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Showing posts from April, 2025

A Glimpse into the Past: Exploring Ancient Indian Customs Through Literature

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Ancient India, a land of profound philosophical thought and rich cultural diversity, boasts a history stretching back millennia. Examining Ancient Indian Customs offers a unique window into the societal structures, beliefs, and daily lives of the people who shaped this civilization. Fortunately, a wealth of information on these customs survives within the vast corpus of Sanskrit and Indo-Aryan Literature, revealing fascinating details about everything from marriage rituals and familial relationships to religious practices and societal values. The Vedic Age: Foundations of Tradition The Vedic period, the earliest phase of Indo-Aryan civilization (circa 1500-500 BCE), is primarily known through the Vedas, a collection of hymns, prayers, and philosophical treatises. These texts offer a glimpse into the Aspirations and Customs of the early Aryans. The Rig Veda, in particular, reveals a desire for worldly prosperity, including long life, abundant livestock, brave sons, and victory over...

Poompuhar: A Glimpse into the Maritime Glory of the Sangam Age

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Poompuhar, once known as Kaviripoompattinam, stands as a testament to the rich maritime history and administrative prowess of the Chola kingdom during the Sangam Age in present-day Tamil Nadu, India. This ancient port city, meticulously described in Sangam literature and the epics Silappadhikaram and Manimekala i , offers a window into the vibrant life and international connections that flourished over two millennia ago. Though now a small village, Poompuhar continues to whisper tales of its glorious past, providing tangible evidence of a sophisticated urban center and a thriving civilization. A Hub of International Trade and Cultural Exchange: Poompuhar was more than just a port; it was a bustling hub of international trade and cultural exchange. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Kaveri River allowed for easy access to and from the sea, transforming it into a vital link in the Indian Ocean trade network. Literary accounts paint a picture of a cosmopolitan city where mer...