Tag: #indianheritage

Dhakis of West Bengal: Where They Come From and Where They Go

Dhakis playing dhaks in a Durga Puja pandal

Introduction

India is a country of rich cultural diversity and the essence of festivity for each Indian state is unique on its own. The main festival of the Indian state of West Bengal is Durga Puja, which is held during the auspicious Aashwin Durga Navtras in the months of September-October. During the festival the Mother Goddess is welcomed to her home on Earth with 9 long days of celebrations and joy. As a ritual of the festivity both her arrival and departure are rung by hundreds of thousands of “Dhaks” played by the professional drummers, locally called as “Dhakis”.

Dhak at a Puja Bari

What “Dhaks” Are: How They Are Made

The word “Dhak” comes from the Austric word “Dhaka” included in the Sanskrit language. The word later became a part of the Bengali script. The dhak is a big membranophone instrument that originally belongs to South Asia. The dhak has become an integral aspect of the widely loved Bengali festival of Durga Puja, other Bengali rituals and festivities. It would have no festive aura if not for the maddening rhythm of the dhak. The dhak is beaten with two sticks loudly to infuse the frenzied beats into the listeners. These beats are enough to raise the spirits and conjure up the feel of the Durga Puja. Without the instrument, the heavily celebrated festival would have felt sombre.

The sound of the dhak depends on a lot of factors like the shape. The shape varies from almost cylindrical to barrel-like. On one hand, the outer portion of the wood is shaved off and carved to create the barrel shaped instrument. On the other hand, the inner side of it is made to be absolutely hollow.The two ends of the dhak are wrapped up with goat skin on the top and calf skin at the bottom. It is said that using these two types of hides bring out the perfect sound texture of the dhak. The manner of stretching the skin over the mouth of the dhak and lacing it is also an important factor in the kind of sound that will be produced. The more the strings on the side of the dhak are pulled the higher the pitch of the dhak gets. The two sticks that are used to beat the dhak are carefully chiseled and formed out of thin cane or bamboo. Because of the drying session of the wooden structure and the intricate handwork and decoration, it takes around one month to reach the perfection in making the instrument.

Making of Dhaks

Who “Dhakis” Are: The Heritage follows

‘‘Dhakis’’ are integral to almost all festivities in Bengal but the art of playing the huge barrel-shaped membranophone instrument is considered as a staple of Bengal’s most celebrated Durga Puja. Most of the ‘dhakis’ or men who play the ‘dhak’ hail from humble rural backgrounds of Murshidabad, Hooghly, Malda, Bankura and Purulia districts of the state. Just like playing any other instrument that is highly associated with a centuries-old cultural heritage, the art of playing dhak, or the business of dhakis are often found to be ancestral and moving in the families since ages. The art of playing such instrument is considered as a living witness, bearing the tradition of the state of West Bengal. The art of playing dhak is passed on from one generation to the next though this art is gradually dying out and losing its focus. One of the reasons for this is the uncertain informal nature of this profession. They still teach the children to play the dhak is to preserve the culture and heritage.

Each part of Durga Puja rituals has a different and unique tune and beat of the dhak right from the arrival of the idols till their immersion. It is played when the idol enters the pandal and even when it exits the pandal on the last day of puja, Dashami. In fact, it is the deafening sound of the dhak that fills the air of immense celebration during the ‘Sandhya Arati’ on Ashtami. This ceremony is absolutely incomplete without the beats of the dhak. Along with that, the ‘Dhunuchi Nach’ is also an essential part where the dhak provides the musical rhythm to which people dance with the ‘dhunuchi’. Another popular tradition is the ‘Dhaker Lorai’ or ‘Fight between Dhaks’ where the grandeur is revealed the best when dhakis play in groups. It is usually a fascinating experience for the audience to see the feathered drums being played by the dhakis dancing to the music produced. Finally, on Dashami, the majestic beats of the dhak helps lift the air of sadness and gloom during the vermilion ritual and ultimately, the immersion.

