India's history and culture is ancient and dynamic, spanning back to the beginning of human civilization. Beginning with a mysterious culture along the Indus River and in farming communities in the southern lands of India, the history of India is punctuated by constant integration with migrating peoples and with the diverse cultures that surround the country. Placed in the center of Asia, history in India is a crossroads of cultures from China to Europe, as well as the most significant Asian connection with the cultures of Africa. The Historical Dictionary of Ancient India provides information ranging from the earliest Paleolithic cultures in the Indian subcontinent to 1000 CE. The ancient history of this country is related in this book through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on rulers, bureaucrats, ancient societies, religion, gods, and philosophical ideas.
The present study deals with the royal Mughal ladies in details and is concerned with their achievements and contributions which till today form a part of rich cultural heritage. It provides a detailed account of the life and contributions of the royal Mughal ladies from the times of Babar to Aurangzeb's, with special emphasis on the most prominent among them.
Illustrations: 18 Figures Description: The book highlights the kaleidoscopic nature of the Indian society and the development of the caste system as an organic response to the requirements of this multiple society. The origin, life and legacy of the Ksatriya caste are the central theme. The compelling charting of the romantic and adventurous journey of this caste through the various periods of Ancient Indian History illuminates their iconic life. The role of the Ksatriyas as the ruling class, their relationship with other castes, their socio-economic and political activities and liabilities have been chronicled in detail bringing history to life. Special reference to the position of the Ksatriya women adds a new dimension to the book. The book gives a better understanding of such fundamental topics as rise to power, charismatic leadership, theories of kingship, the position of women, socio-economic interface and decline of the supreme power associated with this enigmatic caste. The book is a synthesis of knowledge and insight from many sources hence offers a comprehensive picture.
This book studies the relevance of dowry as a customary practice in Indian marriages. It examines the historical articulation between traditional cultural texts and modern statutory law to understand how daughters are valued and how dowry as a custom defines this value. The author creates a conceptual link between modern, medieval and ancient marriage rites that formulate and embed dowry behaviour and practice within Indian society. This book also provides a critique of the cultural textual tradition of India and South Asia. It asserts for the first time that Vedic materialism is at the core of an adequate understanding of how dowry as wealth comes to occupy such a central position in the field of marriage. An important study into the custom and tradition of South Asia, this book will be indispensable for students and researchers of cultural studies, women’s studies, gender studies, religion, history, law and South Asian studies.
Female Infanticide, a social problem is a multi dimensional phenomenon in Tamilnadu. This work is an attempt to study the problem historically and in a futuristic perspective. After analysing this social evil, a few suggestions are also made to solve this problem. A dozen case studies are presented by the author in order to identify the various dimensions of the problem. The author has tried to make theoretical framework as strong as possible in order to provide the right focus. As female infanticide has been rampant in the Usilampatti area of Tamilnadu, the area has been chosen for analysis. The study includes the analysis of the views of women on female infanticide before and after the introduction of the Adult Education Programme.
A chronology of women's history, from 35,000 B.C. to 1996, providing information about women in all areas of endeavor, including politics, religion, science and technology, law, education, medicine, and others.