History of Indian Music

History of Indian music has its origins in divine tradition. The rich history of Indian music unveils the fact that the divine sage Narada introduced the art of music to the Earth from heaven. This is how music is said to have commenced on earth.


Music in Ancient India

The earliest history of music in India can be traced back to the Vedic ages, over two thousand years back. The concept of Naadbrahma is seen being manifest in the Vedic ages. All organised music traces its origins back to the Sama veda which contains the earliest known form of organised music.

Music in Medieval India

In the medieval period, the nature of Indian music underwent a change due as a result of the impact of the Muslim invasion. At this time, Indian music slowly started branching off into the two distinct forms of Hindustani and Carnatic music.

Music in Modern India

With the advent of the British in India, the court arts underwent a decline. However, on the whole, Indian music took a backseat and interest and resources to sustain this art started to fade. A parallel development that gradually started forming at this time was that newer forms of media were now emerging in a fast modernising country.

Folk Music in India
Folk music in India has seen a long and continuous journey down the ages. It has been around since ancient times, and continued its existence right down till the modern time.

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Daman and Diu, Indian Union Territory

Daman and Diu was part of the Portuguese Empire from late medieval era till Indian independence. It was incorporated into the Republic of India on 19th December 1961.
Daman and Diu are actually two parts, both on the seaside and both enclosed by Gujarat.

History of Daman and Diu

The history of Daman and Diu traced back from the time of Rajput rule from 8th Century to 13 Century. It was part of Goa and during that time Goa was a stronghold of the Chowda Rajputs who were later expelled by Waghalas who in turn were expelled by Muslims in1330 AD.

Culture of Daman and Diu

Daman and Diu has a rich multi faceted cultural heritage. The people of Daman and Diu follow the same customs and traditions as that of the people in Gujarat. The people live according to the Hindu system prevailing in the adjoining Gujarat territory.

Tourism in Daman and Diu

Daman and Diu is attracted to the global tourists for the beaches, temples, tribal areas and the amusement parks. Devka Beach, Jampore beach, Church of Bom Jesus, Nagoa Beach, Gangeshwar Temple.
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Buddhist Meditation, Type of Meditation

Buddhist Meditation is a mental exercise, a form of psychological concentration that guides ultimately to enlightenment and spiritual freedom of the mind. In Buddhist religion, meditation occupies a vital place and has developed characteristic variations in different Buddhist traditions.



Aims of Buddhist Meditation

The purpose of Buddhist meditation is to learn the flow of mind, its functions and its powers and furthermore to distinguish between self-hypnosis, the development of mediumistic states and the real process of mental clarification.


Types of Buddhist Meditation
Vipassana There are basically two types of Buddhist meditation; ‘Samatha’ and ‘Vipassana’. 'Samatha' is the connotation of a pre-Buddhist Yogic form which Lord Buddha practiced extensively. Another form of meditation in Buddhism, ‘Vipashyana’ connotes a clear seeing or special insight which involves intuitive cognition of suffering and impermanence.
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Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir

Ladakh is a region located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This city is known as the Little Tibet or the last Shangri-la, where Mahayana Buddhism is prevalent. Ladakh covers about 70 percent of Jammu and Kashmir the history of Buddhism,
tourism, monasteries and the beautiful valleys.

History of Ladakh
 History of Ladakh is noted from the nomadic life of Neolithic era. The early history denotes the rule of Guge Empire of western Tibet, Islamic invasion in the early medieval era and after    Independence of India it became the part of modern India.

Culture in Ladakh
Tibetan culture is principal cultural part in Ladakh. Lakdakhi culture shows the elegance in food, festivals, architecture and celebrations.
Indian, Tibetan and Buddhist influences are very strongly seen in the architecture of Ladakh.

Tourism in Ladakh
 Ladakh has many leisure tourism attractions like Leh, Drass valley, Suru Valley, Kargil, Zanskar, Zangla Monastery, Rangdum, Padum, Phugthal, Sani Monastery, Stongdey Monastery, Shyok Valley, Sankoo and Salt Valley.

