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Archaeology is the field that studies the past through its material remains, using it as an evidence to order, describe and explain the latent meaning and is the exercise of the creative imagination. So, when it comes to exploring the lives of people along the history, one of the most important sources of artefacts and evidences for archaeological studies are cemeteries, burial sites, tombs and their discoveries. Thus, based on the mentioned point, Ancient Aryana or modern Afghanistan, located in the centre of Asia has a rich cultural heritage related to different periods of history that are found in different sites of the country. Among these sites is the rich golden treasure of Tila Tapa cemetery that includes 20000-24000 golden pieces weighing around six kilograms (decorative items, jewels, weapons, equipments and so on) discovered form six ancient tombs; this golden treasure not only reflects the religious beliefs in the past but is also the basic source for social status studies, describing political and economic power and demonstrates theglory of the historical periods, specifically the Kushana era. The present study is concentrated on the golden treasure trove discovered at Tila Tapa cemetery which is situated in the Jawzjan province in the north of Afghanistan.

This paper aims to elaborate the importance of Tila Tapa cemetery golden discoveries; because this unique golden treasure plays a fundamental and key role in reflecting the importance of religious, historical, political and economical status and power of the Kushana period and is the most valuable source for archaeological studies for Afghanistan in particular and Asia in general. This paper is a descriptive-historical study based on library method.

Keywords: Archaeology, Afghanistan, Tila Tapa (gold hill), Kushana period, Weapons and Jewellery.

Buddhist art in India came into being after the historical life of Gautama Buddha during the sixth to fifth century BCE and then it developed by contact with other cultures as it spread all through Asia and the world. The presence of Lord Buddha was portrayed by the symbols of an empty throne, a pair of footprints, a lotus, or a Bodhi tree. The sculpture developed later into more precise and explicit definition of the episodes relating to the life of Buddha and his teachings. It is in north India that the first anthropomorphic representation of Buddha is said to have emerged. The two main proponents of Buddhist art in India are the Gandhara School and the Mathura school of art. One of the main purposes of Buddhist art in India was to popularise the religion of Buddhism. It is proposed to examine the development of Buddhist art in India.

Keywords: Culture, Teachings, Buddha, Ancient Indian Art, Mathura Art, Gandhara Art.

The present study investigates the mathematical and astronomical principles embedded in Surya Siddhanta, an ancient Indian text. Using translated versions in Hindi and English to overcome the Sanskrit language barrier, we decode its celestial mechanics, including elliptical orbits, radial and angular velocity dynamics, and gravitational analogs. Remarkably, the text’s calculated planetary diameters show a correlation coefficient of 0.9995 compared to modern values.

Furthermore, Surya Siddhanta employs iterative numerical techniques to estimate planetary velocities and cosmic timescales, demonstrating its sophisticated approach. By translating Sanskrit slokas into mathematical and graphical forms, this research bridges ancient and modern scientific traditions and highlights the continuing relevance of traditional knowledge.

Keywords: ancient astronomy, cosmic timescales, iterative numerical techniques, Surya Siddhanta.

The custom of engraving guardian figures on the temple walls have been practiced since antiquity. They were sculpted mostly to ward off evil and to protect the principal deity and the devotees. Similar type of figures, although crude is also found from the material remains of early Assam, especially the temple remains which were of Nagara style. One such important seat of power during the rule of Salastambha and Pala dynasty of Pr?gjyotisha-K?mar?pa is the present Tezpur region. The region was known as H?dapeswara or H?ruppeswara in the early times. It has yielded a number of artefacts datable to the period prior to the 13th century CE. Sculptural remains formed a huge bulk of the material remain found from the sites of Tezpur region, most of which are placed in the Tezpur District Museum and Chitralekha Udyan or erstwhile Cole Park. At Da-Parbatia and Bamuni Pahar we find such remains in situ. Some of these sculptural pieces appear to be guardian figures. The present paper is an attempt to identify the different categories of guardian figures found in the region of H?dapeswara or present day Tezpur in Assam. The study area is limited to archaeological sites in and around Tezpur region, namely Da-Parbatia, Bamuni Pahar ruins, Cole Park or Chitralekha Udyan and remains found at the Tezpur District Museum.

Keywords: Guardian figure, Tezpur, Sculpture, Assam, Art.

