Painting as a Career

Man has an inherent need to express himself. This can be seen in the eons old cavern
walls where he has tried to record his memoirs about feats with wild animals in an
illustrated format. Anthropologists say that these were the earliest form or writings. This
was in the infanthood of human intelligence when he smeared vegetable resins on his
walls in an attempt to talk to the future.

The fine art of expression has traversed a very long distance since then. Some of
the semiotics has even survived that span with not as much as an iota of change like the
classical ‘arrow’ depicting a direction of movement. Others have diversified and found
their own niche in the scope of civilization like the written script, painting, and wall
texture.

The art of expressing through the medium of color has always captured man’s
attention. Realism, surrealism, abstract art and dozens of other categories cast us spell
bound on canvas frames. It is one of the industries that has not fallen into redundancy
and has maintained to be rediscovered age after age. Probably the most important stake
of this industry is boundless imagination. What Edward Bono has recently discovered as
a much coveted concept has been forever practiced by artists around the world since
Adam’s; to think out of the box.

Today painting as a profession is not only the way of expressing an artist’s
expression but also articulating the sensibilities of the era we live in. It is a steep hill
climb, no doubt. But once we have reached atop, the view is breathtaking!

Whatever the medium of painting be it tangible or virtual, coded in software, they
all find their application in the everyday life of modern man. Calculative left brains
balance with the creative right on the walls of corporate citadels. The value of the
painting, is never been in the cost of the medium, but the mind of the creator. With a
little passion this everlasting profession has great potential in offering a high esteem
handsome pay job for the passionate aspirant.

Christmas Greetings

I hope Christmas season is an apt occasion to wish someone. A simple word can change a day, a life, a world. For those who suffer from depression a wish that uplift and inspire are always welcome. Wishes can be given to anyone, whether you know a person or not. Christmas wish is the ideal way to pray for love and peace for all. It is the way to share your feelings and happiness with all those whom you come across on this sacred occasion. You never know; you might make a lonely person smile because of your Christmas wish. The idea of Christmas wishes can go a long way in maintaining relationships and creating a bond that can only become stronger with time. Christmas wishes come in many different forms but have one single essence – To spread peace and happiness on this sacred occasion. So never hesitate to send or post an inspirational, loving …… Christmas wish to all those you come across. Wish you a happy happy Christmas and New year.

Wishes for Christmas

• You are special, you are unique; may your Christmas be also as special and unique as you are! Merry Christmas!
• May joy and happiness snow on you, may the bells jingle for you and may Santa be extra good to you! Merry Christmas!
• Love, Peace and Joy came down on earth on Christmas day to make you happy and cheerful. May Christmas spread cheer in your lives!
• It is that time of the year again, when you are thankful for everything merry and bright. May this Christmas be a delight! Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
• May Christ bless you with all the happiness and success you deserve! Merry Xmas!
• I am dreaming of white Christmas, with every Christmas card I write, May your days be merry and bright, and May all your Christmases be white. Merry Christmas.
• May your Christmas sparkle with moments of love, laughter and goodwill. And may the year ahead be full of contentment and joy. Have a Merry Christmas.
• I heard the bells on Christmas Day, Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat, Of peace on Earth, good will to men!

Christmas is indeed a very special time for families all over the world for exchanging Christmas gifts and presents. Each and everyone of us would want to give our parents, uncles, aunts, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, husbands, wives a special Christmas gift. Like finding that elusive gift for a girlfriend or a boyfriend, choosing the perfect family Christmas gift can be a strenuous and tedious task.

Vellattam – Theyyam

Last week we went to one of my colleagues’ house to participate in religious function called Vellattam. Velllattam is a form of Theyyam, a very rich cultural dance or invocation generally performed in front of the village shrines or in the houses in Kerala.

There was no stage or curtain and other arrangements for the performance. When we reached his house the theyyam artist was doing his make up. There are different patterns of face-painting. Mostly primary and secondary colors are applied with contrast for face painting. It had effected certain stylization also.  It was very interesting to see the way he wears his ornaments, which were seen like of a fairy tale.

