The First Religious Book

 

Question: Which religious book was compiled fully and distributed publicly first?

Gemini’s answer:

Determining which religious book was “compiled fully and distributed publicly first” depends on how you define “compiled” and “distributed.” Because early religious texts were often written by hand and circulated locally for centuries, there isn’t a single “winner” without clarifying the criteria.

Here is the breakdown based on different historical milestones:

1.      The Quran: First to be Fully Compiled and Formally Distributed

In terms of a major world religion officially gathering its entire scripture into a single, standardized volume and distributing it as a matter of state policy, the Quran holds the strongest claim.

 * Compilation: While the Quran was revealed over 23 years (610–632 CE), it was compiled into a single book (a mushaf) shortly after the Prophet Muhammad’s death.

 * Standardization & Distribution: Under the third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan (c. 650 CE), a single authoritative version was produced. Several identical copies were professionally scribed and sent to the major centers of the Islamic world (like Mecca, Medina, and Damascus) to ensure uniformity.

 * Why it stands out: Unlike the Bible, which took centuries to “close” its list of books (canon), the Quran was a fixed, singular volume within decades of its inception.

2. The Bible: First to be Mass-Produced via Printing

If “distributed publicly” means mass-produced for the general population to own, the Christian Bible was the first.

 * The Gutenberg Bible (1455 CE): This was the first major book printed with movable type in the West. This revolutionized distribution, moving scripture from the exclusive hands of monks and kings into the public sphere.

 * Ancient Codices: Before the printing press, the Bible existed as “Codices” (like the Codex Sinaiticus, 4^th century CE). However, these were massive, expensive, hand-written projects intended for specific churches or emperors, not for wide public “distribution.”

3. The Diamond Sutra: The Oldest Dated Printed Book

If we define “book” as a printed physical object, a Buddhist text actually beats both the Bible and the Quran.

·       The Diamond Sutra (868 CE): This is the world’s oldest known dated, printed book. It was produced using woodblock printing in China. While it is a single sutra (not a “full compilation” of all Buddhist teachings), it represents the earliest technological effort to distribute religious text through mechanical reproduction.

Summary

Milestone 1: First state-mandated distribution of a fixed canon

 Religious Text: The Quran (Uthmanic Codex)

Approximate date: 650 CE

Milestone 2: Oldest dated printed religious book

Religious Text: The Diamond Sutra  Approximate date: 868 CE

Milestone 3: First mass-distributed printed book (Western press)

Religious Text: The Gutenberg Bible

Approximate date: 1455 CE

Milestone 4: Oldest surviving complete manuscripts (Handwritten)

Religious Text: Codex Sinaiticus (Bible)

Approximate date: 4^th Century CE

Blogger’s note:  Gemini has missed out on the fact that every revelation narrated by prophet Muhammad was quickly memorized by hundreds of his followers in addition to being recorded by scribes.  At the time of his death, there were thousands of huffaz who had committed every verse of the Quran to memory and were living books. In early 2026, the number of huffaz (memorizers of Quran) worldwide is estimated between 10 and 15 million.

 

 

 

First University

 

Question: 

When were the first madrassah and the first university built?

Gemini’s Answer:

Defining the "first" of these institutions depends on how you distinguish between a religious school, a center of higher learning, and a modern degree-granting university.

The First Madrasah

The term madrasah simply means "school" in Arabic. While informal learning circles (halqas) existed in mosques from the birth of Islam in the 7th century, the first "formal" madrasahs—defined as purpose-built buildings with state-funded teachers and dormitories—appeared later.

 * Informal Origins (7th Century): The Suffa at the Prophet's Mosque in Medina is often cited as the spiritual precursor to the madrasah system.

 * The Formal System (11th Century): The Nizamiyya of Baghdad, founded in 1065 CE by the Seljuk vizier Nizam al-Mulk, is widely considered the first of the "great madrasahs." It set the standard for institutionalized education, providing free tuition, food, and lodging for students.

The First University

The definition of a "university" is often a point of friendly debate among historians.

Institution	Location	Date Founded	Status
University of Al-Qarawiyyin	Fez, Morocco	859 CE	Recognized by Guinness World Records and UNESCO as the oldest existing, continually operating educational institution in the world. Founded by Fatima al-Fihri, it began as a mosque and evolved into a major center for sciences and religion.
University of Bologna	Bologna, Italy	1088 CE	Often called the “first university” in the Western sense because it was the first to use the term universitas and operate as a corporation of students and masters independent of religious orders.
Taxila / Nalanda	Ancient India	5th Century CE	These were massive centres of higher learning (Taxila in modern-day Pakistan; Nalanda in India) that functioned like universities centuries before the others, though they did not survive to the modern era.

The Verdict

 * First Madrasah: The Nizamiyya in Baghdad (1065 CE) is the most famous first "formal" madrasah.

 * First University: Al-Qarawiyyin (859 CE) holds the title for the oldest operating institution, while Bologna (1088 CE) is the first to fit the specific European legal definition of a university.

Note: It’s worth noting that Al-Qarawiyyin was founded by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri, who used her entire inheritance to create a legacy of learning that has lasted over 1,100 years.

 

 

 

 

 

Boy’s Names in England and Wales

 Recently, I came across a list of the 20 most popular names of boys born in 1924 in England and Wales. I was surprised that the most common names 50 years ago when I was there for higher studies where all missing. There was no John, David, William, Mathew, Henry, Peter, Paul, Luke, Mark, Thomas etc.

