A 900-year-old Shiva temple from the later Chola period has been discovered in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The discovery was made in Begili village, near Hosur in the Krishnagiri district. Jeyalakshmi, a local teacher and archaeology researcher, led the research and received support from the Krishnagiri Museum and history documentation groups. The temple is located at the foothills of a hillock. Interestingly. The village name Begili, also means "Adik Karadu" or "at the foot of the hill". A 200-year-old banyan tree completely shrouds the temple, keeping it hidden from sight. Because of this, it was also inaccessible to locals for generations. Although known colloquially as "Pandavagudi," no living villager had stepped inside until the recent clearing efforts.<h2>Architectural significance of the temple</h2> Dating back to the 11th century CE, the temple is a testament to the reign of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1122 CE). Specific architectural markers helped archaeologists reach the exact time period the temple is from. One of them is its style, as it has been built in the kattrali (rock-cut stone) tradition. Its layout was another giveaway, as it features a traditional sanctum (garbhagriha) and a half-hall (ardha mandapa). Intricate elements, such as a well-defined adhisthana (base) and bodhika (bracket) elements, were signs that master Chola sculptors had made them.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pot-of-gold-buried-900-years-ago-unearthed-in-a-karnataka-village-now-there-is-a-fuss-over-who-owns-it-1768376950848">Pot of gold buried 900 years ago unearthed in a Karnataka village. Now there is a fuss over who owns it</a>&nbsp;Researchers knew that the site was of importance thousands of years ago because of a rock carving they found nearby. It features a trident, sun, and moon, which shows it once held significant status and was likely the recipient of royal land grants. The temple is in shambles, exposed to years of external influences and human interference. The sanctum was previously looted by treasure hunters, with the original Shiva Lingam gone, and the Nandi statue vandalised. A nearby Neerazhi Mandapam (water pavilion) is in a state of ruin, while the main structure is partially buried under soil.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-scientists-stumble-upon-37-000-year-old-bamboo-fossil-with-strange-marks-it-changes-things-for-asia-1764322533921">Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia</a>&nbsp;Local residents and researchers are now appealing to the Tamil Nadu Government and the Department of Archaeology to restore the temple to its former glory, and try to dig up inscriptions that can throw light on the region's Chola-era history.&nbsp;

The Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu was dated to be from the later Chola period based on several specific architectural designs and markings. It was entirely covered by a banyan tree, making it hard to reach. Locals want the government to restore the temple.

A 900-year-old Shiva temple from the later Chola period has been discovered in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The discovery was made in Begili village, near Hosur in the Krishnagiri district. Jeyalakshmi, a local teacher and archaeology researcher, led the research and received support from the Krishnagiri Museum and history documentation groups. The temple is located at the foothills of a hillock. Interestingly. The village name Begili, also means "Adik Karadu" or "at the foot of the hill". A 200-year-old banyan tree completely shrouds the temple, keeping it hidden from sight. Because of this, it was also inaccessible to locals for generations. Although known colloquially as "Pandavagudi," no living villager had stepped inside until the recent clearing efforts. Architectural significance of the temple Dating back to the 11th century CE, the temple is a testament to the reign of Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1122 CE). Specific architectural markers helped archaeologists reach the exact time period the temple is from. One of them is its style, as it has been built in the kattrali (rock-cut stone) tradition. Its layout was another giveaway, as it features a traditional sanctum (garbhagriha) and a half-hall (ardha mandapa). Intricate elements, such as a well-defined adhisthana (base) and bodhika (bracket) elements, were signs that master Chola sculptors had made them. Also Read: Pot of gold buried 900 years ago unearthed in a Karnataka village. Now there is a fuss over who owns it Researchers knew that the site was of importance thousands of years ago because of a rock carving they found nearby. It features a trident, sun, and moon, which shows it once held significant status and was likely the recipient of royal land grants. The temple is in shambles, exposed to years of external influences and human interference. The sanctum was previously looted by treasure hunters, with the original Shiva Lingam gone, and the Nandi statue vandalised. A nearby Neerazhi Mandapam (water pavilion) is in a state of ruin, while the main structure is partially buried under soil. Also Read: Indian scientists stumble upon 37,000-year-old bamboo stem with strange marks in Manipur. It changes things for Asia Local residents and researchers are now appealing to the Tamil Nadu Government and the Department of Archaeology to restore the temple to its former glory, and try to dig up inscriptions that can throw light on the region's Chola-era history.

The Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu was dated to be from the later Chola period based on several specific architectural designs and markings. It was entirely covered by a banyan tree, making it hard to reach. Locals want the government to restore the temple.

900-year-old Shiva temple cloaked by a banyan tree discovered in Tamil Nadu

Archaeological discoveries in India: India has been home to several civilisations and cultures. Recent discoveries in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have uncovered some fascinating facts. Here are the historical sites that threw up some surprises recently. 

Archaeological discoveries in India: India has been home to several civilisations and cultures. Recent discoveries in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have uncovered some fascinating facts. Here are the historical sites that threw up some surprises recently.&nbsp;

Water pipeline, inscriptions, a Thar secret: Archaeologists unearth astonishing things in India

Scientists in California have found one of the earliest proofs that the Vedic culture was not limited to India. The evidence lies in music, as a study has pointed out that a hymn written on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean 3,000 years ago shares striking similarities with the Rig Veda, one of the oldest Indian sacred texts. Dan C. Baciu, of the University of California, Santa Barbara, published his comparative analysis on the Preprints.org server. He says that the Hymn to Nikkal, written in Ugarit and the Rig Veda verses shared the same cadence, or repeated melodic or rhythmic units. The researcher used computer-assisted rhythm and melody mapping to draw parallels between the two bodies of work. He wrote in his study that one in five Rig Veda verses ends with the same cadence as the Hymn to Nikkal. What makes it intriguing is that, according to him, the odds of this occurring by accident are less than one in a million. In the one written in the Mediterranean, there are two cadences - one simple and heartbeat-like, and one more intricate. Baciu says that both models are also present in the Rig Veda verses, "with one most frequently ending verses and the other linked closely to the Triṣṭubh meter," according to Baciu. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/unknown-harappan-settlement-discovered-in-thar-desert-for-the-first-time-1753948649708">Unknown Harappan settlement discovered in Thar desert for the first time</a><h2>Music connected kingdoms, lived on even after civilisations ended</h2>While one of them is simpler, the other is complex, and Baciu says this was done deliberately. Besides the shared rhythm, there is also the echoed melodic tendencies, which "ancient commentators on the Rig Veda described as mounting upon accented syllables and falling thereafter." A digital reconstruction revealed how shockingly similar the two pieces were. Baciu's discovery shows that music was shared across different cultures and spread faster than royal decrees and political alliances. In fact, even after the kingdoms vanished, music sustained. Ugarit connected Mesopotamian and Anatolian cultures, and historians say the Mitanni kingdom served as a cultural bridge between Ugarit and India. This Bronze Age state is believed to have acted as the channel through which Vedic traditions and musical forms were exchanged. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/110-years-after-maski-inscription-4-000-year-old-human-settlement-found-in-karnataka-town-1752742129490">110 years after Maski inscription, 4,000-year-old human settlement found in Karnataka town</a>&nbsp;<h2>Rig Veda musical cadence reached Greek poetry</h2>Baciu wrote in his paper, "The Mitanni left us two gifts. One is the earliest evidence of Vedic culture outside India. The other is this hymn, which demonstrates how music was able to unite civilisations." He says that the musical cadence continued to spread, with similar patterns being seen in Greek lyric poetry after hundreds of years. Sappho’s works, pieces of European literature, and the verses of German poet Friedrich Hölderlin in 1801 all carry the same music pattern. Baciu's research shows that music was the first global language, and challenges notions that civilisation existed in isolation.

Rig Veda and its verses, its musical notes and cadence, reached other civilisations and were shared across other Bronze Age cultures. A scientist has found proof that a 3,000-year-old hymn written in the Mediterranean has striking similarities with the Vedic verses.

