SamvitKnowledge beyond time ... www.amrita.edu/association/samskriti/ September BI-ANNUAL CULTURAL MAGAZINE samvit(Only for internal circulation) Issue 12 2017 EDITORIAL This is a time of great changes. CONTENTS From this issue onward, SAMVIT will be a bi-annual cultural magazine published by Amrita Darshanam – International 08 The Maritime Glory of Early India - Centre for Spiritual Studies at Amrita University, Amritapuri Campus. TEACHING OF MATA AMRITANANDAMAYI DEVI Part 1: Indus Valley 04 BHARAT AWAKENS… There was a time when India was considered the most developed country in the world – the seat of a civilization renowned for its THE NEW 14 Jainism and Architecture- Jaisalmer Jain Temples material prosperity, and intellectual and spiritual excellence. INDIAN RUPEE In this issue, we are going to bring to you to a mosaic of articles showcasing India’s creativity and greatness in diverse disciplines 15 Seventy Years since 1947… such as handicraft in “Blue Pottery”, architecture in “Jainism Is India Truly Independent … ??? and Architecture – Jaisalmer Jain Temples”, evaluation of British administration in “Seventy Years Since 1947 … Is India Truly Independent?”, art of illusion in “Indian Magic”, martial art in “Kalarippayattu – The Mother of All Martial Arts”, healing 18 Indian Magic 06 science in “The Iatrochemical Period in Indian History” and “Eating Twice a Day for Good Health: Ancient Ayurvedic Wisdom Rediscovered”, philosophy of Indian arts in “The 20 Kalarippayattu - The Mother of All Martial Arts Philosophical Framework of Indian Arts”, dance in “Folk Dances BLUE POTTERY of Manipur”, urban planning in “Town Planning in Arthasastra; The Infrastructural Sagacity of Kautilya”, and measurement 23 The Iatrochemical Period in Indian History system in “Linear Measurement in Ancient India”. Along with these, we have two new article series – “The Maritime Glory of Early India” and “The Wonder That Is Sanskrit”, as well 25 The Philosophical Framework of Indian Arts as Amma’s message in “Teaching of Mata Amritanandamayi Devi - Bharat Awakens …” for deeper understanding of the rich 12 legacy of ancient India. 29 Folk Dances of Manipur We also explore major social issues of modern India in “The New Indian Rupee”, “The Plight of Indian Farmers”, and the Chief Advisor insightful interview with Renu D Singh, lawyer, social activist Lt. Col. K. Krishnan Nair (Retd) (CIR) 32 The Plight of Indian Farmers and the founding president of the NGO “Samadhan” in “The Pheonix”, which bring us the new light on revitalizing and Editorial Advisors transforming our nation together. Mrs.Gayathri N (Dept. of ECE) Br. Sivanandan (Amrita Darshanam, ICSS) 34 Linear Measurement in Ancient India As like a tree needs strong roots to grow high, it is always the past which forms the foundation for the present, and the better Managing Editor future ahead. Br. Prasanth (Amrita Darshanam, ICSS) 26 “THE WONDER THAT IS SANSKRIT 40 Eating Twice a Day for Good Health: By reconnecting with the roots of our Motherland through Layout Designing Ancient Ayurvedic Wisdom Rediscovered higher values, traditions, cultures and knowledge, and Jagadeesh Thulasi (Graphics, ICTS) addressing modern-day issues by applying eternal wisdom garnered down the ages by our sages and ancestors, may we join together to make India shine forth in unity and strength again. 43 Town Planning in Arthasastra; We hope you enjoy reading this issue, as much as we enjoyed The Infrastructural Sagacity of Kautilya producing it for you. Please send your comments and suggestions to From the Editor’s desk [email protected] 25th August 2017 36 THE PHOENIX

SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 3 us to progress further. What fulfils any of the poor condition of these villagers. action is divine grace. In order to gain Hence, it is crucial that we find more that grace, one must have faith in the people to work in villages. With help infinite spiritual power. from those who have the resources, we must lend them a hand and pay them a In Sanatana Dharma, the Creator and monthly stipend. By helping the needy, the creation are not two. The creation we are not only doing God’s work, but is the manifest form of the Creator. increasing the number of good deeds Just as there is no difference between in our book of “Life”, which is written the ocean and its waves (because of by God. But, we may also remember their same medium: water), there is no that though the people in the villages difference between the Creator, God, lack material comforts they are rich in and the world. Lord Krishna is the best terms of values. In this regard, we have role model in karma that the world has a lot to learn from them too. seen so far. His life and actions were detached, like ‘butter in water’. A boat It is said that among gifts, the greatest may be in water, but water must never is that of knowledge. We should be enter the boat. In the battlefield, Lord trained enough to give people the Krishna advised Arjuna on how to knowledge of our spiritual culture. perform actions with this attitude. We should be able to guide people in the proper way and instil in them Dharma is the universal law that cannot knowledge about our scriptural texts be changed or revised. No matter and about spirituality. Only then which country, the laws of the land will the situation change. The places will only be effective when the citizens of worship of other religions teach obey them. This applies to Dharma religious texts. They also have schools, also. The Vedas, Upanishads and the colleges and other institutions for this Bhagavad Gita, all expect us to lead a specific purpose. Those who receive glorious and noble life in every way. training there then go out to propagate By honouring dharma, we can awaken the teachings of their religion. In the eternal divine consciousness that contrast, there is nothing like that in is ever shining in us. However, if we our religion. There are many temples work in anticipation of a bright future, that receive a lot of donations. However, all obstacles will disappear of their own they don’t use even the smallest part accord. Bharat will once again regain of their earning to teach or propagate its glory and shine as brightly as the Hindu dharma. We must ensure that a TEACHING OF MATA AMRITANANDAMAYI DEVI sun. part of the temples’ earnings is used for BHARAT AWAKENS… The river does not need drainage water, propagating dharma. whereas the drain needs river water. With the help of philanthropists, we harat is a land well known for its within themselves after intense tapas. with the Motherland because of the Likewise, God needs nothing from must create special courses for teaching Bculture and diversity. It is the holy When we act with faith, this sankalpa, change in lifestyle. However, in the past, us. Those suffering in the world due the Hindu scriptures and imparting land of the universal Guru in which will cause the entire universe to help us scholars from ancient Greece, Egypt to lack of facilities need our help. In spiritual knowledge. We must set up the endless and divine vibration of all. In a recent speech delivered by Sri and China, came to India to acquire this regard, most of them are in our schools and colleges that teach yoga the saints are still alive. This is the Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, AMMA knowledge. All the branches in the field villages. We must spend time with and meditation. Those who are trained sacred land that first gave the world spoke about the awakening of Bharat of education that we see now, had their them and go down to their level to ease in these institutions can then go out to the message of unity through a famous -our Motherland. roots here. The brilliance and clarity in their suffering in whatever ways we teach others and propagate dharma. quote. The noble mantras of our thought that our ancestors possessed can. We should be the ones removing culture have always spread from this There was a time when Bharat was was due to the spiritual knowledge that the darkness from their lives and bring When we talk about Indian culture, holy land. She is the inspiration and considered the most developed country Indians had attained through the tapas about a much needed change in theirs, what we really mean is eternal source of knowledge that can open the in the world. We know that nowadays of our ancient Rishis and sages. Every so that they can lead a peaceful and and moral values. We must create eyes of the world. Bharat has a unique parents send their children abroad for single atom of our country is filled prosperous life. The villages today are opportunities for everyone to learn consciousness, power and charisma higher studies, for the sake of good with pure vibrations. When we try to in the same condition that they were about and understand these values. u that no other country can have. This soil employment. But they don’t know that oppose our culture and the nature of 300 years ago. The status of the villages Ashni, S3 CSE has been blessed with the sankalpa of it is in those foreign countries that their this nation, the response of this action has not changed so far. Because of this, the Rishis, who gained universal power kids tend to lose their cultural bonds will be immediately seen. It won’t allow there are people who take advantages

4 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 5 alarming but in fact the bitter truth untaxed economy running parallel - THE NEW was that, the government had failed to which funds terrorist activities, aids monitor the same. As per records, two- corruption and keeps counterfeit notes INDIAN RUPEE thirds of the Rs.1000 notes and one- in circulation. The report said that third of the Rs.500 notes which is over although the informal economy may Any government t is always said that “money inspires of the UPA (2004-05 to 2009-10), Rs.6 lakh crore now, never returned account for only 40 per cent of GDP, it could either opt to Iconfidence”. On the 8th of November before it was hit by scams, real GDP to banks after they were issued. This employs 90 per cent of India’s workers, 2016, the above said confidence was grew by 50.8 per cent, annually 8.4 have led to a fake wealth effect in the and the impact of demonetisation on continue the status On the 8th of destroyed by our Prime Minister. percentage points — one-and-a-half India’s informal sector suggests that it economy and this wealth outside quo of jobless growth November 2016, the Consequently, there arose a question times NDA’s and India celebrated this banks began driving up the gold and would have affected those workers the that prevailed and haunted the minds GDP as signs of impending growth and land prices by black cash and the stock most. above said confidence of billions of Indians. The Prime prosperity. In terms of this number, or force temporary prices through Participatory Notes. The poor and vulnerable are more likely Minister Narendra Modi had declared GDP growth is an essential factor for was destroyed by Had the High Denomination Notes to work in informal sectors such as decline in growth to more than 85 per cent of the value nation’s prosperity and growth and 8.4 circulated through the banking system, farming, small retail and construction our Prime Minister. of money - held in the form of notes percentage points growth in GDP from reinstate real growth it would have multiplied through the and are less equipped to move to of Rs.500 and Rs. 1000 - worthless 2004 to 2010 has to be cherished but Consequently, there fractional reserve model, reduced the cashless payments. One can see long overnight. Had the Prime Minister on other hand how many jobs have this and jobs. inflation and interest, and funded the queues in front of ATMs and there is arose a question shattered the faith and confidence that same proposed number created in the small-and-medium enterprises starved a visible tendency to collect available hundreds of millions of Indians had job market? Believe it or not, according that prevailed and of organised funding. lower denominations of 100 and lesser. reposed in the Government of India to to NSSO data, the UPA achieved one- As per the Reserve Bank records the haunted the minds protect them and their money? As the and-a-half times NDA’s GDP growth, Any government could either opt currency available at the public has venerated former prime minister stated but just 5 per cent of its job growth, to continue the status quo of jobless of billions of Indians. shrunk by 1.75 lakh crore and this in the assembly, is it a monumental that is just 27 lakhs against 600 lakhs growth or force temporary decline in reduction in money supply means fall The Prime Minister mismanagement of the economy? Or is during NDA’s five years. growth to reinstate real growth and in consumer spending, investment it a remedy for the accumulated filth as jobs. Any Prime Minister would be in Narendra Modi had Why was the UPA’s high growth jobless? spending and thus exports which Prime Minister Narendra Modi claims? need of great courage to opt for the declared more than The simple answer is asset inflation. As later. If the status quo of unmonitored would in turn reduce the GDP in the The story of Indian economy during per the same NSSO data, the price of high denomination notes were to last immediate term. As a policy measure, 85 per cent of the the period of the previous NDA land and other property doubled two for another five-six years, the size of demonetisation would have a positive impact, likely to improve the tax value of money held government and the UPA can throw to three times every year and it’s not this would have become so huge that compliance on the background of the a little light to the explanation for surprising to know how DLF arouse no government may have been able to fact that GST is becoming a reality. The in the form of notes of the above raised questions. During as a real estate giant and how Gurgaon act against it — inevitably inviting a availability of fund will increase the cash Rs.500 and Rs. 1000 the NDA rule, (1999-2004), the GDP entered into the property map, where huge crisis, both internal and external. grew by 27.8 per cent, i.e annually land prices rose by 10 to 20 times since reserve available with the government - worthless overnight. 5.5 percentage points. Annual money 1999. Usually inflations are considered Truth is always bitter, in fact all major thus making more credit available for supply that fuels inflation, by 15.3 per to be the result of a monetary policy economic decisions taken in the country the private sector which could also cent. Prices by 23 per cent - annually but in fact asset inflation was the cause have got political dimensions and at the be considered as a very positive effect 4.6 per cent .Stocks rose by 32 per of UPA’s “high growth”! Inflated asset end if it seems good for the people, it’s since start-ups can flourish with the cent; gold by 38 per cent, jobs rose prices to the extent realised by sale acceptable. Impact of demonetisation same. The biggest positive certainly phenomenally, by almost 60 million. got accounted as part of income and on the informal economy was difficult seems to be the eradication of stoked The NDA also turned in a surplus of found its place in the calculation of to measure. Greater data availability, money which people have earned $20 billion in 2002-04 in the external GDP. Large part of the gains on stock especially on labour markets, is needed through illegitimate means or tax sector, after decades of unending sale got added to GDP. The spurious to better gauge the social impact of evasions. When 86 percent of the legal deficits. In the bulls eye view of an wealth effect also led to high-end such policies in the future. Analysts tender becomes illegal, it is expected economist, this in turn may reflect a consumption. The annual private said that the proposed 6.1 percent that finding a new level of equilibrium moderate performance as compared consumption growth averaged 18 per of GDP growth compared to that of would take time. If the smaller demand with that of other governments in cent till six years to 2009-10 — 80 per the 6.9 percent of China reflects a side risks and sorrows are addressed terms of GDP. But in a layman’s point cent over the NDA average. As per the general economic slowdown in the carefully, a better future is always of view the 60 million jobs created records of Reserve Bank of India the first quarter of January. The move lead promised. u in various sectors especially during cash with the public was 9.4 per cent of to months of acute shortage of cash. It Aswin Babu a period of hardship faced by jobless nominal GDP and it arose to 79 percent hit the country’s manufacturing and youth is something that takes the by 2010. This uncontrolled level of high construction sector adversely. The limelight. Now come to the UPA rule denomination notes in the economy cash recall was intended to fasten the under Dr. Singh, the economist Prime in contrast to the developing digital country’s transition towards a formal Minister. In the first and best six years payments platforms in the country was economy, so as to close down the

