Famous Quotes #25

Here is a quote by author Salman Rushdie, which talks about the importance of changing one’s perspective.

quote
Illustration: Yukta Chopra

Bali Jatra: The Voyage to Bali

By Jayshree Misra Tripathi

In the month of Karthika of the Hindu Lunar Calendar, that falls mid-October to mid-November, the night of the full moon is called Karthika Purnima. A festival is celebrated in Odisha to honour ancient mariners and traders, called Sadhabas. On this night, they would set sail for the distant shores of Bali, in present- day Indonesia.  

Balijatra
Illustration: Ankita Badade

Early before dawn on this day, the 15th day of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon), people assemble on the banks of the River Mahanadi in Cuttack, or at nearby rivers and ponds, to sail replicas of the ancient large boats, called Boita. Inside each boat is a lit clay diya, some betel nuts and flowers. These boats were, once upon a time, made of banana peels but nowadays, even other materials are used. These miniature boats are colourfully decorated. As the boats are gently lowered into the waves that lap the shoreline, the women and children chant, “Aa Ka Ma Bai, Pana Gua Thoi.” These chants are mentioned in Sarala Dasa’s version of the Mahabharata, written in the 15th century AD. 

Then prayers are offered in the Boita Bandana ceremony. 

The acronyms* Aa, Ka, Ma, Bai, denote the seasons that the ships set sail and left our shores, in different directions, according to the monsoon winds and ocean currents. The weather and wind-flow have been studied in India since the second century BCE.  

The Ancient Mariners

The mariners had special instruments that, together with astronomical calculations of the stars, helped them to navigate their ships. It is said the ships carried tamed birds on board, called Disa Kaka or Direction Birds. These birds helped in mapping directions on land. 

The Chinese traveller and monk Yijing (AD 635-713) noted that it took thirty days to sail from the ancient port of Tamarlipti in Kalinga (Odisha), now in West Bengal, to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. From there with the help of ocean currents, it took just twenty days to reach China! The Tang dynasty has records of a Bhaumakara prince, Subhakara Deva, who brought many Buddhist Mahayana Tantric scrolls and texts to the Tang Dynasty Court in AD 790.  

A Long Journey

Bali Jatra, or the voyage to Bali, was not a direct route for the ancient mariners. They set sail from the banks of the River Mahanadi in Cuttack, in mid-November, with the help of the north-eastern monsoon winds, down the coastline to dock in Sri Lanka, then known as Lankadeepa. There they would trade supplies, that included ivory, precious gems, horses, glass and perfumes. On their return journey, they would take back elephants and pearls. They would stock up on fresh water and coconuts before they set sail again, guided by ocean currents across the Indian Ocean. Now they were northward bound, towards Swarnadipa, the Island of Gold, as mentioned in Sanskrit texts. This is the northern sector of Sumatra. There are accounts of the mariners either setting sail towards Borneo and Vietnam, or to Bali and Java, then called Yavadwipa or the Island of Grain. 

It is interesting to note how the mariners decided on the duration at a port-of-call. Leaving Odisha in mid-November, the journey to Bali would have taken at least three months. In order to harness the early South-West monsoon winds for the return journey, they would have to cast-off from Bali by mid-March. This would ensure they reached home in May. 

The merchants dealt mainly with cotton textiles that were very popular at their ports of call. For instance, the Sambalpuri ikat textile weaving is also found in Bali today, called Patola, woven in themes from India mythology.  Trade flowed both ways and our merchants, would purchase Chinese silks in Vietnam and camphor in Sumatra. Spices were exchanged too, which included peppercorns and cloves, even betel or areca nuts. Cowry shells were also used as exchange. 

