Notes, Guide and Study material
Elegy Written in a Country Church Yard” by Thomas Gray is a renowned and profound poem, a lengthy and contemplative elegy that stands as a testament to Gray’s poetic prowess. It not only secured his place as a poetic luminary but also remains the quintessential gem of its era. This elegy, in the words of … Read more
In the annals of poetic endeavor, Sonnet No. 16, bearing the title “On His Blindness,” emerges as a structural opus within Milton’s illustrious corpus of sonnets. It stands as a veritable pinnacle, unfurling its thematic canvas upon the intimate precincts of the personal. Herein, the bard unveils the turmoil besetting his very soul, an ethereal … Read more
“Virtue” by George Herbert is undeniably a religious poem, deeply rooted in his devout Christian faith and spiritual convictions. Herbert’s poetry is characterized by its religious themes, exploring the intimate and emotional relationship between the poet and God. In “Virtue,” these religious themes are vividly evident. Throughout his body of work, Herbert expresses his unwavering … Read more
Metaphysical poetry, at its core, delves into the profound realms of philosophy, exploring the very essence of existence, the fabric of reality, and the intricacies of the universe. Within its verses, it weaves intricate conceits, embraces the enigmatic, and revels in extravagant expression. This genre of poetry is marked by its intellectual depth, analytical scrutiny, … Read more
Critically appreciate George Herbert’s ‘Virtue’
The Mughals made a special contribution in the field of painting. Mughal painting was largely influenced by the Persian school of painting, which, in turn, was influenced by Chinese, ancient Indian, Buddhist, Bactrian, and Mongolian influences. Before the advent of Mughal painting, ancient Indian painting existed mostly in the form of mural paintings. The portraiture … Read more
During the early years of his reign, Akbar adopted the currency system of his predecessors and made only nominal modifications, such as (a) the insertion of his name, (b) titles, (c) place, and (d) year of mintage on his coins. His mints were in charge of minor officers called chaudharis, and there was little coordination … Read more
The Mughal Empire has earned universal praise for its architectural achievements. Its buildings combine strength with refinement and delicacy. It has been rightly said that “the Mughals built like Titans and finished like jewelers.” The Mughals brought with them the Turko-Iranian cultural traditions, which were amalgamated with Indian traditions to form the composite Mughal culture. … Read more
The accounts given by foreign travelers show that two Muslim legal schools, Hanafi and Shafi, were formed during the reign of the Abbasids. These schools differed greatly in their approach and outlook. According to the Hanafi school, education is the means to achieve intellectual understanding of God, while the Shafi school held that education is … Read more
The foundation of Gupta power by Chandragupta I seems to have brought the middle Ganga valley and the region around Pataliputra back into the political limelight. During the rule of the Kushanas, the seat of power was Mathura in the Ganga-Yamuna doab. This shift of geopolitical focus is particularly important as the Guptas, firmly rooted … Read more