Scientists in California have found one of the earliest proofs that the Vedic culture was not limited to India. The evidence lies in music, as a study has pointed out that a hymn written on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean 3,000 years ago shares striking similarities with the Rig Veda, one of the oldest Indian sacred texts. Dan C. Baciu, of the University of California, Santa Barbara, published his comparative analysis on the Preprints.org server. He says that the Hymn to Nikkal, written in Ugarit and the Rig Veda verses shared the same cadence, or repeated melodic or rhythmic units. The researcher used computer-assisted rhythm and melody mapping to draw parallels between the two bodies of work. He wrote in his study that one in five Rig Veda verses ends with the same cadence as the Hymn to Nikkal. What makes it intriguing is that, according to him, the odds of this occurring by accident are less than one in a million. In the one written in the Mediterranean, there are two cadences - one simple and heartbeat-like, and one more intricate. Baciu says that both models are also present in the Rig Veda verses, "with one most frequently ending verses and the other linked closely to the Triṣṭubh meter," according to Baciu. Also Read: Unknown Harappan settlement discovered in Thar desert for the first time Music connected kingdoms, lived on even after civilisations ended While one of them is simpler, the other is complex, and Baciu says this was done deliberately. Besides the shared rhythm, there is also the echoed melodic tendencies, which "ancient commentators on the Rig Veda described as mounting upon accented syllables and falling thereafter." A digital reconstruction revealed how shockingly similar the two pieces were. Baciu's discovery shows that music was shared across different cultures and spread faster than royal decrees and political alliances. In fact, even after the kingdoms vanished, music sustained. Ugarit connected Mesopotamian and Anatolian cultures, and historians say the Mitanni kingdom served as a cultural bridge between Ugarit and India. This Bronze Age state is believed to have acted as the channel through which Vedic traditions and musical forms were exchanged. Also Read: 110 years after Maski inscription, 4,000-year-old human settlement found in Karnataka town Rig Veda musical cadence reached Greek poetry Baciu wrote in his paper, "The Mitanni left us two gifts. One is the earliest evidence of Vedic culture outside India. The other is this hymn, which demonstrates how music was able to unite civilisations." He says that the musical cadence continued to spread, with similar patterns being seen in Greek lyric poetry after hundreds of years. Sappho’s works, pieces of European literature, and the verses of German poet Friedrich Hölderlin in 1801 all carry the same music pattern. Baciu's research shows that music was the first global language, and challenges notions that civilisation existed in isolation.

Rig Veda and its verses, its musical notes and cadence, reached other civilisations and were shared across other Bronze Age cultures. A scientist has found proof that a 3,000-year-old hymn written in the Mediterranean has striking similarities with the Vedic verses.

Scientist finds earliest evidence that Rig Veda verses influenced civilisations outside India

Archaeologists have discovered Harappan remains in Jaisalmer near the Pakistan border. This is the first time that artefacts from the 4,500-year-old civilisation have been found in the Thar desert. The items were dug up in Ratadia Ri Deri, and the discovery proves that the Harappa civilisation was not limited to areas previously thought of, and expanded its geographical footprint to the deserts of Rajasthan. The team comprised a researcher from the Department of History and Indian Culture at Rajasthan University, a historian, professors and local contributors. It has submitted its findings to for publication in the Indian Journal of Science and has confirmed that the findings belong to the Harappa civilisation. The artefacts uncovered include different types of handmade pottery, bangles, bricks, stone mills, a furnace and remains of ancient walls. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mysterious-symbols-believed-to-be-ancient-warning-from-ancestors-surface-on-hawaii-beach-1753940009753">Mysterious symbols believed to be 'ancient warning from ancestors' surface on Hawaii beach</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/110-years-after-maski-inscription-4-000-year-old-human-settlement-found-in-karnataka-town-1752742129490">110 years after Maski inscription, 4,000-year-old human settlement found in Karnataka town</a><h2>First such discovery in Thar desert</h2>Talking about the discovery, Dilip Kumar Saini of the university said, "This is a significant find in the context of Rajasthan’s desert archaeology." He added that seeing Harappan remains in such a remote, sandy terrain suggests "a previously unknown settlement that endured the harsh conditions of the Thar desert." The team unearthed red and wheat-coloured pottery, bowls, pitchers, cups, and perforated jars at the site. There was also handmade pottery decorated with geometric patterns. One of the artefacts, eight to 10 centimetre-long blades, was made using chert stone, believed to have been sourced from Rohri in present-day Pakistan. Earlier this year, the site in Ratadia Ri Deri threw up some artefacts that appeared to be from the Harappa civilisation. Pradeep Kumar Garg, a local teacher, reported findings to the Save Our Heritage Foundation. A team paid a visit to the area and confirmed the findings. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-can-t-figure-out-why-glaciers-in-world-s-most-dangerous-region-karakoram-range-are-growing-1753261712617">Scientists don't know why glaciers in world's most dangerous region are growing</a><h2>Harappan construction style in Jaisalmer</h2>Bangles converted from clay and conch shells were also among the several things found here. Standard rectangular bricks, associated with Harappan urban planning were the clear clue about the civilisation being present in Jaisalmer once upon a time. A furnace structure with a central column was discovered, similar to those found at Kanmer (Gujarat) and Mohenjo-Daro (Pakistan). The walls at the site showed that the people lived in architecturally well-planned houses. Historian Parth Jagani stated that it is a historic finding, considering Harappan footprints had never been found in the deserts of Rajasthan. "This is the first Harappan urban settlement discovered in the desert region between North Rajasthan and Gujarat. Its proximity to the Pakistan border adds another layer of historical significance," he said. &nbsp;

Harappan remains have been discovered in Jaisalmer near the Pakistan border. It is a significant finding since archaeologists say the civilisation had not been previously known to live in the harsh terrain of Rajasthan.