The dancer along with drummers recites the particular ritual song, which describes the myths and legends of the particular ritual song, which describes the myths, and legends. This performance is a combination of playing of musical instruments, vocal recitation, dance and strange makeup and costumes. The stage-practices of Theyyam and its ritualistic observations make it one of the fascinating theatrical arts of Kerala.

A christmas message

“Until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display-so much tinsel and decorations. For it isn’t the holly, it isn’t the snow. It isn’t the tree not the firelight’s glow. It’s the warmth that comes to the hearts of men when the Christmas spirit returns again.” This is all what I feel of Christmas.

It was December 25, 1914, only 5 months into World War I. German, British, and French soldiers, already sick and tired of the senseless killing, disobeyed their superiors and fraternized with “the enemy” along two-thirds of the Western Front (a crime punishable by death in times of war). German troops held Christmas trees up out of the trenches with signs, “Merry Christmas.”

“You no shoot, we no shoot.” Thousands of troops streamed across a no-man’s land strewn with rotting corpses. They sang Christmas carols, exchanged photographs of loved ones back home, shared rations, played football and even roasted some pigs. Soldiers embraced men they had been trying to kill a few short hours before. They agreed to warn each other if the top brass forced them to fire their weapons, and to aim high.

The high command on either side was shuddered. Here was disaster in the making: soldiers declaring their brotherhood with each other and refusing to fight. Generals on both sides declared this spontaneous peacemaking to be treasonous and subject to court martial. By March 1915 the fraternization movement had been eradicated and the killing machine put back in full operation. By the time of the armistice in 1918, fifteen million were cruelly killed.

This is not just a moral story or a myth, but the real incident happened during a Christmas. I hope, no, pray to the Almighty that this spirit may spread to all the troops, no, to the whole world, eager to kill each other.

Eiffel turns 120 !!

Eiffel tower is the global icon of France. Alexandre Gustave Eiffel is the architect of this wonderful monument. It’s the most visited monument in the world. The Eiffel Tower has welcomed 243 million visitors up to December 31, 2008. In 2002 Eiffel received its 200,000,000th guest of all-time. Eiffel Tower has 3 levels and its height is 324 meter. Eiffel’s total weight is 10,100 tons and it has 1665 steps. Eiffel Tower was built between1887 to 1889 (2 years, 2 months and 5 days), as the entrance arch for the celebration of the French revolution.

Eiffel Tower was actually built to stand for 20 years. At the time the tower was built many people were shocked by its daring shape. Eiffel was criticized for the design and accused of trying to create something artistic, or inartistic according to the viewer, without regard to engineering. But the tower proved valuable for communication purposes as military used it during the First battle of the Marne, and therefore it became a victory statue of that battle, and was allowed to remain.

Upon the Nazi occupation of Paris in 1940, the lift cables were cut by the French so that Adolph Hitler would have to climb the steps of the tower. The parts to repair them were impossible to obtain because of the war. In 1940 German soldiers had to climb to the top to hoist the swastika, but the flag was too large, it blew away just a few hours later, and it was replaced by a smaller one. When visiting Paris, Hitler chose to stay on the ground. It was said that Hitler conquered France, but did not conquer the Eiffel Tower.

Since 2004 The Eiffel Tower has hosted an ice skating rink on the first floor during the winter period. The Eiffel Tower lights up every evening from sunset. In 2004 – January 24 the Eiffel Tower Celebrated the Chinese New Year in Red! And the Tower Turns Blue for the 20th Anniversary of Europe Day on 9 May 2006.

Raja Ravi Varma : The Most Celebrated Painter of India.

Raja ravi varma is known as “the painter amongst Princes, the prince among painters” Born in an aristocratic family of Travancore, Ravi varma was a child prodigy, his inherent talent was recoganised very eary in childhood and he received the patronage of the King Ailyam Thirunal of Travancore.

Raja Ravi varma (1848 – 1906) is famous for his paintings based on Indian mythology & epics. He was was born in Kilimanoor Palace as the son of Umamba Thampuratti and Neelakandan Bhattathiripad. Even at the young age his talent was spotted by his uncle Raja Raja Varma, (Ravi Varma used to draw on the walls) and gave him initial training in painting. Later he learnt water colour painting from the palace artist Rama Swamy Naidu. He learnt oil painting from the British artist Theodor Jenson.

