Nalanda

Nalanda is an ancient city of early era of Hindu kings, founded in the 5th century AD. It is famous as the ancient seat of learning. The decline of Nalanda and its university is associated with the decline of Buddhism in India. When Hiuen Tsang travelled the length and breadth of India in the 7th century, he observed that his religion was in slow decay and even had ominous premonitions of Nalanda's forthcoming demise. Buddhism had steadily lost popularity with the laity and thrived, thanks to royal patronage, only in the monasteries of Bihar and Bengal. By the time of the Pala Dynasty, the traditional Mahayana Buddhism and Hinayana Buddhism forms of Buddhism were imbued with Tantric practices involving secret rituals and magic. The rise of Hindu philosophies in the subcontinent and the waning of the Buddhist Pala dynasty after the 11th century meant that Buddhism was hemmed in on multiple fronts, political, philosophical and moral. The final blow of Nalanda University was delivered when its still-flourishing monasteries, the last visible symbols of its existence in India, were overrun during the Muslim invasion that swept across Northern India at the turn of the 13th century.  

History of Nalanda
Hieun Tsang stayed here in the 7th century AD and left detailed description of the excellence of education system and purity of monastic life practiced in Nalanda. He also gave a vivid account of both the ambiance and architecture of this unique university of ancient times. In this first residential international university of the world, 2,000 teachers and 10,000 monks students from all over Buddhist world lived and studied here. The Gupta kings patronized these monasteries, built in old Kushan architectural style, in a row of cells around a courtyard. Emperor Ashoka and Harshavardhana were some of its most celebrated patrons who built temples, monasteries and viharas here. Recent excavations have unearthed elaborate structures here. To know more read:

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Paheli, the Indian film

The Indian film, 'Paheli' is directed by Amol Palekar and is produced by Shah Rukh Khan's production house Red Chillies EntertainmentThe film 'Paheli' is a sort of fairy tale. The sandscape of rural Rajasthan, the vibrantly colorful dresses of its denizens, the rustic ambience, all of it transports the viewers into a mirage-like world. The director Amol Palekar has adopted a simple and thought provoking folktale onto celluloid for this unforgettable cinematic experience called 'Paheli'. This Indian film is a beautiful riddle that provides its own answer. It is the story of a woman who longs for love of her husband. It is the story of a ghost who reciprocates her love by assuming the form of her husband. This is based on the short story of Vijayadan Detha's 'Duvidha'. 

The Indian movie 'Paheli' tells the story of a wife played by Rani Mukerji who is left by her husband played by Shahrukh Khan. The wife is visited by a ghost, disguised as her husband, who is in love with her and takes her husband's place as well. 

The whole movie is recounted by two puppets. This is voiced by Naseeruddin Shah and his Ratna Pathak Shah. Lachchi played by Rani Mukerji is to be married to Kishen played by Shahrukh Khan. Kishen is the son of Bhanwarlal played by Anupam Kher. He is a rich businessman. Kishen is very much interested in making money. So he and his father decide that Kishen will go to other business and earn some more money. The day for his going is decided just after the wedding ceremony. On their first night, Kishen does not look to his wife. In the early morning he sets off on a business trip for five years. Lachchi is devastated and nothing to say to her husband. Gajrobai played by Juhi Chawla is her husband's sister-in-law. She consoles her and says that Gajrobai's husband played by Sunil Shetty has also disappeared. When Kishen is going to his business place one ghost see him going and decides to come Kishen's home in place of him. The very next day, that ghost comes. The ghost takes Kishen's shape and also his voice. Lachchi becomes happy and starts living a happy life with that ghost. She experiences her husband in a new way. The ghost says Kishen's father that someone will give a gold coin everyday and thus Bhanwarlal becomes happy and does not say a single word. The time goes on and after four years Lachchi becomes pregnant. Everyone is happy. On the other hand the real Kishen realizes that he needs to go to his house as because he misses his wife. He returns bak to his home. Kishen's family becomes confused and cannot identify the real Kishen as the ghost refuses to agree with the allegation. All the villagers decide to visit the king in order to find out the real Kishen. To know more read:

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Playing Card in India

Playing card in India is a popular sport. The history of playing cards dates back to 9th century China after the invention of paper although the exact origin is still not clear. According to some scholars its origin can be traced to the Middle East. Playing Cards came into India from Persia also. It is also known as "Ganjifa" Playing Cards was not known when the game arrived from Persia. They may have been acquired through trade in the Silk Road or brought by the Mongol conquerors in the 13th century. 

Origin of Playing Cards
The Indian origin of playing cards is traced from the resemblance of symbols on some early European cards like ring, sword, cup and baton depicted in the four hands of Indian statues. There is also conventional saying that the cards are being played in India since time immemorial and the Brahmins invented them. According to some historians, playing card in India was derived from the game chess.

The earlier days playing cards had a similarity to our modern cards. There were total 52 cards of four suits, which had swords, cups, coins and polo-sticks. It also had numerics from one to ten. It is near about in 1480, the modern day cards of spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs appeared first. 

