Famous structure

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE 

The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in the Australian city of Sydney. It was conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, finally opening in 1973 after a long gestation starting with his competition-winning design in 1957. Utzon received the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honour, in 2003.

The Sydney Opera House was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 28 June 2007. It is one of the 20th century's most distinctive buildings and one of the most famous performing arts centres in the world. 

The Sydney Opera House is situated on Bonnelong Point in Sydney Harbour, close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It sits at the northeastern tip of the Sydney central business district (the CBD), surrounded on three sides by the harbour (Sydney Cove and Farm Cove) and neighboured by the Royal Botanic Gardens. 

Contrary to its name, the building houses multiple performance venues. As one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world, hosting over 1,500 performances each year attended by some 1.2 million people, the Sydney Opera House provides a venue for many performing arts companies including the four key resident companies Opera Australia,  The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and presents a wide range of productions on its own account. It is also one of the most popular visitor attractions in Australia, with more than seven million people visiting the site each year, 300,000 of whom take a guided tour.

Other facilities: The building also houses a recording studio, cafes, restaurants and bars and retail outlets. Guided tours are available to the public, including a frequent tour of the front-of-house spaces, and a daily backstage tour which takes visitors backstage to see areas normally reserved for performers and crew members. 

THE WARRIOR QUEEN OF KASHMIR

Didda 

Whenever a throne was up for grabs, there was always intense competition among the youngsters of royal families as one had to be better than others to be a king. To be a queen, one had to be really extraordinary because one faced even greater challenges than a king. One such extraordinary personality was Didda of Kashmir who ruled for over 50 years despite being lame. 

Didda was born to the Lohara Dynasty, which ruled the area around modern-day Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. She suffered from a birth disability that caused her to limp and this led to her facing ridicule from the elders and other children in the palace.  Her only support was a maid called Valaga who helped her move around. Didda was an exceptionally gifted and determined child. She used to participate in races despite her disability. She was very intelligent and a good orator. Despite her good qualities, nobody wanted to marry a lame girl. Finally, she was married to Kshemagupta, the king of Kashmir. 

After her marriage, Didda realised that Kshemagupta neglected the affairs of the state and administration was in disarray. She started to get involved in the matters of the court. In this, she faced stiff resistance from the courtiers including the prime minister, whose daughter was Kshemagupta's first wife. Despite the resistance, Didda gained so much power that the coins issued at the time were in her and Kshemagupta's joint name. 

After Kshemagupta's sudden death, the courtiers put pressure on Didda to commit sati along with the other queens. She had to make preparations for this but at the last moment, she avoided death by having a trusted minister make petitions to save her for the sake of her minor son. She also got her son Abhimanyu, crowned as king. Didda governed the state as a regent. When a series of revolts broke out in the kingdom, Didda put them down with great ruthlessness. Though Didda personally led her troops with great bravery, the uprisings never completely died out because most of the state officials could not accept being ruled by a woman, that too a lame one. 

After Abhimanyu came of age, he was encouraged by the courtiers and his newly married wife to rise against Didda. Eventually, he forced Didda out of the palace and she renounced the world. Abhimanyu died shortly afterwards, and the kingdom one again descended into chaos. Didda came back to take up the command of the state and became a regent for her grandson Bhimagupta. She worked hard to put the administration of the state back on track. When three of her grandsons including Bhimagupta died in quick succession, some started accusing Didda of practising witchcraft and causing these deaths. 

Didda was old by now and her biggest concern was finding her successor. She devised a novel method to choose the person who would be required to perform the difficult task of ruling Kashmir after her. She assembled all the princes she was considering and put a heap of fruits in their arms as they could. Naturally, this caused a competition among the princes to gather the most fruits. In this confusion, Didda's brother's son Sangramraja gathered the most fruits without getting into fights like the other princes. When Didda asked him how he managed it, he explained that he caused the other princes to fight among themselves and while they were busy, he simply picked up most of the fruits. A pleased Didda promptly appointed him her successor and ensured a peaceful transition after her. 

Kashmir's history before and after Didda is a tale of endless treachery, deceit and ruthlessness. Kings were crowned and deposed in quick succession. The populace also suffered greatly under corrupt officials. Didda's reign of more than 50 years stands out as a period of stability amidst several anarchy. She was a sound administrator and a courageous general who led her troops from the front. Above all, she was a survivor who never gave up even when the odds seemed totally against her.

