The Culture Kitaab

For most Indian women, no traditional outfit is complete without placing vermilion, or a colorful dot, on their forehead. The word “Bindi” comes from the Sanskrit word “ Bindu ” meaning dot or point. Traditionally, the area between our eyebrows is said to be the spot of the sixth chakra ‘ agna ’ meaning ‘command’. Placing the bindi on this spot is supposed to bring one closer to god. While the exact origin of the bindi is unknown ( Archaeology has yielded clay female figurines from the Indus Valley with red pigment on the forehead and hair parting. It is unclear whether this held any religious or cultural significance), its significance in Indian culture and tradition cannot be overlooked.  Interestingly, the humble bindi has been a prominent, and fascinating, fixture in pop culture . Bollywood heroines and common women alike sported the tiny red bindi in the 1930s and 1940s, perfectly amalgamating the modern and the traditional. Devika Rani, widely acknowledged as the first lady ...

The “People's Poet”, Nazeer , wrote in the 18th century: “ Badan gul cehra gul rukhsar gul lab gul dahan hai gul Sarapa ab to voh rashk-i caman hai dher phulon ka ” “His body a rose, his face a rose, his cheek a rose, a rose his lip, and the mouth, too, is a rose, From head to toe, he is now the envy of the parterre, a heap of flowers” From the heady scent of gajras ornamented on hair to the earthy smell of henna on the bride-to-be, Indians have a long list of traditions where scent plays an important role, adding to the charm and allure of the person. Thus, it is no surprise that the nation has long been acquainted with the art of natural perfumery. Attar, an essential oil derived from natural sources and incorporated in scents, has been used for more than 60,000 years in the subcontinent. The history of Indian perfumery is thus as old as the civilization itself. Attar was used to enhance the mood, keep stress away, and even ward off darkness and evil spirits as saints would embe...

Have you ever wondered why Indian garments possess an undeniable charm that sets them apart? Look closely, and you'll discover the secret lies in the buttons adorning our attire. From the earthy terracotta buttons of ancient civilizations to the contemporary designs gracing our modern ensembles, these tiny ornaments have a fascinating history to share. Archaeological excavations of the Indus Valley , dating back to around 2000 BCE, unveil buttons crafted from terracotta, bone, horn, wood, and shells . These ancient Indian craftsmen showcased their meticulous artistry, using these embellishments to enhance the allure of garments. Oldest known button-like objects found at Mehrgarh in the Indus Valley and at Harappa Source: Department of Archaeology and Museums, Pakistan / Harappa Archaeological Research Project / J. M. Kenoyer Over time, buttons transcended their decorative origins, embracing functionality while retaining their elegant charm. During the illustrious Mauryan and Gupt...

In the mystical land of Kashmir, amidst the majestic Himalayas, the captivating saga of the Pashmina shawl unfolded. Its story began in the 14th century when it became a symbol of opulence and luxury in the courts of the Mughal emperors. The Pashmina owed its existence to the Changthangi Goat , whose fine wool, known as “ Pashm, " was delicately combed from their underbellies. Skilled artisans transformed this raw material into exquisite masterpieces fit for royalty. An imperial Mughal carpet made of Pashmina wool, circa 1650 Source: Christie’s London The allure of the Pashmina soon reached Europe, capturing the hearts of the French aristocracy following the 17th century, thanks to Empress Josephine. The delicate fabric and intricate craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisans made the Pashmina a symbol of sophistication, adorning the shoulders of nobles and elites. A painting of French Empress Josephine, who made Pashmina popular in Europe, by Pierre-Paul Prud'hon Source: Louvre Mus...

Ancient Indian beauty rituals have fascinated the world for centuries. From strengthening hair with honey to using rosewater to soothe skin, our ancestors did it all . Thus, it's no surprise that one of the most enduring self-care traditions in the world, cleansing our hair, comes from the Indian subcontinent. Even the word “shampoo”, originating from the Hindi word champi or ‘massage’, derived itself from the Sanskrit word Chapathi. The earliest shampoos were a concoction of boiled reetha (soapberry), amla (gooseberry), hibiscus, shikakai (acacia), and other flowers, herbs, and leaves. They enhanced hair health while cleansing the scalp. This invention reached the West with the help of Sake Dean Mahomed , a barber from Patna, who moved to Brighton, England, where he opened a spa called ‘ Mahomed’s Baths ’ in the 19th century, soon enough becoming the personal ‘ Shampoo Surgeon ’ of King George IV and King William IV. In fact, his head massages became so popular that hospitals sta...

Step into the vibrant tapestry of Indian history, where a fascinating garment gracefully weaves itself into the fabric of Indian identity – the iconic Nehru jacket. No Indian can escape the sight of Jawaharlal Nehru, tall and dignified, donning his signature attire. However, the roots of this extraordinary piece reach far beyond Nehru's era, delving into ancient epochs. The Nehru jacket, or the “ Bandhgala" as Rajasthan's craftsmen call it, draws inspiration from the regal ensembles of Indian nobility and Mughal emperors. Its high mandarin collar and sleek, straight-cut design blend the essence of its predecessors with a distinctive identity. In the whispers of China's ancient pines, echoes of the Nehru jacket resonate. Referring to it as the “ Mao suit ", similar to Chairman Mao's attire, it traces its origins back to India's sartorial heritage. Destiny has woven a fascinating twist, placing India's clothing legacy at the forefront.  Mao Zedong in t...

Snakes and Ladders has forever been one of India’s favourite ways of spending quality family time. With our evening snacks by our side, we sit cross-legged on the bed and engage in a fierce, nasty competition through the board game. Never once do we ask the question, “where did the game even originate from?” The game was designed in the thirteenth-century AD by Saint Gyandev , although some trace it back to the second-century AD. Endowed with the majestic name Mokshapata (Sanskrit for path to salvation), the game sought to teach a key lesson on karma to society. It consisted of 72 boxes, and each box was symbolic of virtues and vices—the snakes lingered around vices and ladders around virtues. The intention was to educate people on how associating oneself with vices like ego, anger and jealousy would pull them down, whereas practicing virtues would take them a step further in attaining Moksha (Sanskrit for the ultimate purpose of life) by reaching Vaikunth (Hindu Lord Vishnu’s abode)...