CULTURAL QA 06-2024-12A
Q1 How did the Europeans manage to take over the world using
inventions such as gunpowder and paper and compasses which they didn't even
invent?
It was their political genius.
KR Wrt the inventions of Paper there are controversial details
available but not spoken over here; similarly, wrt the gun powder also.
European entry through the diplomacy is a hard nut to crack. And
spoken only about India; what about other nations? There is along analysis
I read about which cannot be spoken here, so will write later. It was money
England needed; so, went only to trade; and found most countries were
willing to allow them to trade; but the smallness of the nations and the
armour apart from their traitorship characters, made them force to take
over for large wealth to steal. They could not rule big nations. The
history of nuclear arms race was caused only because of the British history
in 1800 AD. Now the countries want to be parallel.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Q2 If people from 100 years ago saw what the world was like
today, how do you think they would react?
KR As IAS interview; SMDW as today we are reacting IN AN ADVANCED
STAGES.
Q3 Has anyone got any facts about Queen Victoria's husband,
Prince Albert, as I find him fascinating?
KR I don’t know why I shall bother about Victoria albert?
Hitler was similar but changed the track of the world and so past is not
the life in presenti. So, there is nothing to go aghast. Yesterday Opera
Winfrey was talking her retirements who had worst life early than albert.
In west and in Poverty -these are quite common. Mount Batten had only a
similar later life as Mr Victoria. We have so many in India to write ahnd
why about Albert and Tesla?
Q4 Did Genghis Khan treat his enemies well after he conquered
them?
KR Genghis Khan, known for his prowess as a conqueror and his
strategic genius, possesses a character that is both enigmatic and
multifaceted. While history often remembers him for his military campaigns
and the vast empire he built, a deeper examination of his character reveals
complexities that extend beyond the battlefield.
At the core of Genghis Khan's character lies an unwavering determination
and resilience. Born into humble beginnings as Temujin, he faced numerous
challenges and adversities from a young age. His father was poisoned, and
his family was abandoned by their tribe, leaving them vulnerable in the
harsh Mongolian steppes. Despite these hardships, Temujin displayed
remarkable strength of character, forging alliances and overcoming
rivalries to eventually unite the Mongol tribes under his leadership.
Genghis Khan's character is also defined by his vision and ambition. He
possessed a keen understanding of geopolitics and the dynamics of power,
recognizing the potential of the vast Eurasian landmass for conquest and
expansion. His vision extended beyond mere conquest; he sought to
create a stable
and prosperous empire, implementing administrative reforms, promoting trade
and commerce, and fostering cultural exchange within his realm.
Yet, alongside his ambition and vision, Genghis Khan exhibited traits
of pragmatism
and adaptability. He was not bound by tradition or dogma, but rather
embraced innovation and experimentation, whether in military tactics or
governance. His ability to adapt to changing circumstances and learn from
both successes and failures contributed to his success as a leader.
Moreover, Genghis Khan's character *is marked by a paradoxical blend of
ruthlessness and compassion. *On one hand, he was known for his brutality
in warfare, employing tactics that struck fear into the hearts of his
enemies. Yet, he also displayed remarkable magnanimity towards those who
submitted to his rule, often integrating them into his empire and granting
them positions of authority.
Furthermore, Genghis Khan was a visionary leader who valued meritocracy
over aristocracy. He appointed officials based on their abilities rather
than their lineage, fostering a sense of loyalty and camaraderie among his
followers. His leadership style was characterized by a balance of firmness
and fairness, earning him the respect and admiration of his subjects.
Genghis Khan's character is a complex tapestry woven from the threads of
determination, vision, pragmatism, ruthlessness, and compassion. While he
may be remembered primarily as a conqueror, his legacy transcends mere
military conquests, encompassing the enduring impact of his leadership and
the empire he built. Genghis Khan's character serves as a testament to the
indomitable spirit of human ambition and the power of leadership to shape
the course of history.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Q5 Was Vijayanagara a model historic Hindu empire?
KR Incomplete; A brilliant era exposed by many Historians and
poetical compositions. If I have time, I will write later AQ good question
but a bad answer.
