#taxila

[h0bg0blin-meat]

Dark academia but it's students in ancient India studying in an International UNI (inspo eg- Nalanda, Takshashila etc.)

[freechicken]

Gold Jewellery, 1 CE, Taxila.

Pictures taken at the National Museum, India.

[h0bg0blin-meat]

YOU BETTER

The throuple 🗿💅

I got one better

Library of Alexandria x Nalanda x Takshashila

Shared trauma trope

ENOUGH I'M ASCENDING WITH THESE SHIPS

[filectory]

Heavy Industries Taxila HIT Cantt Jobs October 2023 Apply Online

Heavy Industries Taxila HIT Cantt Jobs October 2023 Apply Online latest advertisement. This job notification has been published in the Newspaper on October 8, 2023. HIT requires the services of candidates on a contract basis. Candidates possessing the required qualification can apply online till October 16, 2023. Applicants already in Government service should apply through the proper channel.…

[lionofchaeronea]

Coin of Antialkidas, king of the Indo-Greek (Yavana) Kingdom, a Hellenistic successor state encompassing parts of present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Antialkidas' regnal dates are disputed, but he probably reigned in the late second or early first century BCE.

On the obverse, Antialkidas is shown wearing the aegis (which identifies him with Zeus) and holding a spear. The Greek inscription surrounding him reads BASILEOS NIKEPHOROU ANTIALKIDOU ("Of the king, the victory-bearer, Antialkidas"). On the reverse, Zeus, holding a scepter tipped with a lotus, stands before an elephant with a bell (the symbol of Antialkidas' capital city, Taxila, located in the Punjab region of present-day Pakistan). Above, Nike, holding a wreath, crowns the elephant. The inscription on this side is in the ancient Indic script known as Kharosthi and reads MAHARAJASA JAYADHARASA ANTIALIKITASA ("Of the victorious king Antialkidas"). This blending of motifs and languages from the Mediterranean and South Asian regions reflects the multicultural, syncretic nature of the Indo-Greek Kingdom.

Photo credit: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com

[whencyclopedia]

The Hyphasis Mutiny

The so-called Hyphasis Mutiny was a conflict between Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) and his army following their victory at the river Hydaspes in 326 BCE. Alexander voiced plans for further conquests in the Indian subcontinent, however, when his men reached the river Hyphasis, there was an open revolt. The mutiny ended with Alexander giving in to his men's wishes and turning back; he did not venture further into the Indian subcontinent as he intended. Over the years, historians have examined the importance of this moment of tension between a king and his army. This includes the issue of whether the term “mutiny” can truly apply to this incident.

The Indian Campaign

When Alexander marched across the Hindu Kush to India in 327 BC, the denizens of Bazira feared for their lives, fled to the Aornos Rock, reputed to be impregnable so that not even Heracles was able to capture it. Alexander had difficulty getting to the rock and started building a mound, then gained a foothold on a hill. When the Indians noticed the Macedonians closing in, they surrendered. Alexander placed a garrison on the abandoned portion of the Aornos Rock.

The city of Nysa asked Alexander to recognize their freedom and independence, which Alexander granted and made allies of them, acquiring 300 horsemen. He also had a base in Taxila, after promising to help Taxiles against his enemy, King Porus. Alexander met Porus at the Battle of Hydaspes in 326 BCE, which included war elephants. After the battle, Porus was allowed to continue ruling his kingdom and became an ally of Alexander, and Alexander continued to march further into India.

Continue reading...

[jeannereames]

Can you tell us a little more about Kalanos? Did he actually exist and if so which stories about his interactions with ATG are likely real or fake?

Kalanos/Calanus

To those for whom the name is unfamiliar, he was an Indian yogi who attached himself to Alexander train somewhere in India, probably Taxila/Gandhāra. He famously immolated himself in Susa in 323, and (supposedly) prophesied Alexander’s own death months later by saying, “We’ll meet again in Babylon.” Whether or not he really said this a good question; I’m quite dubious. But he did certainly exist, although “Kalanos” wasn’t apparently his name (Plutarch says ‘Sphines’ which is still a Greekification, Alex. 65.3-4). What we know about him is kinda iffy, largely because the sources don’t agree. He came along willingly, at Alexander’s invitation, and Alexander reputedly treated him well with gifts he may have been somewhat bemused by and had little use for. Perhaps he genuinely thought he could teach Alexander something, I don’t know. But Alexander had a fascination with philosophers that was not entirely the invention of Plutarch, although I think Plutarch exaggerated it. (I've written on that before.)

