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| Kanpur Mem. Church built in honor of those who were killed, 1875 /www.trodly.com/ |
Kanpur Memorial Church in Kanpur, built in 1875 in honor of those British who lost their lives during the ‘Siege of Cawnpore’(Kanpur) is situated on Albert Lane near ‘Cawnpore Club’ in Kanpur Cantonment. The Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 was sweeping across the norther states much like multiple tornadoes and there were pitched battles between the rebels (mostly Indian soldiers) and the EIC troops at several places. The main reasons were racial discrimination in the army, poor salary and too much interference in their religion. On top of all these, the the East India officials took away several kingdoms dishonestly, besides insulting the well-known rulers. The simmering resentment slowly culminated into a big rebellion. Unfortunately the Indians in rage killed numerous English people, including children and women in some places. No mercy whatsoever. This Church was designed by one Walter Granville, an architect of East Bengal Railway and this Memorial Church is often referred to as "All Soul's Cathedral" apparently meaning the departed souls during the worst rebellion. The Church is built in a Lombardy Gothic style The bright red bricks with polychrome dressings and beautifully stained glass windows complement the impressive appearance of this church. In the interior, one could see monuments to the victims of the mutiny, including several memorial tablets. The memoirs in the church relate to the rebellion and are truly heart wrenching. The Memorial Garden can be approached through two gateways separated from the main building by a nicely carved Gothic screen. This eye-catching Gothic screen was designed by one Henry Yule. Occupied in the center is the beautiful carved figure of an angle by Baron Carlo Marochetti, representing the "Symbol of Peace".Kanpur Memorial Church's Cemetery has a number of graves from the late 19th century with well decorated memorial tablets. The Memorials were relocated here after independence in 1948. The Military Cemetery on the edge of the cantonment has a number of graves with interesting epitaphs from the late 19th century.Though there are different versions about the massacre in Kanpur during the Sepoy mutiny, Nana Shahib, a Maratha aristocrat and a close alley of the British once was held responsible for the killing of numerous white people, including children and women. The mutineers laid siege to the barrack residential quarters of European officers and their family.
Many historians say this rare incident of massacre of Europeans was blown out of proportion by the EIC officials and the British news papers went along with the English and manipulated the incidents to win the sympathy of the people back home. Any way, "Cawnpore massacre" is yet another part of British-Indian history and well propped up by the British, relegating their atrocities on the Indian natives to the back stage.Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanpur_Memorial_Church
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Phoolan Devi, one of India’s most notorious bandits is yet another person associated with Augustan month. She was born on 10th August 1963 in Ghura ka Purwa in Uttar Pradesh.
Born in a poor low caste family and raised by her parents to respect higher caste people, Phoolan Devi had led a quiet, normal life. That peaceful life did not last long. Married off when she was barely 11 to an old man (20 years older to her), she went through a series of worst misfortunes in her life such as raping by her husband, prison life, raping by jailers, etc. The society had been extremely cruel to her far beyond her capacity to endure it. With pains and sufferings frozen into her subconscious mind, she fought it back courageously by taking to violence after her early jail life.After some initial troubles and struggles, she joined a gang led by one Vikram Mallah with whom she fell in love. After learning to handle rifles, in the next few years she looted the high caste people's houses, trains, kidnapped people for ransom, etc. She would share the spoils of the loots with the poor. Mostly she operated across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. She never spared her estranged husband who raped her repeatedly when she was just 11 years old in spite of protests. She stabbed him and left him to bleed right before the villagers. She took to vigilante justice to punish her enemies. In Behmai village at a wedding party of a family connected with Vikram's death, her gang shot 20 people dead on 14th February, 1981. Her notoriety became a talk of the people in that region. Poolan Devi told the police that she had nothing to do with the wedding party killings. In the 1980s her name struck terror and she was called the Bandit Queen. Her hideout is the Chambal valley, a vast area that has lots of ravines and caves in the wooded areas. It is tough task for the cops to get them because the hideouts have lots of escape routes. It is a tough terrain. Further, there were no whistle blowers to help the police department to give information. The villagers were not cooperative with the police either. After long persuasion and discussion Phoolan Devi surrendered to the Madhya Pradesh Government in February, 1983 in the presence of prominent leaders and social reformers. She was charged with numerous crimes of dacoity, robbery and kidnapping. Considering her pathetic childhood, she was given 11 year jail term and sent to Gwalior jail, and then later to Tehar jail, Delhi. Her trial in the court was delayed for a pretty long time and in 1994 she was released on parole. After several representations from various quarters, the new government in consultation with the judiciary and police, released her from all charges so that she could start her life afresh.Phoolan Devi joined the Samajwadi party in 1996 and in the same yrar and in 1999 she became an MP through parliamentary election. She served the poor people well as promised on her campaign trails and as a responsible parliamentarian she worked hard, though she was illiterate.On 25th July 2001, Phoolan Devi was shot dead by a gunmen outside her residence in New Delhi. The accused Sher Singh Rana surrendered to the police and admitted that he killed Phoolan Devi to avenge the death of the high caste men she and her gang had shot dead at a wedding ceremony in Behmai.An unfortunate woman who took to violence to avenge the people who gave her the worst problems one can ever think of and ultimately her life ended in violence when she had begun to stride the right path. “I was born into violence, I will die in violence. This is my fate”. .......................... Phoolan DeviRef:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoolan_Devi
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| Altar of Basilica of Our lady of Graces, Sardhana, baadalmusings.com |
In India there are so many historical churches scattered across the country that were mostly built during the colonial days and these places of worship are symbolic of our past heritage. The church at Sardhana, Uttar Pradesh is a unique one because it was built by a Muslim woman. The story of Sardhana church in interwoven with romance and history, involving two energetic souls belonging to two different cultures and countries. It was built by a widow quite popularly known as Begum Samru, born as Farzana Zebunisa in 1751 who converted to Roman Catholic Faith in 1781.She changed her name to Johanna.The small town of sardhana lies 19 kms. north-west of Meerut city. In the late 18th century, a French man by the name of Walter Reinhardt came here for adventure and work and finally settled down in Sardhana, He became popular and went by the nick name Samru.![]() |
| Basilica of Our lady of Graces. Sardhana credit: www.baadalmusings.com |
Being adventurous and hardworking he won the friendship of the local ruler and later became closer to him. Walter helped the ruler Najaf Khan of Delhi on some war expeditions and he successfully supported the ruler. In 1773 Walter received Sardhana from Najaf Khan and later the principality of Sardhana was formally established.Walter was almost like a small ruler with his own troops and other paraphernalia. Upon his death in 1778, Walter Reinhardt was succeeded by his wife widow Begum Samru. Begum Samru inherited the Jagir of Sardhana after her husband's death. She married in her early teens Walter Reinhardt Sombre of Luxembourg (Sombre was shortened to Samru), a mercenary soldier.
During her lifetime she supported financially many charitable and religious institutions. After her wedding with Walter, she developed keen interest in Christianity and she liked the teachings of Jesus Christ and ultimately she became a Roman Catholic in 1781. Sardhana was the capital of the Begum Samru, as she was a small ruler.![]() |
| Basilica of Our lady of Graces. Begam Samru's monuments in the Church, Sardhana. image credit: www.baadalmusings.com |
She, for along time, had a passion to build a church in that area that would bear name as well as her husband's. She engaged an Italian architect Anthony Reghelini to have an imposing church built in that small town. In 1822 the construction cost of that church was about four lakhs - a huge sum in those days. Two huge lakes near the church were created as a result of continuous removal of mud that was required for the church.Mud was the major construction material, besides lime and hard stones. This historical west-facing church with entrance from north has a long verandah lined by 18 Doric pillars. The lofty spires and steeple are impressive; an interesting feature is the octagonal lantern atop the central dome. It is made of finely carved and carefully perforated slates and capped with black and white marble. Atop the three domes and two spires are heavily gilded metal balls surmounted by metal crosses. The altar is strikingly beautiful made of marbles mined from Jaipur and it is nicely inlaid with a floral design of semi precious stones. Above the niche is the statue of Mother Mary to whom the church was dedicated. She supported financially many charitable and religious institutions and her new palace had become the boys' school.The altar steps and statuary floor is of black and white marble. On either side of the statuary there are two long wings - the left wing has the famous monument over the tomb of the Begum. This monument is well designed using Carrara marble with eleven life size figures and three panels in beys-relief; right on top; the Begum sits dressed in Muslim styleImmediately below her statue are four figures - David Dyce, Samru, Innayat-ullah, Diwan Rae Singh and Julius Ceasar Scotti. The six figures are supposedly symbolic of fearlessness, wisdom, fulfillment, prosperity that were in existence in plenty during Begum's reign. This church's veneration got a further boost when the sacred image of Lady of Graces was enshrined in 1957. The visit of Pope John XXIII in 1961 to raise it to the status of Minor Basilica, was a memorable event and it was a great honor for this church that was built by a highly spirited Indian Muslim woman.