K Rajaram IRS 12624
On Wed, 12 Jun 2024 at 10:22, 'gopala krishnan' via iyer123 <
[email protected]> wrote:
> CULTURAL QA 06-2024-12A
>
> TOPIC- HISTORY. QA BASIC QUORA-COMPILATION
>
> Q1 How did the Europeans manage to take over the world using
> inventions such as gunpowder and paper and compasses which they didn't even
> invent?
>
> A1 Cyrus II, Wise ruler Mon
>
> Paper was invented in China around the 2nd century BCE, originally used
> for wrapping and padding, but by the 3rd century, it was used for writing.
>
> The knowledge of papermaking slowly spread along the Silk Road, reaching
> the Islamic world by the 8th century, where it was refined further.
>
> Europeans got hip to it much later, around the 11th century, thanks to the
> Islamic scholars in Spain.
>
> Before paper, Europeans were scratching on expensive parchment and papyrus.
>
> Gunpowder was another Chinese innovation, discovered by alchemists in the
> 9th century while they were trying to find a potion for immortality. Quite
> ironic.
>
> Instead, they ended up with something that could cause quite the opposite.
>
> This explosive stuff made its bang all the way to Europe by the 13th
> century, likely through the Mongol invasions.
>
> Once Europeans got the formula, they went to town refining gunpowder
> weapons, with cannons and guns that eventually outclassed the older, slower
> technologies of warfare like swords and bows.
>
> The compass essential for not getting lost at sea, was also first used by
> the Chinese, who initially used it for feng shui purposes before navigating
> with it by the 11th century.
>
> This handy tool made its way to Europe via the Arabs in the 12th century,
> just in time for the Age of Exploration.
>
> European explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama used it to
> chart their courses across oceans, which played a big part in letting
> Europeans zip around the globe and set up shop far from home.
>
> Now, it wasn’t just these inventions that enabled Europeans to expand
> their empires.
>
> It was their political genius.
>
> European powers weren’t like Romans, or any other empire, they preferred
> to win without fighting.
>
> For example, in India. British used a very simple strategy, Divide and
> Rule.
>
> And it worked awesomely.
>
> The same goes for most of the territories they conquered, they didn’t need
> to use their military prowess, most of the time, their political abilities
> were enough to do the job for them.
>
> Q2 If people from 100 years ago saw what the world was like
> today, how do you think they would react?
>
> A2 Amanda Kevin, Declutter your property images w colossis.io
> Sat
>
> If people from 100 years ago saw what the world was like today, they would
> likely be astonished by the sheer pace of life, the ubiquity of screens,
> and the dramatic shift in global connectivity.
>
> They would probably be baffled by the concept of smartphones, which have
> condensed the entire internet into a device that fits in the palm of one's
> hand.
>
> The internet itself would be unfathomable to them, as it has redefined the
> very fabric of communication, commerce, and information dissemination.
>
> They would be astonished by the velocity of information, how news travels
> across the globe in mere seconds, and how social media has reconfigured the
> way people interact, share, and consume information.
>
> One of the most jarring aspects of modern life would be the sheer volume
> of data we generate daily.
>
> The concept of "big data" would be incomprehensible to them, as they would
> struggle to wrap their heads around the fact that our daily actions, from
> swiping cards to browsing habits, leave an indelible digital footprint.
>
> They would be perplexed by the internet of things (IoT), where everyday
> objects, from thermostats to refrigerators, are now connected to the
> internet, generating a vast network of interconnected devices.
>
> Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing
> would all be beyond their comprehension, as these concepts rely on complex
> algorithms and computational power that didn't exist a century ago.
>
> Furthermore, the fact that humans have set foot on the moon, and robots
> are now roaming Mars, would be considered the stuff of science fiction to
> them.
>
> The notion that humans have managed to sequence the entire human genome,
> and that gene editing is a tangible reality, would be unfathomable.
>
> Lastly, the pace of technological advancements would leave them aghast, as
> the world has transitioned from a largely agrarian society to a
> service-based economy, with technologies like 3D printing, blockchain, and
> quantum computing redefining the boundaries of what is possible.
>
> Q3 Has anyone got any facts about Queen Victoria's husband,
> Prince Albert, as I find him fascinating?
>
> A3 Deanna Mendoza, BA in History, The University of Texas at
> San Antonio (Graduated 2013)Updated Fri
>
> 1. He lost his mother at a young age
>
> Albert was born on August 26, 1819, in Coburg, Germany, to Duke Ernest III
> and his wife Louise.
