was populous
with deep thinkers and subtle intellects she had mines and woods and fruitful Soul”.
- Mark Twain
“If there is a Country on earth which can justly claim the honour of having been the Cradle
of the human race or at least the scene of Primitive Civilization the successive developments
of which carried into all parts of the ancient world the blessing of knowledge which is the
second life of man, that Country assuredly is India”.
- Walt Whitman
“Powerful Empires existed and flourished here [in India] while Englishmen were still
wandering painted in the woods, and while the British Colonies were a wilderness and a
jungle”.
- Lord Curzon (1859-1925) the late Viceroy of India.
“We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile
scientific discovery could have been made”.
- Albert Einstein
“There has been no more revolutionary contribution then the one which the Indians made
when they invented zero. The whole of Computer Science is built upon two integers‘0’&‘1’”
- Lancelot Hogben (Mathematics for the millions)
Past Builds Future

“Many times have I been told that looking into the past only degenerates and leads to
nothing, and that we should look to the future. That is true. Out of the past is built the future.
Look back, therefore, as far as you can, drink deep of the eternal fountains that are behind,
and after that, look forward, march forward and make India brighter, greater, and much
higher than she ever was. Our ancestors were great. We must first recall that. We must learn
the elements of our beings, the blood that courses in our veins; we must have faith in that
blood and what it did in the past; and out of that faith and consciousness of past greatness,
we must build an India yet greater than what she has been”
- Swami Vivekananda
Glimpses Of Immortal India
India Heritage
“He who can see longest into a country’s past can see furthest into its future”
- Churchill
According to Dr. Subhash Kak, India has had cultural Continuity for at least 10,000 Years.
“It is already becoming clear that a chapter which had a Western beginning will have to
have an Indian ending if it is not to end in the self-destruction of the human race. At this
supremely dangerous moment in history, the only way of salvation for mankind is the Indian
Way”.
- Dr Arnold Toynbee (British Historian, 1889-1975)
“Why is media here is so negative?

Why are we in India so embarrassed to recognize our own strengths, our achievements? We
are such a great nation.
We have so many amazing success stories but we refuse to acknowledge them”
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalaam
“A tree must love the ground on which it stands”
Rama Says “O Laxmana, even the golden Lanka has no fascination for me. For the Mother
and the Motherland are greater than heaven itself”.
The eminent American historian Will Durant proudly says ‘India mother of us all’
because India is the Mother of civilisation.
If we read the writings and historical accounts left by Pliny, Strabo, Megasthenes,
Herodotus, Porphyry and a host of other ancient authors of different countries, we shall see
how highly the civilization of India was regarded by them.
Word navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word Nav gatih. The word Navy is also
derived from the Sanskrit word Nau. Sir John Marshall has affirmed that the Vedic culture as
portrayed in the Vedas, is older than the Indus Culture of Mohanjo- Daro.
Indian Ideals
“There is no gift higher than the gift of food and no God higher than the parents. There is no
truth higher than Japa and Tapa-reciting the holy Name and doing penance. There is no
Dharma higher than compassion and no gain higher than the company of the good. There is
no enemy more dangerous than anger and no disease more serious than indebtedness. There
is no death more horrible than ill-fame and no wealth more valuable than fame. There is no
ornament more beautiful than Smaran-Remembering God through chanting His names”.
- Ancient Indian Saint Yajna Valka
Dwarka Site Pre-dates Civilization

An Archeological site dating back to 7500 B.C. and oldest known human civilization
including those found in the valley of Sumer, Harappa and Egypt was discovered by a team
of Indian Marine archeologists in the Gulf of Cambay off Gujarat Coast. India has cultural
continuity of least the last 10,000 years.
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“For India, it was the first time that such an important discovery was reported from near
Dwarka site, the off-shore region where underwater archeological exploration was in
progress” the then Union Minister for Science and Technology Murli Manohar Joshi said in
2002.
The earliest civilization known to mankind hitherto were the Valley of Sumer around 3,500
B.C, Egyptian Civilization (3,000 BC) and Harappan (2,500 B.C), explained Dr. Joshi,
adding that all the findings have been alongside a Paleolithic age river course traced upto
nine Km south of the Saurashtra coastline.
Seafaring in Ancient India

India has a long and remarkable maritime history. India developed shipping and seafaring
activities in 3rd Millennium B.C. India with its 6000 K.M. long coastline and with around
200 major and minor parts played a great role in trade and cultural contacts with distant
lands. The earliest text of India, Rig Veda, describes the Motto of Aryans as many of our
ship embark to all quarters of the earth.
The eminent Indian Archeologist, Dr. B.C. Chha, concludes, “It may be a surprise even to
an Indian today to be told that in the ancient world India was the in the forefront in the
fields of shipping and ship building. Her ships flying Indian flags sailed up and down the
Arabian Sea”.
Panis
The Rig-Veda describes Panis as Materialists, guardians of the treasures, hard bargainers and
stingy with their Money and Possessions. They were Pre-Vedic Prakritic men and by
Profession, traders and seafarers. The Rig Veda also describes the trade and commerce
carried on by Panis by means of water and the ports set up by them. The Panis were familiar
with Pre Vedic dialects, which were subsequently refined by the Vedic seers into Sanskrit.
They carried with them the knowledge of their phonetics wherever they went. They were
thus known as Phoneticians. Popularly known in its abbreviated form Phoenicians, Strabo
describes the Phoenicians as the greatest traders of antiquity, who carried their merchandise
to various parts in the western world and who controlled the Indian trade via the Persian
Gulf, settling in various parts of the world after leaving the shores of India, in North Africa,
Palestine and northwards on the coast of what is now Anatolia on the Aegean sea, where we
have seen an artistically advanced culture called the Minoan Civilization, which flourished
in Crete and which paved the way for the Hellenic culture. The Historical Importance of the
Crete on the coast of Anatolia on Aegean Sea is because of the Phoenicians, who found their
abode after living in different countries around the Red Sea, North Africa and Palestine.
From around 2,500 B.C to 1,400 B.C an advanced culture called the Minoan Civilization
flourished in Crete.
‘Panis’ and its variant form ‘vani’ found in Rig-Veda persisted in to latter times and
provided the mythological roots for a very wide range of words pertaining to trade,
commerce and economics and business activities. ‘Pani’ ‘to barter’, ‘Purchase by risk’,
‘apana’-‘Market shop’, apanika – mercantile, pana a coin, vani/Bania-trader, vanijya-
commerce etc. The Panis are found in Teutonic mythology as the vanir. The word ‘Vani’
which is variant form of ‘Panis’ found twice in the Rig-Veda. As Yaska points out in his
Nirukta the word ‘vani’ is derived from the word pani ‘panih vanij Bhavati’. Panis are found
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in Greek Mythology as Hermes and his son Pan. Hermes is as the ‘god of profit’ and ‘god of
commerce’. Hermes is even more pronounced in the related south European Mythology of
Romans. The word survived to this day in different words pertaining to trade and commerce
as we have seen. Panis as per the myth possessed herds of cows, which they kept hidden in
caves beyond the Rasa to protect them from Indra, god of rain. Greek Mythology relates a
myth in which a golden dog belonging to Zeus (the Greek thunder god and counter part of
Indra) is stolen by a man significantly named ‘Pan dareus’. In the eastern end of the Indo
European belt, the Panis of Vedic Mythology are identified as the Non Aryan inhabitants of
India. The Vanirs of Teutonic Mythology are identified as the Non Aryan inhabitants of
Scandinavia.
Mesopotamia
The excavations conducted by an American Expedition at Nippur have unearthed evidence
of a city community existing there at least as early as 6,000 B.C. As the records show, there
was a continuous powerful empire in Mesopotamia for at least five or six thousand years.
The civilizations of Greece, Rome or of any Modern state seems to show mere mushroom
growths in comparison. Monuments of Mesopotamia- the ruins of such wonderful cities as
Nippur, Babylon and Nineveh were completely buried under the accumulating earth deposits
for centuries and were almost absolutely lost to view.
The Dravidians who moved up to Mesopotamia and colonized at Ur of Chaldees may have
been the forerunners of these people. Quite a number of Ubaid words are similar to
Dravidians words or the root of the Dravidian words. So, many communities in southern
India have names ending in ‘Ur’, which means ‘settlement’, town or communities. The
oldest cities in Mesopotamia have also words with ‘Ur’ in the root such as Uruk, Nippur.
There is actually a city called Ur.
The Mitannis worshiped Vedic gods the first Mitanni King was Sutarna.
Treaties were made between the Hittite king Suppiluliuma and his Mittanni neighbor king
Matti Waza, who reigned in about the beginning of the 14th century B.C., mentions the
names of four gods as the divine witness to the treaty namely Indra, Varuna, Mitira and
Nasatya, they are the same gods as mentioned in the Rig Veda.
Prof. Sayce says that the Culture of Babylonian city Eridu was of foreign importation, it
came from an Indian city, Eridu which stood 6000 years Ago on the source of Persian Gulf.
Babylonian list of clothing mentions Sindhu word for Muslins.
Sumerian Civilization
It is now believed that the civilization of Sumeria is older than that of Egypt and its contact
with India began almost at the very beginning. The Sumerians were fore runners between
6000 to 3000 B.C. Sumerians were an Indian race, which travelled certainly by land, Perhaps
also by sea through Persia to the valley of two rivers. It was the Indian home we suppose for
them that their culture developed that the strange austenitic, the Aryan people who came
from the east to civilize the west. This civilization was not Aryan. The Culture of India is
Pre-Aryan in origin. Historian’s History of the world says the Babylonians and Assyrians
were two very important people of remote antiquity.
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Sumerian Script came from abroad brought to the valley of Eciphrates by Oannes, Odakkan
and all those half mythical heroes whose names are recorded in Berossus fragments. The
Primitive Dravidian tribes of India leaving shores of their country to settle in Kurukur
foreign lands and in particular in the plains of Sumer under the command of Uvanna
(Oannes), Andubar and Odakkan. They are being known as Sumerians. They began building
brick houses according to genesis after the pattern of those left at Mohenjodaro and other
cities of India. Members of the some Proto Indian family likewise settled in Syria thus they
laid the foundations of the great Hittite Empire and hence proceeding forward they reached
Mediterranean shores where they were known as Phonikis (Phoenicians) from the name of
their own tribe, The Panis (Palm Trees) They launched the greatest commercial undertakings
of ancient times while others definitely settled in both the islands and the continent of
Greece and Italian Peninsula where they are respectively known as Minoans, Minyas and
Etruscans.
Meanwhile other Dravidians tribes had also sailed from India to colonize the Yemen the
future land of Punt of the Egyptians. The Eudemon (The Modern Aden) was founded by the
Merchants of India; the Minas called Minoans by Strabo as stepping-stone to Egypt.
These Minoans finally as seen above crossed the red sea and took possession of the land of
Nile, where in they caused the wonderful Egyptian Civilization to flourish.
India was the cradle of civilization. People came by sea and the shores of India. Dravidian
people seem to have been starting point of Uvanna, Odakkan and other leaders.
The circular seals with Indians Motifs or script or both occurring in the Sumerian Port of Ur
and in the intermediate harbours on the islands of Bahrain and Failaka in the Persian gulf,
and the discovery of a Bahrain type circular seal and terracotta figures of bearded Sumerian
and mummy at the Lothal port suggest flourishing overseas trade between Lothal on the one
hand and the ports on the Africa coast and Persian Gulf on the other hand. On due course,
the Indus merchants established colonies in Ur, Brseak, Kish, Arpachia Susa and Hissar
where Indian goods and trade Mechanisms are found in Excavations.
H.R. Hall affirms that Sumerians were Indians and very similar to South Indians. It is now
believed that the Civilization of Sumeria is older than that of Egypt and its contact with
India began almost at the very beginning. Rev. Fr. Heras says that Sumerians are in fact
Dravidians from the west coast of India.
Egypt
Will Ford gave abundant evidence proving that ancient Indians colonized and settled in
Egypt. Paul William Roberts states that it is believed that Dravidians from India went to
Egypt and laid the foundation of its civilization there. Egyptians originally came from the
land of Punt.
W.C. Schoff says, “there is Evidence that the trade of South India extended to Egypt in 3rd
Millennium B.C., thousands of years before the emergence of Greeks from savagery.
The Sanskrit origin of names of the land, the river and the gods and the traditions of ancient
Egyptians themselves states that they had originally come from the land of Punt.
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The Egyptians came, according to their own records, from a mysterious land...on the
shore of the Indian Ocean, the sacred Punt; the original home of their gods...who followed
thence after their people who had abandoned them to the valley of the Nile, led by Amon,
Hor and Hathor. This region was the Egyptian 'Land of the Gods,' Pa-Nuter, in old
Egyptian, or Holy Land, and now proved beyond any doubt to have been quite a different
place from the Holy Land of Sinai. By the pictorial hieroglyphic inscription found on the
walls of the temple of the Queen Haslitop at Der-el-Babri, we see that this Punt can be no
other than India. For many ages the Egyptians traded with their old homes, and the
reference here made by them to the names of the Princes of Punt and its fauna and flora,
especially the nomenclature of various precious woods to be found but in India, leave us
scarcely room for the smallest doubt that the old civilization of Egypt is the direct outcome
of that the older India”. (Source: Theosophist for March 1881 p. 123).
By the pictorial hieroglyphic inscription found on the walls of the temple of the Queen
Haslitop at Der-el-babri, we see that this Punt can be no other than India. “It is testified by
Herodotus, Plato, Salon, Pythagoras, and Philostratus that the religion of Egypt proceeded
from India. “The land of Punt in the Egyptian ethnological traditions has been identified by
the scholars with the Malabar Coast of Deccan. From this land ebony, and other rich
woods, incense, balsam, precious metals, etc. used to be imported into Egypt”.
Taking all the evidences and Circumstances into consideration, one can conclude that the
ancient Egyptians were original immigrants from India, as were the Chaldeans of
Mesopotamia and the Phoenicians of the Syrian coasts. Neilos (River Nile) is derived from
the Indian word Neela.
The land of Punt in the Egyptian Ethnological tradities has been identified by the scholars
with Malabar.
America
Chamanlal says that there is hardly a Hindu god who was not known to the ancient
inhabitants of South America. America still preserves idols of Vamana, Siva, Ganesha and
Indra in the Museums of Central America. Ambassador Miles Pondexter writes that the Ayar
INCAS called the Mayan Civilization “Unquestionably Hindu”. The Mexican name for boat
is a south Indian Tamil word Catamaran.
Sir William Jones has remarked, “Rama is represented as a descendent from the sun, as the
husband of Sitva and the son of Princes named Causelya”. It is very remarkable that
Peruvians styled their greatest festival Rama-Sitva that South America was peopled by the
same race who imported into the farther Parts of Asia the rites and fabulous history of
Rama. The Spanish Author Lopez says in his book, “Every page of Peruvian poetry bears
the Imprint of Ramayana and Mahabharata”.
Gene Matlock, author of ‘India once’