Most of Ravi Varma’s paintings are based on Hindu epic stories and characters. Raja Ravi Varma came to widespread acclaim after he won an award for an exhibition of his paintings at Vienna in 1873. He travelled throughout India in search of subjects

Raja Ravi Varma was a great artist who brought Indian painting to the attention of the larger world. His magnificent paintings shine still in their undying glory. There is no doubt that they will continue to do so in the coming centuries, triumphing over the rigorous test of time. Ravi Varma added a new chapter of his own to the history of painting. He held an unparalleled place in his own age. Ravi Varma’s equal is Ravi Varma alone.

Merry Christmas !!!!!

My dear friends, I want to wish every single reader of this blog a fantastic Christmas wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Thank you for reading my blog, and thank you even more to all those that regularly get involved and leave comments. Christmas is here and there’s merriment everywhere! It’s time to spread joy and good cheer and bring smiles to faces !Send our warm and beautiful Merry Christmas e-cards and share the wonderful spirit of Christmas with your friends/family/acquaintances/loved ones and wish them a joyous time. Send them wishes for peace, joy and good tidings and make their Christmas a memorable one.

What is Christmas?

Christmas also referred to as Christmas Day or Christmastide, is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25 that marks and honors the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. His birth, which is the basis for the anno Domini system of dating, has been determined by modern historians as having occurred between 7 and 2 BC. The date of celebration is not thought to be Jesus’ actual date of birth. It may have been chosen to coincide with the winter solstice,which the ancient Romans celebrated on December 25.

Modern customs of the holiday include gift-giving, church celebrations, and the display of various decorations—including the Christmas tree, lights, mistletoe, nativity scenes and holly. Santa Claus (also referred to as Father Christmas, although the two figures have different origins) is a popular mythological figure often associated with bringing gifts at Christmas. Santa is generally believed to be the result of a syncretization between St. Nicholas of Myra and elements from pagan Nordic and Christian mythology, and his modern appearance is believed to have originated in 19th century media.

Christmas is celebrated throughout the Christian population, but is also celebrated by many non-Christians as a secular, cultural festival. The holiday is widely celebrated around the world, including in the United States, where it is celebrated by 96% of the population. Because gift-giving and several other aspects of the holiday involve heightened economic activity among both Christians and non-Christians, Christmas has become a major event for many retailers.

Christmas Celebrations

Christmas is almost upon us! Over the next three weeks leading up to Christmas, I am going to look at things we really, really want Santa to bring and the things which will make our Christmas wonderful!!!

Christmas Box — A small present, especially of money, given at Christmas to the people who deliver the post, milk etc. to your house during the year. Christmas box is a gift given at Christmas. The word originated from Churches used to collect money in boxes for distribution to the poor. This happened the day after Christmas Day and gave Boxing Day its name.

Christmas Cake– A cake containing a lot of dried fruit and nuts and covered with icing, which is eaten at Christmas. Christmas cake is a type of fruitcake served at Christmas time. A Christmas cake may be light or dark, crumbly-moist to sticky-wet, spongy to heavy, leavened or unleavened, shaped round, square or oblong as whole cakes, fairy cakes, or petit fours, with marzipan, icing, glazing, dusting with icing sugar, or plain, etc.

Christmas card– It is a decorated card that you send to someone at Christmas. It’s the time to show your near and dear ones that you care.So gear up and send Christmas Cards to all your friends and family and wish them a Merry Christmas.

Christmas carol– A Christmas Carol in Prose, being a Ghost Story of Christmas , is commonly known as A Christmas Carol. A Christmas Carol was written during a time of decline in the old Christmas traditions. Its also a traditional or religious song that people sing at Christmas

Christmas dinner— Christmas dinner around the world may differ and the traditions present here can reflect the culture of where this holiday is being celebrated. Turkey is featured in almost all of these meals.

Christmas Eve–December 24th, the day before Christmas Day. Usually it is celebrated by staying up until midnight. At midnight, gifts and presents are opened. Fireworks are also shot off. Fireworks are the main focus of the celebration. It is not a silent night, with families coming together exchanging presents and going to church. After Christmas the children often play with their new presents or go to church with their parents and grandparents.