Not a lot has been written academically about Kalanos, interestingly (although see below). In his somewhat recent Soldier, Priest and God, Fred Naiden spends some time on the reported contest between Alexander and the Indian philosophers, described in Plutarch (which IS probably 95% invented). Not sure I agree with his assessments, but I mention it, as Naiden does address ATG and the Indian yogis, but he had little to say about Kalanos himself and seems to accept the prophecy uncritically or at least as something Kalanos actually said, asking (no doubt rhetorically) what he meant by it. Well, I don’t think he said it, so what he meant by it would be whatever the original author (whoever that was) meant by it.

Other ATG biographers discuss Kalanos, and there may also be an article I don’t recall, in this or that collection. A lot have come out in the last 20 years, some of which I’ve simply not read, or I glanced through them, looking for material relating to my own work and that wasn’t it.

Kalanos is used by Curtius as a sort of totally-second-rate-Indian-philosopher-but-still-so-much-wiser-than-Alexander figure that’s part of Curtius’s general framing of Alexander’s latter years. He’s presented more positively in Arrian, Plutarch, and Diodoros (who confusingly calls him Karanos, which in other, later accounts was the supposed founder of Macedon—a completely different figure).

So, I think some good work could be done on Kalanos, academically, if someone wanted to take it up—particularly perhaps, someone able to read ancient Indian texts as well, and who could contextualize Kalanos better. For instance, Naiden suggests that he immolated himself because he felt he’d committed some sacrilege. I’m dubious. Then again, I’m just not that familiar with Brahminic traditions of that period. (Although see a different take in an article mentioned below.)

Kalanos’s manner of suicide went on to have interesting ramifications later in the Hellenistic/Roman periods. First, he wasn’t the only yogi to travel west, and immolation seems to have been a crowd draw and weird morbid-but-respectful fascination with the “Wow, they didn’t even flinch!” Consider the stories of Zarmanochegas. In any case, the story of Kalanos (and specifically his death) grew legs and pops up in a fair bit of later Roman-era writing.

I think we can lose sight of the fact Indian philosophy did have an impact in the west, maybe more than is sometimes acknowledged, and perhaps predating Alexander and Kalanos.

I found two articles that are at least somewhat recent and the first of which is the sort of real cultural dig I’d like to see more of: The Journal of the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies, “The Self-immolation of Kalanos and other Luminous Encounters Among Greeks and Indian Buddhists in the Hellenistic World” (Georgios T. Halkias), proposing that Kalanos may have been Buddhist, not a Hindu yogi at all. It looks quite interesting, with a solid bibliography, and is available publicly, so I will be downloading it for my own purposes. But as he’s not an Alexander scholar, so I’m not sure how the assessment of the Alexander sources will go. (This is the eternal problem when trying to combine two quite different fields of study. But I’m at least intrigued by the questions raised in the article abstract.)

The second was written by a George Bruseker with the British School at Athens, “Calanus and Dandamis: a Greek Sketch of Ancient Indian thought.” But the only journal Talanta I can find is for chemistry, so whether peer-reviewed or not, I’m skeptical about the article appearing there and not in something related to ancient history. Also, the bibliography is rather thin. For that reason, I’m not linking to it directly.

Again, I’ve not read either article, so I can’t speak further than very quick, first impressions.

[paganimagevault]

Hellenistic couple from Taxila 1st C. CE. Guimet Musee.

"Some Greek cities seem to have remained intact under Parthian rule: Isidorus of Charax in his 1st century AD "Parthian stations" itinerary described "Alexandropolis, the metropolis of Arachosia" as being Greek:

"Beyond is Arachosia (Old Persian Hara[h]uvati, Avestan Haraxvaiti)). And the Parthians call this White India; there are the city of Biyt and the city of Pharsana and the city of Chorochoad (Haraxvat) and the city of Demetrias; then Alexandropolis, the metropolis of Arachosia; it is Greek, and by it flows the river Arachotus (Harahvati). As far as this place the land is under the rule of the Parthians."

