The Culture Kitaab

In May 2023, amidst great anticipation, the sacred Sengol , a cherished symbol of India's cultural and historical heritage, took centre stage in the newly constructed Parliament building . The Sengol, with a poignant connection to pre-colonial traditions, has long been relegated to obscurity, but now it holds the promise of a revived legacy. Source: ABP News The Sengol or chenkol , a Tamil term meaning sceptre or dharma danda , holds a profound narrative dating back to the Chola dynasty in South India. During the Chola era, it served as a sanctified reminder to the rulers of their duty to govern with justice and uphold the welfare of the people—a tradition that transcended Tamil society and extended to other kingdoms, such as Mysore.   A closer look at the Sengol or sceptre Source: Economic Times On the historic night of August 14, 1947, a contested symbolic transfer of power took place as the Sengol was ceremonially handed over to India's first Prime Minister , Jawaharlal N...

Indian cuisine is one of the most widespread and popular cuisines on Earth. It offers a wide variety, be it from East to West or North to South. Being climatically tropical, the majority of the country experiences high temperatures throughout the year. However, during the summer season, the temperatures skyrocket. Thus, such a climate pattern has led the Indian subcontinent to evolve its food practices accordingly.  Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of healing and medicine classifies food into two categories, Ushna and Sheeta. Ushna food is said to have hot qualities while Sheeta foods are believed to have a cooling effect. Ayurveda advises the consumption of Sheeta food in the summer because of its inherent cooling properties. Though Ayurveda is considered pseudo-scientific, we see many practical examples of it being accurate.  In popular culture, Indian cuisine is stereotyped as spicy and filled with masalas (Hindi word for spice). In fact, spicy food is an integral part o...

As we work through the summer heat, we could make our lives easier with individualized, nature-based, and holistic Ayurvedic practices. As famous as it is, Ayurveda can get confusing, especially for beginners. There’s an unending list of herbs used in the practice and a million ways to use them!  Thus, here are a few herbs you can use this summer, all backed by the age-old ‘science of living’: Aloe vera : In Ayurveda, aloe vera is highly regarded for its cooling and soothing properties. The gel extracted from aloe vera leaves is renowned for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties. Beyond its external and internal uses, aloe vera is considered a rejuvenating herb. It’s believed to enhance overall vitality and support healthy ageing. Aloe vera Source: Pexels Coriander : In this practice, coriander is primarily classified as having cooling energy and is recognised as a detoxifier. It can be incorporated into cooking, herbal teas, herbal infusions, Ayurvedic formulations, et...

Once again, North India finds itself submerged in torrential rains, as if caught in an endless loop of soggy déjà vu. The recent deluge has not only disrupted the lives of millions but has also offered a sombre reflection on the existing state of affairs regarding flood management. In order to delve into the facts, establish pertinent parallels, and expose the structural challenges that perpetuate this recurring predicament, let us understand the issue through a historical lens. Source: Raj K Raj / Hindustan Times In a truly remarkable display of its water-wielding prowess, the Yamuna River has swelled to its highest levels in 45 years, reaching a staggering 208.66 metres and surpassing the previous record. As the waters engulfed vast areas of the national capital, they made a dramatic attempt to reclaim their ancient course, cheekily reaching the walls of the Red Fort. Netizens couldn't resist pointing out that  “ a river never forgets," as if the Yamuna were on a mission to ...

The Tropic of Cancer passes right through the centre of India, making it vulnerable to the scorching heat of the sun, especially in the summer season which usually lies between March and June. The heat becomes unbearable and temperatures in some parts of the country reach up to 50 o C!   Since pre-historical times, Indians have come up with a variety of measures to combat the summers. Here are a few examples that are still used widely.  Khus Khus Tattis Indians have a simple and effective way to enhance indoor cooling using vetiver mats, commonly known as khus khus tatti . These mats are made by intertwining the roots or the vetiver grass to form a rectangle. The mats are highly porous which helps the air to pass through it. The mats are hung in doorways or windows after being moistened with water. As the air passes through the entryway, the drenched mats cool it down which prevents outside heat from interacting with the interior, thus providing a cooling effect.  A khus...

The inherent qualities of clay are responsible for earthenware's cooling effect. Clay possesses a high thermal conductivity and can effectively absorb and disperse heat. When water is stored in earthen pots or utensils, clay causes water to evaporate, thereby cooling the surroundings. This evaporation process is analogous to the natural cooling mechanism of the human body where sweat evaporates off the skin and cools down the body. Source: Pexels The " Matka ", an indigenous pot used to store water is one of the most famous earthenware pieces used for cooling in India. The matka is a cylindrical clay pot with a large base and a thin neck, decorative ones are usually covered with a glass-like shine, which reduced the porous nature of the pottery, which is why ones used to keep water It is kept unglazed to maximize evaporative cooling. Even in the warmest summers, water preserved in a matka remains refreshingly cool. Water can seep through the porous walls of the clay pot,...