Christmas pudding–A sweet dark food containing dried fruit, which is eaten at the end of the meal during Christmas. Christmas pudding is the dessert traditionally served on Christmas day, although still available and popular throughout the year in Britain. It has its origins in England, and is sometimes known as plum pudding, though this can also refer to other kinds of boiled pudding involving a lot of dried fruit.

Christmas stocking– A large sock which children leave out when they go to bed on Christmas Eve so that it can be filled with small presents. While there are no written records of the origin of the Christmas stocking, there are popular legends that attempt to tell the history of this Christmas tradition.

Christmas tree–A real or artificial fir tree which is decorated with things such as coloured balls and kept in the home at Christmas. A Christmas Tree, less commonly known as a Yule tree, is one of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas and Yuletide. It is normally an evergreen coniferous tree that is brought into a home or used in the open, and is decorated with Christmas lights and colourful ornaments during the days around Christmas.

Christmas Wreaths–Christmas Wreaths are made of evergreen plants, such as holly, ivy and pine, which stay green all year. Today, wreaths are still widely used around the world. The origins of the Advent wreath are found in the folk practices of the pre-Christian Germanic peoples who, during the cold December darkness of Eastern Europe, gathered wreaths of evergreen and lighted fires as signs of hope in a coming spring and renewed light. Christians kept these popular traditions alive.

Christmas stars–One of the most important and famous symbols of Christmas is the Christmas Star. The Star of Christmas has been part of human imagination for the past 2000 years. You can find this star atop Christmas trees, cards, cribs and in homes and streets during the Christmas season. The star is not only an ornament but is also a symbol of hope and happiness.

Once again I wish all the readers all the blessings, happiness and love of Xmas!!!!

Onam – The Harvest Festival Of God’s Own Country

is the biggest festival in the Indian state of Kerala.  Onam Festival falls during the Malayali month of Chingam (Aug – Sep).  Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition.  Mythologically it is linked to Malayalee-Hindu folktales; but Onam is celebrated by people of all religions.  Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam – the harvest festival in Kerala. This year Onam is celebrated from 2nd September to 12th .  On this  great occasion the team BinBrain extend Hearty Greetings of coming Onam.

Onam Greetings

Vibrant and joyous festival of Onam is celebrated with lot of zeal in the state of Kerala. Most remarkable feature of this harvest festival is its secular character. People of all caste, communities and religions actively participate with same excitement. Elders in the family convey the good wishes of Onam to the young ones by giving them gifts. Juniors also exchange gifts amongst each other and convey their sincere best wishes for Onam to each other. Now a days people send onam greeting cards and ecards to their dear ones like Christmas New Year seasons. You can send Free Online Greeting Cards to your friends & loved ones from http://www.binbrain.com/photos/ or http://binbrain.com/card/

Story Behind Onam

A long long time ago, an Asura (demon) king called Mahabali ruled Kerala. He was a wise, benevolent and judicious ruler and beloved of his subjects. Soon his fame as an able king began to spread far and wide, but when he extended his rule to the heavens and the netherworld, the gods felt challenged and began to fear his growing powers. Presuming that he might become over-powerful, Aditi, the mother of Devas pleaded with Lord Vishnu to curtail Mahabali’s powers.

Vishnu transformed himself into a dwarf called Vamana and approached Mahabali while he was performing a yajna and asked for alms. Pleased with the dwarf brahmin’s wisdom, Mahabali granted him a wish. The Emperor’s preceptor, Sukracharya warned him against making the gift, for he realized that the seeker was no ordinary person. But the Emperor’s kingly ego was boosted to think that God had asked him for a favor. So he firmly declared that there is no greater sin than going back on one’s promise. He kept his word.

The Vamana asked for a simple gift – three paces of land – and the king agreed to it. Vishnu in the guise of Vamana then increased his stature and with the first step covered the sky, blotting out the stars, and with the second, straddled the netherworld. Realising that Vamana’s third step will destroy the earth, Mahabali offered his head as the last step.