— "Parthians stations", 1st century AD. Original text in paragraph 19 of Parthian stations"

-taken from Wikipedia

[friendswithclay]

“Brightly painted pottery makes an eye-stopping splash of colour on a Taxila street. The bustling modern town with its handicrafts is in sharp contrast to the silent slumber of the 2,000-year-old ruins of the ancient eity nearby which was once a centre of learning and of Buddhist culture.”

From: “journey through Pakistan” by Amin, Mohamed; 1982.

[arthistoryanimalia]

It’s #WorldTurtleDay, on a #TurtleTuesday + #TwoForTuesday! Check out this gorgeous pair of nearly 2000-year-old cast gold repoussé turtle earrings:

Pair of Earrings with Tortoises Pakistan, Taxila region (?), 1st-2nd century repoussé and cast gold 2 1/4 x 1/2 x 3/8 in. (5.72 x 1.27 x .95 cm) Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

[chaos-utopia]

QOTD: If you could go back in time to any period in recorded human history (no prehistoric) as an observer who can't interact with anyone (think spectator mode in Minecraft), when would you pick?

Actually i have thought about this. I don't remember the years, but I want to go back around the time where chandragupta maurya was the ruler in India, and chanakya was still alive. Honestly the last bit is just because I watched the tv show and he seems cool but it still stands

They say that taxila and nalanda were the greatest universities, with libraries like that of Alexandia, but they all burned when the khiljis invaded so I'd like to see what it was really like back then.

Edit: Around 279 BCE

[writer-dipsundarkanjilal]

Why Ancient Indian Literatures are Extinct today?

Ancient Indian Literatures were high even before few hundred years ago but now except few university courses under UGC India and some foreign enthusiasts in University of Michigan or University of Heidelberg etc, general students avoid reading those old articles.

Argument of this topic is why Indian students or their parents are not suggesting Indian Ancient History or Ancient literature as a career in today’s world?

If we go back to those beautiful pastimes of Indian education, from 3600 plus years ago, almost all great courses in Art, Literature, Science, Philosophy etc, were being taught only in Indian Universities.

Taxila or Takshashila University

Mithila University

Telhara University

Sharada Peeth Temple University

Nalanda University

Vallabhi University

Pushpagiri University

Odantapuri University

Vikramshila University

Sompura University

Bikrampur University

Morena Golden Triangle University

Kanthalloor Sala University

Jagaddala University and so on…

Some Indian scholars in Mathematics were Aryabhatta, Baudhayan, Brahmgupta, Bhaskaracharya, Mahaviracharya. Some famous scientists were Kanaad, Varahamihir, Nagarjuna. Medical Science was also highly developed in ancient India. It is hard to name all of them. Based on my minor research I have only few names as below.

“Sushruta Samahita” on Principles of Surgery and Medicine – by Sushruta, 100 BCE.

“Aryabhattiyam” on Principles of Astrophysics - by Aryabhatta, 476 CE

“Artha Sasthra” on Commerce & Business Administrations – by Chanakya, 375 BCE

“Pancha Sidhanta” on Treatises on Astronomy – by Varahamihir, 505 CE

“Patanjalayoga Sastra” on Principles of Yoga – by Patanjali, 2BCE

“Charaka Samahita” on Principles of Aayurveda – by Charaka, 200 BCE

“Rasendra Mangalam” on Science of Alchemy – by Nagarjuna, 150 CE

“Vaiseshik Dashan” on Principles of Atomic Theory – by Kanaad, 6 BCE

“MahajyanayanaPrakara” on Principles of Calculus – by Madhava, 1340 CE

When ancient Indian sages discovered that the great details on Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Philosophy, Astronomy, Health, Linguistics etc., were all there in Vedas which were that time in the form of “Shruti” which were only in the form of “what was being heard” from early Sages, they converted them into “Smriti” which were nothing but story telling or narrations of Vedas. This is to make things easy for the readers with more explanations on each branch of studies. Also, to make Vedas easy for the readers, ancient sages have concluded almost all details in texts distinguishing each part of Vedas (they are – Samahitas , Aranyakas and Brahmanas) for easy understanding.

Those great maestros (ancient Sages) not only have left these great treasures for the future generations but also tried in multiple ways to distribute that precious knowledge into various education systems in terms of texts, narrations, debate, explanations from past times (The Puranas) and conclusions (The Siddhantas) through help of Kings.