http://www.indiantravelportal.com/uttar-pradesh/churches/sardhana.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Our_Lady_of_Graces New Palace has become the boys schoo
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Soon after the end of the worst Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, when the Indian Subcontinent came directly under the control of the British Government, several churches came up in Northern India with compensation money. St. Peter's Church of Muirabad, near Allahabad, UP was one among them and was built in 1875. The foundation stone of this beautiful Anglican Church, on laid on 17th May 1872 by Sir William and Lady Muir (Elizabeth Huntly Wemyss). He started the Muir Central College which became part of what is now called Allahabad University. Sir William Muir (27 April 1819 - 11 July 1905) a Scottish Orientalist, helped build the Christian village Muirabad, near Allahabad. A big land comprising 45 acres was bought to house a school, dispensary, etc in anticipation of further growth in the near future 1870.This church was constructed primarily to conduct Church Services needed by the local Christian community. Further, there was a demand for a church by the European troops stationed in Gorakhpur during the1850's. They needed some kind of spiritual orientation to be freed from stressed life. Their only place of union with the Almighty was a venerated place - church. This Gothic styled church has an exposed brick cruciform structure in brick and plaster, a central hall, with an apse and wooden truss and tiled roof, a belfry tower and the space for altar. They have not undergone any change and the heritage value is not disturbed. But the altar underwent some repairs a few years earlier and the rest has all been done in RCC, albeit to imitate the original.The other oldest Catholic churches in U.P, are at Allahabad (1845), Ghazipur (now no more), Chunar (1848) and Varanasi (1851)The significance of this church is it was one of the earliest churches in India built soon the British Crown took over the control from the EIC in the mid 1850sRef: https://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g1162488-d5782203-r383647789-St_Peter_s_Church-Allahabad_Uttar_Pradesh.html#
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August 13, 2016, 12:29 am
The subject of contribution and impact of 200 years plus British rule on India has been a contentious issue. The English scholars like Alfred Loyal, J. F. Stephen, and W. W. Hunter are of the view that the whole gamut of India's growth, modernization, growth of nationalism, good government administration, modern education, Judiciary - Law and order was the Legacy of the English to the Indians, Whereas many Indian leaders have a different view. The English purposely disturbed the the economic life of India, flourishing handicraft cottage industries, exploitation of people and their lands, etc. Using the modernization of India as a ruse, they improved the British economy. Further, they had sown the seeds of of communal feelings among the Hindus and Muslims which ultimately led to partition of India.If you look at this moot issue with unbiased mind, there are both positive and negative elements on both sides. Leaving aside the oppressive rule by the British, there is no denying the fact that but for the British, India would not have seen the railways, modern education and better and organized judiciary and administration.
There are scores of British scholars / officers who relentlessly worked hard in many areas and left their imprint firmly behind them. Many of them brought the attention of the western society to India's rich heritage and the beauty of the Indian languages. Sir William Muir who held high posts in British India is one among them.
Sir William Muir, KCSI (27 April 1819 – 11 July 1905), a Scottish Orientalist, scholar of Islam, and colonial administrator was born at Glasgow. Having studied at Kilmarnock Academy, at Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities, and at Haileybury College in 1837, he sailed to India and joined the Bengal civil service. By 1840 he had married Elizabeth Huntley, daughter of the Collector (District Administrator) of Cawnpore (Kanpur) and later by 1847 he was secretary to board of revenue of the North West Provinces based in Agra. Subsequently he became Secretary to the Government of the North West Provinces in 1852, a middle-ranking post. During the worst Sepoy Mutiny in 1857-1858, he headed the intelligence service by operating from a secret part of Agra Fort which was also his hied out during the tumultuous time. He was Knighted (K.C.S.I.) in 1867 and later in 1868 he became lieutenant-governor of the North Western Provinces, a covetous position. In 1874 Muir was appointed financial member of the Viceroy's Council, and retired in 1876, when he became a member of the Council of India in London. Sir William Muir was a well-known Orientalist and scholar of Islam. He published several works on Islam. His chief area of expertise was the history of the time of Muhammad and the early caliphate. Some of his works were detable. He was a close friend of Syed Ahmed Khan Bahadur, who pioneered modern education for the Muslim community in India and founded Mohamedan Oriental college which became Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.
In the matters of education, Sir William Muir took keen interest and worked hard to improve the educational scenario in India. He was instrumental in founding Muir Central College, which later became part of Allahabad university in Allahabad. The university well was endowed. It is one of the oldest universities in India established by the English. In 1884 Muir was elected president of the Royal Asiatic Society that published a lot of papers on topics related to Indian languages, etc. This society drew the attention of the richness of Indian languages, in particular, Sanskrit to the western world. In 1866 the state of Orissa experienced worst famine and relief operations were not well planned. In 1868 Muir held the view that every District officer should take the responsibility to see that there were no deaths from starvation and later a new famine policy was introduced to effectively deal with famines. A strong supporter of Christian missionary work, he was also a Vice-President of the Church Missionary Society. He gave importance to Women's education and in some of his speeches, he frequently emphasized the importance and benefits of female education. Unfortunately at the time, women in the United Kingdom too had very limited access to higher education.![]() |
| Sir William Muir's grave, Dean Cemetery |
As for India and it's people, Muir's attitude was often paternalistic but he did see his duty in India as doing "good" not exploiting and accumulating wealth just like a Karma Yogi.(imagine present day politicians). What, he asked were "Englishmen in India for?" His reply was, "that we should raise and elevate the people, make them the happier and better for our being here."Muir died on July 11, 1905. He was buried in Dean cemetery.Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Muirhttp://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/William_Muir
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During the Raj, among the numerous British personalities who loved India very much and made valuable contributions towards the welfare and growth of this country and its people, Elphinstone stands out as a shining example. He was a great man; regarding policies, never had he failed to call a spade a spade nor did he choose the wrong path and run after wealth and power while in the service of the East India Company. The Hon. Mountstuart Elphinstone FRGS (October 6, 1779 - November 20, 1859), was a Scottish historian and statesman of great repute. Besides being a co-founder and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, as a civil servant in India, he served as the Governor of Bombay from 1819 until 1827. Earlier, he was with the Maratha states as a British Resident and did his work with distinction. Further, he had developed close rapport with the Marathas and the Peshwas. He also had a stint in Afghanistan (1808 -1811) on Gov. Duke of wellington Sir Arthur Wellesely's orders to bring the ruler into the British fold as an alley in case of war against the French. ![]() |
| Mountstuart Elphinstone, Governor of Bombay (1819 - 1827) en.wikipedia.org |
Elphinstone was responsible for the opening of several educational institutions accessible to the Indian population. His survey of the existing schools revealed lack of books, trained teachers and funds to impart western curriculum tailored to Indian culture. Obviously his concern was more focused on the welfare of the people. Being a keen administrator, he liked India very much and knew many languages. He wrote books on India and Afghanistan. Elphinstone College, the oldest one is part of the University of Mumbai, was endowed in his honor. European residents erected a marble statue of him in recognition of his remarkable contribution to education in India During his tenure in the Deccan and his association with the Marathas helped him develop interest in Maratha culture. He was much impressed by the Maratha's self governance policy at the lower level. He founded the famous Elphinstone college in Poona for the study of Sanskrit, Indian culture and science and strongly believed that western leaning is a must and it should be made suitable to the India's heritage and culture. His aim was to improve the welfare of the people and equip the Indians for self governance. While his peers were chasing power, pelf and wealth for comfortable retirement, Elphinstone was more interested in intellectual pursuits and effective administration of the government. He discarded promotions in his line of work. Along with people like William Jones, he impressed on the western world to take interest in India's ancient history and culture. He dismissed the theory of Aryan invasion and along with Col Brooks defended the antiquity of Indian Astronomy. In the Bombay Presidency he remained "enlightened governor" of Bombay.Elphinstone was a highly respected man for his dedicated, honest work and his attitude towards Indians who are culturally different from the Europeans. James Mill's book on India was a totally a biased one, showing Indians in bad light and it was written with racial superiority and arrogance. Elphinstone wrote a book on the history of India with a view to refuting Mill's work. He said no culture has any monopoly over the other one and further remarked :,
... "preposterous" to 'add to the intellectual treasures of a nation" by setting out to destroy its "indigenous literatureHe had the first bungalow built in Malabar Hill before his retirement in 1827.He initially settled in Albany, London. He remained a bachelor through out his life and admitted having friendships with Indian women while in India. But he never fathered any illegitimate children. He died in Surrey, England having taken a house there in 1847 on November 20, 1859 and was buried at Limpsfield. Elphinstone, indeed, was a remarkable man who is still remembered today by the Indians, in particular, Maharastrians. The Elphinstone college and the university of Mumbai bear testimony to his pioneering contributions in education in India.Ref:http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Mountstuart_Elphinstonehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountstuart_Elphinstone
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August 13, 2016, 11:37 am
Since a large European community was living in Delhi, the capital of British India during the per-independence era, this church was built to cater to the European community including British soldiers. The Cathedral Of The Sacred Heart, a Roman Catholic cathedral belonging to the Latin Rite is in Delhi. The church together with St. Columba's School, and the Convent of Jesus and Mary school are located on a huge 14 acre plot near the south end of Bhai Vir Singh Marg Road in Connaught Place, a busy area. Considered as one of the oldest church buildings in New Delhi, India it was built by Father Luke, a member of the Franciscan first order of St. Francis of Assisi. The foundation stone was laid 1929 by Rev. Dr. E. Vanni, the Archbishop of Agra. The funds for the project were mostly met by donations from the colonial officers of the British Empire. One Sir Anthony de Mello bore the expenses of the main Altar of the Church, which is made of pure marble. So was the Archbishop of Agra who presented a bell, vestments and altar furniture. In 1930 construction work began in earnest. It was finally consecrated in 1935. The British architect Henry Medd, designed the building in Italian architectural style. The white pillars supporting the canopy in the facade of the building and circular arcaded turrets rising above on either side of the cathedral's entrance porch enhance the beauty of this old church.The other features are a towering curved roof, polished stone floors and broad arches inside the church. There is is a large fresco depicting the Last Supper behind the marble altar in the apse. Inside the chapel there is a large crucifix, next to a statue of the Virgin Mary on the left.The major festivals in this cathedral are Easter and Christmas. The Feast of the Holy Family of Nazareth and the Christmas Vigil Service an hour before midnight Christmas Eve are celebrated with devotion and religious fervor. Christian religious services are held throughout the year as in many churches.
