Isn’t it strange that even before countries were formed, before civilizations rose, and before cultures could exchange ideas across oceans — the concept of marriage between a man and a woman was a common norm? How did people, scattered across continents and isolated by time and geography, all arrive at this same idea? Long beforeContinue reading “Marriage Before Civilization: A Universal Human Truth?”
Author Archives: askenni
Why the North Cannot Accept That Tamil Is Older Than Sanskrit
For over a century, the question of whether Tamil is older than Sanskrit has sparked controversy, not because of academic uncertainty, but because of what the answer threatens to dismantle. Beneath the linguistic debate lies a deeper struggle — one between caste and equality, between centralised power and cultural decentralisation, between North India’s historical dominanceContinue reading “Why the North Cannot Accept That Tamil Is Older Than Sanskrit”
Why Backward Castes Should Align With Muslims and Christians, Not Upper Castes
In my humble opinion, India’s backward castes should align themselves with Indian Muslims and Christians rather than with the upper castes. This might sound politically incorrect to some, but let’s call a spade a spade. The brutal truth is: the oppression and humiliation faced by the backward castes came overwhelmingly from the hands of upper-casteContinue reading “Why Backward Castes Should Align With Muslims and Christians, Not Upper Castes”
Hinduism Is Not Vegetarianism. Brahminism Is. And Brahminism Is Not Hinduism.
When we say Hinduism, what do we really mean? Is it a religion? A culture? A philosophy? A way of life? Or all of the above? Unfortunately, in modern discourse — especially shaped by upper-caste narratives — Hinduism is often mistaken for Brahminism. And one of the clearest examples of this confusion lies in the obsessionContinue reading “Hinduism Is Not Vegetarianism. Brahminism Is. And Brahminism Is Not Hinduism.”
What If Dharmasthala Had Been a Mosque or a Church?
Just imagine if what happened in Dharmasthala had taken place in a place of worship belonging to another religion. Would the media have remained this quiet? Would the politicians have kept such a calculated silence? Would social media influencers have brushed it under the carpet so effortlessly? Let’s not pretend we don’t know the answer.Continue reading “What If Dharmasthala Had Been a Mosque or a Church?”
With Whose Permission Was India’s Diversity Merged Under Hinduism?
At what point did the tribal drums of the Northeast, the masked deities of Odisha, the fierce mother goddesses of Tamil Nadu, the mystic Bauls of Bengal, and the tantric sages of Kashmir — all get herded under one umbrella called Hinduism? More importantly, with whose permission was this done? The honest answer is unsettling: no one’s. And yet,Continue reading “With Whose Permission Was India’s Diversity Merged Under Hinduism?”
From Empires to Elections: How Religion and Caste Became Political Tools in India
If there’s one thing that rulers across centuries have mastered in India, it’s the art of divide and rule. From the Mughals to the British to our very own elected leaders, the story remains oddly consistent—keep the people divided, and power remains within reach. The Mughals, though often celebrated for architectural marvels and moments ofContinue reading “From Empires to Elections: How Religion and Caste Became Political Tools in India”
Why Are Politicians So Obsessed With Hindu-Muslim Numbers?
I’ve never really understood why Indian politicians are so bothered about whether Hindus are 80% or 70%, or whether Muslims are 14% or 20%. Why this obsession with population percentages? At the end of the day, both Hindus and Muslims are Indian citizens. Both stand in the same queues. Both curse the same potholes. AndContinue reading “Why Are Politicians So Obsessed With Hindu-Muslim Numbers?”
Stop Transferring Guilt
I parked my car outside the temple. As expected, a beggar lady approached. “So, you’ve come to visit the temple?” she asked. ‘Of course,’ I thought. ‘Why else would I park here?’ But I smiled. No point being rude. “Yes,” my wife replied instead. “Okay, go and come,” said the beggar. Huh? Was this her temple now?Continue reading “Stop Transferring Guilt”
Biryani, Brandy, and Ballots: The Reality of Indian Democracy
I recently witnessed something that perfectly encapsulates the dark comedy of Indian democracy. A massive crowd had gathered — mostly men, each one flaunting a quarter bottle of brandy like a trophy. Chicken biryani packets had already been distributed, and the word was out: ₹500 cash would follow once the political meeting concluded. Who wereContinue reading “Biryani, Brandy, and Ballots: The Reality of Indian Democracy”