It is on us to consider this premium knowledge still available in various forms or reject it and again keep hunting for the remakes in more cosmetic and customized way. The irony of remakes is most of times the core values and ideologies would dissolve in versions.

Happy Reading….

[mahayanapilgrim]

Global Spread of Buddhism - 10

Buddhism in Pakistan

Buddhism was introduced to present day Pakistan in the 3rd century BC, when emperor Ashoka sent Buddhist emissaries to spread Buddhism. During the Gandhara period Buddhism was the prevalent religion with Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions being practised by the majority of the population until the Islam invasions during the 7th century. The Indo-Greek king Menander who ruled from 160 to 130 BC was a Buddhist devotee and a dialogue between him and a Buddhist scholar named Nagasena is recorded in the widely known Buddhist text called Milindapanha. Places like Taxila and Swat valley had been cradles of Buddhism and Gandhara Buddhist art in the past and it is believed that at one time there were 1400 Buddhist monasteries in the Swat valley practising the three Buddhist traditions of Theravada, Mahayana and Vairayana. In 2007, the seven meters tall stone Buddha statue in the Swat valley was attacked and damaged by suspected Taliban extremists. According to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADA), there were only 1492 Pakistani nationals in 2012 who were identified as Buddhist.

Buddhism in Afghanistan

It is widely believed that following the 3rd Buddhist council in India during the 3rd century BC, emperor Ashoka sent Buddhist missionaries to the region now known as Afghanistan to spread the Buddha's teachings. There is also a theory that Buddhism would have already existed there as some Buddhist monks went there to settle down following the 2nd Buddhist council held 100 years following the Buddha's passing away. The ancient kingdom of Gandhara which included Afghanistan was once considered the jewel of Buddhist civilization and Buddhist art and it is believed that the Gandhara artists painted and sculpted Buddha in human form for the first time. Prior to that Buddha was always represented by a symbol or an empty space.

Theravada tradition of Buddhism seems to have existed there first but the Mahayana tradition became the predominant tradition later on.

Buddhism flourished during the Kushan period and the 4th Buddhist council held around 100 CE to promote Mahayana tradition was facilitated by the Kushan ruler Kanishka. By the 4th century CE Bamiyan had one of the biggest Buddhist monastic communities where the two world famous giant standing Buddha statues were carved into a cliff which were to be destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. It is believed that up to 5000 Buddhist monks used to live and meditate in the caves behind the statues.

Valuable articles of Buddhist art as well as Buddhist religious sites were destroyed during the wars and by Islam extremists and remains of Buddhist art, temples, monasteries, stupas and Buddhist relics are still being discovered in several regions of Afghanistan. Buddhism began to decline with the Islam invasions in the 7th century and by the 11th century it was virtually extinct in Afghanistan.

[filectory]

HITEC University Taxila Cantt Jobs 2023 Faculty and Staff Vacancies Latest

HITEC University Taxila Cantt Jobs 2023 Faculty and Staff Vacancies latest advertisement. This Job notification is published in the Jang newspaper on 23-July-2023. HITEC University requires the services of staff on a regular basis. Candidates possessing the required qualification can apply till 7-August-2023. Pakistan Engineering Council PEC registration is mandatory for candidates applying for…

[mbabtechadmissionexpert]

Top MBA Colleges in Jaipur: Your Path to a Successful Business Career

Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is emerging as a popular destination for students aspiring to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA). The city offers a blend of excellent educational institutions, modern infrastructure, and a rich cultural environment, making it an ideal location for MBA students. If you are considering MBA Colleges in Jaipur, this guide will help you understand the top options available, their courses, infrastructure, placement opportunities, and more.

Why Choose Jaipur for an MBA?

Jaipur has become a hub for higher education due to its growing number of prestigious universities and institutions. Pursuing an MBA Colleges in Jaipur here provides students with access to top-notch facilities, experienced faculty, and industry exposure, setting the stage for a successful business career. Moreover, Jaipur’s peaceful environment and vibrant culture offer a balanced lifestyle for students.

Top MBA Colleges in Jaipur

Institute of Management, JK Lakshmipat University Known for its industry-aligned curriculum and experienced faculty, JK Lakshmipat University offers a holistic MBA program. The university has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, providing students with practical insights and hands-on experience.

Jaipuria Institute of Management Jaipuria Institute of Management is one of the leading MBA colleges in Jaipur, recognized for its diverse specializations such as Marketing, Finance, HR, and Operations. The institute has an excellent placement track record with top companies visiting the campus for recruitment.