To my surprise the top name was Muhammad. How come that 50 years after I have left that country my name has become so popular. Let me clarify here that in many parts of the world, the name Muhammad is a prefix to indicate that one is a Muslim, rather than a first name. Mohammed Musa Khan is commonly known as Musa, and the people in the multireligious community know that he is a Muslim.

So, I decided to check the latest and previous records of male infant names in England and Wales for the last 100 years. In 2024 there were a total of 594,677 live child births of which nearly half or 298,000 were male i.e. boys. Of these 5,721 were named Muhammad, 1,760 were Mohammad and 986 were Mohammed. Even the traditional biblical names were duplicated with their Arabic equivalents such as Ibrahim for Abraham, Yusuf for Joseph, Musa for Moses etc. Jesus did not figure even in the top 100.

Notes:

1.     More than 50% of the births were to parents outside of a marriage or civil partnership.

2.     There is no data for transgender births. They are registered as either male or female.

 

 

CIA and Terrorism

Gemini was asked about CIA's involvement in world terrorism. It answewd as follows. The question of the CIA’s involvement in "terrorism" is a complex intersection of Cold War history, clandestine operations, and unintended consequences. While the CIA’s official mandate is to combat terrorism, various critics, historians, and international bodies have pointed to specific operations that they argue meet the definition of state-sponsored terrorism or have directly led to the rise of terrorist groups. To understand the scope of this involvement, it is helpful to look at three distinct categories: 1. "Blowback": Unintended Consequences The term "blowback" was actually coined by the CIA to describe the negative, unforeseen consequences of a covert operation. * The Mujahideen (Afghanistan): During the 1980s, the CIA funneled billions through Operation Cyclone to support Afghan rebels fighting the Soviet Union. While the CIA maintains it only supported indigenous Afghan fighters, many of the radicalized "Afghan-Arabs" who joined the fight eventually formed the core of Al-Qaeda. * The Contras (Nicaragua): In the 1980s, the CIA backed the Contras against the Sandinista government. The Contras were frequently accused of using "terrorist tactics" against civilians, including the destruction of health clinics and schools. 2. State-Sponsored Regime Change Historians often cite CIA-led coups as examples of political violence that destabilized regions, sometimes creating power vacuums filled by extremist groups. | Operation | Target | Outcome | |---|---|---| | Operation Ajax (1953) | Iran (PM Mossadegh) | Reinstalled the Shah; fueled the anti-Western sentiment that led to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. | | PBSUCCESS (1954) | Guatemala (Pres. Árbenz) | Led to decades of civil war and state-sponsored violence against indigenous populations. | | Bay of Pigs (1961) | Cuba (Fidel Castro) | Failed invasion using CIA-trained exiles; led to increased tensions and the Cuban Missile Crisis. | 3. Controversial Counter-Terrorism Tactics Following the 9/11 attacks, the CIA’s methods came under intense international scrutiny for violating human rights laws. * Enhanced Interrogation: The 2014 Senate Intelligence Committee report on CIA torture detailed methods like waterboarding and sleep deprivation used at "black sites" (secret prisons). Critics argue these methods were not only illegal but also served as a powerful recruitment tool for groups like ISIS. * Targeted Killings (Drones): The use of armed drones to eliminate high-value targets in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia has been criticized for "collateral damage" (civilian deaths), which international legal experts argue can constitute war crimes or acts of terror in the eyes of local populations. The Official Stance The CIA and the U.S. government reject the label of "terrorism," arguing that: * Legal Authority: Their actions are authorized by the President and overseen by Congressional committees. * Mission: Their primary role is Counter-Terrorism—collecting intelligence to prevent attacks like 9/11 and dismantling global networks. * Prohibitions: Executive Order 12333 explicitly prohibits the CIA from engaging in assassinations (though "targeted killings" of combatants are legally distinguished from assassination by the U.S. government). > Important Note: In the world of intelligence, one person's "freedom fighter" is often another's "terrorist." The CIA’s involvement usually falls into the gray area of Covert Action, which is designed to achieve foreign policy goals while maintaining "plausible deniability." > Would you like me to look into a specific region, such as Latin America or the Middle East, to see how these operations affected those areas over the long term?

Gemini on Ranking People

 I asked Gemini “How can AI compare the intelligence of a group of people and rank them?” Here is the answer.

Comparing and ranking human intelligence with AI is a complex and highly controversial topic. While AI can analyze data to create rankings based on specific, predefined criteria, it cannot truly measure or understand the multifaceted nature of human intelligence. Here's a breakdown of how it could be approached, along with the significant ethical issues involved.

How an AI System Could Rank People

An AI system would need to be trained on a massive dataset to identify patterns and rank individuals based on a specific, narrow definition of "intelligence." It would not be able to measure something as broad as general intelligence but could evaluate performance on specific tasks or against a set of predetermined metrics.

 * Data Collection: The system would need a wealth of data about each person. This could include information from resumes (education, work experience), performance on tests (like IQ tests or skill assessments), and even behavioral data from things like online activity or job interviews. For example, AI can analyze video interviews for specific keywords, tone of voice, and even facial expressions.

 * Feature Engineering: An AI model would need "features" to analyze. These are the specific metrics it would use to make its comparisons. Examples include:

   * Academic Achievement: Grades, degrees from specific universities, or test scores.

   * Skill Proficiency: Performance on coding challenges, design portfolios, or other practical tests.

   * Problem-Solving Speed: The time it takes to complete a puzzle or solve a logical reasoning problem.

 * Algorithm and Ranking: Once the data is in place, the AI would use a machine learning algorithm to weigh these features and create a ranking. A simple algorithm might give more weight to a higher GPA, while a more complex one could look for correlations between certain skills and successful performance in a specific role.