Female artists too have now taken up the responsibility to revive the age old art of playing the dhak. In such a male-dominated profession where carrying the dhak is a major issue, women have proved themselves to be no less than their male counterparts. Teams of women dhakis are finding fame and getting established slowly in their fields.

Dhakis of Bengal

COVID-19 and The Livelihood of Dhakis

The Impact The drop in the number of Durga Pujas in and outside Bengal amid the novel coronavirus outbreak has taken the rhythm out of the lives of many dhakis (traditional drummers) who look forward to this festive season as their main source of earnings in the year. Every year, the dhakis from different districts and villages of Bengal use to appear at Sealdah station premises before Durga puja. The dhakis used to play the drums in front of Sealdah station every year before puja. From there, various puja committees used to take them in the puja pandals to play the ‘dhak’. But for the past two years the situation is very different, as Puja Committees and Organizers are tight in budget and have to follow a lot of restrictions . Moreover, thousands of dhakis from Bengal districts like East Burdwan, Birbhum, Purulia, Bankura and Hooghly would in other years travel to states such as Assam, Maharashtra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh to perform at Durga Puja pandals and get higher pay than what they would have got in their home state. But, COVID-19 has restricted that option too for these drummers in past years.

Dhakis at Sealdah station, Kolkata

Where Are They At Now: How We Can Help

Acknowledging the fact that, playing dhak couldn’t be considered as a stable profession and is more inclined to be an occasional source of performing art and earning money, most of the dhakis are often associated with other rural jobs like farming, weaving, fishing to support their livelihood. During Pandemic, the dhakis hope that though they could not travel outside Bengal, they were still lucky if they got calls from Bengal puja organisers. When budgets are low, organisers play recorded beats of the dhaki in pandals. However, several organisers in Bengal have decided to go ahead with dhakis to add the traditional fervour to festivities with the state government offering a dole of Rs 50,000 to each puja committee.

A group of Women Dhakis in front of Goddess Durga idols

Conclusion

Just like of everyday’s, MachhBhaat, Bengal ’s essence of festivity is incomplete without the rhythmic beats of Dhaks. Along with everyone one of us, they are also looking forward for a better situation in the upcoming years, while we can celebrate together the joys of life without fearing for the safety of our health . With the constant effort of the Government and the citizens together , hope we are going to reach that phase very soon.

Jaipur: “The Pink City” of India and a epitome of Rich Culture

The very first thaught which comes to our mind when we think about jaipur is “The pink city” , but the glory of this historic city is not just limited limited to few historical events. It’s one of the most culturally rich city of india. Jaipur was founded in 1727 by the Kacchawa Rajput ruler Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, after whom the city is named. It was one of the earliest planned cities of modern India, designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. During the British Colonial period, the city served as the capital of Jaipur State. After independence in 1947, Jaipur was made the capital of the newly formed state of Rajasthan.

Jaipur is a popular tourist destination in India and forms a part of the west Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Agra.On 6 July 2019, UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed Jaipur the “Pink City of India” among its World Heritage Sites. The city is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar.

  • Hawa mahal e.g “The Palace of Winds” 

History & Development

Unlike other medieval cities of the region, Jaipur was deliberately planned as a new city located on the plains and open for trade, as opposed to cities on hilly terrain and military cities of the past, though its planning still responded to the surrounding hill tops in all topography. The site selected within the valley that lay to the south of the Amber hills was comparatively flat and undeveloped. It was also adequately protected, nestled within hills having an array of forts and defence posts. Thus, the new city could be planned as an inviting trade and commerce city with an ambitious vision of the ruler Sawai Jai Singh II and his architect- planner Vidyadhar.

The City of Jaipur is an exceptional example of indigenous city planning and construction in South Asia. In a remarkable difference from the existing medieval practices where settlements developed in a more organic manner. It is an expression of the astronomical skills, living traditions, unique urban form and exemplary innovative city planning of an 18th century city from India.

https://youtu.be/Okp-fzUuf6U

The design of the new city was a breath-taking departure from the prevalent practices in city development in the sub-continent. Its urban morphology reflected the coming together of cultural elements from eastern and western planning, expressing a culture of a ‘trade and commerce city’ and townscape that is unparalleled anywhere in South Asia. Envisaged as a trade capital, the main avenues of the city were designed as markets, which still remain as characteristic bazaars of the city. Chaupar, or designed large public squares at the intersection of roads, is another feature that is distinct to Jaipur as are its single and multicourt havelis and haveli temples. Besides an exemplary planning, its iconic monuments such as the Govind Dev temple, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal excel in artistic and architectural craftsmanship of the period.