An Exchange of Culture

Trade links also, but naturally, led to cultural exchanges in arts and crafts and spiritual experiences. Hinduism still exists in parts of Bali. Buddhism is followed in many countries in Southeast Asia. The skill of the Kalinga mariners over sea-routes has been cited as “The Lord of the Sea” by Kalidasa in his Raghuvamsa. Words from the various languages were often absorbed into the native languages. Bou in Odia is mother as in Balinese too! There is also a great similarity in the masks found in Odisha and Sri Lanka and Bali. The Ramayana is depicted through dances, shadow puppetry and many other forms too 

Balijatra
Illustration: Ankita Badade
The Fair Today

Nowadays, at the Bali Jatra Fair in Cuttack, there are giant wheels, traditional puppet shows, food, dance and song. It is also a tradition to stage a play on the legend of Tapoi – the only beloved daughter of a rich businessman, who had seven sons. When he became a widower, he would sail to Bali each year on Karthika Purnima, with some of his adult sons. One year he took all his seven sons with him, thinking his daughters-in-law would care for his youngest child, his only daughter, Tapoi. Sadly, the sisters-in-law made her clean the home and cowshed, wash their clothes, even bring wood from the forest. They often hit her and left her hungry. Tapoi would cry all alone and pray to Mangala Devi, a form of Durga, to end her misery. Months passed. 

One day, she mustered enough courage to run away deep into the nearby forest while gathering wood. Her father and brothers returned from their voyages earlier than expected and were furious. They went in search of her and found her, crying piteously. The malicious daughters-in-law of the merchant were punished for their cruelty. 

This legend also makes us ponder upon the impact that long, hazardous journeys had on the families left behind. Would they remain safe? Would they have enough to eat?  

Our ancient mariners and merchants defied all odds to bring home goods and riches, for the prosperity of their families. Kalinga’s flourishing trade links are impressive even today – the sea-voyages to Sri Lanka, Java, Borneo, Sumatra, Myanmar (Burma) and Bali. Similar festivals are held even in these parts of the world, such as Masakapan Ke Tukad of Bali, the Loi Krathong of Thailand, the Bon Om Touk of Cambodia, and the That Luang of Laos – all held around the same time of the year. 

 Read about more such interesting tales from history, only on the ACK Comics app!

Famous Quotes #24

Here is an interesting quote by the poet Rumi, which encourages us to introspect and change ourselves before trying to change others.

Illustration: Ritoparna Hazra

The Dree Festival

India is full of unique festivals and celebrations, which differ from region to region. One such interesting and important festival is Dree, which is celebrated in the months of June and July in Arunachal Pradesh. This is an agricultural festival, aimed at pleasing the gods and praying for a bountiful harvest.

dree festival
Illustration: Mudita Singh

According to the legend, Anw Donw and Abba Lwbo were the first people to cultivate the land and start a civilisation. They made the first machetes and spades and cleared the area. They travelled to far off places and found seeds for paddy, corn and cucumber.

They overcame the difficulties of storm and rain, and protected their crop against all calamities. However, it was when they were attacked by a fierce demon called Pyokuñ Pembò Pyoyi Tadù that their troubles truly began. They defeated the demon, but from the stomach of their fallen foe, swarms of insects and pests emerged to destroy their precious harvest.

It is to ward off these insects and other such adversities that the rituals of the Dree festival began. During Dree, people pray for a healthy crop, a plentiful harvest and prosperity to all. The Apatani tribe offer prayers to four gods: Tamu, Harniang, Metii, and Danyi. The festivities usually last for three days. Cucumber plays an important role and is offered to guests and participants of the festival.

The Festival of Gangaur

In the month of Chaitra, falling between March and April, parts of North and Central India celebrate the festival of Gangaur. The word Gangaur comes from ‘gana’ referring to Shiva and ‘gaur’ which refers to Gauri, another name for Parvati.

Gangaur
Illustration: P.B. Kavadi

This festival is dedicated to Parvati, the goddess of marriage and fertility, and is celebrated for 18 days, mainly by the women. Small clay idols of Shiva and Parvati are worshipped and carried around town during this festival. The women fast, sing songs, decorate their hands with Mehandi (Henna) and pray for the welfare of their families.

According to local legends, this festival marks the first time Parvati visited her mother’s house, after her marriage to Shiva. On the last day of Gangaur, the clay idols of Shiva and Parvati are immersed in water to signify Parvati’s return to Kailash.

The Warrior Queens of Medieval Odisha

By Jayshree Misra Tripathi

The Bhaumakara Reign 

In the first half of 8th century CE, the Bhaumakara dynasty had conquered and unified the kingdoms of Kangoda, Kalinga and Toshali, in the eastern region of the Indian subcontinent. Their rule would extend for over two centuries, from 736 CE to 945 CE. This period was also a time of tremendous change in society, as Buddhism and Jainism evolved during their early rule, and later, Hinduism was revived. 

