Indic Civilizational Portal | The cultural network, interface, & database for the serious Indic person

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Welcome to the Indic Civilizational Portal: the cultural network, interface, and database for the serious Indic person. For the latest articles on the most relevant ICP topics, click on the titles below the icons or go to the menu to view by subject area.

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Vijayanagara: The City, its Art, & its Architecture

N.R.I.pathiMay 1, 2026UncategorizedAny urbanity, nay, megalopolis of its time, will invariably be known to its denizens and dearest lovers as “The City”. The Imperial City of Vijayanagara stands out not only for its history and heroes, but also its culture, art, and architecture. The palaces, the temples, the aqueducts, the lakes, the gardens, and the beautiful sculptures … Continue reading Vijayanagara: The City, its Art, & its Architecture → [...]

History: Vijayanagara

N.R.I.pathiApril 6, 2026UncategorizedWriting on the History of Vijayanagara, or any empire that evokes such emotive passion, requires more than just one article, or even two. After all, there are not only the historical aspects, but the also military aspects, the cultural aspects, the artistics aspects and above all, the personality dynamics that rules the hearts of men … Continue reading History: Vijayanagara → [...]

On Rajadharma 5 (Ganaraja & Jaanaraja)

N.R.I.pathiMarch 29, 2026UncategorizedAfter a long hiatus we return the topic of Rajadharma. A topic that is far more than just subsidiarity and universality, it is, at its essence, how to govern a population. And to govern a population means understanding it at its most essential even atomic level. The point of this is not to split hairs … Continue reading On Rajadharma 5 (Ganaraja & Jaanaraja) → [...]

Personalities: Krishna Deva Raya

N.R.I.pathiDecember 9, 2025UncategorizedAfter long last, ICP covers one of the most celebrated of medieval Imperial figures, the great sovereign, Krishna Deva Raya. Though many reams have been written about him, both literally and digitally, political and parochial agendas have been polluting his immense legacy. In general, we have, heretofore, sought to avoid regional controversies and caste claims, … Continue reading Personalities: Krishna Deva Raya → [...]

History: Asmaka Desa

N.R.I.pathiNovember 21, 2025UncategorizedIntroduction The Marathi (phonetic: Maraatthi) people have a storied history in the medieval era, their ancient origins have been a matter of recent debate. Part of it is due to its place as the first desa in Dakshinapatha, and as a crossroads of North and South (North thinks they are South and vice-versa), but also … Continue reading History: Asmaka Desa → [...]

Literature: The Culavamsa

N.R.I.pathiNovember 10, 2025UncategorizedLong time readers might recall our earlier article on the Deepavamsa. This chronicle was the earlier portion of the Mahavamsa, the Great History of the Sinhalese people. Today’s Post is on the Culavamsa, which is the latter part of this self-same Mahavamsa. Introduction The Sinhalese refer to themselves as Seehala, bearing the heavy influence of … Continue reading Literature: The Culavamsa → [...]

Rajadharma II: Governance & Administration 4

N.R.I.pathiOctober 23, 2025UncategorizedThe great problem of Bhaarathavarsha historically and the Vaidhikaarya Janatha (the Vedic Indian Ethnic-Nation) particularly, has been an all-or-nothing approach politically and economically. Due to the poisonous virus of vakra-buddhi chaanakyanism, petty revenge and local competition matter more than national and vidharmic threats. Forget small adharmis, the chaanakyan vakra buddhi can ally with a vidharmi … Continue reading Rajadharma II: Governance & Administration 4 → [...]

Literature: Pancasiddhantika

N.R.I.pathiSeptember 30, 2025UncategorizedContinuing our theme of Varahamihira‘s work is one of his lesser known tomes, known as Pancasiddhantika. As the name indicates, it refers to 5 doctrines or texts on which the famed jyotihsaasthri produced a commentary. This work is important because many authorities actually believed it to be lost , and second because it contains excerpts … Continue reading Literature: Pancasiddhantika → [...]

Literature: Brihat Samhita

N.R.I.pathiAugust 31, 2025UncategorizedAfter a long time we return to the topic of literature. Almanacs and Encyclopedias were not unknown in Ancient India. One such encyclopedic work was the Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira. Introduction “India has long continued to be the centre of attraction not only in respect of its wealth and civilization but in that of its … Continue reading Literature: Brihat Samhita → [...]

Naava Sastra—Indic Shipping & Navigation 2

N.R.I.pathiJuly 14, 2025UncategorizedFollowing our introductory article on Naava Sastra, we determined that a sequel was required for this Set of posts on Indic Shipping & Navigation. The previous article provided a general overview of the history and principles. This particular article will focus more on the Science of Navigation & extract greater insight into key historical episodes. … Continue reading Naava Sastra—Indic Shipping & Navigation 2 → [...]