  • “Amer fort” is Constructed of red sandstone and marble.

The boundaries of the property conform to the original 18th century plans of Sawai Jai Singh II and relate to the surrounding topography as well as the original vision for the planned city. The size and scale of all town planning elements such as width of roads, hierarchy of public spaces, open spaces, water bodies, built form all are intact as per the original plan. The iconic built heritage structures retain their original form, character and architectural style. Though some areas of bazars and inside havelis in chowkris are undergoing major changes, but most are still intact form and location.

it is an exemplary development in town planning and architecture that demonstrates an amalgamation and important interchange of several ideas over the late medieval period. It shows an interchange of ancient Hindu, Mughal and contemporary Western ideas that resulted in the customised layout of the city. It is believed that Raja Jai Singh arrived at the final layout after a thorough analysis of several town plans sourced from across the globe. Following the grid-iron plan prevalent in the west but with traditional zoning, superimposed by the desire to rival Mughal cities, Jaipur reflected new concepts for a thriving trade and commerce hub that became a model for the later towns in the adjoining Shekhawati region and others parts of Western India.

  • “Jal Mahal” is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city

The inscribed area of the historic walled city of Jaipur within the walls and gates includes all of the attributes of the property (18th century town plan with its grid iron plan, chaupars, chowkris, city wall and nine city gates; urban form with 11 bazaar facades, shop typology along bazaars, havelis and haveli temples along bazaars and at chaupars, iconic monuments, gates leading to inner streets; craft streets and bazaar areas). The inner areas of chowkris and the related old havelis are not attributes of the property.

The tourist hub

Jaipur is always honored for its magnetic heritage beauty which is indiscreet from more than thousands of years. And, if you are a lover of the wild, culture and history, then travel to Jaipur and celebrate this day by visiting some of its Heritage Sites.According to TripAdvisor’s 2015 Traveller’s Choice Awards for Destination, Jaipur ranked 1st among the Indian destinations for the year.The Presidential Suite at the Raj Palace Hotel, billed at US$45,000 per night, was listed in second place on CNN’s World’s 15 most expensive hotel suites in 2012.

  • jantar mantar

Visitor attractions include the Birla Auditorium, Albert Hall Museum, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, City Palace, Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Birla Mandir, Galtaji, Govind Dev Ji Temple, Garh Ganesh Temple, Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Sanghiji Jain temple and the Jaipur Zoo.The Jantar Mantar observatory and Amer Fort are one of the World Heritage Sites.Hawa Mahal is a five-storey pyramidal shaped monument with 953 windows that rises 15 metres from its high base. Sisodiya Rani Bagh and Kanak Vrindavan are the major parks in Jaipur,Raj Mandir is a notable cinema hall in Jaipur.

  • The “Albert Hall Museum” in Jaipur, is the oldest museum of Rajasthan

Jaipur has many cultural sites like Jawahar Kala Kendra formed by Architect Charles Correa and Ravindra Manch. Government Central Museum hosts several arts and antiquities. There is a government museum at Hawa Mahal and an art gallery at Viratnagar. There are statues depicting Rajasthani culture around the city.Jaipur has many traditional shops selling antiques and handicrafts, as well as contemporary brands reviving traditional techniques, such as Anokhi. The prior rulers of Jaipur patronised a number of arts and crafts. They invited skilled artisans, artists and craftsmen from India and abroad who settled in the city. Some of the crafts include bandhani, block printing, stone carving and sculpture, tarkashi, zari, gota-patti, kinari and zardozi, silver jewellery, gems, kundan, meenakari and jewellery, Lakh ki Chudiya, miniature paintings, blue pottery, ivory carving, shellac work and leather ware.