During their reign, the Bhaumakaras established trade and cultural links with South-East Asia. Their maritime trade is evident from inscriptions of the period as they include the words ‘samudrakara bandha’ which translates to ‘ocean tax’. Due to these links, the region experienced overall prosperity. It was the golden era of Utkala or the Land of Exquisite Arts. 

The Widow Queens 

It was during this period that the Bhaumakara Queens, who were widows, reigned for almost 200 years but, initially, not in direct succession. Nowhere else in the land had widows ascended the throne. Earlier, royal women could donate land and order temples to be built but could not participate in the administration of the kingdom.  

Queen of Odisha
Illustration: Ritoparna Hazra
Tribhuvana Mahadevi – the First Queen 

The first and most acclaimed of the widow queens was Tribhuvana Mahadevi, who ascended the throne in 845 CE, after the death of her son. The charters of Dhenkanal and Talcher state that Tribhuvana Mahadevi restored peace in her kingdom, overcoming rebellions with the help of her father. She appointed honest officials to oversee her subjects, administered a light-tax and used the royal treasury to build temples, monasteries and charitable shelters for the poor.  

Tribhuvana Mahadevi commanded an army of men and women, estimated to have a strength of 3,00,000 people. These figures are inscribed on copper plates discovered in recent archaeological excavations. Royal women were skillful warriors, having learnt the art from their childhoods. Women were respected in the kingdom. In fact, early Vedic marriage hymns hoped that young brides would speak with composure at assemblies held for the welfare of the people. There is no evidence of Sati or Purdah in palm leaf inscriptions or copper-plate charters. Women in her kingdom were educated and permitted to study the sacred texts and conduct sacrifices. They even wore sacred threads, like the menfolk. Royal women were granted administrative rights to issue charters and land grants.  

Her charters state that she truly cared for her people and built roads, wells and bridges. She performed rituals in temples and donated ghee, milk, curd, betel-leaf, sandalwood paste and incense. She participated in discourses on religious doctrines. Tribhuvana Mahadevi gave from her personal resources to fight wars, stave off pestilence and famine. Harmony prevailed during her rule. 

Baitala temple
Illustration: Tithee Dixit
Subsequent Queens 

Tribhuvana Mahadevi abdicated her throne after eighteen years of rule, to her grandson, Santikara Deva II, when she felt he was ready to rule. Fifty years later, another widow, Prithivi Mahadevi, ascended the throne, after the mysterious death of the reigning king, her brother-in-law. She assumed the title of Tribhuvana Devi the Second. However, as she was suspected of having her brother-in-law killed with the help of her father, she was not accepted on the throne by the court and was deposed, after a few years of rule. Her name was not included in their genealogical tree. 

The last male ruler of the Bhaumakaras, Subhakara V, was succeeded by his widow, Gauri Mahadevi, who ruled briefly. She decreed the construction of the Gauri Temple at Bhubaneswar. Her daughter, Dandi Mahadevi, was a powerful ruler and administrator. However, she died a premature and mysterious death. She was succeeded by her stepmother, Vakula Mahadevi, a princess of the Bhanja dynasty. Little is known of her rule.  

After her, the widow of Santikara III, Dharma Mahadevi, ascended the throne. She was also a princess of the Bhanja dynasty and was the last Bhaumakara ruler. After her death, the kingdom was occupied by the Somavamsi King Dharmaratha.  

Sadly, there are few statues or images of these brave widow queens, and only remnants of the monuments they had ordered to be built. Many have been destroyed by later conquerors of different faiths. Intrigue, strife, murder and mystery are deeply embedded in the history of these courageous and inspirational queens of Odisha.  

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The Story of Petha

By Zaara D’Souza

Petha is a famous sweet from Agra. Juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside, this delectable treat is made from white pumpkin (also known as winter melon or ash gourd), and soaked in rose sugar syrup to lend it a sweet, refreshing taste.

petha
Illustration: Tithee Dixit

As the story goes, it was first created by the Mughals chefs when Emperor Shah Jahan wanted a sweet that resembled the characteristics of the Taj Mahal — pure and white. The chefs boiled white pumpkin, serving it in rose sugar syrup or as dried sweet chunks. The petha served as a source of energy for the thousands of workers who toiled over the construction of the Taj Mahal. Agra’s Noori Gate area is home to over 700 cottage units that create this sweet, now served in many different flavors like cherry, orange, paan, coconut, and of course, rose, among others. 

