Sunday, 17 January 2010

RAJGHAT

Posted by Ancient Coins at 08:51 0 comments

Labels: freedom movement, gandhi, history of congress, khadi, nehru, PLACES OF
DELHI, rahul gandhi, rajghat, salt satyagraha, satyagraha, sonia gandhi, stamps of
congress, weavers

RAJGHAT PLACES OF DELHI

RAJGHAT FDC,places of Delhi 15 FDC for SALE

Rajghat,is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. A memorial to the father of
the nation,
Set in the midst of deep green lawns, Rajghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was
cremated. A memorial to the

father of the nation, Rajghat is a simple square platform with a black memorial stone with
“Hey Ram” inscribed on it.
“Hey Ram” were the last words uttered by the Mahatma before collapsing after being
shot at.
Located on the west bank of the River Yamuna, Rajghat is surrounded by a wooded area
and several exotic shrubs that

give the area a serene ambience. Walk along the ornate stone pathways as you relax on
your tours to the samadhi of

one of the greatest leaders, statesman and humanist ever born.

India Travel Portal arranges for you to pay your respects at Rajghat and feel an
indescribable peace as you approach

the resting place of one of the greatest proponents of non-violence.

Also tour the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the Gandhi Balidan Sthal as a part of your
Rajghat tours with India Travel

Portal.

Delhi Forts are the sheer reminders of the glorious era of city’s successive dynasties.
Visit the colossal Red Fort

and Old Fort two major attractions of the city capital.

Monumental heritage of Delhi is well preserved in its forts, palaces, temples and
mosques. Visit the magnificent

Qutub Minar that holds lot of surprises in its colossal minaret.

India Gate is constructed as a memorial and was built in the memory of 90,00 soldiers
who laid down their lives

during world war I. Located at Rajpath, India Gate is 42 m high and is popular relaxation
area during the summer

evenings. India Gate also act as popular pinic spot during winter. Also known as the All
India War Memorial, India

Gate was designed and constructed by Lutyens. He was the who is considered the chief
proclaimer in designing the New

Delhi plans.

If it were not for the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms of 1919, the Parliament House may
not have been built. It’s corny

how the building most indispensable to modern Indian democracy came up as an

afterthought. Earlier called the
Circular House, it was added to the layout at a later stage following the reforms which
created a large Legislative

Assembly.
This edifice is the brainchild of Herbert Baker and was much criticized in comparison
with Lutyens creations. An

article by Robert Byron in Architectural Review, January 1931describes it thus: “The

Council Chamber has been Sir

Herbert’s unhappiest venture. Its effect from a distance has been described. It resembles a
Spanish bull-ring, lying

like a mill-wheel dropped accidentally on its side.”

The Viceroy Palace remains Lutyens most significant achievement. It is befittingly the
crowning glory of the British

Empire and architecture in India. Today, it is perhaps India’s best known monument after
the Taj Mahal and the Qutub

Minar. Bigger than the Palace of Versailles, it cost a whopping £12,53,000 and now
houses the President of India. It

is unquestionably a masterpiece of symmetry, discipline, silhouette, colour and harmony.

of course, it has come in

for much criticism too but that has mostly been limited to the imperial intent behind it
rather than its

architecture.
The construction of Humayun’s tomb was taken up by the grief-stricken wife of
Humayun, Hamida Banu, also known as

Bega Begam in 1565. Legend has it that the design of the Taj was inspired from this
tomb’s. In pure architectural

sense, this building is probably superior and much more beautiful that the stunning Taj.
Sacrilege? But really, the

only thing this building lacks is the showy marble.

Humayun- The Mughal Emperor Costructed The Fort

When the second Mughal emperor Humayun decided to make a city of his own he
decided on the site of the ancient city
of Indraprastha. Humayun was quite a scholar with a fine grasp on such matters and so it
is certain that the site was

chosen deliberately. When his Sher Shah Suri overthrew him, he destroyed most of
Dinpanah (refuge of the faithful) as

the city of Humayun was called to make way for his own Dilli Sher Shahi or Shergarh.
Incidentally, Humayun was

probably the only emperor in history who built a city in Delhi and did not give it his own
name – this was typical of

Humayun’s rather sophisticated and dreamy character. The Layout of The Massive
Colossal

Jantar Mantar
¤ An Observatory
The Jantar Mantar was built in 1710 by Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743) in Delhi.
This is an observatory

consisting of mason-built astronomical instruments to chart the course of the heavens. Jai
Singh, who was a very

scholarly king with a very keen interest in astronomy and astrology, had other
observatories built too – in Ujjain,

Jaipur, Mathura (which no longer survives) and Varanasi.