THE LAND OF BLACK MAGIC

Mayong

Mayong, a quaint village in the Morigaon district of Assam, is a sacred destination steeped in mysticism and history. Located on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River and near Kaziranga National Park, Mayong is famously referred to as the ‘Land of Black Magic’. The village finds mentions in epics like the Mahabharata, where it is said that Bhima, one of the Pandavas, acquired extraordinary strength through tantric practices performed in this region. 

The name Mayong has various interpretations. One belief attributes it to the Sanskrit word maya, meaning ‘illusion’ or ‘magic’, symbolising the village’s association with mystical practices. Another suggests that ma-yong in the Dimasa language means ‘elephant’, reflecting the region’s historical significance as an elephant habitat. 

For centuries, Mayong was renowned as a hub of sorcery and tantra. The Mayong Central Museum and Emporium preserves ancient manuscripts and ritual tools, while local legends speak of spells for healing and supernatural feats. Visitors are drawn not only by its mysterious past but also by the serene beauty of its Brahmaputra-fed landscapes and proximity to Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary.

MEXICO'S BLUE HOLE

Taam Ja

The world's deepest blue hole (marine sinkhole) lies off the coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It's at least 420m (1,378ft) deep, but explorers still haven't found its bottom.

Known as 'Taam Ja', or 'deep water' in the Mayan language, it was discovered more than 20 years ago by a local diver, but it wasn't until 2021 that scientists attempted to measure its depth. Using an echo sounder to bounce sound waves off the bottom of the hole, they estimated Taam Ja' was 275m (902ft) deep.

But another expedition in 2023 used a device called a conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) profiler, with sensors that measure water pressure, to estimate its depth. This returned a reading of 420m (1,378ft), but they're not sure it reached the bottom.

Blue holes are naturally occurring caverns on the sea floor, with vertical walls. They're usually found in coastal regions where the bedrock is made of soft, soluble rock, such as limestone. This is gradually eroded, causing the rock above to collapse. Although usually only a few tens of metres deep, blue holes sometimes connect to underwater cave systems.

With poor water circulation, blue holes are low in oxygen deep down. This makes it hard for organisms to survive, but some microbes thrive there, consuming sulphur-based compounds, such as hydrogen sulphide. Other small creatures - including shelled single-celled organisms called foraminifera and tiny worm-like creatures called nematodes - have also been found living in blue holes. Scientists are keen to explore Taam Ja' to find out what creatures live in its dark blue waters. 

DISCOVER THE MANY SECRETS SURROUNDING THIS ANCIENT SITE

Angkor Wat

Located in Cambodia, a country in southeast Asia, Angkor Wat is the world’s largest temple, and a hugely important historical site. It stands within the ancient city of Angkor, which was one of the biggest cities in the world in the 13th century. Angkor was much bigger than the largest cities of Europe that existed at the same time.

Despite Angkor’s great size and importance, the site is shrouded in mystery. Little is known about its past and even its original name has been forgotten. The temple’s modern name, Angkor Wat, simply means “city temple” in Khmer (Cambodia’s official language). At one point, the city was abandoned, and no one knows why or what happened to the people who lived there. Let’s take a journey through the mists of time, and see how science has tried to uncover the secrets of this ancient monument.

A mega city

Angkor Wat was built to house the remains of a king called Suryavarman II after his death. The temple was completed around 1150, shortly after the king’s death. It was designed to be a version of heaven on Earth, with lots of incredible carvings and decorations.

Constructing Angkor Wat was an epic task. It took 300,000 workers 37 years to build it. Around 6,000 elephants were used, stone was transported using canals, and around 4,000 people may have worked in the temple. Today, much of the city’s splendour has crumbled and been covered by jungle, but when it was constructed, Angkor Wat was filled with wonders both inside and out. A magnificent staircase led pilgrims to a statue of the Hindu god Vishnu, the temple’s roofs were gilded (covered in gold), as were the towers, which symbolised Mount Meru – home of the gods. After it was finished, Angkor Wat became a place of pilgrimage, visited by people for religious reasons, and the ancient temple is still a sacred site for Cambodians.