6 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 7 the most widespread. It flourished in As seen in Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro THE MARITIME GLORY OF EARLY INDIA - the basins of the Indus River, which this urban plan included the world’s flows through the length of Pakistan, first known urban sanitation systems. and along a system of perennial, Within the city, individual homes or PART 1: INDUS VALLEY mostly monsoon-fed, rivers that once The Indus Valley groups of homes obtained water from rom the discovery of zero, to fair idea of both ship building skills coursed in the vicinity of the seasonal Civilisation was wells. From a room that appears to have Fthe decimal number system, to and the maritime ability of seamen Ghaggar-Hakra river in northwest been set aside for bathing, waste water Ayurveda being the earliest school of who could successfully man such India and eastern Pakistan. The Indus a Bronze Age was directed to covered drains, which medicine and the invention of Chess, large vessels. The spice trade in Kerala Valley Civilisation is also known as the lined the major streets. The majority India has shown pure brilliance in attracted traders from all over the Harappan Civilisation, after Harappa, civilization (3300– of the cities were constructed in a all fields. And these were during the world to India. Long before Europeans the first of its sites to be excavated in 1300 BCE; mature highly uniform and well-planned grid ancient times. One can only hardly “discovered” the Indian Ocean, traders the 1920s, in what was then the Punjab pattern, suggesting they were planned fathom what would be the full potential from Arabia, Gujarat, and other coastal province of British India, and now is period 2600–1600 by a central authority; extraordinary of this country. areas used triangle-sailed dhows to Pakistan. uniformity of Harappan artefacts as harness the seasonal monsoon winds. BCE) mainly in evident in pottery, seals, weights and Indian Civilisation dates back to more Mehrgarh of the Indus Valley Domestication of the canal helped bricks; the presence of public facilities than 5000 years. It has assimilated many Civilisation - a sophisticated and the north western bring coastal trade goods - silk, and monumental architecture; cultures, races, warriors and marauders technologically advanced urban porcelain, spices, slaves, incense and heterogeneity in the mortuary during this short time span. The Vedas, culture - is evident as being the first regions of South ivory - to inland empires, as well. The symbolism and in grave goods. The the Puranas, and the Upanishads were urban centres in the region. The quality Indian Ocean did not only serve as a Asia world’s first tidal dock is believed to written here. In fact, India is known to of municipal town planning suggests means to flourish trade but also played have been built at Lothal around 2300 the world as the spiritual centre. People the knowledge of urban planning and a key role in spreading of Buddhism, BCE during the Harappan civilization, from all over the world find what they efficient municipal governments which Hinduism, and Jainism across India to near the present day Mangrol harbor have been looking for, in this holy placed a high priority on hygiene, or, Southeast Asia. on the Gujarat coast. land. Also known as the ‘Golden Bird’, alternatively, accessibility to the India was not only wealthy in terms of The Indian Ocean and its history of means of religious ritual. It is Being the fertile land money but also values and culture that trade is not restricted to the present one of the earliest sites and with the sound it propagated to the world. day. The ancient Vedic texts, such as with evidence of network of the Rig Veda, Shatapatha Brahmana farming and irrigation, Indus As early as history dates back, India has and others refer to the undertaking of herding in Valley people always been well ahead of its counter S o u t h naval expeditions and travels to distant thrived on parts, be it culture, technology or Asia. the system places by sea-routes that were well- commerce. The peninsular region of that was known at the time. For example, the Rig the Indian subcontinent is bordered by Veda (1.25.7) talks about how Varuna the Indian Ocean from all three sides, has full knowledge of all the sea routes giving it a strategic importance in that were followed by ships. Moreover, terms of trade and commerce. we should keep in mind that the Rig The Indian Ocean is the 3rd largest Veda is said to go back to around 3000 oceanic division. This mighty water BCE, which means the sailing capacity body gets its name from India – for for the Vedic civilization of ancient the reason that it covers the Indian India was well under way by that time. Subcontinent. The Indian Ocean, In fact, it dates back to the times of a natural pivot, provides varied the birth of the great Indus Valley opportunities in terms of geography, Civilization. human migration, religion, business & The Indus Valley Civilisation was a the much-debated conquest for a claim Bronze Age civilization (3300–1300 of supremacy with military might on BCE; mature period 2600–1600 BCE) the giant ocean. mainly in the north western regions Trade grew at a tremendous rate as the of South Asia, extending from what Indian Ocean provided a convenient today is northeast Afghanistan to and profitable route of travel. A Pakistan and northwest India. Along fourteenth-century description of an with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, Indian ship credits it with a passenger it was one of three early civilizations capacity of over 700 people giving a of the Old World, and of the three,

8 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 9 centralized towards agriculture. They The Indus Valley Civilisation is believed transport technology. These advances that one can see on the Indus River Afghanistan, the coastal regions of timber and special woods to Sumeria used to cultivate crops like barley, to have been the first civilization to included bullock carts that are identical today; however, archaeologists have Persia, northern and western India and in huge quantities. discovered a massive, dredged canal wheat, melon seeds, and oil crops like use wheeled transport. The Indus to those seen throughout South Asia Mesopotamia. Studies of tooth enamel Almost all scholars suggest that and what they regard as a docking dates, mustard, and sesame. Research civilization’s economy appears to have today, as well as boats. Most of these from individuals buried at Harappa Meluhha was the Sumerian name for reveals that Indus people also knew the depended significantly on trade, which boats were small, flat-bottomed crafts, facility at the coastal city of Lothal suggest that some residents had the Indus Valley Civilization. Finnish cultivation of cotton. was facilitated by major advances in perhaps driven by sail, similar to in western India. In fact, the earliest migrated to the city from beyond the scholars Asko and Simo Parpola portrayal of an Indian ship is found on Indus valley. There is some evidence identify Meluhha (earlier variant an Indus Valley seal from about 3000 that trade contacts extended to Crete Me-lah-ha) from earlier Sumerian BCE. and possibly to Egypt. documents with Dravidian melakam It has been found that the city of There was an extensive maritime “high abode” or “high country”. Many Harappa had numerous ports along the trade network operating between items of trade such as wood, minerals, coast of Kutch, Kathiawar and South the Harappan and Mesopotamian and gemstones were indeed extracted Gujarat. Most of these ports are situated civilizations as early as the middle from the hilly regions near the Indus at the mouth of the rivers. Todio is a Harappan phase. Such long-distance settlements. Early texts (c. 2200 BC) small Harappan port on south western sea trade became feasible with the seem to indicate that Meluhha is to coast of Kutch which afforded shelter development of plank-built watercraft, the east, suggesting either the Indus to the ships plying between the Indian equipped with a single central mast valley or India. There is sufficient estuary and the Gulf of Cambay, in supporting a sail of woven rushes or archaeological evidence for the trade the second millennium B.C. Earliest cloth. between Mesopotamia and the Indus and the most important harbour Valley. Impressions of clay seals from which the Harappans developed is The principal exports of Lothal were the Indus Valley city of Harappa were Lothal. Situated as it is at the head ivory, shell inlays and ornaments, beads evidently used to seal bundles of of Gulf of Cambay in the estuary of of gemstones and steatite, and perhaps merchandise, as clay seal impressions Sabarmati and Bogawa rivers, it was cotton and cotton goods. Bhal - the with cord or sack marks on the reverse a rich warehouse of rice, wheat and alluvial plane - where Lothal is situated side testify. A number of these Indus cotton growing hinterland. Farther has long been famous for its cotton. Valley seals have been found at Ur and other Mesopotamian sites. south are Megham and Bhagatrav, The region around the Indus River two other Harappan trading stations. began to show a visible increase in The Indian Ocean has not only provided Thus the entire coastline of Kutch, both the length and the frequency a path for trade and transport in the Kathiawar and south Gujarat covering of maritime voyages by 3000 BCE. olden times but it continues to do so in a total of 1400 kilometres was studded Optimum conditions for viable the present day as well. The port cities with Harappan ports in the second long-distance voyages existed in this included places such as Nagapattinam, millennium B.C. The largest structure region by 2900 BCE. Mesopotamian Arikamedu (near Pondicherry), Udipi, of baked bricks ever constructed by the inscriptions indicate that Indian Kollam, Tuticorin, Mamallapuram, Harappans is the one laid bare at Lothal traders from the Indus valley— Mangalore, Kannur, Thane, and on the eastern margin of the township carrying copper, hardwoods, ivory, others, which facilitated trade with to serve as a dock for berthing ships pearls, carnelian, and gold—were active many foreign areas such as Indonesia, and handling cargo. in Mesopotamia during the reign of China, Arabia, Rome and countries in Judging from the dispersal of Indus Sargon of Akkad (c. 2300 BCE), Gosch Africa. Many other inland towns and civilization artefacts, the trade & Stearns write on the Indus Valley’s cities contributed to this trade, such networks, economically, integrated pre-modern maritime travel. Evidence as Madurai, Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, a huge area, including portions of exists that Harappans were shipping Ellora, Melkote, Nasik and so on, which became large centres of trade. Silk, cotton, sandalwood, woodwork and various types of produce were the main items of trade. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands then served as an important midway for trade between the Indian peninsula and other countries of importance. u Aruna Maurya, S3 CSE B

10 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 11 elcome to Jaipur- the heart of things. Blue Pottery is also an example WRajasthan, a city well known for of such adoption from Persian, Chinese its fascinating monuments and colorful and Iranian potters. The history of this markets, full of gorgeous handloom artwork is as old as the history of these garments and artefacts. One can find civilizations. different kinds of jewelry, fabric, handicrafts and carpets here. One of In Iran, the utensils made of shining the ancient and traditional handicrafts soil flourished. Being blue in color, is Blue Pottery - a masterpiece which it was widely acceptable to Islamic has never faded with the passage of culture. The discovery of “Gila- time. Ever so elegant and fragile, is Lazwart” (Cobalt Oxide) brought a craft the “Pink City” is celebrated about a revolution in the field of BLUE POTTERY for. It has been rightly said, a person pottery. Pottery successfully flourished without knowledge of his past is like in China too. But without the blue a tree without roots. It would be color it looked lifeless and dull. During worth considering the history of 1301 ADE, Chinese learned all about this artwork and learn about its the Gila-Lazwart, thanks to the book origins. written by Abdul Quasin Qasani about India has been known different color compositions and for its diverse painting on pottery. The Chinese were culture and ready to pay the price of gold for this adoption wonderful element. Much later, Arab of new merchants started exporting Gila- Lazwart to China from India. strings with the same blue-green glass solution of quartz and powdered glass, which they used in pots. The ruler was and dried. Then, the desired design is In the 15th and 16th centuries, Chinese so impressed that he invited both of made on the dried vessel and coloring porcelain was in great demand in them to stay in Jaipur and teach this is done further with the help of cobalt Europe. Ships loaded with porcelain art of glazed pottery at his art school, oxide and gum. What gives the final made rounds from China to all which they accepted happily. touch is a coating of glaze, done on over world. Seeing this, Iranian the products by mixing powdered ruler Shah Abbas thought of a Making glass, borax zinc and boric acid. This shrewd scheme. He invited 300 This is an art form that stands out from mixture is melted and cooled to from artisans from China. They all other forms of pottery due to the small pebbles, which are reduced to found that the Iranian usage of special dough in which quartz powdered form and coated on vessel. soil is unsuitable for dominates the composition followed Finally, the prepared products are producing porcelain. by powdered glass, Multani Mitti, heated in closed kiln fuelled with Then along with Iranian Most of the art pieces are opaque with gum and water. It is the only pottery charcoal and high temperature. counterparts they animals and birds motifs on them. in the world which doesn’t use clay. This beautiful craft continues to be found an alternative The process involved in Blue Pottery the outcome of creative expressions and thus was born Blue Pottery took an interesting is tedious and time-consuming. The and skills of craft persons. Today, Blue the “Blue Pottery”. route to find its home in India. It so happened that Sawai Ram Singh II dough is taken, rolled and flattened to Pottery generates employment for Emergence in was attending a kite flying session and form a 4-5 mm thick “chapatti”, which more than 3 lakhs people in Jaipur. The Jaipur watched his kite masters battling with is them put into moulds containing traditional designs have been adopted mixture of small stones and ash. The and now apart from the usual jars, The name Blue two brothers, Churaman and Kaluram mould is now turned upside down and urns, pots and vases, you can find tea pottery comes from Agra. When the rulers saw the removed, then the dough is left to dry. sets, cups, saucers, and jugs in Jaipur from the eye- brothers managing to bring down the markets. u catching blue dye royal kites, he was intrigued. On asking The pottery item, cleaned & shaped that is used to he found out that the duo were potters is rubbed with “Regmall” to polish Mohit Hooda, S3 CSE color the motifs. by profession and had coated their its surface. It is then dipped in the