The first among these was this one in Delhi. The yantras (instruments, which has been
distorted to Jantar) are built

of brick rubble and plastered with lime. The yantras have evocative names like, samrat
yantra, jai prakash, ram

yantra and niyati chakra; each of which are used to for various astronomical calculations.

Qutub Minar in Delhi

¤ Constructed As A Holy Minar
Qutub MinarThe world famous towering Qutub Minar, started in 1192 by Qutub-ud-din
Aibak (1192-98), breathes down the

neck of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. There is a slight difference of opinion as to its

purpose: it probably was a

tower of victory, but then again it could have been built to be a minar (tower), attached to
the Quwwat-ul-Islam
mosque, for the muezzin (priest) to climb up top for a prayer.

¤ Other Belief of Its Construction

Among Delhites there are lots of other theories about the origin of the tower. Some say it
was the observatory of the

great scientist Aryabhatta of ancient India, other claim that it was built by Prithvi
Chauhan for his daughter to see

the Yamuna. In fact everything short of an extraterrestrial origin has been attributed to it.
The presence of the

ancient non-rusting Iron Pillar within the complex further appears to add credence to the
first theory. However the

tower, its entire design and architecture are undisputedly Islamic and all the other theories
are just matters of

wild surmise.
Considering how shortchanged he was for time, it is doubtful that Qutub-ud-din got much
further than a couple of

levels of the minar, in fact many suggest that lived to see only the first storey complete.
Altamash, his successor,

completed the remaining tower.

¤ Measures Taken To Keep The Minar In Perfect Shape

It is clear that the tower was very close to the sultanate’s heart, since repeated efforts
were made to keep it in

perfect shape. In its long career, the tower got hit by lightening twice – something that, of
course, with its height

it was literally asking for. Once during the reign of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq, who very
decently repaired the ensuing

damage. The next time was in the indefatigable builder Feroze Shah Tughlaq’s time,
when the topmost storey got

damaged. Feroze Shah, who of course couldn’t well leave things alone, not only repaired
the floor, but also sneaked

in another level.
The Mecca of all the lovers, without places to go and extra money to spend in Delhi, is
the beautiful and serene Lodi

Garden. Its original purpose was hardly that however. It was designed over two dynasties
– the Sayyids and Lodis (15

-16 th century) – to be a sort of everyone-take-one graveyard for their families.

During the British times the garden went under the moniker of Lady Willingdon Park, all
that stopped with the

Independence when they reverted back to being good old Lodi garden. In 1968, the
gardens were spruced and

relandscaped by JA Stein and Garrett Eckbo. There are several tombs in this area. You
can climb to the top of some of

them. However the steps are very steep and dark so it’s strictly not recommended. Apart
from breaking your neck, you

might end up being bitten by a snake or something

The result of this combined effort is an interesting mix in styles that is clearly discernable
all over the tower.

Each of the original three storeys has different designs. The base storey has alternate
angular and circular flutings

while those of the second one are round and the third one has only angular flutings. Their
alignment is mercifully

similar, so giving the tower a rhythmic harmony. The pretty projecting balconies have a
very interesting pattern,

with icicle-shaped pendentive (an intricate design in which triangular pieces of vaulting
spring from the corners of

a rectangular area and support a rounded or polygonal dome) type of brackets. The
attractiveness of the balconies is

heightened by the bands of sonorous inscriptions. The diameter (at base) of the Qutub
Minar is 14.32m and about 2.75m

at the top.

¤ The Attraction of Crownig Cupola

The tower had a crowning cupola on the top at one time, however this was struck down
sometime in the early 19th

century, an earthquake felled it. This was replced by a well meaning English engineer
Major Smith. However it must

have looked quite an eyesore for when Lord Hardinge was Governor-general of British
India, he had it removed. You can

see it now on the spruce lawns of the Qutub complex. Come to think of it, it must have
been eyesore – it’s called

Smith’s folly.
Posted by Ancient Coins at 08:50 0 comments
Labels: DELHI PLACES, freedom movement, gandhi, history of congress, khadi, nehru,
rahul gandhi, rajghat, salt satyagraha, satyagraha, sonia gandhi, stamps of congress,
weavers