The cathedral is located in the center of New Delhi and can be easily accessed.Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_Heart_Cathedral,
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Many foreigners made valid contribution in the area of education in India during the British rule. Unlike numerous colonial officers whose focus was mainly to amass wealth by hook or cook, there were equally many to whom duty was first with clean hands. Teaching profession in the colonial era was not a highly paid one. But the position commanded respect and the teachers were held in great esteem.
Sir Alexander Grant, 10th Baronet of Dalvey FRSE LLD (23 September 1826 - 30 November 1884) was a British educationalist and had strong links with India. Son of Sir Robert Innes Grant, 9th Baronet of Dalvey, and his wife, Judith Towers Battell, he was born in New York. Educated at Harrow, he later held a fellowship at Oriel from 1849 to 1860. In 1855 he was one of the examiners for the Indian Civil Service Examination, an important examination to select people to hold key and responsible administrative jobs in British India. In 1856 he was an examiner for classics at Oxford. Grant liked India very much and in 1859 he sailed to Madras with one Sir Charles Trevelyan, and was appointed inspector of schools. Following year he took up the post of Professor of History and Political Economy in the Elphinstone College, Bombay. He enjoyed teaching there and naturally with excellent credentials he became Principal in 1862; and, a year later, vice-chancellor. He held the post from 1863 to 1865 and again from 1865 to 1868. In 1865 he became Director of Public Instruction for Bombay. In 1866 he served as Vice Chancellor of Bombay University. In 1868 he was appointed a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Bombay. He was very active and suggested various improvements in the Indian educational system. Grant moved over to England where he was appointed Principal of Edinburgh University in 1868, upon the death of Sir David Brewster. From that time till death, he put all his energies into his work and turned Edinburgh university into one of the best in the world. A medical institution was introduced at Edinburgh university at his initiative. In 1869 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and From 1872 on he was very busy with Scottish school education and construction of schools across Scotland. Grant died at Edinburgh and was buried in Dean Cemetery in western Edinburgh.Both the University of Bombay and Elphistone College, Bombay became effective institutions of leaning during his tenure. Various freedom fighters, lawyers, etc studied there during the per-independence days.Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Alexander_Grant,_10th_Baronet monorary degrees
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August 13, 2016, 11:39 pm
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| Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple. Credit: Ramakrishna Anand |
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| Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple,TN.Credit: Ramakrishna Anand |
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Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple,TN.
Credit: Ramakrishna Anand |
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| Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple, TN.Credit: Ramakrishna Anand |
Lord Muruga or Karthikaya, being an important Hindu deity, is revered across Tamil Nadu. As such,there is no dearth of Murugan (also referred to as Subramanya) temples across Tamil Nadu. Some Murugan temples are Prarthanai sthlams - where one's grievances can be got rid of by way of making offerings to the presiding deity, hence, such places are crowded with devotees. With rare exceptions tradition has it, almost all Karthikaya temples are located on hills in a serene, secluded environment surrounded by lush greenery -a quiet place that will tempt you to go into a trance, oblivious to the pains of modern living and stressed life. One such place is Maruthamalai Murugan temple.![]() |
| Devotees pulling the temple car on the occasion of ‘Thai Poosam’ at Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple, T.N. on Tuesday.Feb. 03, 2015.— Photo: M.Periasamy www.thehindu.com |
Located 15 km from the industrial city of Coimbatore on the Western Ghat mountainous area, this beautiful Murugan temple built in the 12th century attracts thousands of people from far and wide. Buses are available in plenty to go to the top of the hill. Devotees also walk uphill to reach the shrine , then and there relaxing in various Mantapams built on the way for the convenience of devotees who prefer padayatra. From health point of view, it is a good exercise to hike and, further, the hills here have all kinds of medicinal plants and herbs. Breathing fresh air in a place like this will purify your soul as well as your body. On the way, one can see small shrines dedicated to Vinayaka, Idumban and other sub deities.Atop the hill adjacent to the Prakara, one can go down the steps to see the Pampatti Siddhar caves where the siddhar used to live long ago. Ii is said of Siddhars that they had tremendous mystical powers gained through proper meditation, yoga and breathing exercises done with intense devotion. Here Lord Muruga is with his consorts valli and Deivanai. The Aathi moolasthanam of the deity is Lingam. If the temple is what it is to day and has become more popular in the last two decades, it is because of late Sri Sando Cinnappa Thevar, an ardent devotee and a well-known film producer of Tamil movies. He also produced Hindi movies as well, one being the famous flick Haathi Mere Saathi(in the 1960s). He built buildings and made several improvements for the visitors. When he was poor and directionless, he used to come here and pray. His abiding faith in god, prayer and hard work helped him through the turbulent period in his life. Remarkably a pious man, though he donned villain roles in the movies.![]() |
| Marudhamalai Subramaniaswamy Temple,TN,Credit: Ramakrishna Anand |
The temple management runs a school for destitutes and gives them every thing free - food, clothing, rooms, books, etc up to their high school level.Thai poosam (Tamil month of Thai- January -February) is an important festival. The festival starts with Ko Pooja followed by special abisekams (anointing the deity). As part of the festival devotees pull the temple chariot (car /Ther in local parlance) carrying the deities of Subramnia Swami and his consorts. Same day, a good number of people will carry Kavadi with milk pots hanging from it and reaching up hill barefoot. Thai poosam festival is celebrated at all Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu with bakthi. Tit Bits: (from: http://temple.dinamalar.com)01. The beautiful Vel (spear) weapon of Lord Muruga installed in the sanctum sanctorum is 6.75 feet tall. 02. The Chakras represent the Panchabhoodas – five elements making the world - earth, space, fire, wind and water are shown in the stem part of the Vel. 03. A small hole is made in the Vidhana for natural light to fall on the Vel. 04. The first hall – mandap is formed with six points representing theSa Ra Va Na Bha Va, six letter mantra of Lord Muruga. ....... (from: http://temple.dinamalar.com) http://www.marudhamalaimurugantemple.tnhrce.in/pooja.html
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August 14, 2016, 10:52 am
Every Hindu temple of great antiquity is unique in its own way and its veneration is enhanced by the legends behind it. Devotees with many problems go to such sanctified place for peace of mind and remedy through prayer /prarthana. The latter can be achieved only with faith. The Hindu temple rituals and worships are entirely based on faith in God. Faith in God should be followed by hard work and desire to succeed. This is also true of other faiths as well. We rarely come across Hindu temples partly submerged in water during rainy seasons normally associated with the NE or SW monsoons, and in spite of it devotees visit them for worship. There is a temple in Kerala that is submerged partly during SW Monsoon and devotees visit the temple and take part in temple festival Maha Shivaratri, unmindful of water logging around the area. It clearly points out people's faith in the power of almighty through prayer to bless them with peace of mind and good health.