Wiping the record

Angkor Wat has had a turbulent history, and this is why there are so many mysteries surrounding the place. Shortly after it was built, the city was sacked (vandalised) by invaders. It was rebuilt by the powerful King Jayavarman VII and in 1589 a Portuguese monk, Antonio da Madalena, became the first westerner to visit Angkor. He wrote, “It is of such extraordinary construction that it is not possible to describe with a pen.” Given its splendour, many have wondered why Angkor Wat was left abandoned.

By the 20th century a big effort was begun to rescue the temple from being taken over by the jungle. However, the restoration work was interrupted in the 1970s, when a violent group known as the Khmer Rouge came to power. They destroyed much of the evidence from the city’s past and even used the temple walls for target practice. One man who lived during this time, Dy Proeung, made drawings of Angkor, which he saved by burying them in the jungle undergrowth. Many people’s stories, and the histories of Angkor Wat, were lost during this time.

Extreme weather

Scientists have put forward many different theories as to why the city was abandoned. Looking at the land and damage to buildings, climate scientists and environmental historians (people who study weather in the past) think the area was affected by flooding, and other disasters caused by extreme weather (such as drought), which made living there too hard.

New discoveries

In recent years, a new technology called Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) has helped unlock more of Angkor Wat’s treasures. Archaeologists (experts who study ancient objects to help us understand history) use this technology to “see through” the jungle, and have discovered the remains of houses, waterways and gardens. Some think that the gardens at Angkor Wat may have been bigger than anything seen in Europe until the 18th and 19th centuries.

However, despite these discoveries many mysteries still remain. The highest part of Angkor Wat is raised up on a mound, and some scientists think there could even be underground chambers hidden underneath. This ancient site still seems to have more secrets left to reveal.

LEANING TEMPLE OF INDIA

Ratneshwar

Did you know that the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple is taller and also leans at an angle higher than the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Lying on the Manikarnika Ghat in the holy town of -Varanasi, the traditional Ratneshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Mahadev (a form of Shiva).

The Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple leans by over 9°, more than the Pisa tower, which leans only by 4°. While the tower of Pisa is 54 metres high, Ratneshwar is 74 metres in height. The leaning temple of Ratneshwar Mahadev is thus also called Kashi Karvat (lean in Kashi).

Although this temple remains underwater for most of the year due to its visibly low level, it is valued and preserved even now. When the temple entrance is drowned in water, it is said that a priest dives into the water to worship and perform other rituals. The elegant architecture of the Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple includes a Nagara Shikhara (high curve shape) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum), which gets engulfed by water, the level of which reaches up to the Shikhara.

Before the 1860s, it was erected straight, but then, according to one of the beliefs, the temple ghat collapsed as it was not to bear its weight, thus tilting the temple backwards. Dr Ratnesh Varma of the District Cultural Committee once claimed that it was constructed by the Amethi royal family. Legend has it that a servant of Raja Man Singh built the Ratneshwar Temple as a token of love for his mother, Ratna Bai.

During the monsoon, when the temple sanctum submerges in water, no rituals are performed, and no prayers are heard. So, some people also believe that it is a cursed temple that could bring misfortune in their lives. 

ANCIENT WORLD

What are hieroglyphs?

This strange-sounding word actually describes a form of picture writing used by the ancient Egyptians. 

The Egyptians used about 1000 pictures or hieroglyphs to express their thoughts. Each hieroglyph stood for an object, sound or idea. The hieroglyphs were written on paper called papyrus, made of reeds. Gradually, people stopped using hieroglyphs and in time, everyone forgot what the pictures meant. Then, in 1799, a stone called the Rosetta Stone was found, which had writing in three languages, including the hieroglyphic language.

A Frenchman named Jean Francois Champollion was able to translate the hieroglyphs and now scholars of the ancient Egyptian civilisation can read hieroglyphs. If you want, you can learn it too when you grow up!

