| |
|
| |
 |
| |
The Inverted Triangle* |
A Scintillating Symphony......
............................ A Perfect Harmony.
|
| |
India captures the imagination of the world. It is not just a nation of a billion plus people, it is, but also an idea, an inspiration, and an intoxication for many! No wonder this land, on the map looks topsy-turvy, just like an inverted triangle. Facing south, its apex - the Cape of Comorin - is at a longitude which crosses over the vast Indian ocean to touch the Icy Continent of Antartica - with no other land mass in between, while, the young and mighty Himalayas forms its base in the north, protecting the sub-continent from the vagaries of the harsh and cold northern winds.
(*Described by Jules Verne in 'Around the World in 80 days')
|
 |
| |
A talk on the great Indian geography cannot be complete without speaking about its people. India is a place where a great mix of humans (the resident Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Parsis, Jews, non-conformists and an equally fascinating Adivasi (native tribal) population live and culture themselves, while carrying forward a glorious tradition of myriad customs, rituals and rites. At the same breath, it needs to be said that India is also, very much, a resourceful home to a wide variety of wildlife - animals, birds, reptiles and insects - quite a few of which are endemic (not known to be seen or living anywhere else) and endangered species - and other micro organisms and plants - amazingly and intricately, woven into the unique Indian culture or way of life.
A Scintillating Symphony. A Perfect Harmony.
|
| |
The Cultural Heritage - One of the Ancient and thriving Civilizations |
| |
 |
The socio-cultural aspect or what may constitute as Indianness, can all be seen on the canvas called 'India,' locally referred to as Bharat , or Hindusthan - also known as the Sub-continent.
Whether, it is the Sindhu (Indus) valley civilisation; or Ayur Veda - the Hindu science of a healthy and natural way of living; or the morals of Panchatantra, and the wise allegories of Jatakas - tales from the Buddhist era; the principles of non-violence and compassion towards animals, propagated by Jain Dharma; the mystical poetry of Sanatani, Sufi and Sikh saints and sages; and whether, it is the splendid and incredible monuments - influence of West Asian school, and its own temple architecture - vast, vivid and vibrant India, has it all.
|
| |
A closer examination into the essence and the base philosophy of all the above mentioned records in the pages of Indian history, would reveal an extra ordinary appreciation and close-knit relationship of the Indian mind and soul for their verd-de-terre - with its abundant flora and fauna. The understanding, apparently, is so imbibed from the sense of beauty emphasised by the vast land. For every aspect of man's life on earth, ancient Indian rishis and sages have pondered hard, trying to unravel the mysteries of life or the meaning of existence. And perhaps for the same reasons, along with its multiple contradictions and seemingly inherent differences, it continues to remain an enigma to both travellers and philosophers alike.
|
| |
|
| |
The Natural Heritage - Land of Incredible Beauty |
| |
And, here are more reasons to have a worthwhile feel of the Indian Sun and Soil. To speak of India - the country - very few (perhaps, only continents can match it), exceptional countries can come to equal terms while weighing its natural treasures, breath-taking beauty and the exotic variety of landscape - and humanscape! - which it offers to nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and the discerning eco-tourist. Its fertile country side and its vast wilderness exemplify the diversity found in India.
|
|
| |
Just think of it - the majestic and towering Himalayan mountain ranges on its northern border; the Great Thar Desert of Rajasthan in the west; the wet, evergreen rain forests in the extreme southern and eastern parts of the country; the dry and moist, dense forests of central India - with its teeming wildlife like Tigers and Elephants, and a colourful tribal population living with perfect harmony in their surroundings; its mighty life sustaining rivers, fed by melting snow and rains, the fresh water lakes and reservoirs - an anglers delight; the numerous sandy, palm-fringed beaches, estuaries and backwaters along its long curving coastline, and the beautiful, tropical coral islands of Andamans and Nicobar, and the tiny Lakshdweep isles.
This Land of 'Jungle Book' is a land, indeed, of exceptional physical and biological diversity. |
| |
|
| |
An Assortment - in the Cauldron |
| |
 |
And we have not yet started talking about its religion, language, ethnic groups, arts, music and dance forms - folk and classical; its temple architecture; stupas (ancient Buddhist monuments); erotic sculptures; cave paintings; rock motifs and engravings; the tasty, spicy curries and local cuisine, wide variety of mouth-watering sweets and dairy products; fun-filled festivals and fairs; artwork, crafts and textiles; science, technology and social development issues...not to forget - the Great Souls like Gautama Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and the unforgetable......
.......
Taj Mahal, The Monument of monuments - described by its admirers as 'The Tear Drop freezed in White Marble' or 'The Signature of Eternal Love on Earth' - one of the wonders of our world.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