>
> His parents had an unhappy and turbulent marriage that ended in divorce.
> When Albert was five years old, his mother was exiled from court. Albert
> would never see her again.Six years later, at the age of thirty, she died
> from cancer.
>
> The death of his mother and his parent’s unhappy marriage would affect
> Albert for the rest of his life.
>
> Albert became obsessed with harmony, moral uprightness, and integrity, all
> values he would later instill within his children and the English court.
>
> His unstable childhood explains the devotion he showed Victoria and his
> constant efforts to raise his children in a stable and loving environment.
>
> 2. He was a polymath
>
> Prince Albert had a passion for learning. His intellectual curiosity
> spanned a wide range of fields including art, science, technology, music,
> politics, architecture, and social reform.
>
> He was highly educated and fluent in several languages: German, English,
> French, and Italian.
>
> He studied history and philosophy, collected art from artists like Dürer
> and Van Dyck, and played the piano and organ.
>
> Albert used his learning and vast knowledge to improve English culture and
> society.
>
> He encouraged the use of science to improve agriculture and industry,
> established the Victoria and Albert Museum, brought the Great Exhibition to
> London in 1851, worked to improve sanitation and housing conditions among
> the poor, and helped to reform the British military and education systems.
>
> 3. He refused to be a trophy husband
>
> Although he cared for Victoria, Albert believed women were unfit to rule.
> He considered them intellectually inferior to men and thought that a
> woman’s place was in the home. An idea he unfortunately passed on to his
> wife.
>
> From the beginning, Albert was hungry for power and he got it.
>
> He rid himself of his greatest rivals at court — Lord Melbourne and
> Victoria's governess Lehzen, placing himself as the Queen's private
> secretary and main confidant. In the case of Victoria's untimely death,
> Albert ensured that he would become Regent, making him the sole ruler of
> England until their son came of age.
>
> Albert wielded considerable influence over Victoria.
>
> He structured the Queen’s days, had control over her finances, and had
> full access to her ministers.
>
> Unfortunately, the more Victoria fell in love with her husband, the less
> confident she became as a ruler. It would take her decades following
> Albert’s death to gain the confidence to rule without dependence on a man.
>
> 4. He preferred simplicity and modesty
>
> Being a part of the British royal family inhibited Albert from living a
> simple life. However, in his private life, he preferred simplicity and
> modesty.
>
> He enjoyed cultural entertainment over lavish parties. He ate simple meals
> and drank only water. He enjoyed long walks in the country and intellectual
> conversations.
>
> Albert was frugal and avoided excessive spending, always mindful of public
> opinion. He was careful not to spend senselessly on unnecessary luxuries
> and preferred to support cost-effective projects.
>
> In part, Albert's cutting of excess saved the English royal family from
> experiencing the same revolutionary fate as their European counterparts.
>
> 5. He worked himself to death
>
> Prince Albert was a frail child. Throughout his childhood, he suffered
> from frequent illness and exhaustion.
>
> Albert’s health did not improve as he got older.
>
> As an adult, he developed digestive problems, rheumatism, and insomnia. He
> suffered from recurring bouts of bronchitis and would frequently catch
> colds.
>
> Constant stress and a heavy workload exacerbated these issues.
>
> Eventually, Albert's chronic health issues and stressful lifestyle
> culminated in his early death on December 14, 1861, at the age of 42.
>
> At the time of his death, people were told that he had died from typhoid
> fever. However, today historians believe he may have died from Crohn’s
> disease, an unknown condition in Victorian England.
>
> Q4 Did Genghis Khan treat his enemies well after he conquered
> them?
>
> A4 Cyrus II, Wise ruler Mon
>
> if a city or a nation capitulated without resistance, Genghis Khan could
> be surprisingly magnanimous.For those who surrendered peacefully, he
> offered protection and even positions within his empire.This wasn't just
> kindness, it was also smart politics.
>
> For example, after he conquered the Khwarizmi Empire, a vast region that
> included parts of today’s Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan,
> Genghis Khan actually installed local governors and restored trade routes.
>
> He was keen on restoring the Silk Road and understood that prosperity
> could help stabilize his newly conquered territories.