Vishnu’s fatal third step pushed him to the netherworld, but before banishing him to the underworld Vishnu granted him a boon. Since he was attached to his kingdom and his people, he was allowed to return once a year from exile. Onam is the celebration that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali. It is the day when a grateful Kerala pays a glorious tribute to the memory of this benign king who gave his all for his subjects.

Remarkable Features of Onam

Pookalam

Pookalam is an intricate and colourful arrangement of flowers laid on the floor. Tradition of decorating Pookalam is extremely popular in Kerala and is followed as a ritual in every household during ten-day-long Onam celebrations. ‘Pookhalam’ consists of two words, ‘poov’ meaning flower and ‘kalam’ means colour sketches on the ground. It is considered auspicious to prepare Pookalam, also known as ‘Aththa-Poo’ during the festival of Onam.  Kilo and kilos of flowers, lot of dedication, creativity, technique and team effort are the basic essential of an eye catching Pookkalam.

Athapoovu are usually circular in shape and multi-tiered colourful arrangements of flowers, petals and leaves. Use of powder colours, desiccated coconut or artificial flowers is prohibited. Pookalams are normally laid on the front court yard of the house. Idols of Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in the center of the Pookalam and worshiped. Diameter of a Pookalam normally ranges from four to five meters.

Ritual of making the flower mats continues for all ten days of Onam. Designing starts from the day of Atham and is made ready by Thiruvonam day. Basic design is prepared on the first day. Size of a Pookalam is increased by adding more to it on every passing day hence a massive Pookalam gets ready for the main day of the occasion. Its a big creative task, as designers have to think of a new design ever day.

Onasadya

Onasadhya is the most delicious part of the grand festival called Onam. It is considered to be the most elaborate and grand meal prepared by any civilisation or cultures in the world. It’s a feast which if enjoyed once is relished for years. Rich and the poor, everybody prepares Onasadya in a grand fashion as people of Kerala are extremely devotional and passionate when it comes to Onasadya. Rich and the poor, everybody prepares Onasadya in a grand fashion as people of Kerala are extremely devotional and passionate when it comes to Onasadya.

There will be 11 essential dishes for Onasadya. Number of dishes may go upto 13. Earlier, Onasaya used to be even more elaborate than depicted above. There were about 64 mandatory dishes – eight varieties each of the eight dishes. At that time three banana leaves were served one under the other to accommodate all the dishes.

Onasadya is to be consumed with hands and avoid spoon and fork to enjoy the real taste of Kerala. Rice is the essential and major ingredient of Onam Sadya.The food has to be served on a tender Banana leaf, laid with the end to the left hand side. The meal is traditionally served on a mat laid on the floor. A strict order of serving the dishes one after another is obeyed. Besides, there are clear directions as to what will be served in which part of the banana leaf.

Major items:  Pappadum, banana – Salt, banana wafers, sarkarapuratti fries, ginger, lime and mango pickles, ‘vellarika’, ‘pavakka’, ‘beetroot’ and ‘ulli kitchadi’. ‘Kitchadi’ made of pineapple and banana splits or of grapes and apple, ‘cabbage thoran’ or thoran made of beans and avial, bread and green peas mix ‘thoran”, kootucurry, ‘parippu curry, ghee, Sambhar, Rasam, butter milk, curd, adaprathaman Payasam, erissery, Kalan or Pulisseri, Olan, Pachadi,  Mulakoshyam etc

Snake Boat Race

Snake boat races of Kerala during Onam are another, unparalleled attraction of God’s Own Country. A sport that signifies the excellent team spirit, integration and amity of the people of this backwater country. An occasions of great excitement that is a reflection of a vibrant people.

Snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August/September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The largest team sport in the world, the snake boat races are preceded by colourful water parades.

Usually, a snake boat is manned by four helmsmen, 25 singers and 100-125 oarsmen, who row in unison to the fast rhythm of vanchipattu (song of the boatman). Thousands of people crowd the water’s edge to cheer the huge black crafts as they slice through the waters to a spectacular finish. The oldest of these events have curious legends and myths attached to their origin. Myths closely linked to the rustic people and their beliefs.

