The Culture Kitaab

“ When there was no Earth, no universe, No moon and sun, and no heaven When the secret of being was not revealed, When there was nothing, there was only you .” A translation of a qawwali text by an unknown Urdu poet for the song “Allah Hu” (“God Is!”) Source: The Art of Qawwali Qawwali , a mesmerising form of devotional music deeply rooted in Sufism, originated in medieval India. Since then, it has not only been a tool of artistic expression but also a powerful means to convey spiritual messages and foster a sense of unity among diverse communities. Its enchanting melodies and poetic lyrics have transcended time and space and continue to have a profound effect on listeners. Source: Pixels/Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Painting by Catf The art form traces its roots to the early years of Sufism, from around the 13th century, when Sufi mystics began gathering for “sama”(communal rituals and spiritual gatherings). These gatherings involved the recitation of devotional poetry accompanied by simple...

   The Gupta kings ascended the throne to India in the 4th Century CE. They swiftly manoeuvred their way through the several principalities sprinkled throughout North India and cemented their place as the Maharajadhiraj or “The king of the kings.” They established a reign of peace that brought about significant innovation and discoveries in science, mathematics, art, and architecture. Scholars like Kalidasa, Varamihira, Shankuntala, Aryabhatta, Sushruta, and Vatsyayana flourished in the Gupta Courts. Hence, the period between the 4th and 6th centuries CE is known as the Golden Age of India.  The origins of Chess can be traced back to this Golden era. It began as Chaturanga, which translates to “four limbs”, corresponding to the four parts of the Gupta army –the Infantry, War elephants, Chariots, and Cavalry. Chaturanga crossed the Indus into Iran as Chatranj, which climbed its way over the Zagros into Arabia and came to be known as Shatranj. Ancient chess travelled east ...

  The Mauryan empire , the first to rule most of the Indian subcontinent between 322 and 185 BCE, marked a pivotal era in Ancient Indian History. Emperor Ashoka and Chandragupta Maurya , forging a new blueprint for administrative efficiency and organization under their visionary leadership, established centralized governance within the empire. Cultural exchanges, economic growth, and the seeds of a collective Indian identity were made possible by the unification of diverse land masses into one political entity. The essence of this identity found a resonant voice in the arts, each influencing and shaping the other to form a tapestry of human experience. Perhaps the most important of all artistic expressions during the period was Indian sculpture. The Ashoka Pillars , made of polished sandstone, feature intricately carved capitals with animal motifs, perfectly encapsulating the spiritual symbolism and cultural depth that emerged during the era. Among these is the Lion Capital at...

The Vedic Age, the period between 1500 BC and 600 BC, is often called the “Heroic Age” of the ancient Indian civilization. During this period, Vedas , the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, were composed in the northern Indian subcontinent. Both vocal and instrumental music was also held in high esteem in society. In fact, The roots of current Hindustani Music are found in the Vedas! Music is a key component in Vedic scriptures  Source: World History Encyclopedia A key component of Vedic religious rituals was the music that structured the various sacrifices. The Samaveda and Atharvaveda in particular consisted of melodies, chants, and hymns. A page from the Atharva Veda manuscript Source: World History Encyclopedia Samaveda manuscripts in Devanagari and Grantha scripts Source: World History Encyclopedia Saam (gentle words intended to win over an adversary), the essence of Vedas, means singing a Swara (musical tone) while the hymns were said to help cure illness with herbs, gain ...

In a heart-wrenching incident that sent shockwaves through Odisha's Balasore district, a train collision on June 2, 2023 , plunged the nation into mourning. This devastating collision, which unfolded at the Bahanaga Bazar station, has claimed the lives of at least 275 individuals, leaving over 1,000 injured in its wake. The calamity involved two express trains and a goods train, their paths converging catastrophically within the confines of Balasore. The Yashwantpur-Howrah Express , with two carriages, derailed near the Bahanaga station and collided with the approaching Coromandel Express . Consequently, a staggering 17 coaches were derailed , some colliding with the wagons of a freight train . This fateful incident now stands as one of the most harrowing in recent memory, serving as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted cultural, emotional, and historic heritage carried by the Indian Railways—an entity that profoundly impacts the lives of millions. Source: Reuters The route...