12 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 13 on sandstone. Temples are based JAINISM AND ARCHITECTURE originally on the Hindu temple SEVENTY YEARS SINCE 1947… plan, the difference lying in the IS INDIA TRULY INDEPENDENT … ??? JAISALMER JAIN TEMPLES deities placed inside. Jainism prefers to position the images he British rule in India is a time The first claim made is that the British ainism - known popularly as Jaina carved marble temples, built under the Ji and Shambhavdev Ji. The temple of Tirthankaras within the Tperiod in our history that has united us under one single banner. JDharma - is a truly ascetic religion Chalukya rule in Rajasthan between complex stands on a ridge of yellowish precincts of the temple. These defined how we emerged from the That the Mughal emperors were too which places heavy emphasis upon the 11th and 13th centuries CE. sandstone, crowned by the fort which pantheons are noted for its medieval era to the modern. It was weak to hold the country together ethical conduct and personal purity contains within it the palace and several rich materials (often marble) a time when our country saw a huge and the Mughal Empire would have JAIN TEMPLES IN JAISALMER for the liberation of the individual ornate temples. The entire citadel as well as the profusion of change from being ruled by princely disintegrated into many small princely souls. Jainism was founded by 24 Elephantine hill-fort (Jaisalmer fort) attains a tawny iron colour during the ornamentation that decorates states - or being under the command states had they not been united by the perfect beings, known as Tirthankaras, embraces the Jain temples of Jaisalmer, day, turning to a magical honey-gold as the structure. and subject to the atrocities of the British conquest. This is the ‘legitimate’ who appeared upon the earth in the dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras dated the sun sets. This picturesque landscape Mughals - to almost 200 years of claim of the British. Well, the fact is It is constructed on a square past and laid the foundation for this back to 12th and 15th century. The holy is complementary to the Thar Desert the British rule before becoming a that whenever India saw a decline in a plan with openings in four doctrine. Mahavira was the last and the shrine etched in yellow sandstone is in the backdrop. The temple seems democratic republic. However, one central power, the period was followed cardinal directions each of most popular among the Tirthankaras. stunning by nightfall. The monuments to be crafted in the famous ‘Dilwara’ factor that we often doubt is whether by a struggle between the most which could lead to the image Jainism has influenced and contributed reflect the glorious and majestic life of design found in Mount Abu. The the British ever brought any prosperity prominent powers - and the victor of a Tirthankara. The interior to many artistic spheres in India, such which the fort was once a part of. This temple complex in Jaisalmer is known with them. There are several arguments has a singularly large number claimed the subcontinent. This had as painting, sculpture and architecture. profound antiquity is also a showcase for its art and architecture that was supporting the theory that British of columns from which a false been the case with the Mauryas, then Western India manifests many Jain of the rich cultural bequest predominant in the medieval era and rule was perhaps the greatest thing to arch/bracket springs about the Guptas, and then the Mughals. monuments built in the medieval era, of India. The Jain temples of the temples have intricate engravings happen to India at a time of turmoil two thirds of the way up. The Had the British not come, perhaps the earliest of them being the monuments Jaisalmer are devoted to in late eighteenth century. What we pillars are richly carved as is Marathas who had started conquering of Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves Rikhabdev must excavate and learn from history is the roof towards which they huge lands under the mask of Mughal in Orissa carved out as residential spring. The roof becomes blocks for the Jain monks during quite elaborate with marble the reign of Kharavela of Kalinga deities and concentric rings (193-170 BCE), Dilwara temple of carving. They have a complex consisting very distinctive skyline of five ornately of multiple dome points reaching towards the sky, which marks the dexterity of the traditional artisans. u Ambadi Narayanan, S9 Int MA English.

whether these claims are true - if not - rule would eventually have overthrown what is the true extent of the damage the Mughals. History is full of would- they did to us? What was the India they have-beens, and we cannot say if the found, and what was the India they left empire thus would have been better behind? or worse than that under British - but we can categorically say that it would It is often claimed that British rule was, have been an Indian empire - ruled by in fact, the prime reason why India ever Indians who understood their subjects. transitioned into a democracy - that the ‘civility’ of foreign rulers affected The fractures that the British left in our us such that we evolved from several system have been, in fact, much deeper fighting city states to a single (well, 3 than we think we know. At the Battle of actually) functioning democracy. We Plassey and the consequent treatment shall discuss this British claim in this of Bengal, the East India Company article. set a standard that would haunt our

14 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 15 country for centuries to come. Robert that was the only to the period of the advent of the East positions only. Indians weren’t given a Clive bought the loyalty of Mir Jafar - administration they India Company alone. They continued say in how they were to be governed. the military general of the Nawab of knew to be true. into the period after India had been And the Englishmen who did come to Bengal at the Battle of Plassey. He was So they destroyed declared the property of the English rule us were always those who thought then installed as the governor of Bengal the existing system empire. In fact, the events that took of India and Indians as an uncivilised and removed and reinstated two more by taking away the place after this acquisition actually country who must be governed in order times while Bengal saw two other power of decision abused us further. The queen had to make good of themselves. The civil governors - all because the ‘governors’ making from the talked at length about the uplifting of service never really reached the masses could pay the Company middlemen villages. Instead the Indian subjects after the Revolt of and was always restricted to the officer more. Thus began a tradition of bribery decision making 1857. After the Revolt, the landscape of collecting taxes from the subjects. And in our country which signified that the power was given to the country changed. The crown never so, the civil service was never really a rulers could be bought and sold. This central authorities took direct control of the land, instead, service. The compensation that the also meant another thing. The Indian of a province - the it kept the Nawabs installed at places officers received due to the ‘harsh political system of the time failed “feudal lords”. This in each province - a simple name to conditions’ of India was huge. In fact, under the Company schemes. Britain was an erroneous the person who actually represented a high post in the Indian civil service acquired power from the Mughal step as the lords never the British in the province. The British was the most sought after job in the emperor and then abused the Indian knew what was right pulled the strings behind the princes world at the time of the Company rule. political system to suit its needs and individually for each and Nawabs who were reduced to men The main reason for this was that the profits. This slowly - and surely - took village, neither was squandering for titles and lands after higher officials always ruled as they away the trust that the Indian masses it in their interest. the turmoil of the Revolt. wanted to over their territories without once placed in their governments. And so, the village anyone to question them. The English Another “reform” that happened in Under such a government, whom administration, the government never disturbed them India was the establishment of the could they trust and look up to? They heart of our country’s and the Company was concerned only monarchical structure. Earlier, the started seeing servants of the British governance declined about its profit. system had been one where the Nawabs in their rulers - men who would do at the hands of the had full rights to rule over their lands. This is but a small glimpse into the anything to retain their titles. This British. Now, the term king was taken away history of what the British actually did destroyed the trust in our own political There was yet more from the nobles. They became ruling to India’s political system. It is by no system. These are some bruises that we exploitation of the families from royal families. The titles means complete and is only a reminder are still enduring and hence the masses Villages in England of how we were once a great civilisation, system. What the and the respect of the kings were fail to have complete trust and respect foremost in the world in all respects. British wanted was, were based on the stripped - making us handicapped for the ruling parties. We had a history of unparalleled after all, profit and to as subjects and rulers. But this was oppressions of knowledge and expertise in all fields, A second factor to be considered this end they drove not enough. The new subjects must capable kings, brave soldiers and a is that before the British extended India’s masses from feudal lords and be civilised and for that the princes righteous society. What the British did their dominion over India, we a complex group of India were sent to the reputed that was the only was to ruthlessly plunder and pillage a had a flourishing system of village of traders, farmers universities of England to study and flourishing country, leaving it ragged, administration. This was a system and warriors to administration they become proper ‘English gentlemen’, an divided and fighting for life. The of distributed administrative rights landless peasants with act that did not help them when they knew to be true. So purpose of this article was to highlight - where each village had the right nowhere to live other returned to their country .They were how the British rule destroyed the to function as an independent unit. than for rent at their they destroyed the strangers in their own land - civilised, political unity of India - from which, These were formed as the economic landlord’s houses and proper Englishmen completely isolated existing system by sadly, we still have not recovered - and and administrative units of the empire work for insignificant taking away the from their subjects. This was what how we should remember our history throughout the country. This was the wages. This tactic happened to some of the last remaining and realize that we were once a great reason why India had been the golden invariably served the power of decision representatives of the old rulers of civilisation and that we still can be, if bird – because, through the perfect British purpose, but making from the India. we have the courage to learn from the functioning of the smallest units, the it destroyed what little The last point that should be discussed past.. u entire nation was involved in a vast, was left of India - the villages. Instead is the Indian Civil Service. Jawaharlal complicated network of trade which rulers had already Sidhant Gupta, S3 CSE decision making Nehru once said that ‘the Indian Civil produced prosperity and employment been defeated, now Service was neither Indian nor civil for all. the British finally power was given to nor service’. The examinations to the defeated the ruled as When the British saw this system, central authorities civil services were open only to white well. they did not know what to make of of a province - the Britons during the major part of the it. Villages in England were based on These practices were British rule and the most well-read the oppressions of feudal lords and not something limited “feudal lords”. Indians could find jobs in clerical

16 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 17 Father of Modern Indian Magic, Pratul Chandra Sorcar (P.C Sorcar Sr.). The marvelous feats of Indian Magic like the Rope Trick, the X-Ray Eyes, and the Magic Carpet were brought to life by none other than P.C Sorcar. He left the INDIAN audiences gaping wide with his beguiling skills and showcased the impossible in MAGIC front of their naked eyes.

aking the impossible possible, or When asleep I breathe Magic; when simplicity, where only a long rope is conjured up, intact and uninjured. Kerala too, has preciously contributed Cheppum Panthum in return - as Mwitnessing wonders at an arm’s awake I work Magic,” asserted the and the magician is involved, at times, Performing such acts and stupefying to the arena of magic. Vazhakunnam Guru Dakshina. He was famous for distance is always a human heart’s Father of Modern Indian Magic, Pratul accompanied by a basket and an the dubious audience in an age when Neelakandam Namboothiri, more his disappearing act (Mooti Vidya). craving. And it is this irresistible Chandra Sorcar (P.C Sorcar Sr.). The assistant. In the simplest version, the technology was a far-fetched dream aptly, the Grand Father of Magic in There were many instances where, urge that paves way to make magic, marvelous feats of Indian Magic like rope is kept either in a basket or on an required extraordinary expertise. Kerala played an important role in after performing a trick, he would even the huge success it has always been. the Rope Trick, the X-Ray Eyes, and open field, and upon the magician’s bringing magic as an art. In spite of show how it is done, saying that with Famous poet Coleridge called it, the the Magic Carpet were brought to life orders, the rope levitates independently, his extreme simplicity, and devoid of practice, anyone could do it; such was “willing suspension of disbelief”, or in by none other than P.C Sorcar. He left on which, the assistant climbs as if any elaborate stage costume, he held his humility. other words, we often let our senses be the audiences gaping wide with his on a pole, and descends back. In the the crowd enthralled and spellbound. Indian folklores, myths and legends deceived for entertainment’s sake. But beguiling skills and showcased the more elaborate version, the assistant He once had a chance to watch were entrenched with the idea of performing magic, is always a supreme impossible in front of their naked eyes. disappears from the top of the rope, “Cheppadividya” [tricks using Cheppu “maya” or “indrajaal”. Apart from and re-emerges from the crowd. In the (cups) and Panthu (balls)] performed art which requires utmost skill and His success was not achieved in a day, any other form, Indian magic can most stupefying, “classic” version, the by Pallatheri Nambyathan Namboodiri, talent. The Latin word Magi, used to but it took a whole life’s dedication to boldly claim that it is the purest form, top end of the rope is no more visible, an expert and scholar, and this kindled refer to the Zoroastrians gave birth to become the World’s Greatest Magician. unadulterated by any trapdoors, lights, and the assistant too disappears. The in him, the interest for learning magic. the term “magic”. India has been the He went around the globe several times smoke, mirrors, or even a stage. And performing his magic, lifting a dying master calls for him a couple of times, Thus, he started learning Jaalavidya yet, it flaunts astounding illusions abode of inventions, ranging from the and infuriated, climbs up the rope with under Pallatheri. Vaazhakunnam later basic zero to innumerable discoveries art of India and bringing it to limelight. involving decapitations, snakes, a knife or a sword, and he too vanishes. became famous for Kayyothukkam, thorns, levitations, disappearances in various disciplines. Magic also His items were not mere tricks; each was a perfect amalgamation of modern Soon, with a loud sound and clamour, although occasionally he performed and sudden appearances. In the words had deep Indian impressions with also “Cheppum Panthum” (cups and science and harmoniously designed limbs and body parts (of the assistant) of Mr. Rakesh Kumar, (banker turned trademark tricks like the Rope Trick, balls) to small family gatherings. art. falls down, as if cut and thrown by the magician), “Magic cannot heal the Flying Carpet, and so on. It was not an master. After tossing all the parts, the Gradually he mastered other modern broken bones, but it can repair the art adapted from other nations, but an The Indian Rope trick, proudly termed master climbs down, puts the parts magic tricks also. He learned “bullet” s o u l ”. u indigenious one, with all its glory and as the “World’s Greatest Illusion”, is together in a basket, covers them with Vazhakunnam tricks from the renowned magician creativity. of three types. Its greatness lies in its a cape, utters some spells and the boy Neelakandam Namboothiri Bekkar of Alappuzha and taught him Amritha.G, S9 Int MA English.

18 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 19 KALARIPPAYATTU - THE MOTHER OF ALL MARTIAL ARTS t is believed that one of the earliest This holistic form of art that not only where Kalaripayattu as a martial art Iarts forms to be practiced by man was knows how to hurt the other but also evolved and how it grew. However, the art of self-defense and, therefore, knows how to heal has been preserved for the present, the origin of payattu the origin of martial arts anywhere in for many centuries following the remains in the realms of mythology the world can ultimately be traced back tradition of guru-shishya parampara. and mystery. to time immemorial. The matchless This martial training aims at the Kalari was an integral part of the and magnificient martial art form, overall development of an individual socio-political system of medieval kalarippayattu, is so old that its origins beginning from physical strength, Kerala. Often the fighters were invited are traditionally attributed to Lord mental balance and progressing to for settling disputes between ordinary Shiva. The term kalaripayattu is formed spiritual upliftment. It forms, as it people. This practice of using fighters from the words Kalari in Malayalam were, a path guided by the tradition to for judicial purposes resulted in the which means school or gymnasium lead a complete life. emergence of a peculiar institution and payattu which is derived from of ankam - single combat. The Kalari MYTHOLOGY AND HISTORY payattuka meaning to “fight/exercise” will be kept like a temple and the or “to put hard work into”. Parashurama, a warrior sage and one space has to be respected. There are among Lord Vishnu’s Dasavatharas, is It is considered to be the mother of no restrictions to religion, caste or sex. presumed to have reclaimed the land all martial arts in the world. Ancient The class will open with the lighting of of Kerala and parts of Konkan from Buddhist monks who travelled from the lamp - Bhadradeepam (The Holy the Arabian Sea as a new settlement India to China to spread Buddhism are Lamp) and the blowing of the divine for sixty-four Brahmin families. Out said to have taught these martial arts to conch. of them, thirty-two families were the Chinese which in turn gave birth to settled in Kerala. Parashurama, who DIFFERENT TYPES martial art forms such as kung-fu and had mastered the art of armed combat According to the tradition, there existed karate. The Shaolin temple itself was and archery under Lord Shiva, taught three styles of Kalari based on the founded by an Indian Dhyana master, these arts to twenty-one disciples in region such as Northern, Central and Buddhabhadra. On one of the walls the new land that he had reclaimed. He Southern, of which the northern and of the Shaolin temple a and his disciples are believed to have southern styles are very popular. fresco can be seen, established 108 Kalaris in different While the northern style is showing south Indian parts of Kerala. Archeologists, believed to have originated dark-skinned historians and sociologists may probe from Parasurama, the monks, teaching deeper and come up Southern style is traced the light-skinned with more views and back to Sage Agastya. Chinese the art of theories about The northern bare-handed the century style is fighting. and place characterized by very high jumping and KALARIPAYATTU TRAINING wound around the abdomen increases kicking techniques, long strides, low SYSTEM stamina and ability of the trainee. stances and blows and locks delivered The intensive training includes the It then involves maithari (physical by arms and hands that are almost fully exercises), kolthari (the use of wooden following: Poothara - The seven extended. The Southern style contains weapons) and ankathari (metal sacred steps in the southwest corner more circular movements and lacks weapons). Kai–Thallu and Verumkai (Kannimoola) of the Kalari are called the grace and depth of the northern prayogam (unarmed combat): “Kai” movements. Strikes and blows are poothara. Poothara pranamam is an means hands and “Thallu” means usually delivered with the palm of the important and foremost feature in hitting; students will face each other hands open and the arms bent and Kalari. Kalaripayattu contains a set in pairs and basically exercise arm- there are hardly any high kicks or of physical exercises through which muscles by beating and blocking. Leg jumps. However it must be mentioned the student can learn to control the kicks and elbow thrusts however are that this style has a more solid stance use of his body. Katcha is a kind of also included in this chapter. Verumkai and can deliver a powerful force by abdomen guard consisting 18 muzham prayogam (unarmed combat) or empty using the arms, shoulders and torso. (a measure) long cotton cloth, tightly hand fighting system is the fourth stage