Jaipur
Tourism
Hawa mahal
Rajasthan
Heritage

ESSENCE OF INDIAN TRADITION

HERITAGE

The word heritage is defined as “Anything transmitted from ancestors or past ages”. The Indian heritage is often best appreciated concerning different historical periods. We are the inheritors of a cultural and non-secular tradition stretching over 4000 years.

CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION

The word ‘culture’ and ‘civilization’ are often used as the same. However, they have their own clearly defined meanings which differentiate them.

CIVILIZATION

‘Civilization’ means making better ways of living and making use of nature to satisfy daily needs. Civilization includes developing societies into politically well-defined groups that work together for improved conditions of life in terms of food, dress, and communication.

CULTURE

The English word ‘Culture’ is coined from the Latin word ‘cult or cultus’ which means tilling, or cultivating or refining and worship. ‘Culture’ refers to the inner self, a refinement of mind, soul, and heart. Culture includes various art forms and sciences, music and dance, and several higher activities of human life which also are classified as cultural activities. On the whole, it is cultivating and refining a thing to an extent such that its outcome evokes our admiration and esteem. This is often practically an equivalent as ‘Sanskriti’ of the Sanskrit language.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTURE

 • Culture is learned and purchased

 • Culture is shared by a cluster of individuals

 • Culture is cumulative

 • Culture changes

 • Culture is dynamic

 • Culture gives us a variety of permissible behaviour patterns

 • Culture is diverse

 • Culture is ideational

CULTURAL HERITAGE

Cultural development may be a historical process. Cultural heritage includes all those aspects or values of culture transmitted to citizenry by their ancestors from generation to generation. They’re cherished, protected, and maintained by them with unbroken continuity, and that they feel pleased with it. Architectural works like monuments, material artifacts, the intellectually achieved properties, philosophy, treasures of data, scientific inventions, and discoveries also are a part of heritage.

TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Traditional knowledge or ‘local knowledge’ may be a record of human achievement in comprehending the complexities of life and survival in often unfriendly environments. Traditional knowledge, which can be technical, social, organizational, or cultural was obtained as a part of the good human experiment of survival and development. We have to analyse, evaluate conserve, and revive the normal Knowledge Systems for the economic betterment of the planet in a holistic manner. It is that the knowledge system possessed by various communities across the world. Such knowledge has been accumulated, used, and has been bequeathed through several generations. It’s usually regarding the natural surroundings of the community and includes agricultural knowledge like manner of cultivation, environmental knowledge, and knowledge of natural medicines.

TYPES OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

 • Cultural knowledge

 • Artistic knowledge

 • Biodiversity or natural resources

 • Agricultural knowledge

 • Sacred knowledge

CHARACTERISTICS OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

 • It has been handed on from generation to generation.

 • In many cases, it’s transmitted orally for generations from person to person.

 • It is being considered by the communities as a gift of God and not as personal property.

 • This knowledge generally distinguishes one community from another community.

 • It is typically impossible to spot the first creator of the knowledge.

 • It is learned by observing continuously, experiencing, and practicing it.

 • It is inseparable a part of the communal and cultural life of its holders.

 • It is typically related to biological resources.

NEED FOR SHIELDING TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

 • Lack of proper legal policy framework for the protection of traditions.

 • Exploitation of traditional knowledge and indigenous resources.

 • Patenting the medicinal plants and their derivatives.

 • Commercial interests violate indigenous property rights.

India’s best hill station

Gulmarg. This beautiful hill station, is in Kashmir. One of the most popular hill station in India. There popular winter sport here is skiing at Gulmarg Backcountry Ski Lounge. Other activities that you can try is snowboarding at Apharwat Peak, camping at Ningle Nallah etc.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh. I’m sure if you’ve watched the movie yeh Jawaani hai deewani then you would’ve gone here to trek. It’s the piture perfect hill station that attracts thousands of tourist every year. One of the best hill stations in India, Manali is a heaven for all the snow lovers. Manali is one of the peaceful places to visit in North India. There are many things to do in Manali like trekking, hiking, rafting and paragliding.