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Islamic Art, Indian Monuments

Islamic Art works produced from the 7th century onwards in places which were inhabited by Muslim
 populations. The entire extent of Islamic architectural works includes fields as varied as architecture, calligraphy,   painting and ceramics among others.

History of Islamic Art 

Islamic Art in India came with the advent of the Delhi Sultanate and the Slave dynasty. They brought with them elements and styles of Islamic art.  This art was the result of the interaction between Muslim and Hindu art of the region.

Elements of Islamic Art 

Islamic Art does not just refer to the devotion only. It includes the rich and diverse Islamic culture as well. The Arabesque style used in Islamic art is mostly held symbolic of the all pervasive and infinite nature of Allah.

Influences on Islamic Art 
The Arab part is at all times the most significant. It contributed the basis for the development of Islamic Art with the message of Islam, the language of its Holy Book, the Quran and the Arabic form of writing.

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Mohiniattam, Indian Classical Dance

Mohiniattam is one of the major classical dance styles of India. The origin of this traditional dance form of Kerala

Mohiniattam though born out of the fusion of Kathakali and  Bharatnatyam, has developed its own identity.

Origin of Mohiniattam
The first reference to Mohiniattam is found in Vyavaharamala composed by Mazhamangalam Naryanam Namboodiri, assigned to the 16th century A.D.

Mohiniattam  composed many of the musical arrangements and vocal accompaniments, which are hymns in praise of Lord Vishnu, and provide the musical backdrop for the Mohiniattam dancers' performance.

History of Mohiniattam
Mohiniattam evolved from the state of Kerala which also has an association with the old tradition of Lasya style of dancing.

The temple sculptures
 of the state are the earliest manifestations of Mohiniattam or other dance forms similar to it. Mohiniattam poses are also palpable from the various feminine sculptures that adorn the 11th century Vishnu temple at Trikodithanam, and the Kidangur Subramanya Temple.


Type and Theme of Mohiniattam
Mohiniattam is also known as the 'Dance of the Celestial Female Magicians'.
It also signifies the transformation of Lord Vishnu into a female form and showcases the concept of Ardhanarishvara, which is the combination of the male and female as one.

Mohiniattam draws upon secular and social themes rather than religious mythology, the age-old stirring tales from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Indian Puranas.


Style and Technique of Mohiniattam
The distinctive style of Mohiniattam is the complete absence of heavy stamping and rhythmical tension, where the footwork is gentle, soft and sliding. The styles detailed by Bharata Muni in the ancient Indian treatise on dance, Natyashastra, Mohiniattam resembles the Kaisiki type meaning graceful.

Performance of Mohiniattam Dancers 
Mohiniattam performances depict love and devotion to God.  The spiritual essence of the ethereal love of Lord Krishna and Radha not only coloured Mohiniattam but also glorified it.


Music in Mohiniattam
The main musical instrument used in Mohiniattam is Edakka. Even the instruments such as violin, veena and mridangam provide musical accompaniment to the dancers. The vocal music for Mohiniattam is Carnatic Music. The lyrics composed is a mixture of Sanskrit, Tamil and Malayalam.


Costumes of Mohiniattam Dancers  
There is a typical costume for Mohiniattam, which is a mixture of white and gold.
It usually consists of a choli and a white, cream or off-white coloured Kasavu sari with a gold or red border.

Mohiniattam Dancers :The first renowned Mohiniattam dancer was Kalyaniamma. She also taught in Shantiniketan. The other notable teachers in Kerala Kala Mandalam were Krishna Paniker and Madhavi Amma.

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Anguli Mudra

Anguli Mudras are the gestures of fingers which are performed during Pranayams and meditations. These mudras are the gestures that direct the flow of energy into an individual’s body. According to Yogic Tantra, these mudra yoga techniques stimulate different areas of the brain.
There are many different yoga mudras and each of them has a different benefit. Some of them are listed below:

1. Gyan Mudra

Gyan Mudra is the first mudra pose which is also known as the ‘Mudra of Knowledge’.