20 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 21 of Kalari training. The opponent’s body KALARI MARMA CHIKILTSA all kinds of injuries. Massages are a very benefits of this ancient practice go THE IATROCHEMICAL PERIOD IN is the peculiarity of this system. By this Marma Chikiltsa is the treatment of the common way of treating an injury. The beyond mere weight loss. It improves method, one can disable the enemy vulnerable parts of the human body. important element in Kalaripayattu your strength physically and mentally. INDIAN HISTORY completely. Usually, the knowledge of It originated as a method to treat the training is the whole body foot Kalaripayattu performers show higher this method is passed only to those injuries during fights or practices, later massage or Chavutti Uzhichil. For lung functioning achieved by training atrochemistry is not an unexplored area in our Indian history. Metals students with a disciplined life who will it developed into a healing system for Marma Chikilsa, the ancient Indian and practice. Different postures and Ifound use in the daily lives of common people. Gold was rubbed against the not misuse this knowledge. A vast set stances in Kalaripayattu together with tongue of a new born to enhance its immunity. Food was cooked in iron or of locking techniques (piduthangal), involvement of breathing exercises like brass utensils taking care of the essential mineral requirements of our body. throws, flying moves and marma yoga in the exercise protocol result This article intends to highlight that much of the modern day knowledge that prayoga (the hitting of vital spots), in the higher lung volumes and flow we have of science was actually in practice in the ancient Indian society. counter locks and escape-techniques rates. Kalaripayattu exercises can serve During the tantric period there was a significant advancement in knowledge are involved in this technique. The word ‘Marma’ stems from the Sankrit- as a way to lose weight, stay fit, and about metals for the purpose of treating certain ailments. It was followed by act as a solace to frazzled nerves and THE MARMAM-SYSTEM iatrochemical period during which metals like Copper, iron, mercury etc were words ‘mrung’ or ‘marane’. ‘Marane’ means a stressful lifestyle. It also helps keep used in combination with herbal formulas prescribed in charaka samhitas The word ‘Marma’ stems from the up your energy and prevent the risk death” and “Mrung” means near death. and sushrutha samhithas. The development during this era is reflected in the Sankrit-words ‘mrung’ or ‘marane’. of suffering from injuries later in life. sequel of leading treatises. Some of the important treatises are: ‘Marane’ means death” and “Mrung” 107 vital spots on the human body can Kalarichikitsa can be applied to help means near death. 107 vital spots on a wider range of people achieve good the human body can be injured or be injured or hurt in a way that provokes health. Specializing in neuro-muscular hurt in a way that provokes immediate immediate death or death within days. (sciatica, spondylosis, etc.), and death or death within days. The contact skeletal disorders (sprains, fractures, with these vital spots will happen in a dislocations etc.) treatments way that the breath will be blocked and a person will die that way. Marma’s are also help one to reach beyond one’s psycho-physical limitations. It is central points of life. massage system unites the patient a holistic approach in making you and the healer. Ulsathana (foot The Marmam-system has look and feel healthy from inside. It’s massages) and Samvahanam (hand been found mainly by four about the mind and body synergizing massage) treatments are purely based rishi’s (or sages) named together. Susruthan, Vagbada on Susrutha and Vagbhada Acharya’s Acharyan, Ashtanga method mentioned in the Ayurvedic The martial art of Kalaripayattu also - hridayakarakan Granthas (palm leaf-inscriptions that sustains the various dance forms of and Agasthyar. The contain the recorded knowledge of the Kerala such as Theyyam which call student that passed ancestors of the Kalari’s). Kizhi chikitsa for extreme physical stamina. Kalari the four categories is another special method of healing. training enables one to attain ‘A sound of Kalaripayatt- (body control- Roots, herbs, or leaves will be put in mind in a sound body’. Kalaripayattu Rasasara: dealing with 18 operations on mercury and various other exercise, wooden weapons, metal a cloth called Kizhi which is covered thus is a martial art that strengthens the chemical processes. orthopedic system, includes massage weapons and unarmed combat) will with heated oil after which the specific Rasaratnasamuchchya: deals with medicinal chemistry be further examined by the Gurukkal spot will be treated. Swellings, blood regimen, Ayurvedic treatment and a on the level of discipline, trust in clotting or rheumatic diseases are cultural and spiritual experience – all Sarangadhara-samgraha: based upon both Ayurveda and tantric chemical his Gurukkal, control of mind and treated by this technique. roled in one. It inculcates traditional treatises. values, discipline and respect for the “Ekagratha” (oneness), before he is KALARIPAYATTU AS A HEALING Rasendrasarasamgraha: deals with therapteuic efficacy of mineral elders and teachers, inculcates firm initiated in the knowledge of ART preparations. faith in the existence and power of God. the marma system. In total there are The health benefits of practicing Kalari makes the practitioner not just a Rasanakshatramalika: deals with mineral preparations involving opium, six types of Marma’s Asthimarmam Kalari are tremendous, as it increases warrior but a self-healer, who can also mercury, iron, tin etc (bones) , Mamsa-marmam the stamina levels substantially. The help others with his healing powers. u (flesh), Snayu-marmam Dhataratnamala: describes short processes of killing of the metals and (tendons), Siraa-marmam Lekshmi Jayadev minerals (arteries), Dhamani- S5 Integrated M.A English Rasapradipa: describes distillation process for the preparation of mineral marmam (veins), acids which could dissolve metals. Sandhi-marmam Other important treatises included arkaprakasha, bhavaprakasha, (joints). Dhatukriya etc. Along with other foreign drugs, opium was also accepted as an official drug in the Materia medica between 1500-1600 CE.

22 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 23 CHEMISTRY IN rajavarta (lapiz-lazuli), suryakanta RASARATNASAMUCHCHYA (sun stone) etc. THE PHILOSOPHICAL FRAMEWORK OF Rasaratnasamuchchya can be Gems were widely used in ayurvedic considered as one of the important medical system reducing them in to INDIAN ARTS treatises in the medicinal chemistry. ashes or fine powders. n India, unlike the other cultures of fears bothered us. This shows that even then, had already created the world It was compiled by Vagbhata and Laboratory setup during iatrochemical the world, philosophy and classical when we are unaware of our own selves and the four Vedas and he had nothing it includes intricate details about I period: arts are closely liked. They are both and the world, we can be happy and new to create. He thus decided to metals and minerals, series of centered around the idea of finding this happiness is something internal extract different components from The setting up of ancient laboratories processes like extraction, purification, Joy. Whereas, the Vedanta is a means of to us. Art Experience is termed as each of the four Vedas and created a is highly interesting and so were liquefaction, description about realizing eternal Joy, that is untainted rasānanda by the Indian aestheticians new system of knowledge called the the criteria to choose a chemist or a the instruments. The properties by the material world, classical arts and it is called the younger brother of Natyaveda. He picked up the literary herbalist. The laboratory used to be of the rasas, uparasas and metal have their roots in the material world, brahmānanda, the realization of which component from the rg-veda, music erected in a region, which abounds discussed in rasaratnasamuchchya are but give a glimpse into the eternal Joy is ultimate aim of Vedānta. A conscious from the sama-veda, gesture language in medicinal herbs and wells and highlightened below: realisation of Joy, that transcends the from the yajur-veda and aesthetic furnished with various apparatuses. that Vedānta seeks. world and the individual self and is experience, i.e., Rasa from the atharva- The Rasa: Abhra, Adrija, Vaikrantha, The phallus of mercury is to be placed Everyone in the world wishes to eternal is the state brahmānanda. veda. A combination of all the three Vimala are the different kinds of rasas in the east, furnaces to be arranged be happy and there is no one who Rasānanda gives us a glimpse of this – literature, music, gesture language discussed. in the south-east, instruments south- consciously wishes to be unhappy. All infinite bliss and stands as an empirical (dance) and aesthetics make up theatre west; washing operations in the Abhra (Mica): Pinakam, our endeavours are in one way or the proof for the same. art and the purpose of such an art form west; drying in the north-west. The Nagamanukam, and vajram are the other directed towards maximizing our is to entertain the masses. Thus, all koshti apparatus for the extraction of The first chapter of Bharata’s three kinds of micas used in four duration of happiness. We, however, Indian art forms have their roots in the essences, the water vessels, a pair of Natyasastra, a treatise on performing different colours-black, yellow red are usually under the impression that Vedas, that have laid the foundation for bellows and various other instruments arts tells us the reason with which Art and white. Killed mica is used in the fulfilment of worldly desires will make Indian philosophy. u treatment of various ailments. are also to be collected; as also us happy, but it is in our experience came into existence and shows the close thrashing and pounding mortars, the that such joy is only temporary. Once connection of Arts and philosophy. At Arjun Bharadwaj, Adrija (bitumen): different kind of pestles, sieves of various degrees of the object we secure out of fulfilment a time when there was unrest in the Assistant Professor, bitumen are Chapala, Rasaka and fineness, earth for the crucibles, dried world, the humans and deities wanted Sasyaka. Sasyaka, a blue coloured of desires is lost, our joy is also lost Amrita Darshanam, Bangalore cow dung cake, retorts made of glass, and we try to pursue another desire. peace and went to the creator, Brahma emetic is an antidote to poisons and a earth, iron and conch shells iron pans and requested him to create something killer of the whiteness of the skin. We get stuck in this infinite loop and etc. Only those who were truthful, free running after worldly objects. Indian that will entertain them. Brahma, by Vaikranta: It was observed in various from temptations, given to worship philosophy and arts, however, point colours like blue, white, yellow, green of devas and brahmins, were highly a way of getting out of this loop and knowledgeable, self-controlled and etc or even multi-coloured with eight finding a means to realise eternal Joy. faces and six angles. Vaikranta was used to live on proper diets and considered as a royal medicine. regimen were chosen as chemists. All us would have remarked after watching a movie, or while listening The Yantras (apparatuses): Vimala: The three different kind to music, ‘I forgot myself’, ‘I did not include gold, silver and brass. Numerous common apparatuses know where I was’, ‘I did not realise The Uparasas or inferior rasas:Sulphur, used in iatrochemical period were that so much of time elapsed’ and ‘I Gairika(red ochre), Kasisa(sulphate of documented. A few of them are: Patana thoroughly enjoyed the movie/ music’. iron), Manassila, were the four kinds yanthram (apparatus for sublimation), In such experiences, there is joy, of uparasas. Kasisa is acidic, astringent Vidhyadhara yanthram (fumigating though we were neither aware of our and beneficial to the eye. apparatus), Dheki yantram ( apparatus own individual selves, i.e., the body for distillation).u and the mind nor were we aware of The Anjanas: Anjanas are used as Anjali, S3 MSc the time and space. We transcend cosmetics for eye. all those parameters and were in a The Gems: Gems and jewels are an state of absolute Joy. Time and space inevitable part of Indian civilisation. constitute the world and body and A part in garudapurana deals with mind make up our individual selves. detailed descriptions of gems. The Thus, we were in a state of joy, in spite gems used for fixation or coagulation of the world and our own selves. For of mercury are garudodgara (emerald), the duration for which the movie or Chandrakanta (moonstone), hirakam the music was going on, none of our (diamond), mauktikam (pearls), physical or mental pains, anxieties or

24 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 25 hen the entire universe is under Puranas and Patanjali also noticed the vividness of description of natural may be dumb but yet she understands THE WONDER THAT IS Wthe spell of the English language, it when he said “chandovat kavayah scenes, the underlying suggestiveness the sorrows of men and is friendly an iota of knowledge on the History of kurvanti”. An early poet Kalidasa also of higher ideals and the introduction of to them. The seasons appeared to Sanskrit Literature would definitely sometimes indulged in such poetical imposing personalities often lend great Kalidasa almost as living beings. They

