Somanath Temple: (Sanskrit) Ancient center of Pashupata Saivism located in modern Gujarat state and mentioned in the Mahabharata. The first recorded temple was built there before 100. In 1026 the then fabulously wealthy temple was sacked by Muslim invaders, the Sivalinga smashed and 50,000 brahmins slaughtered.

The temple was rebuilt several times and finally demolished by the Moghul emperor Aurangzeb (ca 1700). Sardar Patel, deputy prime minister of India, spearheaded its reconstruction in 1947.

(See also: Somanath Temple, Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

See also:

Indian natural history, Indian natural history - Vedic times, Indian natural history - Pre-Moghul, Indian natural history - Moghul period, Indian natural history - Pre-colonial, Indian natural history - Colonial India, Indian natural history - Birds, Indian natural history - Mammals, Indian natural history - Reptiles and Amphibians, Indian natural history - Invertebrates, Indian natural history - Fish, Indian natural history - Flora and Forests, Indian natural history - Hunter-Naturalists, Indian natural history - Travelling naturalists and collectors, Indian natural history - Popularizers, Indian natural history - Museum workers, Indian natural history - Post-Independence 1947-current, Indian natural history - Ornithologists, Indian natural history - Ichthyologists, Indian natural history - Entomologists, Indian natural history - Scientists, Indian natural history - Popularizers, Indian natural history - Conservationists

Read more here: » Indian natural history: Encyclopedia II - Indian natural history - Pre-Moghul

Khushhal Khan was born in Akora, the son of Shahbaz Khan, a chief of the Khattak tribe. By appointment of the Moghul emperor, Shah Jehan, Khushhal succeeded his father in 1641, but Aurangzeb, Shah Jehan's successor, kept him a prisoner in the Gwaliar fortress in Delhi. After Khushhal was permitted to return to Peshawar he incited the Pashtuns to rebel. His grave carries the inscription: "I have taken up the sword to defend the pride of the Afghan, I am Khushal Khattak, the honorable man of the age." The Khattak tribe of Khushhal Khan now lives in the areas o ...

See also:

Khushal Khan Khattak, Khushal Khan Khattak - Life

Read more here: » Khushal Khan Khattak: Encyclopedia II - Khushal Khan Khattak - Life

Vastu Shastra is the Indian science of space and architecture and how we may create spaces and environment that supports physical & spiritual health and prosperity.
Vastu Shastra evolved during Vedic times in India. The concepts of Vastu Shastra was transferred to Tibet, South East Asia and finally to China and Japan where it provided the base for the development of what is now known as Feng Shui.
Vastu Shastra is the art and science of designing houses, offices, temples etc that swirl with good energy. Indian Maharajas and Moghul Emperors used Vastu Shastra when they built their symmetrical palaces, artificial lakes, and geometric courtyards that thirstily absorbed positive energy.

Read more here: » Vastu Shastra: What is Vastu Shastra?

Vaastu Shastra is the Indian science of space and architecture and how we may create spaces and environment that supports physical & spiritual health and prosperity.

Vaastu Shastra evolved during Vedic times in India. The concepts of Vaastu Shastra was transferred to Tibet, South East Asia and finally to China and Japan where it provided the base for the development of what is now known as Feng Shui.

Vaastu Shastra is the art and science of designing houses, offices, temples etc that swirl with good energy. Indian Maharajas and Moghul Emperors used Vaastu Shastra when they built their symmetrical palaces, artificial lakes, and geometric courtyards that thirstily absorbed positive energy.

Read more here: » Vaastu Shastra: What is Vaastu Shastra?

Kathak is an Indian dance form that arose from the Vaishnava devotees dancing to the episodes from Krishna's life. Originally a Northern Indian temple dance, it was transformed to a court dance in the Mughal era. The new Muslim influence brought with it certain changes to the dance form: what had been a largely devotional practice now became more a courtly entertainment, and to that end various changes were effected. The demi-plié stance of most other Indian dance forms gave way to straight legs, and as many as 150 ankle bells on eac ...