For instance, in a corporate hiring scenario, an AI could be trained on data from successful employees to identify the most common traits and skills. It would then rank new job applicants based on how closely their resumes, test results, and interview performance align with those of the "model" employees.

🚩 Major Ethical Implications

Using AI to rank people based on intelligence is fraught with ethical dangers. The biggest concerns revolve around bias, transparency, and the reduction of human worth.

 * Algorithmic Bias: AI systems are only as good as the data they're trained on. If the historical data is biased, the AI will learn and amplify those biases. For example, an AI trained on hiring data from a male-dominated industry might learn to favor male applicants, unintentionally discriminating against women. This can perpetuate societal inequalities.

 * The "Black Box" Problem: Many AI models, especially deep learning networks, are "black boxes." This means their decision-making processes are not easily understandable by humans. If an AI ranks someone lower, it can be nearly impossible to explain why, which raises significant issues of fairness and accountability.

 * Oversimplification of Intelligence: Human intelligence is incredibly complex and includes creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and social skills. An AI can only measure what it's been explicitly programmed to look for, which would likely be a very narrow, data-driven definition of intelligence. It would miss the nuances that are often most important in human interactions and problem-solving.

 * Loss of Human Dignity and Autonomy: Reducing a person's worth to a single, AI-generated number can have a dehumanizing effect. It removes the human element of evaluation and judgment, potentially leading to a society where people are sorted and categorized by an opaque, automated system.

The I in AI

 

The advent of AI demonstrates the zenith of the evolutionary process. Just like high precision machines are built using comparatively lesser precision machines, more and more powerful computers and compact data storage devices are built using equipment and software of the previous generation.

Thanks to the human quality of not being jealous to one’s own creations, we have produced machine that can lift tremendous weights, travel at very fast speed and acquire data, calculate, and write it out much faster than us. We are proud of them.

The usefulness of artificial intelligence is undeniable. The logical process of searching data related to a topic with discernment and presenting it in a well-organized format and grammatically correct language is a great help to the process of learning.

The icing on the cake is that AI machines have the capacity of self-learning and reprogramming in the light of the data they acquire on instruction of others. By developing computer coding ability, they are to an extent replacing their own masters and creators.

The other and equally serious concern is whether or not some sort of bias can be built into an AI program and whether or not it can identify and nullify it in due course.

Not many people know that much of the islamophobia experienced in the Christian world during the past quarter century was the result of faulty Arabic, Persian and Urdu to English translation software developed by Microsoft through subcontract to Indians who embedded anti-Islamic bias into the programs.

It is very likely that a number of Israeli agents proficient in coding may have infiltrated into the Silicon Valley in order to ensure the AI programs being developed are biased in favour of Israeli genocidal theocracy.

There are also apprehensions that as the artificially intelligent computers learn all the tricks of human trade, and start running most of the state, industrial, commercial, educational, health and military systems, they may unilaterally decide to do away with the less efficient human beings. It would be a behaviour very similar to human conduct.

I see a silver lining in the clouds of AI. Human feelings such as love, ambition, hatred, greed, lust, and conditions such as pleasure, pain, and weakness have a significant role in human decisions which machines do not have, and hence are supposed to take purely impartial decisions.

Although apparently, machines do not have any such feelings, we do not know weather analytical trends resembling feelings can be developed by self-learning computers. What we do know is that an over-heated chip can send the wrong signals. It is, therefore, necessary to constantly monitor the response of every artificially intelligent machine to critical inputs and have emergency protocols that can safely and systematically turn them off for human intervention.

Casualties in Gaza and Israel.

Gemini search on casualties in Gaza and Israel since 7 Oct 2023.

 According to various sources, the casualty figures for the conflict in Gaza and Israel since October 7, 2023, are as follows:

In Gaza:

 * Total deaths: The number of reported deaths varies, with figures ranging from over 62,000 to more than 76,000. This includes those confirmed killed and those missing and presumed dead.

 * Wounded: More than 156,000 people have been injured.

 * Children and women: Nearly half of the casualties are reported to be women and children. A study published in The Lancet estimated that a significant portion of the deaths from traumatic injuries were women, children, and the elderly.

 * Indirect deaths: It is noted that the total death toll could be significantly higher when considering "indirect" deaths from factors such as disease, malnutrition, and lack of medical care.

In Israel:

 * Total deaths: The death toll from the October 7 attacks has been revised by Israeli officials to 1,139 people. This figure includes both civilians and security forces.

 * Wounded: At least 8,730 people have been injured.

Additional Information:

 * West Bank: There have also been casualties in the occupied West Bank, with reports of nearly 1,000 Palestinians killed and over 7,300 injured.

 * Journalists and Aid Workers: The conflict has also resulted in a significant number of casualties among journalists and humanitarian aid workers.

ICC, ICJ and Israel

 Topic search by GEMINI.

South Africa has brought a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), while the International Criminal Court (ICC) has also been involved in a separate investigation related to the conflict in Palestine. It is important to distinguish between these two international legal bodies.

International Court of Justice (ICJ)

 * The Case: On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application with the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

 * Allegations: South Africa's complaint alleges that Israel's military actions in Gaza demonstrate a genocidal intent against the Palestinian people, citing a pattern of conduct that includes killing, causing serious bodily and mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction.

 * ICJ's Role: The ICJ hears disputes between states and its judgments are legally binding. South Africa invoked its standing as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, which creates an erga omnes obligation, meaning all state parties have a common interest in preventing genocide.

 * Provisional Measures: South Africa requested the court to issue provisional measures, which are emergency orders to prevent further harm while the court considers the full merits of the case. On January 26, 2024, the ICJ issued a ruling on these measures.

