A Thousand Years of Faith, Destruction, and Renewal

SOMNATH TEMPLE, GUJARAT 

The Somnath Temple, located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval on the coast of Gujarat, is one of the most sacred shrines of Hinduism. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is revered as the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas. Over the centuries, Somnath has come to symbolise not only devotion, but also the enduring spirit of Indian civilisation.

In recent times, the temple has been in the news for completing 1,000 years since the first recorded attack in 1026 CE, a milestone that highlights its extraordinary historical journey.

Sacred Origins and Importance: The name Somnath means “Lord of the Moon.” According to legend, Chandra (the Moon God) worshipped Lord Shiva at this site to be freed from a curse that caused him to wane. Pleased by his devotion, Shiva restored his brilliance and manifested here as a Jyotirlinga.

Ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Rig Veda, Shiva Purana, and Skanda Purana mention Somnath, indicating that it was regarded as a sacred site from very early times.

Early History and Rise to Prominence: Historically, Somnath grew into a grand and wealthy temple during the early medieval period. Under the Chaulukya (Solanki) rulers of Gujarat, especially King Bhima I, the temple was magnificently rebuilt in stone in the early 11th century, becoming an important centre of pilgrimage, learning, and culture.

The First Recorded Attack – 1026 CE

The first historically documented attack on the Somnath Temple occurred in January 1026 CE, when it was raided by Mahmud of Ghazni, ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire.

Despite resistance by local defenders, the temple was heavily damaged and plundered.

This event marks a turning point in Somnath’s history and is now widely recognised as the beginning of a long cycle of destruction and reconstruction. The year 2026 marks 1,000 years since this first recorded attack, bringing renewed attention to the temple’s legacy of resilience.

Cycles of Destruction and Reconstruction

After 1026 CE, Somnath was rebuilt several times by Hindu rulers and devotees:

● Reconstructed by Chaulukya kings after Mahmud of Ghazni’s raid

● Attacked again in 1299 CE by forces of Alauddin Khilji

● Rebuilt by the Chudasama rulers of Gujarat in the 14th century

● Damaged again in 1395 CE under Zafar Khan, founder of the Gujarat Sultanate

● During the Mughal period, especially under Aurangzeb, the temple faced further destruction and neglect

Each time, Somnath rose again—earning its reputation as a shrine that refused to disappear.

Rebirth in Independent India: After India gained independence, the reconstruction of Somnath became a matter of national pride. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel strongly advocated rebuilding the temple as a symbol of cultural self-respect and renewal.

The present temple was completed and consecrated in 1951, marking one of the earliest large cultural reconstruction projects of independent India.

Architecture and Setting: The current Somnath Temple is built in the Chalukya style of architecture, noted for its balance, elegance, and intricate carvings.

● The shikhara (spire) rises over 150 feet

● It is crowned with a golden Kalash

● The temple faces the Arabian Sea, creating a powerful and serene backdrop

● An inscription near the shore famously states that there is no land between Somnath and the South Pole, reflecting ancient India’s geographical understanding.

Living Traditions and Festivals: Somnath remains a vibrant centre of worship. Daily Abhishek, Aarti, and Darshan rituals attract thousands of devotees. Major festivals such as Mahashivratri, the month of Shravan, and Kartik Purnima see large pilgrimages.

The sound of temple bells blending with ocean waves gives Somnath its unique spiritual atmosphere.

Did You Know?

🔹 Somnath is the first Jyotirlinga among the twelve sacred Shiva shrines.

🔹 The first recorded attack on the temple took place in January 1026 CE.

🔹 The year 2026 marks 1,000 years since that historic attack.

🔹 Somnath has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over nearly a millennium.

🔹 The modern temple was completed in 1951, soon after India’s independence.

🔹 The site is believed to be a Triveni Sangam, where the rivers Hiran, Kapila, and Saraswati meet the sea.

Somnath: A Symbol Beyond Stone

Today, the Somnath Temple stands as a monument to faith that survives time and turmoil. Its thousand-year history reminds us that while structures may fall, belief, culture, and identity endure. Facing the endless sea, Somnath continues to inspire generations with its message of resilience, devotion, and rebirth.

