The book Sapiens, A Brief History of Humankind by Israeli author Yuval Noah Harari has both captivated and frenzied readers since its publication in 2011. A controversial and famously cyniecal book on the history of human society and culture, Harari’s writings have been subject to both admirant praise and harsh criticism from those who argueContinue reading “Sapiens: A Review + Essay”
Tag Archives: History
Partition: An overview of Pakistan
The partition of India was, and still remains, the most controversial decision made by either the British government or the Indian government, depending on how you look at it. Based on religious differences, the division of India into ‘Hindustan’ and ‘Pakistan’ still has its not so benevolent repercussions. Why, then, was it created? And whatContinue reading “Partition: An overview of Pakistan”
The Younger Dryas – was there civilization in the Ice Age? Part I: Itihasas
We are taught in school that the earliest civilizations rose 6,000 years in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley. However, the mainstream academia has said that the earliest signs of civilization stretch further back to at least 8,000 BCE, or 10,000 years ago. And yet, there are some fringe scientists who disagree, who say (withContinue reading “The Younger Dryas – was there civilization in the Ice Age? Part I: Itihasas”
How “wheat (and other grains) domesticated us”
You read the title right! Wheat, in fact, domesticated us. Well, if you look at it in a certain way. Let me explain. This article was inspired by author Yuval Noah Harari, whose words I have paraphrased here, who proposed a really interesting argument that, while it sounds absurd at first, has a lot ofContinue reading “How “wheat (and other grains) domesticated us””
Us and Them: When we first met our siblings
Homo sapiens evolved in relative isolation in the south of Africa, so when we met our cousins the Neanderthals and Denisovans for the first time, it was quite the shocker. After all, even today we like to discriminate against those who are slightly different from us, and other hominins certainly fit the box of tooContinue reading “Us and Them: When we first met our siblings”
Out of Africa
We aren’t the only human species to have migrated out of Africa. In fact, our cousins have done it already, albeit to a lesser degree. The first time occurred just after the time our ancestors’ brains grew significantly and when we mastered the art of fire and was carried out by a species called HomoContinue reading “Out of Africa”
Our first steps Down Under and beyond
Australia is one of the most isolated and weirdest continents that humans have ever settled. Like, literally everything is just programmed to kill you. Name the biggest shark, largest venomous snake, most venomous snake, most venomous marine animal, a kickboxing freak of nature, and then we have koalas. While they look cuddly, a koala’s screamContinue reading “Our first steps Down Under and beyond”
When did we start wearing clothes?
Clothes, when you think about it, are kind of weird. Like, we’re the only species to wear clothes, unless you count shells in. However, shells are used for defensive purposes, just like a suit of armor, but clothes don’t make us invincible. Some clothes protect us from the cold and from getting wet, so theyContinue reading “When did we start wearing clothes?”
Mlecchas in Hindu culture – who were they?
DISCLAIMER: I do not support or oppose any of the things said here. This blog post is supposed to present facts in an informative manner and is not meant to offend, discriminate against, or criticize anyone. Have fun reading! ‘Mleccha’ is the Sanskrit word for ‘barbarian’ or ‘uncouth person’ and it features prominently in manyContinue reading “Mlecchas in Hindu culture – who were they?”
Sanskrit Influence in South and Southeast Asia + Rise of the Chola Dynasty
Most of India was heavily Sanskritized by the 5th century BCE; even South India, where Dravidian language and culture held sway; Sanskrit words and rituals found themselves seeping into the local culture. As maritime trade flourished in Tamilakam, the lands of the Tamil people (modern day Tamil Nadu and Kerala), this sort of Sanskritization becameContinue reading “Sanskrit Influence in South and Southeast Asia + Rise of the Chola Dynasty”
Anay Ganesh 