 * ICJ's Judgment (Provisional Measures): The ICJ did not order a complete ceasefire. However, it did order Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention. This included ordering Israel to:

   * Prevent and punish any incitement to genocide.

   * Take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance.

   * Preserve evidence related to the allegations of genocide.

   * Submit a report to the court on all measures taken to give effect to this order.

The ICJ's ruling found it "plausible" that Israel's actions could amount to genocide, but this is not a final determination on the merits of the case, which is ongoing and is expected to take years.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

 * The Investigation: The ICC, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, has had an ongoing investigation into the "Situation in the State of Palestine" since March 2021.

 * Jurisdiction: The ICC's jurisdiction was accepted by the State of Palestine, which became a state party to the Rome Statute in 2015. This allows the court to investigate alleged crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, since June 13, 2014, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator.

 * Arrest Warrants: In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for senior Hamas leaders and then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. The warrants for the Israeli officials were on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including "starvation of civilians as a method of warfare" and "willfully causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or health."

 * Relationship to the ICJ Case: It is important to note that the ICC and the ICJ are separate and distinct institutions. The ICJ case is a dispute between states (South Africa v. Israel) regarding the interpretation and application of a treaty. The ICC investigation is a criminal proceeding against individuals for alleged international crimes.

The Irony of the Domes

Copyright waived.

The Dome of Rock in Jerusalem has endured for nearly a millennium and half. Along with Al Aksa mosque, it symbolises the greatness of the Islamic heritage. The Muslims believed that with all the miraculous narratives associated with it, it would protect them from disasters.

But domes only protect one from vagaries of nature, not from inruders. The dome didn't stop the terrorists pretending as successors of Bani Israel from illegitimately occupying their lands and robbing them of whatever they had.

Then came the so-called Israelis backed by the entire European and American states' power that wanted to get rid of them from their own lands.

The  Israelis built an air defence system with the help of the Americans, which they thought would protect them from any and all aerial attacks. It worked well against the nonsophisticated missiles launched by Hammas and Hizbullah, promoting the illusion of invincibility among the Israelis. 

Then came the wanton Israeli attack on Iran and the Iranian response with their sophisticated missiles developed over decades in spite of economic sanctions.

The Iranian missiles successfully breeched the Iron Dome and wreaked havoc on Telaviv, Haifa, and other sites. The illusion of invincibility and being The Chosen people was shattered.

The Israelis had worked for centuries to develop the illusion of being the descendants of Abraham and claiming the blessings awarded to them by God.

To do this, they forged the text of the Torah and inserted the name of Israel in place of Jacob in various location in the Book of Genesis Chapters 32 to 50.   

They also destroyed the corresponding pages in the authentic versions of codices Siniticus and Aleppo.

However, this claim is obviously refuted by both the Torah and the Bible.

The book of Exodus Chapter 19 verse number 3 clearly shows that Israel and the house of Jacob are two different entities.

“{19:3} And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;”

The Gospel of Luke verse 1.33 states:

“1.33 and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever ; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

So it seems Jesus may have  belonged not to the Israeli clan but to the House of Jacob constituted by the Palestinians. David and Solomon also may have been Palestinian descendants of the House of Jacob.

Oddly enough, the present Israelis seem to be a people with stolen ancestory. 

   

Gandhi’s Dasis

(Generated by Gemini)

The term “Dasi” in Indian culture primarily refers to a female servant or slave.

Historically, it has been used to denote women of low caste or those in servitude. The

Sanskrit root “dāsa” means demon, enemy, infidel, or slave, and “dāsī” is its feminine

form.

While the term can also have other meanings in specific contexts (like a female in

charge of ten villages in Dharmashastra or even a river), its most common and historical

usage points to a woman in a subservient role.

Regarding Mahatma Gandhi, the question “Gandhi had a few?” seems to refer to

whether he had “dasis” in the sense of female servants or companions. This touches

upon a complex and controversial aspect of Gandhi’s life, particularly his “experiments

with brahmacharya” (celibacy) in his later years.

Gandhi, in his pursuit of spiritual purity and self-control, engaged in practices that

involved sharing his bed with young women, including his grandnieces Manu and Abha,

and other female associates like Sushila Nayar and Lilavati Asar. These women often

provided him with personal services like massages and bathing.

It’s important to understand that Gandhi described these as “experiments” to test his

own brahmacharya, asserting that he remained celibate and had no sexual intentions.

However, these practices were highly controversial even among his contemporaries and followers, including his family members, who criticized them.

While these women were not “dasis” in the traditional sense of being bought or forced

into slavery, their role in providing intimate personal service and their close proximity to

Gandhi, often in a position of complete devotion and obedience to his wishes, has led

to discussions about the power dynamics involved and the potential for exploitation,

despite Gandhi’s stated intentions. Many of these women willingly participated, seeing

it as a form of service to a revered leader.

So, while Gandhi did not have “dasis” in the classic sense of chattel slavery, he did have

a number of female companions and attendants who provided intimate personal care and were part of his controversial “brahmacharya experiments.

The Indian Ritual of Sati

AI generated essay

Sati (also known as “suttee”) was a historical and highly controversial custom practiced by some Hindu communities, primarily in India. It involved a widow immolating herself, either voluntarily or under coercion, on the funeral pyre of her deceased husband or soon after his death.

Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of sati:

 * Meaning: The word “sati” itself in Sanskrit means “good woman” or “chaste wife.” Over time, the term came to refer to the practice itself, as well as the woman who performed it.

