A Journey To Discover Life

The Indian Subcontinent is a diverse mix of cultures, religions and traditions that make up its value system. The moment we discuss the early Indian Subcontinent and its religions, long before Buddhism or Jainism came into existence or the Abrahamic religions were introduced on the western coasts by travellers and traders, long before any invasion proved any sign of forced conversion, a layman’s idea of the Indian Subcontinent is that of a single unified culture. Religion in Ancient India: Historically speaking, that is far from the truth. The Indian Subcontinent, since evidence of early civilisation has been found in its river banks, like that in Bhirrana or Mehrgarh, dating back to around 6000 BCE, has never had one unifying belief through its geographic boundaries. The terms Hindu, Hindustan and many others come originally from the primary sources of the Ancient West Asian civilisation. But our history starts much earlier than that. And where there is society and civilisation, there...

The prince stood on the edge of the cliff, looking at the horizon. Dawn arrived as the birds started leaving their nests, wings fluttering, eager to discover the world. He looked up at them, the thought of once again going back to exploring the length and breadth of his state making him feel a little restless as he eyed his healing wounds. He was left to die; his enemies wished so. Yet by some miracle of fate, as if his purposes were yet to be fulfilled, here he was breathing and healing, watching one more sun rise on the horizon. The forestland below the cliff was quiet. He could hear a stream meander somewhere and sounds of hooves as he imagined a group of animals going to quench their thirst somewhere. He gulped. Was he thirsty too? He turned his back to the vast forestland below as his eyes fell on the cave that had been his home for some time now. Away from the eyes of his brother’s spies and the scrutiny of his father’s trusted men, here was where he had healed. He was about to w...

The rainy season was giving way to autumn as a procession of elephants, horses, and carriages moved through the Vindhya forestlands at a careful pace. It had been a week since their last stop at Airikina Nagar, and the forestland was thickening. They had to be careful; the soldiers strode on with their spears raised, senses alert. The rain had delayed them too long. Horses often slipped on the flooded, muddy roads, and the delay was making the newly appointed Viceroy of Avanti Nagar impatient. The forestland of Sal, Tendu and Saja trees was slowly beginning to turn yellow as the crispy leaves rustled in the breeze. He would have hunted leopards and tigers on the way had it been a pleasure trip. Bears were often spotted near water bodies where they stopped to quench their thirst and rest for the night. Antelopes were hunted by soldiers for meat, and rations were refilled on the way at Kakrehta. The grey clouds were occasionally hovering over the autumn blue sky, offering showers of reli...