Archaeologists have discovered Harappan remains in Jaisalmer near the Pakistan border. This is the first time that artefacts from the 4,500-year-old civilisation have been found in the Thar desert. The items were dug up in Ratadia Ri Deri, and the discovery proves that the Harappa civilisation was not limited to areas previously thought of, and expanded its geographical footprint to the deserts of Rajasthan. The team comprised a researcher from the Department of History and Indian Culture at Rajasthan University, a historian, professors and local contributors. It has submitted its findings to for publication in the Indian Journal of Science and has confirmed that the findings belong to the Harappa civilisation. The artefacts uncovered include different types of handmade pottery, bangles, bricks, stone mills, a furnace and remains of ancient walls. Also Read: Mysterious symbols believed to be 'ancient warning from ancestors' surface on Hawaii beach Also Read: 110 years after Maski inscription, 4,000-year-old human settlement found in Karnataka town First such discovery in Thar desert Talking about the discovery, Dilip Kumar Saini of the university said, "This is a significant find in the context of Rajasthan’s desert archaeology." He added that seeing Harappan remains in such a remote, sandy terrain suggests "a previously unknown settlement that endured the harsh conditions of the Thar desert." The team unearthed red and wheat-coloured pottery, bowls, pitchers, cups, and perforated jars at the site. There was also handmade pottery decorated with geometric patterns. One of the artefacts, eight to 10 centimetre-long blades, was made using chert stone, believed to have been sourced from Rohri in present-day Pakistan. Earlier this year, the site in Ratadia Ri Deri threw up some artefacts that appeared to be from the Harappa civilisation. Pradeep Kumar Garg, a local teacher, reported findings to the Save Our Heritage Foundation. A team paid a visit to the area and confirmed the findings. Also Read: Scientists don't know why glaciers in world's most dangerous region are growing Harappan construction style in Jaisalmer Bangles converted from clay and conch shells were also among the several things found here. Standard rectangular bricks, associated with Harappan urban planning were the clear clue about the civilisation being present in Jaisalmer once upon a time. A furnace structure with a central column was discovered, similar to those found at Kanmer (Gujarat) and Mohenjo-Daro (Pakistan). The walls at the site showed that the people lived in architecturally well-planned houses. Historian Parth Jagani stated that it is a historic finding, considering Harappan footprints had never been found in the deserts of Rajasthan. "This is the first Harappan urban settlement discovered in the desert region between North Rajasthan and Gujarat. Its proximity to the Pakistan border adds another layer of historical significance," he said.

Harappan remains have been discovered in Jaisalmer near the Pakistan border. It is a significant finding since archaeologists say the civilisation had not been previously known to live in the harsh terrain of Rajasthan.

Unknown Harappan settlement discovered in Thar desert for the first time

The world of translation in the literature of the Indian landscape – which boasts of a multitude of&nbsp;languages – found itself in the spotlight when writer Geetanjali Shree and translator Daisy Rockwell bagged the International Booker Prize for “Tomb of Sand” in 2022.

This kind of global recognition of Indian literature also brought in front of the world the increasing importance of translations in the field of literature. But what remained shrouded is how a bunch of translators have been silently working on translating historical archives to bring to light the lost narratives of the past era.

To understand history, the reader needs to be able to get access to various perspectives. Various languages in India ensure access to a diversity of opinions and help in understanding intellectual traditions in non-English languages.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nif-book-prize-2023-in-a-tell-a-tale-gita-ramaswamy-narrates-her-journey-of-a-lapsed-revolutionary-664579">NIF Book Prize 2023: In a tell-a-tale, Gita Ramaswamy narrates her journey of a 'lapsed revolutionary'</a>

The one who is bearing the flag of translating historical texts from various Indian languages to English is&nbsp;the New India Foundation (NIF). The organisation has been offering fellowships for translating non-fictional texts in different Indian languages to English. The fellowships offer to cover various topics around post-independence India with an aim to expand the cultural reach of the works&nbsp;which have remained confined to one language.