Including:

• Kathak - Early history
• Kathak - Muslim influence
• Kathak - Change in the era of Radha-Krishna
• Kathak - Spread
• Kathak - Today
• Kathak - Modern Repertoire

Read more here: » Kathak: Encyclopedia - Kathak

1526 in science 1526 - Events. January 14 - Treaty of Madrid. Peace between Francis I of France and Charles V. Francis agrees to cede Burgundy to Charles, and abandons all claims to Flanders, Artois, Naples, and Milan. May 22 - Francis repudiates the Treaty of Madrid and forms the League of Cognac against Charles, including the Pope, Milan, Venice, and Florence. July 24 - Milan is captured by the Spanish. August 29 - Battle of Mohács. The Turkish army of Sultan Suleiman I ...

Including:

• 1526 - Events
• 1526 - Births
• 1526 - Deaths

Read more here: » 1526: Encyclopedia - 1526

Borjigin was the family name of Genghis Khan and his family. The family ruled over a united Mongol Empire in the 13th century as head of the Grand Khanate. In 1271, Kublai Khan—who, as a direct descendent of Genghis, also carried the name—established the Yuan Dynasty in China, finally taking full control of China in 1279. The family continued to rule over the Mongol Empire, China, and other parts of Asia for much of the following century. In 1368, under Emperor Huizong of Yuan China, the dynasty lost the country. Members of the family continu ...

Including:

• Borjigin - Modern relevance

Read more here: » Borjigin: Encyclopedia - Borjigin

Bhagalpur is a town and the administrative headquarters of Bhagalpur district, Bihar state in the eastern part of India. Bhagalpur is a divisional town of historical importance situated on the southern bank of the Ganga river. Situated 220km east of state capital Patna and 410 km north west of Calcutta is well connected by rail and road. Bhagalpur is famous worldwide for its silk production. The silk industry in this city is hundreds of years old and a whole clan exists that has been producing silk for generations. There is a Silk Institute and Agricultural college here, as well as a University, ...

Including:

• Bhagalpur - Bhagalpur blindings
• Bhagalpur - Bhagalpur riots

Read more here: » Bhagalpur: Encyclopedia - Bhagalpur

Nizam-ul-Mulk was the title of the ruler of Hyderabad state from 1724 to 1949. The state is therefore sometimes referred to as a nizamate. Like their Mughal predecssors, the nizams were Muslims. The title nizām-al-mulk was first used in Urdu around 1600 to mean "governor of the realm", probably in reference to Nizam al-Mulk. It, in turn, derives from the Arabic word, nizंām, meaning "order, arrangement". The Nizam was, and often still is, referred to ...

Including:

• Nizam - The list of Nizams

Read more here: » Nizam: Encyclopedia - Nizam

Bengal, known as Bôngo (Bengali: বঙ্গ), Bangla (বাংলা), Bôngodesh (বঙ্গদেশ), or Bangladesh (বাংলাদেশ) in Bangla (Bengali), is a region in the northeast of South Asia. Today it is mainly divided between the independent country of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal, although some regions of the previous state of Bengal (during local monarchial regimes and British rule) are part of the Indian states of Bihar, Tripura and Orissa. Bengal ...

Including:

• Bengal - History
• Bengal - Early History
• Bengal - Muslim Rule
• Bengal - British Rule
• Bengal - Independence
• Bengal - Rulers of Bengal
• Bengal - Pala Dynasty
• Bengal - Sena Dynasty
• Bengal - Ilyas Dynasty
• Bengal - Ganesa Dynasty
• Bengal - Ilyas Dynasty
• Bengal - Habshis Dynasty
• Bengal - Husaini Dynasty
• Bengal - Suri Dynasty
• Bengal - Karani Kararani Dynasty
• Bengal - Nawabs of Bengal
• Bengal - Maps during British rule on external sites

Read more here: » Bengal: Encyclopedia - Bengal

Kashmir is a region between the northern part of South Asia and the southern part of Central Asia. The term Kashmir historically described the valley just to the south of the westernmost end of the Himalayan mountain range. Politically, however, the term 'Kashmir' describes a much larger area which includes the regions of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. The main "Valley of Kashmir" is relatively low and very fertile, while magnificent breathtaking mountains, fed by streams flowing from adjoining valleys, are found on the rest of the Kashmiri landscape. It is renowned as one of the mos ...