Kaikottikali dance

Kaikottikali, also known as thiruvathirakali, is a very popular, graceful and symmetric group-dance of the women of Kerala often performed during festive seasons like Thiruvathira and Onam. It is a simple and gentle dance with the lasya element predominating, even though the thandava part is also brought in occasionally, when men also participate as seen in some parts of the Malabar area.

Typically dressed in Kerala style with mandu and neriyathu and the hairbun bedecked with jasmine garlands the women dance in gay abandon, singing melodious Thiruvathira songs which are well-reputed for their literary flourish. One of the performers sing the first line of a song while the rest repeat it in chorus, clapping their hands in unison. Moving in a circle, clockwise and at time anticlockwise, at every step they gracefully bend sideways, the arms coming together in beautiful gestures, upwards and downwards and to either side, in order to clap

kalaripayatt

Another attraction of Kerala during Onam is Kalaripayatt. Kalaripayatt is the ancient martial art existing in Kerala, in South India. In the word Kalaripayatt, Exactly to say a school for all students inside a hut. ‘KALARI’ means the enemy of all Bad, be it Inside or Outside of Human Body or in Nature. ‘PAYATT’ means the practice, which when done regularly under certain conditions increases energy, peace, power, and good health. It also makes the mind sharp and concentrated.

In ancient days, Kerala was covered by thick forests, mountains and water. Wild animals used to attack people. To protect themselves from animals man started to learn different techniques of fighting by watching birds, reptiles and animals. Thus evolved the self-defence technique Kalaripayatt. It is believed one of Lord Vishnu’s incarnation PARASHURAMA united all the techniques observing from nature and presented to humans for their self protection from all kinds of enemies in nature.

Pulikali

Pulikali is a colorful recreational folk art from the state of Kerala. It is performed by trained artists to entertain people on the occasion of Onam.  Pulikali, also known as Kaduvaakali, is a 200 year old art, carefully preserved by the artists of the state. Literal meaning of Pulikali is the ‘play of the tigers’ hence the performance revolve around the theme of tiger hunting. The folk art is mainly practiced in Thrissur (Trichur) and Palghat districts of Kerala. Best place to watch the show is Swaraj Ground at Thrissur on the fourth day of Onam, where Pulikali troupes from all over the district assemble to display their skills.

Striking feature of this folk art is the colorful appearance of the performers. To get the semblance of a tiger artists paint themselves in bright yellow with patterns of black and red. A tiger mask on the face completes the get up.

It is a painstaking job and artists spend a whole night prior to the performance day on their make-up. Patience of artists must be appreciated, as most paints contain toxic chemicals which create a burning sensation when applied on newly shaved bodies.

It is a wonderful sight to see humans in the guise of tigers roaming in the streets. Children, specifically take great delight in their performance as the entertainers dance, pounce and walk like a tiger. Scenes of tiger hunting goats and tiger being hunted by a human beings are also beautifully depicted by them. Beat for the dance movement is provided by percussion instruments like ‘udukku’ and ‘thakil’.

TAJ MAHAL- “The Symbol of Love”

TAJ MAHAL is one of the seven wonders of the world. Any one who knows India is familiar with the name Taj Mahal . The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India, that was built under Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”

While the white domed marble and tile mausoleum is most familiar, Taj Mahal is an integrated symmetric complex of structures that was completed around 1648. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri is generally considered as the principal designer of Taj Mahal.

History of Taj Mahal

It is a symbol of the eternal andeverlasting love that Shah Jehan showed for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal married Shah Jehan in 1612 . This was his second marriage, and the couple loved each other greatly. Mumtaz Mahal had fourteen children while with Shah Jehan, and died in child birth in 1630 while away on a battle with Shah Jehan . Legend has it that Shah Jehan was so devastated by her death that in the course of only a few months, his beard and hair had turned completely white. Mumtaz Mahal’s body was buried for six months, then was returned to Agra, later to be permanently buried in the Taj Mahamumtaz1.

