Some Readings on Social Stratification Theories

Every society is hierarchically organized in some way or the other. It can be wealth based, it can be birth based, it can be any of such parameters. Whatever the origins of the theory are , one would notice that at the end, what we have is a sort of social stratification - where groups …

Kacharis – Rice-Beer Preparation

In common with many other non-Aryan tribes on this Rice-beer frontier, e.g., the Nagas, &c., the Kacharis of Darrang habitually consume large quantities of what is usually known as rice-beer (Zu, Zau). It can hardly be said to be a beverage in daily use, for it is only prepared when specially wanted for immediate consumption. …

The Definition of Brevity – Scriptures in a Single Sloka

This is the beauty of Sanskrit literature. There are instances of a story written in 25000 slokas and there are instances were the same story was told in one sloka. Below three are a single sloka recitations of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavata. I am not sure who wrote them, but the case is that all …

Project Kakatiya – KCR’s Grand Scheme of Things

Being just a visitor to Andhra for more than ten years, I am completely cut off from what is happening there. And with no knowledge of Tamil, these long years in Tamil Nadu didn’t make me get interested in Tamil politics.  So, whatever is left for me is central politics. In spite of such a level …

The Concept of Alternate Religion – Something which coexists with Religion

Somewhere, I wrote, Communism is also a religion – Communists follow the principle “No god is my god”. But, the trigger is a tweet by Prof Makarand Paranjape - Sir, isn't terrorism itself a kind of religion, with a wide range of adherents, some fanatic, some moderate, some even "liberal"? This makes one think of …

The Thirty Six Stratagems

This is from some ancient Chinese work. A superb read and a superb one to follow. Chapter 1: Winning Stratagems (Shèng zhàn jì) How to win as a general. Cross the sea without the emperor's knowledge (Mán tiān guò hǎi) Mask your real goals, by using the ruse of a fake goal, until the real goal is achieved. Tactically, …

The Great Depression – Self Inflicted?

First World War saw the making of America. With the sudden pick up of it’s industrial capabilities, it is but obvious that it needs markets for consumption. So, what will anyone do? First act is to create a domestic market by restricting imports. Then, impose it’s will on the weak. That is exactly what America …

How to Maintain a WordPress Installation Locally

Because of some sudden need I had to check how a wordpress website can be locally maintained. One simple way of maintaining a website and deploying it to live site is below. What you need is a local database server and a Webserver. One of the available options which comes as an integrated package is MAMP(Macintosh, …

The Psychology of Love – Why Marriages Fail?

Let's talk about love. How does love rewire the brain? When we meet somebody new and exciting, they invade our synapses like a virus, triggering neurochemicals that feed into attraction, arousal, even obsession. We get distracted. We think about that special someone all the time, even in the middle of a brilliantly stimulating lecture. But we're …

Survival of Humanity – Plant Species Needed

To ensure survival of humanity, FAO declared a few crops as essential. The extinction of even one of these, it’s going to be serious trouble for some section of the world. It is surprising to see, say, breadfruit or coconut in the list. And I seriously want to know why Strawberry and Sunflower is included.That is …