“The People of India have long known that their ancestors once sailed to and settled in the
Americas. They called America ‘Patala,’ not because they believed it to be underground, but
because the other side of the globe appeared to be straight down”.
Sir John Marshall

Archeologists all over the world were taken by surprise when they learnt from an article Sir
John Marshall in an issue of illustrated London News that a civilization as old as great as
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Mesopotamia had come to light in the Indus Valley. The unearthing of Indus Civilization has
totally changed the face of India. Both Sir John Marshall and Prof. Arnold Toynbee are of
the opinion that Indus Civilization is an independent Civilization and that it is coeval to
Egyptian, Sumerian, and Minoan Civilization, so all the four civilizations have a common
parent (i.e. Indian Civilization)
The nomenclature Indus civilization was given to the Bronze Age Civilization of Indus
Valley after a dozen sites including the urban centers of Harappa and Mohanjodaro were
excavated by sir John Marshall, Emest J.H. Mackey and ‘Madho Sarup Vats’ in the early
twenties and thirties of the 20th century.
As a maritime power, the Harappans developed brisk overseas trade and established
Merchant colonies in Bahrain, Failaka and the Euphratis Tigris Valley. They built the first
dockyard of the world.
The assumption that the Indus people were non-Aryans, whom the Aryans destroyed and
drove southward, induced more scholars to read Dravidian language in Indus seals. The
Indus civilization came to be regarded as non-Aryan more specifically Dravidian and even
the conical stone was interrupted as Phallus worshipped by Dasas mentioned in Rig-Veda.
To understand Dravidian theory read Tamil words in Indus seal inscriptions.
The port city Dwarka was not only fortified but also larger than Mohanjhodaro. The
Harappan writing, which changed direction at Dwarka, attests to the fact that the Brahmi
script was derived from the Indus script.
Sir Marshall has pointed out numerous likenesses of the objects and inscriptions of
Mohenjodaro and Harappa with Cretan pottery and inscriptions as well as with the ceramic
and certain seals of Mesopotamia.
The expansion of Indian culture in Southeast Asia especially Indo-China’s Peninsula was
such that a number of states on the India pattern were founded. Few of the examples are
Champa on the east coast of Peninsula, Funan in the Makhongdala, Dvaravati in the
southern part of Menam valley of Modern Thailand, Srivijaya in the south, Sumatra of
Swarna Dvipa Modern Indonesia. The introduction of Southeast Asia would seem to have
been influenced predominantly by India, cultural elements in the field of religion.
“Those who arrived first on the continent, later to be known as America, we were groups of
men driven by that mighty current that set out from India towards the east”. (Official History
of Mexico).
Indian pioneers carried the torch of culture to far-off south America, Mexico, Gautemala,
Japan, China, Korea, Philippines in the the east and many nations in the west including
Ireland. Ayar Brahmins of south India ruled a 2500-mile long empire in South America until
1532. India was cradle of cultures, and at least forty countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and
America had cultural imprints of India.
In Central and South America the Astee Maya and Inca civilizations were the pride of India.
The Incas were the world’s most ideal rulers.
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Ambassador Miles Poin Dexter of the United States, who spent several years in Peru and
made personal investigations from the descendents of the Inca rulers, has now proved
beyond doubt that the founders of Inca dynasty were four “Ayar Brahmins”.
Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia and Honduras had more Gods and richer temples. Shiva,
Ganesha, Indra, Sun, Hanuman, Vishnu and his tortoise incarnation (Kurma Avatar) were
some of Hindu gods worshiped in Central and South America. There are many more gods
than above mentioned and the galaxy of our gods is preserved in the museums of America.
The largest temple in Mexico City was the temple of Shiva.
Angkor vat (Cambodia)

Noted architects say that had the classical world known the existence of this master piece,
surely it would have named ‘Angkor Vat’ the 8th wonder of the world. Angkor Vat is the
biggest Hindu Temple in the world. ‘German Apsara conservation project’ is executing the
project with the objective of restoration and consolidation at Angkor Vat. Some other
foreign agencies are also working for conservation of Angkor Vat. But what India had done
so far, for preservation Angkor Vat?
Angkor Vat is an Asian contemporary of ‘Notre Dame de Paris’ and charters of cathedral in
France and of ‘Ely and Lincoln cathedrals’ in England. But in spaciousness and splendour it
is more ambitious than any of these. The vast frieze of pictorial carvings covering the walls
of gallery about eight feet high, it stretches continuously for more than half a Mile. Its
subjects are mostly incidents from Indian epics and holy books the Ramayana, the
Mahabharata and others.
Angkor Vat was built by Surya Varman –II and which was rediscovered by the French
naturalist Henri Mouhot in 1860 and he wrote that it was the most wonderful structure in the
world the like of which Greece or Rome had never built.
Irish-Sacred Cow from India

Cow was as sacred to Irish, as to us in India. A story that Irish goddess Etain fell ill and then
came gods of sea and earth from India with two cows and she was cured with their Milk.
How sacred position India must have commanded in the eyes of Irish? Ireland also
celebrates cow festival.
The Irish also celebrates cow festival like our ‘Gokulastami’. Madame Wilde writes “The
Hindus have a cow festival, when they walked round the animals with great ceremony,
always go west ward while they placed garlands on their horns”. In Ireland there is the cow
festival when the cows are decorated with vervain and rowan and are sprinkled with the first
water drawn from the sacred well after mid night.
Krishna’s Legend in Ireland: In the Irish legends, we not only come across the custom of
serpent worship but also the killing of kalinag by Krishna. The Irish snake dances were very
similar to the snake dances in India and East.
Madame Wilde writes: “The Hindus had their triad of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva
representing the sun at Morning, noon and evening”.
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Indonesia: The Garuda, national emblem of Indonesian republic, is the carrier (Vahana) of
our god Vishnu. The Indonesian Govt. airlines is named Garuda Airways. The Indonesian
Currency has a prominent picture of Lord Ganesha.
Can Savitri be a Muslim Name?

Certainly not in India. But Muslim Indonesians have plenty of Savitris, Gayathris, Leelas,
Pushpas and even Seetas among themselves. Indonesia adopted Islam as a faith but
continued to hold on to the vestiges of Hindu culture. So you have Sukarnoputri for the
current President. Bhasa Indonesia has umpteen numbers of Sanskrit words. Cultural aspects
of Diwali and Holi are still observed by Indonesians.
Countries like China, Korea, Japan and other Countries of South East Asia look at India as
their spiritual home in the same way as the western Christian Nations look at the Holy land.
Malaysia is shifting all its Govt. offices including its Prime Minister’s office to a new
location and named it as PUTRAJAYA (means Success in Sanskrit)
Lake Baikal, in the heart of eastern Siberia, has monasteries studded with Indian Images
and silken Scrolls of tantric deities.
Mongolia has one of the richest treasures of translations of thousands of Sanskrit works and
rare icons of India’s divinities like Mahakala, Kali, Aysi, Tara Devi and so on.
Central Asia has been exhumed Sanskrit Manuscripts and rare works of art. Unique
administrative documents of Prakrit, exquisite Murals and objects of high material, cultural
all imbrued with the spirit and form of India.
China has preserved the rich heritage of art literature and philosophy of India. Hu Shih,
former Ambassador of China to USA said: “India conquered and dominated China
culturally for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across her border.
The Cultural conquest was never imposed by India on her neighbors”.
Armenia: Indian chiefs established a colony at Vihsap on the western Euphrates west of
lake van and founded temples for the worship of Gisani (Kisna) and Devter (Bala Deva).
Puranas talk of Kisna and Baladeva as being Avataras of Vishnu
Stories of Mahabharata form the basic theme of the classical Japanese theatre. The art
tradition of Ajanta at Horyuji temples or Sanskrit Mantras all are ageless Symbols of India’s
contribution to Japan’s evolution. Japan has released a stamp on Lord Krishna.
India is the unique country, where the Conquering Emperor turns to Buddha. Lord
Mahaveera was a forerunner to Buddha, Bhartrihari and Yamunacharya in leaving the
royal robes and the worldly pleasures in Palace.
Termilai and Mediterranean Gods

Herodotus has noted that the lycians originally came from the Island of Crete and that in
Crete that pre- Hellenie Asianic people were known by a name, which that Greeks wrote as
Termilai. It would not perhaps be too much to assume that some at least of the Dravidian
speakers of India, who came ultimately from the eastern Mediterranean tracts brought with
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them their national or the tribal appellations into the modern name Tamil by the middle of
the first millennium A.D. The language of Termilai, Tirumalai, Trimmili, Dramiza which
became transformed or Trimmili belonged to Caucasian group, which is certainly related to
Dravidian supreme god of the Termilai on the southern coast of Asia Minor a ‘Zeus Triopas'
the god with three eyes like Siva and the god of Agros. These Mediterranean gods were also
like Siva dancing gods.
Bulent Ecevit (1925-), the then Turkish Prime Minister, was asked what had given him the
courage to send Turkish troops to Cyprus (where they still remain). His answer: he was
fortified by the ‘Bhagvad Gita’ which taught that if one were morally right, one need not
hesitate to fight injustice. Besides the Gita, Ecevit was also influenced by “Nehru’s
Glimpses of World History”.
India had cultural relations with more than 40 countries which including Afghanistan,
Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan, Nepal, Tibet, Mongolia, Ceylon, Burma, Thailand,
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Middle East Africa, Europe,
America and other Countries.
The Egypt of the Pharaohs, the Greece of Pericles, and the Iran of Darius and the
Rome of Caesar are all dead. Their life and culture are materials for scholarly
research.
Culture
India is Veda-Bhoomi and the land of miracles. India is like Vikramark Simhasan, which
changes the minds of negatives to positives. India has continuing cultural heritage dating
back to thousands of years. It is not so in other cultures after few hundred years there would
be a break and one form of life ended and another began. The people living in those regions
today have very little in common with those who lived earlier. But in India we continue to
be the same people that we were thousands of years ago. From the very beginning, India
observed Sarva Dharma Samabhava and it never lost its identity. Indian civilization has
developed theories and practices of positive pluralism. Each one could find home here and
so India was formed. Indian civilization is like a perennial tree, which grows on
continuously. The Vedas are generally believed to be the earliest literary work. It is clear
that Sanskrit is the world’s first language and therefore mother of all languages.
India is a living tree; it has shed many old barks and put a new bark age after age. In India
ideas emanating from Vedic times continue to be the living force. India gained currency in
countries of Middle East long before expedition of Alexander. India and the Greeks had
commercial and cultural relations. Each influenced the other civilization.
Village republics, which were established in India in early times, in one sense extend to this
day. India has kept her traditional village autonomy almost intact. Even though some
changes have come they were limited to the town and cities. The Aryans settled down in
villages and began to develop the pattern of rural life, which has remained basically
unchanged to this day.
Indian philosophy and culture spread to many countries not with the sword but with love and
compassion. It is the uniqueness of India. India never invaded any country in her last 10000
years of history.
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Heritage
Prosperity of India made her more attractive to invaders. Rich cultures become disadvantage
to Indians both by virtue of its nobility and weakness. The noble and beautiful conception of
life developed in the cultural tradition made its own preservation difficult against aggression
of less cultured and more barbaric people.
Rich Intellectual heritage has been continued since many centuries till the present day and it
is quite unique. Our scientists, doctors, engineers, businessmen and others are making India
proud by their contribution in all the countries of the world. The Indian mind is second to
none in the world.
India has so many amazing success stories but we refuse to acknowledge them. India had the
start of the whole world in the beginning of things, she had the first civilization. Indians
always adopted Vedic motto” Let us move together, let us speak together, let our minds
think together and let our hearts feel together”.
Suras and Asuras

