The Sanskrit verbal root bandh is where the word “bandhani” originates (“to bind, to tie”). Bandhani often referred to as bandhej, is a type of tie-and-die in which the clothing is adorned by being bound into many ties. “Banda” is a word that signifies “knot.” With the bandhani process, patterns are produced by repeatedly dying […]Read More
Evolution of Cave Temples The most impressive example of ancient Indian art is seen in the rock-cut architecture. The method of building a structure by cutting it out of raw rock is known as rock-cut architecture. It is done by excavating solid rock where it naturally exists to create structures, buildings, and sculptures. Temples, tombs, […]Read More
The evolution of cave architecture is a unique characteristic that denotes a significant period in Indian architectural history. The second century BC and the ninth century AD saw the excavation of more than a thousand caverns. Among these were the well-known Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra and the Udaygiri cave in Orissa. These caverns […]Read More
Popularly known as the first queen to fight against the British, Velu Nachiyar was the queen of the Sivaganga estate of Tamil Nadu. She was considered an idol by her people and was successful in her stance against the British. She was born in 1730 to King Sellamutthu Vijayaragunatha Sethupathy and Queen Sakandhi Muthathal of […]Read More
Indian queens have always left not only their natives in awe but also the foreign invaders mesmerized. The Portuguese were a group of people who invaded India, and when they saw Rani Chennabhairadevi, they were surprised by her intelligence and her expertise in trade. They gave her the name Raina-Da-Pimenta – ‘The Queen of Pepper’. […]Read More
The Rajputs are known for their strength and valor and have contributed to Indian heritage since their first generations. Avantibai was a Rajput queen. She was well known for her stance against the British during the revolt of 1857. “The Rajput queen she was, elegant and brave, Avanti- for beauty and grace stands her name.” […]Read More
Vesara, which is Sanskrit for “mule,” is a hybrid ‘offspring’ of Nagara and Dravida, two different styles of architecture. The Chalukyan monarchs of the Deccan significantly affected how this form of temple construction emerged, was used, and was refined. Because of this, this style of temple construction is also known as “Chalukyan Style of Temple […]Read More
Indian Temple architecture – crafting the house of worship “God is in the details.” – Ludwig Mies van der Rohe The Latin term templum denotes a sacred enclosure from which the word “temple” is derived. The definition of a temple states that it is a building set aside for spiritual or religious rituals like sacrifice […]Read More
A woman is no less than a rebellious tigress when she awakens herself against her adversaries. We have testimonials of this from ancient times. From scriptures citing the rage of goddess Durga to historical manuscripts quoting the valour of queens of ancient kingdoms. Among them, a less-known queen is Naiki Devi. Her earlier life is […]Read More
Paithani Silks The Royal Handlooms of Maharashtra India has always been a land of cultures, traditions, festivals, and freedom. Since time immemorial, one of the most traditional clothing of Indians is sarees. Saree usually have a lot of variety but among all of them, the most comfortable and beautiful saree is a handloom saree. A […]Read More