 * Motivation and Beliefs:

   * Dutiful Sacrifice: Sati was often viewed as the ultimate act of wifely devotion and loyalty, ensuring an afterlife with the husband and cleansing sins for both the couple and their families.

   * Social Pressure: Widows in traditional Hindu society often faced immense social stigma, economic hardship, and a lack of social standing. For some, sati might have seemed like an escape from a difficult existence. There are documented cases of women being pressured, drugged, or even forced onto the pyre.

   * Religious Interpretation: While some scholars argue that certain religious texts (like Puranas and Mahabharata) mention sati, others contend that the practice was not universally mandated in Hindu scriptures and that ascetic widowhood was often preferred.

 * Variations: While the most common image is of a widow burning on the pyre, historical accounts suggest variations, such as being buried alive with the husband or, in some regions, being stabbed before burning.

 * Historical Prevalence: Sati appeared in historical records during the Gupta Empire (c. 320 to 550 CE) and became more common after the 13^th century, particularly among certain Brahmin and royal castes, and in regions like Rajasthan.

 * Abolition:

   * British Intervention: The British colonial government, under Governor-General Lord William Bentinck, outlawed sati in 1829 with the Bengal Sati Regulation, largely due to the tireless efforts of Indian social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

   * Continued Efforts: Despite the legal ban, isolated instances of sati continued for some time. The Indian Parliament later enacted the Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act in 1987 to further strengthen the law and prevent any glorification of the practice.

Sati remains a stark example of a complex social practice deeply intertwined with cultural, religious, and socio-economic factors, and its abolition marked a significant turning point in social reform in India.

 

 

Hindutva and Arya Samaj in India

 

The following material was obtained through Google AI Geminin Assistant.

The relationship between Hindutva and Arya Samaj is complex, with both movements contributing to the shaping of Hindu identity and nationalism in India, albeit with distinct approaches.

Origins and Core Tenets:

Arya Samaj:

 * Origins: Founded in 1875 by Dayananda Saraswati in Bombay (now Mumbai), the Arya Samaj emerged as a Hindu reform movement during a period of significant social and cultural challenges posed by British colonialism and Christian missionary activities.

 * Core Tenets: Dayananda Saraswati advocated a return to the “pure” and original teachings of the Vedas, rejecting later accretions, rituals, idol worship, the caste system based on birth, child marriage, and other practices he deemed corrupt. He emphasized monotheism, the infallibility of the Vedas, karma, and samsara. The movement also championed women’s education, widow remarriage, and actively engaged in social reform and humanitarian services. The Arya Samaj was notable for being one of the first Hindu organizations to engage in proselytization (Shuddhi movement) to convert non-Hindus, particularly those who had converted to Islam or Christianity, back to Hinduism.

Hindutva:

 * Origins: The term “Hindutva” was coined and popularized by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in his 1923 booklet “Essentials of Hindutva.” It emerged in the early 20^th century, particularly in the context of growing Hindu-Muslim tensions and the Indian independence movement.

 * Core Tenets: Hindutva is primarily a political ideology that defines the cultural identity of India in terms of Hinduism and seeks to establish India as an overtly Hindu nation-state. Savarkar, an atheist, initially defined Hindutva as a “Hinduness” shaped by India’s indigenous history, geography, politics, and culture, distinct from Hinduism as a religion. It emphasizes a shared ancestry and culture rooted in the land of India. Over time, it drew influence from European ethnonationalism, with an emphasis on race, religion, culture, and language. Key organizations propagating Hindutva include the Hindu Mahasabha and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Relationship and Overlap:

While distinct, there’s an undeniable relationship:

 * Reform vs. Nationalism: Arya Samaj was fundamentally a socio-religious reform movement aiming to purify Hinduism, while Hindutva is a political ideology focused on Hindu nationalism and cultural assertion.

 * Shared Emphasis on Vedic Heritage: Both movements placed a significant emphasis on the Vedas as a foundational text for Hindu identity, though the Arya Samaj’s interpretation was often more literal and reformist, rejecting many post-Vedic traditions embraced by mainstream Hinduism.

 * Contribution to Hindu Identity: The Arya Samaj, through its reformist efforts and its Shuddhi movement, contributed to a re-awakening of Hindu identity and a sense of pride, which arguably laid some groundwork for later Hindu nationalist movements like Hindutva. Some scholars argue that the Arya Samaj “laid ground for the later Hindu nationalism represented by the Hindu Mahasabha, V.D. Savarkar, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.”

 * Points of Divergence: Arya Samaj rejects idol worship, the concept of avatars, and hereditary caste, focusing instead on Vedic rituals. Mainstream Hinduism, often associated with Hindutva, generally embraces idol worship, avatars, and a more traditional understanding of caste, though it has also undergone reform efforts.

Resurgence:

Arya Samaj:

·       The resurgence of Arya Samaj in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries was a direct response to British colonialism, Western influence, and perceived internal decay within Hindu society. It sought to modernize Hinduism, promote rational thinking, and foster a sense of pride in Indian traditions. Its emphasis on education, social equality, and women’s empowerment resonated with a section of the population.

Hindutva:

 * The resurgence of Hindutva, particularly in the late 20^th and 21^st centuries, is linked to several factors:

   * Post-Partition Tensions: The aftermath of India’s partition in 1947 fueled religious tensions and the desire for a strong Hindu identity.

   * Political Mobilization: The rise of political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adopting Hindutva as their core ideology has been a major driver.

   * Communal Conflicts: Incidents of communal violence have often exacerbated religious polarization and strengthened Hindutva narratives.

   * Cultural Assertiveness: A desire to assert a distinct Hindu cultural identity in a globalized world.