<h2>Into the world of translators</h2>

A significant amount of historical work has remained confined to one language and has remained unheard of by the rest of the world because of the language barrier. The widespread use of English has emerged as a link to connect the two worlds with translations of the lost texts, which&nbsp;can now be shared with others after remaining&nbsp;in obscurity.

Speaking about how English should be seen as a linking and not a dominating language, Bengali translator and professor Iphshita Chanda, while speaking to WION, said, “English should be thought of as a link language but not as a master language donating its wealth and power to its vernacular illegitimate relatives. Speakers of different languages need to assert their power and the rethink forced supremacy of English as a saviour rather than as an instrument. Unless the mindset and vocabulary about multilingual change from the colonial to the plural, these shadows remain.”

In its translation fellowships, NIF focused on work from 1850 onwards when the political scenario of India changed drastically and the struggle for independence gained a different momentum.

Watch: Royal family's racism controversy: Rollout of new book 'Endgame' causes scandal&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-royal-familys-racism-controversy-rollout-of-new-book-endgame-causes-scandal-wion-666277/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Emphasising the importance of making accessible all political discourses which were part of the independence movement, Chanda said, “I think all discourses regarding the independence of thought and social and political democracy from as many Indian languages as practicable, should be made accessible in the original and in translation, across Indian languages and in English.”

<h2>Preserving the soul</h2>

Translating an original text written by someone in a particular time period can pose some serious challenges, like adapting to the lens of the writer, keeping its soul intact and not letting the translator's vision overshadow the writer's originality.

“It is now common knowledge that translation involves much more than transferring meaning from one language to another. The translator’s task is to convey, as sensitively as possible, cultural specificities and nuances. Translation affirms the possibility of communication between two cultures. At the same time, one must acknowledge the distinctiveness of the source and target cultures. Therefore, the translator has to deftly negotiate between these two cultures,” said Jatin Nayak, Odia translator and professor, while speaking to WION.

But what makes NIF stand out is its efforts to bring out the lost archives of the independence movement post-1850 and the partition&nbsp;to provide a different lens for the Indian diaspora to understand its past struggles.

Explaining NIF's crucial contribution in the field of translation to WION, Manish Sabharwal, Managing Trustee of the NIF, said, “The Bangla Translation Fellowship awarded in Round 1 focused on the diaries of Nirmal Kumar Bose from 1946 and 1947, at which time he was witness to key events of Independence around Bengal and the Partition there. This is just one example – it is true that the landscape of Indian Publishing changed dramatically from 1850 onwards, especially as print culture developed in Indian languages. Excavating these narratives will help us understand the progress of Indian history from a different lens, and it is to this end that the NIF Translation Fellowships are aiming to make a difference.”

The world of translation in the literature of the Indian landscape – which boasts of a multitude of languages – found itself in the spotlight when writer Geetanjali Shree and translator Daisy Rockwell bagged the International Booker Prize for “Tomb of Sand” in 2022.