Neither are Devas heavenly beings nor Asuras any subterranean evil spirits. The
Amarakosha designates the Asuras as Purva devah or former gods and therefore, their Cradle
land can be placed only in Devaloka. Kashyapa is regarded as the foremost among Praja
Patis. It is not improbable that the Caspian Sea, Kazvin, Kassites and a host of other place
names such as Kashmir, Kashagar and Kashi preserve the memory of Kashyapa. His father
was celebrated Narichi, who married Kula. The place of his birth Kedara, and his hermitage
was at the base of mount Himalaya. Kashyapa’s three Principal wives were Diti, Aditi and
Danu. From Diti were born the daityas and from Danu the Danavas. Aditi became the
Mother of Adityas who in latter ages came to be regarded as the true gods by the Vedic
Aryans. (His other wives are Vinata, Kadru, Kasht’ha, Kaki, Sheni, Shuki and Manu through
them he gave birth to Giants, Birds, Serpents, Beasts, and Men).
The eldest Daityas and the youngest the Danavas seem to have developed mutual friendly
relations as they have been coupled together under the name Asuras and are said to have
joined their forces in the devasura war against Devas. The Daityas being the eldest ruled
over their fathers territories. The rulers of Devaloka were known as Devas and therefore the
Asuras came to be known as Devas. Even after they had been deprived of their sovereign
status the word ‘Devas’ stuck to them and they came to be called the Purva Devas. When
Adityas became strong they demanded a share in paternal territories. On refusal by the
Asuras conflicts arouse and ultimately resulted in what the Puranas describe as Devasura
wars. The Puranic accounts, Devas and Asuras were brothers is supported by the Brahmanas,
which in their sacredness stand next only to the Vedas. The Satapatha Brahmana furnishes
that the Devas were younger and the Asuras the elder sons. The Puranas mention twelve
Devasura wars and give a separate name to each of them. It is stated by the Puranas that the
Devas and Asuras temporarily patched up their differences and to churn the Kshira sagara
with a view to obtaining the nector of immortality. In this task vasuki, the chief of Naga race
assisted them. However the Devas instead of giving Asuras the legitimate share cheated
them appropriated the entire nector. Kshira sagara has been identified by few scholars with
the Caspian Sea through which trade passed between India and china in the east and the
lands bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the west. It may be that the sea route was the
immediate cause of renewed hostilities. In this war also the Asuras were beaten but they
recovered soon to challenge the Devas. Asuras have been called Purva devas and thus were
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rulers of Devaloka. Bhurgu and his descendants were the priests of the Asuras. There was
constant mingling of Peoples in Devaloka.
Indra Married danava’s daughter. Bhrugu Married daughter of Hiranya Kashipu, son of
Kashyapa. Both the Devas and Asuras entered into marriage relations with each other.
As the Asuras were being repeatedly pushed to the south and southeast and as they
abandoned one settlement for another. Amarkosa and Bhagavata Purana have listed a
number of tribes such as Devas, Asuras, Pitrs Yakshas, Rakshasas and gandharvas as
originating from a common parentage.
Panis have also been called dasas and dasyus and represented the commercial classes of
people living in the cites. They practiced trade and using and monopolized the economic
resources of the country. Their economic concentration of economic potential enabled them
to extend their trade to international levels and command the commercial traffic of the then
known civilized world.
Asura became the name of Demons in India while in Iran Devas became Demons.
Mittani ruler Mittiwaza (Victorious through Prayer) is the son of Dustratta.
Asura people scattered over the lands from syr Darya in central Asia to the sub continent of
India, were sub divided into many tribes Dasas, scythe Mongolians came to be known as the
Nagas and occupied the seven patalas as mentioned in the puranic and epic literatures.
Numbers of dynasties either bearing the name of Naga or originating from the Nagas have
ruled over large parts of India in the historical period. Nagas a civilized people but they were
a great maritime race since very early times. The civilization of Burmah and Chinese
countries is as described to the Naga people of Magadha. The Buddhist literature speaks of
Nagas of the sea and the Nagas of the mountains.
Nagas
After confrontations with other races, Nagas finally settled in Kerala, we can see serpent
worship all over South India.
Predominance of these serpents or Nagas hailing from India spreading throughout southern
Arabia and then invading Egypt can be discovered in the words of Arabians about them,
which are quoted by Herodotus “The Arabians say that the whole world would swarm with
these serpents if they were not kept in check”. The invasion of Egypt by the Nagas who had
first settled in south Arabia was described in a famous tale in Egypt.
Vishvakarma
Vishvakarma lord of the arts, Master of thousand Crafts, Carpenter of gods, builder of their
palaces and divine fashioner of every Jewel. First of crafts Man by whose art men like and
whom a great and deathless god they continually worship (Mahabharata).
Vishvakarma is deemed as the architect of the universe and Chief engineer of the gods. He
revealed the fourth UpaVeda in various treaties on sixty four mechanical arts for the
improvement of such as exercise them and he is the inspector of all manual labours and
Mechanical arts.
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He is said to have made Churn by which ambrosia was produced. The bows of Siva and
Vishnu were his workmanship. One of the lower regions called Sutala, the splendidly
fortified city of Lanka when Ravana ruled and the palace of Kubera the God of Wealth are
cited as specimens of his public works. Vishvakarma was employed by Krishna to build for
him the present city of Dwarka in Gujrat and Indraprastha for Pandavas.
His name is of some celebrity in Mythological legends an account is given of the rites and
ceremonies attendant on the inauguration of Indra, when elected by the gods to be their king,
and a list is there given of many persons who in the heroic history of India obtained
universal monarchy by the successful practice of similar rites among them Vishvakarama
son of Kasypa. On this occasion, as sages relate thus addressed him “no moral has a right to
give me away yet thou o Vishvakarma!” Son of Bhuvana dost wish to do so. I will sink in
the midst of and vain has been promise to Kasyapa.
Sir W. Jones thinks Vishvakarma to be the Vulcan of the Greeks and Romans, being like
Vulcan the forger of arms for the Gods and inventor of Agnyastra or firy shaft, in the war
between them and Daityas or Titans.
Bhagiratha
The Ishvakus were the most illustrious royal dynasties of India in the Vedic Period of her
history. Many early kings of the Ishvakus dynasty are celebrated in both the Vedic literature
and Puranas. The fame of Bhagiratha rests on the fact that the river Ganga is called
Bhagiratha after him. Bhagiratha brought the Ganga to light and adorned it with chariots and
gave it his name Bhagiratha, came on its bank with numerous chariots carrying his subjects
and soldiers and that being the first king of his dynasty to set his foot on its bank and he
gave his name to it.
Harappan Civilization
Discoveries in Mause of Punjab revealed that the Harappan civilization did not develop all
of a sudden but was preceded by a culture having several elements of civilization. Large-
scale excavations might also yield inscriptions, which may tell us more about our pre-
Harappan ancestors. Harappan’s ships sailed as far as Philippians. They might have as well
covered the entire east including Polynesia and Micronesia. They might have been crossed
the Pacific Ocean and established contacts with the people of Maya civilization of Mexico.
There may come a day when our learned researchers may be able to reveal the mystery
surrounding these contacts. India had contacts with Far East as early as 2700 B.C. During
Harappan period, the nature of migration of Indians in ancient times to South East Asian
countries and their early settlements has not received attention of writers to the extent it
deserved. It is indeed most shocking that overseas Indian history not only did not receive our
attention to the extent it deserved but rather scantly by us. It is the most important part of
Indian history, which raises the status of Indian history from national pedestal to
international horizon. This lack of historical knowledge needs immediate revision. Indian
culture in fact reached many distant countries. A saga of real epic without knowing which
Indian history not only remains incomplete but misses a fountain source of inspiration hope
and fulfillment of national inspirations. India’s capability implanting her culture and
language abroad particularly in south East Asia has been under-estimated. Indo China was a
French colony and Indonesia was a Dutch colony. Most of the Indian history of Indo China
is in French language and of Indonesia in Dutch language. Both these languages were little
known in India.
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Lord Macauay (London) stated that many centuries before Christ when the people of
England were still wearing raw skins on their painted bodies and roaming widely in forests
even in the remote antiquity Indians had attained a high degree of civilization.
The first contact between India and Modern Europe took place in 1498 when Vasco-da-
Gama circled the African Continent and landed at Calicut.
“The Hindus are superior to all other nations in intelligence and thought. The Siddhanta is
a good proof of their intellectual powers. By this book the Greeks and the Persians have also
benefited in medicine” writes Al-Indrisi (10th century Historian).
Rediscovery of the ancient Indian texts by European scholars such as Max Mueller,
Ferguson and Cunningham and works of western archaeologists and linguists brought to
light remarkable achievements of Indian past that had virtually been lost sight of during
centuries of foreign rule.
The amazing discoveries and innovations made by India were appreciated by foreign
scholars historians and scientists like Albert Einstein (Noble Prize winner and man of
century) Lancet Hogben, William James, Whacker will cox Mark Twain, Will Durant, Pierre
Simon, Laplace, J.L. Reid Emmelin Plunret, Dr. David Frawley, Richard Brown, etc.
Buddhism spread to other countries such as Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Indo-China Japan and
China. By 6th & 5th Centuries B.C., India established cultural contacts with the Persians and
Greeks. Under Ashoka, Buddhism spread to Syria, Egypt, Macedonia, Central Asia, Burma
and Siam. Buddha was incarnated as the ninth Dasavatara. It reveals great capacity in
Hinduism to absorb even historical movements.
The first century A.D. senses the first Indian settlement in Cambodia and other neighboring
countries like Siam and Indonesia. Cambodian Alphabet is derived from South India. The
world wonder temples at Angkor Vat in Cambodia and Boro Bundar in Java were inspired
by Indian Architecture and art.
For hundreds of years, India had been famous throughout the world for its fine cloth and its
crafts. The wall paintings of Ajantha are world famous. European art critics have given the
most unstinted admiration and praise to the paintings to be seen on these walls. Artists from
America and Japan have vied with one another in copying them. World famous Kailas
temple at Ellora is a real wonder of the world. Kailas Temple was built in Dravidian style
and it is like any other Shiva temple in south India.
Amaravati dates backs to the second century of our era, but it exercised a powerful influence
over the art of Cambodia, Champa and Bali.
There is a stone inscription likewise in Brahami and Prakrit of around second and third
century A.D., which mentions a sea captain or master mariner (Maha Navika) named Sivaka.
This inscription was found at Ghantasala (ancient Kantaka Sala) in Krishna district of A.P.
This place was a sea port in olden days.
The archeological discoveries at the sites, both coastal and interior, like Arikamedu, Kaveri
Pattinam, Karur, Kanchipuram, Karai Kadu, Vasava Samudram in Tamilnadu, Dharanikota
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and Nagarjuna Konda in A.P., Brahma Giri, Chandra Valli, Talakkadu in Karnataka have
provided very interesting and eloquent proof of the commercial relations between South
India and Mediterranean world. Equally eloquent is the discovery of the Roman coins (and
more recently of the Phoenician coins at Karur) all over south India. Kulotthunga is the only
Chola king whose name is associated with a Harbour. The remains at Visakhapatnam in A.P.
as ‘Kulottunga Cola Pattanam’ seems to indicate Kulottunga’s interest in trade with
countries on the opposite side of Bay of Bengal i.e. Burma and Cambodia via the Esthmns of
Kra. Famous ‘motupalli inscription’ on king Ganapathi of Kakatiya Kingdom in northern
A.P., who promised in the year 1244 “Safety to traders by sea starting for and arriving from
all continents, countries and islands”.
India the Home Land of Gypsies

The gypsies say that they went to Europe, when their country was invaded by foreigners and
they were taken as slaves. There are six million gypsies in the world today in Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria, England, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Spain, France and the United States. Gypsies
are questioning why Indian scholars and historians have not claimed them as their own. The
gypsies of Europe and America are still observing many Hindu customs.
Gypsies (Romas), who once following Hindu way of life, came into contact with Islam in
Turkey and with Christianity in Europe. Hindu Romas had converted to the religion of the
country they traveled and settled. They observe Shardha rites like the Hindus. The Hindus
offer food to the crows and birds during Shradha Ceremony and they also carry the same to
dead ancestors. They migrated from their Motherland India in wave after wave to other parts
of the world. They keep pictures of Rama, Krishna and Kali in their houses, although they
were converted to Islam and Christianity.
It is interesting to note that Roma worship Goddess Kali in the form of St. Sarah. It is
interesting to note that Sara is mentioned as one of the names of Goddess Durga
(Durgasaptashati). Statue of St. Sarah is immersed in the Sea after taking out a procession,
as we do for Goddess Durga on the occasion of Durga Pooja. A poster issued on Gypsy
festival on the occasion of world Romani Congress held at the Hampstead Heath on the
Easter Monday 1971 read as follows “The Statue of St. Sarah will be carried on the
shoulders of Gypsies. St. Sarah, the patron saint of Gypsies, represents the Christian form of
the Indian Goddess Kali. As Goddess of fate and fortune, she has been respected by Gypsy
people since the first Gypsies left their homeland in north India a thousand years ago”.
The Garuda Pillar in Bas Nagar: Heliodorus, the son of Dia (Dion), a resident of Taxila
had come to Besnagar as an envoy of the Greek king Antalikata (Antialkidas) to the court of
Kasiputra Bhagabhadra during his 14th regnal year. Antialkidas is placed between 175-135
B.C. The Greek king Agathocles (2nd century B. C) was also devoted to the Bhagavata cult.
The figures of Krishna and Balarama are shown on his coins found in the excavations at Al-
Khanuram in Afghanistan. The column was ordered by Heliodurus, a Greek or Greek-named
envoy of the Indo-Bactrian king, Antialkidas. He came to the court of King Kasiputra
Bhagabhadra, the ruler of the Besnagar area, from Taxila. To celebrate his conversion to
Hinduism a pillar was erected which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Heliodorus calls
himself a devotee of Krishna/Vasudeva, one of the names of Visnu. Such offerings were
common in fulfillment of religious vows (thus 'votive' offerings) at that time. This same
column has survived to the present, and is one of the primary pieces of evidence used to
prove the existence of Vasudeva-Krishna (Krishna-Balarama) worship in the pre-Christian
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era. On the column erected in Besnagar in central India near Vidisha, north of Madhya
Pradesh State, at 113 BC (sometimes also dated 140/150 BC) he calls himself a worshiper of
Vasudeva (Vishnu). This is the first known record that other than Indian-born person became
a follower of Vishnu (Vaishnava).
Dark ages in Europe: up to the sixteenth century Europe was in Dark Age. There was no
knowledge like Mathematics science Medicine etc in Europe. After a long time there was a
brief period of enlightenment in a limited part of Europe in the sixth century B.C for few
centuries due to import of knowledge from India.
Kohinoor
Kohinoor is the most famous diamond in the world. It was found in the Godavari River in
south India some 4000 years ago. It had been owned for several hundred years by the Rajas
of Malwa and afterwards changed many hands. Ranjit Singh had worn it and after it went
into the Lahore treasury and it was there till the Punjab was annexed by the British. In 1849,
it was taken by the East India Company as partial indemnity after Sikh wars and was
presented to Queen Victoria. According to the Gemological Institute of America, up until
1896, India was the only source for diamonds to the world.
Himalayas
Himalayas are of very great important to India. If the Himalayas were not there, there would
no Ganga, Jamuna, Brahma Putra and Indus. It the Himalayas were not there, there would be
no rainfall and India would have become a desert like the Sahara. Our farsighted ancestors
knew this.
Patanjali
Patanjali’s contribution to humankind continues to be a way of life for Lakhs of people, not
only in India but around the world. This great Yogi who lived in the second century B.C.
codified the Yoga sutras and Vedic Science of Yoga, which continues to be popular as a
form of exercise and Meditation. Yogic achievement leads to a general sense of well being
and control over the physical and psychological aspects of life system and also control over
the emotions and desires which may other wise disturb a serene and harmonious life. Thus a
Yogi achieves the destination of being a real human being, master of himself rather than a
slave to his emotional desires. Patanjali’s great gift to the world has helped men to overcome
physical problems from obesity to diabetes, given him the ability to increase his
concentration and even achieve Nirvana if he wants.
Kapila
It is believed that the Kapila Deva is an incarnation of Krishna. Kapila Deva’s father is
Karadama Muni. For the propagation of transcendental knowledge, the incarnation of God
Head gave instructions in Sankhya Philosophy to his mother Devabuti. Saunaka Risi says
that Kapila is supreme person, therefore, he can explain the absolute truth. Sri Saunaka said
that kapila descended to disseminate the transcendental knowledge for the benefit of the
whole human race. Sankhya deals with the elemental principles of Physical universe.
Sankhya system expounds and the knowledge that enables one to distinguishes between
matter and spirit.
Kapila Muni a renowned sage of antiquity is universally recognized as the founder of