MUSEUM WITH LARGEST ONE-MAN COLLECTION

Salar Jung Museum

The Salar Jung Museum is a museum in Hyderabad having an exquisite collection of priceless art treasures. The unique feature of this museum is that it is the largest one-man collection of art objects and antiques on public display anywhere in the world. Its founder was Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III (1889 –1949), Prime Minister to the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Salar Jung III had a passion for antiques, and collected from all over the world rare manuscripts, sculptures, paintings, clocks and other items. It is believed that he spent half his income and his entire life in building his magnificent collection, which was housed in his palace, Diwan Deodi.

Salar Jung was a lifelong bachelor, and had no heirs. So, on his death, his collection was taken over by the Government of India. It was shifted to the present building in 1968. The treasures of the museum represent an amazing mix of antiquity and modernity. There are a mind-boggling range of items belonging to different civilizations and retrieved from nearly every nook and corner of the world.

The museum has separate sections devoted to Indian paintings, western art, clocks, textiles, glassware, jade, ivory, textiles and rare manuscripts. One of the most splendid exhibits is the Veiled Rebecca, a marble statue by Benzoni(1876), which is a startlingly lifelike representation of a woman draped in a wet veil.

ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAIN JOURNEY

Jagriti Yatra 

There is a train in India that travels only once a year for 15 days, but when it travels, it makes careers of about 500 people and builds the future of India.

This train, run by an NGO named Jagriti Seva Sansthan of Mumbai, has been going on a journey every year since 2008, in which more than 75 thousand youth from 23 countries have participated so far.

A 16-year-old initiative, Jagriti Yatra is leading a unique movement of ‘BUILDING INDIA THROUGH ENTERPRISE’ focused on Middle India (Tier 2/3 India).

A non-profit initiative, Jagriti Yatra is a 15-day, 8000-km entrepreneurship train journey to inspire youth to become entrepreneurs. It has been running since 2008, impacting 7500+ youth from India and 23 countries globally. It focuses on Tier 2 and Tier 3 districts of India, (what is termed Middle India), and it is also creating an enterprise ecosystem in Eastern UP.

Refined over years, Jagriti Yatra is an innovation that been running for 16 years and has been replicated successfully in four other countries. Today, “Yatris” (Travelers) are a growing community of entrepreneurs in India and abroad.

Designed in an experiential format, Jagriti Yatra will give you unique insights into understanding Inclusive Entrepreneurship by immersing yourself in India of small towns and villages in company of 450 other participants, providing a unique learning and networking forum.

Most of the passengers of this train are young entrepreneurs. The sole purpose of the journey is to connect, network, and guide the young entrepreneurs involved in it.

In this 15-day journey, about 100 gurus suggest to the youth the opportunities and solutions available on topics like agriculture, education, energy, health, manufacturing, water and sanitation, art literature, and culture.

During the total journey of 8000 km, this train goes to 10 to 12 cities in India, and 500 passengers board the train. The journey of the Jagruti Yatra, which will begin on November 16 this year, will start from Mumbai, pass through cities including Hubli, Bengaluru, Madurai, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Delhi, and end in Ahmedabad on December 1.

It is one of the most special and longest journeys in the world.

A BIRD-WATCHER'S PARADISE

Keoladeo National Park

India is privileged to have a national park that is acknowledged as one of the world’s most important bird breeding and feeding grounds. This is the Keoladeo National Park, formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, where hundreds of exotic migratory birds from faraway Siberia, Central Asia, and Africa arrive to spend the winter.

The park, spanning an area of 29 sq km in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, about 55 km west of Agra and 175 km southwest of Delhi, occupies a strategic location in the middle of the Central Asian migratory flyway and also has abundant water. These two factors have caused it to become an internationally important region where birds migrating down the Central Asian flyway congregate before dispersing to other regions.

This park is the only known wintering site of the central population of the critically endangered Siberian crane. It also serves as a wintering area for other globally threatened species such as the greaterspotted eagle and imperial eagle.

Originally a private hunting ground of the Maharaja of Bharatpur, the site was notified as a bird sanctuary in 1956. In 1982, it was elevated to the status of a national park and renamed after the Keoladeo temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that stands at the centre of the site. The same year, it was designated as a Ramsar site(wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention). 