The Taj Mahal, designed by two Persian architects, was built by Shah Jehan to create a memorial for Mumtaz Mahal. This monument was constructed as a display of Shah Jehan’s eternal love for his wife . The building of the Taj began in 1632. An army of 20,000 workers labored on this structure . The Taj Mahal is often referred to as “the greatest single work of Safavid art ever constructed”. In 1648, on the exact anniversary of Mumtaz’s death, this wonderful monument was completed . The Taj Mahal is located on the river Yamuna in Agra

The garden

The complex is set around a large 300 meters square charbagh, a Mughal garden. The garden uses raised pathways that divide each of the four quarters of the garden into 16 sunken parterres or flowerbeds. A raised marble water tank at the center of the garden, halfway between the tomb and gateway, with a reflecting pool on North-South axis reflect the image of Taj Mahal. Elsewhere, the garden is laid out with avenues of trees and fountains. The charbagh garden, a design inspired by Persian gardens, was introduced to India by the first Mughal emperor Babur. It symbolizes four flowing rivers of Paradise and reflects the gardens of Paradise and derived from the Persian paridaeza, meaning ‘a walled garden’.

Tourism

The Taj Mahal attracts 2 to 3 million visitors every year with more than 200,000 from overseas. Most tourists visit during the cooler months of October, November and February. Polluting traffic is not allowed near the complex and tourist must either walk from the carparks or catch an electric bus. Lists of recommended travel destinations often feature Taj Mahal, which also appears in several listings of seven wonders of the modern world, including the recently announced New Seven Wonders of the World, a recent poll with 100 million votes.

For security reasons , only five items – water in transparent bottles, small video cameras, still cameras, mobile phones and small ladies-purse – are allowed inside the Taj Mahal.

Kerala’s Architecture – VASTHUSASTHRA

‘Vas‘ means ‘to dwell’ or ‘to occupy’. Vasthu means ‘dwelling place.’ Vasthu Shastra is the set of guidelines prescribed by the Rishis or learned men of ancient India for planning and constructing our dwelling places which range from our homes, cities, states, countries and eventually extend to our planet and the universe!

Nature consists of Panchabhutam, the five elements Akasham or Sky, Vaayu or Air, Agni or Fire, Bhumi or Earth and Jalam or Water The shastras or the ancient Indian texts on science tell us that cosmic energy has a specific influence on living beings.Five elements reside in nature in specific proportions. Vasthu Shastra involves the alignment of these five basic elements according to the law of nature. The effects of these five elements have to be studied to appreciate the science of vasthu in its pure form and also to pacify skeptics who question the efficiency and validity of vasthu shastra.

Plants and animals live in perfect harmony with nature. But we human beings, the superior beings that inhabit the earth, have forgotten how to keep peace with our surroundings. If we can modify our homes to harness the energy of the cosmos in such a way that our homes are in complete harmony with our bodies it can help us to succeed in all our endeavors. Due to the magnetic properties of the earth, the needle of a compass always points to the north.

Since vasthu is based on the permanent property of the earth namely inclination towards the north, the effect of vasthu is universal . Which means the effect of vasthu does not merely extend to the people of India or to the followers of Hinduism!

The Vasthusasthram has developed over generations as a result of observations of the influence of the SUN and the MAGNETIC fields on earth and living bodies, mentally and physically.

For any problems that you may be having with your health, mental and body peace, it is recommended that you construct buildings “as per the principals of Vasthusasthra – THE LAW OF NATURE

There are two parts to Vasthu Sasthra.

1. The science of Vasthu of land.
2. The science of Vasthu of building.

The science of Vasthu of land:-

We have to study the level, shape, and size of land before starting any construction. The shape of a land may be changed by adding or deducting parts or corners. We can also provide boundaries to separate the compound to suit Vasthu Sasthram. A land may be square or rectangle with all corners, Right angle is good for construction. A plot that slopes to the north or east or northeast is good for any purpose. In a plot having a way on its east and north and slopes to the east or north is considered very good for construction or for business.

The science of Vasthu of building:-

Before undertaking any construction of building you have to think of your financial position and requirements and consult an experienced engineer having a thorough knowledge of the preliminaries of Vasthu. While planning your home, remember to position your master bedroom in the southwest, sleeping with your head towards the south or east. Businessmen may sleep in the southeast or northwest bedroom. Our head has a magnetic power, and has to be placed opposite to the north i.e. place your head towards the south for a sound sleep.

