Sculptures of Kushana Empire

  

Sculptures of Kushana Empire, especially those which belonged to the Gandhara region show a strong influence of Greek and Roman elements. Its images wear toga-like garments and have wavy hair and straight Roman noses. Sculpture is usually created from dark gray phyllite, schist, stucco, or terracotta.

Sculpture of southern Mathura region was developed from indigenous Indian traditions, emphasizing rounded bodily forms. Its voluptuous sculptural images wear minimal garments and are usually carved from red mottled sandstone. During the Kushan period Mathura produced art for the Jains and the Hindus as well.

History of the Sculptures of Kushana Empire
The Kushans, ancestry of migrants from different parts of Central Asia, settled in present-day northern India. There were two artistic centres of the Kushan Empire, each with a characteristic style: a northern one in the Gandhara area centred in the region of Peshawar and later in Taxila and a southern one in Mathura, south of current-day New Delhi. It was under the Kushan rulers that the Gandhara School of Art developed. During the time of Kushans, Lord Buddha was first shown in human form in this region.

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Dasi Attam, Indian Dance

 Dasi Attam, a classical dance form of India, has its origin deeply rooted in the regions of South India, particularly in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Dasi Attam, just like other classical dance forms, has generated from Natya Shastra. The name of the dance form is derived from Devadasis, the practitioners of the dance, who were considered to serve gods through their dance. Dasi Attam is mainly an ancient dance form developed by the Dravidians, who were mostly unaffected by the various foreign invasions that has greatly influenced the evolution of culture in the country. In the recent ages, Dasi Attam has evolved into Indian classical dance form of Bharatnatyam, which is a blend of music, emotion, rhythm and expression.

History of Dasi Attam
In the pre-Aryan era, Dasi Attam had mainly originated as the divine dance form of the Dravidians, practiced by the Devadasis, who performed in the temples and royal courts. But after the Aryan invasion, the Dravidians were partly influenced by their culture and religion. Most of the Dravidians were converted into 'Shaivite Hindus', worshippers of Lord Shiva. There was considerable influence of Buddhism on Dasi Attam as well. The Buddhist proponents believed that dancing in the temples were unnecessary. But Dasi Attam remained largely unaffected. With the restoration of Brahminism, Dasi Attam recovered its splendour once again. There was huge demand for devadasis in most of the temples in the region. During the twelfth century, with the advent of Vaishnavism, numerous temples and sculptures, encompassing the art of that period were constructed which supported the performance of the devadasis. The temples of Halebid and Belurdeserve special mention, as they depict the legend of the Queen Shantala Devi, who performed in these temples and was believed to be one of the greatest dancers of that time.

Influence of Foreign Invaders on Dasi Attam
With the fall of Vijayanagar Empire in the 16th century, Dasi Attam moved to the courts of the Deccan sultans, after being adequately influenced by the Muslim culture. With the end of the 19th century, the devadasis became unworthy of performing spiritual dances as they were occupied in immoral and illicit acts. During the British rule, Dasi Attam earned bad repute as the British believed that religion could not be expressed through dance and was considered immodest. Thus the British took adequate efforts to eradicate Dasi Attam from the present society and culture. Moreover the Hindus themselves had started to misinterpret the purpose of the practice of Dasi Attam and let the ancient heritage decline.

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Carnatic Musical Instruments

  

Carnatic Musical Instruments accompany the traditional Carnatic music, which is usually prevalent in the southern part of India. It is popular in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Carnatic music is one of the two sub genres of Indian classical music.

Chande
Chande is a percussion instrument used along with the traditional Carnatic music, especially in the state of Karnataka. It is a drum that provides rhythms in dance dramas like Yakshagana. It is played with the help of two sticks by placing it vertically on the floor. Chande rhythms are based on folk music and pre classical forms, and bear a close resemblance to Karnataka Sangeta. Different varieties of this instrument are found namely Badagu Thittu Chande and Thenku Thittu Chande.

Chenda
Chenda is another percussion instrument comprising of cylindrical wooden drum. It is played by hanging it vertically to the neck and beating the upper parchment. The instrument produces loud and rigid sound. Chenda is popular in temple festivals of Hindus and accompanies religious art forms and rituals Kerala. It also accompanies various dance forms like Koodiyattam, Theyyam, Kannyar Kali and Kathakali.