SANSKRIT set any reader offbeat into the sphere licenses. Lesser known poets who charm to Sanskrit poetry. are not merely the friends of man of India’s glorious ethnic culture and wrote inscriptions often showed their The atmosphere of artistic creation of but throughout nature the life and heritage. This article, encompassing inability to follow Panini’s grammar. Sanskrit play as distinguished from personality of the seasons are realized the origin of the Sanskrit language and Except for these, the language has the world of ordinary reality has been in joy and love, and in Kalidasa’s its gradual expansion into the massive successfully prevented mutations in well described by Abhinavagupta in description this aspect of nature world of literature, would doubtlessly the course of ages. his commentary on Bharata’s Natya- becomes extremely vivid. But when provide a flavorsome feast for the Winternitz, in Volume III of his Sutra. Thus, Abhinavagupta says that Valmiki looks at nature, his general The first information regarding the reader. ‘History of Indian Literature’, German the constitutive words of a Kavya emphasis is on the realistic aspect of existence of Sanskrit and the literature The first information regarding the Edition, speaks of “the Sutas” as the produce in the mind of the proper nature. The aspect of its utility to man existence of Sanskrit and the literature of representatives of the old heroic reader something novel, something is thin and shadowy. But as we proceed of the Upanishads was carried to the the Upanishads was carried to the West poetry. Tracing back to the germinal that is over and above the meaning of onwards we find that gradually nature West by the Latin translation, by Anquetil by the Latin translation, by Anquetil state of Sanskrit Kavya, one cannot the poem. After the actual meaning of begins to rise to the human level and Duperron, of the fifty Upanishads from find reasons to disagree to this notion words is comprehended there is a wave often its practical utility to man is Duperron, of the fifty Upanishads from the the Persian translation of Dara Shiko. completely. Sutas were people who of imagination that sweeps fast through emphasized, e.g., in the ‘Rtusamhara’ There was a time when it was openly lived in the court of the earlier princes the minds of the readers creating a state of Kalidasa. Anyhow, different poets Persian translation of Dara Shiko. There doubted in Europe whether there and sang to extol them. They also went of universalisation between reality and in India had approached nature from was any genuine Sanskrit language. forth to battle so as to be able to sing imagination. diverse points of view, some realistic, was a time when it was openly doubted some pragmatic and some idealistic. But the indefatigable work of Sir of the heroic deeds of the warriors The Sanskrit poets also took it as a rule in Europe whether there was any genuine William Jones, Colebrooke and others from their own observation. These to clearly avoid any visuals of violence, The study of Sanskrit Kavyas and their Sanskrit language. But the indefatigable made Sanskrit known to the Western court bards are said to have been the shock, gross demonstrations of passion appreciation have their own difficulties. World. Sanskrit, as is universally yield of wedlock between a Kshatriya or anything revolting. They had a Excepting in the case of a few writers work of Sir William Jones, Colebrooke established, is the eldest daughter of male and a Brahmin female. However, sense of perfect decorum and decency of elegance like Kalidasa, Bhasa or the old mother-tongue of the Aryan the court atmosphere did not favour so that the total intended effect of Sudraka, most of the Sanskrit works and others made Sanskrit known to the people and probably the only surviving the indigenous ebb and flow of poetic the drama does not get disturbed. in poetry are not easily accessible to daughter. The oldest preservation of Western World. brilliance and preferred a skill in Consonant with this attitude and those who have no proficiency in the Sanskrit speeches can be observed in the display of learning and stringent with the general optimism of Indian language and even for the proficient the Rigveda. In the language of the manipulation of words which led to thought and philosophy that the world it is not always an easy reading and at Rigveda, one can trace a gradual and artificiality among poets from the process ultimately tends to beatitude times one cannot make much of them steady development of the language sixth century onwards. As a result, the and happiness whatsoever pains and without commentaries. The study of of the classical Sanskrit through the natural spontaneity of the poet was at sufferings there may be in the way- that Sanskrit Kavyas, therefore cannot be later Samhitas, the Brahmanas and the discount. Amidst the manufactured Indian Drama as a rule does not end an easy pastime and cannot always be Upanishads. poetry were Bana and Kalidasa, two tragically; and to complete the effect enjoyed as recreation in leisure hours. poets who took the idea of artificiality The Sanskrit grammarians tried as far we have often a benedictory verse to Under the circumstances, though into negation. Sanskrit rhetorician as possible to avoid further distortions start with or a verse of adoration, and the Kavya literature contains within Bhamaha also holds a different view in the essentially undiluted form of the a general benediction for all in the end it some of the great masterpieces of regarding Kavya. He says that Kavya language. The conservative tendency so that the present effect of the drama poetical works, it cannot hope to should be written in such a manner of Indian literary culture is remarkably may leave a lasting impression on the become popular with those who had a that it is intelligible to all. manifested also in the permanent mind. mere lisping knowledge of Sanskrit or form that has been given to the The majesty and grandeur of the Throughout the description of natural who are unwilling to take the trouble Sanskrit language. The word Samskrta Sanskrit language, the sonorous words, scenes and objects as depicted by of undertaking a difficult journey means purified and well-ordered. By music, the rise and fall of the rhythm Kalidasa, we find that the whole nature through the intricacies of the language. 150 B.C., by the joint works of three of rolling in waves, the elasticity is a replica of the human world- the To the trained ear the music of the grammarians, Panini, Katyayana of meaning and the conventional same feelings and emotions, the poetry is so enthrallingly bewitching and Patanjali, the language attained atmosphere that appear in it have same passions and sorrows, the same that the mere recitation of the verses a stereotyped form which remained always made it charming to those for feelings of tenderness, love, affection in the proper manner produces a sense the same throughout the centuries. whom it was written. The unreality and friendship that are found to reign of exhilaration. The sonorous rhythm Variations from this may occasionally and conventionality appear only to a in the human mind, are also revealed and untranslatable charm of Sanskrit be observed in the Ramayana, the modern mind looking at it with modern in the same manner for Kalidasa in and poetry are the two major difficulties in Mahabharata and some of the other perspectives. The wealth of imagery, through the objects of nature. Nature understanding it.

26 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 27 Was Sanskrit a spoken language at any time? Panini distinguishes from Vedic and the Paninian language, as Vaidika and Bhasa (spoken language). Patanjali FOLK DANCES OF in his ‘Bhasya’ says that the object of grammar is to supply rules of control for current speech. But why should there be any such control? The answer is: one, for the preservation of the integrity of the Vedas; two, for making proper MANIPUR transformations of suffixes from the forms given in the Samhitas for practical ndia is a land of varied culture and being, if true faith is developed. The sacrificial use; three, in pursuance of the general duty for all Brahmins to Itraditions. Diversities in all spheres gopikas represent the individual souls study the Vedas of which the chief accessory is grammar; four, grammar is the make the Indian culture quite unique. confined to mundane responsibilities. shortest route for the study of correct words; and five, for laying proper accents Indian folk and tribal dances are the The God-head represented by Lord on words. A wrong word or a wrong accent fails to denote the proper meaning. product of different socio-economic set Krishna is projected through the call of So, to safeguard oneself from wrong usage one should study grammar. up and traditions. Indian folk and tribal his enchanting flute. In the actual dance Even in the time of Patanjali, the Paninian language was used in current dances are simple and are performed to performance, the eye catching stylish speech though many mispronounced and foreign words had crept into the express joy from within. In India, we movements and graceful gestures can current speech. The current speech was thus not exactly what we call Paninian have festivals and celebrations virtually be seen. During the performance, these Sanskrit but Sanskrit in which there is a very large admixture of corrupt words. every day. This has added to the richness movements are well gesticulated, that it We also find that by Patanjali’s time, the tradition was that the Asuras had of Indian culture. Since every festival acquires a touch of spiritual force. accepted Brahminic forms of sacrifice but they could not attain the fruits of is accompanied by celebration, folk The performance of Rasa leela is them as they could not properly pronounce Sanskrit words. The rules of accent dances have become an integral part of carried out in an enclosure in front of prescribed for greeting persons also show that Sanskrit as mixed up with our social milieu. The folk dances are the temple called as Nat mandapa and corrupt words was in se among the people. Those, however, who achieved the extremely simple with minimal steps the performance lasts for the whole discipline of a grammatical study used the words recognized as chaste by the or movement. Indian folk dances are night. Viewers see it with a deep sense grammatical tradition. The mixed language was used by the common folk was full of energy, vitality and has a specific of devotion. Rasa performances are not unintelligible to the learned nor the speech of the learned unintelligible to rhythm. The costumes are also unique seasonal and varied. The costumes of the common people. to each folk dance, most of them being Rasa leela of Manipur are vibrant and colourful with extensive jewels and Thus, in spite of criticisms that may be leveled against Sankrit poetry, to a quiet captivating to look at. As far as designs. Every part of this country has learned Sankrit scholar who is acquainted with the trailing history of the the dancers are concerned, both the allusive words and its penumbra, the double meanings and the associated its own flavour of art and culture. This male and female dancers are part of myths, Sanskrit poetry with its luxurious images, cadence of rhyme, jingling article focuses on the various flavours this splendid act. The richness of the alliteration of word-sounds, creates a wonderland of magic and joy that of Manipuri folk dances. Manipur is costumes, the poise, the moving music transports the reader to a new world of beauty. The delicate and passionate a place which finds mention in the and the devotion with which Rasa flickering of love with which Sanskrit love poetry is surcharged are as much Hindu mythology and therefore it has leela is performed is sure to strike an exciting to our primal tendencies as appealing to our cultured tastes. Though art forms which are greatly inspired emotional chord. Manipuri dancers much of Sanskrit poetry has been lost through the ravages of time, yet what by mythological influences. Manipuri evokes a permeating mood of devotion, remains is worthy of the pride and satisfaction of any great nation. There is no dance essentially revolves about the deep yearning and karuna. It symbolises compeer in the world of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana taken together, theme of Radha & Krishna. the pangs of separation from the Lord and Kalidasa stands supreme before our eyes as a magic creator of beauty and RASA LEELA and reunion with divinity. Finally enchantment, and Bhavabuti as the creator of the somber and the sublime. all humans are Gopis ever seeking, In the rasa dance of manipur lies the ever desiring, ever yearning for the The reader can stay extremely inquisitive hereafter, for the enduring journey richness of both nritta and abhinaya God who gives the illusion of being into the deep roots of Sanskrit Literature shall not culminate here and shall of the Manipuri style. These are the personal to each human being and is u reach your eyes soon with even more alluring facts! compositions of a literary order set yet above all of them. Manipuri dance Abhirami Rajeevu to classical music and performed to a has a delicate grace and beauty which given metrical cycle. The rasa leela is S3 Integrated M.A English is full of the intricate complexities of the famous dance of Manipuri culture sinuous curves. It is the embodiment of invoking deep feelings in the viewers. Bhakti as far as its theme and spirit are The dance illustrates the eternal love of concerned. The delicate movements Radha and Krishna and has also been ,the crescendo of the music and the described in the Hindu scriptures & grace of the dancers renders the dance Puranas. It also reveals the sublime love form its beauty and charm. of Lord Krishna and Radha including the devotion of Gopis towards the PUNG CHOLOM lord. The Manipuri Rasa leela specially Pung cholom dance form has only depicts the connection of the individual male performers in it and uses drums soul with the spirit of the supreme and mridanga as its performance

28 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 29 accessories. The turban makes for an as incarnations of Lord Shiva and MAIBI DANCE important part of pung cholom. This Goddess Parvati. Khamba thaibi dance This dance is performed during the dance is also otherwise called dhumal, is also differently termed as leima jagoi annual ritual festival of the meitei mridanga kirtan and drum dance. and priestess dance. Manipuris and is called Lai Haraoba. Pung cholom may be represented Manipuri. Performed still in temples NUPA DANCE The principal performers are referred independently or as a part of the to as maibis and maibas who are and religious occasions, inextricably Nupa dance or Nupa pala is also known Nata sankirtan. When it is performed considered an embodiment of purity as Kartal Cholom or cymbal Dance. This as an independent dance nearly 14 and are said to be chosen by the Gods woven into the lives of the people of dance represents the characteristic of performers will participate in the themselves. The story unfolds from the the Manipuri style of dance and music. Manipur, Manipuri Dancethis dance dance but if it is presented as part of beginning of creation and is of the form They use cymbals as their performance the Nata Sankirtan there will be only of ritualistic dances. Without many form is a very much living tradition. A two performers. The dance is ritualistic accessory and their gentle and delicate facial gestures this dance uses body in flavour and stylish in terms of movements gradually pick up vigor movements and stylised hand gestures. genuine Manipuri dance performance steps and movements. The dance and thunderous speed as the dance The dance relates the story of creation offers a glimpse of a rare and ancient starts with small movements which proceeds. It is a group performance of and that of the lifestyle of the Meitis. soon give way to more vigorous and male dancers only. Generally the Nupa In other words, life is re-lived through civilization still extant. This style is momentous steps. Amazing rhythmic pala acts as a prologue or introductory the Maibi dance. Invocation of God intricacies and interplays are a beauty dance to the Rasa leela dances. Besides through some ritualistic procedures multifaceted, ranging from the softest in this dance form where the body being an independent performance, it heralds the beginning of the dance movements are synchronized with the is also performed in connection with in which you will find the dancers feminine to the obviously vigorous sound modulations. religious rites. The performers wear wearing the sacred Langthrei leaves in masculine. white pheijom which is a type of dhoti between their fingers. u KHAMBA THAIBI and white turbans around their heads. This is a beautiful ceremonial dance They dance and sing to the rhythm of Sagariga, S3 EEE of Manipur where there are both male the mridanga. Nupi pala is a term that and female performers performing as is a counterpart to Nupa dance –it is a a duo. There may be a single duo or kind of kirtan performed by a female in many such duos in a particular dance sitting position with a mandira, that is, performance and the male dancers are small cymbals, in hand. given all liberty to choose their female thaibi. The boy, who is poor, defies and defeats all challenges coming in the way of his love. Thaibi, a rich princess, too stays steadfast in love despite all the attempts to draw them apart. To protect their love they perform a duet dance before moirang’s sylvan deity, Thangjing. Later, they are considered