The water tank should be positioned in the southwest / south / west and never the northeast. An underground tank or well in the northeast is considered good.

Necessity of Vasthu:-

In remodelling any existing house, you must consult a Vasthu expert. Experts say that they have come across many cases where people complain of financial and other problems after the marriage of a son or daughter. This, they say, is due to the remodelling or rearranging of rooms or a change in position of doors or windows in connection with the marriage.

Nalukettu- unique architecture of Kerala

The Nalukettu is the traditional style of architecture of Kerala, wherein a house has a quadrangle in the centre.

Originally the abode of the wealthy Brahmin and Nair families, this style of architecture has today become a status symbol among the well to do in Kerala. Nalukettu is evident in the traditional homes of the upper class homestead where customs and rituals were a part of life.

The mansion is created using wood and tiles, central open courtyard and wondrous architecture. The interiors of the house are tastefully decorated with a wealth of antiques made from teak, sandalwood, mahogany etc.

Dynastic Influence

Originally the abode of the wealthy Brahmin and Nair families, this style of architecture has today become a status symbol among the well to do in Kerala. Nalukettu is evident in the traditional homes of the upper class homestead where customs and rituals were a part of life.

Priciples Of The Design

The Roof of a Typical Nalukettu, Kerala
The traditional ‘Nalukettu’, barring the foundation and floor is made of carved and slotted wood and has a close resemblance to East Asian gabled and thatched structures. In later years, tiles replaced the coconut fronds.

The enclosed courtyard or ‘ankanam’ is usually sunk and therefore called ‘Kuzhi (pit) Ankanam’. The protruding roofs of the ‘salas’ formed shady verandas and protected the rooms from direct sunlight, keeping them cool even on the hottest of days. The inner verandah around the ‘ankanam’ is open.

The outer verandahs along the four sides of the ‘Nalukettu’ are enclosed differently. While both the western and eastern verandahs are left open, the northern and southern verandahs are enclosed or semi-enclosed.

The ‘Tantrasamuchaya’, ‘Vasthuvidya’, ‘Maushyalaya Chandrika’ and ‘Silparatna’ are the celebrated treatises in the field of architecture that Kerala has contributed to the world.

The Nalukettu of Kerala i

s famous for building along with the rules of ‘Tachu Sastra’ (Science of Architecture). The Padmanabhapuram Palace, the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry and Krishnapuram Palace near Kayamkulam are some of the famous palaces of Kerala.

The rock temples, woodcarvings, and metal cuttings are excellent pieces of works of Kerala

Namboothiri Illams

Namboothiri houses (Brahmaalayam, Mana, illam) were built invariably according to the canons of Vaasthusaasthram (Vaasthuvidya priciples, the science and art – architecture – of building in harmony with the eternally active, creative, and all pervasive ‘Spirit’ and ‘Nature’) and in conformity and proportion with the usually large compound or plot (Illapparambu). In the early days, they were all built in the form of Chathussaalas or Naalukettus (quadrangle or the ancient courtyards) – Kizhakkini (eastern part), Thekkini (south), Padinhaatti (west) and Vadukkini (north), as seperate structures. This can be seen even today in Kurumathur Illam. In later years, joining these four through Meladukkala, kizhakke Ara, Puraththaalam and Vadakke Ara, came to vogue. The Vadakkini floor was always considerably raised, whereas local custom determined whether none, any or all of the other three had raised floors or not. The Thekkini and/ or Padinhaatti may either be single storyed or two (or more) storyes high. Anyway all Brahmaalayams were invariably in the Naalukettu style.

The gateway entrance to the plot (Padippura) is built on the western boundary in line with the Thekkini veranda. The Padippura will have standing (or resting) space both inside and outside. This is done to let the passers – by know that the house is a Brahmaalayam, where food will be available. With the same purpose in mind, the kitchen well is provided with a drum shaped wooden pulley system with wooden balls (or dry fruit shells) inside which produce noise while drawing water.

The Paththaayappura (grain store-house), bathing tank, well, dining halls (Kettu) and all other functional parts have very definite relative locations, size, shape and other details, determined as per Vaastuvidya.

Next Page »