Extended narrative poem on the life and activities of Raghu, Hindu mythological king of the Solar dynasty and his successors.

Containing 250 entries, each volume of the Dictionary of World Biography contains examines the lives of the individuals who shaped their times and left their mark on world history. Much more than a 'Who's Who', each entry provides an in-depth essay on the life and career of the individual concerned. Essays commence with a quick reference section that provides basic facts on the individual's life and achievements, and conclude with a fully annotated bibliography. The extended biography places the life and works of the individual within an historical context, and the summary at the end of each essay provides a synopsis of the individual's place in history. Any student in the field will want to have one of these as a handy reference companion.

The Vedic-Puranic literature as well as archaeological, geological, historical, linguistic, and literary accounts have been reviewed to establish the various cultures that evolved in ancient India from about 3500 BCE to the Mahabharata War (1450 BCE). The book describes various misconceptions, e.g., the myth about an Aryan invasion. The following markers are used to establish the dates and geographical locations of various cultures: (i) The rise in sea levels due to melting of land-based snow after the last Ice Age. (ii) Migration of the Dravidian people from the lost continent of Kumari Kandam that submerged under the Indian Ocean. (iii) The dates for the start of farming, use of kiln-baked bricks, domestication of horses, and metal working in the Indian subcontinent. (iv) The dates when Sarasvati River dried up and the Mahabharata War occurred. The book notes that asva-containing or rath-containing names could not have existed before horses were domesticated or chariots were in use. The book also notes that Mathura Krsna is different from Dwarka Krsna; the two are separated by more then 1000 years. During Mathura Krsna’s time, conflicts were settled by hand-to-hand combat or with the use of a mace. In contrast, during Dwarka Krsna’s time, metal arms were used.

Translations of Shakuntala and Other Works by Kalidasa: Translations of Shakuntala and Other Works introduces readers to the captivating world of classical Sanskrit literature through the works of Kalidasa, one of the greatest poets and playwrights of ancient India. The book presents English translations of Kalidasa's renowned works, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and literary heritage of India. Key aspects of Translations of Shakuntala and Other Works: Literary Masterpieces: The book features translations of Kalidasa's most celebrated works, including the timeless play Shakuntala. Readers are immersed in the enchanting narratives, poetic language, and vivid imagery that characterize Kalidasa's writings. Cultural Significance: Kalidasa's works are not only literary treasures but also provide insights into the social, cultural, and philosophical aspects of ancient Indian society. The book offers readers a window into the traditions, beliefs, and values that shaped Indian civilization. Artistic Beauty: Kalidasa's poetic verses are known for their lyrical beauty and evocative descriptions. The translations capture the essence of his writings, allowing readers to appreciate the elegance and artistry of Kalidasa's words. Kalidasa: Kalidasa, an ancient Indian poet and playwright, is hailed as one of the greatest literary figures in Sanskrit literature. While little is known about his life, his works have had a profound influence on Indian literature and culture. Kalidasa's plays, such as Shakuntala and Meghaduta, showcased his mastery of poetic language, vivid imagery, and deep understanding of human emotions. His works continue to be celebrated for their artistic beauty, philosophical insights, and their portrayal of the complexities of love and the human experience. Kalidasa's contributions to classical Indian literature have earned him a revered status among poets and scholars alike.

About the Book: The canvas of India’s history, literature, science, and culture spans not just centuries, but several millennia. This book provides a bird’s eye view of everything Indian or simply the proverbial ‘omnibus capsule’. For modern readers who have little time to read eclectic sources, the ‘omnibus capsule‘ hopes to provide a comprehensive compendium about India. Part I narrates the fascinating history of Board Games and Martial Arts in India. Race Games like Pachisi, Moksha Patam, and Ashtapada became channels for many popular games like Ludo, Snake & Ladders, and Backgammon. Pachisi was however appropriated by Alfred Collier, who took the game to England and called it ‘Royal Ludo’ and even earned a patent for it. One of the earliest war games was Chaturanga, the precursor of modern Chess. It traces the transmission of Chaturanga to the West via the Persians (Chatrang) and the Arabs (Shatranj), and its evolution into the contemporary form. It describes various kinds of derived chess games, like circular chess, four-handed chess, decimal chess, and chess with dice etc. The relationship between Chitra Kavya, a genre of Sanskrit poetry and the Knights Tour, is fascinating. The earliest mention of hand combat is to be found in the Buddhist text Lotus Sutra. Chua-Fa practised today can be traced to the original 18 Luohan Hands of Boddhidharma. The book covers 14 different forms of martial arts practised in India. Martial Arts to Performance describes how Kalaripayattu continues to influence contemporary dance forms. About the Author: Satish Joglekar is an engineer from IIT Bombay, with a Master’s in computer science. He has worked with several software companies for more than 30 years which included a long stint at Bell Laboratories, USA. Satish is trained in Hindustani classical music and has intense interest in history, non-fiction literature, and travel.