The world of translation in the literature of the Indian landscape – which boasts of a multitude of languages – found itself in the spotlight when writer Geetanjali Shree and translator Daisy Rockwell bagged the International Booker Prize for “Tomb of Sand” in 2022. This kind of global recognition of Indian literature also brought in front of the world the increasing importance of translations in the field of literature. But what remained shrouded is how a bunch of translators have been silently working on translating historical archives to bring to light the lost narratives of the past era. To understand history, the reader needs to be able to get access to various perspectives. Various languages in India ensure access to a diversity of opinions and help in understanding intellectual traditions in non-English languages. Also read: NIF Book Prize 2023: In a tell-a-tale, Gita Ramaswamy narrates her journey of a 'lapsed revolutionary' The one who is bearing the flag of translating historical texts from various Indian languages to English is the New India Foundation (NIF). The organisation has been offering fellowships for translating non-fictional texts in different Indian languages to English. The fellowships offer to cover various topics around post-independence India with an aim to expand the cultural reach of the works which have remained confined to one language. Into the world of translators A significant amount of historical work has remained confined to one language and has remained unheard of by the rest of the world because of the language barrier. The widespread use of English has emerged as a link to connect the two worlds with translations of the lost texts, which can now be shared with others after remaining in obscurity. Speaking about how English should be seen as a linking and not a dominating language, Bengali translator and professor Iphshita Chanda, while speaking to WION, said, “English should be thought of as a link language but not as a master language donating its wealth and power to its vernacular illegitimate relatives. Speakers of different languages need to assert their power and the rethink forced supremacy of English as a saviour rather than as an instrument. Unless the mindset and vocabulary about multilingual change from the colonial to the plural, these shadows remain.” In its translation fellowships, NIF focused on work from 1850 onwards when the political scenario of India changed drastically and the struggle for independence gained a different momentum. Watch: Royal family's racism controversy: Rollout of new book 'Endgame' causes scandal Emphasising the importance of making accessible all political discourses which were part of the independence movement, Chanda said, “I think all discourses regarding the independence of thought and social and political democracy from as many Indian languages as practicable, should be made accessible in the original and in translation, across Indian languages and in English.” Preserving the soul Translating an original text written by someone in a particular time period can pose some serious challenges, like adapting to the lens of the writer, keeping its soul intact and not letting the translator's vision overshadow the writer's originality. “It is now common knowledge that translation involves much more than transferring meaning from one language to another. The translator’s task is to convey, as sensitively as possible, cultural specificities and nuances. Translation affirms the possibility of communication between two cultures. At the same time, one must acknowledge the distinctiveness of the source and target cultures. Therefore, the translator has to deftly negotiate between these two cultures,” said Jatin Nayak, Odia translator and professor, while speaking to WION. But what makes NIF stand out is its efforts to bring out the lost archives of the independence movement post-1850 and the partition to provide a different lens for the Indian diaspora to understand its past struggles. Explaining NIF's crucial contribution in the field of translation to WION, Manish Sabharwal, Managing Trustee of the NIF, said, “The Bangla Translation Fellowship awarded in Round 1 focused on the diaries of Nirmal Kumar Bose from 1946 and 1947, at which time he was witness to key events of Independence around Bengal and the Partition there. This is just one example – it is true that the landscape of Indian Publishing changed dramatically from 1850 onwards, especially as print culture developed in Indian languages. Excavating these narratives will help us understand the progress of Indian history from a different lens, and it is to this end that the NIF Translation Fellowships are aiming to make a difference.”

Bridging past with present: Etching lost narratives of Indian history with translation of archives

Pre-colonial India was one of the most prosperous times in Indian history and a lot is attributed to the traditional banking system involving bankers and merchants. But there were other groups who were a part of the banking system and contributed immeasurably to the prosperity of the regions they were situated in. One such group present throughout the 18th&nbsp;century in India’s Bengal region was the family of the Jagat Seths.

For years, the family dominated the Bengal money market, provided funds for both trade and government. The Jagat Seths were in close contact with the European Companies that imported a lot of silver due to their control over the credit market and coinage of specie. Companies borrowed directly from the Seths’ agencies in Calcutta, Kasimbazar, Dhaka, Hughli, Patna, et cetera.

After visiting the Seths’ house in Murshidabad following the battle of Plassey, Robert Clive wrote:

“The city of Murshidabad is as extensive, populous and rich, as the city of London, with this difference that there are individuals in the first possessing infinitely greater property than any of the last city.”

Who were the Jagat Seths?&nbsp;

The House of the Jagat Seths’ is traced back to Manickchand, a banker who founded the house after migrating from Nagar in Marwar to Murshidabad.

Since its founding in 1704, the house’s financial standing and prestige in that city reached a point where the Mughal emperor bestowed on the latter the title of “Jagat Seth,” which translates to "the Banker of the World,” by the time it emerged distinct in 1722.

The house’s fame and fortune came during the reign of Fatechand, who passed away in 1742 after nearly thirty years of influence on Bengal’s political, economic, and commercial life. His two grandchildren, Maharaja Swaroopchand and Jagat Seth Mahtab Rai, succeeded him.

How did they rise?&nbsp;

The House of the Jagat Seth initially made their fortune by farming the Murshidabad and Dhaka mints, collecting two-thirds of the provincial tax revenue. They were later able to influence exchange and interest rates, bill-broking, and the granting of credit. By 1720, the Seth family had completely taken control of the mint farms, with the help of Nawab Murshid Quli Khan.

The family’s power over Bengal’s money market was so strong that everyone involved accepted the exchange rate that the house set. Fatechand was able to persuade the government to take actions and adopt regulations for the rate of money exchange that would benefit the house because to his influence over the Bengal administration, which he acquired by providing financial assistance to the Nawab.

Due to the lack of liquid capital for investments for all European businesses, they were compelled to borrow from the local capital market.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Jagat Seths served as their mainstay. The family was the largest lender to European businesses, and because of their control over the market, they were able to set interest rates as per their own terms.