Shimla. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh which is also called as queen of hills. The best places to visit in shimla are Jakhoo temple, Kalka-Shimla railway, Rashtrpati Niwas, The Ridge, Himachal State Museum, Christ Church etc

Kasol, Himachal Pradesh. On the banks of parvati river lies a photogenic place called Kasol. Also known as mini Israel. Kasol is a famous holiday spot among backpackers, hippies. This place is famous for its landscape, snow capped mountains, scenic waterfalls, and many trekking routes. Kasol has a numbers of charming cafes and budget friendly stay options. Must visit places include Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib, Thakar Kuan, Kheer Ganga Peak, Raghunath Mandir.

Dharamshala and Mcleodganj, Himachal pradesh. Mcleodganj, home of Dalai Lama is 9 km away from Dharamshala which is a preferred tourist location and is famous for Tibetan institutions, Buddhist monasteries, culture and art and craft. Must Visit Places in Mcleodganj are Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan Museum, Tsuglagkhang and the museum.

Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. Top sightseeing spots: Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose, Law’s Falls, The Taj Garden Retreat, Sim’s Park and the shopping markets.

Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh. It’s a great year round holiday destination but again it looks more stunning in winters when the entire town is covered by white sheet. There are numbers of mountains, cascading waterfalls, lakes, lush pine, oak tree with so many beautiful flowers

Coorg, Karnataka. It is a well-known for its aromatic coffee, delicious food and plentiful wildlife. Namdroling Monastery, Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Iruppu Falls, Nagarahole Wild Life Sanctuary, Madikeri, Talakaveri etc, these are some famous place to visit.

Munnar, Kerala. Famous for its Tea and spice plantations. Birdwatching at Thekkady Bird Sanctuary, wildlife spotting at Eravikulam National Park, enjoy mountain biking at Anamudi Shola.

Darjeeling, West Bengal Visit a tea estate, take a toy train ride through the Batasia Loop and War Memorial, watch the spectacular Khangchendzonga from the Tiger Hill

Ooty, Tamil Nadu Ooty is amongst the best hill stations in south India. It is popular for those who seek the beauty of nature and relax. Explore the cozy cottages and go for trekking along the plantation sites for breathtaking views.

“India is a cradle of art and culture”

The Indian Culture is known to be the most versatile culture in the world. From the ethical values of our heritage, the social norms, many traditional customs in the country, Various belief systems present in each family to a state to a country as a whole, different political parties, beautiful artifacts and the present technology that have originated in or the country is associated with in the Indian land or subcontinent. The term which also applies and is used beyond our motherland India to countries and different cultures whose histories are considered to be strongly connected to India’s by its immigration phase, their colonization, or its influence. Indian culture has often been labelled and is popularly known as a combination of numerous cultures, and has been influenced by a history that is many millennials old, beginning from the Indus Valley Civilization.  Many elements of the Indian culture can be identified in the country and it proudly take prides in contributing in various mathematics, religions, philosophy of the world, different cuisines, various languages that are present (many words from English are influenced by Sanskrit, which is considered to be the oldest language in the entire human existence), its art which included dance, music, movies, sculptures, various art items and this has made a huge impact in the world.

Unique Customs And Traditions Of Indian Culture - IndianMirror Magazine

India is considered to have a long romance with the form of art which is the art of dance. The Hindu language  Sanskrit has texts like Nātyaśāstra which is Science of Dance and also Abhinaya Darpana which is the Mirror of Gesture. The Indian artform of dance is known to be taught in these ancient books and this is present in the country, according to Ragini Devi, who is an Indian classical dancer states that it is considered to be the expression of one’s inner beauty and the divine in a man. It is a deliberate form of art, nothing in this form of art is left to a chance, each gesture in dance seeks to communicate the ideas of an individual, each facial expression is the artist’s emotions which makes it personal and valuable for the viewers as everyone has a different way to approach art and that is the beauty of the dance forms and other forms of art in the country. In the Indian culture it’s drama and theatre has had a long history alongside its dance and music. Many plays which are performed by Indian artists are recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece. One of the most renowned pieces of art in the country is its cave paintings from Ellora to Ajanta to Bagh and Sittanavasal there are a plethora of paintings and sculptures which are enough to testify the love of art, history and culture which is present in the country. 