Ganjifa and Playing Cards
Persian cards, known as "Ganjafa", have eight suits. The Mughal conquerors brought these cards to India in the early 16th century where they are called "Ganjifa". In India, current packs used for play have eight, ten, or twelve suits though as many as 32 suits once existed. The Indians also converted the original rectangular cards to circular ones. A card game is played by using playing cards which can be a piece of specifically designed heavy paper or thin card, decorated with particular motifs. To know more read:

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West Indian Dances

West Indian Dances are detailed and rich in style and its appearance is set in the traditional pattern. The folk dances of the western region, however, have their beginning in the rural village and at present, they are equal to the culture of the Indian masses. These regional dances of western India reflect a vast cultural diversity of the region and are considered to be the higher form of art.

The music, as well as dance of this region, is loaded with a field of various influences. The states lying in the western part of the country boasts of innumerable dance forms which have a mixture of the expressions of folk and tribal dance forms. Each dance form has a specialty of its particular region. Furthermore, the dance forms of the western region are lively and colourful.

Following are the Different West Indian Dances:

Dandiya Dance: Among the vibrant West Indian Dances, ‘Dandiya’ is one of the mesmerizing folk dances of Gujarat which has earned recognition from all over the country as well as abroad for its rhythmic tunes and captivating movements. The dance is known for its exciting flow of colours and brightness whereas the enriching illustration of the dance crowns it as one of the renowned dances of India.

Garba Dance: The Garba Dance is immensely popular in Gujarat. It is performed as an honour of Mother Divine, the goddess ‘Kali’ or ‘Durga’ who is sacred in Gujarat as ‘Amba Mata’ or ‘Mataji’. Garba Dance is basically a women’s dance but it is common in men also. It is performed at numerous favourable occasions and social events. 

Lezim Dance: ‘Lezim’ dance is presented during the ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ festival. The activities of ‘Lezim’ dance look like movements of martial art in source. A variety of formations are created in the dance. Sometimes this dance is accompanied by a ‘dhol’ (drum). To know more read:

http://www.indianetzone.com/40/west_indian_dances.htm

Basketball in India

Basketball in India began its journey during the first half of the twentieth century and is considered as one of the widely played sports in the country. 

Concept of Basketball
The term "Basketball" actually refers to the large round ball and the basket, used in this game. Basketball in India is played in most of the high schools, colleges and universities and especially the younger generation like to lay this game. India is one of those first few countries in the history of Basketball that adopted the game, within a few years of its inception. This is actually a ball game where two teams consisting of five players each, play against each other. This fast-paced game requires a great quality of fitness and athleticism on behalf of the players. Invested by the famous Athletic Director from Canada, Dr. James Naismith, Basketball is played on a court with standard dimensions. The teams can earn points only by shooting a round inflated ball through a raised metal hoop and net at the opponent's end of the court. 

History of Basket Ball
Basketball in India started its journey in 1930 when it was played for the first time. The first Indian National Championship for men was conducted in the year 1934 in New Delhi. The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) controls the game in India and was formed in the year 1950. Throughout history, Indians learned to appreciate the game because of its fast scoring and intense activity from the beginning until the end. Nowadays, it is considered as one of the widely played sports in India. India is one those first few countries in the history of basketball that adopted the game within a few years of its inception and its teams actually consisted of five players on the court. To know more read:

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Nature Tourism in Odisha

Nature Tourism in Odisha is just like a peaceful swim enjoying the warmth of the sun to a tourist. Visiting the famous Puri beach here is also a priority. In the west end of town, along Marine Parade, the atmosphere is more akin to a British Victorian holiday resort, with a row of hotels looking across the parade to the beach. This stretch is very much the domain of the domestic tourist industry. It is an agreeable place to stroll and becomes highly animated after sunset when the nightly souvenir market gets going. Local fishermen patrol the beach as lifeguards; recognizable by their triangular straw hats and dhotis, they wade with their punters into the surf and literally hold their hands to keep them on their feet. 

Konark Beach
Konark has its own beach near the Konark Temple and is 3 km down the Puri road. It was once picturesque but remains thoroughly windswept and forlorn following the impact of the 1999 cyclone in October. Although far from ideal for swimming or sunbathing, it is still a good place to wander in the evening or watch the local fishing fleet at work. 

Gopalpur On Sea
Gopalpur, formerly the ancient port of Paloura, must have been a swinging place. a visit here will enable the travellers to undiscovered beach paradise, and the armies of industrious fishermen (katias) hauling in hand nets on Gopalpur's endless empty shoreline, dressed in traditional pointy straw bonnets. Moreover for those who are looking forward to unwind and enjoy the warm sea breezes, this is as appealing a place as any. Since it is tucked away from the usual beach crowd it is truly the right place to spend the leisurely hours. This tourist place can be accessed through the town of Berhampur, which lies on the main coastal highway and train line. From Berhampur, frequent minibuses and jeeps depart from the central bus stand for the 16-kilometer trip. To know more read:

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Kurmasana

Kurmasana is a somewhat advanced yoga posture that putatively prepares the aspirant for Pratyahara, a higher stage in Yoga practice.  First mentioned in the Ahirbhudnya Samhita (200 BC), there has been a Yogic pose termed Kurmasana for at least 2000 years, although its description has demonstrably changed significantly. The asana in its present state is highly beneficial to the spine and the abdominal organs. 

Meaning of Kurmasana 
Kurma means tortoise in Sanskrit, although in this context it refers to the second avatar of Vishnu who took the form of a gigantic tortoise to help the Devas and Asuras churn nectar from the ocean, using a mountain as the churning stick and the celestial serpent Vasuki for rope. 