Nature in the Saptaswara

The Saptaswara (the seven notes) form the basis of Indian Classical Music. Did you know that these notes are said to have originated from nature? The notes – Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni – are believed to come from the sounds made by various animals.

Music
Illustration: Sanjhiya Mayekar

Shadja or Sa: Cry of the peacock in monsoon

Rishaba or Re: Grunting of bulls

Gandhara or Ga: Bleating of goats in a flock

Madhyama or Ma: Cry of the heron

Pancham or Pa: Cuckoo’s song in the spring

Dhaivata or Dha: Neighing of the horse

Nishada or Ni: Trumpeting of the elephant

Amla Navami

Amla Navami
Illustration: Shivani Kher

Every year, in the month of November, people celebrate Amla Navami, a day dedicated to the worship of Amla or the Gooseberry tree. Also known as Akshaya Navami, this festival falls in the month of Kartik, as per the Hindu calendar.

According the various legends in the Skanda Purana, Padma Purana and Vishnu Purana, the Amla tree has been associated with Vishnu. It is believed that this tree is very dear to the god and has also been said to be another form of Vishnu himself.

On Amla Navami, devotees observe a fast throughout the day. After a pooja, they break the fast while sitting under an Amla tree. Sitting or meditating under the Amla tree on this day is believed to remove sins and diseases. People also circumambulate the tree and eat amlas to seek good health and prosperity.

Vishkanya: The Ancient Assassins

Did you know about the deadly female assassins of ancient India? These women were called ‘Vishkanya’, which literally translates to ‘Poison Maiden.’ These assassins were said to be used by kings and ministers to administer poison to their political rivals, in various ways. Read on to know more these mysterious figures.  

Historical Mentions  

Many ancient texts contain mentions of Vishkanyas and their operations in ancient courts. One such text is the Arthashastra, an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft written by Chanakya, a strategist and royal advisor to Chandragupta, the first Mauryan emperor. In addition to this, some local Marathi sources such as the Marathi book, ‘Samrat Akhbar’ and a Persian source by historian Abdul Qadir Badyuni from the period of Mughal Emperor Akbar, also point towards the existence of the Vishkanyas. Similarly, some Ayurvedic texts on toxicology mention Vishkanyas and their dangers. There is also a lot of anecdotal and oral evidence surrounding the legend of these assassins.  

Illustration: Bhavani Nadgonde
Training  

According to legend, young girls who were chosen to become Vishkanyas had to undergo rigorous training. A major part of this training included a practice known as ‘Mithridatism’. Mithridatism was method to protect oneself against various poisons by gradually consuming them in small doses daily, to develop immunity against them. Unfortunately, Mithridatism was not effective against all kinds of poison. Hence, many young women died during the process of becoming a Vishkanya. Those who survived were said to become insensitive to poison, and the immunity they attained was beneficial in killing their targets.   

Once they were fully trained, most Vishkanyas would disguise themselves as dancers or courtesans and approach their victims thus. In many stories, Vishkanyas appear to be able to poison others simply through touch or exchange of bodily fluids. Their blood would also be deadly to those who came in contact with it. However, some other texts suggest that the Vishkanyas weren’t physically poisonous. Instead, they would poison the food or drink of their enemy. They would then consume this food in front of the target to gain their trust. Since the Vishkanyas were immune to poison, they would not be affected, but the target would soon die after eating or drinking the poisoned items.  

The Legends of Vishkanyas  

Once, a Vishkanya was sent, disguised as a dancer, to the court of Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. Suspecting her real identity, Chanakya sent her to the emperor’s enemy, King Parvathak. The very next day, Parvathak was found dead, and Emperor Chandragupta was saved.

Some records mention an incident where the Greek philosopher Aristotle warned Alexander the Great against such dancers gifted by Indian kings to their guests.  

Information on the Vishkanyas is found in very limited amount of historical texts, which is why it is difficult to differentiate between fact and legend surrounding these assassins. Perhaps that is why these mysterious and fascinating figures have captured public imagination, turning them into common archetypes even in modern literature.

By Srinidhi Murthy

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