Including:

• Kashmir - History
• Kashmir - Modern history
• Kashmir - Area and Subdivisions
• Kashmir - Indian-administered Kashmir
• Kashmir - Pakistan-administered Kashmir
• Kashmir - Chinese-administered Kashmir
• Kashmir - Demographics
• Kashmir - Culture
• Kashmir - Economy
• Kashmir - Tourist attractions

Read more here: » Kashmir: Encyclopedia - Kashmir

Shivaji Bhonsle, also known as Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj (Marathi शिवाजीराजे भोसले)(February 19, 1630 - April 3, 1680) was the founder of the Maratha empire in western India in 1674 and one of the greatest Indian Kings. Using guerrilla tactics superbly suited to the rugged mountains and valleys of the region, he annexed a portion of the then dominant Mughal empire. He is still considered a hero in the present-day state of Maharashtra, and stories of his exploits have entered in ...

Including:

• Shivaji - The political scene before Shivaji
• Shivaji - Early life
• Shivaji - Confrontation with the local Sultanates
• Shivaji - Afzal Khan
• Shivaji - Siddi Jauhar
• Shivaji - Clash with the Moghuls
• Shivaji - Shahista Khan
• Shivaji - Surat
• Shivaji - Raja Jai Singh
• Shivaji - Trip To Agra and Escape
• Shivaji - Coronation
• Shivaji - Shivaji's rule
• Shivaji - Shivaji's forts
• Shivaji - Shivaji and Sanskrit
• Shivaji - Shivaji and Religion
• Shivaji - The Epilogue
• Shivaji - Remembering Shivaji
• Shivaji - Associates of Shivaji

Read more here: » Shivaji: Encyclopedia - Shivaji

Crown jewels are those that belong to the sovereign and pass to the next sovereign to symbolize the right to rule. They usually include one or more crowns, scepters, orbs, swords, and/or rings. Please see also under regalia. Crown jewels - Africa. Crown jewels - Benin. Danhomè The enormous collection of the Ahosu (Kings) of the Danhomè (Dahomey) is kept in the city of Abomey. Since the 1980's, the Getty Foundation and UNESCO have been trying t ...

Including:

• Crown jewels - Africa
• Crown jewels - Benin
• Crown jewels - Burundi
• Crown jewels - Central African Republic
• Crown jewels - Egypt
• Crown jewels - Ethiopia
• Crown jewels - Ghana
• Crown jewels - Nigeria
• Crown jewels - Rwanda
• Crown jewels - South Africa
• Crown jewels - Tanzania
• Crown jewels - Uganda
• Crown jewels - Asia
• Crown jewels - Burma
• Crown jewels - Brunei
• Crown jewels - India
• Crown jewels - Indonesia
• Crown jewels - Iran Persia
• Crown jewels - Japan
• Crown jewels - Laos
• Crown jewels - Malaysia
• Crown jewels - Philippines
• Crown jewels - Thailand Siam
• Crown jewels - Vietnam
• Crown jewels - Europe
• Crown jewels - Austria Austro-Hungarian Empire Holy Roman Empire
• Crown jewels - Czech Republic Czech Kingdom Bohemian Kingdom
• Crown jewels - Denmark
• Crown jewels - France
• Crown jewels - Germany
• Crown jewels - Greece
• Crown jewels - Hungary
• Crown jewels - Ireland
• Crown jewels - Italy
• Crown jewels - Monaco
• Crown jewels - Netherlands
• Crown jewels - Norway
• Crown jewels - Poland
• Crown jewels - Serbia
• Crown jewels - Spain
• Crown jewels - Sweden
• Crown jewels - Portugal
• Crown jewels - Russia
• Crown jewels - United Kingdom
• Crown jewels - Vatican
• Crown jewels - Latin America
• Crown jewels - Chile
• Crown jewels - Bolivia
• Crown jewels - Brazil
• Crown jewels - Peru
• Crown jewels - Mexico
• Crown jewels - United States
• Crown jewels - Hawaii

