Aurangjeb

(a.k.a. Aurangzeb, 1678-1707) The greatest of Indian emperors in terms of span of kingdom; mostly remembered as a cruel ruler. [more]

Balaji Rao Peshwa

(1740-1761) The third Maratha Peshwa, who fought hard against the British to rebuild the Maratha kingdom established by Shivaji

Besant Annie

(1847-1933) An Irish woman who became an staunch supporter of Indian freedom and started Home Rule League; President of Indian National Congress in 1917

Charles Wilkins

A Civil Servant in the British administration, was fascinated by the culture of India and started Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784; regarded as the father of Indology

Dadhabhai Navaroji

(1825-1917) A great public figure of India before freedom. President of Indian National Congress; educationist and Parsi leader

Indira Gandhi

(1917-1984) India's prime minister several times; daughter on J. Nehru and mother of R. Gandhi, also prime ministers of India

Jantar Mantar

Name of the astronomical observatory in the city of Jaipur built in 1724 A.D. by Sawai Jai Singh [more]

Panipat

Historical place in Haryana where famous battles were fought in 1526, 1556, and 1761

Raja Ram Mohan Roy

(1774-1833) Great social reformer, thinker and scholar; worked for abolishment of Sati. Founded Brahma Samaj. [more]

Rajarshi Bhagyachandra

(1740-1798 A.D.) was an enlightened king of Manipur who left his mark on history by successfully resisting the Burmese invasions.

Ramachandran M.G.

(1917-1987) Known as MGR, actor turned politician from Tamil Nadu

Ramanujacharya

(1017-1137) Chief exponent of the Vishishtadwita school of Vedanta and a Hindu social reformer [more]

Sawai Jai Singh

Rajput king of 17th century who built great buildings and astronomical observatories like Jantar Mantar.

Sawai Jai Singh II

(1686-1743) Rajput king and astronomer who built Jantar Mantar near Dehli [more]

Shivatatwarantakara

A Shilpa text of 17th Century based on Abhilashitarthachintamani

Sikandar Lodi

(1488-1517) Ruler of India belonging to Delhi Sultanate who introduced a standard of measurement known as Gazi-Sikandari.

Tippu Sultan

(1750-1799) Indian prince; Muslim ruler who ruled in Srirangapattana in Mysore; was killed fighting the invading British [more]

Tyagaraja

(1767-1847) Great saint of Carnatic music famous for his compositions of keertans.

Kamat's Potpourri Who's Who, What's What