Sankhya system, which forms an important part of India’s ancient philosophical heritage.
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Sankhya is both a system of metaphysics dealing with the elemental principles of the
physical universe and a system of spiritual knowledge with its own methodology
culminating in full consciousness of the supreme absolute, Kapila however is not an
ordinary philosopher or sage. Kapila codified Yoga Sutras.
Kapila’s teachings, originally inscribed in the Shrimad Bhagavta Purana, are among the
most important spiritual documents of Vedic Theism. The text begins with the words
Saunaka the foremost of the sages of Nainsaranya
Yoga involves physical and mental disciplines directed at control over mental and bodily
functions, specially breathing. The classic text of this Yoga is the celebrated Yoga Sutra of
Patanjali, one of the world’s great religious classics. These Sutras or aphorisms of Patanjali
lay down an eight fold path. Numerous other texts in various aspects of Yoga are to be found
in Hindu literature all basing themselves upon the foundations laid by Patanjali. Miraculous
powers or Siddis are accepted as an important aspect of Yogic practices Meditation on the
symbol and sound of AUM is important aspect of Yoga. AUM, the symbol of the divinity,
pervades the universe. AUM is explained in the Upanishads as standing for the whole world
and its parts including past, present and future. AUM is the primary or Mula Mantra and
often pervades other Mantras. Yoga Swami in his poem says the whole world has evolved
from AUM, the whole world is sustained by AUM, The whole world will merge in to AUM.
In it resides my own strength Sivayave.
Tantricism: The Tantra influenced the Buddhists and the Hindus alike. In essentials the
Tantras of Buddhists, Sarivas, Saktas and the Bhgavatas show remarkable agreement in
theory and practice. The word Tantra means a text as well as a system of Sadhana and
Siddhi. The religion expounded in Tantras is a peculiar mixture of Mystics syllables
(Mantras) magical diagrams, (Yantras) ritualistic circles, (Mandalas) physical gestures,
(Mudras) Sex play, (Maithuna), psycho–physical discipline, (Yogas) a fearful pantheon
elaborate worship and ritualism, Magical sorcery, necromancy symbolism, astrology,
alchemy, co-efficiency of female element and monistic philosophy.
The idea of Siddhi (psychic and super nature power) is common to all Indian religious
systems. The Brahminical texts speak of eight Siddhis. The Buddhist texts speak of ten kinds
of powers (Iddhi, rddhi or abhijna) such as to project mind made image of one self, to
become invisible, to pass through solid things such as wall, to penetrate solid ground as if it
were water, to walk on water to fly through the air to touch sun and moon to ascend into the
highest heavens etc.
The ultimate goal of Sadhana is attainment of the state Sahaja, which is one of great
blissfulness without beginning and without end free from duality.
Mother of Sciences
Indian science, its origins – Astronomers – Mathematicians – The Arabic Numerals – The
decimal System – Algebra – Geometry – Physics – Chemistry – Physiology – Vedic
Medicine – Physicians – Anesthetics – Vaccination – Hypnotism – Surgery in Ancient India.
The science of medicine and surgery first evolved in India and the western world even
including Greece, borrowed many of discoveries in these sciences as well as in geometry,
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Algebra, arithmetic, astronomy and chemistry. India had surgeons 2600 years ago and 120
surgical instruments in the time of the Buddha.
Long before the discovery of the centre of gravity by Newton (1642–1727) it was stated in
‘Siddhanta–Siromani’ of Bhaskara Charya (1150) that heavy things fall on earth on
account of earth’s attraction (Madhya Akarshana)
Angkor was the living complex of the immortal epic of Indian Argonauts. Most of Indians
think that the Idea of Equator, longitude and latitude, came from Europe. They should
revise their knowledge; all the three ideas were introduced by Arya Bhatta and Brahma
Gupta. Europe acquired this scientific knowledge after Arya Bhattiva with its commentary
Bhatta Deepika by Paramedhisvara and it has been translated from Sanskrit into Dutch
language by Dr. Kern and published in 1874.
Astronomy: Indian astronomers have been mapping the skies for 3500 years.
Bhadrabalu astronomer was of Jaina religion. He is believed to be author of a commentary

on the Surya Prajnapati and of an astronomical Samhita known after his name.
Surya Siddhanta occupies very important place in Indian astronomy. The Surya Siddhanta,
recorded by Maya at the end of the Golden Age, records real time and non-real time, which
has recently come up in the area of simulation among high-tech computer technology.
Aryabhata wrote at least two works on astronomy (1). Arya Bhatiya, (2), Arya Bhata
Siddhanta. Arya Bhata propounded the theory of rotation of the earth. Brahma Gupta
composed Brahma phute Siddhanta.
Arya Bhata invented an Alphabetical system of notation.
The classical Hindu Almanac is called Panchanga. Most Panchangas are based on the
classical astronomical treatise Surya Siddhanta in its state from about ninth century AD.
Bhaskaracharya calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the sun hundreds of years
before the astronomer Smart. Time taken by earth to orbit the sun: (5th century)
365.258756484 days.
The value of "pi" was first calculated by Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is
known as the Pythagorean Theorem. He discovered this in the 6th century long before the
European mathematicians.
Algebra, trigonometry and calculus came from India. Quadratic equations were propounded
by Sridharacharya in the 11th century. The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used
were 106 whereas Hindus used numbers as big as 10**53 (10 to the power of 53) with
specific names as early as 5000 B.C. during the Vedic period. Even today, the largest used
number is Tera: 10**12(10 to the power of 12). [Hetvindreeyam =(10 power of 35),
Samaapta lambhaha=(10 power of 37), Ganaaagatihi=(10 power of 39), Niravadyam=(10
power of 41), Mudraabaalam=(10 power of 43), Sarvabaalam=(10 power of 45),
Vishamagnagatihi=(10 power of 47), Sarvagnaha=(10 power of 49), Vibhutangamaa=(10
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power of 51), Tallaakshanam=(10 power of 53), (In Anuyogdwaar Sutra written in 100
BCE one numeral is raised as high as 10 to the power of 140).]
1000 Years before Copernicus: Copernicus published his theory of the revolution of the
Earth in 1543. A thousand years before him, Aryabhatta in 5th century (400-500CE) stated
that the Earth revolves around the sun, “just as a person traveling in a boat feels that the trees
on the bank are moving, people on earth feel that the sun is moving”. In this treatise
Aryabhatteeam, he clearly states that our earth is round, it rotates on its axis, orbits the sun
and is suspended in Space and explains that lunar and solar eclipses occur by the interplay of
the sun, the moon and the earth.
The famous Iron Pillar (Qutub Minar) has remained un-rusted for 1500 years illustrating
the advancements in Indian Micro Iron Technology. Qutub Minar, which baffles modern
scientists to how it was cast and how it withstands oxidation to this day bears testimony to
the height, which India had been reached in the art and sciences.
Ancient India provided to the world many scientific ideas. The use of decimal place value
with zero was in use in India by about 5th Century A.D. The Indian astronomy deals
essentially with several planetary phenomena. The place value system and the decimal
system was developed in India in 100 BC. India invented the Number System.
The Mathematics of zero: It has been shown that the zero was invented in India about the
beginning of the Christian era to help the writing of numbers on decimal scale. The Hindus
evolved complete arithmetic of zero and it was used in their arithmetic at the time when the
original of the Bakhshali Manuscript was written about third century A.D. The operation of
addition and subtraction of zero are incidentally mentioned in the Panca – Siddhantika of
Varaha Mitra (505). The complete decimal arithmetic is found in the commentary of
Bhaskara-I on the Arya Bhatia, The results of operations by zero are found stated in the
works of Brahma Gupta and in all later Mathematical treatises.
Mahaveeracharya (850 AD)

He wrote the book titled "Ganit Saar Sangraha". This book is on Numerical Mathematics. He
has described the currently used method of calculating Least Common Multiple (LCM) of
given numbers. The same method was used in Europe later in 1500 AD. He derived
formulae to calculate the area of ellipse and quadrilateral inside a circle.
Shridharacharya (850 AD)

He wrote books titled "Nav Shatika", "Tri Shatika", "Pati Ganit". These books are on
Numerical Mathematics. His books on Beez Ganit (Algebra) are lost now, but his method of
solving quadratic equations is still used. This is method is also called "Shridharacharya
Niyam". The great thing is that currently we use the same formula as told by him. His book
titled "Pati Ganit" has been translated into Arabic by the name "Hisabul Tarapt".
Aryabhatta Second (950 AD)

He wrote a book titled Maha Siddhanta. This book discusses Numerical Mathematics (Ank
Ganit) and Algebra. It describes the method of solving algebraic indeterminate equations of
first order. He was the first to calculate the surface area of a sphere. He used the value of pi
as 22/7.
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Shripati Mishra (1039 AD)

He wrote the books Siddhanta Shekhar and Ganit Tilak. He worked mainly on permutations
and combinations. Only the first section of his book Ganit Tilak is available.
Nemichandra Siddhanta Chakravati (1100 AD)

His famous book, Gome-mat Saar, has two sections. The first section is Karma Kaand and
the second section is titled Jeev Kaand. He worked on Set Theory. He described universal
sets, all types of mapping, Well Ordering Theorems, etc. One-to-One Mapping was used by
Gailileo and George Kanter (1845-1918) after many centuries.
Bhaskaracharya Second (1114 AD)

He has written excellent books namely Siddhanta Shiromani, Leelavati Beezganitam, Gola
Addhaya, Griha Ganitam and Karan Kautoohal. He gave final touch to Numerical
Mathematics, Beez Ganit (Algebra), and Trikonmiti (Trignometry).
As early as the second century B.C., Nagarjuna devoted an entire volume to mercury. It
was believed that he could make Elixir of life and could change base metal into gold. At
least six learned works are known to exist and list of them is as follows 1. Rasa Ratnakara 2.
Ultar Tantra 3. Arogya Manjari 4. Kakshapita Tantra 5. Yogasana 6. Yoga Satak. The first
one deals with Mercury compounds and extraction and purification of gold, silver and tin.
The other five books refer to health related subjects and some times contain confirmation
supplementary to ‘Susruta Samhita’. His elixir of life was based on substances like mercury
and other metals, pearls, diamonds, minerals, Alkalis and animal & vegetable products etc.
USA based IEEE has proved what has been a century old belief in the world scientific
community that the pioneer of wireless communication was Prof Jagdeesh Bose and not
Marconi.
The earliest reservoir and dam for irrigation was built in Saurashtra.
“After the conversations about Indian philosophy, some of the ideas of Quantum Physics
that had seemed so crazy suddenly made much more sense”.
--W. Heisenberg (German Physicist, 1901-1976)
Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to Humans. Charaka the father of
medicine consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.
Medicine and Surgery

The science of Medicine and surgery was first developed in India and the western world,
including Greece, borrowed many of discoveries in these sciences .Dr David had stated that
world first codified medicine and surgery in India. Susruta Samhita (350A.D) has extensive
chapter on surgery. It mentions 300 different types of operations, employing 121 surgical
instruments. “Ayurveda is the worlds oldest and the most complete system of natural healing
containing great wisdom for all Humanity”. According to Ayurveda a living creature is
composed of soul, mind and body, compound of these three elements that constitutes the
science of life. In recent years a more ‘science- Savvy’ form of Ayurveda, has spread to
distant parts of the world including United States.
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Ancient Ayurveda has elaborate description of properties of various medicines. Susruta