International day of Tropics

The serenity of the lulling ocean is a wondrous thing to behold..more precious than the gems coveted and covered in platinum or gold…

Oksana Rus

Introduction

International day of Tropics is observed every year on June 29th . This day is celebrated to highlight the different challenges and opportunities faced by the nation as well as by the people who lived in tropical areas .

Firstly , you want to know about things like :

What are tropics ?

Why we celebrate international day of Tropics ?

Or

Is it worth it to talk about these things and is it really important ?

Well hold your horses and try to calm .

What is tropic day and why we celebrate it ?

Well a tropic day is celebrated to highlight the importance of Tropics , it signifies extraordinary and astounding diversity of tropical nations .

The Tropic defined as a area /region between tropic of Cancer and tropic of Capricorn . The day aim at promoting tropical regions and awareness to the people about the diversity of these regions .

While these regions go through little seasonal changes on day to day basis because of some factors like tomography , climatic variation that causes changes in temperature and make these regions warm.

This day introduced to the world when in June 29th , 2014 twelve leading tropical research institutes come together and collaborate. The inaugural state of the Tropics report was launched . The report offers some unique perspective for the increasing the importance of these regions .

United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/70/267 in 2016, which declared that 29 June of each year is to be observed as the International Day of the Tropics.

The International day of Tropics briefly explained the issues affecting the tropical zone’s all over the world. To raise awareness and important role the countries played to Sustainable goals .

International day of Tropics 2021

As per the state tropics report the theme of this year is “ THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN THE TROPICS ”

With the record of sustainable development goals as well as developmental scope . The biodiversity of these regions are maximum and its loss is also greater there. Tropical regions comprise 98% world’s mangrove forests, and around 99% mangrove species.

Due to the subpolar zone the Sun is directly overhead which is one of the region of extinction of flora and fauna in the Tropics. The region is subjected to myriad and need immediate attention to ensure sustainable development.

More than 50% of renewable water resource could be founded their. But the threat lies which causes eviction of lives in the Tropics.

Importance :

Due to the problems it’s our duty as a human being to spread awareness about the implications in climate changes , deforestation , urbanization , global warming effect the biodiversity and lives in Tropics.

The International day of Tropics organize many events in which people share their stories , events and lives in these areas and formulate strategies to ensure the development of such regions .

You who sacrifice fortunes to see the luxuriance of the tropics or the polar lights of the arctic, must pay more dearly to see the One for whom the luxuriance of the tropics is poverty and the polar lights are a tallow candle.

Nikolaj Velimirović, Prayers by the Lake

Link:

TERRACOTTA- LET’S COLLECT KNOWLEDGE ABOUT IT

Sparkle of Terracotta

TERRACOTTA- AN UNIQUE STYLE OF ART

According to the dictionary the Terracotta art means hard,fired clay,brownish in colour when unglazed which is used to make architectural ornaments and facings, structural units, pottery and as a material for sculpture. The word ‘Terracotta’ came from Latin word ‘Terra-cotta’ and in Italian language Terrakotta means ‘baked-earth’.  

 Basically Terracotta is a type of earthenware or Ceramic pottery. At 1st we should have enough knowledge about earthenware. Earthenware is glazed or unglazed non-vitreous pottery which is made on fire below 1,200°C (2,190°F). So what do you say ? ‘baked-earth’ makes sense right? 

Normally Terracotta is used for sculpture making. But not only for sculpture but also for flower vas, doll,pot,water pipes, bricks,roofing tiles etc. Even there are also many temples of Terracotta. It is too flexible material for sculpture.Terracotta is usually a fairly coarse, porous type of clay. At first it has to be shaped then fired until hard. In the past, it was left to harden in the hot sun ,after that it was baked in primitive ovens. Ultimately, it was fired (at about 1000°C) in a special oven, kilns. After baking the clay became a brownish colour. Until it was glazed it was not watertight.terracotta is too simple than other bronze or other material work. 