Yoga Texts and Kurmasana
The asana was first described in the Ahirbhudnya Samhita (200 BC) and was thenceforth described only in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (1400 AD). The Hatha Yoga Pradipika's description of the Kurmasana differs significantly from the contemporary pose; that involves bending forward and touching the ground with your forehead. 

Effects of Kurmasana
The Kurmasana is considered sacred to the Yogi as it resembles an avatar of Vishnu. It is reputed to prepare the yogi for Pratyahara, a higher stage in yoga practice. The whole spine is stretched forward in a lengthening state. The abdominal organs automatically receive an internal massage. The circulation to the hip joints is increased. This forward bend allows the head, neck and shoulders to relax. 

Precautions in practice of Kurmasana
Always work within your own capacity. Never move in a painful manner or overexert yourself trying to reach the ground. Never over strain, inhale and exhale normally as you hold the final pose.

This posture emphasizes the need for the slow development of all asanas if they are to be experienced in depth. The slowness as symbolized by the tortoise should be the guiding principle in performing this asana. To know more read:

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Matsyasana

Matsyasana is a cultural asana mentioned in several noted Hatha Yogic texts, wherein the practitioner assumes a pose suggestive of floating like a fish. 

Meaning of Matsyasana 
Matsya means fish in Sanskrit. Unlike other asanas which are named after the resemblance of the body to a particular creature during the final position of the asana, the body does not resemble a fish during this asana. The asana is suggestive of the quality of floating like a fish - a state of mind and body induced by assuming this posture. 

Yoga Texts and Matsyasana 

Matsyasana has been mentioned or described in various classical yoga texts. It was first mentioned in the Brihan Naradiya Purana, a Puranic text compiled around 850 AD. It was latermentioned intermittendly in various Puranic texts until being described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (1400 AD), the foundatinal text of Hatha Yoga. It was described regularly in the Yoga Upanishads (1400 AD) and in later texts like the Gherand Samhita and the Shri Tattva Nidhi. In sum, Matsyasana has had an unusually long history, and is hence a major yoga asana.

Practice of Matsyasana: 
* Sit in Padmasana and slowly take the help of the elbows to lie down on the back. Then slowly lie on the back completely.
* Now with the help of elbows or palms bend the head backward and place middle of the head on the ground.
* Catch hold of the toes with the index fingers and place the elbows on the ground.
* While returning to original position, release the toes and taking the help of the hands straighten the head.
* Now taking the help of elbow sit in Padmasana. To know more read:

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History of Mud Therapy

Mud is supposed to be one of the best remedies for ailments and thus used as a means of alternative medicines. It relieves the body from internal congestion and enhances blood circulation. It is also used in cosmetology as it contains natural moistures.

The use of earth for remedial purposes was very common in ancient time as well medieval ages. In modern times the Mud Therapy again came into practice as a valuable therapeutic agent.  Emanuel Felke, a German therapist tried to restore the Mud Therapy and was nicknamed as 'Clay Pastor'. Adolph Just was one of the pioneers of natural cure believed that all diseases will be cured if sleeping and lying on earth at night can be made customary. 

During seventeenth to nineteenth century mud therapy became popular in Europe. The treatment for chronic illness was made with mineral waters and mudpacks of different temperatures and compositions. Several experiments were conducted to determine the optimal frequency, temperature and duration of applications and the curative process by Mud Therapy remained always been a mystery to all. 

During the second half of the twentieth century pharmacology developed which gave the idea of Mud Therapy to considered within alternative medicine. In addition to this the present popular revolt against the synthetic medicinal treatment and more demand for natural way of health and wellness aids in reviving the concept of spa treatment. This was more enhanced, as in certain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis no effective synthetic treatments were available. Recently the research by Italian scientists revealed that the treatment with thermal mud from hot spring or fango therapy included the correction of sulphur and nitrogen oxide levels in the cartilage of arthritic patients through improvement of circulation and exchange of necessary materials between fango and the human body. To know more read:

http://www.indianetzone.com/16/history_mud_therapy.htm

Indian Reality Shows

Indian reality shows are the trump cards of the producers of the television industry, which are a welcome break from the monotony experienced by the regular television viewers, who are bored of the melodramatic television soaps and serials. From the urge for something new the idea of reality shows sprang up. Simultaneously they generate good revenues for television industry and create a very good platform for thousands who want to achieve great things in their field of interests. The popularity of the Indian reality shows lies in the fact that these are short termed yet these present the perfect dose of entertainment. The characters that are part of the Indian reality shows are for real. As a result it becomes easy for the audiences to relate to the participants.

The Indian reality shows flourished itself in various fields such as singing, dancing, comedy, quiz, modelling, hard core stunts and many other talents. The exciting amount of prize which has hardly been assumed by the common people made a marked difference in the popularity of the Indian reality shows. The presence of popular celebrities has also contributed in raising interest of the common mass. 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', 'Amul Star Voice of India', 'Boogie Woogie', 'Big Boss', 'Comedy Circus', 'Dadagiri Unlimited', 'Dance Bangla Dance', 'Emotional Atyachar', 'Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi', 'Indian Idol', 'Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?', 'MasterChef India', 'MTV Roadies', 'Sacch ka Saamna', 'Satyamev Jayate' are some of the numerable Indian television reality shows. 