Samhita has comprehensive description of therapeutics and Charaka Samhita contains
unbelievable and extensive material about medicine of India.
Both Muslim invasions and latter British colonization imposed their own medical beliefs to
the point where both Indian folk medicine and Ayurveda medicine were suppressed. Today
there is a global resurgence of interest in natural healing methods and Ayurveda medicine
tops the list in terms of west’s latest alternative health fascination.
Presently the western world has woken up to the value of Indian medicinal plants due to the
presence of bio-geographical regions varying from alpine, Tropical to coastal.
Susruta Samhita was translated in to Arabic before the end of the eighth century A.D. It was
called kitab Shaw Shoon a Hindi Arab Physician often quoted and mentioned Sarad as an
authority on surgery. It was translated in to Latin by Hassler and in to German by Ullers.
Charka Samhita is a massive treatise on ancient Indian medicine. Charka is one of the best
known and the most popular name in Ayurveda Medicine. Charka was a revered authority in
the Saracen and Latin worlds of medicine. Charka Samhita was translated from Sanskrit in
to Arabic in the beginning of eighth century and its name Sharaka Indianus occurs in the
Latin translation of a vaicenna.
During the reign of Harunal-Rashid (A.D786-814) the Abba sid caliph, Baghdad was the
Most important city of the Arab world .The Barmecid family of Indian physicians then
occupied a very important place in his court. Barmecids translated into Arabic and Persian
many of Indian classics. Indian Physicians were very popular. Many stories are recorded of
the cures they brought about when others had failed. Manka, a well-known Indian physician,
had translated many Sanskrit books into Persian and Arabic.
Arabs learnt Ayurveda from Indians and afterwards it was mixed with Greek medical
systems and it changed as Unani Medical system.
Literature
“Whenever I have read any part of the Vedas, I have felt that some unearthly and unknown
light illuminated me. In the great teaching of the Vedas, there is no touch of sectarianism. It
is of all ages, climbs, and nationalities and is the royal road for the attainment of the Great
Knowledge. When I read it, I feel that I am under the spangled heavens of a summer night”.
- Thoreau (American Thinker)
The Rig Veda Contains riches (hymns), which are so fresh, so joyous, so beautiful, so
inspiring that there is little in the world literature to compare with this.
Bhagavad-Gita
"In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy of the
Bhagavad Gita in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seems puny”.
- Henry David Thoreau
“I owed a magnificent day to the Bhagavad-Gita. It was as if an empire spoke to us, nothing
small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence which in
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another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the same questions which
exercise us”.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Lord Krishna describes himself:
I am the conscience in the heart of all creatures; I am their beginning, their being, their end;
I am the mind of the senses, I am the radiant sun among lights;
I am the song in sacred lore; I am the king of deities;
I am the priest of great seers; Of words, I am the eternal OM,
the prayer of sacrifices I am the measure of what endures
I am the chief of divine sages, leader of celestial musicians.
I am the recluse philosopher among saints. I am the thunderbolt among weapons
Among cattle, the Kamadhenu I am the procreative god of love
I am the endless cosmic serpent, The lord of all sea creatures;
I am the chief of the ancestral fathers. I am gracious Siva among howling storms.
Of restraints, I am death, Of measures, I am time.
I am the purifying wind. I am the cleansing Ganga
“In whatever way men love me, in the same way they find My Love; various are the
ways of men, but in the end they all come to me”.
“Though I Manifest Myself in all things, I am identified with none of them”.
“I am in every religion as the thread through a string of pearls. Wherever thou seest
extraordinary holiness and extraordinary power rising and purifying humanity, know
thou that I am there”.
Bhagavad Gita is a very good guide. In every aspect of life, guidance is essential. Bhagavad
Gita reveals the realities and practicalities of human life and guides how a man should live.
In Bhagwat Gita, Shri Krishna says every person has to face many problems and challenges
and should be prepared to face the challenges, then only the aims and objectives can be
achieved; other wise there is no future at all. Bhagavad Gita preaches the performance of
one’s duty without being obsessed with the resulting success or failure. Message of Gita
explains the duties of human beings in worldly life and as a soothing balm to enable to fulfill
their duties. In Gita, Shri Krishna says “In whatever form men worship me, I look after them
in that form. Men worship me in many ways but all reach me. To reach a mountain, there
are many paths leading to the summit”. Shri Krishna also told that whenever there is a
decline of righteousness and unrighteousness widely extends then for the re-establishment of
righteousness he will come to the earth to remedy the situation. He also said that who sees
me in all things and all things in him and that he is never far from him and he was never far
from them.
In Gita, Shri Krishna says that he is the lord and dwells in every creature though the power
of his own Maya and, he manifest himself in infinite form and those who fail to see this are
blind. Bhagvat Gita says, your duty is to perform your deeds, it is not for you to look to the
rewards there of.
God incarnates himself in the human form from age to age to destroy evil and establish
good. In Gita Krishna says, “I rise from age to age and take visible shape and move from
man to man, establishing the good”.
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The Bhagavad-Gita, which is the basis of Hindu religion, preaches the performance of one’s
duty without attachment to the resulting success or failure as the aim and end of life.
The Vedic Literature, which even in its extant form covers a vast and varied ground, is a
sustained effort at recording spiritual activities and achievements of a culture spreading over
thousands of years.
Yaska: (700B.C) was a rational thinker and paved the way for the understanding the way of
Vedic texts by compiling the NIRUKTA, one of the most authoritative richly documented
and closely knit treaties on exegesis. Sanskrit literature stands testimony to the fact that in
Bharat the spirit of nationhood had been a living force from the very dawn of civilization.
The great literary masterpiece, Ramayana, in which Rama says to “O, Laxmana even the
golden Lanka has no fascination for me. The mother and the motherland are greater than
heaven it self”. Walk together, talk together and act with one mind is the Vedic Motto. He
was at the head of distinguished line of teachers. The linguistic Material with which Yaska
deals was taken from the Vedic literature but he does not fail to notice the distinction and
affinity between Vedic language and classical Sanskrit. The days Vedic Sanskrit had come
to an end by the time of Yaska. Itihasa, which was originally connected with Vedic hymns,
became a thing of the past. The Vedic languages were superseded by classical Sanskrit, as
the vehicle of an ever-widening culture and new and varied forms of literature and thought.
Yaska is the author of Nirukta. Nirukta properly belongs to Vedic literature. Vedic teacher
Vaska’s most outstanding contribution lies in his bringing to a focus the scattered strands of
Adhyathmika interpretation of Vedic knowledge. According to his definition a ‘Rishi’ is,
one who has obtained a vision of self- existent knowledge flowed towards when they are
engaged in tapas. The Nirukta in fact records first systematic attempt to interpret the verses
of Rig-Veda in classical Sanskrit.
Panini: (300 BC) Panini is now regarded as the ‘first Software Man’. Panini’s grammar is
the earliest and scientific and supreme in the world. His system of roughly 4,000 rules of
Sanskrit grammar are so scientific and logical that they resemble and are akin in form and
essence to computer languages. Millions of dollars are currently being spent on researching
the use of Panini’s system to write the perfect computer language.
Author of Astadhyay is the most shining star to rise in the intellectual horizon of ancient
India. His Methodology, logic and very apparatus of thinking have disciplined Sanskrit
authors of all classes for more than twenty-five centuries. The days of Vedic Sanskrit had
come to an end by the time of Vaska and fresh forms were coming in to use. A new
regulating and authorative grammar was needed for bridging the gulf between the Vedic
languages and rising popular classical Sanskrit. Panani’s work was greeted with universal
approval. The most important contribution of the Ashtadhyayi to the history of ancient India
is its geographic information. Panini had a direct knowledge of the country and knew a
wider geographical horizon. The extent of his knowledge is indicated by several landmarks
mentioned in the sutras. Astadhyayi achieved finally it’s position as the only adequate
comprehensive grammar. Panini superceded all the predecessors whose works have
consequently been lost in oblivion of the older linguists. Panini is the architect of the
magnificent edifice of Astadhyayi, which justly commands the wonder and admiration of the
world. Panini was one of the intellectual giants of ancient India, who contributed to the
heritage of the country. He is the greatest of the ancient grammarians. The geographical,
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social, economic, literary, religious and political data can be found in Paninis Astadhyayi.
Panini’s Sanskrit grammar, produced in about 300 B.C., is the shortest and the fullest
grammar which reflects the wondrous capacity of the human brain which till today no other
country has been able to produce except India. The grammar of Panini stands supreme
among the grammarians in the world. Panini’s Grammar is the earliest scientific grammar in
the world. This picture of cultural and historical import portrayed in Astadhyayi enhances
the depth and interest of the great book, which is the compendium of ancient institutions.
The Astadhyayi furnishes a host of details about the religious life of the people throwing
light on the gods and goddesses worshipped. The new cult of Bhakti or devotion, deities,
worships of images, performance of Yajnas and the institution of ascetics. The Astadhyayi
also throws important on the social life of the period including important details of about
food, drink games and amusement, proper names personal dress etc…
Katyana (third centaury B.C) Katayana wrote vartticas on Panini sutras and these were
incorporated and supplemental dicta to Paninis aphorisms, classified these narrative works as
Akayana and Akhyanica. These vartticas are generally short prose sentences written in the
style of sutras but they are not as brief as the sutras of Panini. There are also a metrical
vartticas that are based only in parts. In the first place the Maha bhasya commentary on the
vartticas but Patanjali was not satisfied only with explaining and criticizing them. Patanjali
in his work very often agrees with Katyayana and some times he goes against him. In
addition, he continues the work of Katyayana as well while doing this critically.
Patanjali (second centaury B.C): Maha Bhasya, one of the most important treaties on
Sanskrit grammar, it influenced latter grammatical works to a very great extent. Patanjali is
the author of Mahabhayshya, which is of the great commentary on the Varittkas of
Katayana. Medicine is mentioned in Patanjali’s Maha Bhashya as a recognized branch of
study along with the four Vedas and the Vedangas Itihasa and the Puranas. Patanjali’s
writings are full of material, which reflects the active wide cultivation of poetry. Patanjali
did not have fascination for any special theory and he did not make his remarks regarding
studies into the sutras of Panini and some times he supports against objections and some
times improving upon them and makes them perfect. Maha Bhasya offers a fertile source of
information about the cultural and historical conditions of the country. Patanjali is looked
upon as a paramount authority relating to classical Sanskrit grammar.
In literature, the achievements of India were the highest and the earliest. No literature like
the Vedas developed anywhere in the world. Vedic literature gave rise to the Upanishads,
which contain unique philosophical thoughts. The Ramayana gave rise to the poetic
literature of Asva Ghosa, Kalidas, Bharavi, Magha and many others. Such a unique
development in literature, science and arts was possible owing to the extraordinary facilities
for learning and teaching of all the known subjects. People from different parts of the world
used to come to India to acquire knowledge. The world’s first university was established in
Takshila in 700 B.C. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than
60 subjects. The universities of Takshila, Ujjain, Amaravati, Nalanda, Kashi, Kanchi,
Vikramsila, Madura, Vallabhi, Mithila, Odantapuri, Nadia and other places were well
organised and well equipped institutions.
Sayanacharya (14th Century AD): Sayana’s commentary is the only means of access to the
Vedas. Had there been no commentary of Sayana, the Vedas would been have remained a
sealed book for both for the European as well as Indian scholars.
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Sayana has to be honored with a privileged position among the commentators on Vedic
works. His extreme love for Vedic literature, its exhaustive study, and on the other hand
strengthening the Vijayanagara Empire as its Prime Minister represent his varied qualities as
scholar–statesman. Sayana was the Prime Minister of Bukka I, Kampana, Sangama–II, and
Harihara–II, rulers of Vijayanagara and other states.
Sayana is a well–known scholar of all the four Vedas. The excellence of his Vedic
commentaries has largely thrown the earlier commentaries into oblivion. Every page of his
commentaries unfailingly convinces the reader of the earnestness in his approach and the
devotion and sincerity he exhibits in accomplishing the stupendous task he has set before
himself. In his lengthy introduction to his commentary on the Rig-Veda Samhita he has
explained in clear terms the method he has followed in writing his commentary. He has
made full use of the traditional ancillary sciences, fourteen in number, and has also consulted
the earlier commentaries on the Vedas. He has not failed to tap any source connected with
the Vedas, directly or indirectly and closely or remotely, wherefrom he could derive the
material necessary for achieving his target. Even a cursory reader of his Vedic commentaries
will be astonished at his mastery over the fourteen disciplines and the utmost ease with
which he quotes from them. At times he differs from the earlier authorities, while always
expressing his views in all humility and politeness. Nothing has been left out unexplained.
As a responsible commentator he has been extremely cautious in utilizing the available
sources, starting with the Padapatha and Brahamanas down to the works of his times. One of
the main principles he strictly adheres to in his commentaries is due consideration of the
context. He explains the text in harmony with the context; he carefully avoids whatever that
runs repugnant to the context. Since the non-augmented past tense and the injunctive are
identical in from one will find it extremely difficult to fix the identify of the given non-
augmented verbal formation from its mere form. One will have to necessarily seek the help
of the context in fixing the nature of the verb temporal or model. In other words the context
is the infallible guide under such circumstances.
Sayana was the author of a large number of works, e.g. Dhatu–ritti, Commentaries on
Rigveda, Kanva-Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharva-Veda, Taittriya-Samhita, and
Commentaries on Taittiriya Brahmana, Aitareya Brahmana and eight brahmanas of the
Sama-Veda and many others.
He was considered to be incarnation of Vyasa.
Vivekananda once remarked, “well, do you know my impression is that it is Sayana who is
born again as Max Muller to revive his commentary on the Vedas?” I have had this notion
for long. It became confirmed in my mind, it seems, after I had seen Max Muller.
A manuscript of his commentary on the Rig-Veda is preserved in central library Baroda.
Sukra Charya and Moral Philosophy

In ancient times there was a bitter struggle between the Devas and The Asuras for the lord
ship of the three worlds. Both belligerents had illustrious preceptors Brihaspati who was
preeminent in the knowledge of the Vedas was guiding spirit of Devas while the Asuras
relied on Sukracharya’s profound wisdom. The Asuras had the formidable advantage that
Sukracharya alone possessed the secret of Sanjivani, which could recall the dead to life.
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Thus the Asuras who had fallen in the battle were brought back to life time and again and
continued their fight with the Devas. The Devas were thus at the great disadvantage in their
long drawn out war with their natural foes.
Sukra, the son of Bhrigu, was known as Venus. Purva devas or Asuras were disciples of
Sukra. With due decorum they questioned him about system of Morals. Sukra gave them a
discourse on the essence of the Morals in the logical order. “For the good of Man, Brahma,
the Creator, had stated that treaties or morals contained one crore slokas. By a process of
selection, the essence of that Nitisastra, which was an extensive arguments thesis, has been
compiled in abridged form by Vasistha and other like myself for the increase of prosperity of
rulers of the earth and others whose life is of short span. Other shastras deal with certain
specialised areas of human activity where as Niti Sastra is useful to all in all cases and is the
means for the preservation of Human society. As the Niti Sashtra is considered to me the
spring of virtue, wealth, enjoyment and salvation, the ruler should ever carefully pursue it.
By knowing which rulers can be victorious over foes affectionate and conciliatory towards
subjects and well up in the arts of state craft, without system of Moral Philosophy the
stability of no Mans affairs can be maintained”. Niti Sastra is conducive to the desires and
interests of all and hence is respected and followed by all. It is also indispensable to a prince
since he is the lord of all men and things. The absence of Niti Sastra is always dangerous to
a king like a vessel, which leaks. It multiplies and satisfies enemies and causes the
diminution of strength and efficiency. Where there are both Niti and might there is all-round
prosperity.
Vishnu Sharma & The Panchatantra

“Since Verbal Science has no final end, since life is short, and obstacles impound, let
central facts be picked and firmly fixed as swans extract the milk water mixed”
- The Panchatantra
Vishnu sharma was a celebrated teacher living in Mahila Ropya (probably it might be
Mylapur Chennai). He was the author of Panchatantra. Panchatantra has made an
unparalleled triumphal Progress from its native land over all civilized parts of the globe. It
has had great influence on world literature as no other work of literature has. Panchatantra is
second to Bible in regard to the translation into other languages, being rendered in more than
sixty languages all over the world. The Panchatantra has attained an extraordinarily wide
diffusion throughout the world. Since its first known translation into a non-Indian tongue
(Pahlavi- Middle Iranian) in the sixth century A.D., it has been rendered into more than two
hundred different versions. About 750A.D, it was translated into Arabic, and by eleventh
century it had reached Europe.
The Panchatantra might have been originally designed for the use of monarchs, a mirror for
princes, a pattern for a just ruler in the art of government and in the conduct of his private
life and relationships. Vishnu Sharma’s objective was to awaken the intelligence and to
educate the Princes to equip them for their future high office and all the responsibilities it
carries. Princes had to become able and wise rulers of their kingdoms. Vishnu Sharma
fulfilled his task of educating in a novel method of instruction, which used life and its varied
experiences as the textbook. He presented real life situations and problems in the guise of
stories. It is all matter of using the right method and opening windows to an intelligent
person. Panchatantra presents two worlds one mirroring the other.
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The Panchatantra is divided into five books, and is one of two surviving collections of
animal fables from ancient India (the Hitopadesa is the other). The book in its form was
probably put together between about 100 A.D. to 500 A.D; variants of some of the stories
appear also in the jatakas- accounts of the former existences of Buddha-indicating that they
belonged to the common stock of Indian folklore. Though designed to amuse, they are also
regarded in India as texts of Artha. The animal protagonist represent very human
characteristics arrogance, greed, fear and vengefulness, with a gentle irony the fables make
fun of stupidity and relate the down fall of the proud and the foolish, invariably cleverness
proves superior to brute strength.
Agasthya
In south India, Agasthya is venerated as the earliest teacher of science and literature. He is
the reputed author of many Tamil works. A mountain in Travancore is called Agasthya’s
Hill. Agasthya was placed among the stars as Canopus, the most brilliant star.
Agasthya had written a Tamil Grammar in Music, literature and drama. Even today in
certain temples in Tamilnadu, Agasthya worship is carried on, in Rig-Veda in a famous
sukta where he is described as a friend of both varnas i.e. helping not only the conforming,
Devas- worshippers but also the non-conformists-Asuras.
Agasthya’s services did not stop with our shores. He became the standard bearer of greater
India movement and all South Asia felt his presence, if we had credence to the Tradition
even now vigorously alive in this area. In effect Agastya not any uplifted South India but
spread his benign evangelism to other lands across the Kalapani.
Tirukkural of Tiru Alluvar