Manipal University Jaipur Manipal University is a well-known institution offering an MBA with various specializations. With a state-of-the-art campus, modern classrooms, and access to global learning resources, students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the business world.

Taxila Business School Taxila Business School offers a unique approach to management education by combining traditional classroom learning with practical exposure through internships and live projects. Their MBA program is designed to develop leadership and managerial skills in students.

IIHMR University Specializing in Healthcare Management, IIHMR University offers an MBA program focused on the healthcare sector. This university is perfect for students aiming to pursue a career in hospital management, pharmaceuticals, or public health organizations.

Infrastructure and Facilities

MBA colleges in Jaipur are known for their modern infrastructure, including well-equipped libraries, high-tech classrooms, and access to online learning platforms. Many colleges also offer hostel facilities, sports complexes, and extracurricular activities, ensuring a balanced student life.

Placement Opportunities

One of the key factors that students consider while selecting an MBA college is placement opportunities. Jaipur’s top MBA colleges have tie-ups with national and international companies, ensuring students have access to lucrative job offers upon graduation. Major recruiters include multinational corporations (MNCs), leading banks, IT companies, and consulting firms. Click here: MBA in India

Conclusion

Pursuing an MBA in Jaipur is an excellent choice for students looking for quality education, practical experience, and promising career opportunities. With a wide range of specializations and modern facilities, the MBA colleges in Jaipur prepare students for leadership roles in the dynamic business environment. If you're ready to embark on your MBA journey, Jaipur’s colleges are the stepping stones to a successful future in business.

[presssection]

“Exploring Cultural and Heritage Tourism in Pakistan: A Niche for International Travelers”

Pakistan, a land of rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, holds immense potential as a destination for cultural and heritage tourism. With its stunning landscapes, ancient historical sites, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality, Pakistan offers a unique and authentic experience for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the country's rich tapestry of history and culture.

Pakistan boasts a kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, and traditions that have evolved over millennia. From the ancient civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Taxila to the Mughal architectural marvels of Lahore and the picturesque valleys of Hunza and Swat, Pakistan's cultural heritage is as diverse as it is captivating. The country's vibrant festivals, music, dance, cuisine, and crafts offer travelers a glimpse into its unique cultural mosaic.

Pakistan is home to a wealth of historical landmarks and archaeological sites that bear testimony to its rich past. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Taxila, Mohenjo-Daro, and the Lahore Fort are just a few examples of the country's ancient treasures waiting to be explored. Travelers can walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations, marvel at intricate carvings and frescoes, and unravel the mysteries of bygone eras in these historical sites.

One of the defining features of travel in Pakistan is the warmth and hospitality of its people. Visitors are welcomed with open arms and treated to genuine hospitality wherever they go. The tradition of "mehman nawazi" (hospitality) runs deep in Pakistani culture, ensuring that travelers feel at home and cherished during their stay. From sharing a cup of chai with locals to being invited to traditional feasts and celebrations, international travelers are sure to forge lasting connections and memories in Pakistan.

While Pakistan offers a wealth of cultural and heritage attractions, the country also faces challenges in promoting itself as a tourist destination, especially to international travelers. Collaborative efforts between the government, tourism industry, and local communities can play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges and positioning Pakistan as a premier destination for cultural and heritage tourism.

Despite the challenges, Pakistan presents a unique niche for international travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. The country's unspoiled natural beauty, ancient heritage sites, bustling bazaars, and diverse cultural traditions offer a refreshing alternative to mainstream tourist destinations. Travelers looking to delve deep into history, connect with local communities, and savor the richness of Pakistani culture will find a treasure trove of experiences awaiting them in this enchanting land.

Pakistan's cultural and heritage tourism sector holds great promise for international travelers looking to explore a country steeped in history, tradition, and natural beauty. By tapping into its diverse cultural offerings, preserving its historical treasures, and enhancing its tourism infrastructure, Pakistan can carve a niche for itself as a compelling destination for cultural enthusiasts and heritage seekers from around the globe. With its warm hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and captivating heritage, Pakistan invites travelers to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration unlike any other.

Asia Rahman Khan Lodhi [Consul Press at the Consulate General of Pakistan, Hong Kong (SAR)]