Nature’s Skilled Tree Drummers

WOODPECKERS 

Woodpeckers are fascinating birds best known for their strong beaks and rhythmic drumming sounds. They use their sharp, powerful beaks to peck holes into trees and wooden surfaces. This pecking is so fast and forceful that it produces a loud tapping or drumming sound, which can often be heard from far away.

Physical Features

Woodpeckers show great variety in appearance depending on their species. Their feathers come in many colours such as red, white, grey, green, and brown. Some species have striking red or yellow markings on their heads, making them easy to identify.

One remarkable feature of woodpeckers is the presence of special feathers near their nostrils. These act like filters and prevent tiny wood particles from entering their nose while pecking. They also have a long, sticky tongue that helps them pull insects out from deep cracks in trees.

Their stiff tail feathers play an important role too. When a woodpecker pecks at wood, these strong tail feathers act like a support or prop, helping the bird balance against the tree trunk.

Another unique feature is their feet. Woodpeckers have two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward on each foot. This toe arrangement helps them grip tree trunks firmly and stay steady while climbing and pecking.

Habitat and Distribution

Woodpeckers are found in many parts of the world, including forests, woodlands, and even parks and gardens. Most species prefer forested areas where trees provide food, shelter, and nesting spaces.

Scientists believe there are more than 180 species of woodpeckers worldwide. Some well-known species include the Gila woodpecker, red-headed woodpecker, and white woodpecker.

Food and Feeding Habits

Woodpeckers mainly feed on insects such as termites, beetles, ants, and grasshoppers. By eating harmful insects, they help keep forests healthy. Apart from insects, some woodpeckers also eat nuts, seeds, fruits, and berries. Certain species drink sap—the sweet, juice-like substance found inside trees.

Woodpecker Habits and Behaviour

Woodpeckers usually live in holes in trees. Often, they carve these holes themselves using their beaks.

Most species make their homes in forests, though some adapt well to human surroundings.

They use a variety of sounds such as drumming, chattering, and twittering to communicate.

Some woodpecker species are territorial and protect their nesting areas from other birds and animals.

Drumming is not only for finding food—it is also used to attract mates and mark territory.

Conservation and Threats

Due to large-scale deforestation, several woodpecker species are now endangered. The imperial woodpecker and the ivory-billed woodpecker are among the most threatened. In fact, some scientists believe the imperial woodpecker may have already become extinct.

Did You Know?

● Woodpeckers can peck wood up to 20 times in a single second.

● Their skulls are specially designed to absorb shock, protecting their brains from injury.

● A woodpecker’s tongue can be longer than its beak and wraps around its skull when not in use.

Conclusion

Woodpeckers are truly remarkable birds with unique adaptations that help them survive and thrive in their environment. From their powerful beaks and sticky tongues to their strong feet and tails, every feature has a purpose. Protecting forests is essential to ensure that these skilled tree drummers continue to be a part of our natural world.

Do you know

WHAT ARE BIOMETRICS?

In an increasingly digital world, verifying identity accurately and securely has become essential. From unlocking smartphones to accessing bank accounts, biometrics play a vital role in modern authentication systems. But what exactly are biometrics, and why are they considered so reliable?

Meaning of Biometrics: The term biometrics comes from two Greek words: bios (life) and metron (measure).

Biometrics refers to the measurement and statistical analysis of unique physical and behavioural characteristics of individuals used to identify or verify a person’s identity.

Unlike passwords or ID cards, biometric traits are intrinsic to a person, making them difficult to steal, forget, or forge.

Biometrics was first used in ancient civilisations, long before modern technology existed.

Early Use of Biometrics:

● Ancient Babylon (around 500 BCE)

The earliest known use of biometrics is traced to ancient Babylon, where fingerprints were used on clay tablets for business transactions. People pressed their fingerprints into wet clay to seal contracts and confirm identity.