Tirukkural of Tiruvalluvar is a fifth Veda to Tamilians. It is a great work dealing with Moral
and ethical Principles and with the Ideals to which the Tamil Aham stood through the ages.
It is a book of aphorisms which lays down how exactly one should conduct himself to lead a
good life. The Kural has been known to the Tamils by the more significant expression
Muppal as it deals with the three aspects of life namely Aram, Porul and Imbam. Sanskrit
epics and works on polity are well known as the Trivarga. The term Trivarga stands exactly
for Dharma, Artha and Kama. It is evident that Muppal is synonymous with Trivarga and the
terms Aram, Porul and Imbam are the literal translations, if we may say so of the terms
Dharma, Artha and Kama respectively.
The most learned scholar, who is also considered as great saint Thiruvalluvar, is the author
of the great treatise-Tirukkural, which commands the status of the Holy Scripture. Among
all the Tamil books it is the most widely published and translated in the largest number of
languages.
The Kural, dating not later than 10th century A.D., is said to have been the work of a poet
belonging to one of the depressed classes. It enforces the Sankhya Philosophy in 1,330
poetical aphorism based on three subjects wealth, pleasure and virtue.
The Aryans made substantial progress in literature, the arts, sciences like astronomy,
geometry and Town planning. Education in sciences and philosophy was imparted in
Ashrams (hermitages) by sages.
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Medieval Period
Live and let live has been policy of the Indian way of life. India is a land of variety and
diversity. People coming from outside the country have changed their mind and lived here
harmoniously. This is the uniqueness of India. Indian society has been producing remarkable
persons at the right time and it has been witnessed since ancient times to the present day.
Many saints, prophets, reformers, leaders have been born and enlightened the society.
The medieval Indian saints in Maharashtra exercised great harmonizing influence on the
people belonging to all categories and communities. Saints and sages made strenuous efforts
for the unification of Hinduism and Islam. Malik Muhammad Jayasi specialized in writing
on Hindu life and traditions while several Hindus wrote on the life of the Prophet. Rai Bhana
Mal’s chronicles are in chaste Persian so also Ameer Khusrau popularized through his
poems the Hindu ethos. He wrote in both Persian and the native language, which was a
mixture of Sanskrit, Persian and Khariboli. The result was the emergence of new styles of
art, architecture, music that continue to be our rich Heritage even today. It preserves the old
Hindu form and transplants on it the contours of Islamic art. E.M. Havell, the eminent art
critic, has explained in his classical work on Indian architecture that whether the Muslim
rulers were Arab, Pathan, Turk, Persian or Mongol, each of them borrowed in construction
of mosques, dargahs or palaces from Hindu symbols and designs he wrote.
Muslim Sufis played a very significant role. To them, human heart is more important than
the Kaaba. They preached universal brotherhood and refused to distinguish between Hindus
and Muslims. As their mentor, Maulana Rumi is his “Mathnavi”, which Muslims regard as
the Quran in the Persian language. The sages, who came to India, borrowed much from the
philosophy of the Vedas. They were motivated more by the light within and intuitive
experience than mere adherence to formal rites and religions practices. The most notable
among them were Moinddin Chisti, Nizamuddin Aulia and Baba Farid. The Dargah of
Qutubuddin (Delhi) Bhakta Yar Kaki (Delhi), a disciple of Chisti, was as much revered after
both by Hindus and Muslims. Even to day it attracts thousands of pilgrims of all faiths. In
Sind, Hindus became Murshids or disciples of Muslim peers and Muslims accepted Hindu
Gurus.
Sufism developed under the influence of Greek philosophy, Persian religion and Indian
thought both Buddhism and Hinduism, the hearts of Millions following different religions
and sects of India. The current of Islamic Sufism and Hindu Bhakti combined into a mighty
stream, which fertilised old desolate tracts and changed the face of the country. It was the
spirit of India which achieved apparently an impossible task of reconciling the puritanical
severity and inspiring transcendence of Islam into the luxuriant fullness and abundance
forms and the intuitive perception of their immanent unity with Hinduism and created those
monuments of architecture and painting, Music and poetry and love inspired religion which
are the heritage of Indian History during the middle ages.
Saints of the medieval period generated a new climate as a result of their efforts in
multifarious forms a new Hindustani culture developed.
IN THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD HINDU AND MUSLIM SAINTS, PHILOSPHERS, POETS

HAD PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE FOR THE UNITY OF ALL RELIGIONS
AND SOME OF THEM WERE:
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Sankaracharya: is the most interesting figure in the history of Indian culture. It has been
the practice to regard him as product of purely Indian modes of Thought. Great mutts which
he founded 1200 years ago are still continuing, imparting the type of guidance, which this
country so badly needs today. Adi Sankaracharya synthesized the different philosophies and
ideals and he purified them.
Madhava: Madhava was born in the city of Rajatapitha near Udipi. Even now Udipi is the
chief centre of Madhavism in south Kanara.
Thyagaraja: Thyagaraja was the great saint, musician and poet. His powerful genius
comprehended the varied excellence of all the early masters and his own brilliant
contemporaries and played a decisive role in the evolution of Karnatic music. He had a
bright future with his golden voice and mastery over music but Thyagaraja decided to lead
the life of a saint and did not use his talent to earn wealth. He had spent his time in silence in
search of truth. He refused to yield to the tempting offers made by the ruler of Tanjore. The
ruler of Tanjore, came to know about his spiritual power by word of mouth, came to his door
himself and wanted spiritual shelter under him. The king himself became his disciple and
saint musician lived his life’s mission of serving Rama Through his music. He developed
music from the recitative to the lyrical stage. What so long-rounded as mere Mantras
become music, thus he gave new life to music. His most outstanding contribution to Indian
music is his Shataragaratna malika a garland of hundred different ragas. It is indeed a
monumental work of the Master. He is the author of three famous operas including Nowka
charitram, which was published in 1873. People had belief that Thyagaraja was an
incarnation of Adikavi Valmiki.
M.G. Ranade has explained that the worshipers of Dattathreya or the incarnation of Hindu
Trinity often clothed their god in the Garb of Mohammedan Fakir. The influence was at
work with great effect on the popular mind in Maharashtra where preachers were calling the
people to identify Rama with Rahim and unite in common love of man and faith in god.
Prince Dara Shukoh: the eldest son of Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan (1592–1666), first
translated the Upanishads into the Persian Language in 1656. He heard about the Upanishads
while in Kashmir in 1640 and was inspired to translate fifty of them. The Prince was assisted
in this work, “Sirr-I Akbar”, by pundits from Benaras-living in Delhi in 1656-1657. He was
murdered two years later by his younger brother Aurangzeb on battle for the Throne.Had the
Prince achieved his rightful throne, Mogul India might have had a different historical
significance. He was blessed by lord Rama in a dream to translate the Bhagwad Geeta into
Persian to spread his message. His translation reached the west and India’s ancient Vedic
heritage was rediscovered.
Poet Kaniya Punganrawar, Sangam poet, preached, “every city is my city, all people are
my people”.
Amir Khusru: had an intense feeling of love for every thing that was Indian; his Hindwi is
very congenial to Indian life.
Ramananda: travelled all over north India spreading the message of love and amity.
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India Heritage
Dadu: was like Kabir, born a Muslim. He devoted his whole life to the propagation of Hindu
Muslim unity.
Namadeva: who blended in his songs the Islamic way of life worship with Upanishidic
monotheism.
Tukaram: one of the greatest devotional poets of Medieval India was also deeply influenced
by Islam. Tukaram worked hard for the unification of Hinduism and Islam.
Guru Nanak: loved all and won their respect and admiration. When he died, both Hindus
and Muslims claimed his earthly remains, one party claiming that he was Hindu and other
claiming that he was a Muslim. His aim always was to unite all. Guru Nanak clearly says,
“Truth is higher than every thing but higher still is truthful living”.
Guru Govind Singh: taught that there was essential unity behind so called diversity of all
world religions. He said, “The temple and the Mosque are the same; the Hindu way worship
or the Muslim way of offering Namaz are the same”.
Kabir: Kabir is the apostle of Hindu-Muslim unity and social reformer. He had taught that
Rama and Rahim are one and same. Kabir was an outstanding famous Sufi saint. He said
that he was the child of Allah and Ram and also god is the breath of all breath. He preached
that Ram or Rahim are the same and dedicated his life for the unity of Hindus and Muslims.
Jnana Dev: under the rule of the first saint and prophet of Maharashtra wrote his famous
commentary on Bhagavad-Gita in Marathi in the 12th century.
Hindu and Muslim rulers were very cordial for unity of religions.
It was result of intermingling between Muslim soldiers and Hindu traders that a new
language developed which later took the form of Urdu.
Sher Shah: gathered under his banner strong sections of both Muslims and Hindus and
restored sultanate. Sultan Zaimial Abedin of Kashmir and Sultan Hussein Shah of Bengal
revered the Hindu saints and encouraged their courtiers to respect the scriptures. Hindus who
were converted to Islam were allowed to return to their original faith if they wanted to do so.
Cow slaughter was banned.
Mohammad bin Tughlaq: in the 14th century was the first Turkish ruler who systematically
tried to enrol Hindus into central ruling elite in order to develop a homogeneous ruling class.
The attitude of Hindu rulers towards their Muslim subjects was just and fair. Vijaynagar
employed thousands of them in both civil and military establishments. Rana Sanga's entire
contingent was composed of Muslims. Shivaji’s admiral of the fleet was a Muslim. Shivaji
and his followers showed great reverence to Muslim saints and made generous endowments
and gifts to Muslim shrines.
India has produced many remarkable persons from time to time, whenever there was an
emergent need, and they set right the situation. To this effect, it has been said in the
Bhagavad-Gita by the lord “when things get very bad, I reappear to reestablish ‘Dharma’”.
30
India Heritage
In recent times many poets, saints, leaders and philosophers have born and awakened the
masses and brought the unity amongst all religions and communities among them Gandhi,
Nehru and others are there and some of them.
Max Muller: finished studying Rig Veda in 1873. His Cambridge lectures (1882) on ‘India
what can teach us?’ came out as book in 1883. He helped scholars who went to Oxford in
their study of Sanskrit with suggestions of suitable lines of work. Vivekananda praised Max
Muller as Vedantist of Vedantist. He has indeed caught real soul of melody of Vedanta in
the midst of all its settings of harmonies and discords. The one light that lightens the sects
and creeds of the world. The Vedanta the one principle of which all religions are only
applications. It is no wonder that this western sage does study and appreciate every new star
in the firmament of Indian thought, before even the Indians realise its magnitude.
Swami Vivekananda: Vivekananda did a lot for revival of Hindu religion.
The writings of Bankhim Chatterjee revealed remarkably the inward spirit of Indian life
and thought. Their influence penetrated deep into the hearts of our countrymen and stirred
them to their very depths. He was not only a prophet of Indian cultural renaissance but also,
as Aurobindo put it, “A seer and national builder and one of the makers of modern India”. It
is well known how profoundly stimulating has been the influence of the famous song
“Vande Mataram” which first figured in his classic work ‘Anand Math’.
Aurobindo: has been considered the greatest synthesis of genius of Europe and genius of
Asia. The ‘sage of Pondicherry’ as Gandhi called him has been considered by Dr.
Radhakrishnan as the greatest intellectual of our Age and great force in the realm of spirit.
He believed that the ever-growing spiritual and intellectual advance of India was bound to
happen. He said “the renaissance of India is as inevitable as the rising of tomorrow’s sun
and the renaissance of great nation. And so peculiar a temperament such unique tradition
and ideas of life so powerful and intelligence and so great a mass of potential energies
cannot but he one of the most formidable phenomena of the modern world”.
Tagore: was a world-renowned poet, an aesthetic philosopher and cultural ambassador of

India. Tagore sang, “At thy feet I prostrate to say India, my goddess, I adore you. With you, I
worship nature, this universal mother in whose lap we are all born, grow my India, grow,
Expand Embrace unfold in Advaitam oneness under the sunshine of universal humanity of
one god and one world”.
“India my mother who gave me life, India my darling who gave me love, India my goddess I
fall prostrate and adore you”.
Iqbal: had made special study of the Vedas and for the purpose he learnt Sanskrit. He held
Hindu philosophy in high esteem. His poem entitled Aftab (the sun) is proof of this. He was
a strong advocate of communal harmony and an admirer of Indian thinkers and saints. His
song “Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara” it is very popular all over India.
Dayananda: gave clarion call to his countrymen to go back to Vedas to. Vedas were the
original source of religion, culture and civilization of India. They were the foundations of
Indian thought philosophy and knowledge and they concealed the seed for radical new birth
31
India Heritage
of the Indian nation. He prayed, “O God Make my Country as advanced in knowledge as

India was in olden days and appealed to his country men to take pride in their land”.
Shivananda: says, “Do All good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can,
as long as you can”.
Narayan Guru: a great religious teacher and awakened Malabar in Pantanjaliin Yoga,
Shankara in wisdom, Manu in the art of good, Buddha in renunciation, Mohammad in
strength of spirit and Christ in Humanity, he said.
Pothuluri Veera Brahmam: had awakened the people with his poems in native language.
He had written “Kalagnanam” in which he predicted future of the world. It is very popular
among the masses locally. His prime disciple was Siddaiah a Muslim and he was also
popular next to Veera Brahmam.
Whichever country you go
Which ever place you set your feet on
Extol your motherland Bharati
Keep up the nation’s Pride of Place.
- Andhra Poet Acharya Rayaprola
Let every son of India stand for the service of the whole, seeing that the whole of India is
embodied in every son. Let us be proud that we are Indians, United we will achieve great
things.
- Tamil Saying
India My India, Where first human eyes awoke to heavenly light.