In 1985, the Keoladeo NationalPark was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Today, it not only is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, but also serves as an important research and conservation centre for ornithologists and ecologists. The park has an interesting history. The area where it stands was originally a natural depression that was inundated when Maharaja Suraj Mal, the ruler of the then princely state of Bharatpur, constructed a bund at the confluence of the Gambhir and Banganga rivers between 1726 and 1763 to prevent floods in his capital. This resulted in the development of an area comprising lakes and ponds, woodlands, wetlands and marshes with a lot of aquatic vegetation that attracted numerous migratory birds. 

It was subsequently designated as the ruler’s private duck-hunting reserve for the use of the royal family and their colonial visitors, and was later formally inaugurated in 1901 by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India. As per an inscription found on a pillar near the temple, the then Viceroy, Lord Linlithgow, set a record on November 12, 1938 by shooting 4,273 birds here in a single day. 

Even after the site was turned over to the Forestry department, the Maharaja continued to retain shooting rights until 1972, when the Wildlife (Protection) Act was passed, prohibiting hunting.

With a wide diversity of habitats ranging from marshes, woodlands, scrublands, and grasslands to denuded saline patches, the park supports an amazing variety of plant and animal species. One third of the habitat is wetland with varying types of micro habitats having trees, mounds, dykes, and open water with or without submerged or emergent plants. The remaining terrain consists of tropical dry deciduous forest, scrub woodland, and dry grassland. More than 370 species of birds have been recorded in the park, the most common being the gadwall, shoveler, spotbill, common teal, lesser whistling duck, tufted duck, comb duck, cotton pygmy-goose, great cormorant, little cormorant, Indian shag, ruff, painted stork, white spoonbill, Asian open billed stork, black-headed ibis, oriental darter, common sandpiper, wood sandpiper and green sandpiper. 

Apart from the birds for which itis renowned, the Keoladeo National Park is also home to about 30 species of mammals, including the chital, sambar, nilgai, blackbuck, rhesus macaque, wild boar, Bengal fox, jackal, striped hyena, common palm civet, small Indian civet, crested porcupine, and Indian hare; 13 species of snakes including the python, cobra, krait and Russell’s viper; 5 lizards; 7turtles; and 7 amphibians.

CAMPAIGNS, VOTES AND ELECTIONS

To elect the President of America

Every four years, US citizens cast their vote for the person they think should hold the coveted position of president of their country.

In 2024, another election is on the horizon, when the nation will decide if Democratic nominee Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump will be the next president to hold office. At the ballot box, Americans make their decision on who they think should be the next person to run the country. However, they’re not directly voting for the next president. Instead, they’re voting for members of the Electoral College, called ‘electors’, whose job it is to elect the president and the vice president. According to the American Constitution, electors can’t be members of Congress or hold federal office and are elected by political parties.

Each state has its own number of electors, based on the state’s resident population. The more citizens in the state, the more electors that state holds. For example, California has more than 40 million inhabitants and 55 electors, whereas Wyoming only has around 500,000 residents and just three electors. All but two states have a winner-takes-all policy, where all the state’s electoral votes are given to the candidate that wins the state’s popular vote. Maine and Nebraska differ by distributing electors within their congressional districts, along with two ‘at-large’ electoral votes based on the overall state-wide popular vote. Electors often pledge to their states to vote for the same presidential nominee as the result of their state’s popular vote. However, that hasn’t always been the case. There have been 157 ‘faithless electors’ who, when faced with casting their electoral vote, have chosen an alternative candidate. There have been several reasons why an elector has changed their vote, including the death of a nominee, a change in candidate within the same party or, in one case, by accident. In 1796, a Federalist elector from Pennsylvania intentionally switched their vote from Federalist nominee John Adams to Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson.

All in all, there are 538 electors across the country – equal to the number of House Representatives and Congress members – and a further three votes for the District of Columbia, that decide the next president. The candidate with more than half of the votes (270) wins the presidency. If on the rare occasion a single candidate doesn’t get more than 270 votes, then the House of Representatives elects the president. The two-stage voting system of the Electoral College can result in a unique situation where a candidate can win the votes of the electors, despite not winning the popular vote from all 50 states. For example, in 2016 Donald Trump won the electoral vote against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton but lost the popular vote by more than 2 million votes.