● Ancient China (around 300 BCE)

In China, fingerprints and handprints were used as marks of identification, especially in legal documents and criminal investigations.

● Modern Scientific Use

19th Century – British India

Modern biometric science began in British India.

Sir William Herschel, a British officer in Bengal (1850s), used fingerprints to prevent fraud in contracts and pension payments.

Later, Sir Francis Galton scientifically studied fingerprints and proved their uniqueness, laying the foundation of modern fingerprint identification.

Law Enforcement Adoption:

● Early 20th Century

Fingerprint identification was formally adopted by police forces in Europe and the United States, replacing earlier methods like anthropometry (Anthropometry is about measuring the human body, while biometrics focuses on identifying individuals using unique biological features.)

In Short

First known use: Ancient Babylon

Scientific development: 19th-century British India

Widespread adoption: 20th-century law enforcement

Biometrics, therefore, is both ancient in origin and modern in application, evolving from clay tablets to digital scanners.

Types of Biometric Identifiers: Biometrics are broadly classified into two categories.

1. Physical (Physiological) Biometrics

These are based on the physical features of the human body:

● Fingerprint recognition

● Iris and retina scans

● Facial recognition

● Hand geometry

● DNA analysis

Each of these traits is unique to an individual and remains largely stable over time.

2. Behavioural Biometrics

These are based on patterns of behaviour rather than physical appearance:

● Voice recognition

● Signature dynamics

● Typing rhythm (keystroke dynamics)

● Gait (walking style)

Behavioural biometrics may change slightly over time but still offer reliable identification when combined with other methods.

How Biometric Systems Work: A typical biometric system functions in three main steps.

● Enrollment – The individual’s biometric data is captured and stored in digital form.

● Storage – The data is converted into a biometric template and securely saved.

● Matching – During authentication, the live biometric sample is compared with the stored template to confirm identity.

Uses of Biometrics: Biometric technology is widely used across various sectors.

● Smartphones and personal devices (fingerprint and face unlock)

● Banking and financial services (secure transactions)

● Government identification systems (such as Aadhaar in India)

● Border control and immigration

● Attendance systems in schools and offices

● Healthcare and law enforcement

Advantages of Biometrics:

● High security – Unique to each individual

● Convenience – No need to remember passwords or carry cards

● Accuracy – Reduces identity fraud and duplication

● Efficiency – Quick and seamless authentication

Concerns and Limitations: Despite their benefits, biometrics also raise certain concerns.

● Privacy issues – Misuse or leakage of biometric data can have serious consequences

● Data security – Unlike passwords, biometric traits cannot be changed if compromised

● Cost and infrastructure – Advanced systems may be expensive to implement

● Errors – False acceptance or rejection can occur in some cases

Conclusion: Biometrics represent a significant advancement in the field of identification and security. By relying on unique human traits, biometric systems offer a blend of convenience, accuracy, and enhanced protection. However, their use must be balanced with strong data protection measures and ethical considerations to ensure trust and safety in the digital age.

As technology evolves, biometrics are set to become even more integrated into everyday life, shaping how we identify ourselves in a connected world.

Do You Know?

● Fingerprints begin forming before birth—around the 10th week of pregnancy—and remain unchanged throughout a person’s life.

● No two irises are alike, not even those of identical twins, making iris recognition one of the most accurate biometric methods.

● India operates the world’s largest biometric identification system, Aadhaar, which uses fingerprints and iris scans of over a billion people.

● Biometric data is stored as encrypted templates, not as actual images, to enhance security and privacy.

● Behavioural biometrics can identify a person even without touch, such as by analysing how they type or walk.

Do you know

WHAT IS THE MYSTERIOUS ‘ZONE OF SILENCE?

Deep in the Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico lies a place wrapped in mystery and rumours—the Mapimí Zone of Silence. Often compared to the Bermuda Triangle, this remote desert region has earned its eerie name from stories claiming that radio signals fail, compasses behave strangely, and communication devices simply stop working, as though the air itself falls silent.