   * Erosion of Secularism: Criticisms point to the BJP’s policies and rhetoric since 2014 as contributing to a shift towards Hindu nationalism, with perceived erosion of India’s secular foundations and increased targeting of religious minorities.

Future:

Arya Samaj:

·       While not as politically prominent as Hindutva, the Arya Samaj continues to be relevant as a socio-religious reform movement. Its principles of education, gender equality, and social justice continue to resonate. It aims to bridge tradition with modern life and provide solutions to contemporary challenges based on Vedic values. Its focus remains on spreading Vedic knowledge and working for social well-being.

Hindutva:

 * The future of Hindutva appears to be significant in contemporary Indian politics and society. The ideology has gained considerable traction, particularly with the continued electoral success of the BJP.

 * Continued Influence: Hindutva’s presence and power are widely acknowledged to be here to stay in India, influencing political, cultural, and social spheres.

 * Challenges to Secularism: Critics express concern that Hindutva’s agenda poses a threat to India’s secular foundations, potentially leading to increased majoritarianism, religious polarization, and a shift towards an overtly Hindu nationalist state where minorities might face challenges to their equal status.

 * Social and Political Impact: The trajectory of Hindutva will likely continue to shape India’s domestic policies, inter-community relations, and its international standing.

In essence, while the Arya Samaj was a reformist movement that contributed to a renewed sense of Hindu identity, Hindutva represents a more explicitly political and often exclusionary form of Hindu nationalism that has become a dominant force in modern India.

Adivasi --- Plight of Natives in India

 

(This information was provided by Gemini, the Google AI assistant.)

The Adivasis are various ethnic groups considered to be the original inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent. The term "Adivasi" itself, meaning "of earliest times" or "original inhabitants," was coined in the 1930s as a political movement to foster a sense of identity among India's diverse indigenous peoples. Officially, they are known as Scheduled Tribes in the Indian Constitution, a legal and constitutional term that varies across states and regions.

There are over 700 distinct Adivasi communities in India, speaking more than 100 languages, and exhibiting a wide range of ethnicities and cultures. Their population is over 104 million, constituting about 8.6% of India's total population according to the 2011 census. They primarily reside in the northeastern states, as well as the hills and forests of central and southern India, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Major groups include the Bhil, Munda, and Santhal.

Regarding independence movements, it's more accurate to frame Adivasi aspirations as seeking self-determination, autonomy, and the protection of their land, identity, culture, and resources, rather than outright independence as separate nation-states in the traditional sense. While some groups in the Northeast have historically pursued secessionist movements, the broader Adivasi struggle across India centers on:

 * Self-rule and autonomy: Adivasi communities have long traditions of self-governance, and they are demanding greater control over their affairs and resources, often in line with constitutional provisions like the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, which aim to provide some measure of autonomy. The Pathalgadi movement in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh is a prominent recent example of Adivasi communities asserting their customary rights and challenging state authority through the erection of stone slabs proclaiming their self-governance.

 * Land and resource rights: A significant aspect of their struggle involves reclaiming traditional ownership rights over their lands, territories, and natural resources, which have been historically threatened by development projects, industrialization, and population growth.

 * Cultural and religious identity: Adivasis are also demanding recognition and protection of their distinct languages, religions (like the Sarna religion), and cultural practices.

While there isn't a single, unified movement for "independence" across all Adivasi groups, numerous regional and community-specific movements are actively demanding greater self-determination and the protection of their rights within the Indian federal structure. The Indian state has often responded to these movements with repression, sometimes portraying them as "anti-national" or linking them to Naxalite (Maoist) insurgencies.

Gemini on Terrorism

 

This information was obtained through Google AI, Gemini.

Terrorism, while a historically present phenomenon, has evolved significantly in its origins, identity, and current manifestations.

Origins of Terrorism

The term "terrorism" itself originated during the French Revolution's "Reign of Terror" (1793-1794), where the Jacobin government used systematic violence, including mass executions, to suppress opposition and enforce state obedience. Initially, the term was associated with state-sponsored violence.

However, the use of terror as a political weapon by non-state actors has much older roots:

 * Ancient Times: Some scholars trace acts resembling terrorism back to groups like the Jewish Sicarii Zealots in the 1st century AD, who assassinated Roman collaborators, or the Hashashin in the 11th century. These early forms often had religious or ethno-political motivations.

 * 19th Century: The mid-19th century saw the term increasingly associated with non-governmental groups. Anarchist movements in Europe, Russia, and the United States employed assassinations and bombings to achieve revolutionary political and social change. Groups like the Irish Republican Brotherhood (Fenian dynamite campaign in 1881) are considered early examples of modern terrorist techniques.

 * 20th Century: The 20th century witnessed a diversification of terrorist groups, including nationalist-separatist organizations (e.g., IRA, ETA), leftist revolutionary groups (e.g., Red Brigades, Red Army Faction), and right-wing extremists. The 1970s, in particular, saw a rise in international attention to terrorism with conflicts like the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Identity of Terrorism

Defining "terrorism" is complex, with no universally agreed-upon definition. However, key aspects of its identity generally include:

 * Use or Threat of Violence: Terrorism involves the intentional use or threat of violence.

 * Non-Combatant Targets: It typically targets non-combatants or civilians, distinguishing it from conventional warfare. The goal is often to spread fear and psychological impact beyond the immediate victims.

 * Political or Ideological Goals: The violence is not random but aims to achieve political, ideological, religious, or social objectives. It's a method of coercion to influence a larger audience or government.

 * Psychological Impact: Terrorism seeks to create widespread fear, sow insecurity, and pressure decision-makers to change policies.