It was 1st used in Prehistoric art according to Venus of Dolni Vestonice (26,000-24,000 BCE) which was found buried in a layer of ash in Moravia at a paleolithic encampment. Some famous Terracotta figures are- The Thinker of Cernavoda(5000 BCE), The Enthroned Goddess Figurine(6000 BCE).Bronze and Iron Age artists kept the culture of the terracotta tradition, like the female fertility cult figures unearthed at Mohenjo-daro in Pakistan (3000-1500 BCE), and The Burney Relief (1950 BCE) from Ancient Mesopotamia. On the other hand we must say Chinese art created the biggest example of Terracotta art, those are-The Terracotta Army (246-208 BCE). Around the Mediterranean,such as early Egyptian, Minoan, Mycenaean, Greek and Etruscan cultures, employed terracotta for figurative works – such as the Tanagra Figurines from Boeotia in central Greece – besides  decorative art and architectural ornamentation.Particularly in the era of Hellenistic art (323-30 BCE) it was widely used by sculptors. It was also used in Early Christian art, for tomb reliefs (from c.200 CE). Terracotta is also famous in African sculpture, pre-Columbian art.

In India Terracotta is famous in the same way as in the past. In India Terracotta is a heritage culture. It is very common that there are many things of terracotta at most homes in India. ‘Bishnupur’ in West Bengal is a great source of Terracotta sculptures or other things. Murshidabad, Birbhum, Jessore, Digha (all are in West Bengal)  are also the treasure of Terracotta. There are also famous in Rajasthan, Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir etc.    

Man who never witnessed defeat

Have you ever lost in any sports, fight, or even a bet? Many of us have. Defeat is something that every man encounters at least once in their life yet not in the situation of Peshwa Bajirao. Incredible Peshwa Bajirao! At an exceptionally youthful age like 12, he went to the battlefield for the first time and since then he never witnessed defeat. He fought over 41 battles in his military career and defeated Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah of Hyderabad who is considered as his most prominent foe. There is no doubt in the fact that he is considered the best Indian cavalry general. He was truly a God-sent blessing to the Maratha Empire in the 18th century.

His personal life was as head as his career in the military. He married Mastani who is known to be his second spouse after Kashibai. He surely faced family resistance but it couldn’t stop him from marrying her. Therefore it is very clear that he didn’t lose his battles, not his love but unfortunately, he couldn’t survive a virulent fever and died at the age of 40. The history of the Maratha Empire would be a lot different if we could see him win more battles.

A society that can breach the stereotype in India .

I never feel confined by gender, by labels, by expectations, by stereotypes. I’m free to be myself.

Princess Nokia

Introduction

During the last two decades it is said that to be a women is the most precious gift a human can have . To be able to give birth to another human being that lives inside precisely 9 months at most .

But their is another dispute that a women can only be a insider . That can fulfill the needs of the dominant society.

Isn’t these two statements are contradictory. In first one a women is a precious gift and in another she can only fullfill one’s needs but only in four walls .

Aren’t they human or a thing that can only live under the roof of men for living ?

Women have always played an important role in the society . Even in the ancient times , they were considered as an equal with the men . So what change , the air , the water , the life style or the mindset . We can also say that the stereotype mindset in society .

Years and years before people grew their ego and think about their individual benefits. Women lead life with virtue , wisdom and respect .

When it start

It was all not same as it was now , their were times when women rule the nation . But due to the foreign invasion , women suffer immensely . At the mediaeval times , women came to be confined within the four walls of the house .

Mediaeval period also known as ‘DARK AGE ‘ as very few women’s were found to be a ruler at that period . It was the period when women brought to the deeds where they made to be inferior to men .

They were raped and brutally killed by the demons who think they can dominate them .

Rani Padmavati, Jodha Bai, Gulbadan Begum, Nurjahan, Jahan Ara , Mumtaj Mahal, Razia Sultan , Jija Bai are some of the women who fought for their right , safety , people , family and love also saved many .

“And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.”