How the Mystery Began: The legend of the Zone of Silence began in the 1970s, when a United States Air Force rocket went off course during a test and crashed in this desert region. The unexpected accident sparked curiosity and fear. Soon, rumours spread that unusual magnetic forces or mysterious elements in the soil had caused the crash and were interfering with radio signals.

As the story grew, so did the myths. People spoke of glowing lights in the night sky, oddly shaped plants, unusual animals, and even alien encounters. The Zone of Silence quickly became a hotspot for thrill-seekers, conspiracy theorists, and curious travellers from around the world.

Science Behind the Silence: Despite its spooky reputation, scientists say the truth is far less mysterious. Researchers explain that radio disruptions can occur naturally in remote desert areas due to terrain, atmospheric conditions, and lack of transmission towers. Similar signal issues happen in many isolated parts of the world.

There is no scientific evidence of abnormal magnetic fields, alien activity, or supernatural forces in the region. In fact, scientists who work there regularly report that their radios and instruments function normally.

A Treasure of Biodiversity: Far from being a lifeless wasteland, the Zone of Silence is part of the Mapimí Biosphere Reserve, a protected area and research station established to study desert ecosystems. It is one of Mexico’s most important ecological zones.

The region is home to:

● Over 200 species of birds

● More than 400 varieties of plants

● Around 36 species of reptiles, including rare desert lizards and snakes

Many of the plants and animals appear unusual simply because they have adapted to extreme desert conditions, not because they are mutants.

Tourism and Tall Tales: Historians believe that many of the myths were deliberately exaggerated by locals to attract tourists after the rocket crash drew attention to the area. The mysterious reputation helped transform a remote desert into a place of global fascination.

Today, visitors still come hoping to experience something unexplained, but most leave with a deeper appreciation for desert ecology rather than paranormal phenomena.

Mystery vs Reality: The Mapimí Zone of Silence reminds us how easily stories can grow larger than facts, especially when isolation and imagination mix. While it may not silence radios or host aliens, it remains mysterious in another way—through its rich biodiversity, harsh beauty, and scientific importance.

Sometimes, the real wonder of a place lies not in myths, but in nature itself.

A Fruit Rooted in Ritual, History, and Health

GRAPES 🍇

A Fruit Older Than Written History

Grapes are among the earliest cultivated fruits known to humanity, with archaeological evidence dating back over 6,000 years. From ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to Greece and Rome, grapes were more than nourishment—they were symbols of divinity, fertility, abundance, and purity.

In Greek mythology, grapes were associated with Dionysus, the god of wine, celebration, and transformation. The Romans elevated viticulture to an art form, believing vineyards represented civilisation itself. Growing grapes was not merely agricultural—it was cultural and sacred.

The Colonial Trail of Grapevines

The global spread of grapes owes much to European exploration and colonisation. Missionaries, traders, and settlers carried grapevines across continents. Through colonial trade routes, grapes transformed from a regional crop into a global agricultural commodity, shaping cuisines, economies, and cultures wherever they took root.

India’s Enduring Affair with Grapes

In India, grapes have found fertile ground—both agriculturally and culturally.

Maharashtra leads the country in grape production, with Nashik, often called India’s Wine Capital, gaining international recognition for fresh grape exports.

Karnataka, the second-largest producer, is known for quality table grapes and raisins, especially in Bijapur and Bagalkot districts.

Tamil Nadu ranks third, with significant production in Theni, Krishnagiri, and Coimbatore.

India is now among the world’s important grape producers, contributing to both domestic consumption and global markets.

When Grapes Turn Luxurious

Not all grapes are humble. In Japan, Ruby Roman grapes redefine luxury. Cultivated under stringent quality standards, these grapes are prized for their exceptional size, deep red colour, sweetness, and low acidity. A single bunch can cost thousands of rupees and is often gifted as a symbol of prestige and respect. It is proof that even the simplest fruit can acquire extraordinary value based on care, cultivation, and culture.