 * Rational, Not Insane Actors: While their ideologies may be extreme, terrorists are generally not clinically insane or irrational. They are often rational actors who employ terrorism as a deliberate strategy to achieve their objectives.

 * Group and Personal Identity: Terrorism is often linked to strong group and personal identities. It can stem from a confluence of a collectivist cultural identity, fundamentalist adherence to principles (religious or cultural), and a social identity based on sharp contrasts between "us" and "them."

 * Not Solely Linked to Poverty or Psychopathology: While socioeconomic factors can contribute to grievances, terrorists are not necessarily drawn from the poorest segments of society and typically do not exhibit a common personality profile or psychopathology.

Current Situation of Global Terrorism

The global terrorism landscape continues to evolve and presents a complex threat:

 * Increased Lethality, Fewer Incidents (Overall): While the number of terrorist incidents globally has decreased in some recent years, the lethality of attacks has increased, meaning fewer attacks are causing more deaths.

 * Geographic Shift: The epicenter of global terrorism has largely shifted from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the Central Sahel region. This region now accounts for a significant proportion of global terrorism-related deaths.

 * Persistent Threats: Major international Salafi-jihadist organizations like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS), though weaker than their peak, remain committed to attacks against Western interests and continue to operate in various regions.

 * Rise of Domestic Terrorism: In countries like the United States, domestic terrorism (driven by ideologies such as white supremacy, partisan extremism, and Salafi-jihadism) poses a greater threat than international terrorist organizations.

 * Lone Wolf Attacks: Lone actors or small, decentralized groups, often radicalized online, are a significant and challenging threat, especially in the West. They are harder to identify and disrupt due to their lack of clear group affiliation.

 * Online Radicalization and Recruitment: The internet and social media continue to be crucial tools for terrorist organizations to spread propaganda, radicalize individuals, and recruit new members, enabling attacks by sympathizers.

 * Interconnectedness with Conflict: Over 90% of terrorist attacks and 98% of terrorism deaths in recent years have occurred in conflict zones, highlighting the strong link between conflict and terrorism.

 * Emerging Trends: The threat from certain groups, like the Houthis in the Middle East, has increased regionally. There's also been a surge in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate globally, which can be linked to heightened tensions and potential for violence.

 * Adaptation of Terrorist Groups: Terrorist organizations are becoming more adaptable, forming loose coalitions and leveraging complex collaborative networks for sharing resources, information, and personnel.

In summary, while the historical roots of terrorism are diverse, its contemporary identity is characterized by its strategic use of violence against non-combatants for political ends, often fueled by extremist ideologies. The current situation shows a geographic shift of the primary threat to sub-Saharan Africa, alongside persistent dangers from established groups, the rise of lone wolf attacks, and the pervasive influence of online radicalization.

Blogger's note:

Judging by the above, the following instances are definitely terrorism:

1. Hiroshima and Nagasaki

2. Sabra and Shatila

3. Gaza invasion by Israel

4. Indian aerial attack of 7th May.

4. Indian atrocities in Kashmir

5. Assassinations of various political and religious figures.

Truth about the BVR War

 

At about midnight of sixth and seventh May 2025, nine Rafale jets of the Indian Air Force loaded with long-range cruise missiles carrying heavy explosive charges headed for nine mosques in parts of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan. Three of them were shot down on the way while six hit their targets. They were sent by the Hindutva leaders of India to annihilate the root cause of terrorism.

 You will ask how?

Well, they thought that by killing the nearly 3000 young seminary students sleeping in the madrasa hostels attached with the mosques, they would bring about the end of terrorism. The intention was the cold-blooded murder of 3000 poor and peaceful young men devoted to peaceful faith. Apparently Indian spies had also placed homing devices in the hostels to reduce collateral damage.

Fortunately, Pakistani military intelligence had anticipated the attack and evacuated those buildings before the terrorist attack by high-tech missiles. But quite typically, they forgot to ask the civilian neighbors to sleep out that night, resulting in 26 deaths and twice as many injured. This makes one wonder if the Army school massacre in Peshawar in December 2016 was also planned and executed by the Indian leadership through their proxies in Pakistan.

When American President Donald Trump first heard about the incident his comment was that India and Pakistan have been fighting for the last 1400 years. While it seemed strange to some, it is the truth. The animosity between Pakistan and India is the perennial war between monotheism and idolatry. Perhaps it started the day when Prophet Muhammad demolished all the 360 idols placed in the Kaba by the pagans of Arabia. It is mentioned in the Quran that Abraham had done the same in his own homeland. Also, the Torah states that God, when he held court at Mount Sinai, prohibited the making and worshipping of idols by the Jews. However, the Aryans who had been worshipping idols at least since the time of Hammurabi brought it to the Indian subcontinent when they migrated and made it the home of Idolatry.

In the early incursions of Central Asian and Afghan Muslims into India such as Mahmood Ghaznavi, Hindu temples such as Somnath were destroyed, and their treasures taken away as war booty. The Mughals were careful not to hurt the religious feelings of the Hindus and mosques and temples were built side by side in many places. A sort of harmony between monotheists and Idolaters was maintained for nearly 300 years. It continued during the British Raj. When the British decided to leave India, it was partitioned on the same old thesis of monotheists being one nation the idolaters being a separate nation. Small states like Hyderabad of the famous Nizam with majority Hindu population where assimilated into India. But for whatever reason the Hindu ruler of Kashmir which was a predominantly Muslim state declared accession with India and the people of Kashmir revolted. India promptly sent its troops into Kashmir and established it's occupation. The Kashmiris have ever since been fighting for their freedom from Indian rule and union with the Muslim state of Pakistan. The United Nations has passed a number of resolutions to hold plebiscite to allow the people of Kashmir to decide whether it should be annexed with Pakistan or India. There are half a million Indian soldiers in Kashmir, which has a population of about 12 million i.e. one Indian soldier for every 24 Kashmiri men, women, and children.