Naava Sastra—Indic Shipping & Navigation

N.R.I.pathiMay 28, 2025UncategorizedIn an age of Navic Satellites & Unmanned Amphibious Vessels, it becomes difficult to appreciate just how impressive ancient Navigation used to be. Particularly in a post-modern India that unquestioningly accepts modern technology without valuing the practicals of the past, knowing the value of the ancient arts can often be a tall order. And yet, … Continue reading Naava Sastra—Indic Shipping & Navigation → [...]

Rasa Sastra—Indic Chemistry & Metallurgy

N.R.I.pathiMarch 8, 2025UncategorizedIntroduction Chemistry is a complicated topic, even within the Western episteme. Equal parts hard science and traditionalist speculation, it is often conflated with alchemy. So strong is this association that Indic Chemistry is often wholly relegated to the quackery of alchemy (as Ayurveda is distanced from Medicine (Bhaisajya)). However, just as Jyotisha (Astrology) is not … Continue reading Rasa Sastra—Indic Chemistry & Metallurgy → [...]

Personalities: Kshemendra

N.R.I.pathiFebruary 1, 2025UncategorizedAfter extended hiatus, ICP returns with another article on a prominent Buddhist. However, this particular Bauddha is known more for his acerbic wit and satirical literature than his contributions to the 8 Fold Path. Our Next Article in our Continuing Series on Indic Personalities is on the author Kshemendra. Background “Kshemendra is a major figure … Continue reading Personalities: Kshemendra → [...]

Indic Decision-Making Under Uncertainty—7

ShivohamDecember 2, 2024UncategorizedFrom Threeness to Unity The Ground Truth for Indic Decision Making A Perfect Storm of Artificiality Asato Maa Sadgamaya Sri Ganesha -Veda Vyasa versus GenAI Paramahamsa versus the Black Swan From the Illusion of Threeness to Integrality From Machine to Yantra References The Ground Truth for Indic Decision Making Note: all emphases in bold within … Continue reading Indic Decision-Making Under Uncertainty—7 → [...]

Indic Decision-Making Under Uncertainty—6

ShivohamNovember 18, 2024UncategorizedA Question of Ground Truth in an AI World Recap Limitations of Predict-to-Decide Satya-Rta-Dharma versus ML Data Model Limitations of choosing Language as Ground Truth Does AI have real power? Limitations of Position-to-Decide References Recap In post #5, we identify a key trait of decisions (integrality) that withstand the passage of time. The actual opposite … Continue reading Indic Decision-Making Under Uncertainty—6 → [...]

History: Trigarta, that is Himachal

N.R.I.pathiSeptember 30, 2024UncategorizedIntroduction Himachal is an heroic region of brave warriors and beautiful women—“striking like the sun” (as per one foreign history). For many an age, they have populated the mountainous “land amidst snow” (Hima + chala) and defended it stoutly. However, as times change, so do circumstances and reputations. The people of Himachal have forgotten their … Continue reading History: Trigarta, that is Himachal → [...]

History: Dvigarta, that is Jammu

N.R.I.pathiAugust 30, 2024UncategorizedHistory itself is a contentious topic in India, what of dynastic claims and provincial histories? One such province that is pivotal today yet has its origins shrouded in mist is the beautiful agglomeration of hill districts that compose Jammu. Introduction Despite it serving as a political fulcrum of subcontinental politics today, Jammu has been historically … Continue reading History: Dvigarta, that is Jammu → [...]

Literature: Nepali Tradition 2

N.R.I.pathiJuly 26, 2024UncategorizedTradition often finds itself adapting to Modern Times. Following our article on the Literary Nepali Tradition, which covered Pre-modern Literature, our next article covers Modernity. Modern Literature Modernos, or modernity, can mean many things to many people. Indeed, the contemporary period is in fact the Post-Modern period. Nevertheless, the roots of it lay in the … Continue reading Literature: Nepali Tradition 2 → [...]

Literature: Nepali Tradition

N.R.I.pathiApril 30, 2024UncategorizedIn a recent article, we presented a History of Nepal from Legendary & Ancient times to the Medieval Era. However, understanding a people necessitates studying their literature. In this next article, we discuss the Literary Nepali Tradition. Introduction Often forgotten is the ancient place of Nepal, or more Puraanically, the Kiraatha desa within Bhaarathavarsha. Perhaps … Continue reading Literature: Nepali Tradition → [...]

Literature: The Jatakas

N.R.I.pathiMarch 29, 2024UncategorizedIntroduction “A Jaataka is a story about a birth, and this collection of tales is about the repeated births—and deaths—of the Bodhisatta, the being destined to become the present Buddha in his final life. Written in Paali, the language of the Theravaada Buddhist canon, the tales comprise one of the largest and oldest collections of … Continue reading Literature: The Jatakas → [...]