Tiny Fruit, Powerful Benefits

Despite their size, grapes pack impressive health benefits:

Rich in antioxidants, especially resveratrol, which supports heart health

Aid circulation and help reduce inflammation

Provide vitamins, natural sugars, and quick energy

Support skin, brain, and immune health

Interestingly, many benefits lie in the skin of the grape. Nutritionists recommend washing grapes thoroughly to remove pesticide residue before consumption.

Green Grapes vs Black Grapes: Does Colour Matter?

Yes, colour does matter.

Green grapes are mildly sweet and refreshing, rich in vitamin C and K, ideal for hydration, digestion, and quick energy.

Black grapes contain higher levels of anthocyanins and antioxidants, linked to anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties.

Both varieties are nutritious, but your choice can depend on your health goal—refreshment or antioxidant boost.

The grape ritual

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, a quiet yet curious ritual unfolds. Participants sit with twelve grapes at the ready, eyes fixed on the final countdown. With each chime of the clock, one grape is eaten—chew, wish, swallow—until all twelve are consumed. Each grape symbolises one month of the coming year, carrying a silent hope or intention for what lies ahead.

Rooted in Spanish folklore, the tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight is believed to invite good fortune, prosperity, and happiness for the year ahead. Simple in practice yet rich in symbolism, the ritual transforms an ordinary fruit into an edible calendar of optimism, where each passing second marks a wish for the future.

Quiet, personal, and hopeful, this grape ritual reflects a universal desire shared across cultures—the wish to begin a new year with faith, intention, and fresh beginnings.

From Vine to Wine, Fermentation

Beyond rituals and trends, grapes have long been valued for their remarkable ability to transform. One of the most celebrated products of grapes is wine, created through the natural process of fermentation, where yeast converts the fruit’s sugars into alcohol. This process, practised for thousands of years, gave rise to winemaking traditions across ancient civilisations, making wine one of the earliest fermented beverages known to humankind. Different grape varieties, climates, and ageing methods influence a wine’s flavour, aroma, and colour, turning grapes into a product of craftsmanship and culture. Apart from wine, grapes are also processed into raisins, grape juice, vinegar, and grape seed oil, each extending the fruit’s usefulness far beyond the vine. Through fermentation and preservation, grapes continue to bridge nutrition, tradition, and artistry.

Interesting Grape Facts

● There are over 8,000 varieties of grapes worldwide

● Grapes float in water due to their high water content

● In ancient Greece and Rome, grapes were used as medicine for wound healing

● Cabernet Sauvignon is among the most widely planted wine grape varieties

● Grapes are one of the few fruits used fresh, dried (raisins), fermented (wine), and juiced

Heterochromia.

CAN A PERSON HAVE TWO DIFFERENT-COLOURED EYES?

Yes, a person can have eyes of two different colours. This rare and fascinating condition is known as heterochromia.

How Eye Colour Develops: The colour of our eyes is determined by the iris, the coloured part of the eye. Eye colour develops during the first few weeks after birth. It depends on the amount of a pigment called melanin present in the iris.

More melanin → darker eye colour (brown or black)

Less melanin → lighter eye colour (blue, green, or grey)

What Is Heterochromia?

Sometimes, the concentration or distribution of melanin is not the same in both eyes. When this happens, each eye may develop a different colour. This condition is called heterochromia.

Heterochromia is rare, usually harmless and often inherited from one of the parents. In most cases, it does not affect vision and requires no treatment.

Types of Heterochromia:

● Heterochromia can appear in different forms:

●Complete heterochromia – each eye is a completely different colour

●Partial (sectoral) heterochromia – one iris has two colours

●Central heterochromia – a ring of a different colour surrounds the pupil

Famous People with Heterochromia

Several well-known personalities have heterochromia, which adds to their unique appearance:

Kate Bosworth, American actress

Demi Moore, American actress (subtle form)

Shane Warne, legendary Australian cricketer

Their condition has helped bring public attention to this rare trait.

A Unique Feature, Not a Flaw: Heterochromia reminds us that human diversity is full of wonder. What may seem unusual is often just another example of nature’s creativity. Eyes of two different colours are not a defect—they are simply beautifully unique.

Did You Know?

