Indian Civilization Essay

Civilization is the greatest achievement in the history of human beings. While defining the term civilization, Philip Atkinson says, â€Å"Civilization is a community that dominates all other communities by violence. †[1] The things which are essential to make a civilization are cities, governments, armies, and communal achievements like subjugations and inventions. The civilization started from the formation of the cities. And most of the ancient civilization flourished in the bank of rivers. E. g. Egyptian Civilization which was flourished in the bank of Nile River while Indian civilization prospered in the bank of Ganga River and the Saptasindhu (The land of seven rivers) region. In ancient world the different civilizations developed. Among them some major and noteworthy civilizations were the Egyptian Civilization, Greek Civilization, Persian Civilization and the Indian Civilization. Indian civilization during the Later Vedic Period is explained in this paper through intuitive, rational, and empirical means India is regarded as the cradle of civilization. Civilization started here in this land very long time ago. About 3000 B. C. , the civilization shaped in India. This civilization is supposed to be one of the world’s first great civilizations. We can find innumerable amazing things which are the proof of the immensity of this civilization from all perspectives such as literature, art, architecture, science mathematics and astrology. Indian civilization has given a platform to many scientific discoveries. Here in our paper we are considering the specific period for our research and that is Vedic Period which started in 1500 B. C. After the ruin of Harappan cities Indian subcontinent experienced a new civilization. This new culture was brought in India by the Aryans. Aryans came from central Asia through Khaibar Khind and settled in the region of seven rivers which was known as Saptasindhu. And after that they started settling in Ganges valley which was known as Aryavarta. This particular era is called Vedic period because in this age the religious and philosophical hymns called Veda were composed by the Aryan people. The Vedas composed by Aryans were basically in Sanskrit language. The Vedas were of four types, first is Rigveda which is the oldest hymns The other three are Sam Veda, Yajurveda, and Athharva Veda. These three Vedas basically laid a strong foundation to Hindu religion and the Hindu doctrines. Rigveda is the mythical text which includes the knowledge in its abstract imagery of what the clairvoyant had realized. Yajurveda is the Vedas of ritual which consisted of 1975 verse mantras. It has divided into forty chapters. Samveda is the veda of song or music while Atharva Veda is the Veda of Chants. The Vedic period is also divided into two different eras, Early Vedic period and Later Vedic Period. Later Vedic period started in around 1000B. C. to 600 B. C. This age is also known as the Epic age because the one of the greatest epics from the world were composed during this era. They are Ramayana and Mahabharata. Ramayana was written by sage Valmiki while Mahabharata was composed by Sage Vyas. Intuitive Theatre, Music and Drama in Vedic Period: Aryans created Samveda to fulfill their deep predilections and flair for art. The different Gods were worshipped during different times of the days and nights. The Brahmanas who supposed to be the highest topmost Varnas were responsible for teaching the art and literature. The religion and music were associated with each other and the artist was supposed to give up all worldly pleasures and comforts and devote himself fully to his art. The women basically were expert in fine art than performing arts. Indian Classical dances also flourished in the same period. â€Å"Along with the progress in music, the arts of choreography and theater were also in vogue. According to the Linga Puraana, a major disciple of Shivaa named Nandikeshwara wrote a treatise on the subject of dancing called Nritya- Darpan. (Nritya means dance and darpan means mirror). †[2] In Vedic period the music would be highly esteemed place in every family. Vocal Music, dance, and instrumental music would be performed in strict rhythm. Vedic period was prosperous from all point of views. In music theatre and drama also this civilization had given remarkable contribution. The major book written on classical music dance and drama was by sage Bharata which then became popular as â€Å"Natyashastra. † It is the major dramatic theory of Sanskrit drama. This book has given the proper rules of writing, performing dance, music, and theatre. The exact period of Natyashastra is unknown but it is predicted that it was written in 200B. C. to 200A. D. Vedic Architecture: There was a strong background of science behind every Vedic Architecture. Vedic Architecture was known as â€Å"Vastu Shastra. † Basically the buildings built in ancient India were based on the scientific parameters. While describing about the Architecture in India Swami B. G. Narasingha in his article â€Å"Vastu Shastra and Sacred Architecture† states, â€Å"Throughout the world it’s hard to find a place where sacred architecture is as developed a science as is that found in India. India’s ancient temples and palaces are certainly among the finest ever built. From the Taj Mahal, the seventh wonder of the world, to the Pagodas of Tamil Nadu, from the Himalayan hill shrines to the great temple at Jagannatha Puri, India is a veritable treasure-house of sacred architecture. In fact there are more existing examples of sacred architecture in India than in all other countries of the world combined. † [3] Empirical Vedic mathematics: In Vedic period, the major mathematicians like Aryabhatta, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskara II who contributed in achieving the outstanding progress in mathematics. The Indian mathematics was well advanced and the scholars of mathematics studied basically decimal number system, zero, and negative numbers, arithmetic and algebra. â€Å"There was a gap of a few hundred years between Vedic period and the first millennium A. D. when the works of some major Indian astronomer-mathematicians like Aryabhatta, Brahmagupta, Shridhara and Bhaskara I and II appeared. †[4] The Vedic mathematics was basically composed in Sanskrit language which used to be the official language of Aryans. The mathematical works consisted of the section of sutras. In these sutras the mathematical problems were stated into verses so that it would be possible for the students to understand them quickly. The special characteristic of Vedic mathematics is that though the bulky texts they were they were preserved by generation through oral tradition. The people in those days used to learn it and thus by learning the sutras and all other mathematical concepts they preserved the mathematics and handed over it to the next generation. It is really an amazing characteristic of Indian culture. â€Å"truly remarkable achievements of the Indian pandits who have preserved enormously bulky texts orally for millennia. †[5]