Aluva Mahadeva Temple is an important place of veneration and Bakthi in Kerala and is different from other Shiva temples across Kerala. Temple is located on the sand bank (flood plains) in between the Mangalppuzha and Periyar river (1Km from the Marthanda Varma bridge on NH-47). Not withstanding the fact that the idol of Shiva here is in Swayamboo form, the temple gains prominence because Shivalinga, that rises from the sands on the bank of the Periyar river, was installed by Lord Parasurama and later worshiped by Lord Sri Rama. Yet another fact is Shivalinga is not enshrined in the Sreekovil or Garbagraha as one will find in all Hindu temples. This place is frequently referred to as the Aluva Manal Puram (in local parlance meaning land with sand).
There is no Hindu temple in India that does not have a legend or two and this one is no exception. One legend has it that the Shiva Linga here on the river bank was damaged because of flooding in the Periyar river whenever it was in spate. Lord Shiva told Parasurama who installed the Swaymbu Lingam that he did not like a temple or any structure built to cover the exposed Lingam.The other legend has it the Boothaganas - good demons wanted to build the structure and Shiva told them to have it built overnight. Before the dawn, Lord Vishnu, disguising as rooster signaled the arrival of early morning. As the work was not completed as promised, the Boothaganas left the place. According to sthalapurana Rama came here in search of his consort Sita and performed the Tharpana - homage to Jatayu, the bird who fought with demon Ravana and got killed.Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, a was a true devotee of Shiva and on his visit to this place he realized the presence of Lord Shiva and identified the Shiva Linga installed by Parasurama. No sooner had he begun to worship Shiva, than the lord appeared before him and instructed him to continue the pooja here. The Swamiyar's assistants - Namboothri Brahmins made proper arrangements for Shiva Pooja and Vilwamngalam started the pooja. As there were no vessels to offer Nivedyam, he used a Kavungin Pala (aracanut leaf) to offer Nivedyam (food offering to god). Even today the tradition continues and nivedyam is offered in Kavungin Pala and is called Palanivedyam. Later Vilwamangalam and his associates - Ilayathu, Nambiar and Nampoothiri - constructed a temple but it was destroyed during floods in AD 1343 as the temple was on the river bed. The local Namboothri Brahmins decided to build a small temple to perform pooja during the monsoon. The Kerala Devaswom Board did not want to build a big temple and it would be against the wish of the lord - Shiva. Though small, the temple has withstood the ravages of flooding for a pretty long time. The temple is unfinished and hence called Bala Shetram.The Shiva Linga in this temple faces east and there is a stone image of nandi (bull). Among the temple festivals, the Maha Shivaratri (February- March) is celebrated on a grand scale that the entire vast sand bank is filled with thousands of devotees who stay awake whole night, doing prayers, Bhajans and chanting mantras. The entire atmosphere is charged with devotion and religious fervor. Devotees also pay homage (Tharpanam) to their pithroos - forefathers by dipping in the river at Brahmamuhurtha after the ritual. As part of the festival, a fair is also organized for a month from the Shivarathri day. Yet another temple ritual is daily Ezhunnallippu carrying the deity atop a caparisoned elephant - in a procession called Dikvijayam. it is a colorful one held with fanfare on the third and fourth days, and pallivetta ceremony on the fifth day. The festival concludes with the Aarattu (Aarthi) on the next day of Shivarathri. The local government makes elaborate preparations at least one month before the festival, considering the water logging problem and and the weak sandy river bank.As for pooja protocol there is only one pooja from Makaram to Medam - only athazha pooja and on other days only just nivedyam (food offering) is offered to the deity as in other temple. Temple is managed by Travancore Devaswom Board. Aluva town is located on the banks of Periyar river, 21 Kms from Ernakulam.Ref: http://www.vaikhari.org/aluva.html
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Across the globe, now education plays a vital role without which we won't have made a giant leap in many areas particularly in engineering, science and medicine. If you trace the history of education in the South Asia, including India it is based on tradition. Much importance was given to Indian religions, Indian mathematics, Indian logic and languages. They were taught primarily at early Hindu and Buddhist centers of learning such as Taxila (in modern-day Pakistan) and Nalanda (in India). Earlier Gurukulam system was prevalent in India. A well-versed scholar - Guru with his assistants used to teach a group of disciples in a secluded place called Ashram. They learned the subjects essential for survival, besides pursuit of knowledge. The training may last a few years. After Muslim invasions from NW, in the Middle Ages Islamic education was introduced in India, teaching various subjects of value, besides religion.After 1600 with the arrival of Europeans, the educational scenario changed, especially, when the British became well established in India after the take over of Bengal and other regions in late 1700s. The British realized the importance of the Indian languages to run the country and the Indians felt it was essential to learn the English language and other subjects from western point of view. So, the colonial period gave the necessary impetus for the growth of education in India. As the Indians had a good grasp of whatever they studied, it was not difficult for them to make a mark in western education. Serampore College:![]() |
| 1800 Serampore College in Serampore, West Bengal. en.wikipedia.org |
Serampore College in Serampore, , West Bengal, one among the oldest educational institutes in India was founded in 1818 by three English missionaries - William Carey, Joshua Marshman and William Ward. It is still going strong it is the second oldest college in the country.The college consists of two sections : The theological faculty and a separate college with faculties of arts, science, commerce.
The Senate of Serampore College (University) is in charge of the academic administration of all the theological colleges affiliated with it. The council of Serampore College, holding Danish charter had the power to confer degrees in any subject,but, presently it is confined to conferring theological degrees as recommended by the senate. Several theological colleges and seminaries in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are affiliated to the Senate of Serampore College (University). Danish King Frederick VI of Denmark first granted a Royal Charter, giving Serampore College the status of a university to confer degrees. However, when the University of Calcutta was established in 1857, the arts, science and commerce courses of Serampore College were affiliated to it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serampore_CollegeThe Hindu college:![]() |
| 1817 The Hindu college (later Presidency college), Calcutta . www.caluniv.ac.in |
With the establishment of the high court in Calcutta in 1773, there arose a necessity for the Indians to learn the English language and also to learn other subjects that would prepare the students for future employment. The college was established in 1817 by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Radhakanta Deb, David Hare, Justice Sir Edward Hyde East, Baidyanath Mukhopadhya and Rasamay Dutt. It later became Presidency college and university. It is a public state university located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
In 1855, the Pathshala wing of Hindu College was renamed as Hindu School and the Mahapathshala wing was renamed as Presidency College, or the college of the Bengal Presidency
The college produced a galaxy of great men who fought for the freedom struggle. The fascinating fact associated with this institution is it had the honor of being under the guidance and administration of J. Sutcliff, the longest serving Principal of Presidency College for 20 years, from 1852-1875.
When the College was formally opened on Monday, 20 January 1817, there were only 20 'scholars. The foundation committee of the college, was headed by Raja Rammohan Roy. The control of the institution was vested in a body of two Governors and four Directors. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presidency_University,_Kolkata Ft. William College, Kolkata:![]() |
| Ft. William College, Calcutta, 1800, first college ever established. Due to lack of funds from the EIC, it was closed in 1835. bp.blogspot.com |
Fort William College (also called the College of Fort William) was the first institution promoting Oriental studies and was established by Lord Wellesley, then the Governor-General of British India, the man who defeated Tipu Sultan in 1799 in the famous last Angelo-Mysore war which opened the flood gate for the British to have a run on the southern part of India. The college located at the corner of Council House Street. The house was subsequently occupied by Messrs. Mackenzie Lyall & Co and known as The Exchange.The law to establish its foundation (Ft. William) was passed on 4 May 1800, to commemorate the first anniversary of the victory over Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam. Founded on July 10, 1800, within the Fort William complex in Calcutta, for the first time thousands of books were translated from Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu in English at this institution, indeed a whooping task.
The period of Ft. William college was an historical one. The purpose of this college was to train British officials in Indian languages and, in the process, encouraged the development of languages such as Bengali and Urdu In 1815. Ram Mohan Roy, a great patriot, having settled in Calcutta mentioned that this period was considered by many historians to be starting point of the Bengal renaissance. A establishment of The Calcutta Madrassa in 1781, the Asiatic Society in 1784 and the Fort William College in 1800, marked the period of emergence as an intellectual center that was not existent in other parts.
Arabic, Urdu, Persian, Sanskrit, Bengali were taught in the college by eminent teachers.