The Indian reality shows make the most of the emotional quotient of the viewers. However, not all the shows have been equally successful. Whilst some of the Indian reality shows achieved unprecedented success, others were rejected by the viewers despite being hosted by the celebrities. Another reason for the popularity of the reality shows is that these are the only alternatives to the melodramatic daily soaps. Moreover they are more believable than the episodes of the daily soaps which have somehow reached a saturation point. The Indian reality shows have also been consistently successful in offering a wide variety. To know more read:

http://www.indianetzone.com/39/indian_reality_shows.htm

Tappa, Indian music

Tappa, understood to have been the staple diction of the erstwhile camel drivers, has since come to a ripened age, by being nurtured in the hands of some of the legendary masters in this genre. The word Tappa stands for jumping, bouncing and skipping, implying the extraordinary rule of unremitting attempts made by a singer on the musical notes, not stopping or taking a pause for once. This outstanding formation is unique to tappa only, absent in the other Hindustani classical forms. It is thus composed of rhythmic and rapid notes, and such a style calls for immense and extreme hold over the singing diction. A contrary to which can damage the whole recital. Tappa is very unlike khayal rendition, crisp and highly volatile in its nature. And the few exponents like Ghulam Nabi, Pt. Bholanath Bhatt or Girija Devi have thus become legends in their own right.

It is usually held that tappa is derived from the songs and tunes sung by the camel drivers of North West Punjab. These songs were composed in Punjabi and Pusthu and, like thumri, were amatory in spirit. The word tappa is derived from the root word tap, which means to 'jump', 'bounce', or 'rebound' in the manner of a bouncing ball.

The form itself, with its rapid movements, gives the impression of a briskly hopping ball. Singers attempt to capture these rapid rhythms by hopping from one note to the next, without respite. The song-text is very short and not as elaborately structured as a khayal or a thumri. Singers render it crisply and concisely. One of its most striking features is the singer's use of an unrelenting cascade of jumpy and zig-zag taans called zamzama. Being a highly unpredictable style, the singer cannot, and should not, rest on any of the notes the way khayal and thumri singers do. He or she has to persistently hop from one note to the next improvising as he or she goes along using varieties of taans, which are not used in khayal. Unnecessary to say, this breathless form demands a great mastery over melodic and rhythmic aspects, as the singer has to improvise continually.  To know more read:

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Types of Playing Cards

Types of playing cards in India vary with multiple rounds and tricks of play. Each of the players plays a single card from hand, and based on the value of the card played, one player wins or takes the trick. There are specific objects to each game and includes taking as many tricks as possible, and also taking as many scoring cards within the tricks won as possible. Bridge, Whist, Euchre, Spades, and the various Tarot card games are popular examples. 

Matching Games
The main idea of matching games, melding or Rummy is to acquire the required groups of matching cards before an opponent can do so. In matching game this done through discarding and drawing, and the groups are known as melds. Mahjong is a more or less same that is played with tiles instead of cards. Non-Rummy examples of match-type games generally fall into the "fishing" genre and include the children's games Go Fish and Old Maid.

Shedding Games
In this type of card game players begin with hand of cards and the objective of the game is to be the first player to discard all cards from one's hand. Some matching-type games are also shedding-type games; some variants of Rummy such as Phase 10 and Rummikub, as well as the children's game Old Maid, fall into both categories. 

Fishing Games
In this type of game the cards from hand are actually played against cards in a layout on the table, thus capturing table cards if they match. Fishing games are famous in many nations. Scopa is considered as the national game of Italy and Cassino is the only fishing game to be extensively played in English speaking counties. To know more read:

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Ingredients of Indian Food

Ingredients play a vital role in Indian food as the aroma of the spices and herbs creates miracle when mixed in a common dish. Playing with the ingredients makes the Indian food special because the perfect blend of proper ingredients enhances the taste and add colour to the food. 

The foods of four major religions that originated and are practiced in India are Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. The Muslim religion is also referred to as one of the Indian religions because it was brought to India nine hundred years ago and has since spread over the entire country, with sixty five million followers. The other religions include Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism. Each of these groups has its own code and methods of cooking and eating. India has derived its unique technique of cooking food by developing and incorporating the styles of different countries and races that include Mughals and Persian traditions. Accordingly Indian food has included the ingredients of the food habits of these races. With the passage of time several local herbs and spices found their way into these dishes, thus, giving rise to the distinct new style of cooking known as Mughal cooking. 