Frank Lucas; American Gangster

Frank Lucas; American Gangster What is the one thing every person, white or black, rich or poor, American or Hispanic, wants to have plenty of in their possession? If it’s green, flimsy paper with different values on the front then money is the answer. Whether it’s 19th Century, 20th Century, or 21st Century, people work, steal, worship money. Human beings aren’t always satisfied with the amount of money they have, so they work harder, steal, rob, or cheat hoping to satisfy their money obsession. This describes the efforts and actions of an â€Å"American Gangster† named Frank Lucas. Frank did whatever it took to become rich to provide for his family, driving him to drug trafficking. Despite being a murdering, lying, threat to the North East gangsters involved with the drug trafficking, Frank Lucas elicits enthrallment from the audience due to his intriguing and charismatic character, emphasizing the pleasure of grasping possessions wrongfully will only bring you joy for a short period of time. Frank Lucas thought he had it all. He was dealing the most pure drug there was on the street during this time for a lower price, had a system that was literally untraceable, and was wracking in the big bucks. The question is why did Frank Lucas become like this and how did he become like this? Frank used to drive around the most famous dealer before he was shot and killed. Frank was close to this man, him being a father figure in his young life. Frank wanted to be like that, so he decided to start his own business in the drug trafficking business. Frank was power hungry like Satan in Paradise Lost. Satan used to be one of God’s angels until one day Satan decided he could be even with God and be on top. Just as Satan was trying â€Å"to set himself in glory above his peers,† (1. 39) so was Frank Lucas trying to set himself the â€Å"king† of the slums up north. What this lifestyle brought to Frank Lucas looked good at the beginning but got harder and harder as time rolled on. Frank became rich quick, helping out his family tremendously with financial problems. But as his business kept drawing attention, life became more miserable with threats to his wife and himself making his life more and more of a secret from society. The same goes with Satan. He begins to realize that trying to be on top isn’t going to be easy, â€Å"for now the thought/ Both of lost happiness and lasting pain/ Torments him. † (1. 54-56). Both Frank Lucas and Satan realizing there power thirst comes with major consequences they didn’t expect. Both Satan and Frank Lucas give the reader and audience an intrigue that is likeable. Frank Lucas has this way of carrying himself as the man around town, no one messes with him but fear him. That’s power that people are gravitated towards to like, being the â€Å"center of the world. † Also this intrigue rubs off onto Frank’s brothers. They are canceling there dreams in there mind because they want what Frank has, rich and fame. Satan also has that feature. The way he believes he can be equal to God makes you feel his confidence. You are intrigued in his decision making and are curious to see if he succeeds. He also is good at rubbing this business of his to other angels who end up following him. People look up to them and want what they have. In the end, both Frank Lucas and Satan have the urge to be the most powerful person, have it all, but don’t succeed like they had hoped. Frank Lucas gets caught and put in jail, and Satan has to keep wishing he could â€Å"have equaled the Most High† (1. 40). While they are both hated by the world they live in, the reader and audience begin to smile, and begin to feel a little likeness towards these characters especially for their intrigue ways.