● The word heterochromia comes from Greek—heteros meaning different and chroma meaning colour.

●Babies are often born with blue or grey eyes because melanin develops gradually after birth.

●Heterochromia can also be seen in animals, especially cats, dogs, and horses.

●People with heterochromia usually have perfectly normal eyesight.

●The condition makes eye colour one of the most unique identifiers of a person.

Manipur’s Majestic Gift of Polo to the World

FROM SAGOL KANGJEI TO POLO 

India—more specifically Manipur—gifted the world one of its most majestic and aristocratic games: Polo, in its modern form. Long before it became a symbol of royalty and leisure in the West, Polo was played on the lush plains of Manipur as Sagol Kangjei, a sport deeply woven into the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of Manipuri life.

Meaning and Origins of Sagol Kangjei: The term Sagol Kangjei comes from the Manipuri language—Sagol meaning pony, and Kangjei meaning a game played with sticks. Thus, Sagol Kangjei literally translates to “a game played on ponies using sticks.”

Although the exact origins of the game remain a subject of historical debate, references to Sagol Kangjei can be traced back to ancient times. According to the Royal Chronicle of Manipur (Cheitharol Kumbaba), the game was introduced by King Kangba, who ruled Manipur around 33 CE. Initially enjoyed by princes and members of royal families, the sport was also used as training for warfare.

A Game of Skill, Speed, and Warfare: In its early form, Sagol Kangjei was not merely a sport but a military exercise. Princes practiced throwing the Arambai—a deadly dart with iron heads often decorated with peacock feathers—while riding swiftly on horseback. This sharpened their riding skills, coordination, and combat readiness.

Players rode a special and hardy breed known as the Manipuri Pony, renowned for its endurance, agility, and intelligence. These ponies were perfectly suited to the fast-paced and physically demanding nature of the game.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance: Ponies hold a sacred place in Manipuri society and mythology. They are associated with Marjing, a revered deity believed to be the protector of horses. Even today, Polo sticks and balls are offered to the deity during worship, reflecting the spiritual reverence attached to the sport.

The cultural importance of Sagol Kangjei is also evident in Lai Haraoba, one of Manipur’s most significant festivals. During the celebrations, a ritual dance portrays a bride searching for her groom, holding a Polo stick, symbolising the sport’s deep-rooted presence in Manipuri life and traditions.

From Sagol Kangjei to Modern Polo: The unique sport caught the attention of British colonial rulers in the 19th century when they witnessed it being played in the plains of Cachar (present-day Assam). Fascinated, the British adapted and standardised the game, modifying its rules and structure.

Thus was born Modern Polo, typically played between two teams of seven players each, with defined goalposts and standardised equipment. From India, the game spread to England and eventually to countries across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

Traditional Sagol Kangjei vs Modern Polo: Traditional Sagol Kangjei differs significantly from its modern counterpart:

● Players rode bareback, without saddles or reins

● The game was played barefoot

● There were no goalposts; goals were scored by hitting the ball past either end of the field

● The ball was traditionally made from bamboo roots, unlike the synthetic balls used worldwide today

● These elements made Sagol Kangjei a raw, thrilling, and intensely skilled sport.

Mapal Kangjeibung: The Oldest Polo Ground

The heart of Polo in Manipur lies in Mapal Kangjeibung, located in Imphal. Recognised as the oldest polo ground in the world, it stands as a living testament to Manipur’s enduring polo heritage.

Every year, during the 10-day Manipur Sangai Festival held in the last week of November, an International Polo Tournament takes place here. Teams from countries such as the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, Thailand, and several others participate, celebrating Manipur’s timeless legacy.

A Living Heritage: Sagol Kangjei is not just the origin of modern Polo—it is a living heritage, a symbol of Manipuri identity, resilience, and cultural pride. In an age where Polo is often seen as an elite sport, its roots in Manipur remind the world of a tradition born from community, courage, and cultural continuity.

Manipur did not merely play Polo—it gave the world a game that continues to inspire grace, discipline, and sportsmanship across continents.