History: Nepal — 1

N.R.I.pathiJanuary 29, 2024UncategorizedHistory, as we remarked in our kickoff article on the Satavahana Dynasty, is simultaneously one of the most enlightening and contentious of topics. However, those dedicated to truth will not seek to weaponise it, but dispassionately study it to not only draw valid lessons from it, but to learn the real story of our origins … Continue reading History: Nepal — 1 → [...]

Literature: Nisitha Curni

N.R.I.pathiJanuary 7, 2024UncategorizedThe Jain tradition is one of the 3 ancient streams of Indic civilization. Its contributions to dharmic society are notable and erudite. In a previous article, we discussed the informative zoological tome known as Mriga Pakshi Sastra. Today’s Post discusses the veritably encyclopedic work known as Nisitha Curni. Background Jina Dharma has produced more than … Continue reading Literature: Nisitha Curni → [...]

Sigiriya Fort

N.R.I.pathiDecember 26, 2023UncategorizedOften lost in the discussion of forts is the beauty of their surroundings or even in the interiors. An impressive geography, delightful artifice, and even colourful artwork can all add to the mystique of a construction known for battles and wars. Sri Lanka’s Sigiriya Fort is one such landmark. Indeed, in this land riven by … Continue reading Sigiriya Fort → [...]

Literature: Deepavamsa

N.R.I.pathiDecember 11, 2023UncategorizedThe Ancient Chronicles of Sri Lanka are the Deepavamsa and Mahavamsa respectively. Though blended with mythical origins, they are nevertheless, the most complete history from antiquity on the Sinhala people. While they are a distinct ethnic-nation, the Sinhalese have long acknowledged their connection to Indic Civilization, and are seen as fellow dharmics by many/most Hindus. … Continue reading Literature: Deepavamsa → [...]

Personalities: Kumaradasa

N.R.I.pathiOctober 30, 2023UncategorizedAfter a long gap, we return to matters literary. Classical Indic Literature is often classed as the epitome of inspirational, heroic, and virtuous composition. Poetry, poesy, and poetics itself were not only systemised, but also subjected to the rigours of Sanskrit and Sanskritic composition. “The mahakavya (epic form) of literature with its themes based on … Continue reading Personalities: Kumaradasa → [...]

Indic Decision-Making Under Uncertainty—5

ShivohamSeptember 25, 2023UncategorizedFrom Antifragility to Integrality Note: Emphases within quotes are added by this author. Section-1: The Roots of Fragility “Logically, the exact opposite of a “fragile” parcel would be a package [whose] contents would not just be unbreakable, but would benefit from shocks and a wide array of trauma…We gave the appellation “antifragile” to such a … Continue reading Indic Decision-Making Under Uncertainty—5 → [...]

Classical Indic Medicine V: Agada Tantra

N.R.I.pathiSeptember 9, 2023UncategorizedAfter Pharmacognosy/Pharmacology, it is only appropriate that we move on to Toxicology. While Dravya Guna studies and catalogues medical substances, Agada Tantra is the branch of Ayurveda dedicated towards cataloguing and neutralising poisons. Introduction In a dangerous world filled with fiendish creatures (not just the human variety!) and venomous vermin (same goes!), it is imperative … Continue reading Classical Indic Medicine V: Agada Tantra → [...]

Classical Indic Medicine IV: Dravya Guna

N.R.I.pathiAugust 29, 2023UncategorizedFollowing our article on Vrkshayurveda, it is only natural that we proceed to Dravya Guna. Dravya Guna is the study of materia medica or medicinal products— known today as pharmacology. Just as Silpa Sastra, Chitra Sastra, and Vaastu Sastra emerge from Sthapatya Veda, so to does Dravya Guna Saasthra emerge from Ayurveda. Introduction Materia Medica … Continue reading Classical Indic Medicine IV: Dravya Guna → [...]

Classical Indic Medicine III: Vrikshayurveda

N.R.I.pathiAugust 2, 2023UncategorizedIt has been many years since we touched on the topic of Ayurveda. There are a myriad roles and applications for this upaveda. It is so multi-faceted that we often forget that it goes beyond even the health of human beings. Vedic Dharma (and Sanatana Dharma by extension) value life in all its forms. Life … Continue reading Classical Indic Medicine III: Vrikshayurveda → [...]

The Vegetarian Karnataka Cuisine Primer

AdminJuly 27, 2023UncategorizedThe Following Post was composed by respected scholar-danseuse Prakruti Prativadi. Discovering the cuisine of a land for oneself is much like solving a good mystery, every ingredient, dish and eating custom is a delicious clue. The cuisine of a land reveals much about her culture and the personality of her peoples; what they hold in … Continue reading The Vegetarian Karnataka Cuisine Primer → [...]