>
> On the flip side, those who resisted could expect no mercy.
>
> After the aforementioned Khwarizmi Empire initially resisted and even
> killed one of Genghis Khan’s trade delegations, the retaliation was brutal.
>
> Cities were destroyed, and populations were slaughtered or displaced. *The
> message was clear, resistance would result in annihilation.*
>
> When he encountered people with special skills, like engineers, craftsmen,
> or even entertainers, he would often spare them and bring them into his
> service.
>
> For instance, after conquering northern China, He kept Chinese bureaucrats
> in place.
>
> Q5 Was Vijayanagara a model historic Hindu empire?
>
> A5 Devala Rees, Practitioner of Sanatana Dharma under Mata
> Amritanandamayi Tue
>
> For the most part, spectacularly yes. The Vijayanagara Empire was a model
> historic Hindu empire in many ways. It had efficient administration, strong
> overseas trade, and was fabulously wealthy with thriving business centers.
> It brought new water management systems for irrigation, and its
> agricultural lands were well-cultivated, with carefully designed tax
> policies to encourage optimal different varieties of produce. It warded off
> Muslim invasions from southern India for centuries, temporarily protecting
> the Hindus of the south from the near-constant attacks by Muslims from the
> north, and pushed the sultans of the Deccan far back.
>
> It transcended regional divisions by promoting the shared traditions of
> Sanatani spirituality, without sacrificing the diversity of several
> languages and regional cultures. It patronized fine arts and literature in
> Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Sanskrit, and subsidized astronomy,
> mathematics, medicine, fiction, music, historiography, and theater. It had
> a vibrant textile industry. It built many great monuments and temples
> spread over southern India, employing thousands of skilled artisans, and
> made endowments to temples including land, cash, food, jewelry, and
> subsidized constructions. Bhakti pervaded the lives of millions of the
> people.
>
> Every aspect of governance in the empire was based on the seven elements,
> according to the Dharma Shastras, of the Raja, the ministry (a cabinet of
> ministers headed by a Mahapradhana or Prime Minister, together with the
> chief secretary and imperial officers), the territory, the fort, the
> treasury, the military, and the ally. The divisions of the empire and the
> structure of their governance was right out of the Dharma Shastras. It was
> indeed a model of governance according to the ancient Shastras put into
> practice. All high-ranking ministers and officers were required to have
> military training, to ensure that they were disciplined and educated men
> and not weak nepotistic appointments. Provincial administration was done in
> the native local languages.
>
> Women faced few gender barriers in society, and were actively involved in
> administration, business, trade, and the fine arts. There were many famous
> female poets in both Sanskrit and Telugu. Women’s wrestling was a popular
> sport. However, dowry was in practice. In 1553 a royal decree was passed
> criminalizing the payment or receiving of money or land during marriage,
> though enforcement may have fallen short of universal.
>
> Even British academic researchers have found that in the Vijayanagara
> Empire, caste was not primarily determined by heredity, but rather by
> occupation; it was not fixed but often changed, and it was not rare for
> different members of the same family to have different social status based
> on their occupation, with upward social mobility not uncommon for both
> individuals and groups. In this the Vijayanagara Empire admirably returned
> to something much closer to Vaidik Varnashrama Dharma. Priestly Brahmins
> were removed from material wealth, which made them ideal impartial arbiters
> in judicial matters in every town and village, as they were intended to be.
>
> Foreign visitors to the Vijayanagara Empire attest that there was
> universal freedom and tolerance of religions, though the government was
> officially Hindu. Devout Shaiva emperors made grants to Vishnu temples as
> well, and Vaishnava Rajas also worshipped Virupaksha (Shiva).
>
> A Hindu Emperor even built a mosque in the capital city at his own expense.
>
> Ultimately Vijayanagara’s failure was military, on two fronts.
>
> Emperor Krishna Deva Raya underestimated the importance of keeping up to
> date with military technology and failed to invest in it (though before him
> the empire had been among the first in India to use long-range artillery,
> so this was not an inherent flaw of the empire as a whole), and
>
> They made the mistake of promoting two Muslim mercenaries to the rank of
> generals in their army, and they turned traitor and switched sides to the
> Sultanates at a critical moment.
>
> *R.Gopalakrishnan dated 12-06-2024.*
>
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