Benefits of Gyan Mudra
As the name suggests, this mudra is meant to increase concentration and memory power. It has the ability to cure insomnia.



2. Vayu Mudra                                                                    
Vayu Mudra can be practiced in a standing, sitting or lying down posture. There is no compulsion of doing this at an empty stomach.  Once the benefits from this mudra are achieved, stop doing it.

Benefits of Vayu Mudra
As the name suggests Vayu mudra, it balances the air element within a human body.

3. Agni Mudra
Agni Mudra should be practiced only in sitting position early in the morning with an empty stomach. Maintain this mudra for at least 15 mins every day.

Benefits of Agni Mudra
Agni Mudra helps to dissolve the extra fat boosting metabolism and controls obesity. It also controls high cholesterol levels.

4. Prithvi Mudra
Prithvi Mudra is also performed in the early morning while doing the meditation. However it can be done at anytime and for any duration.
Benefits of Prithvi Mudra
Prithvi Mudra helps to improve blood circulation throughout the body. This mudra increases patience, tolerance and concentration while meditating.

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Banarasi Saree

Banarasi Silk is a fine variant of
silk originating from the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Saree woven from this fine silk, known as a Banarasi Silk Saree is very famous all over India and across the world.


Designs of Banarasi Saree
The special characteristics of Banarasi Sarees are Mughal inspired designs such as intricate intertwining floral and foliate motifs, ‘Kalga and Bel’, a string of upright leaves called 'Jhallar' at the outer, edge of border is a characteristic of these sarees.

Origin of Banarasi Saree:  The earliest mention of the brocade and Zari textiles of Banaras is found in the 19th century. With the migration of silk weavers from Gujarat during the famine of 1603.




Types of Banarasi Saree
There are following four basic varieties of Banarasi silk saree:

• Pure Silk Saree (Katan)
• Organza Saree (Kora), with Zari And Silk
• Georgette Saree
• Shattir Saree

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Northbrook Gate, Guwahati, Assam

Located near the Sukreswar Ghat on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, the Northbroook Gate was built in 1874 to commemorate the British viceroy Lord Northbrook’s visit to Guwahati.




History of Northbrook Gate

On 27th August, 1874, when the erstwhile Viceroy of India, Thomas George Baring, famously known as Lord Northbrook decided to visit Guwahati, a gate was constructed near the Sukreswar Ghat in his honour.  It is also believed that the urn containing the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was stored near the gate before its immersion in the Brahmaputra.

Design of Northbrook Gate : 
The overall architectural style of the Northbrook Gate follows the Indo- gothic architecture fashion. The design of the gate is kind of reminiscent of the famous King’s College Chapel arches of England.


Restoration of Northbrook Gate
More than 145 years old, over the years the Northbrook Gate has been restored several times. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the state chapter of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to begin work on preserving the gate.

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Assamese Cuisine, Indian Regional Cuisine

Assamese Cuisine is characterized by moderate use of spices. With a wide variety of indigenous food to offer, the food of Assam is famous for its distinct flavouring and influences on food.



Features of Assamese Cuisine
Assamese dishes are less spicy than any other Indian dishes, but carry the richness of taste and health. The food is served in bell metal utensils made by the community called Mariya.

Rice in Assamese Cuisine
Rice is the one of the most important ingredient in Assamese cuisine. Many varieties of rice are grown in this state. Rice is eaten in a boiled form or sun dried. Rice is also eaten as snack.


Various Delicacies of Assamese Cuisine
‘Poitabhat’ is a favourite dish in Assam

during the summer season. ‘Bora’ is made with local ‘Xaak’ within the main ingredient and served with tamarind pickle. ‘Pokori’ or fritter is made of flowers and tender leaves of pumpkin, bottle gourd, eggplant and night flowering jasmine.

Desserts of Assam
A majority of Assamese dessert are made of rice. Ingredients
 like coconut and jaggery are also widely used to make such dishes. The
sweet dishes of Assam are simple to prepare and do not require much time either.

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