LADY WEAVING IN KHEMR

Banknote on Weaving in khemr nation

A loom is a machine or device for weaving thread or yarn into textiles. Looms can range
from very small hand-held frames, to large free-standing hand looms, to huge automatic
mechanical devices. The ancient Egyptians and Chinese used looms as early as 4000 BC.
The basic purpose of any loom is to hold the warp threads under tension to facilitate the
interweaving of the weft threads. The precise shape of the loom and its mechanics may
vary, but the basic function is the same.
Weaving is the textile art in which two distinct sets of yarns or threads, called the warp
and the filling or weft (older woof), are interlaced with each other to form a fabric or
cloth. The warp threads run lengthways of the piece of cloth, and the weft runs across
from side to side.
Warp and weft in plain weaving.
Cloth is woven on a loom, a device for holding the warp threads in place while the filling
threads are woven through them. Weft is an old English word meaning “that which is
woven”.
The manner in which the warp and filling threads interlace with each other is known as
the weave. The three basic weaves are plain weave, satin weave, and twill, and the
majority of woven products are created with one of these weaves.Woven cloth can be
plain (in one color or a simple pattern), or it can be woven in decorative or artistic
designs, including tapestries. Fabric in which the warp and/or weft is tie-dyed before
weaving is called ikat.
Posted by Ancient Coins at 08:48 0 comments
Labels: freedom movement, gandhi, history of congress, khadi, nehru, rahul gandhi,
rajghat, salt satyagraha, satyagraha, sonia gandhi, stamps of congress, weavers

WILL MODERN CHILD KNOW WEAVING???

Let modern children remember handlooms

The ancient art of handweaving, along with hand spinning, remains a popular craft. The
majority of commercial fabrics in the West are woven on computer-controlled Jacquard
looms. In the past, simpler fabrics were woven on dobby looms, while the Jacquard
harness adaptation was reserved for more complex patterns. Some believe the efficiency
of the Jacquard loom, with its Jacquard weaving process, makes it more economical for
mills to use them to weave all of their fabrics, regardless of the complexity of the design.
Weaving is the textile art in which two distinct sets of yarns or threads, called the warp
and the filling or weft (older woof), are interlaced with each other to form a fabric or
cloth. The warp threads run lengthways of the piece of cloth, and the weft runs across
from side to side.
Warp and weft in plain weaving.
Cloth is woven on a loom, a device for holding the warp threads in place while the filling
threads are woven through them. Weft is an old English word meaning “that which is
woven”.
The manner in which the warp and filling threads interlace with each other is known as
the weave. The three basic weaves are plain weave, satin weave, and twill, and the
majority of woven products are created with one of these weaves.Woven cloth can be
plain (in one color or a simple pattern), or it can be woven in decorative or artistic
designs, including tapestries. Fabric in which the warp and/or weft is tie-dyed before
weaving is called ikat.
The ancient art of handweaving, along with hand spinning, remains a popular craft. The
majority of commercial fabrics in the West are woven on computer-controlled Jacquard
looms. In the past, simpler fabrics were woven on dobby looms, while the Jacquard
harness adaptation was reserved for more complex patterns. Some believe the efficiency
of the Jacquard loom, with its Jacquard weaving process, makes it more economical for
mills to use them to weave all of their fabrics, regardless of the complexity of the design.
Posted by Ancient Coins at 08:46 0 comments
Labels: freedom movement, gandhi, history of congress, khadi, nehru, rahul gandhi,
rajghat, salt satyagraha, satyagraha, sonia gandhi, stamps of congress, weavers

Khadi commision

Khadi Commision history,banknotes

IN Nagpur session (1920) that the Indian National Congress decided to encourage
“Khadi”. The first Khadi Production Centre was established at Katiawad, Gujarat,
Mahatma Gandhi used to refer to Khadi as “The delilivery of freedom”.

In fact, Khadi was introduced in 1920 as a political weapon and as the best instrument for
giving concrete expression to the Swadeshi Spirit to boycott foreign goods. Khadi
rendered an opportunity to every man, woman and child to cultivate self-discipline and
self-sacrifice as a part of the non-cooperation movement.

Development of All India Board under the Indian National Congress by Gandhiji.

1923 Given below is a chronology of events that contributed to the development of Khadi
in India over time in 1923

1925 Setting up of All India Spinners Association (AISA) / Akhil Bharat Charkha Sangh,

1935 All India Village Industries Association (AIVIA) was formed.

1946 Govt. of Madras sought the advice of Gandhiji and set up a Department for Khadi.

1948 Govt. of India recognized the role of Rural Cottage Industries in the Industrial
Policy Resolution, 1948. Constituent Assembly included Cottage Industries in Rural
Areas among the directive Principles of the Constitution in Article 43.

These ideas were elaborated in the First five-year Plan, which laid down the Policy
framework for setting up of a body for Khadi and Village Industries. Central Govt. also
recommended for setting up of a Board.

1953 In accordance with these recommendations, Govt. of India set up All India Khadi &
Village Industries Board in January, 1953. (AIKVIB)

1955 It was decided that a statutory body should replace the Board.

1956 Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act 1956 was passed.
1957 Khadi and Village Industries Commission came into being.