In 1990 when Adrian Lyne’s psychological horror film Jacob’s Ladder was released it transcended the cinematic genre to operate as a potent, albeit allegorical, historical document. This paper attempts to show that the film serves as a critical lens through which to examine three interconnected and historically verifiable events of disaster confronting Vietnam veterans: the pervasive psychological disability caused by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the institutional betrayal manifested through non-consensual military drug experimentation, and the societal marginalization veterans faced upon arriving home. By contextualizing the film’s narrative universe within declassified government records, veteran testimonies, psychiatric research, and the socio-political discourse of the relevant era, this study attempts to present how Jacob’s Ladder aptly portrays the “hallucinatory purgatory” suffered by a generation of soldiers. Further, the paper demonstrates the film as a form of cinematic historiography that provides an insight into existential realities that reflect the psychological trauma generally sidelined by official narratives and societal neglect.

Keywords: War, Historiography, Trauma, Social Alienation.

The present paper explores the history and impact of the Synod of Diamper through different historical perspectives. It begins by acknowledging criticisms of the Synod, which started soon after its inception, viewing Alexis of Menezes as an outsider who imposed changes on the St. Thomas Christians of India. However, it suggests that a balanced examination reveals Alexis of Menezes actually reaffirmed the authentic Christian identity for these communities. The article surveys historical writings about the Synod, highlighting the perspectives of both Latin authors and Protestant/Anglican writers. Early Latin authors like Fray Antonio of Gouvea portrayed Menezes positively, while later authors such as Michael Geddes and Mathurin Veyssière de La Croze criticised the Synod and Portuguese missionary methods. Protestant and Anglican writers further questioned the validity of the Synod, viewing it as an imposition rather than a genuine reform. In the 20th century, debates continued with authors like Jonas Thaliath arguing against the Synod’s validity, while others like Gregorio Magno Antáo defended it. The article also discusses the Synod’s lasting influence, including subsequent synods and its recognition in church history. Overall, the historiography of the Synod of Diamper reflects varying perspectives over time, from early support to later critiques, shaping understandings of Christianity’s development in India.

Keywords: Historiography, Diamper, Synod, Christianity

Dhowachala is located in the river island of Majuli in Assam in the middle of the mighty river Brahmaputra. Excavations at Dhowachala have revealed a rampart and potsherds some of whose fabric bear a close affinity to the pottery fabric made by the potter community in present day Majuli. It is proposed to examine the socio cultural elements of the traditional potter community of Majuli known as the Kumars, in the backdrop of the indigenous potter communities of Assam from an anthropo-archaeological perspective. It is also proposed to identify the general distinctiveness, if any, amongst the indigenous potter communities of Assam. In doing so the identifiable symbiotic relationship between the Kumars of Majuli with that of the Hiras and the Kumars inhabiting other parts of Assam has also to be identified. This we feel is needed because the Kumars of Majuli and the Hiras of Assam who make handmade pottery are apparently quite distinctive from each other; on the other hand the Majuli Kumar and the General Kumar are viewed in a common bio-cultural plane as they were address by the same name-‘Kumar” which in Assamese means potter. However, the former makes pottery without using the wheel while the latter uses the wheel to make pottery. The “Kumar’ is a general term used by the Assamese to denote group(s) of persons attached to pot making as their occupation. This term is used against the Kumars living in and out of Majuli and they are viewed as a common group of people from the caste and cultural point of view. However, some of the earlier works indicate separate entity for both the groups of people. Moreover, it is quite apparent that the pot making technique is also quite different amongst the Majuli Kumar and the Kumar of other parts of Assam. Our aim is also to obtain the actual pictures by applying some scientific devices.

Keywords: Dhowachola, Archaology, Majuli, Brahmaputra, Antiquity, Potsherds, Riverine

Cultural heritage resources are valuable commons that reflect the human heritage of the past. Cultural heritage is the legacy of tangible and intangible elements of a society inherited from previous generations and preserved in the present for the benefit of future generations. The Kashmir valley boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage. This study attempts to examine the practices and challenges of cultural heritage, with special reference to the ancient archaeological sites in Kashmir. The study revealed that the ancient archaeological sites in Kashmir are in a poor state of preservation. The precious cultural wealth of Kashmir is dwindling at an alarming rate as a result of increasing urbanisation, vandalism, theft, ineffective conservation measures, and, above all, the indifference of the authorities.

Keywords: Heritage, archaeology, preservation, antiquities, excavation, terracotta art.