Read more here: » Crown jewels: Encyclopedia - Crown jewels

Today Balkh is a small town in the Province of Balkh, Afghanistan, about 20 kilometers northwest of the provincial capital, Mazar-e Sharif, and some 74 km (46 miles) south of the Amu Darya, the Oxus River of antiquity, of which a tributary formerly flowed past Balkh. Old Balkh was a city in Khorasan province of Persia. It was located in a Persian-speaking area of eastern Persia. The ancient city of Balkh, the oldest in today's Afghanistan, is associated with the Vedic name Bhakri, which as Bactra gave its name to ...

Including:

• Balkh - Balkh in 1911
• Balkh - Balkh today
• Balkh - Ancient ruins of Balkh
• Balkh - History of Balkh

Read more here: » Balkh: Encyclopedia - Balkh

Viluppuram (also Villupuram) is one of thirty districts which make up Tamil Nadu State situated on the southern tip of India. Viluppuram District came into existence on 30 September 1993 when it was created out of South Arcot District. The district headquarters are located at Viluppuram. The district occupies an area of 7217 km² and has a population of 2,943,917 (as of 2001). Viluppuram - Early history. Between the 1st and 4th century AD the Chola were the rulers of the area, Karika ...

Including:

• Viluppuram - Early history
• Viluppuram - Geographical location
• Viluppuram - Sites of interest in Viluppuram
• Viluppuram - Gingee
• Viluppuram - Fortification walls
• Viluppuram - Kalyana Mahal
• Viluppuram - Venugopala Swamy Temple
• Viluppuram - Nandieswarar Thiruvamathur Temple
• Viluppuram - Pachchaiamman Temple
• Viluppuram - Angala parameswari Melmalayanur
• Viluppuram - The temple of Lord Ranganatha Singavaram
• Viluppuram - Krishnagiri Fort
• Viluppuram - Mandagapattu
• Viluppuram - Mel Chittamur
• Viluppuram - Thirunarungondai
• Viluppuram - Auroville
• Viluppuram - Matrimandir
• Viluppuram - Thirukkoilur
• Viluppuram - Kalrayan Hills
• Viluppuram - Mayilam - Arulmigu Subramaniya
• Viluppuram - Thiruvakkarai
• Viluppuram - Thiruvennainallur
• Viluppuram - Marakanam Beach

Read more here: » Viluppuram: Encyclopedia - Viluppuram

Jiva Goswami was one of the most prolific and important writers of the Gaudiya Vaishnava school of Hinduism, and one of the famous Six Goswamis of Vrindavana. He was also the nephew of two of the chief Goswamis, Rupa Goswami (1489 – 1564 CE) and Sanatana Goswami (1488 – 1558 CE). Jiva Goswami - His Birth and Early Years. There seems to be some controversy amongst biographers about Jiva Goswami’s birth. Some opine that he lived from 1511 – 1596 CE, while others claim that he lived from 1533 to 1618 CE. ...

Including:

• Jiva Goswami - His Birth and Early Years
• Jiva Goswami - Jiva Leaves Home
• Jiva Goswami - Jiva in Vrindavana
• Jiva Goswami - Jiva Goswami’s Contributions
• Jiva Goswami - Achintya-bhedabheda Philosophy
• Jiva Goswami - Jiva Goswami’s Literary Achievments
• Jiva Goswami - 1-Harinamamrita Vyakarana
• Jiva Goswami - 2-Sutra-malika
• Jiva Goswami - 3-Dhatu-sangraha
• Jiva Goswami - 4-Radha-Krishna Archana Chandrika
• Jiva Goswami - 5-Rasamrita-sesa
• Jiva Goswami - 6-Madhava-mahotsava
• Jiva Goswami - 7-Sankalpa-kalpadruma
• Jiva Goswami - 8-Gopala-virudavali
• Jiva Goswami - 9-Bhavartha-suchaka-champu
• Jiva Goswami - 10-Gopala-tapani Upanisad commentary
• Jiva Goswami - 11-Commentary on Brahma-samhita
• Jiva Goswami - 12-Commentary on Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu
• Jiva Goswami - 13-Commentary on Ujjvala-nilamani
• Jiva Goswami - 14-Commentary on Yogasara-stavaka
• Jiva Goswami - 15-Agni Puranastha gayatri-bhasya
• Jiva Goswami - 16-Padma Puranokta Krishna-pada-padma-chihna
• Jiva Goswami - 17-Sri Radhika-kara-pada-sthita-chihna
• Jiva Goswami - 18-Laghu Vaishnava Toshani
• Jiva Goswami - 19-Gopala-champu
• Jiva Goswami - 20-Sad Sandarbhas Six Sandarbhas
• Jiva Goswami - Jiva’s Demise
• Jiva Goswami - Bibliography

