Dhīti is a blog for long form essays, expressions of civilizational voice, cinema and literature review, and more.
A review of Decolonizing Bharat, The Balu Way by Dr. Pingali Gopal which, rooted in S.N. Balagangadhara’s ideas, introduces readers to the Ghent School’s approach to decolonizing knowledge and narratives about India.
The fascinating biography of the Pathur Naṭarāja, stolen and smuggled out of a small temple in Tamil Nadu in 1977, sold to a collector, seized from the British Museum and tried in an English court before finally being brought home in 1991.
Indian cinema needs a 'middle film' that blends art and commerciality while staying rooted in the timeless rasa theory. This essay dives into Bharata's aesthetics which prioritize immersive emotional resonance, and transformation in the heart of the viewer.
The second of a two-part series critiques modern and feminist narratives around menstrual taboos, emphasizing traditional Hindu perspectives that respect menstruation’s sacrality and health-focused practices, while challenging reductionist and Westernized interpretations.
This two-part series explores Hindu perspectives on menstruation, highlighting its connection to cosmic cycles, its ritual significance, and practices of rest and celebration, while addressing societal interpretations and festivals honoring menstruation.
A review of the latest book by Shonaleeka Kaul - Bharata Before the British, Towards a New Indology - which explores idea of India before the modern era, and challenges the Orientalist construction of Indian history.
Alexander Cunningham is glorified today as the ‘Father of Archaeology in India’. Yet, he was little more than a plunderer and despoiler of priceless sites in Bhārata. This essay presents a deep dive into the early history of the ASI.
A historical account of firecracker use in Hindu Diwali celebrations, tracing references from ancient texts to 16th-century festivals, emphasizing its cultural and religious significance.