- Dwijendral lal
Shirdi Saibaba: Saibaba of Shirdi stands supreme as the symbol of undying spirit of Indian
culture, a secular thinker to the core, a liberal savant, a selfless Yogi, a humanist in his heart
of heart. Tolerance usually prevails among the diverse races, casts and creeds of his
followers. All of them felt and feel renewed faith in their own god and religion and new faith
in Baba. Saibaba represents the highest thoughts of both Hinduism and Islam. To him all
were equal. He, in fact, was much above ordinary religious practices.
Shirdi Saibaba of the miraculous materialization did a marvelous and practical work for the
unity of Hindus and Muslims. Now he is well known all over the world attracting millions
and millions of devotees. Baba emphasised the need for complete harmony and perfect unity
between the two major religions. He had his Ashram in a mosque, burned Dhuni in it a Yogi
fire kept, Tulasi Plant near the well, rang bells for Arti and would use phrases “Allah Malik,
Illahi Kheir”, Bhagavan Jane etc.
Sathya Sai Baba

Our Nation has sown the seeds of tolerance and friendship among all the people of the world
for centuries. It has led the world both in material and spiritual progress. It has been
emphasizing the fundamental need of man to understand himself –India’s greatness.
To be born in India declare Proudly and fearlessly ‘This is my motherland: I shall serve her
and honour her. I shall preserve and promote the heritage handed over to me’.
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India Heritage
It is clear that, India at the time when Muslim invaders turned towards century was the
earth’s richest region for its wealth in precious and stones, gold and silver, religion and
culture and its fine arts and later century Hindustan was also too far advanced than its
contemporaries and the west for its achievements in the realms of speculative philosophical,
scientific theorizing, mathematics and knowledge of nature’s working the early medieval
period were unquestionably superior in more things than the Chinese, the Persians (including
the saga the Romans and the Byzantines of the immediate preceding centuries. The followers
of Siva and Vishnu on this subject had created for themselves a society more mentally
evolved – joyous, and prosperous too-than had been realistic Jews, Christians, and Muslim
monotheists of the time. Medieval India, until the Islamic invaders destroyed it, was the
most richly imaginative culture and one of the five most advanced civilizations of all times.
Why Indians did not pursue their quest of knowledge after 12th
century?
India had a several thousand years old tradition of education, research and training. After
Delhi fell to the Turko-Afghan rulers, the great Indian universities were demolished.
Libraries were burnt down. The village schools spread all over the country got starved of
funds. The Govt funds would now go to madarasas, which would teach Koran and Arabic
and Persian languages. Even the Indian texts on science and philosophy were translated into
Arabic and Persian and were made available to only the Arabic and Persian knowing people,
the Muslims who attended the madarasas. Persian was maintained as the medium of
instruction till the British took over the governance of India, so that Hindus could not take
benefit of education. A false allegation has been leveled against the Brahmanas that they
were not imparting education to the masses. But the fact is that the Brahmanas themselves
quickly got deprived of education and became ignorant within a few generation after
establishment of Turkish rule and madarasas system of education. Now Brahmana became a
caste and lost the Varna character. Unless they were employed in any educational institute
(i.e. madarasas in that period), how can we expect them to teach the public? People were not
ready to pay privately for learning Sanskrit, Which would not get them any jobs in a Muslim
establishment. As it became a non-sustainable vocation, teaching disappeared from the
Hindu people. The few Brahmanas, who had knowledge, freely imparted it to whoever
came, even to the Muslims. Al–Biruni and Amir Khusaraw etc were taught Sanskrit
language and literature without any consideration of caste or religion by Brahmin scholars.
Divine Indian Brotherhood

Indian civilization has had been more inclusive than any other civilization. Indian Govt.
gives Rs.20,000/- each subsidy to all HAZ pilgrims. Every year Indian Govt. spends Rs.220
crores on HUZ pilgrims which is more than Pakistan Govt.’s contribution to HAZ pilgrims.
The history of India and that of the world as we know now are written by European
scholars during the past two hundred years, when India was a British colony. All these books
are written long before geological excavations at Mohanjodaro and Harappa in the 1920’s.
And before independence. For two centuries, colonist historians appropriated Indian past for
their own purpose. What they left for us was a mutilated version of our past. We are barely
emerging from that hell.
It has become necessary to view the whole of ancient Indian history in the light of new
discoveries. These Historical theories are the combination of European scholarship and they
33
India Heritage
are still being taught in text books of Indian history all over the country. This history is not
based on facts and ignores convincing scientific evidence from fields like archeology,
geology, Genetics and astrology. It has become necessary to view the whole of ancient
history in the light of new discoveries.
Our school books talk about Socrates, Plato and Aristotle—and rightly so—but they don’t
mention Yajnavalkya, Panini and Patanjali, which is a Grave omission. Our grand
boulevards in Delhi and other cities are named after Copernicus, Kepler and Newton, but
there are no memorials to Aryabhata, Bhaskra, Madhava and Nilakantha!
We have got our independence through non-violence, which is very unique and unparalleled
in the history of the world. Almost all the countries have great respect for Mahatma Gandhi
and as many as 85 countries have released postage stamps on Gandhi in their respective
Countries. (Albert Einstein comes at no.2, as 75 countries have released his stamp).
Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and peace are more relevant in the World
even today especially post September 11 scenario.
India has the distinction of being the largest and remarkable and stable democratic country.
India is also known by its ancient name Bharat. India came to be known also as Aryavart or
Bharat Varsh. Indian civilization was certainly the fore-runner of later cultural development
in India. Indian Yoga and mediation are very popular in the world. Indian sages, saints,
Pandits, Gurus, Swamies and Yogis all over the world have become very important
personalities. All over the world they have many excellent centres, ashrams, schools and
institutions. In fact we are proud of intellectual heritage of thousands of years, which is quite
unique. Indian brain is second to none. Our N.R.I’s are creating excellent records all over the
globe. India is like Hanuman, it does not know its amazing abilities. Why foreigners are after
our yoga, meditations and culture unless they are very effective and useful to them?
An attempt to acquaint ourselves with the best that has been thought, said and done in the
Past and what is being done presently. The mission is to Preserve, Promote and disseminate
all forms of art and culture, generating cultural awareness- preservation of India’s ancient
heritage accomplishments.
To build bridges between the past and the present.

Ours is the age, which saw the tremendous growth of scientific knowledge and discoveries.
Science has done a great service to Mankind by providing amenities of pleasant living and
man has become master of nature. Science has saved mankind from many miseries and
uncertainties of primitive past but it has landed man in growing fears and uncertainties.
Science is responsible for discovery of Modern atomic weapons of warfare not about the
values needed for meaningful and peaceful life. Our life is full of excitements fears and
value conflicts we are living in state of chaos.
Now India has become very important internationally. There is need to develop a sense of
the great tradition for which this country has stood for nearly fifty centuries inspite of
setbacks and blind alleys.
“A National spirit is necessary for the National existence. National education to be truly
National must reflect National condition for the time being”.
- Mahatma Gandhi
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India Heritage
“All fellowmen and patriots must stand for India; speak for India; work for India.
Enlightened sons and daughters of Bharatmata must ring in the bell of change to curb
aggressive linguism and usher in unadulterated Nationalism”.
- Swamy Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda has drawn a most inspiring picture of the sacred Mother India and one
should know and feel the glory of mother. Read and reread it again and again and one will
feel proud of her.
We must have our feet in the Past, Heart in the present and eyes on the future.
Stand like a Banyan Tree to raise higher vijaya gan.
Come let us do our bit to make India vibrant for resurgent India.
Our ancestors were great. Our NRI brotheren have proved that they are also the best in the
world. Challenges of our times lie in making India a real super power from its present status
of being only (theoretically) potential super power. (20th Century belonged to USA and
Europe. 21st Century will belong to Asia. Challenges of our times lies in making the ‘21st
Century’ a timely India’s century).
All the above is just the TIP of the iceberg. But, if we don’t see even a glimpse of that great
India in the India that we see today, it clearly means that we are not working up to our
potential and that if we do, we could once again; be an ever shining and Inspiring country
setting a bright path for rest of the world to follow.
Mingle, Merge and Unite for the glory of our Motherland.
BE PROUD to be an INDIAN
35
Convention on “Repositioning India in the New Millennium”
on 13th November ,10 AM-5 PM,at IIPA, Indraprastha Estate
Organised by Indian Institute of Public Administration
In association with ‘All India Movement For Seva’ &
Consortium of Organizations for promotion and Preservation of Indian Heritage
Organising Committee
Dr P.L. Sanjeev Reddy Dr M.P. Narayanan P C Shekar Reddy
Chairman Co-Chairman, Convener
Ex-Chairman, Coal India Ltd.
Esteemed Sir,
Respectful Pranams,
You are doubtless aware that no Civilization anywhere in the world had been as ancient
and as resilient as Indian Civilization and Bharat was recognized as Jagat Guru and torch
bearer to the world. In India, the ideas emanating from Vedic times continue to be a
sustaining force. Over the years India still has its cultural roots deep and strong. The
vitality of Indian culture is amazing. In spite of several vicissitudes, it has survived till
date. This has been possible due to dynamism displayed by Indian Society which
adjusted itself to the changing times with amazing alacrity and resilience. Uniqueness of
Indian composite culture lies in its plurality and willingness of its people to live and allow
others to live. Hinduism has respected and absorbed the best in all faiths and never
regarded itself as an exclusive religion. Ancient culture and spirituality along with
modern developments have been by and large integrated and harmonized. Indian
civilization is a shining unity of art, architecture, literature, religion, science and
technology. Even till this day all the obligatory duties of Hindus at birth, marriage, death
etc. are performed according to the time honoured Vedic rituals.
India has left its indelible imprint at least in forty countries. Indian philosophy and
culture have spread to many countries not with the force of sword but with love and
compassion. It is the duty of every Indian to rededicate himself and renew his efforts to
scale new heights of excellence. Professional historians have an important role to play.
There are shifts in focus from time to time and new facts are discovered over the years.
There is a great need for sustained research into the holistic India. It is essential to have a
scientific documentation of history and various milestone events.
“Let us move together, let us speak together, let our minds think together and let our hearts feel together”
A-30, West End, New Delhi-21. Ph:011- 23386079, 98111-23293, 9810445579, 22723019
India Heritage
Archeology has a vital role to play in reconstructing and restoring India’s past. Serious
efforts are required on this front. Importance of History has to be recognized by one and
all. Many Indians have inadequate idea of the pristine glory of India. There is an urgent
need to heighten awareness about India’s many splendoured past. Propagation,
promotion and spreading of the magnificent Indian culture and history is the key. Many
Indians unfortunately suffer from inferiority complex, which has to be dispelled. Self
confidence, self esteem and a new passion have to be inculcated among all the Indians.
Our sages, seers, kings and scholars had sacrificed their lives and brought India to the top
in the world in all the fields. It is our sacred duty to remember them including many
foreign historians, scholars and others like Max Muller. Erection of statues naming of
towns, roads, releasing postal stamps etc. are just tokens of respect to them.
Many of our original sources in the form of books and commentaries have been lost or
destroyed by fires or floods and even wanton human action and ravages of time.
Seriousness of this loss is not generally realized, mainly because we have no means of
knowing what is now missing. Many valuable manuscripts in both public and private
libraries are in the stage of decay and neglect. If they are lost the damage would be
irreparable.
With the above objectives, it has been decided to organise a Convention on

“Repositioning India in the New Millennium”. The main objective of the Convention is
to generate awareness of glorious Indian Heritage for accomplishment of a new proud,
peaceful and prosperous India. The need of the hour is to have a vibrant vision for revival
of Indian heritage and recapturing of its pristine glory and greatness. We seek your
advice, co-operation and participation in the Convention, which hopefully would set out a
road map for an adventure of ideas and a tryst with destiny.
With kind regards,
Yours in devotion,
Dr M.P. Narayanan P C Shekar Reddy

Co-Chairman Convener
2
Convention on
“Repositioning India in the New Millennium”
at IIPA on 13-11-03
10:00 A.M. : Welcome address By Dr. P.L. Sanjeev Reddy

10:05 A.M. : Lighting the lamp
10:10 A.M. : President’s opening remarks by Justice Ranganath Mishra Ji
10:15 AM. : Address by Sri R. VenkataRaman Ji
10:25 A.M. : Convention’s Theme – A Power Point Presentation
by Mr. Shekar Reddy
10:35 A.M. : Inauguration and key note address by H.H. Pujya Swamiji Sri
Dayananda Saraswathiji
11:30 A.M. : President’s closing remarks
11:35 A.M. : Vote of Thanks by Dr. M.P. Narayanan
Tea Break
Plenary session
12:00 Noon: Title: Repositioning India in the New Millennium

Chairman: Prof. Dr Satya Vrat Shastri (Padma Shri)
Former Head of Dept. Of Sanskrit, DU
Speakers:
1) Globalization : Prof. Lallan Prasad (Head Dept. of Business Economics, DU)
2) World Peace : Prof. Somdatt Dikshit (Educationist, Writer, Indolgist)
3) Value Patterns : Dr. Ram Saran Gaur, Former- Sec , Hindi Academy, Delhi
Chairman’s Address
1.30 P.M. Lunch-Break

2.20 P.M. Reassembling
“Let Noble Thoughts come to us from every side” – Rigveda, 1- 89- i
India Heritage
Discussion Session –I
2.30 to 4.00 P.M. : Title: Revisiting India’s Achievements down the Ages -
Lessons for the future
Chairman: Dr. Shyam Singh Shashi (Padma Shri), Former Director General,
Publications Division
Co- Chairman: Dr. P.K. Dave(Padma Shri), Former DG, AIIMS
1) Science & Technology: Dr A.K.Merchant, Sec- Genral,

Bahai International
2) Culture & Fine Arts: Col. Jiten Hajarika, National level Painter& Artist
3) Medicine & Surgery: Dr. P.K. Dave, Former DG, AIIMS
4) Navigation & Trade: Capt. C. M. Vyas
5) Education Individual & Society: Prof. Usha Choudary, DU
6) Culture : Smt. Arundati (Former, Administrative officer, ASI)
Discussion Session –II
4.00 to 5.30 P.M. : Title: Enriching & Empowering India for the new millennium
Chairman: Shri. J.Veera Raghavan, Director, Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan
1) Cultural Context : Dr. Shashi Prabha Kumar, Director ,

SanskritCenter,JNU
2) Health & Hygiene: Dr. S.V. Tripathi, Head Ayurveda,

Moolchand Hospital
Summing up and Recommendations
“Let Noble Thoughts come to us from every side” – Rigveda, 1- 89- i
4
CONSORTIUM OF ORGANISATIONS FOR
PROMOTION AND PRESERVATION OF INDIAN HERITAGE
FUTURE PLAN OF ACTION
Bharatiya Samskriti Samaroh
Bhartiya Samskriti Nagar
Vedic Dwar
Charaka Dwar (Dhanvanthare Dwar)
Arya Bhata Dwar
Patanjali Dwar
Bharatiya Samskriti Jyoti , Pada Yatra and Janajagran Abhiyan from

four corners of the Country to Delhi, or spiritual Capital Rishikesh to
Political Capital Delhi.
Sammelans, Melas, Art and Cultural Programmes, Kavi Sammelans,