The directors of the British East India Company did not show any interest in the use of Ft.William as a training college and consequently no funds were forthcoming from the EIC. More over, they were never in favor of a training college in Kolkata and as such, there always was shortage of funds for running the college. Further, a college for the similar purpose was established in 1807 by the East India Company College at Haileybury (England) Despite funds crunch, Fort William College continued to be a center of learning languages till 1835. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_William_College
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Many people may not be aware that the first educational institution in India started with a view to imparting the English language and western-style education was in the Southern state of Kerala.To day, this state has the highest literacy rate in this country. The institution was also the first arts college in this country. CMC college is an interesting institution steeped in history. It is a pioneering college that allowed the girls to study in the institution for the first time. Patronized by none other than Thomas Manroe, a great and human British administrator, this institution was the first one to publish a college Magazine in the native language - Malayalam. It was in 1800 Ft. William college was started in Kolkata which, however, was closed in 1835. It was followed by the Hindu College, Kolkata in 1817 (now Presidency College).CMS College in Kottayam Town was was founded by the Church Missionary Society of England, in 1817. This part of Kerala was in the princely state of Travancore then and there had been no institution to teach the English language in this state. The first college in the princely state of Travancore to teach western oriented education without compromising on Indian subjects and culture.![]() |
| CMC college, Kottayam (1817), Physic dept. Kottayam en.wikipedia.org |
In Wikipedia, it is mentioned that Scott Christian College Nagercoil was the first one in the Princely state. Now Nagarcoil is in the State of Tamil Nadu. In the village of Myladi, near Nagarcoil in 1809 the college began functioning under the guidance of one the Rev. William Tobias Ringeltaube, the pioneering missionary of the London Missionary Society in South Travancore.This Central School or Seminary was shifted to Nagercoil in 1818. In the early years of the Old Seminary (Orthodox Pazhaya Seminary), the curriculum gave importance to languages and hence included the study of Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Mathematics, History, and Geography besides English, Malayalam, Sanskrit, and Syriac. In 1838, the college moved to a new location a wooded hilly area on the scenic Western Ghat. In 1860 the seminary became a college at the initiative of the Rev. Dr James Duthie. English Resident Thomas Manroe (Gov. of Madras Presidency) patronized the college and its activities. Apart from English, Greek and Latin were also taught. In 1834 a new school (based on the model of (CMC) was started at Trivandrum by Mr. Roberts, an English educationist of (LMS) at the invitation of Travancore Maharaja who was much impressed when he visited the Scott College in Nagarcoil earlier. This school became a University college. The Rev. Benjamin Bailey became the Principal of what was then known as CMC. He was a maveric and a legendary figure in education and he took the honor of publishing Malayalam to English and English to Malayalam dictionaries which were quite helpful to the students and people. In 1864 a the college ran a magazine in Malayalam with encouragement from the then principal Richard Collins in whose name a library is functioning there. By the bye, room no 52, it is believed, is the oldest one in the complex. The college got affiliated to Madras university later.It is quite interesting to note the college gave free and quality education to all its students until 1855, when the fee of one Rupee per month per student was collected. In 1855 the college prepared the students for the Matriculation exam. In 1870 the student strength was barely 129. Classes were started in 1890 for the FA exam - 2 year program and the first batch appeared for the FA exam in 1892. It was only after 1938 girls were allowed to study in the college. Actually way back in 1913 the college took girls, for unknown reasons, admission to girls was suspended five yeas later. C.A.Thomas was the first Indian to hold the position of the principal of this venerated institution. Since then, the growth of this historical institution has been phenomenal. What started out as a small institution by the Church Missionary Society of England in 1917, has now become one of leading institutions in Kerala with five star status from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) since 1999. Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Christian_College https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMS_College_Kottayam
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Being a land of oldest civilizations in the world, for centuries India had followed a traditional method called Gurukulam to impart knowledge to a select group of students in their early age. It was more or less a residential system. This slowly evolved into a monastic system of education, as it was common among the Buddhists. Then came the oldest universities in India in the fourth and fifth centuries. The Nalanda university was a reputed university with a library, hundreds of students and good teachers. So was Taxila university. They were gone, leaving behind the ruins and rubble due to invasions from the NW. Muslim education arrived with arrival of Islam centuries before the arrival of Europeans. Besides, religion, Muslim education gave basic knowledge of subjects relevant to life.With the arrival of the English and their enterprise East India company, western education was introduced in India after they had finally consolidated their hold on the land and the people. We also had an advantage of western education. Our old culture and heritage got the attention of the Europeans through English scholars. The world came to know the richness of various Indian languages, in particular Sanskrit and also other fields India boasts of some of the oldest colleges and universities built during the colonial period. Below listed are some of the old, historical institutions built in the 1800s and a brief account about them. The credit goes to numerous Christian missionaries who emphasized the value of western education in India in the midst of their missionary work. Indian at last accepted the western approach to education with compromising on India;s age-old tradition, culture and heritage. University of Mumbai: Estd.: 1857 The main campus of the University of Mumbai is situated at Kalina, Santacruz in Mumbai. However, its first campus was set up at South Mumbai, known as the Fort Campus. It is one of the first state universities in India and still caters to thousands of students.
The University of Mumbai established in 1857 was modeled on the universities in Great Britain, particularly University of London. This was in response to a petition from the Bombay Association to the then British government of India drafted by Sir Charles Wood in 1854. Elphinstone College, founded in 1835 was part of the university, so were the departments and the faculty of art. In 1845 the faculty of medicine at Grant Medical College came up and in 1862, medical degrees were awarded. Because of space, the Town Hall was used as a make-shift university offices for a long time. PG courses were introduced in 1904. After India's independence, Bombay University Act of 1953 was passed. It became University of Mumbai as per a gazette of the Government of Maharashtra dated 4 September 1996. In 1949, student enrollment was 42,272 with 80 affiliated colleges.Ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_MumbaiMadras university:Estd: 1857Madras university has been a popular university for a pretty long time. Now it has six campuses in the city. These are at Chepauk, Marina, Guindy, Taramani, Maduravoyal and Chetpet. It got ranked 5th by the India Today in its 2011 top universities ranking.![]() |
| The University of Madras is a public state university in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1857. Logo. www.google.co.in |
Based on a public petition, signed by 70,000 residents presented by the Advocate General Mr. George Norton on 11 November 1839, pressing the need for an English college in the city of Madras, in the follow up Lord Elphinstone had a plan to have a central collegiate institution or a ‘university.’ built with two departments - a high school for the cultivation of English literature, regional language, philosophy and science, and a college for instruction in the higher branches of literature, philosophy and science.
With Mr. George Norton as its President in 1840 the University Board was established and this was the precursor of the present Presidency College, Chennai. Based on Wood's dispatch for "creating a properly articulated system of education from the primary school to the University", the University of Madras came into being on the model of the University of London. It was incorporated on 5 September 1857 by an Act of the Legislative Council of India.Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Madras
Aligarh Muslim University Estd.: 1875![]() |
| Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), en.wikipedia.org |
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), originally established by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan as Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, is a public university funded by the Government of India. The Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College became Aligarh Muslim University in 1920. With the main campus of AMU in the city of Aligarh, UP, the university is on a vast land comprising 467.6 hectares. It has three off-campuses across India - at Malappuram (Kerala), Murshidabad (West Bengal) and Kishanganj (Bihar). The AMU offers more than 300 courses in both traditional and modern subjects and admission is open to all. It has special status and is an Institute of National Importance.
Established as Madrasatul Uloom Musalmanan-e-Hind in 1875, it began functioning on 24 May 1875. Syed Ahmad Khan, an Anglo–Indian statesman started, the Muhammadan Anglo Oriental College after having already established two schools. It was the precursor to AMU. The movement of Muslim awakening associated with Syed Ahmad Khan encouraged Indian Muslims to learn western education and emphasized the importance of competence in English and "Western sciences" and necessary skills. Hence his M.A.O. College was dubbed as Aligarh Movement. Syed Ahmad Khan,'s visit to Oxford and Cambridge changed his perspective on Muslim education which ought be kept abreast of present advances in sciences and technology. ![]() |
| Aligarh Muslim University logo, India. en.wikipedia.org |
With generous funds in the name of Muslim foundation, the college was started. Initially it was affiliated with the University of Calcutta for the matriculation examination but became an affiliate of Allahabad University in 1885. AMU came up with funds from HH Sir Mohammad Ali Mohammad Khan and the Aga Khan III. The Aligarh Muslim University Act of 1920 made it a central university. In October 1906 a Girls' school came up and later in 1920-1930 a college for women started functioning. A school for the blind was started in 1927 followed by a Medical school in 1928. Now, Aligarh Muslim University is a fully residential university and one of the best in India.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aligarh_Muslim_UniversityUniversity of Calcutta:Estd.: 1875Along with Mumbai and Madras, the then Calcutta (now Kolkata) also got a university in 1857. Recognized as a 'five-star university' by the University Grants Commission and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council.![]() |
| Seal of the University of Calcutta. en.wikipedia.org |
The University of Calcutta (also known as Calcutta University or CU) , a public state university located in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), West Bengal, India was established on 24 January 1857. It has the honor of being the first institution in Asia to be established as a multidisciplinary and secular Western-style university. It is one of the best institutions with 5 star status in India This university is associated with five Nobel laureates including Ronald Ross, Rabindranath Tagore, Sir. C. V. Raman and Amartya Sen. Innumerable freedom fighters were alumni of this hoary institution started by the British India after the take over from the EIC.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_CalcuttaAllahabad University:Estd.: 1875The University of Allahabad, informally known as Allahabad University, is a public central university. Located in Allahabad city,Uttar Pradesh, India, it was established on 23 September 1887. It is the fourth oldest University in India and owes its origin to the Muir Central College (founded in 1872 by William Muir), named after Lt. Governor of North-Western Provinces. Sir William Muir in 1876, expressed his idea of starting a central university which later became what is now called Allahabad University. This historical institution is dubbed as the "Oxford of the East" .On 24 June 2005 its Central University status was restored through the University Allahabad Act 2005 of the Parliament of India.The foundation stone of the Muir Central College was laid by Governor-General of India, Lord Northbrook on 9 December 1873 and it was named after Sir William Muir, Lt. Governor of United Province, who was instrumental in starting this institution. It's architect was William Emerson, who also designed Victoria Memorial in Kolkata and Crawford Market in Mumbai, using a combination of Indo-Saracenic, Egyptian and Gothic styles.