Despite its intricacies, the Electoral College has served the American people for 237 years. Having broken away from the royal rule of Great Britain during the 18th century, the infant nation of America wasn’t in a hurry to live under a dictatorship. As a solution to electing a new leader and government, the Electoral College was conceived by America’s Founding Fathers at a time when the majority of the world’s countries didn’t hold democratic elections. Political pioneers such as George Washington and Alexander Hamilton debated a new way to elect a presidential leader during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. While many of the attending delegates wanted a congress to elect a president, others believed that a popular democratic vote should decide who was put into power. As a compromise between the two ideas, the Electoral College was born.

The Electoral College system was ratified with the Constitution in 1789. However, since then there have been a whole host of amendments that have changed who and how people vote for the president of the United States. For example, in 1804 the 12th Amendment to the Constitution changed the way that vice presidents were elected.

Originally, the position of vice president was held by the runner-up in the general election, who was seen as the second most qualified candidate for president. The 12th Amendment made it possible for the public to elect a vice president, rather than the position being automatically filled. In 1868 the 14th Amendment gave African Americans the right to vote, and the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote in 1920. In 1971, the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18 years old.

To date, there have been 46 US presidencies served by 45 men – this is due to President Grover Cleveland’s two nonconsecutive terms as the 22nd and 24th president. Only two women have ever been put forward as a presidential nominee. Hillary Clinton was the first female nominee during the 2016 election, and current vice president Kamala Harris is the second during the 2024 race. Could 2024 be the year that history is made with the first female to step into the iconic Oval Office as president of the United States? The world will find out after voting takes place on 5 November 2024 during the 60th quadrennial presidential election.

A CELEBRATION OF TOGETHERNESS

 Through community meals 

What's unique about Chandanki, a village in Gujarat? Here, food isn’t cooked in any house. Instead, food for everyone is prepared in one place, where all the residents gather to sit and eat together. This is Chandanki’s antidote to loneliness. 

With a majority of its youngsters migrating to cities in India and abroad, Chandanki was left with a large number of senior citizens. A decade earlier, it had a population of over a thousand, but today it has around 500 people, most of whom are between 55 and 85 years of age. Many of these elderly people would cook food once a day only. Also, elderly women who had health problems found it hard, if not impossible, to cook meals. 

To address these issues, a group of villagers started a community kitchen. For a small fee, Chandanki’s residents get access to two meals a day prepared by hired cooks. The lunch includes dal, rice, chapatti, sabzi and a dessert. For dinner, there is khichdi, kadhi, bhakri (rotis made from millet) and sabzi. Additionally, namkeen (which includes pakodas made from methi or fenugreek leaves), dhokla and idli-sambar are also served. 

The meals are eaten in a solarpowered air-conditioned hall adjacent to the community kitchen. The dining hall has thus emerged as a space where all the inhabitants of Chandanki gather together and share their joys and sorrows over their meals. During weekends, their grown-up children (who now reside in cities) come to Chandanki to visit them and they too join in the community meals. 

Interestingly, the sarpanch of the village, Poonambhai Patel, left his home in Ahmedabad and moved to Chandanki to supervise the community kitchen properly. The practice of cooking and consuming community meals is not just about food. It is also about strengthening the social fabric of a people and nurturing them. Chandanki’s future plans include constructing a park to further this feeling of togetherness among its inhabitants. 

A MARVEL OF ANCIENT INDIA

Rani ka Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell)

Hidden in the small town of Patan in Gujarat, India, lies Rani ka Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell), a breathtaking example of ancient Indian architecture and artistry. This incredible stepwell, built in the 11th century by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband King Bhimdev I, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage.

A Step Back in Time: Rani ka Vav is no ordinary well. Stretching 64 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 27 meters deep, this seven-story marvel showcases over 800 intricate sculptures and carvings. These artworks depict Gods, Goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Architectural WonderThe design of the stepwell is a masterpiece of engineering. Its precise construction allows natural light and air to reach the deepest levels, creating a cool and serene environment. This ingenious use of space and resources highlights the advanced knowledge of ancient Indian builders.

Cultural Significance: Beyond its beauty, Rani ka Vav is a testament to the love and respect of Queen Udayamati for her husband. It also emphasizes the importance of women in history, showcasing the queen’s role in commissioning and overseeing this grand project. The stepwell reflects the prosperity and artistic flair of the Solanki dynasty.