Electronic Tanpura
An Electronic Tanpura mimics the sound of Tanpura, a traditional string instrument of India. It is an essential commodity of Carnatic music and is a great substitute of real Tanpura. Electronic Tanpura is easier to use and is less expensive. G Raj Narayan was the inventor of this electronic instrument who demonstrated it for the first time at the annual conference of the Music Academy Chennai in December 1979. Electronic Tanpura serve greatly in the concerts as well as private practices.

Ghatam
Another popular percussion instrument used in Carnatic music is Ghatam. Ghatam is basically a clay pot having a narrow mouth. The walls of this pot must have even thickness for producing even tones. It is one of the oldest instruments of south India. Manamadurai, near Madurai, is the place where most of the Ghatams are manufactured. The technique of playing this instrument involves placing the pot over the lap with its mouth facing towards the belly. Rhythms having a fast tempo are played greatly with Ghatam.

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Indian Theatre Stages

  

Considered as one of the tradition of Indian culture, theatre since ages depicted the abundant tradition of the land. Right from the earliest days till the modern times, theatre happens to be one of the celebrated art forms in India. Although, the history of Indian theatre goes back to the mythological or the Vedic era yet it is during and after the medieval period theatre in India that gained its redefined structure.

History of Indian Theatre Stages
The Indian theatre has a belief going back to at least 5000 years. The first book on drama in the world was written in India. It was called ‘Natya Shastra’, the grammar or the sacred book of theatre by Bharat Muni. Its era has been placed between 2000 B.C. to 4th Century A.D. A long duration of time and performance is required for any art or movement to form its rules and notifications. Theatre with its appeal and art has always been the most important element in mouthing the unspoken. Theatre in India started as a storyline form, like reciting, singing and dancing becoming essential fundamentals of the theatre. This importance on narrative elements made theatre fundamentally theatrical right from the beginning. That is why the theatre in India has included all the other forms of literature and fine arts into its physical presentation: Literature, Mime, Music, Dance, Movement, Painting, Sculpture and Architecture - all mixed into one and being called ‘Natya’ or Theatre in English.

Indian theatre stages did not form in a day. The deep seated relation with folk drama forms like Kabigan, Kirtan and Baul songs, Chhau, Gajan, Jatra and Paalaagaan, which were then mainly performed in open grounds, paved the way of setting up Indian theatre stages. The sound of the orchestra, the rich-red-ruddy illumination of those footlights offered that contour to theatre whilst making it lot more contemporary. The famous Indian theatre stages amidst its pits, galleries and dais thus murmurs the tale of a changing tradition.

Indian theatre stages slowly became the platform to illustrate the unspoken whilst manifesting the realisms. Theatre which was once an artistic illustration of the varied aspects those were larger than life, gradually became more contemporary. Natya then broke the barriers of eposes and raslila and became the weapon to free the world from the clutches of absolute corruption and exploitation.

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Vihara in Ayurveda

  

Vihara is defined as the second most important pillar of the Ayurveda. It means activity which highly influences the daily scheduled life that is full of stress and confusions. Just like the pillar of Ahara, this second pillar also plays a significant role in the proper functioning of the body.

Principles of Vihara
The principle of Vihara or activity explains clearly how to act in different ways that are life supportive and it also includes lifestyle guidelines for maintaining optimum health and balance. In Ayurveda, it is defined that the successful use of Vihara’s recommendations depend on the ability to know exactly what is good for the health and also on the motivation to act on whatever is known. The prime focus of the various lifestyle suggestions is to refine the quality of the mind.

Ayurvedic Activities in Vihara
There are actually an endless number of demands from various spheres and a lot of attention is required for keeping the minds constantly active. Additionally, the negative influences from the environment create confusion and fear. These negative influences cause the mind to be confined to a separate superficial level, where it is either too dull or too scattered to even experience the emotional, mental and physical resources that lay hidden most of the time. Ayurvedic scientists say that the limitless possibilities that exist in the subtler levels of awareness remain inaccessible except to a peaceful and settled mind. When the mind is strongly influenced by the sattva, it is quite possible to have the access to such a calm and composed mind. This stage allows appreciating the whole of life and its various aspects.