The role of spices and herbs goes far beyond pleasing the palate and soothing the senses. They have medicinal properties that were known to the ancient Indians. Ayurvedic scripts in the three-thousand-year-old Holy Hindu Scriptures on herbal medicine list the preventive and curative powers of various spices, herbs and roots in the treatment of common physical ailments. Over many centuries, specific spices were traditionally added to, and thus came to be associated with, certain Indian dishes. Asafetida and ginger root are known to counteract flatulence and colic, so they are added to lentil preparations as a matter of course. Some spices are excellent stimulants of the digestive system, which has a tendency to become sluggish with lack of physical activity. To know more read:

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Tourism in Kelshi

Tourism of Kelshi in Maharashtra deals with the temples and the mosques like Mahalakshmi temple, Utambar hill and Yaqub Baba Darga. There are also few nature tourism spots like the fortification in the lap of nature, Utambar hill, which meets to the Arabina Sea. There lies another prominent tourist attraction in this region is Kelshi Beach. A visit to Kelshi in monsoon is worthwhile.  Kelshi is the place of perfect weekend in Maharashtra. A trip to Kelshi is a perfect weekend getaway from Pune, Maharashtra to the rustic charm of Konkan Coastal region and its serenity. If one wants to taste the rural life in Konkan, Kelshi is the ideal getaway for him. Kelshi is the place of religious significance, beside it has a long history of medieval era. Kelshi Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Dapoli region of Maharashtra, which is not far away from Mumbai, the Capital city of Maharashtra.

Kelshi Beach is located just outside the Kelshi village. It is the lovely beach, which stretches for 2.5 kilometres. The sunsets in Kelshi Beach are lauded to be spectacular. Kelshi has a long, scenic, unexplored beach. Kelshi Beach is calm and peaceful Beach. The beach in Kelshi is about three kilometres in length. This is ideal for people looking for a break from the maddening city crowds of Mumbai and Pune. Along the coast of Kelshi are thick woods and groves of Kevda and Cyprus, coconut and betel nut. A walk on this beautiful beach listening to the ocean waves is really refreshing. It has an endless treasure of conches, shells and cowries. The large black rocks near the place where the Utambar hill meets the sea are a great place to sit and enjoy the Arabian Sea. To know more read:

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Wrestling in India, Indian Traditional Sport

Wrestling in India is said to be amongst the most ancient sports whose past is enriched with glory. Wrestling in modern India is concentrated in the Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Haryana. The game of wrestling commenced its journey in India several centuries ago, during the middles ages. Even in the Olympic Games, wrestling is considered to be one of the most significant games. In 708 BC, this game was included in the Olympics. Sakshi Malik, Sushil Kumar Solanki, Udey Chand, Satender Dagar, Gobar Guha, Jatindra Charan Goho, Ambika Charan Guha, Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, Yogeshwar Dutt, Ghulam Muhammad, Dara Singh and Geeta Phogat are considered as the all time famous and popular wrestlers in India from Independence.  In India, wrestling is also known as 'Malla-Yudhha'. Some forms of Mallayuddha were practiced in India even before the invasion of the Aryans. The famousIndian epic, Mahabharata has numerous references of the game of wrestling in the country. Bhima, an important character in Mahabharata is believed to be a great wrestler. Karna, Jarasandha and Duryodhana were the other great wrestlers mentioned in this epic. Ramayana has also asserted about the activity of wrestling and Hanuman has been described as a talented wrestler here. Malla Purana, which dates back to the thirteenth century mentions about a group of Gujarati Brahmin wrestlers who were known as 'Jyesthimallas'. Wrestling in India, during the ancient times, used to get regular patronage from the emperors and kings of the nation. The kings of pre-independent India nurtured wrestling to a large extent. During the British rule, wrestling in India got another big push, as the British rulers included the game into the military practise. The British military armies, including Indian soldiers got attracted to wrestling, very much. Wrestling in India continued to increase its popularity till the modern days and India was considered among the top 10 countries in wrestling till the 1960s. India also hosted the World Wrestling Championship in New Delhi in 1967.

Wrestling in India can be divided into two main categories like 'Malla Krida' and 'Malla-Yuddha'. While Malla Krida is the sports form of the game, Malla-Yuddha is the battle version of wrestling. To know more read:

http://www.indianetzone.com/20/wrestling_india.htm

Tourism In Manipur

Manipur is a captivating state lying in the northeastern state. It is hailed as the land of Manipuri Dance, Phug Cholom and rich culture. The state of Manipur is protected by hills and mountains. The bracing climate lures travelers from all over the world to this part of India. The state of Manipur is one of the seven northeastern states in India. The places of tourist attraction in Manipur are the religious centers, the beautiful lakes, national parks, monuments and scenic hill station. 

The Keibul Lamjao National Park is one of its major tourist attractions. Located near the capital city of Imphal, this is a must visit tourist spot of Manipur. The sight of rare animals and birds is a delight for the nature lovers. Spread over forty square kilometers of wetland, the Keibul Lamjao National Park is debatably the world's only floating sanctuary. Apart from the foliage and topography the park consists of the Loktak Lake, which is the biggest freshwater lake in India. The star appeal, of the park is the browantlered deer. This is a breed of the Thamin deer. Because of its fragile way of walking it is also affectionately called Manipur's dancing deer. Other species of deer seen here comprise the hog deer, sambar and muntjac. Various birds such as the Waterfowl, the Hooded Crane, the Black Eagle and the Shaheen Falcon are found here . The major fresh water lake of Manipur is the Loktak Lake which is also well known by the name of 'Floating Lake' as it one of the exceptional lakes in the world which have the Phundies or floating islands on it. Tourists visiting the lake can also go for the nearby attraction which is the ancient temple of the pre-Hindu deity, Lord Thangjing, located in the Moirang. The Zoological gardens in Manipur is a prime attraction of the place. Flocks of vacationers stopover in the Zoological Gardens to see the diverse species of animals and birds that are kept there. The Zoological Gardens in Manipur is a well-maintained garden that is located at a distance of about six kilometers from Imphal in Manipur in India. A trip to the Zoological Gardens is actually a pleasant expedition for family and friends. The Khonghampat Orchidarium in Manipur is a nature lover's delight. The comforting fragrance of the flowers and wide-ranging colours refreshes the mind and spirit of the tourists. More than hundred and ten varieties of orchids, including quite a few rare species, are grown here. To know more read:

http://www.indianetzone.com/25/manipur_tourism.htm

Indo-European Mythical Medicine, Primitive Medicinal Practices in India

Indo-European medicine is a mythical, social and religious phenomenon. The Indo-European mythical medicine may be categorized as follows:  1. Aso Bhesaza: ‘Vedic rta’, the property of Varuna. Varunaic prayer healing was indicated inflictions by the magical sovereign in reprisal for healers of cosmic and religious order. 2. Dato Bhesaza: ‘Vedic Dhaman’, the law of Mitra-Varuna. Mitraic Aryamanic healing by the legalistic sovereign in establishments of rituals of cure. 3. Karto Bhesaza: ‘Vedic Shastra’, connected with metal (surgery). Rudraic healing of violent afflictions like epidemics and warfare. 4. Urbaro Bhesaza: ‘Amrtat’ (ambrosia) connected with plants and vegetations. Urbaro healing with herbs and vegetable liquids. 5. Mathro Bhesaza: Medical spells of magic character, i.e., psychological medicine. Mathro healing by way of psychotherapy and suggestions. Old Iranian Medical specialists are listed as the one who heals by "Aso Bhesaza", the one who heals by the law or "Dato Bhesaza", the one who heals with herbs "Urbaro Bhesaza" and the one who heals with spells "Mathro Bhesaza". There has been a very close parallelism in the methods of Greek medical practice similar to the above. A Vedic comparison is added where Asvins are said to be the healers of the blind, the emaciated and the fractured. The list is taken to present the afflictions to which the spell, herb and surgical cures respectively apply.

The profound similarities between the physiological wind-doctrines of the early Ayurvedics like Sushruta, Charaka and Bhela and the Hippocratic Pneumatism of Periphuson, Perihiers nosou and Periphusics anthropou cannot be overlooked. To know more read:

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Tullal, Indian Dance Form

Tullal is a dance form of enacting a story through dance and music. This originated in the early eighteenth century at Ambalapuzha. This was a small principality on the coast of the erstwhile Travancore area in south Kerala.

It was invented by the trendsetting Malayalam poet Kunchan Nambiyar, who rendered his poetry based on epic themes in this newly formulated visual style. He belonged to the Nambiyar community, percussionists by profession, accompanying on the instrument called 'mizhavu'. This is the traditional presentation of Sanskrit plays known as Kuttu and Kutiyattam.  

There is an interesting story behind the origin of Tullal. During a performance the proficient Kunchan Nambiyar dozed off for a while and did not provide percussive support to the Chakkiyar actor. The Chakkiyar made fun of his behaviour with some whimsical remark. Nambiyar took offence and walked off. In protest against the Chakkiyar's comments, he dissociated from Kutiyattam and started contemplating a different art form. Thus the concept of Tullal comes. Leaving aside the question of credibility, the fact remains that Nambiyar made his art more meaningful and appealing to the common people. This has been done by introducing a new technique of storytelling. Nambiyar was an active participant in the elitist Sanskrit theatre. Apart from his own experience in Kuttu in which social criticism and satire are of prime importance, he delved deep into the popular form of Patayani. He combined this with indigenous narration, rhythms, dance, and costumes in the total art of Tullal. To know more read:

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Carved Diamond Crucifix

The Carved Diamond Crucifix, carved by the Late Mahendra Shah, is a unique and famous diamond sculpture. In fact it is one of the first sculptures to be carved out of black diamond. The beauty of the piece of diamond carving lies in the fact that it is handmade. Diamond is the hardest material and it is a difficult job to carve it into a sculpture. Thus, it is considered indeed an achievement for the artist who uses handmade tools to carve sculptures from such a material. Both patience and diligence are essential for this art. The carved diamond crucifix is of high aesthetic value as well. The Crucifix diamond sculpture marvellously portrays the agony and pain of Christ when he was crucified. 

Whilst discussing the carved diamond Crucifix, it would be interesting to note how it is actually sculpted. The process begins with measuring each and every small part with an electronic digital caliper on the original wooden crucifix. Another interesting fact is that Mahendra Shah designed his own instruments to carve the Crucifix Diamond Sculpture. Assuming 24.44mm:1mm as the conversion factor, all the dimensions were calculated. Thus the head to toe measurement that was 570mm in the wooden crucifix, measured to 23.31mm in the diamond carving. For example the 490mm dimension of head to ankle was converted into 20.04mm. Head to knee, head to thigh, head to waist, head to naval point, head to chest bones, head to chin, head to nose and height from raised hands to bottom stand were all meticulously altered for the diamond carving. There are factual details, too, of the chest width, waist width at navel point, knee width, thigh width, calf width, ankle width, palm width, elbow width, wrist width and the arm-pit width. To know more read:

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Patanjali Yoga Sutra

Patanjali Yoga Sutras is the ancient treasure narrating how to keep the body healthy. This yoga sutra is now one of the most acclaimed elements of everyday life.

"Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured".- Yoga is an art, a science and a philosophy that touches the life of man at every level, bodily, intellectually and spiritually. 

All yoga as practiced today is based on Yoga Sutras, a collection of aphorisms offered more than 2000 years ago by the Indian sage, Patanjali. Yoga Sutras by Maharshi Patanjali are known as the Patanjali Yoga Sutra and is the foundational text for Yoga. Historically, it is believed that Maharshi Patanjali may have lived in around 500 BC to 2000 BC and Patanjali has compiled mainly three subjects of Patanjali Yoga Sutras namely, grammar, medicine and yoga. Patanjali's three works together deal with man's development as a whole in thought, speech and action. 

Patanjali Yoga Sutra explains that the soul is pure and divine provided it is unblemished by action. Man may make or ruin his progress through good actions or bad action. Yogic action leads to religious life and non-yogic actions bind one to the world. With yogic practices the sadhaka is freed from the reactions of his actions and engrossed in Kaivalya. The Patanjali yoga sutra state, through proper practice one can radiate goodwill, friendliness and compassion. The four chapters or padas of the yoga sutras correspond to the four stages of life. The ultimate achievement of following the path of Patanjali yoga sutra is to experience the effortless, indivisible state of the prophet. To know more read:

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Sculpture in Mathura

Sculptural works in Mathura was already in an elevated position, with the thriving kingdom of the Guptas. The place was considered sophisticated, classical and developed with the elite residing there, with abundance of scholarly events in all spheres of life, including art, architecture, writing etc. Buddhist sculptures in Mathura tried to represent the religious aspects of faiths like Jainism, Brahmanism and of course Buddhism. The Mathura art forms, illustrating Buddhist sculpture, is however known to have been influenced by the early Indian art forms of Bharhut and Sanchi. The Gandhara art influence cannot also denied in this respect. Mathura based sculptural works are believed to have incorporated the various aspects of the old folk forms of Yaksha worship and thus paved the way to an enhanced and religious stylisation. The phenomenal Buddha sculptures, portraying a forward stance, are known to be among the best showcases, representing the skilled craftsmanship of the sculptors of Mathura. The archetypal characteristics evidencing the Mathura theme comprise the mannish built, broad shoulders, and rising of the right hand, suggests the abhyamudra. At its helm, Mathura School of Art was highlighted by penetratingly courteous features and streamlined body with refined impression through crystalline garbs, including a dissimilar hairstyle. 

In spite of an obviously incessant output, dated sculptures of the 3rd and 4th centuries were practically non-existent in Mathura as elsewhere. Kubera, with its Late Kubera, or a small standing yaksa face, with beautifies of a later date and a bulged chest, riding on over-rounded shoulders, resonant of Udayagiri, for certain belongs to the 3rd or early 4th centuries. So do also the Jain Tirthankaras, with dates in single or double digits, as well as the one in the State Museum, Lucknow. A seated Buddha with likewise unprocessed lions and conferrers on the foundation wears a Gandhara-styled robe, covering both shoulders. On one of the rings of the halo are the extensively and proportionately spaced rosettes, distinctive of the forthcoming century. To know more read:

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Female Diseases, Naturopathy

Female Diseases are the diseases concerning the reproductive organs and the related parts of a woman. Women of any age can be affected with these diseases but the general trend predicts that it is the middle aged women who suffer the most. Many of the female diseases have similar symptoms, so it is important to have a proper diagnosis before opting for a treatment. 

Hormonal imbalance is one of the major causes of most of the Female Diseases. Several hormones are produced by the ovary including estrogens, progesterone and testosterones. These help in coordinating the menstrual cycle during the reproductive years of a female. Imbalances in these hormones can give rise to many disorders. Although, hormone imbalance can affect at any age, they are likely to affect the most during puberty and menopause. Besides this, various microbial infections can also lead to various disorders, varying in severity. Disorders affecting the female reproductive organs are common, but many of them can be treated easily.

Female Diseases can be treated in the alternative medicines also to get long term effects. The ancient Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Homeopathic Therapies, Nutritional Therapies and in some cases Progesterone Therapy proves effective in dealing with these diseases.

Diet, vitamin and mineral supplementation, exercise and stress management are holistic approaches intended to help women regain their health and maintain overall wellbeing. Even Yoga can be helpful in reducing the acuity of the diseases. There are some effective medicines offered in Natural Therapy also to get relief from the diseases. To know more read:

http://www.indianetzone.com/37/female_diseases.htm

Concepts in Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is that branch of the Yogic Philosophy which deals with the health of the physical body and all that tends to keep it in its natural and normal state of health. It is a holistic yogic approach which includes moral disciplines as well as physical postures. It teaches a natural mode of living. It is also believed that Hatha Yoga is a stress reducing practice. Hatha Yoga is an important branch of philosophy, because it gives man a healthy body and a good instrument with which to work and a fitting temple for the Spirit. Hatha Yoga preaches a sane, natural, normal manner of living and life, which, if followed will benefit anyone. It keeps close to nature and returns to natural methods in preference to those which have grown up around us in our artificial habits of living. Hatha Yoga is devoted to this care of the physical body.