30 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 31 THE PLIGHT OF INDIAN FARMERS n recent years, thousands of and pesticides and preservatives have farmers who tilled the land were his serfs Ifarmers, throughout the country, reduced soil fertility and has increased or tenants who grew the crops for him. have committed suicide due to acute the toxicity of all types of agricultural They existed entirely on his generosity financial distress. 69 years after produce beyond acceptable limits. or lack of it. The Zamindar was their independence, the plight of our Farmers are now using far more ‘mai-baap’. When Zamindari was farmers is not much better than what chemical fertilizers than necessary to abolished and land ceiling introduced, it was when the British left. What ensure a reasonable yield. Today the much of the village lands was taken are the reasons for this? Nothing but call is for going organic; however for over by the states and distributed step-motherly treatment by successive this changeover to succeed, soil fertility to the farmers who tilled the land. governments. has to be restored. This will take time. However there was not enough land for If acute financial distress is the primary In earlier days, during periods when distribution. This gave rise to the Great cause for farmer suicides, how can we there was little agricultural activity, Vinobha Bhave’s Bhodaan movement resolve the farmers’ financial problems? farmers were occupied in their – Land for the Landless. Small land In almost every state, agriculture is no traditional crafts and could augment holdings, constantly fragmented by longer an economically viable activity. their income. Potters, weavers, every generation, escalating costs Large tracts of agricultural land are cobblers, blacksmiths, carpenters and of farm inputs and farm labour and lying fallow, as the land owners and so on plied their trade. This kind of dependence on the monsoons resulted farm labour have migrated to some economic activity in the villages is in poor productivity and did not nearby cities in search of work and a almost nonexistent today. This has provide sufficient income. steady income. How do we reverse this had an adverse impact on the earning The trend now is for small farmers to trend? ability of the farmer. The sociological lease out their land to rich farmers The Green Revolution of the 60’s came evolution of the farming community, and move to urban areas in search of as a result of the use of improved seeds, pan India, has not kept pace with the work. These rich farmers take on lease more irrigation and the use of chemical rest of the Indian society. At the time as much land as they can and resort fertilizers and pesticides. Most farmers of independence, the agricultural lands to mechanized farming and are able were able to obtain two crops in place of of a village were generally owned by to sustain agricultural activity due to the earlier one. Over the years, however, the village Zamindar or landlord. The economy of scale. The small farmer has extensive use of chemical fertilizers another problem; they need to borrow

money to invest in farm inputs. It is productivity, quality and profitability. to be formulated and implemented difficult for them to get loans from the Agriculture’s profitability depends on vigorously. We need to ensure a viable banks so they are forced to go to local productivity (yield per acre per year), food security scheme for the nation moneylenders who charge exorbitant which in turn depends on the cost and for this, making agriculture an rates of interest. In some cases, such of inputs, good rural infrastructure economically attractive activity needs loans are used for other purposes including irrigation, power, storage to be factored in. Enough farmers have such as a daughter’s wedding! The and cold storage facilities, value committed suicide for the Government problem is compounded if the crop addition and above all viable land to wake up and take up the farmer’s is damaged by some natural calamity holdings. The state should also institute cause on a war footing. like droughts or floods. As it stands suitable crop security schemes and easy Amma’s SERVE project of developing today, the plight of small and medium bank credit, and disseminate and adopt 101 model villages throughout the farmers are pathetic. The poor farmer modern technology. This is a long country is as a result of Her divine vision has remained poor. shopping list and a very expensive one and a step in the right direction and at that. Agricultural policies have so far We now need to create a situation should provide our parliamentarians a provided only first aid. where, for the small and medium model to pursue. u farmer, agricultural activity becomes It is time for a very comprehensive, Lt Col K K Nair (Retd) economically attractive by increasing holistic and nationally acceptable policy

32 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 33 Al-Rashid and was equal to the cubit of LINEAR MEASUREMENT IN the Nilometer. He also has referred to different types of gaz, having 24, 25, 28, 29, 31 and 70 digits. The last one was ANCIENT INDIA used for measuring rivers and plains. ength is the most necessary Lmeasurement in everyday life. Prakrama of the Baudhayana Sulvasutra Humanity’s first elementary methods and the Satapatha Brahmana was equal are also reflected by the way how the to two or three padas. units of length were developed. As Kisku or kamsa was two vitastis plus the civilizations prospered, the need one dhanurmusthi or 32 angulas of standard measurements increased - according to Kautilya. It was a measure for the complex measuring problems employed for measuring forts and of civilization like surveying land to palaces. register property rights, or selling a commodity by length - a more precise Bahu apparently meaning an arm was unit was required. 36 angulas according to Baudhayana. The use of standardised measuring and kanistha measuring 6 yavas. or square land measured by so many Purusa or man’s length was 120 rods, scales, and reeds has been in Jyestha was used in measuring cities, padas on adjacent sides. angulas according to Baudhayana and villages, lakes, etc., madhyama for vogue in India from very ancient Gokarna was another linear Apastamba. They probably use the term measuring temples, palaces, houses, period. The oldest reference to the measure of 11 angulas according purusa as synonymous with vyayama. etc., and kanistha for measuring use of measuring rod for measuring to the Samarangana sutradhara. Kautilya mentions a purusa measure and surveying a field in ancient India furniture, carriages implements, etc. Etymologically it means cow’s ear and of 107 angulas, which was used in is seen in the Rigveda. The finding of Matrangula referred to in Viswakarma is equated to the distance between the building sacrificial altars and also a slip of measuring scale made of shell Vastusastram and Mayamatam was the tip of the anamika(ring finger) and mentions another purusa measuring from Mohenjodaro, an ivory scale from length of the middle parva or mark of the thumb, both being stretched out equal to a danda of 96 angulas. The longest measure mentioned in the Lothal, a fragmented rod at Harappa, the middle finger or the thumb of the according to Al-beruni. Sulva texts and Brahmana literature assert the use of measuring scales in owner or sthapati. Dehalabdangula is calculated on the basis of the statue of Hasta, the popular hand measure, is was purusa. India. the cubit of 24 angulas. Architectural the principal deity. Yojana is the most controversial linear In ancient India, though the units works, in addition to the hasta of 24 measure, with the least unanimity In ancient India, of measurement were initially based Pada is another important part of angulas refer to three other types of the body used for linear measure. A among the scholars. There appears to be on natural physical standards, they hastas also. In some inscriptions, it is foot usually means the length of the two different types of yojana according though the units admitted many practical and imaginary stated that the hasta of the king was sole, from the heel to the first digit to the ancient Indian literature. One dimensions also by general consent. used for measuring land - like the of measurement of the toe. Baudhayana mentions a measuring 4000 dandas while the other The smallest unit of linear measure was term Darvikarma hasta (the forearm pada of 15 angulas and a ksudrapada measuring 8000 dandas. were initially considered to be a paramanu (atom). of king Darvikarma) - occurs in the of 10 angulas. Katyayana refers to a Of the other measures, trasarenu, inscriptions from Bengal. In conclusion, the measure smaller pada of 12 angulas. Kautilya refers based on natural valagra, liksa, yuka and yava, each than the angula namely anu, trasarenu, to a pada of 14 angulas which was Aratni which is equal to 24 angulas succeeding in eight times the previous ratharenu, vdldgra, liksa, yuka, and physical standards, accepted by Bhoja also. Sama, sala appear to be synonymous with hasta one are also known. Except yava, all yava follow octonari system. The bigger and pariraya were the other names for and cubit, since it is also the portion they admitted the other measures seem to be of very units pada (6 angulas), vitasti (12 pada according to Kautilya. The term of the hand from the elbow to the tip minute analysis. angulas), aratni or hasta (24 angulas), many practical sala occurs in Atharvaveda also. Pada of the middle finger. This length of 24 angulas is accepted by Sulva sutras, vyayama (84 angulas) and danda (96 Angula (finger-breadth or digit, about also means a quarter. In astrology, the angulas) seem to follow duodecimal and imaginary 1.9 cms) can be considered as the stars and the houses are divided into Arthasastra, Brahatsamihita, Buddhist and Jaina literature. Thus majority of system. If yojana is considered as 4 dimensions also by smallest practical linear-measure in four padas. A quadrant of a circle is krosas, then it can even be stated as ancient India. This is the basic unit and termed pada. Hence this term pada can the literature confirm the fact of aratni to be a cubit. being quaternary in relation to the general consent. all other linear-measure units depend also be interpreted as one-fourth of a bigger units also. u on this. Medieval texts on architecture bigger unit. They consider 6 angulas as Gaz was also a type of measuring like Bhoja’s Samaranganasutradhara a pada. The term pada appears to have standard. Abul Fazl records seven types Spriha Mandal, S3 CSE and Bhuvanadeva’s Aparajitoprachcha been used for the square measure also. of gaz. Gaz-i-sauda consisted of 24 RESOURCE: Mensuration in Ancient mention three other types of angulas, Avarta means enclosed or surrounded. digits plus 2/3 of a digit. This measure, India by Saradha Srinivasan. namely jyestha measuring 8 yavas, Hence padavarta mentioned in the according to him was the length of the madhyama measuring 7 yavas Maitraka inscriptions refers to an area hand of an Abyssinian slave of Harun-

34 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 35 this was happening and why innocent disappointed that I could not save her. between an inmate and the staff. There people were being sent to jail. I was I came home and went into depression are many volunteers from Amrita THE PHOENIX very disturbed that time and certain for several days. My grandmother was University too - at least 50 volunteers incidents took place in my life which my mentor. She told me that it was up are from Amrita University. They are “Often it’s the deepest pain which empowers you to grow into your highest self” became the turning point in my life. I to me to take a decision. The pain that my eyes and ears. If anyone is founded stopped being careless, naughty and the I was experiencing about the death of sexually exploited, they report to me. -Karen Salmansohn happy child I used to be. I decided that that child could either destroy me by Question: What are you most proud there was no time to look back, that I going into depression which would of? Phoenix is a legendary bird, which according to had to work for my country. I decided never bring that child back. Or else I one account, lived for around 500 years, burned to become a social activist working for could convert this grief into positive Renu Singh: Honestly speaking, I am very proud of being Amma’s child. It itself to ashes on a pyre, and rose alive from the uplifting suppressed women. I felt the energy of the same intensity with which ashes to live for a long time. Till date, we have only is the best thing in my life. Secondly I need to work for inclusive democracy. I could prevent any girl or woman from heard of such a mythical bird but what if God am very proud of being myself and not I promised myself that I would work dying of rape. That would be the biggest created one amongst us? We have such a Pheonix wearing any ‘mask’. in Renu D Singh. Renu Singh, belonging to an as an activist who would never go after tribute to that girl. And that was my intellectual and illustrious family, is the founding power. That is what my present is. turning point. My grandmother told Question: There was a controversial me this when I was only 14 and she told case regarding a few politicians that president of the NGO – Samadhan. She is an Question: What was your major me to grow up and learn about the laws lead to the death of your father. Can honest lawyer by profession and a committed turning point in life? social activist. Her NGO aims at ensuring greater that could save these girls. That day I you tell us about it? accountability and transparency of government Renu Singh: The turning point in my decided that I would learn the law - not Renu Singh: Yes, That incident took and greater participation of people in decision life was the incident when I couldn’t to become a lawyer and earn, but to place in 2008. A little girl was raped making as a means of redressing social justice save the life of a little girl. She was a rape become an advocate to do the advocacy by 5 men and after being raped she and positive social engineering to promote and victim, raped by her own biological for such people. was constantly molested for the next father, who made her pregnant when upkeep human rights of people. We had the Question: What are your upcoming 60 days by the same people and some she was only 10-12 years old. I saved great fortune to meet this humble personality projects and plans? others too. Later she was rescued by us. face to face only to become an ardent admirer her, brought her to my house and called By the time we rescued her, her kidneys of hers. Our interaction with her gave us an idea the police. This happened forty years Renu Singh: I can’t say about any were already damaged. In addition to of how her life was how her life played a role in ago and there were no laws as we have upcoming plans as such because I live this, she had multiple infections, a moulding her into what she is today. Through today. Her parents, being the natural in the present but I have a vision for the collapsed anus and a severe infection this article, we would like to share our moments guardians, were given the right to take future, not to grow materially. We are in her uterus. Her weight was only we spent in the presence of this great personality. her back with them. So when the police the only helpline in the north of India. 28kg. She was in a very bad state. Her came they forced me to give back their It’s a tele-helpline and also a physical family was not willing to accept her. child and her mother took her to the helpline. Our tele-helpline is open 24/7 She was therefore with us but there was village. Since she was made pregnant to which any woman can call and seek tremendous pressure from the state by her own father and was only 12 information, advices, legal rights and government to release her. We were Question: Can you brief us about Renu Singh: I have many role models. and they have come out of all the odds years old she was asked to marry a 48 laws about women’s rights. If a person not just threatened, we were physically your childhood? Amma is my guru, of course, and she is in their life. The way they are shaping year old man. is in distress, she can ask ways to get tortured. My husband wa s abducted everything for me. From the time I met their future must be appreciated. My out of the distress. It’s also a rape crisis and tortured too but we never gave Renu Singh: I had a very happy I got the news that the mother would Amma, which was 3-4 decades ago, universal role model will always be centre. If any woman is raped and she up because I was very clear about my childhood. We were a big joint family of take care of the child. But, after a week I have always admired and thought Amma but I also consider the qualities has nowhere to go she can always come decision that I would not give away thirty five members including cousins, or so I could not stop myself and I took to myself - yes, this is how a woman of many different people. to our centre just by writing a request the girl. We were constantly forced great grandparents, grandparents and my bike to the little girl’s village . After should be. I am also inspired by Suu letter to us. We keep her for 5 years and by the government to disown the girl parents. It was a traditional Hindu joint Question: For what you are today, searching a lot I found her mother. Kyi who, at present, is working for the groom her as a lawyer. She would be but we kept motivating and helping family and a feudal Rajput family of how did your past mould you into She showed no interest to talk to me. democracy in Myanmar. I admire her sent to study law and become a lawyer the girl instead. We started giving her Rajasthan. You can say my childhood what you have become? She asked me to go away several times a lot. Opera Winfrey also occupies a by qualification and we then help to medical treatment and she came out was both traditional and at the same and she never wanted to tell me the to be a beautiful person. Now she is a special place in my heart because she Renu Singh: The past always plays a big register her with the bar council. Then time progressive. The specialty of my whereabouts of the girl. After forcing lawyer, an activist and also a mother of has something special about her - the role in the present because it is always she is free to practice law anywhere childhood was that I was very naughty, her a lot she pointed to a big pond and a child .She is living a very good and way she survived all odds to become a the past which forms the foundation she wants and if she wants to join us the naughtiest among all my brothers told me that the girl was there. I was productive life. very successful person. She is always for the present. The significant period as a volunteer she can join us too. You and sisters. So it was a very happy and confused and asked her - how? And polite and a down-to-earth person and of my past is the mid 70’s when the will be surprised to know that in our When you defend somebody, the normal childhood and I did all naughty then it struck me - her daughter was never took success on top of her head. emergency situation was in the entire organization SAMADHAN, we have makers of violence feel offended and things that every child would like to do. found dead in the pond after three days And as of today, all the girls who are country. The whole country was more than 7000 women now. Almost take brutal revenge. I lost my father of her marriage. Question: Whom did you consider as living with me are my role models. facing trouble. I was only a teenager 80 women are working on a daily basis to one such incident. I usually try to your role model? Or who do u look I admire each and every one of them and I would ask my grandmother, I knew that she would have been raped and we have place for only 50 women. keep away from the negativities of the up to? because they have survived violence who was an activist herself, why all again in the name of marriage. I was But you will hardly spot the difference unpleasant memories I lived.