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Tourism In Bihar

  

Tourism in Bihar comprises of both the nature tourism and pilgrimage tourism, that attracts Indians and the tourists outside India. Bihar, in North India, is full of tourist attractions. Being one of the oldest inhabited places in the world with history of three thousand years, it becomes the hub of Buddhist architecture. The state has rich culture and heritage which is depicted in the numerous ancient monuments that dots the place. Tourism in Bihar is an integral part of tourism in India. It is one of the most sacred places and offers a wide array of pilgrimage tourism. People from various religions like Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Islam and Sikhism come here for spiritual enrichment. Forts and palaces in Bihar are rooted in deep historical significance. Wild life plays a vital part in boosting the tourism industry of Bihar. Ideally situated on the eastern Gangetic plain, it was the seat of several of the most famous ancient Indian dynasties and also the cradle of many religions.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Bihar
Bihar has always been an important religious center. Bihar, the holy land of Hindu, Sikhs, Muslims and Jains, is derived from Vihara (Buddhist monasteries). The state is referred to as the land of Nirvana. The holiest site for Buddhists Bodh Gaya lies in the state. Bodh Gaya is the place where Lord Buddhaattained his enlightenment. This is one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for the Buddhists. The Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya is a much visited site for the Buddhist pilgrims. Rajgir in Bihar is a sacred place for both Buddhists and Jains. The Jivakamanana Monastery of this place is of interest, since it was one of the Buddha's favourite retreats. The Bodhi temple of Bodh Gaya is one of the significant places of worship for the Buddhists. Apart from being a very important Buddhist centre, it is also a noteworthy archaeological site. Devotees in large number come here every year to pay their homage. For the Hindu pilgrims there is the Sheetala Devi Temple, in Patna which is dedicated to goddess Durga. The Mangla Gauri temple of Gaya is a Hindu temple and has great mythological significance. The mausoleums and mosques in Bihar are major destinations for the Muslim devotees. The Sher Shah Masjid of Patna in Bihar is one of the many striking mosques in Bihar and a marker in Patna. The Gurudwara Bal Lila Maini in Bihar is a major site where the Sikhs come to worship.

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Rowing in India

  

Rowing in India is a popular sport that involves propelling a boat through water to cover a specific distance in the quickest possible time. One or more people use wooden sticks as oars. Bajrang Lal Takhar hailing from Sikar District of Rajasthan, is one of the prolific rowers in India

In this game, the athletes of rowing compete against each other on lakes or rivers or sometimes on the ocean, depending, of course on the type of race or discipline. In rowing the boats are actually propelled by reaction forces on the ores blades as the same is pushed against the water. This sport can be played as both competitive and recreational purposes. For the former it involves learning the technique and for the latter overall fitness plays a major role.

History of Rowing
Rowing also happens to be one of the oldest Olympic sports. The earliest record of rowing as a sport can he traced back to Egyptian civilisation to about 1425 BC. This game was popular during the Roman period also. Rowing regattas were held for the first time in Venice around 300 AD. The oldest annual recorded race was from London Bridge to Chelsea held on 1 August, 7 776. India sees the rowing from the British era.

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Wildlife Sanctuaries of Kerala

  

There are a number of wildlife reserves in Kerala that provide shelter to thousands of species of birds and animals. The hilly slops of Western Ghats and lush green forests provide the perfect locale for wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. These also serve as a major tourist attraction. Given below are the major wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala.

Begur Wildlife Sanctuary
The Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is nestled on a mountain plateau along the Western Ghats. It is located about 20 kilometers from the Wayanad district of Kerala. The sanctuary is covered with dense forests which houses a wide variety of flora and fauna. The trees here have medicinal values.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Idukki Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is located about 60 km from Munnar in Idukki district. The sanctuary provides shelter to the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel. The sanctuary is located in the Located in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats. The vast expanse of lush green forests spread over an area of 90 square kilometers.

Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is located at of 15 kilometers from Munnar. The sanctuary was set up to protect the mountain goat called the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq km, the sanctuary houses one of the biggest moths in the world called the Atlas moth.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Muthanga wildlife sanctuary also known as the Wayanad sanctuary is located in the protected area networks between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Spread over an area of 344 square kilometres is home to animals like Gaur, sloth bears, sambhar, elephants, reptiles, tigers, spotted deer, monkeys, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, wild dogs, bison, lizards, bears, wild pigs, leopards, lion-tailed macaque and other animals.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is located in the hills of Western Ghats in Kerala. Spread over an area of 777 sq kms the sanctuary is positioned on a vast artificial lake. The sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna.