Britain Unwritten Constitution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Britain Unwritten Constitution - Essay Example Kingdom is consequently a nation under Parliamentary sovereignty because the entire sovereignty belongs to the Parliament. There is no entrenchment in the British constitution – meaning that there is no need of a supermajority or a referendum to pass some amendments – which can cause some minorities to suffer from majoritarianism. This absence of a central written constitution may lead to believe that the United Kingdom has no formal constitution. It is true the British Constitution is often referred to as unwritten but it relies and incorporates many written sources such as the Magna Carta, the Habeas Corpus Act in 1679, the Bill of Rights in 1689, the Act of Settlement in 1701, the Act of Union in 1707, joining England and Scotland to form Great Britain, the Act of Union in 1800, joining Great Britain and Ireland to form United Kingdom, the Statute of Westminster in 1931, the Peerage Act in 1963, the European communities Act in 1972, being the key documents and conven tions among many others. Therefore, the United Kingdom constitution is seen as a collection of Acts of Parliament, decrees, conventions, traditions and royal prerogatives. However even if some accept it as an unwritten constitution, some go as far as saying that in the absence of a written constitution, Britain has no constitution.... Throughout the world we can see two types of constitutions: the codified and the uncodified ones. In a codified constitution, the articles describe a higher form of law, that is to say laws to which all other laws must conform and in consequence elected assemblies can not pass all the laws they wish. The codified constitutions are usually entrenched which means that they can only be changed or amended according to special procedures. In the political systems of codified constitutions, judges have the key role to interpret and apply the constitution, they have the power, for example, to decide that some rules which were passed by elected assemblies are unconstitutional - not in following the principles set of rules of the constitution. The codified constitution is also a tool to understand the powers of the different institutions that characterize a government and the relationship between them. Finally, they represent timeless principles. A Bill of Rights for instance, defines the lib erty to practice one religion, the right to a fair trial or the freedom of speech. 5 However, United Kingdom does not have such a codified document, its unwritten constitution and therefore the fundamental rules are embodied in major statutes, precedents and legal decisions. It is consequently said that codified constitutions are more rigid than uncodified ones. Flexible constitutions are more reactive and adapt more rapidly to changing conditions. It is the usual characteristic of an uncodified constitution. However, United Kingdom's example is not as clear as this principle. The adaptation to the changing conditions is not easily seen in the United Kingdom. Even though

Short Stories Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Short Stories Summary - Essay Example Although, when he heard about his brother that he was jailed, this made him fear that some of his students may end up like his brother who indulged in drug abuse to forget about his problems. The narrator does not communicate with his brother for a long time until the death of her daughter. Sonny later replies his brother’s letter, and this makes them be in touch. The narrator recalls how they had differences with his brother when he decided to become a musician. The story shows how at first the two brothers had differences but later the story ends with them understanding and appreciating each other. The story tells us of the problems that the two brothers had and how they were able to tackle them. Thus, the story illustrates how there was anguish and recovery in the Harlem ghetto. It is evident that the narrator was able to handle his problem because of the teaching job that he had. From the story, we see him to be concerned about his students hoping that they would not be th e same as his brother. He also cares for his brother as he was the oldest. This is contrast to his brother who indulged into taking drugs to tackle his problems, which leads him to jail. As Sonny tries to deal with his problems, he tries to find his identity and feel accepted in the society. The narrator does not comprehend why his brother prefers to play piano. In the story, piano represents his problems, and in the end the figure of Sonny playing the piano, indicates how he struggles to deal with his problems. Summary of Paul’s case Acceptance and freedom of expression is two virtues that should be practiced to avoid emotional confinement (Brown 67). According to Willa Cather, in the story Paul’s case he tells of how Paul tries to fight against the social standards in the area where he lives in because he had no freedom to express what he felt. The story tells of a youth who is emotionally confined and how he tries to confront his problems. In school where Paul is, h e is called and faces the school faculty for his misbehavior. Paul is a student who does not follow teacher’s instructions and is less concerned with his studies. He ends up being a rude and comical student. He lived with his father in a quiet place but he wanted to go to New York where he could live the life that he was expecting. Although, he is seen to be careless and does not seem to care about anything, he loves music, theater, and arts. In contrast, Paul’s father wants him to work hard in school and venture into the business world. His father believes that it is only money that matters in people’s lives. This creates a big difference between them and has great influence on Paul’s character. For example, when his father stops him from going to watch movies in the theater drives him to steal money where he is working. He also ran from home and went to New York because he was not given the freedom to enjoy his life. Even though he enjoyed his life shor tly, his decision to leave home made him lose his life. Summary of Revelation In the story of Revelation by Flannery O’Connor’s, the main character feels that everyone is equal before God, regardless of their race and social status. The story starts when Mrs. Turpin goes to see a doctor with her spouse. As she gets in the hospital, she attracts people’