The post independence period saw the Government of India and the planning commission
assuring the responsibility of fitting Khadi and Village Industries within the framework
of five-year plans

Here are photos pf some interesting banknotes issued by the THE VILLAGE AND
GRAMAUDYOG commision or other name with a variatin
khadi weaving women ,charka
Posted by Ancient Coins at 08:44 0 comments
Labels: freedom movement, gandhi, history of congress, khadi, khadi commision, nehru,
rahul gandhi, rajghat, salt satyagraha, satyagraha, sonia gandhi, stamps of congress,
weavers

weaving process

Process of weaving now

WEAVING. The process of weaving consists in interlacing, at right angles, two or more
series of flexible materials, of which the longitudinal are called warp and the transverse
weft. Weaving, therefore, only embraces one section of the textile industry, for felted,
plaited, netted, hosiery and lace fabrics lie outside this definition. Felting consists in
bringing masses of loose fibres, such as wool and hair, under the combined influences of
heat, moisture and friction, when they become firmly inter – locked in every direction.
Plaited fabrics have only one series of threads interlaced, and those at other than right
angles. In nets all threads are held in their appointed places by knots, which are tied
wherever one thread intersects another. Hosiery fabrics, whether made from one or many
threads, are held together by intersecting a series of loops; while lace fabrics are formed
by passing one set of threads between and round small groups of a second set of threads,
instead of moving them from side to side. Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations,
woven fabrics are varied in texture and have an enormous range of application. The
demands made by prehistoric man for fabrics designed for clothing and shelter were few
and simple, and these were fashioned by interlacing strips of fibrous material and grasses,
which in their natural condition were long enough for the purpose in hand. But, as he
passed from a state of savagery into a civilized being, his needs developed with his
culture, and those needs are still extending. It no longer suffices to minister to individual
necessities; luxury, commerce and numerous industries must also be considered.

The invention of spinning gave a great impetus to the introduction of varied effects
previously; the use of multicoloured threads provided ornament for simple structures, but
the demand for variety extended far beyond the limits of colour, and different materials
were employed either separately or conjointly, together with different schemes of
interlacing. Eventually the weaver was called upon to furnish articles possessing lustre,
softness and delicacy; or those that combine strength and durability with diverse
colourings, with a snowy whiteness, or with elaborate ornamentation. In cold countries a
demand arose for warm clothing, and in hot ones for cooler materials; while commerce
and industry have requisitioned fabrics that vary from normal characteristics to those that
exceed an inch in thickness. In order to meet these and other requirements the world has
been searched for suitable raw materials. From the animal kingdom, wool, hair, fur,
feathers, silk and the pinna fibre have long been procured. From the vegetable kingdom,
cotton, flax, hemp, jute, ramie and a host of other less known but almost equally valuable
materials are derived. Amongst minerals there are gold, silver, copper, brass, iron, glass
and asbestos. In addition, strips of paper, or skin, in the plain, gilt, silvered and painted
con – ditions are available as well as artificial fibres. All of the fore – going may be used
alone or in combination
Posted by Ancient Coins at 08:43 0 comments
Labels: freedom movement, gandhi, history of congress, khadi, nehru, rahul gandhi,
rajghat, salt satyagraha, satyagraha, sonia gandhi, stamps of congress, weavers

KHADI weavers

SadanaShurulu greatness of PADMASHALI’s

Saadhana Soorulu Folk Arts

Saadhana Soorulu are those who, with a lot of devotion and concentration, learn magic or
Indrajala and give performances in the art of magic. They are known to produce miracles
and shock their audiences.
They belong to the Padmashali community are dependent on the weavers in this
community with whose permission they give performances. The team performing this art
form consists of six men. They go around villages throughout the year and give magic
performances. They stay for five or six days in a village.

Performances are given in open places where there is scope for a good gathering. They
are arranged during daytime only. No make-up is necessary for this performance. A few
of these performances are detailed below. Four poles are fixed in the place of the
performance. A man is tied to a pole with rope and completely covered with cloth.

When the cover is removed, the man tied to one pole is made to appear at another pole.
Another item in the performance is what is known as Agnisthambhana. This is done by
fixing a stout needle on the head of a man. A shallow vessel is placed on the other end of’
the needle with a flame under the vessel. Rotis are baked on the vessel after this. Another
magic performance is known as Jalasthambhana. In this they show a person drinking
water with his mouth and letting the water out through his ears and nose.

Yet another is Vayusthambhana. This is done by making ones body light, controlling
breathing and then weighing the body on a light scale. By doing such magical acts,
Saadhana Soorulu continue their performance for about three hours. They have Katladi
(right for collection) with the Padmashali community. Performance is their main source
of livelihood.
Sadahanasuroolu are depicted at bottom of 500 rial note on Cambodian[next to Vietnam]
currency cut bottom panel to get good view
Posted by Ancient Coins at 08:41 0 comments
Labels: freedom movement, gandhi, history of congress, khadi, nehru, rahul gandhi,
rajghat, salt satyagraha, satyagraha, sonia gandhi, stamps of congress, weavers
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