Peechi Vazhani Wildlife
Peechi Vazhani Wildlife is located in Trichur. Spread over an area of 125 Sq. km. It is the second oldest sanctuary in Kerala. The sanctuary was established in 1958. The sanctuary houses a wide variety of animals, birds and reptiles. The sanctuary is also rich in vegetation.

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Use of Spices in Ancient India

  

Use of Spices in Ancient India has been one of the important parts of Indian cooking. It indicates not only the types of spices used but also their cultivation in India. As the society was largely agrarian it cultivated a large variety of spices. Along with popular spices like cardamom, it also cultivated some specific spices in the form of seeds. Indian spices formed a major part of spice trade along with rest of the world. These highlight the popularity of Indian spices all over the world.

Use of spices in India continued to remain popular in every age. The cultivation of spices in India began from pre-historic days. While some of the spices like cardamom, long pepper, black pepper, Turmeric and Asafoetida were commonly found in every generation, it also included some special types of spices that were imported from Afghanistan and other countries of the world. Cultivation of spices forms a major part of agriculture in India which formed the backbone of the Indian economy. Along with cultivation of vegetables and a number of pulses, ancient Indian society also cultivated spices which were used for both self consumption as well as trade. Use of spices in ancient India began with the Indus Valley Civilization which largely used spices like long pepper, black pepper, asafoetida along with salt. Among the Buddhists and Jains five varieties of salts were popular which included sea salt, black salt, rock salt, kitchen salt and red salt along with spices like pepper, long pepper, Cumin, Asafoetida, myrobalan, dry ginger and turmeric, Mustardand Clove. Vinegar and sour gruel was also used to garnish the food.

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Trataka, Yoga

  

Trataka is used in yoga for enhancing concentration. In this practice, the practitioner gazes at the smallest object comfortably with steady eyes until tears roll down. Moreover, trataka cures eye diseases and prevents laziness and it is one of the six cleansing processes (Kriyas) of hatha yoga. It is performed with the eyes.

Traditionally, there are three types of trataka available for the practice. They are Antar trataka, Madhya trataka and Bahya trataka.

Antar Trataka
In this trataka, one has to experience as if he is gazing in between the two eyebrows (Bhrumadhya drishti) or heart, navel or any other such internal organ with closed eyes.

Madhya Trataka
In Madhya trataka, the practitioner still gazes on bhrumadhya or nasagra (tip of nose) or any near object made of metal or stone or even on Aum written on paper, or single dot in black colour, with open eyes.

Bahya Trataka
In this trataka, one has to fix the gaze on the distant object like Moon, rising Sun or illumined planet.

Technique of Trataka
Trataka is done preferably in padmasana (lotus posture) or ardha-padmasana on the ground. It can also be done in sukhasana (comfortable sitting posture) but with the straight back or spinal column. A lamp is placed in the level of the eyes at about one meter distance. Now with the relaxed mind one should gaze at the bright portion of the flame, without blinking, till tears appear in the eyes and roll down on the cheeks. This is the endpoint of trataka. After this, eyes should be closed gently. The practitioner then should sit quietly for 3-5 minutes and then open his eyes slowly. If required, one may repeat the technique once again. It is recommended that after this the practitioner should wash his face and eyes with water.

The duration of trataka from the beginning till the appearance of tears varies from person to person. It also depends on the state of mind of the individual. The duration of trataka is less if the practitioner is relaxed and if the practitioner is tensed or disturbed, he may take more time to finish. Generally, in normal individuals trataka is finished within 3-5 minutes. Some individuals have been observed to take even more than 12 minutes.

Physiology of Trataka
It has been found that soon after trataka is over, the parasympathetic predominance is established as indicated by lowering of heart rate and respiration rate as well as an increase in amplitude of plethysmogram (vasodilatation). That means a peripheral blood circulation is increased after trataka. Emotional balance or stability is restored and a degree of relaxation is increased as indicated by the production of well-modulated train of alpha frequency after trataka.

Trataka acts as a catharsis, bringing out repressed or suppressed wishes or desires and eliminating them from the subconscious level. This is the process of purification. After this, the practitioner experiences psycho-physiological relaxation and a feeling of calmness and lightness. One pointed concentration is improved, and attention fluctuations are reduced. It has been found that the neurotic tendencies such as anger, short temper, suspicion, irritation and resentment are reduced after trataka practice is done for one month. Anxiety is also reduced. In this way, trataka is a very important practice to remove impurities or blockages in the neural network and to prepare the individual for meditation.

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