Module 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Module 4 - Essay Example The main problem of the case is the whereby the Vice President of Human Resources is bestowed with the responsibility of coming up with a brand name for the company. Jamie Ricard who is the VP of Human Resources decides to approach The VP of Marketing who is Rita Lansing for an idea. The VP also approaches the CEO of the organization but they do not help her. The VP should have consulted the employees of the organization. The VP would have consulted other VP or other officials who have the position as her for an opinion. Finally, the VP would have consulted people who have come up with brand names for their companies. By consulting the employees she would have gained some insight in to the issue. If should have consulted her counterparts in other health institutions, they would have offered her a solution. Consulting someone who have experienced would have helped Jamie since she would have been guided all the way. The case is about Suburban Health Center. The case revolves around three people in the health centre. These are supervisor of the health department Helen Lawson, one nurse Dorothy Wilson, and Dr Morgan. The main problem is the Dr. Morgan wants Dorothy, the nurse to be fired by Helen. Morgan claimed that Dorothy was a weak communicator. Helen decide to review the personnel file of Helen, She also decided to meet Lila Moran who was the former supervisor for advise, and she also decided to maintain a file about Wilson. By reviewing her time sheets, she would have seen how she spends her time, By reviewing her report, she would have made a good decision, by seeking help, she would have known whether the claims were true or

Violence against Children and the Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Violence against Children and the Law - Essay Example Various inter-agencies, state as well as the federal governments have been adopting measures in attempt to curb this menace though they are faced by numerous challenges that make protecting children a difficult and almost an impossible task. There are numerous factors that significantly make the process of protecting children a difficult task. Some of them include the element of poor management of state and federal funds, lack of cooperation from the public, the high turnover rate for children protective services staffing and poor staff training, difficulty in proving that a minor is been abused as well as lack of adequate state children custodies just to mention a few (Mallon and Hess 68). Many people find it difficult to report a case of child abuse to the authorities thus completely frustrating the process of identifying and apprehending perpetrators. In most cases, people avoid interfering with issues concerning other families or individuals including matters relating to violation of children’s rights. Authorities find it difficult to identify children whose rights are been violated since only a small percentage of the population is willing to volunteer the necessary information (Epstein and Schwartz-Kenney 56). For the case of Joshua, it was fortunate enough that his step mother was bold enough to report that he was been abused by his father though in the late stages; after their divorce. The same thing applies to many other people who avoid interfering with other family issues considering them private, or wondering how they will explain it to the authority since they are not related with the children whose rights are been violated in any way. Proving a violation of a child’s rights is at times a difficult task especially if the offender is a close family member like the case of Joshua who was receiving corporal punishment from his own father. Proving a case of child abuse is also a difficult task more so if the victim cannot communicate

To what extent were ancient historians concerned to achieve a high Essay

To what extent were ancient historians concerned to achieve a high standard of objectivity in the production of their narratives - Essay Example Many a scholar has commented that even if objectivity is achieved by a historian, such objectivity always remains confined within the narration of the facts that are presented sequentially. According to (RÃ ¼sen, 2), the best definition of history must include the sense and meaning within the expression of time in the past, present and future. The connectivity of these aspects of time utilizes the main mental form of presentation that narration offers. Narration gives past, present and future some meaning to human life by relating experience to expectation. It is therefore correct to state narratives as the form in which history is stored in human minds and assists them to orientate themselves in temporal change. Objectivity in historical narratives has been analyzed to act as a yardstick of validity, integrity and truth in narratives. The main purpose of narrative objectivity can be said to be the linking impact of historical occurrences and the cumulative complement that each part of history gives to the other. In ancient historical narratives, there was lack of linkage of historical ideas from different writers and time. Objectivity was lacking due to the fact that there was no platform to refer one’s work from pre-existing similar ideas. Many inconsistencies were identified in ancient narratives when comparisons of such uniformed texts were done. Later, ancient historical narratives adopted the truth claim of connecting history to valid explanations of events. The validity of the majority of ancient texts is highly questionable, partly due to the fact that the literacy levels were limited. Majority of ancient historical texts were primary sources since the authors were the first to generate and write on the topics. Modern historical narration has however adopted a more literature perspective in offering validity to events and occurrences. Almost every topic in history has been explored and the relevant information backed up in form of databases.