The Cyclic Universe: Some Historical Notes
  The cyclic model of the universe has an old history in India. It has held the preeminent position regarding the origins of the universe, and it is described in astronomical texts, Puranic encyclopaedias, and philosophical literature. Within the current cycle, which is supposed to have begun several billion years ago, are smaller cycles of pole changes and extinctions on earth. Salient features of the cyclic universe model are presented here. 
Subhash Kak