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| The University of Allahabad seal, India en.wikipedia.org |
It, in the beginning, functioned under the University of Calcutta and later on 23 September 1887, the University of Allahabad was established, making it the fourth university established in India. It was an affiliating and examining body for graduate and postgraduate degrees with emphasis on classical orientation and the responsibility for secondary education as well. In 1904, the university introduced its own teaching departments and also doctoral research programs. The Lieutenant-Governor, Sir John Hewett, in 1912 opened the University Senate Hall. With the promulgation of the 'Allahabad University Act of 1921', the Muir Central College merged with the university, and became part of the university. In the following few years, its affiliated colleges were transferred to Agra University and the responsibility of conducting secondary-level examinations was relocated elsewhere.Stalwarts such as Motilal Nehru, Chandra Sekhar, Madan Lal Khurana and Saiyid Nurul Hasan were the alumni of this historical university. Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_AllahabadIndian Institute of Technology, Roorkee:Indian Institute of technology (IITR), Roorkee was formerly the University of Roorkee (1948–2001) and the Thomason College of Civil Engineering (1853–1948). It is a well-known public university located in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India. It was first established in 1847 in British India by the then lieutenant governor, Sir James Thomason, and was given university status in 1949 after independence. It became Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in 2001, a prestigious institution in India. Most of the graduates from IIT campuses across India go abroad for higher studies and shine very well in their respective fields.The Thomason College of Engineering was founded in 1845 with a view to training young engineers for the construction of the major Ganges Canal project. The historical Canal Engineer's Bungalow still lies on the campus.It was renamed as the Thomason College of Civil Engineering in 1854 in honour of its founder, Sir James Thomason, lieutenant governor 1843–53. The first Indian to graduate from the Roorkee college was Rai Bahadur Kanhaiya Lal in 1852.The college followed a unique system of admission which might appear discriminatory. The engineers' classes were for meant only for Europeans; upper subordinate class for Europeans and Indians and lower subordinate class for Indians only. The Public Works Departments (PWD) had control over the admission and the each alumnus was guaranteed a post in the PWD/irrigation departments. Alumni of University of Roorkee got a name wherever they worked. Many of them were involved in in all the areas of engineering primarily civil, including maintenance of the Ganges canal, construction of dam and irrigation projects like Bhakra Nangal, the Rajasthan canal, the Aswan dam on the Nile in Egypt, and construction of Chandigarh.
Yet another credit to this college was between 1934 and 1943, officers of the Indian Army Corps of Engineers had their training at the Thomason College of Engineering and, even after the establishment of the School of Military Engineering (SME) at Roorkee in 1943 they continued to receive technical training at Thomason. Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, presented the Charter in November 1949, elevating the erstwhile college to the first engineering university of independent India. University of Roorkee (IITR) along with Bengal Engineering College, Shibpur (IIEST) gave the needed impetus for the development of IIT system in the country.Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Institute_of_Technology_Roorkee
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August 17, 2016, 12:36 am
In the 18th and 19th centuries European countries such as England, France and Denmark vied with one another to have trade with India. Their presence in Bengal was quite conspicuous in places like Kolkata and Serampore. Serampore, a town in the Hooghly district, has a lot of monuments that bear testimony to period when it was colonized by the British, French and the Danish. We rarely run into a church in India that has some connection with the Danish. Unlike the English, the Danes were more interested in mercantile trades than in conquering lands. They were not imperialistic and their activities in India were restricted to certain regions only. Obviously there are fewer Danish churches in India than others from Europe. The St. Olave's Church in Serampore, locally known as the Danish Church, is one of the most important Danish monuments. It is more than 210 years old. Believe it or no not, there are as many as 100 structures built during the reign of Danish rule between 1755 and 1845. Then the town was known as Frederiksnagore. Unfortunately, this historical church was in ruins, facing near collapse after 2013 because of laxity on the part of the government and others. Thanks to the like-minded people who are keen to restore such great monuments. The extensive and detailed restoration work was done recently in partnership with Serampore College and an architectural firm Continuity, in collaboration with National Museum of Denmark (NMD).
The story of St. Olave’s Church in Serampore is steeped in history and has close relevance with the history of Danish connection with this town. After a long search on 6th September 1755 Serampore, a village then on the west bank of the river Hooghly, 20 Km from Kolkata, was finally chosen for the construction a new Danish settlement. Topography of the area, security and easy access to the sea through the river were the main reasons for the selection of this area. One Lt. Col . Ole (Olave) Bie became the Governor of Serampore (then known as Fredericksnagar) from 1776 -1805 and was instrumental in building a fine town in the settlement and the Church was part of it for the benefit of people for their christian services. It was a Lutheran Church at that time. In 1800, Ole Bie, headed the Danish trading post in Serampore. The church was associated with congregations of Serampore College and town. The church was built through subscription from Serampore and Calcutta and in 1800, the work on the church began in earnest. The then cost was just Rs.18,500.00. An interesting fact is besides several missionaries from Serampore, Marquis of Wellesley gave Rs.1000.00 for the church construction. All of a sudden the work hit the road block because of Lt. Col . Ole' sudden demise in 1805 before the completion of the church. It is said while looking at the tall steeple of the church visible from his mansion, Col. Ole collapsed saying, "It is finished". Hence, this Church was named as St. Olave’s Church in his honor. Bie’s successor, Captain Krefting, keen to finish the church work started by his superior, hired the Englishmen John Chambers and Robert Armstrong. In 1806 the church was completed, and in 1819 a compound wall around the church was built together with two small guard houses, one of which is still preservedIt was William Carey ( a well-known British Missionary, and an activist; he also opened the first University in Serampore) who conducted the first service from the pulpit in the church. When the Danish sold their settlements in 1845, St. Olave’s church came under the jurisdiction of the bishop of Calcutta as a part of his Diocese.The Serampore college is in charge of the management of the newly restored church. Now the Church is restored back to its old grandeur and elegance. The Bishop of Calcutta, West Bengal Heritage Commission, the district Magistrate, Hooghly, the National museum of Denmark and other organizations, including the engineers and architects share the credit of restoring a great Danish monument that was about to be lost in time and due to negligence.![]() |
| Plan of St. Olave's Church from 1806 drawn by the British church builder Robert Armstrong. © Danish National Archive. en.natmus.dk |
Today, the Serampore College (Theology Department) and the congregation of Serapore-Johnnagar Baptist Church (CNI), use the Church for their worship services.Ref: http://cnicalcutta.org/church_st_olaves_church.htmlhttp://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/revisiting-history-210-year-old-danish-church-restored-in-west-bengal-st-olav-serampore/1/640834.html
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| St. Stephen’s Church, Kolkata. cnicalcutta.org |
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India, being an ancient country with a hoary past, has thousands of monuments that connect us with our past history. As matter of fact, historical heritage structures, buildings, temples, etc are the mute spectators of our early historical events and form a link with the bygone era. In many places, for many reasons, such heritage structures are slowly crumbling and may get lost over a period of time. No one can do anything about the ravages of time and vagaries of weather that may impact such old structures. However, we can take precautions to prevent further damages to the structures and restore them back to past glory. The crux of the matter is, in many case of slowly dying monuments, no action whatsoever is forth coming for two reasons: one is lack of funds for restoration, the other is sheer negligence on the part of the government and lack of awareness of the value of such heritage sites. An old heritage church in Kolkata - St. Stephen's church is in ruins and soon may disappear like will-o-the-wisp, if the government, church authorities and the public don't come forward and do something about it. St. Stephen’s Church, Kolkata is an old Anglican church built in Gothic style and was consecrated in 1846 There are numerous plaques inside the church that commemorate the former parishioners who died at sea. It's foundation was laid on 6th January by the Governor General along with Rev. Thomas, the Archdeacon. Because the port and wharves on the Hooghly were close to this place of worship, numerous seafarers used to come here for prayer and blessing. Besides, this church was frequented by the British residents, Angelo-Indians, employees of companies like Garden and Reach co., and Nagpur Bengal Railway. Being a parish church, it served all kinds of people, including the staff and students from Khiderpore.Though built in Gothic style, church's inside is different. One unique feature is the presence of a closet on either side in the high altar. In the olden days, the Anglican nuns used to sit through the worship service and later receive the Holy Sacrament through the window in the closet. The tower of the church is designed to look like a ship’s lantern of those daysOriginally (since 1848) a chapel, it was in 1870 it became a parish church to receive more people. . For unknown reasons, since1960 this church has lost its popularity and patronage and consequently the number of regular patrons has come down drastically. Now, the building and the structures are in bad shape because of poor maintenance, lack of funds and above all ravages of time and harsh climate. This historical Church built long before the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 during the East India Company rule ought to be preserved for our posterity. This church, a heritage structure and legacy left behind by the British will be lost for ever unless steps are taken on a war-footing. Leaking roof and water seepage problems in the rainy season will further weaken the structure and it portends the collapse of a historical structure along with its embedded history in the near future.