The Indians have quoted the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22nd April 2025 as their inspiration for the invasion of Pakistan. I have read all the reports of the incident and I found gross inconsistencies.

It says that one fine afternoon when a large number of people were assembled in a park in the Pahalgam area, a number of men in army uniforms appeared on the scene. It did not raise any alarm as Indian army men are a common sight in Indian occupied Kashmir, their ratio being one to 24 in the population. The reports then go in two different directions.

One account is similar to a couple of terrorist attack on passenger buses at the border between Pakistan’s Baluchistan and Iran in which the assailants asked the passengers about their ethnic or sectarian identity and those belonging to a certain group were shot at close range and killed. In this case it is said that the tourists were taken hostage and were asked to prove their identity as Muslims. Those who failed were shot at close range. Were the same mercenaries employed on all three occasions?

The second account says that the terrorist started shooting indiscriminately while the crowd ran for cover. The uniformed men ran into the jungle nearby after killing a number of men, women and children. This scenario is very similar to what happens so often at public places of Europe, USA, and other countries.

It is possible that an unbiased international enquiry may find that nothing unusual had happened that day.

Antiquity of Judaism

 The following chronology of the Jewish scriptures is based on AI searches on the Internet.

It is obvious that the Talmud as we know it was compiled centuries  after the publication of the Quran and the authors of Talmud may have benefited from its study.
The oldest recognized fragments of the Torah are the Dead Sea Scrolls, which date back to the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE. These scrolls, discovered in the Qumran Caves near the Dead Sea, include the oldest surviving manuscripts of entire books later included in the biblical canons. While not complete Torah scrolls, they offer the oldest known textual evidence of the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. 
The first printed editions of the Torah, Mishnah, and Talmud were all published in Venice, Italy, during the 16th century. The Babylonian Talmud and Palestinian Talmud were first printed between 1520 and 1522, while the first complete printed edition of the Mishnah is dated to 1523. The Torah, however, existed long before printing was invented, with the oldest known complete Torah scroll, the Bologna Scroll, dating back to the 12th century. 
Elaboration:
• Torah:
The Torah, also known as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses, is a foundational text in Judaism. While the earliest extant Torah scroll, the Bologna Scroll, dates to the 12th century, the Torah's composition is believed to have been completed around the 5th century BCE, according to modern scholars. 
• Mishnah:
The Mishnah, which contains the Oral Torah, was compiled in the 2nd century CE by Rabbi Judah ha-Nasi in Palestine. It was first printed in Venice between 1520-22, along with the Babylonian Talmud. 
• Talmud:
The Talmud is a compilation of rabbinic discussions on the Mishnah. Two versions of the Talmud exist: the Palestinian Talmud (also known as the Jerusalem Talmud) and the Babylonian Talmud. The Babylonian Talmud was compiled in Babylonia around the 5th century CE. Both Talmudic texts were first printed in Venice between 1520-22. 
The oldest complete book of Talmud is the Jerusalem Talmud, also known as the Talmud Yerushalmi. It predates the Babylonian Talmud (Talmud Bavli) by roughly a century. The Jerusalem Talmud was compiled between the late 4th and early 5th centuries CE, while the Babylonian Talmud was compiled sometime in the 6th century. The Leiden Jerusalem Talmud (Or. 4720) is the only extant complete manuscript of the Jerusalem Talmud. 
The oldest extant manuscript fragments of the Talmud, of any kind, are Cairo Genizah fragments, dating back to the late 7th or 8th century. The oldest complete manuscript whose date is precisely known is Ms. Firenze 7, dating back to 1177. The oldest complete manuscript of the Jerusalem Talmud is the Leiden Jerusalem Talmud (Or. 4720), copied in 1289 and located at Leiden University.

The first printing of the Talmud, encompassing both the Babylonian and Palestinian Talmuds, occurred in Venice in 1520-22 and 1523, respectively, by printer Daniel Bomberg. These editions were a significant milestone as they standardized the text and facilitated wider access to this crucial Jewish religious text. 

New Book

 

All Time Publications

 

To assess the literary richness of various languages, the following data was obtained with the help of AI searches:

Chinese: China has one of the largest publishing industries in the world, with estimates of several million titles in various genres, including traditional and simplified Chinese

Spanish: Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages, and there are millions of published works, including novels, academic works, and non-fiction.

English: Over 2 million books have been published.

Arabic: Estimates vary, but likely over 1 million

Hindi: The Hindi language has a growing number of publications, with estimates in the hundreds of thousands to over a million titles, covering literature, education, and more.

French: Approximately 1 million titles.

German: Around 1 million titles.

Latin: Hard to quantify due to historical texts, but several hundred thousand.

Greek: Similar to Latin, with several hundred thousand texts, including ancient and modern.

Japanese: Japan has a rich literary tradition, and there are hundreds of thousands of books published in Japanese, encompassing manga, literature, and academic works.

Italian: There are hundreds of thousands of published works in Italian, including literature, academic texts, and more.

Modern Hebrew: Since the revival of the Hebrew language in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there has been a significant increase in Hebrew publications. Estimates suggest that there are over 100,000 published works in modern Hebrew, encompassing literature, academic texts, and non-fiction.

Ancient Hebrew: This includes religious texts like the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and various other ancient writings. The number of distinct ancient texts is limited, likely in the thousands.