Public Meetings, Debates, Folk Songs, Book Stalls on Bharatiya
Samskriti should be organised. Bharatiya Samskriti Exhibitions can
be conducted with the cooperation of department of culture,
Archeology, Tourism, ICCR and other Govt. and private institutions.
Play-cards with the quotations of eminent personalities and banners
on Bharatiya Samskriti should be arranged.
Portraits of ancient seers, sages, inventors etc. and also

outstanding personalities and freedom fighters of subsequent and to
date should be erected.
Distinguished scholars individuals and organizations working on

promotion and preservation of Indian heritage should be honoured.
India Heritage India Heritage
Our Inspiration
Convention on Our Inspiration
“Repositioning India in the

New Millennium”
On 13-
13-11
11--2003
P.C. Shekar Reddy, Convenor,

CONSORTIUM OF ORGANISATIONS
FOR PROMOTION AND PRESERVATION
OF INDIAN HERITAGE Our Perennial Source Of Inspiration
Let Noble Thoughts come from every side - Rigveda, 1-
1-89
89--i Let Noble Thoughts come from every side - Rigveda, 1-
1-89
89--i
INDIA THE CRADLE OF

MAN KIND
Our Inspiration Our Inspiration
"India is the cradle of human race, the

O Lord Lead me from the unreal to the real birthplace of human speech, the
grandmother of legend, the great
Lead me from the darkness to light grandmother of tradition. India had the
Lead me from death to immortality start of the whole world in the beginning of
things, she had the first Civilization, She
May there be peace, peace, and perfect had the first Accumulation of Material
peace. wealth she was populous with deep
thinkers and subtle intellects she had
mines and woods and fruitful Soul.”
- a Sanskrit invocation from the
Mark Twain
Brihadaranyaka Upanishads 1.3.28).
1-89
1-89
89--i
Our Inspiration
India Heritage
Our Inspiration
Official History of India India Heritage
 “He who can see longest into a Harappan civilization –

country’s past can see furthest into its
future” – Churchill (2500 BC)
 The eminent American historian
Will Durant proudly says ‘India
mother of us all’ because India is the Dwarka site -(7500 BC)
Mother of civilization.
 The Future belongs to those who are
willing to work for it
1-89
1-89
89--i
1
Our Inspiration
Harappan civilization: India Heritage
Our Inspiration
India Heritage
The history of India and that of the world as we

know now are written by European scholars  It has become necessary to view the
during the past two hundred years, when India is whole of ancient Indian history in the light
a British colony. of new discoveries.
 All these books are written long before
 This history is not based on facts and
geological excavations at Mohanjodaro and
Harappa in the 1920’s. ignores convincing scientific evidence from
 And before independence, for two centuries, fields like archeology, geology, Genetics
colonist historians appropriated Indian past for and astrology.
their own purpose.
 What they left for us was a mutilated version of
our past. We are barely emerging from that hell.
1-89
1-89
89--i
Dwarka site pre-

pre-dates INDIA - THE CRADLE OF
civilization MAN KIND
 An Archeological site dating back to 7500 B.C.B.C.  The Indus Civilization as demonstrated
was discovered by a team of Indian Marine by the Harappa Excavations is an
archeologist in the Gulf of Cambay off Gujarat
independent Civilization
Coast.
 “For India, it was the first time that such an  That the Indus Civilization, is coeval to
important discovery was reported from near Egyptian, Sumerian, and Minoan
Dwarka site, the off-
off-shore region where Civilization
underwater archeological exploration was in
 So all the four civilizations have a
progress,” Union Minister for Science and
Technology Murli Manohar Joshi common parent
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Navigation- Seafaring in
Navigation- Seafaring in Ancient India
Ancient India
 Word navigation is derived from the  India has a long and remarkable maritime
Sanskrit word Nav gatih. The word Navy is history.
also derived from the Sanskrit word Nau.  India developed shipping and sea faring
 “It may be a surprise even to an Indian activities in 3rd Millennium B.C.
today to be told that in the ancient world  India with its 6000 K.M. long coast line and
India was the in the fore front in the fields with around 200 major and minor parts
of shipping and ship building. Her ships played greater role in trade and cultural
flying Indian flags sailed up and down the contacts with distant lands.
Arabian Sea”.-
Sea”.- Dr. B.C. Chha,The eminent
Indian Archeologist
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Our Inspiration
Seafaring in Ancient India India Heritage
Our Inspiration
PANIS-- Prevedic Traders
PANIS India Heritage
 The Rig-Veda describes Panis as

Rig-
India had better ships in the Materialists, guardians of the
rd
3 millennium BC, likes of treasures, hard bargainers and stingy
with their Money and Possession.
which are never built by
 They were Prevedic Prakritic men
Europe till 18th century and by Profession traders and sea
farers.
 Strabo describes the Phoenicians as
the greatest traders of antiquity
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 They were familiar with Pre Vedic  carried their Merchandise to various parts
dialects in the western world
 They carried with them the  controlled the Indian trade via Persian gulf
knowledge of their phonetics  settled in north Africa, in Palestine and

northwards on the coast of what is now
where ever they went they were
Anatolia on the Aegean sea, where we
thus known as Phoneticians have seen an artistically advanced culture
 Popularly known in its called the Minoan Civilization
abbreviated form Phoenicians
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Our Inspiration Mesopotamia India Heritage

Our Inspiration
Mesopotamia India Heritage
 The Excavation of American Expedition at Nippur

 The Dravidians who moved up to Mesopotamia
have unearthed evidence of city community existing and colonized at Ur of Chaldees may have been
there at least as early as 6,000 B.C. fore runners of these people.
 there was continuous powerful empire in Mesopotamia  Quit a number of Ubaid words are similar to
for at least five or six thousand years. Dravidians words or the root of the Dravidian
 The civilization of Greece of Rome or of any Modern words.
state seems mere mushroom growths in Comparison.  So, many communities in southern India have
names ending ‘Ur’ which means ‘settlement’,
 Monuments of Mesopotamia-
Mesopotamia- the ruins such town or communities.
wonderful cities as Nippur, Babylon and Nineveh were
 The oldest cities in Mesopotamia have also
completely buried under the accumulating earth words with ‘Ur’ in the root such as Uruk, Nippur.
deposits for centuries and almost absolutely lost view. There is actually a city called Ur.

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3
Our Inspiration
Our Inspiration
 The Mitanni worshiped vedic gods

“the Culture of Babylonian city
 the first Mitanni King was Sutarna.
 Treaties made between the Hittite king Suppiluliuma Eridu was of foreign
and his Mittanni neighbor king Matti waza, who
reigned in about the beginning of the 14th century importation, it came from
B.C., mentions the names of four gods as the divine Indian city Eridu which Stood
witness to the treaty namely Indara, Uaruna, Mitira
and Nasatya, they are the same gods as mentioned 6000 years Ago on the source
in Rigveda.
 Babylonian list of clothing mentions Sindhu word for of Persian Gulf.”
Muslins.
-- Prof. Sayce
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Our Inspiration
Egypt India Heritage
Our Inspiration
 Wil ford gave Abundant Evidence proving  Egyptians originally came from the land of punt
 The Sanskrit origin of names of the land, the river
that ancient Indians Colonized settled in and the gods and the traditions of ancient
Egypt. Egyptians themselves states that they had
originally came from the land of punt.
 Paul William Roberts states that it is
 This region was the Egyptian 'Land of the Gods,'
believed that Dravidans from India went to Pa--Nuter, in old Egyptian, or Holyland,
Pa
Egypt and laid the foundation of its  now proved beyond any doubt to have been quite a
civilization there. different place from the Holyland of Sinai.
 By the pictorial hieroglyphic inscription found on the
 Neilos (River Nile) is Indian word Neela.. walls of the temple of the Queen Haslitop at Der-
Der-el
el--
babri, we see that this Punt can be no other than
India.
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America
Our Inspiration
Our Inspiration
India Heritage
 Gene Matlock, author of ‘India once’: “The

 The Egyptians came, according to their own People of India have long known that their
records, from a mysterious land...on the shore ancestors once sailed to and settled in the
of the Indian Ocean, the sacred Punt; the Americas. They called America ‘Patala,’ not
original home of their gods...who
gods...who followed because they believed it to be underground, but
thence after their people who had abandoned because the other side of the globe appeared to
them to the valley of the Nile, led by Amon, Hor be straight down.”
and Hathor.  Chamanlal says that there is hardly a Hindu
 The land of Punt in the Egyptian god who was not known to the ancient
inhabitants of South America.
Ethnological tradities has been
 America still Preserves Vamana, Siva,
identified by the scholars with Malabar. Ganesha, Indra in the Museums of Central
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America.
4
Our Inspiration
Mexico India Heritage
Our Inspiration
America India Heritage
 “Those who arrived first on the continent, Ambassador Miles Poindexter

later to be known as America, we were
groups of men driven by that mighty writes that the Ayar INCAS
current that set out from India towards the called the Mayan Civilization
east”. (Official History of Mexico).
“Unquestionably Hindu”.
 The Mexican name for boat is a south
Indian Tamil word Catamaran. He proved beyond doubt that
the founders of Inca dynasty
were four “Ayar Brahmins”.
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Irish - SACRED COW

ANGKOR VAT
FROM INDIA
(CAMBODIA )
 the biggest Hindu Temple in the world  Cow was as sacred to Irish, as to us in India.
 Angkor vat was built by Surya Varman –II A story that Irish goddess Etain fell ill and
then came gods of sea and earth from India
 which was rediscovered by the French
with two cows and she was cured with their
naturalist Henri Mouhot in 1860 and he Milk.
wrote that it was the most wonderful  The Irish also celebrates cow festival like our
structure in the world the like of which ‘Gokulastami’
Greece or Rome had never built  In the Irish legends, we not only come across
the custom of serpent worship but also the
killing of kalinag by Krishana
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Can Savitri be a Muslim

Indonesia
Name?
 The Garuda, national emblem of  Muslim Indonesians have plenty of

Indonesian republic, is the carrier Savitris, Gayathris, Leelas, Pushpas and
(Vahana) of our god Vishnu. even seetas among themselves.
 Indonesia adopted Islam as a faith but
 The Indonesian Govt. airlines is named
continued to hold on to the vestiges of
Garuda airways. Hindu culture.
 The Indonesian Currency has a  So you have Sukarnoputri for the current
prominent picture of Lord Ganesha.
Ganesha. vice president.
 Bhasa Indonesia has umpteen numbers of
Sanskrit words
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Our Inspiration
India Heritage
Our Inspiration
China India Heritage
 Lake Baikal, in the heart of eastern

Baikal,  China has preserved a rich heritage of art
Siberia, has lie monasteries studded with literature and philosophy of India.
Indian Images and silken Scrolls of tantric  Hu Shih, former Ambassador of China to
deities. USA said: “India conquered and dominated
 Malaysia is shifting all its Govt. offices China culturally for 20 centuries without ever
including its Prime Minister office to a new having to send a single soldier across her
location and named it as PUTRAJAYA border. The Cultural conquest was never
(means Success in Sanskrit) imposed by India on her neighbors.”

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 The Egypt of the pharaohs, the Greece  Our ancestors were great.
of pericles, the Iran darius and the  Our NRI brotheren have proved that they are
also the best in the world.
Roam of Caesar are all dead, their life
 Challenges of our times lie in making India a
and culture are mere materials for real super power from its present status of
scholarly research. being only (theoretically) potential super
power.
 20th Century belonged to USA and Europe.
21st Century will belong to Asia.
 Challenges of our times lies in making the
‘21st Century’ a timely India’s century.
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India Heritage
Our Inspiration
THANK YOU

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India Heritage Note and PPT and Invitation Letter PDF

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India Heritage

P.C. Shekar Reddy, B.Tech.

D-3, Akashbarthi Apartments, 24, IP Ext. Patparganj, Delhi-92,

India the Cradle of Mankind .......................................................................................................... 1

India the Cradle of Mankind

Past Builds Future

“Why is media here is so negative?

“A tree must love the ground on which it stands”

Dwarka Site Pre-dates Civilization

Seafaring in Ancient India

Babylonian list of clothing mentions Sindhu word for Muslins.

Gene Matlock, author of ‘India once’

Sir John Marshall

Angkor vat (Cambodia)

Irish-Sacred Cow from India

Can Savitri be a Muslim Name?

Termilai and Mediterranean Gods

Suras and Asuras

Mittani ruler Mittiwaza (Victorious through Prayer) is the son of Dustratta.

India the Home Land of Gypsies

Kapila Muni a renowned sage of antiquity is universally recognized as the founder of

Bhadrabalu astronomer was of Jaina religion. He is believed to be author of a commentary

Arya Bhata invented an Alphabetical system of notation.

Mahaveeracharya (850 AD)

Shridharacharya (850 AD)

Aryabhatta Second (950 AD)

Shripati Mishra (1039 AD)

Nemichandra Siddhanta Chakravati (1100 AD)

Bhaskaracharya Second (1114 AD)

Medicine and Surgery

Ancient Ayurveda has elaborate description of properties of various medicines. Susruta

“Though I Manifest Myself in all things, I am identified with none of them”.

He was considered to be incarnation of Vyasa.

A manuscript of his commentary on the Rig-Veda is preserved in central library Baroda.

Sukra Charya and Moral Philosophy

Vishnu Sharma & The Panchatantra

Tirukkural of Tiru Alluvar

IN THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD HINDU AND MUSLIM SAINTS, PHILOSPHERS, POETS

Swami Vivekananda: Vivekananda did a lot for revival of Hindu religion.

Tagore: was a world-renowned poet, an aesthetic philosopher and cultural ambassador of

of the Indian nation. He prayed, “O God Make my Country as advanced in knowledge as

India My India, Where first human eyes awoke to heavenly light.

Sathya Sai Baba

Divine Indian Brotherhood

To build bridges between the past and the present.

Stand like a Banyan Tree to raise higher vijaya gan.

Mingle, Merge and Unite for the glory of our Motherland.

With the above objectives, it has been decided to organise a Convention on

With kind regards,

Dr M.P. Narayanan P C Shekar Reddy

“Repositioning India in the New Millennium”

10:00 A.M. : Welcome address By Dr. P.L. Sanjeev Reddy

12:00 Noon: Title: Repositioning India in the New Millennium

1.30 P.M. Lunch-Break

1) Science & Technology: Dr A.K.Merchant, Sec- Genral,

Discussion Session –II

Chairman: Shri. J.Veera Raghavan, Director, Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan

1) Cultural Context : Dr. Shashi Prabha Kumar, Director ,

2) Health & Hygiene: Dr. S.V. Tripathi, Head Ayurveda,

Summing up and Recommendations

“Let Noble Thoughts come to us from every side” – Rigveda, 1- 89- i

FUTURE PLAN OF ACTION

Bharatiya Samskriti Samaroh