– Mark Anthony

Modern era

It’s a century of love , reliability , equality and most important individuality .

Then why women are always compared to the men . Why they questioned when they are innocent . ( Well not all are innocent and victim , just for those who are ) .

I do believe that men and women are different . Their differences doesn’t make them weak . It’s just a perspective and view of people that make them vulnerable .

But do women care , it’s their own life not to say that anyone means ANYONE can come and stamp their ‘so called ’ rules on them . Not against the male gender but to those who think they can dominate and lock them in four walls .

Not to say, if women lock men in four wall room . So what will happen to them . Umm. Let’s think , they run like a horse at the time when the room unlocked .

If OJO -MOJO can’t stay in their rooms can’t OLLE do the same . Yes she can , also kick their humpy dumpy bum.

Let’s end the topic and eat some more . It’s a 21st century donot let someone walk on you , you can stand for yourself .

“Don’t let anyone speak for you, and don’t rely on others to fight for you.”

– Michelle Obama

This editorial is written under one’s perspective . Neither against any gender nor in favour .

YOGA-Indian heritage

Yoga’s roots began in India thousands of years ago. Yoga is one of the greatest achievements of Indian civilization, which has spread its influence far and wide.
The ancient seers used yoga as a means to explore the exterior and interior world and ultimately achieve the knowledge and wisdom of Vedas, shastras and Upanishads which have been passed down to the world. Yoga was evolved by the ancient Indian Rishis as a practical method for complete physical, mental and spiritual transformation of an individual. Different periods of Indian history can tell the origin of Yoga.
(i) Pre-Vedic period : The excavation of Mohenjodaro and Harappa in Indus Valley reveals that yoga was practiced in some forms during that period. The idols as well as statues which were found in excavation, are in various yogic postures. The language which was used in Indus Valley Civilization, is still unknown to us, but it is sure on the basis of idols that yoga was performed during that period.
(ii)Vedic period : Vedas refer to the oldest “portion of the sacred canon of Hinduism, they are four RIG, ATHARVA, SAMA and YAJUR. The word ‘Yunjate’ used in Rigveda gives the idea of the yoga for sense control. Some concepts of yoga are partially developed from Vedas.
(iii) Upnishads period : It is the upnishads, from which the later parts of Vedas provide the main foundation of Yoga teaching and philosophy known as Vedanta i.e., ‘Absolute reality’ or consciousness. The real basis of yoga can be found in upnishads. Pran and Nadis are discussed in upnishads along with the physiological effects.
(iv) Epic period : Around 6th century B.C. appeared two massive epics; the Ramayana written by Valmiki and the Mahabharata written by Vedavyasa. Various types of yogic practices were used during that period. Bhagavad Gita is perhaps the best known of all yogic scriptures.
(v) Sutra’s period : The backbone is furnished by Patanjali Yoga Sutra. He was rightly called the father of Yoga, who around 200 B.C, compiled, sythesized, modified, systematised and refined yoga in a metaphysical whole.
(vi) Smriti Period : Smrities were written till about 1000 A.D. During this period, of Smriti literature, we find various change in ideas, beliefs, worship and customs. Pranayam and other purification techniques used to occupy a significant place in every ritual of people.
(vii) Medieval Period : In this period, the two cults i.e., Natha cult and Bhakti cult were very famous. The literature of these cult shows that yoga was very popular in these cults. Hathayoga was evolved and became very famous in the Natha cult. The saints of these periods used to do various yogic practices.
(viii) Modem period: Swami Vivekananda made Yoga very popular and continued to spread its knowledge outside India also. Modern men have adopted this oldest science of life as a tool for keeping the systems of the body and mind in good health. Interest in Yoga is again at high pace with good reason. Yoga is the oldest form of personal development in the world, encompassing body, mind and spirit.
Yoga has its roots in the Indus Valley Civilization. The Vedas, Upanishads, the famous epics Ramayana and Mahabharata specially the Gita, Smrities, Yogasutra are authentic evidences of development of Yoga in ancient times. The seeds of yoga were sowed and developed in India and now it is spreading all over the world by Swami Ramdev ji.