36 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 37 At one point of time, they never would ask me why I kept these victims we wouldn’t be able to sue the powerful Amma that we would give away more 50 people. We are not always full to considered the case in the court of law of bad character. They would say that I people. In view of this, right from than 101 very good Abhimanyus who the capacity, since girls keep coming and it came to a point where I had to shouldn’t be moving around with them the beginning, we give many training will play Krishna in future. and going. They come in groups choose between a peaceful life or the and so on. Even today, conservative sessions like self defense training, and we train them. We have groups Amma gives us her blessings and all pressure that I was facing due to my people ask me why I chose to go in this inclusive democracy and women from Karnataka, Kerala, Jammu and our internship programs are excellent. decisions. As a protest to the house path after becoming a good lawyer, that empowerment - about 12 different Kashmir etc. We have one Muslim arrest that I was put in, I consumed I could have joined in the high court or training areas in the “Samadhan” NGO. Question: So we have come to the university sending us a large number more than 200 pills of sedatives and Supreme Court and practice like the The specialty of the programs is that a last question. What would be your of students who are Muslims to learn after consuming them I was in coma other lawyers do. I cannot change their person who has never gone to school message to the our students? about democracy. I sincerely hope that for 78 hours. This is not to give out a or a woman who has never ever seen the students become a positive minded minds but I am very sure that time can. Renu Singh: I would say that the youth wrong message. I did this only because a school can join any of our programs group who wish to see the betterment I have seen change over the past 40 of India have to be included in the I was kept in house arrest and was such as in graduate level, diploma level of India. You won’t believe - they even years There was a time when students democracy, the inclusive democracy not allowed to meet anyone. It was a or post graduate level. They don’t have do Soorya Namaskar with us. They and their mothers and teachers used to that I mentioned earlier, and not just miracle that I survived because there to be formally educated in a school, all also wear rudraksh after knowing the tell - don’t talk to these people because restrict themselves to voting. Inclusion were no activities inside my brain they need to know is little bit of Hindi scientific reason behind wearing it. they work for rape victims and they are means total participation into the and still Amma kept me alive. After and little bit of English. Some people There are 78 women right now, the bad people. But today I am sitting here criminal and social justice system. If this incident, the case came into can’t write but can speak and that oldest one being 80 years of age. She talking to you and we have received so all the youth get together, there are so proceedings and everything started to is enough. Some programs are kept comes from a slum community where many prestigious awards. That is all many things which they can change. go in the right direction. And it was totally free of cost which we provide many women never saw the open sky Amma’s grace. It is good that people They have to stand against the violence only Amma who I could trust that time for women who are in distress. There or never got the smell of fresh air as are understanding now that it is not a being perpetrated in our society. If the and my trust was always kept by her. are certain programs through which they were always forced to stay in the woman’s fault if she is raped. youth stand firmly against violence I we train the other organizations. This house. So she is the oldest women There is a saying that “time always Rape is an accident which can even am very sure that no one can say no to money helps us meet our expenses who appeared for the exams for 8th heals”. That bad times won’t last forever. happen to a man too. But when men them because they have the power. to a large extent. There are other standard and it was a celebration when The case turned in our favor. It was a are raped he won’t be questioned or Rape is an accident programs too: I write for the columns For the next 50 years they have the she passed the exams. After that, all moment for us to rejoice. Even now so troubled by anyone and when a girl of newspapers and I write books and power to do and they should break the the women who were in that particular which can even many girl victims meet this girl and gets raped the whole world starts the money from there is also utilized silence where ever they see violence. slum started coming and attending look up to her. They believe that if she asking questions “why?” .We are living classes here and now they are studying for the expenses. From the last 40 years That is more than enough. They don’t happen to a man can survive such a bad incident then in a world where women are supposed the main stream subjects. If we train we have come out as very powerful need money for this, they don’t need everyone can. to be special. However, in our society, the women and the society properly, too. But when men trainers. So we create master trainers any special power for this. Just say a girl is always taught to be silent. This the threats posed by terrorism can be Amma had once told us that anything who create other trainers, that is how “NO” to violence. The youth should are raped he won’t culture of silence is a shame that is avoided to a large extent. I really don’t may harm our body but nothing can we work. have the guts to react. That will make a be questioned or damage what is inside us – our mind. forced on Indian women. It has to be lot of difference. plan for the future because the future is This strength is what we need to cast off because this culture won’t take Question: Do you offer internship for very unpredictable. But atleast I hope troubled by anyone imbibe. us anywhere. Neither will it help us students? All my interns, on returning after their we make India a violence free nation experience with “SAMADHAN” go one day. It’s not just rape which is the cope with the changing times nor will Renu Singh: Yes, we have internship Question: Being the founder of one back and start their own NGOs. They problem; it’s the post rape distress. The and when a girl gets it help us build a happy nation. in various streams. In the law category, of the prestigious and well known have established their own NGOs in victims are forced to face dirty remarks, So I always say, break the silence and there is an internship called Arjuna raped the whole NGOs “Samadhan”, what are the their villages and are doing extremely run from one lawyer to another lawyer. stop violence. where we take internship for MBA, threats that you face? well. So, based on their request, 10 A girl in Uttar Pradesh fought her case world starts asking BTech and MTech streams. There is Question: At your NGO, you give years ago, I started another project that for 27 years and she died on the day Renu Singh: Almost all over the world, an internship for clinical psychology training to students, how is the is doing very well. These youth can the verdict came. She fought for 27 questions “why?” no human rights defenders are liked by where we have got lots of people from training given? come back for 7 days and can do the years to get her rapist punished and the offenders. So, “Samadhan”, being an more than 39 universities all over India. .We are living in a NGO management training program her rapist was sentenced to only 2 years organization protecting women who Renu Singh: We have to sustain We also have an internship in mass with us, we train them in law and imprisonment and she died in the are victims of abuse, has had to face ourselves. NGO doesn’t mean that it communication which has attracted world where women account keeping, on how to raise funds court. This kind of justice system has to its share of bad treatment. Sometimes works by itself; we also need to sustain students from that area as well. We we are treated worse than rapists even and how to maintain it. They come to be changed. It shouldn’t be so painfully are supposed to be it financially. It is a challenge to work train people to be good reporters thus – that is the height. Isn’t it? We are for training and go back equipped with slow. So I feel sending these victims to against powerful people and their dirty leading them to be good media persons, special. fighting against women abuse and we more skills. I am proud to say that more study law is a blessing because it will ways and crimes. It is very clear that if which is actually the need of the hour. are treated worse. An irony indeed. than 500 NGOs have come out very also help them to fight their own case we go for government grants, people We also have the human rights and strong in this way and these are all run and help others too. u The society started changing their view won’t let us live so if we depend on development internship. There are by youth in the age group 20-22 years. on us only after the Nirbhaya case just government grants, we will be in 4 prominent programs, the biggest Aishwarya Satish, prior to which we were called names. trouble all the time. We would have to program being held from May to July At SAMADHAN, we have a humble S9 Integrated MA English They called our girls prostitutes. They go for compromises in many places and annually. Every year, we promise to setup where we can accommodate

38 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 39 EATING TWICE A DAY FOR GOOD HEALTH: ANCIENT AYURVEDIC WISDOM REDISCOVERED

n Ayurveda, it has been mentioned The usual practice is to have the subjected hundreds of mice to different The blues, who were the control group, the impact of time of eating and the to deal with lots of food late at night. Ithat heavy food should be taken first meal a little late in the morning lengths of daily fasts, ranging from 12 were asked to carry on as normal. gap between meals point in favour A midnight snack will have a worse in the morning and light food in the and the second meal before sunset. to 15 hours. Again they found that the The reds were asked to stick to their of avoidance of snacking in between impact on your body than the same evening. Many studies have demonstrated that mice that went for at least 12 hours normal diet but move their breakfast meals. food eaten earlier in the day. This statement faithfully echoes Vagbhata’s There are interesting research studies, restricting the time window within without eating remained healthier and 90 minutes later, and their dinner time Even more interesting is the correlation albeit exploratory in nature that lend which one eats, and extending the slimmer than those who ate the same 90 minutes earlier. This meant that for between observations of outcomes words - If the food taken in the night support to the insights of our ancient amount of time of fasting has definite number of calories, but spread out. three extra hours each day they went based on specific meal timings. The does not get digested, then it will health advantages. A few years ago Prof without food (fasting). Everyone kept recommendation from modern definitely affect the digestion of the masters in prescribing a healthy diet. These findings corroborate with the Satchidananda Panda, from the world- a food and sleep diary to ensure that researchers that “If you must have that food taken the next day - अजीर्णे We will discuss the results of some Ayurvedic dictum that eating before famous Salk Institute in California, they were eating the same amount fry-up, have it for breakfast” resonates सायमाशे तु प्रातराशो हि दुष्यति।। of these studies in the light of the the previous meal is digested is the showed that mice fed on a high-fat as normal. What we found is that the with the ancient observation that even Blood tests have shown that after the prescriptions given in the classical cause for obesity and other diseases. Ayurvedic texts. diet, but only allowed to eat within group who had eaten breakfast later if there is some indigestion of the food morning meal the blood sugar level an eight-hour window, were healthier Until recently, such studies were and dinner earlier had, on average, lost taken in the morning, it will not affect returned to normal pretty quickly, सायं प्रातर्मनुष्याणां भोजनं and slimmer than mice that were given not carried out on humans. Sixteen more body fat and seen bigger falls in the meal taken in the evening - प्रातराशे while the levels of fat in the blood श्रुतिचोदितम्। नान्तराभोजनं कुर्यात्...... exactly the same food but allowed to volunteers were recruited for a 10- blood sugar levels and cholesterol than त्वजीर्णेऽपि सायमाशो न दुष्यति।। began to drop after about three hours. Our texts recommend eating only eat it whenever they wanted. In a more week study run by Dr Jonathan the control group. The first randomised Modern researchers opine that our In the evening, however, after exactly twice a day with no food in between. recent study the same researchers again Johnston at the University of Surrey. trial carried out in humans assessing bodies really don’t like having to have the same meal, the blood sugar levels