Ref:http://cnicalcutta.org/church_st_stephens_church.html
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Because of ever changing petroleum prices on the world market and oil production costs, not to speak of its threat to environment such as oil slicks, fracking of shale rocks and coal beds to produce methane gas, etc, several countries are turning to renewable energy as an alternative source. Nuclear energy is a good option, but there are inherent dangers involved in nuclear power plants in case of some mishap, besides large investments and cost overruns. As for hydro electric power production in India and across the world, it is not encouraging because of climate change and poor rain in the catchment areas. So man has now turned his attention to solar energy on a grand scale to produce electricity to supplement additional requirements. We have seen solar-powered cars and even aircraft in operation, though on a minor scale. Here in India solar energy is used in thousands of homes across each state and in farms where solar fences are used widely to prevent the entry of wild elephants and other animals. Since the sun is the perennial source of energy, world over, the energy scenario is changing at a rapid clip. Solar energy will have effective and helpful impact on our environment since it is 100% clean energy - no pollutants, no green - house effects in this era of global warming that has impacted many countries. Most importantly, the source is ever-lasting and will stay for ever.The southern state of Kerala is a pioneering state in many fields. Since centuries, it has been a leading producer of spices in the world. Kerala is also one among the few Indian states to care about the dying "Historical Monuments" and the government runs a separate section to restore heritage sites on a priority basis. Last year, Kerala was in the news regarding solar energy. So is West Bengal which 's begun to give importance to solar energy. ![]() |
| 100% Solar powered Cochin intl. airport, Kerala.www.asiadespatch.org |
Cochin International Airport that operates numerous flights to destinations in the Gulf states and other places has the unique distinction of becoming the first ever solar power-operated airport in the world. In the annals of aviation industry, this airport has become the first trail blazer. Indeed an excellent job well done. Last year in August (2015) the 12 MWp solar power plant was inaugurated by Kerala’s Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. As for the information available, the airport’s solar power plant situated close to the cargo complex is spread over 45 acres of land and is being run by the parent company CIAL - Cochin International Airport Limited. The plant, first of a kind in India, has more than 46,000 solar panels capable of generating 50,000 to 60,000 units of electric power every day. The total cost of this plant is Rs. 60 crores.
According to the CIAL Director in his interview to the BBC, Urdu, the Cochin Airport operations required an estimated 50,000 units of electricity on a daily basis that would be met by the new integrated solar power plant. The company further stated that airport’s dependency on solar-power makes it ‘absolutely power neutral’.
Earlier in March 2013, the airport installed a 100 kWp solar plant atop the arrival terminal block. This major complete switch over to solar energy to run the entire airport is a great achievement that marks a new chapter in the area of renewable energy which is going to dominate the future energy requirements world over. The interesting information emerging out of this new project is, the Cochin air port prevents three lakh metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the next 25 years from coal-fired power plants. That is roughly equivalent to planting three million trees. A huge safety-net for the environment.Following the foot step of Cochin, the Kolkata Subhash Chara Bose International Air port has a plan to set up 15 MW solar power plant on a 60 acre spread to run the airport and the ambitious plan was announced last year . This new project would cost the AAI more than Rs. 100 crores. Already it became the first airport in the country to have a 2 MW roof-top solar power plant.The monetary benefit will be worth Rs.2.16 crore annually. Currently the airport is spending Rs.18 crore annually toward electricity. The major advantage of roof-top solar panel is it reduces the load on the air-conditioner and the transmission loss is zero.India has plans to increase the current capacity 4 GW to 100 GW by 1922 and this ambitious plan requires latest $100 billion investment. Taking their cue from Kerala and West Bengal, other states should ponder about solar powered airports and other big public buildings. Ref:http://www.asiadespatch.org/2015/08/20/worlds-first-solar-powered-airport-in-kerala-cochin-international-airport-inaugurated/ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Airport-turns-greener-with-2MW-solar-plant/articleshow/50202437.cms
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| Govindas forming a human pyramid to reach the Dahi Handi (earthen pot) en.wikipedia.org |
India is a land of many cultures and so are the Hindu religious festivals. Diwali, Navaratri, Rama Navami and Gokulastami festivals are celebrated with great joy across the country. Methods of celebration may vary from state to state. For example, the Durga pooja which is celebrated on a grand scale in West Bengal is quietly celebrated in other states. In Tamil Nadu Diwali and Pongal (Shangaranti) are major festivals. So are Oonam and Diwali in Kerala. The former is a great colorful event in that state. In Maharastra and in Mumbai, Dahi Handi is a major event associated with Janmastami, the birth day of Lord Krishna. This Dahi Handi event is either absent or held on a low key in states like Tamil Nadu.Dahi Handi (dahi means curd and handi means earthen pot in local parlance), a Hindu festival is celebrated every August/September, that reenacts a playful episode in the childhood of Sri Krishna. The legend has it that god-child Sri Krishna was mischievous and fond of butter and curd available in plenty in Vridhavan in UP where he was brought up in a Shepard community. Nothing could stop Krishna and his friends from stuffing their mouth with butter or curd. So, the women used to hang the earthen pots with butter, milk and curd way up from the ceiling. Krishna, being naughty and waggish, along with his friends, would form a human pyramid, to steal curd/ butter and distribute them among his other friends. As all the dairy products produced there in Vrindhavan were meant for the ruthless King Kamsa (Krishna's maternal uncle), the children had to forgo milk, etc This is one of Sri Krishna's childhood escapades to please his friends. The Dahi Handi is simply a depiction of Krishna's childhood pranks.The participant in the human pyramid is called by various names, Govinda, Pathak or Krishna.The human pyramid consists of many tiers / layers normally nine from the bottom to the top. Players in the bottom most tier are strong and sturdy and form the wide base with many players. In the succeeding tiers, the number of participants will get reduced gradually and light weight people will form the higher layers. Finally a participant - a child will get to the top by standing on the top tier and break the earthen pot and spill the content - mostly butter milk that will fall on the players.While the participants climb, spectators around them may throw water to distract their attention. This is not an easy sport and requires concentration, coordination and balance. Players in the middle tiers have to carefully watch out for the players above and below them while standing on the player's shoulder at the lower level. Since the prize money is in several lakhs depending on the organizers the participating groups undergo vigorous training for at least two weeks before the main event to get the covetous prize. The Supreme court of India in a ruling on the 17th of August, 2016 banned those under 18 years of age and reduced the height of the human pyramid to 20 feet. The Child right commission in February, 2014 framed guide lines because of frequent fatal accidents. Young children are allowed to go to the top of the pyramid without any safety device to arrest the fall. In 2012 more than 200 Govindas were injured with one casualty. Frequently, Govindas sponsored by big organizers form human pyramids as tall as nine story building to break the pot tied with a rope. The main concern is participants take risk going to the top without safety harnesses.![]() |
| The Dahi-Handi ceremony is annually held on Janmasthami, the birthday of Lord Krishna. www.thehindu.com |
Since it is a dangerous performance, the supreme court has put restrictions on the age of the performer and the height of human pyramid in order to avoid any mishap that will mar the joyous celebration. Further, such celebrations cause a lot of noise pollution and heavy traffic jam. Further, too much littering is a problem. This recent court ruling will not affect the Dahi Handi Mandal that conduct small celebration, but will affect the commercialized mandals sponsored by political leaders or parties because their celebrations and prize money are big and the players tend to form a tall human pyramid that are prone to fatal accident. Ref:http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/dahihandi-supreme-court-says-no-to-minors-human-pyramid-height-capped-at-20-feet/article8998929.ece
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In India, there are innumerable monuments that are the remnants of the past colonial rulers and as well as early rulers. It is the responsibility of the state governments in association with the Central government (ASI) to take care of them and save those that face the risk of crumbling over period of timedue to neglect and lack of interest. In this regard, Kerala and West Bengal have become pioneers and saviors of heritage structures for the posterity.