The word Hatha represents opposing energies. In fact it can be said that Hatha Yoga is an attempt to balance both mind and body with the help of physical postures or asanas. It includes purification processes, controlled breathing and calming and relaxing of the mind and the body.

The physical postures which are a part of Hatha Yoga include Hatha Yoga Asanas which gives poise, strength and balance to the physical as well as the mental existence of the body. It is said that as the body gains physical balance the mind gets prepared for the path of enlightenment. 

Relaxation in Hatha Yoga is basically avoiding the tense condition of the muscles in everyday life. With the practice of Hatha Yoga, a state of relaxation reacts upon the mind and the mind is able to regain its normal poise and repose. To know more read:

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Food in Mauryan Period, Food in Ancient India

Food in Mauryan Period largely depended on two seasons. While the winter season included rice and millet which formed a major part of the Maurya Empire, the summer season included wheat and barley. Along with this Kautilya mentions that there was a third crop that was cultivated between these two seasons. This included ‘Munga’ and ‘Masa’. With new crops it added to the stock of crops grown in Indian agriculture along with new food items. Overall this period too followed the same style of food habits which included cereals, pulses, dairy products, meat and beverages. 

ood in Mauryan Period differed from its predecessors in a very limited way when it introduced some more types of cereals which were popularly cultivated in ancient Mauryan Empire. In case of Rice along with the old varieties of rice namely Vrihi, Sali, Kodrava and Priyamgu, 2 new varieties of rice namely ‘Draka’ and ‘Varaka’ was introduced. Similarly 2 kinds of Barley was also introduce among which one was cultivated while the other was not cultivated but commonly used in preparing a mess, a gruel, groats and cakes. While Gruel was prepared with an inferior food grains; Groats were eaten with curds. Wheat occupied a more vital place among the cereals than in the previous period, it being invariably mentioned with barley. Besides the old pulses, pea was indeed popular. Soup was indeed popular and known a Patanjali. 

Food in Mauryan Period further included large variety of dairy products. Besides cow’s milk, milk of buffaloes, sheep and goat was also used. The Maurya Empire was equally habituated in taking meat products as Arthashastra lays down specific role of the Superintendent of Slaughter Houses. Along with meat, fresh fishes were taken as well as sweet of Maurya Empire included honey and product of Sugarcane which further included juice of sugarcane, guda, raw sugar, sugar-candy and refined sugar which were amiably popular.To know more read:

http://www.indianetzone.com/52/food_mauryan_period.htm

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Indian Photographers, Indian Photography

A photographer is a person who creates photographs, a person who takes photographs, especially one who practices photography professionally. A photographer's work may be limited to the existent shooting of the camera. A photograph therefore, can be the work of a single person or of a team. 

Since the 18th century, events and landscapes in India had been in a perceptive manner observed and documented by both Indian and European artists in paintings, drawings, aquatints and lithographs. During the 19th century, India was at the cutting edge of photographic development. Many of Photographic exhibitions included a wide range of attractive images, many of them have never been seen before in public. 

With the immense growth of technology, the immense growth in the arena of fashion photography, nature photography, street photography, wedding photography etc., Indian Photographers have made a remarkable achievement in the field of photography. 

In the recent era, the photographers can be categorized as: Abstract photographer, Advertising photographer, Aerial photographer, Architectural photographer, Art photographer, Digital photography, Documentary photographer, Ethnographic photographer, Fashion photographer, Food photographer, Industrial photographer, Interiors photographer, Landscape photographer, Portraitist, Scientific/technical photographer, Sports photographer, Street photographer, Night photographer, Astrophotography, Black and White photographer, Pinhole photographer, Travel photographer, Urban photographer, War photographer etc. 

  Homai Vyarawalla - Homai started freelancing for the Illustrated Weekly of India and its editor Stanley Jepson used to give her weekly assignments. In the early days for a fragile woman like Homai taking photographs in field situations was not easy. Her large-format Speed Graphic camera had a composite wood, steel and aluminum chassis, which used to weigh more than six pounds.To know more read:

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Ananda Shankar Jayant , Indian Dancer

" Dance to me has always been the manifest expression of the unmanifest impression. Yes, dance is not some rarefied, exotic activity, far removed from the perceivable. It is that act, consciously performed, which is a manifestation of the inner self endeavoring to shatter through screens of illusion to touch 'reality'". The illustrious Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dancer, Ananda Shankar Jayant have said this. For her dance has always been 'just the reason to be; a way to touch eternity'. She has never looked into dance as a hobby or a pastime, or even a career. In the true guru-sishya parampara, she has been trained at the feet of Rukmini Devi Arundale at Kalakshetra. In her six years at Kalakshetra, she mastered in Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, Veena, Choreography, Nattuvangam, Philosophy. Later on she has also learnt Kuchipudi from Pasumarthy Ramalinga Sastry.

Ananda Shankar Jayant is regarded as a 'top' grade artiste of Doordarshan. ICCR has empanelled her name in the list of 'established' artiste. She has also performed in major festivals in India and abroad. In major festivals, she has been invited to perform Kuchipudi such as Khajuraho, Bhagyachandra Dance Festival, Imphal etc.

Dr. Ananda is an everlasting artiste coalescing the skills of a performing artiste, teacher, choreographer and researcher, which is a rare combination. This combination has further been conjoined with the administrative skills of a successful bureaucrat. To know more read:

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