How wealthy was their family?&nbsp;

Although the exact figure of their wealth could never be measured, the family remains well-known for their assets. The House of Jagat Seth family was often compared to the Bank of England. They performed a variety of duties for the Bengal government, including tax collection and financial management. They even produced their own coinage and worked with foreign currency, which increased their fortune.

Sources say that the Jagat Seth family fortune was bigger than that of the British Empire. They had assets worth at least $1 trillion in today’s value. They possessed more cash than all of England’s banks combined, according to British newspapers.

What happened to the Seths?&nbsp;

Mahtab Chand succeeded his grandfather Fateh Chand in 1744. During the reign of Alivardi Khan, Mahtab Chand and his relative Maharaja Swarup Chand had tremendous influence over the market. However, when Siraj-ud-Daula assumed authority, everything changed, and they ultimately teamed up with the British to plot against him.

Ultimately, the Seths lost control of their lands, and the British East India Company never repaid their loan. The 1857 uprising was the last straw. The Jagat Seths had disappeared from public eye by the 1900s. Just like the Mughals, their descendants remain a mystery.

Pre-colonial India was one of the most prosperous times in Indian history and a lot is attributed to the traditional banking system involving bankers and merchants.

Pre-colonial India was one of the most prosperous times in Indian history and a lot is attributed to the traditional banking system involving bankers and merchants. But there were other groups who were a part of the banking system and contributed immeasurably to the prosperity of the regions they were situated in. One such group present throughout the 18th century in India’s Bengal region was the family of the Jagat Seths. For years, the family dominated the Bengal money market, provided funds for both trade and government. The Jagat Seths were in close contact with the European Companies that imported a lot of silver due to their control over the credit market and coinage of specie. Companies borrowed directly from the Seths’ agencies in Calcutta, Kasimbazar, Dhaka, Hughli, Patna, et cetera. After visiting the Seths’ house in Murshidabad following the battle of Plassey, Robert Clive wrote: “The city of Murshidabad is as extensive, populous and rich, as the city of London, with this difference that there are individuals in the first possessing infinitely greater property than any of the last city.” Who were the Jagat Seths? The House of the Jagat Seths’ is traced back to Manickchand, a banker who founded the house after migrating from Nagar in Marwar to Murshidabad. Since its founding in 1704, the house’s financial standing and prestige in that city reached a point where the Mughal emperor bestowed on the latter the title of “Jagat Seth,” which translates to "the Banker of the World,” by the time it emerged distinct in 1722. The house’s fame and fortune came during the reign of Fatechand, who passed away in 1742 after nearly thirty years of influence on Bengal’s political, economic, and commercial life. His two grandchildren, Maharaja Swaroopchand and Jagat Seth Mahtab Rai, succeeded him. How did they rise? The House of the Jagat Seth initially made their fortune by farming the Murshidabad and Dhaka mints, collecting two-thirds of the provincial tax revenue. They were later able to influence exchange and interest rates, bill-broking, and the granting of credit. By 1720, the Seth family had completely taken control of the mint farms, with the help of Nawab Murshid Quli Khan. The family’s power over Bengal’s money market was so strong that everyone involved accepted the exchange rate that the house set. Fatechand was able to persuade the government to take actions and adopt regulations for the rate of money exchange that would benefit the house because to his influence over the Bengal administration, which he acquired by providing financial assistance to the Nawab. Due to the lack of liquid capital for investments for all European businesses, they were compelled to borrow from the local capital market. The Jagat Seths served as their mainstay. The family was the largest lender to European businesses, and because of their control over the market, they were able to set interest rates as per their own terms. How wealthy was their family? Although the exact figure of their wealth could never be measured, the family remains well-known for their assets. The House of Jagat Seth family was often compared to the Bank of England. They performed a variety of duties for the Bengal government, including tax collection and financial management. They even produced their own coinage and worked with foreign currency, which increased their fortune. Sources say that the Jagat Seth family fortune was bigger than that of the British Empire. They had assets worth at least $1 trillion in today’s value. They possessed more cash than all of England’s banks combined, according to British newspapers. What happened to the Seths? Mahtab Chand succeeded his grandfather Fateh Chand in 1744. During the reign of Alivardi Khan, Mahtab Chand and his relative Maharaja Swarup Chand had tremendous influence over the market. However, when Siraj-ud-Daula assumed authority, everything changed, and they ultimately teamed up with the British to plot against him. Ultimately, the Seths lost control of their lands, and the British East India Company never repaid their loan. The 1857 uprising was the last straw. The Jagat Seths had disappeared from public eye by the 1900s. Just like the Mughals, their descendants remain a mystery.