Serampore, near Kolkata has innumerable monuments, in particular, built by the Danish colonist. A 200 year old heritage building - a two storied structure was once a Danish Tavern, a nice water hole in the Danish colony that once attracted lots of Europeans. This old building had been lying in ruins for a pretty long time. Last year in October the restoration work began in full swing and the project cost was around Rs. 5 crores funded by the National Museum of Denmark - part of Serampore Initiative, a collective of representatives from the Denmark Museum and West Bengal government. The old tavern will be converted into riverside cafe with limited accommodation. Once the restoration work is completed, along with the eatery, there will be a lodge, catering to the visitors to this famous heritage site and the Danish ambiance would be retained that would enthuse the tourists. It is likely coffee Board would manege the cafe and set up the coffee house.Built in 1782, the tavern was located next to the flag staff ghat, now called Nishan ghat. Once a popular joint, now in a dilapidated condition, it served the traders and travelers in the the Danish settlement. A place where they could drink to their heart's content to get rid of their frustration and ennui. For some reasons, it fell into disuse a century ago. Mr. Wolfe of the Denmark Museum mentioned according to the March 1786 issue of Calcutta Gazette, the Denmark Tavern & Hotel was opened by one Mr. Parr, former owner of London Tavern. This place served food and drinks for the wealthy people and had a billiard table and coffee room for relaxation. In front of the newly restored St. Olav's Church there was a square and it would be beautified. This part was once the core of the settlement.The Serampore Initiative is a good step in right direction to reinvent such heritage sites and put them back to old glory. Besides, the rich experience they've gained in this historical site will be used as a guide to restore the French settlement at Chandranagore, the Dutch in Chinsurah and the English at Barrackpore. The other projects under way are the restoration of South Gate and its surroundings and North Gate of the Danish Governor House or Government House (1771) compound. The compound dates back to 1755 when Danish Asiatic Society Company established a trading post.This would also include beautification and landscaping of spaces between the restored monuments.In the future Serampore will become a major tourist attraction just like Muziris in Kerala, once a famous seaport in ancient India which served as the gate way to many cultures and races. Ref: http://www.millenniumpost.in/NewsContent.aspx?NID=161706
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A very few people get name and fame through dedication and hard work, following a path not undertaken by others before, hence they stand apart from others. One such a man was Sir. William Hunter of British India. William Wilson Hunter KCSI CIE (July 1840 - February 1900), born on 15 July 1840 in Glasgow, Scotland, was educated at Glasgow University (BA 1860), Paris and Bonn. He was a well-known Scottish historian, statistician and a compiler in the British India. Besides, he was a scholar in Sanskrit. With amazing skill and energy, he collected various statistical data across India and produced an enormous volume of data that were published in the Imperial Gazette. The nice thing about him was he worked hard with bureaucratic zeal of Victorian historians and his works are frequently referred to even today by researchers. Hunter said that "It was my hope to make a memorial of England's work in India, more lasting, because truer and more complete, than these monuments of Mughal Empire and of French ambition".Hunter was of the opinion that 'nothing is more costly than ignorance'. His aim of work was neither scientific discovery nor literary graces, but simply an earnest endeavor to render India better governed, better understood. His work helped fight ignorance, prejudice and false opinions flowing down upon the British from the past and prepare the foundation for a truer and wider knowledge of India in time. Till his retirement he was a true bureaucrat and later a dedicated worker till his death. A true Karma Yogi.The following are inspiring achievements :.. He began his huge statistical work (done in India) in 1869, and published nine volumes in 1881 and before his death he compiled a twenty-six volume set.
.. He acquired a good knowledge of Sanskrit LL.D., before passing first in the final examination for the Indian Civil Service in 1862. The ICS, a prestigious exam, was exclusively for various Indian Administration works in British India under the Crown.. On his first assignment in the Bengal Presidency in November 1862, he recorded the local traditions in practice. Based on his work, he later published 'The Annals of Rural Bengal'. His interesting work attracted a lot of people. .. He prepared A Comparative Dictionary of the Non-Aryan Languages of India, a glossary of dialects based mainly upon the collections of Brian Houghton Hodgson.
.. On Gov. General Lord Mayo's suggestion in 1869 Hunter prepared a compilation of various gazette, using a particular method of in-depth scheme followed in the statistical survey of India. He used the Ain-i-Akbari and Description de l'Égypte as models... On 30 May 1871 on Gov. Gen. Mayo's advice, he completed his influential work "The Indian Musalmans" in mid-June 1871 and published it as a book. It was about whether Indian Muslim rebellion was driven by religion against the Crown... In the 3rd International Sanitary Conference held at Constantinople in 1866 Hunter frankly revealed the Hindu and Muslim pilgrimage centers were the main causes for Cholera epidemics because of poor sanitary conditions and could be a threat to the Western world. He was concerned about the lack of cleanliness of Pilgrims to the Jagannath temple, Puri. .. In 1872 Hunter published his History of Orissa.
.. A Statistical Account of Bengal (20 volumes, 1875-1877) and later yet another work for Assam (2 volumes, 1879) are of help to the historians now. Using them as models statistical data for the entire British India was prepared.
.. During this period the first Census of India,covering a vast area was taken. It brought to light the population of India then was more than that of the whole of Europe minus Russia.
.. The statistical details of 240 administrative districts in 128 volumes were presented in condensed form in condensed into the nine volumes of The Imperial Gazetteer of India (first edition) in 1881, second edition of 14 volumes published between 1885 and 1887 and the third one in 26 volumes in 1908... The Atlas of India was part of the third edition under the editorship of under the editorship of Herbert Hope Risley, et al... Hunter's own work A Brief History of the Indian People, published in 1880 was translated and used in Indian schools. .. In 1886 he was elected vice-chancellor of the University of Calcutta.
In 1887 he retired from the service,, and settled at Oaken Holt, near Oxford... Hunter himself contributed the volumes on Dalhousie (1890)and Mayo (1891). He already wrote about Lord Mayo published two volumes in November 1875.
.. On a trip to the Caspian1898 -1899, Hunter contracted a severe attack of influenza, which affected his heart. He died at Oaken Holt on 6 February 1900.
William Hunter was the earliest British administrator to show to the world the importance of statistical data in various fields like population, culture, agriculture, geography, etc for the good governance of a country.Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wilson_Hunter
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August 21, 2016, 12:34 am
The temple city of Kumbakonam, famous for the Mahamaham tank, has a vast number of historical temples in and around the city. Pallaivana Nathar Temple located in Papanasam, 15 km from Kumbakonam and 25 km from Thanjavur city, is an old temple
of historical value. It was built during the reign of the Chola Kingdom and is spread over an area of 3 acres. It is not a big temple as many near-by temples are. Here, the presiding deity is Lord Shiva and his consort is Karu Katha Nayaki or Garpa Rakshaka Aambica. Here, Lord Shiva is also known as Mullaivana Nathar and the glory of this seventh century temple was sung in devotional hymns by great Shavite saints Tignanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar - Appar.An interesting feature of this temple is the presence of 400 year old world famous granary (for storing paddy) on the northern side of the Raja Gopuram at the Eastern entrance.It is rare to see huge granaries on the Hindu temple premises. This is a huge granary made of brick and lime mortar, circular at bottom and conical at top with three different entrances - one on the Western side at the bottom and one each in the middle and the top on the Southern side.It was built by the third Nayak ruler of Thanjavur Raghunatha Nayak(1600 to 1634 ). Raghunatha Nayak was a devout Hindu and had built several temples in this region. The total capacity of this famous granary is roughly 3000 kalam or measure. Dimension of this circular structure is : breadth at the center maximum 86 feet or 26 m by height 36 feet or 11m. Granaries are found in some temples of Tamil Nadu, mention may be made of the world famous Sri Ranganathar temple (8th century) at Srirangam. The ancient rulers of not only Tamil Nadu but also other regions built huge structures to store paddy, wheat, etc. That the rulers gave due importance to a systematic food security planning, not only covering the temple but also the local population of the temple town, is borne out by such huge granaries. A safe food storage system will be of great help in case of unexpected drought, flooding, storms, crop failure, pest attack and other natural disasters.Granaries were built in villages and small towns in the by-gone days by the local rulers to store vast quantity of grains. This was to safeguard the grains from from rodent attack, rain, etc., and to meet future requirements of the local population, etc in case of some kind of emergency. As mentioned above, not many temples of Tamil Nadu have huge granaries within the temple complex. The exceptions are srirangam temple, Thiruvanaikovil Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple & at Thirupalaithurai (Mullai Nathar temple) near Kumbakonam and the Adi Rangam Temple near Jambai in Thiruvannamalai district. They were built mainly to store grains donated by devotees and paddy collected collected from vast temple lands after harvest. Ref: http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.in/2016/03/palaivananathar-temple-papanasam.html
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