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Undavalli caves

  The Undavalli caves were   originally built as Buddhist monasteries   (vihara) for monks to use as rest houses, and the architecture reflects this. They were later occupied and developed by Jains and Hindus, leading to a blend of artistic styles.   The architectural layers at the Undavalli Caves include: Buddhist Influence : The layout of the first floor resembles a  vihara , with primitive rock-cut monastery cells. There are also Buddhist artworks and a large, 5-meter-long reclining Buddha statue (which some also identify as Lord Vishnu) carved from a single block of granite. Jain Influence : The first-floor abode still retains a Jain style and includes sculptures of Tirthankaras. Hindu Influence : After the decline of Buddhism, the caves were converted into a Hindu temple complex. The main shrine is dedicated to Ananta Padmanābha (a form of Vishnu in a reclining posture) and Lord Narasimhaswami. The walls feature sculptures of various Hindu gods and goddesse...
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What History Really Tells Us About Hindu-Muslim Relations - Romila Thapar

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  What History Really Tells Us About Hindu-Muslim Relations Supposedly irrefutable evidence of division is said to lie in the Muslims over the last 1,000 years having victimised the Hindus, treating them as enslaved. Romila Thapar explains why historians question this theory. Romila Thapar. Photo: The Wire Romila Thapar HISTORY 18/JAN/2023 The following is the text of the C.D. Deshmukh Lecture delivered by Romila Thapar on January 14, 2023, at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The highly respected historian of modern Europe, Eric Hobsbawm, commenting on the relationship of history to nationalism, given that histories become prolific when a society nurtures nationalism, writes that history is to nationalism what a poppy is to a heroin addict. I would add that the dependence has to be recognised and analysed. Origins generally rise in status when placed in the ancient past. They then have to be legitimised by assessing evidence and accuracy. What comes from the poppy and e...
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