40 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 41 stayed high for much longer and the The answer given is that by not eating यथोचितेऽथवा काले देशसात्म्यानुरोधतः।।. fat levels in blood were still rising four in between the morning and evening Thus, the principle is that food should TOWN PLANNING IN ARTHASASTRA hours after eating. meals and between the evening and be taken only when the hunger is well morning meals, one becomes a person developed. So what can be done if THE INFRASTRUCTURAL SAGACITY OF KAUTILYA In the Aanangasangraha, Vagbhata who is fasting perpetually (sadopavāsī). the patient does not develop hunger? gives a detailed explanation, which is अन्तरा प्रातराशं च सायमाशं तथैव Should he fast indefinitely? Definitely actually a summary of what has been he Purusarthas or the four supreme essence of moral constitution, material modern society to establish order in च। सदोपवासी च भवेद् यो न भुङ्क्ते not. In such a case, to preserve the elaborated in Carakasachita - Taims of human life as dictated by achievements, gratification of worldly today’s society of disarrangement and कथञ्चन।। strength of the body, the patient can the Hindu scriptures viz. Dharma, pleasures and attaining salvation. discord. This article is an attempt to दिवा प्रबुध्यतेऽर्केण हृदयं पुण्डरीकवत्। be fed in the morning. Even a person In the treatment of fever, evening Artha, Kama and Moksha encode the While all these fundamentals are appraise a master treaty, The Arthasastra तस्मिन् विबुद्धे स्रोतांसि स्फुटत्वं यान्ति with a weak digestive fire will not suffer is recommended as the ideal relative and hold relevance at various and its testimonies of urban planning सर्वशः।। from indigestion if food is taken in the time for taking food because by stages of one’s life, the Nitis based on practises that serve as an exemplar व्यायामाच्च विचाराच्च विक्षिपत्वाच्च morning - प्रागल्पवह्निर्भुञ्जानो न these fundamentals acted as references of Kautilya’s admirable acumen for evening, kapha will decrease and ह्यजीर्णेन पीड्यते।। चेतसः। न क्लेदमुपगच्छन्ति दिवा तेनास्य the digestive fire will become for the design and development of the governance and constitution. While धातवः।।अक्लिन्नेष्वन्नमासिक्तमत्यन् strong - सज्वरं ज्वरमुक्तं वा दिनान्ते We can see from this discussion how ancient Indian cities, which were the there are numerous treatises such as तेन न दुष्यति। अविदग्धेष्विव पयस्वन्यत् भोजयेल्लघु। श्लेष्मक्षयविवृद्धोष्मा deep and insightful the Ayurvedic paradigm of Indian culture. The Nitis Manu Smriti, Shukra Niti, Vaastu संमिश्रितं पयः।। concept of balanced and Sastras are eternal. The values and Shastra, etc.., which wisdom encompassed in them are not dictate the forms In the daytime, the heart becomes nutrition is. The ancient seers understood the bound by the shackles of a specific time of shelters and awakened just like the lotus at sunrise. period. They are not devised merely When the heart is wakeful, the channels effect of food taken t o w n s , during different times by the needs of the time, instead they of circulation become efficient also due are formulated after exploring and to activity of the body, thoughts and of the day as well as the importance of fasting experiencing the turbulent nature of the active state of the mind. Therefore, human life and comprehending the elements of the body remain fresh between meals. Not the least, the importance of the need for elements during day time. The food that is of stability in an consumed during day does not become having a heavy breakfast Arthasastra and a light dinner. These other wise stands different stale in the body just like fresh milk chaotic poured into uncooked milk. are facts that are being in terms of its authority of rediscovered by modern addressal of essential fundamentals रात्रौ तु हृदये म्लाने संवृतेष्वयनेषु च। scientific research today. specific to the arrangement and यान्ति कोष्ठे परिक्लेदं संवृते देहधातवः।। Ayurveda advocates a augmentation of human settlements. क्लिन्नेष्वन्यदपक्वेषु तेष्वासिक्तं comprehensive approach Arthasastra is an ageless work that w o r l d . प्रदुष्यति। विदग्धेषु पयस्वन्यत् to treatment that contains wisdom that can withstand Their roots पयस्तप्तेष्विवार्पितम्।। incorporates not just the rampage of time and find relevance medicine, but also diet and penetrate the as long as humanity finds existence. नैशे तस्मादजीर्णेऽन्ने नान्यद्भुञ्जीत lifestyle. At one point in its fundamental human भोजनम्।। evolution, the Ayurvedic nature and is inseparable THE ARTHASASTRA Arthasastra from human life. The elaborates the elemental features of a In the night, the heart becomes dull texts also postulated the ingenious ideas sovereign society. It is a comprehensive and the circulation is sluggish. The doctrine that there is no compilation of Hindu philosophy elements of the body become stale use of medicine if diet is inscribed in the and wisdom enhanced by Kautilya’s and the channels are clogged with well regulated and what ancient texts deserve reflections on Sanatana Dharma. secretions. When food is consumed in is the use of medicine if to be interpreted in Arthasastra contributes to the social, such a condition, it becomes stale just diet is not well regulated the modern era. economic, spiritual growth of human like fresh milk added to milk that has - पथ्ये सति गदार्तस्य They should be kind. already been cooked. Therefore, one बलवानलस्तदा।। This means that a किमौषधनिषेवणैः। पथ्येऽसति गदार्तस्य recognized should not eat if the food taken at night patient afflicted with fever should wait किमौषघनिषेवणैः।। Ayurveda is a a n d Written by Kautilya, who was also has not been properly digested. till evening when the digestive fire treasure trove of insights into dietetics realized known as Chanakya and Vishnugupta becomes strong to eat food. However, that is under explored and needs to be by the around 350 B.C., Arthasastra literally The modern studies quoted above the text also gives exceptions. If the revisited with an open mind. means ‘Scripture of Wealth’. Kautilya echoes the statements from the classical individual gets hunger, then food was a scholar at Takshashila, the Ayurvedic texts. Dr. Ram Manohar can be taken also at other times. The teacher and guardian of Emperor Director of Research The Mahābhārata poses the question influence of the geographical location Chandragupta Maurya. According “How does one become a person who and the habits of the individual should Amrita School of Ayurveda to Chanakya, the source of man’s is fasting perpetually?” - कथं सदोपवासी also be taken into consideration when livelihood is wealth and wealth does स्यात्। deciding the time to feed the patient - not necessarily mean currency but in

42 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 43 fact, it refers to the diverse activities possessed the knowledge of regional agrarian economy. He also advocated goods based on forest products were set include ‘divine origins’ like rats, the king may encourage any person performed by the citizens in order to geography and its use in warfare. the formation of thickly populated up in the proximity of forests usually wild animals, snakes and evil spirits. trying to improve the conditions sustain themselves and their families. It These tribes were given certain special places either on new sites or on old on the outskirts of the settlements. Corresponding deities have to be through various means such as places a great emphasis on the welfare rights and were not completely under ruins thus building up a human But the forests with elephants were to worshipped in order to ward off such developing forests or by not imposing of the people and delegates the ethics the control of the king. Yet another capital and advancing economic be protected and were to be separated dangers. This philosophy is rooted in any tax over such measures. During and morality of urban living. Kautilya’s salient feature of Kautilya’s governance generation through trade. He took from wild tracts as well as the timber the Hindu religious philosophy on famine, the king shall show favor to his magnum opus covers a wide range system that puts modern day systems steps towards building foreign policies forests, specifically designated for environment conservation and the five people by providing them with seeds of topics such as statecraft, politics, to shame is the impingent regulation with the immigration of foreigners exploiting timber resources and elements or the ‘Pancha Mahabhootas.’ and provision (bíjabhaktopagráham). military warfare, law, accounting prescribed for environmental and into the country for developing procuring all kinds of forest produce. He may either do such works as are Deliberating on the relative seriousness systems, taxation, fiscal policies, civil animal welfare. It is also possible that human resources and knowledge Kautilya had devised policies to usually resorted to in calamities. He of the calamities, scholars opine that rules, internal and foreign trade, etc. the tribes could have been given the sharing. However, the arrangement ensure the protection of wildlife and may show favors by distributing either fire is more dangerous as destruction rights over the natural resources in of various settlements within a region forest resources giving a paradigm of his own collection of provisions or the Subjects including medicine, gemology, by fire is irremediable and that one was essentially based on the resource sustainable state planning. hoarded income of the rich among metallurgy, measures of length, tables areas they inhabited. Thus we can can escape floods by wooden planks or profile of that region and their strategic the people or by seeking help from his of weight and divisions of time etc. observe emanations of his genius all While anticipating the social as well swimming and damages can be friends among kings. Or the king with are discussed in detail. The document throughout his masterpiece that proves positions for defence. The order of the as safety concerns arising from rise in reduced. But Chanakya considers also illuminates the path of evolution that he was a gem of a scholar who was settlements was also guided by the population, Kautilya prescribed a set his subjects may emigrate to another floods more serious than fire as floods of urban studies in ancient India. It able to look into the future and tackle criticality of their position with respect of regulations for settlement layout kingdom with abundant harvest or may destroy hundreds of villages provides an insight into assessing and the problems of tomorrow, today. to the defence policy of the ruler. and building byelaws. Adhering to seashores or to the banks of rivers or whereas fire destroys only one village enhancing the capacities of the states A cluster of around eight hundred some extent to the ancient treatises lakes. He may cause his subjects to ON URBANIZATION AND or a part of it. He further mentions that in shaping the lifestyle of the society villageswas to be centered by a stháníya and traditional knowledge systems, he grow grains, vegetables, roots, and URBAN MANAGEMENT The during the rainy seasons the villagers through its policies and measures. (a fortress of that name), four hundred promoted the principles of Vastushastra fruits wherever water is available. He conceptualization of urbanization living near the river banks shall move villages by a drónamukha, two hundred pertaining to the form and layout of may, by hunting and fishing on a large THE KAUTILYAN COUNTRY should be grasped with great to higher grounds and shall keep a villages by a khárvátika and sangrahana settlements. Although Kautilya mocks scale, provide the people with wild attention to practically implement the collection of wooden planks, bamboo To completely imbibe the economic in the midst of a collection of ten the belief in planetary positions as beasts, birds, elephants tigers or fish. multifarious aspects of urban planning villages. These centers acted as town and boats. Making a note on the civic policies and social structure advocated means of leading a prosperous life and Arthasastra is a marvelous discussed in the Arthasastra. Kautilya halls or probably like the hierarchical responsibility he points out that persons by Kautilya, it is significant to surmise gaining wealth, he recommends the manifestation of the highest order outlines a well-defined hierarchy of the local governing authorities supporting carried away by floods shall be rescued the attributes of the country he traditional settlement layout based on of human intellect, materialized by urban centres and the administrative the administrative Functioning of the using gourds, skin bags, tree trunks, envisaged. He was a revolutionary Vastushastra to exploit social beliefs Kautilya. His views on state governance divisions. These divisions are shaped state. canoes, boats and thick ropes. Owners thinker who did not conceive mere and gullible people. Of all descriptions by the size of the population and of canoes shall be punished if they do and constitution have eternal influence kingdoms but instead a complete nation LAND DIVISION On the aspect of on building construction methods, the resources available in the region not try to save someone in danger. for his rules are not shaped by the call in all its glory and grandeur. This makes land division, Kautilya regarded land the one on defense structures is well and the opportunities for economic Responsibilities of the municipal of the times, but instead by the call of it critical to visualize the Kautilyan with rich environmental resources such elaborated. Buildings of residential development. The smallest structural administration and the citizens for the mind. His astute understanding country. He attributed natural features as forests, soils for agriculture, minerals use were specified to be built of wood. unit was a village consisting of not preventing the fire outbreaks in more of the minds of men enables him to like mountains, valleys, plains, deserts, etc; as very valuable commodities. Since the region Magadha was prone less than a hundred families and not crowded cities are given in detail and script instructions that can ensure forests, lakes and rivers as the frontier Depending upon the productivity of to earthquakes, wood must have been more than five hundred families of the the verses even mention subsequent the holistic development of human regions, thereby boosting the defence the soil, he demarcated suitable uses specified mainly to minimize the risk members of the agrarian community. punishments in cases of failing to beings. But the absolute greatness for such lands. The pasture grounds of casualties during earthquake. of the nation. The diplomatic and the He also envisioned a certain standard follow the respective responsibilities. of Kautilya can only be understood were to be provided only on the lands foreign relations policies mentioned of life for the inhabitants by specifying DISASTER MANAGEMENT A sense of prevention and early by studying his life up close. A man unfit for cultivation. He classified land in the Arthasastra provides enough population density and a variety of According to Kautilya, a variety of warning system is enforced through married to knowledge, his intellectual according to the amount of rainfall it evidence to concur that the state buildings in various parts of the town. calamities can afflict the population these responsibilities applicable to evolution enabled him to be a man of receives. Kautilya’s intelligence knows visualized by Kautilya could be as Kautilya encourages migration to of a state as most people lived in the all. It also stresses the importance of simple tastes, adhering to a strong and no boundaries; he even suggests crop extensive as present day India. The the countryside in order to prevent countryside outside the fortified structurally sound houses and states simple personal constitution. He lived patterns to follow on each of such country thus defined was divided into overcrowding into the cities. This town. Town or the fort was usually that no one shall cause injury to others the life of a hermit, finding serenity in categorized lands. In order to truly four provinces with a town acting as ensured a control over population as well planned compared to the outer by the collapse of a rickety dwelling calamity. His teachings, writings and amplify the productivity of the land, the headquarters of each province. The well as hazard risks in city centres. The settlements. Calamities by men are or an unsupported pillar or beam. life teach us the lesson that simplicity is Kautilya notes the importance of main city was fortified and located in aim was to redistribute the population numerous and include depredations of With a view to warding off the evil the ultimate luxury. u human exertion more than the actual the central part of the country with a across the nation ensuring equality. armies, internal strife, and decadence, consequences of rain, the top of the quality of the land. Kautilya says that, Arjun Anil Bhaskar perennial source of water. Forests for By making sure that the population harassment by queen, mistresses, roof shall be covered with a broad mat, ‘the value of land is what a man makes S5 Integrated M.A English recreation and economic benefits were did not remain concentrated in princes, important ministers, not to be blown by the wind. Neither out of it.’ grown adjoining to the countryside. particular cities or national capitals, rebellious guilds or chiefs, dangers shall the roof be such as it easily bends The frontier regions in the Kautilyan Kautilya provides an impetus for the Boundaries of settlements were to be from forests especially from one with or breaks. Violation of this rule shall be country were marked with elephant integrated and comprehensive growth denoted either by a river, a mountain, elephants. Calamities due to acts of god punished Kautilya suggests that no land forests and untamed jungles. The of the regions. Such outward regions forests, caves, artificial buildings or are fire, floods, diseases and epidemics prone to famine conditions be taken jungles were inhabited by the tribes who were known for their well-developed by trees. The units for manufacturing and feminine. Other calamities could over for any development. However,

44 SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine SAMVIT : Bi-annual cultural magazine 45 Organized by Amrita Darshanam, International Centre for Spiritual Studies, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Amrita In association with South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur (Ministry of Culture, GoI) Darshanam International Centre for Spiritual Studies, Amrita University, Amritapuri Campus

Amrita Darshanam is the International Centre for Spiritual Studies at Amrita University, established for the purpose of providing students a platform for studying, practicing and spreading the wisdom enshrined in the literature bequeathed to us by our ancient sages and seers. It will also National Seminar on be our endeavour to study various methods of applying this wisdom to solve current problems. For seekers of knowledge, what could be more important than discovering answers to life’s essential questions and Temples: realizing the truth! Symbolism, Art and Architecture Our Centre offers: 5 - 7 January 2018 PhD Programs in Indian Knowledge Systems Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Bengaluru Campus MA Philosophy Program Distinguished Speakers: Themes: Registration: Short term courses on selected disciplines • Śatāvadhāni Dr. R Ganesh • Temple rituals, festivals and All those who are interested in Multi-faceted Research the related āgama-s studies related to Indian Temples Courses on Indian culture for Amrita students Scholar and Poet, Bengaluru are welcome. • Different architectural styles Seminar participants will be Elective programs • Dr. R Nagaswamy and temple history awarded a certificate. Founder and Ex-director, Cultural tours Tamil Nadu Archaeology • Classical art forms and Please visit our website: Department traditional learning www.amrita.edu/ad/tsaa associated with temples for details about call for papers, Distinguished lecture series • Dr. Gayacharan Tripathi • Socio-economic and cultural registration and other Eminent Scholar of information. Seminars, workshops, and conferences Vaishnavism, Sanskrit significance of temples Literature, Grammar and Last Date for Submission of Long-term Sanskrit diploma courses Philosophy Abstracts along with Registration Form: • Dr. Satya Murthy 20 October 2017 Spiritual camp for students from Director, Academy of Archaeology and Sciences of Last Date for Registration: international universities Ancient India 25 December 2017 • Dr. KK Rama Murthy Archaeologist (Retired), ASI amrita.edu/ad • Dr. Chithra Madhavan [email protected] Historian +918589004288 and more … www.facebook.com/amritadarshanam www.amrita.edu/ad/tsaa [email protected]

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