Chand Bardai
Chand Bardai (1149-1200 CE) composed the epic Prithviraj Raso, which describes the reign of the Chahamana King Prithviraj III. He was Prithviraj’s court poet. It covers the Battle of Tarain II 1192 CE. As per the poem, Chand Bardai helped Prithviraj kill Muhammad Ghori after the defeat.
Hemchandra Suri- Early life, Books, Death [UPSC Notes]
Hemachandra Suri (1088A.D.-1172A.D.) Acharya Hemachandra was an Indian Jain scholar, poet, and polymath who lived in the 11th century. He is credited with writing on grammar, doctrine, prosody, and contemporary history. He was noted as a prodigy by his contemporaries and was bestowed the title ‘Kalikal Sarvagya’, literally meaning “the all-knowing of the Kali Yuga …
Kharvela’s Hanthigumfa inscription
Hanthigumfa inscription was inscribed by the Jain ruler Kharvel of Chedi kingdom (earlier Kalinga) between the 2nd-century BCE-1st century CE. Fig: A portion of the inscription (Image source: Wikipedia) The inscription is incised in a Cavern called Hanthigumfa of the Udaigiri Hills in Odisha. It consists of 17 lines written in Prakrit language using Brahmi…
Kalhana- 12th century Kashmiri Poet | Rajatarangini by Kalhana
Kalhana Kalhana, a name synonymous with the historic chronicle of Kashmir, is known for his book, “Rajatarangini” (The River of Kings). As a historian and poet, Kalhana’s work remains a useful asset in understanding the rich tapestry of Kashmir’s past. His contribution to the region’s dynasties, politics, and culture has endured as a cornerstone of…
Jayanka
Jayanka was a Kashmiri court poet of the Chahamana king Prithviraja III. He composed Prithviraja Vijaya, a eulogistic Sanskrit epic poem on the life of Prithviraja III, around 1191-1192 CE. It covers the First Battle of Tarain (1191 CE) but not the Second Battle of Tarain (1192 CE).
Bilhana- 11th century Kashmiri Poet [UPSC Notes]
Bilhana: the 11th Century Kashmiri Poet In the rich history of Indian literature, the 11th century stands out for its remarkable contribution to Sanskrit poetry, thanks to poet’s like Bilhana, a distinguished poet form Kashmir. Bilhana’s life and works are subject of considerable interest for students preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC, offering insights…
Lohara Dynasty- Origin, Queen Didda, Expansion and Decline
Lohara Dynasty The Lohara dynasty lasted from 1003 to 1320 A.D. and represented an important chapter in the historical narrative of Kashmir. Kalhan‘s Rajataringini (Chronicle of Kings), a mid-12th-century work, mentions the Lohara dynasty. After the Utpala dynasty, Lohara Dynasty played an important role in shaping the social, political, and cultural conditions of the region….
Apabhramsa: Language, Literature, and School of Art
Apabhramsa Apabhramsa, an ancient precursor to the modern Indo-Aryan languages such as Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and Rajasthani, stands as a significant historical and cultural phenomenon. This language, flourished between the 6th to 13th centuries, offers a fascinating glimpse into the linguistic and artistic heritage of medieval India. Origins and Evolution of Apabhramsa Derived from the…
Kalinga Architecture: India’s Ancient Temple Architecture
Kalinga Architecture | Kalinga Temple Architecture Kalinga architecture, renowned for its distinctive style, represents a significant chapter in the history of Indian temple architecture. Originating in ancient Odisha, it is celebrated for its intricate artistry, sophisticated construction techniques, and the symbolic significance embedded within its structures. Kalinga temple architecture, with its iconic Jagannath Temple in…