Read more here: » Jiva Goswami: Encyclopedia - Jiva Goswami

The Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is an atypical member of the cat family (Felidae) that hunts by speed rather than by stealth or pack tactics. It is the fastest of all terrestrial animals and can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h (62 mph) in short bursts. Cheetah - Description. The cheetah's body is svelte and muscular, though it seems slender and almost fragile in build. Its chest is deep and its waist narrow. It has a small head and short muzzle, high-placed eyes, large nostrils for large oxygen intake, ...

Including:

• Cheetah - Description
• Cheetah - Classification
• Cheetah - Reproduction and social life
• Cheetah - Food
• Cheetah - Habitat
• Cheetah - Genetics
• Cheetah - King Cheetah
• Cheetah - Other Cheetah Colour Morphs
• Cheetah - Woolly Cheetah
• Cheetah - Economic importance
• Cheetah - Conservation status
• Cheetah - Cheetahs in art and literature

Read more here: » Cheetah: Encyclopedia - Cheetah

The Babri Mosque (also Babri Masjid بابری مسجد) was a mosque constructed by order of the first Mugal emperor of India, Babur, in Ayodhya in the 16th century. Before the 1940s, the Mosque was called Masjid-i Janmasthan ("mosque of the birthplace"). The mosque stood on the Ramkot ("Rama's fort") hill (also called Janamsthan ("birthplace"). It was destroyed in a r ...

Including:

• Babri Mosque - Architecture of the Mosque
• Babri Mosque - Babri Masjid acoustic & cooling system
• Babri Mosque - Legend of the Babri Mosque’s miraculous well
• Babri Mosque - History
• Babri Mosque - 1528
• Babri Mosque - 1767
• Babri Mosque - 19th century
• Babri Mosque - 1854
• Babri Mosque - 1855
• Babri Mosque - 1858
• Babri Mosque - 1886
• Babri Mosque - 20th century
• Babri Mosque - November 2 1989
• Babri Mosque - 1990
• Babri Mosque - November 2 1990
• Babri Mosque - January 24 1991
• Babri Mosque - 1992
• Babri Mosque - December 6 1992: the destruction of the Babri Masjid
• Babri Mosque - 2002
• Babri Mosque - 2005
• Babri Mosque - Babur
• Babri Mosque - The Ayodhya Debate

Read more here: » Babri Mosque: Encyclopedia - Babri Mosque

Sufism has considerable influence in Afghanistan, in both rural and urban settings, especially among the middle classes of larger villages, town and cities. Three Sufi orders are prominent: the Naqshbandiya founded in Bokhara, the Qadiriya founded in Baghdad, and the Cheshtiya located at Chesht-i-Sharif east of Herat. Among the Naqshbani, Ahmad al Faruqi Kabuli, born north of Kabul, acquired renown for his teachings in India during the reign of the Moghul Emperor Akbar in the sixteenth century. Sometime during the nineteenth century m ...

See also:

Islam in Afghanistan, Islam in Afghanistan - Early History, Islam in Afghanistan - Ithna Ashariya Twelver or Imami Shi'a, Islam in Afghanistan - Ismailis, Islam in Afghanistan - Sufis, Islam in Afghanistan - Meaning and Practice, Islam in Afghanistan - Politicized Islam, Islam in Afghanistan - Taliban

Read more here: » Islam in Afghanistan: Encyclopedia II - Islam in Afghanistan - Sufis