Educational Treasure: For students, Rani ka Vav offers more than just a history lesson. It provides insights into ancient engineering, art and culture. Visiting or studying this stepwell can inspire appreciation for historical monuments and the importance of preserving them.

Rani ka Vav is not just a stepwell; it is a gateway to India’s glorious past. Each carving and structure tells a story, inviting us to explore and cherish our heritage. This magnificent stepwell stands as a reminder of our ancestors’ creativity and ingenuity, encouraging us to preserve such treasures for future generations.

PORT BLAIR RENAMED

Sri Vijaya Puram 

Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will now be known as ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’. The name has been changed to “free the nation from colonial imprints”. The city was named after Captain Archibald Blair, a British colonial navy official of the East India Company.

What is the process to rename an Indian city?

Typically, the renaming process begins with a proposal made by a Member of the Legislative Assembly in the state assembly, which outlines the reasons for the name change. The proposal is then discussed in the state assembly and a simple majority vote is required for the proposal to pass. Once passed, the proposal is sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs at the central government level where various agencies are consulted before issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Upon receiving the NOC, the state government can issue an official notification in the state gazette to finalise the name change.

Port Blair is the 8th major city to have been renamed in the last decade.

LAND OF RISING SUN

 Japan

Hello, young explorers! Have you ever heard Japan being called the “Land of the Rising Sun”? It’s a fascinating nickname, isn’t it? Today, we are going to dive into the history, culture, and geography of Japan to understand why it has this special title. So, let’s embark on this journey together and uncover the secrets behind Japan’s famous name!

The Geographical Explanation: Japan is located in East Asia, and it’s one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise every day. If you look at a map, you’ll see that Japan is east of China and Korea, stretching out into the Pacific Ocean. Because of its position, the sun rises in Japan before it rises in many other parts of the world. This geographical fact is a big part of why Japan is called the “Land of the Rising Sun.”

Historical Background: The name “Land of the Rising Sun” isn’t just about geography, though. It has deep historical roots. Long ago, China was a powerful and influential country in East Asia. The Chinese called Japan “Rìběn” (日本), which means “origin of the sun” or “sun’s origin,” because Japan is to the east of China, where the sun rises. Over time, this term evolved and spread, becoming a key part of how Japan is identified.

In the 8th century, Japanese emissaries to China started using the name “Nihon” or “Nippon” (日本) to describe their country. This name is still used today and directly translates to “origin of the sun,” reinforcing the idea of Japan as the place where the sun rises.

Cultural Significance: Japan’s association with the rising sun goes beyond geography and history; it is deeply embedded in its culture and national identity. The Japanese flag, known as the Nisshoki or Hinomaru, features a red circle in the centre, representing the sun. This simple yet powerful design symbolises the importance of the sun in Japanese culture.

In Japanese mythology, the sun goddess Amaterasu is a central figure. She is considered the ancestor of the imperial family and one of the most important deities in Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion. According to legend, Amaterasu brought light to the world, and her descendants became the rulers of Japan. This myth further ties Japan’s identity to the rising sun.   

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• The Modern Perspective: Today, the nickname “Land of the Rising Sun” continues to be a source of pride for the Japanese people. It symbolises Japan’s unique position in the world, its rich cultural heritage, and its forward-looking outlook. The rising sun represents hope, renewal, and a bright future, which are values that resonate deeply in Japanese society.

Fun Facts About Japan

Now that we know why Japan is called the “Land of the Rising Sun,” let’s explore some fun facts about this amazing country!

Mount Fuji: Japan is home to Mount Fuji, an iconic and sacred mountain that is also an active volcano. It is the highest peak in Japan and a popular destination for hikers and tourists.

Cherry Blossoms: Every spring, Japan celebrates the cherry blossom season, known as “Sakura.” The blooming of cherry trees is a beautiful sight, attracting people from all over the world to witness the stunning pink and white flowers.

Technology and Tradition: Japan is famous for its advanced technology and futuristic cities. However, it also values traditional arts and crafts, such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and sumo wrestling.

Delicious Cuisine: Japanese food is loved globally. Sushi, ramen, tempura, and sashimi are just a few examples of the delicious dishes that originate from Japan.

Politeness and Respect: Japanese culture places a high value on politeness and respect. Bowing is a common greeting, and there are many customs related to showing respect to others.