Flashback Friday: The rise and fall of pre-colonial India’s richest family – the Jagat Seths 

The debate in the country on rewriting history is unnecessary as certain "exaggerations" need to be removed from time to time, Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) Chairman Arvind Jamkhedkar has said.

The historian also said the mandate of the ICHR, a body under the HRD Ministry, was not to dictate history or decide curriculum but to encourage research to facilitate the rewriting of history.

"Rewriting is part of the writing of history," he said in an interview to PTI.

History was divided into various eras, he said, elaborating how it had been dealt with differently over time.

"When colonial history was written there was a need to write it from a different point of view as Professor BB Kaushambi realised that this type of history did not have any meaning unless we studied economic history, Jamkhedkar said.

"A complete new school came into being which included Professor RS Sharma, Irfan Habib and so many others who actually rewrote the earlier history," he added.

The ICHR chief supported his argument for the need to rewrite history, stating that it was a "healthy" trend.

"Over a period of time, a certain awareness comes among the historians and they find certain lacunae which would have been left by previous schools," he said.

History has always been rewritten and it is a healthy thing because there have been exaggerations. For instance, it was thought that probably the earlier economic historians might have exaggerated a few things and history was then rewritten,&nbsp;he said.

Jamkhedkar, however, called for a correction of methodologies in conducting research while rewriting history.

There is nothing wrong in rewriting history but whether our methodologies are correct or not, experts should talk about that, he said.

Asked about the debate in the country over revisions of history curricula, the chairman said, It is not ICHR's mandate to dictate history or decide what should be taught. Its job is to encourage scholars to conduct fresh and meaningful research to rewrite history."

The ICHR is a flagship research-based institution that functions under the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

Jamkhedkar, 78, took over as its chief last month replacing YS Sudershan Rao, who had demitted office in June last year.The Maharashtra-based historian, Indologist and archaeologist is also the Chancellor of Deccan College, Pune.

After he took charge, the council organised a conference on "Indian History: Emerging perspectives". Seeking to clear "distortions" in Indian history.&nbsp;

The debate on rewriting history is unnecessary as certain 'exaggerations' need to be removed from time to time, Indian Council of Historical Research ICHR Chairman Arvind Jamkhedkar said

The debate in the country on rewriting history is unnecessary as certain "exaggerations" need to be removed from time to time, Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) Chairman Arvind Jamkhedkar has said. The historian also said the mandate of the ICHR, a body under the HRD Ministry, was not to dictate history or decide curriculum but to encourage research to facilitate the rewriting of history. "Rewriting is part of the writing of history," he said in an interview to PTI. History was divided into various eras, he said, elaborating how it had been dealt with differently over time. "When colonial history was written there was a need to write it from a different point of view as Professor BB Kaushambi realised that this type of history did not have any meaning unless we studied economic history, Jamkhedkar said. "A complete new school came into being which included Professor RS Sharma, Irfan Habib and so many others who actually rewrote the earlier history," he added. The ICHR chief supported his argument for the need to rewrite history, stating that it was a "healthy" trend. "Over a period of time, a certain awareness comes among the historians and they find certain lacunae which would have been left by previous schools," he said. History has always been rewritten and it is a healthy thing because there have been exaggerations. For instance, it was thought that probably the earlier economic historians might have exaggerated a few things and history was then rewritten, he said. Jamkhedkar, however, called for a correction of methodologies in conducting research while rewriting history. There is nothing wrong in rewriting history but whether our methodologies are correct or not, experts should talk about that, he said. Asked about the debate in the country over revisions of history curricula, the chairman said, It is not ICHR's mandate to dictate history or decide what should be taught. Its job is to encourage scholars to conduct fresh and meaningful research to rewrite history." The ICHR is a flagship research-based institution that functions under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Jamkhedkar, 78, took over as its chief last month replacing YS Sudershan Rao, who had demitted office in June last year.The Maharashtra-based historian, Indologist and archaeologist is also the Chancellor of Deccan College, Pune. After he took charge, the council organised a conference on "Indian History: Emerging perspectives". Seeking to clear "distortions" in Indian history.

Rewriting is part of writing of history: Indian Council of Historical Research chief

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Flashback Friday: The rise and fall of pre-colonial India’s richest family – the Jagat Seths

Rewriting is part of writing of history: Indian Council of Historical Research chief