Anime and Manga: Japan is the birthplace of anime and manga, which are popular forms of entertainment enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.

Conclusion: Japan, the “Land of the Rising Sun,” is a country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes. Its nickname is a reflection of its geographical position, historical significance, and cultural heritage. From the stunning sunrise over Mount Fuji to the ancient myths of the sun goddess Amaterasu, Japan’s connection to the rising sun is a fascinating story that continues to inspire people around the world.

GLOBAL ECHOES OF FREEDOM

Independence day across the globe

One of the most important milestones attained by any country which once ruled by someone else is effectively becoming a sovereign state. Independence Day, National Day, or Liberation Day is marked as a universal celebration of a new future for countries that gained freedom from colonial rule or occupation. The day is considered a national holiday in those countries. While India celebrated its 78th Independence Day in 2024, there are nations which share the same date as their Independence Day.

While India’s Independence Day on August 15 is wellknown, it’s fascinating to explore that other countries also share this momentous date. Additionally, several countries around the world share common Independence Days on different dates throughout the year.

This article delves into these shared historical moments, connecting nations across the globe through their common pursuit of sovereignty.

Countries with Independence Day on 15th August

1. India - Gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.

2. South Korea - Celebrates its Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol), marking the end of colonial Japanese rule in 1945.

3. Bahrain – The island nation in the Persian Gulf got its independence from British rule on August 15, 1971. However, they celebrate their national day on the 16th of August.

4. Liechtenstein – One of the wealthiest yet tiny nations in the world celebrates its National Day, also on August 15, commemorating the Feast of the Assumption along with its independence from German rule on 1866.

5. Republic of Congo – The Congolese National Day is celebrated on 15th August as gained its independence from French colonial rule on August 15, 1960.

6. North Korea - Similar to South Korea, celebrates Liberation of the Fatherhood Day, marking the end of Japanese rule in 1945.

Countries with Common Independence Days Throughout the Year:

Independence Day on July 4:

1. United States - Celebrates independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.

2. Philippines - Initially celebrated Independence Day on July 4, 1946, when it gained independence from the United States. However, the official Independence Day is now observed on June 12, commemorating independence from Spanish rule in 1898.

3. Rwanda - Celebrates Liberation Day on July 4, marking the end of the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

Independence Day on March 26:

1. Bangladesh - Celebrates Independence Day on March 26, 1971, marking the declaration of independence from Pakistan.

2. Greece - Celebrates Greek Independence Day on March 25, commemorating the start of the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Though it’s a day earlier, it’s very close to Bangladesh’s date.

Independence Day on September 16:

1. Mexico - Celebrates Independence Day on September 16, 1810, marking the beginning of the struggle for independence from Spain.

2. Papua New Guinea - Celebrates Independence Day on September 16, 1975, marking independence from Australia.

Independence Day on July 1st:

1. Canada - Known as Canada Day, it was in 1867 when through the British North America Act the provinces of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia were named as a single Dominion.

2. Rwanda - The nation became independent though on July 1st from Belgium on July 1, 1962, marking the end of colonial rule.

3. Somali - celebrates its independence from the British and Italian colonial rule in 1960

4. Hong Kong - July 1 is celebrated as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day. It marks the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China in 1997.

5. Burundi - The landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley at the junction between the African Great Lakes region and Southeast Africa gained its independence from Belgium on this day.

Independence Day on January 11. 

1. Haiti - Throwing out successfully the French colonial rule in 1804, it became the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

2. Sudan - the nation gained its independence from British Egyptian rule in 1956.

3. Cuba - On this day in 1959, the people of Cuba overthrew the Batista government. The rise of Fidel Castro’s leadership celebrates this day as the Triumph of the Revolution.

4. Cameroon - The Republic of Cameroon gained its independence from French colonial rule on this day in 1960.

5. Samoa - It was the year 1962 when Samoa became the first Polynesian nation to gain independence from New Zealand.

6. Brunei - Officially called Brunei Darussalam, this is a country in Southeast Asia, which was declared a sovereign state from British protection on 1st Jan in 1984.

7. The Czech Republic - The Czech Republic celebrates its separation from Slovakia in 1993.