Category Archives: Historical Links, Pre-Independence

Revelling in ruins

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

TWO BEINGS OF TRANSITION AND NEGLECT : Olga and the Bidar ruins / The Hindu

Photographer K. Venkatesh wants to draw our attention to two disparate causes, getting them to embrace each other

K. Venkatesh, a freelance news photographer is back with his photography exhibition, which is almost an annual feature now. This time, the exhibition, titled “Beauty and The Beholder”, comprises 51 photographs featuring Olga B. Aaron, a Chennai-based transwoman and social activist, modelling among the ruins of Bidar’s imposing fortress, and Takht Mahal.

Bidar, in north Karnataka’s Deccan Plateau, is home to one of the largest forts in India with an almost six-mile diameter; it was built during the Bahamani rule. It was one of the largest kingdoms in India in the 15 century. Venkatesh points out that despite its stature as the “envy of Rome”, Bidar has been largely ignored by everybody.

Venkatesh is well-known for using eunuchs as models for the first time in India, and has done an elaborate feature on the transgender festival and rituals at Koovagam (Tamil Nadu); he’s also produced perhaps the country’s first transgender calendar. Why does he repeatedly choose to work with transgenders? “Why not?” is his first instinctive response. “If they suit my subject, I will get them to model,” says Venkatesh who has interacted with transgenders for the last 15 years and produced three exhibitions featuring them.

“Nearly five years ago, I shot among the ruins in Bidar. But when I came back and saw my photographs, I felt they were too static and not communicating anything… there was no human touch. So I didn’t do anything with those pictures. Recently, when I was thinking about it again, I saw parallels between the neglected ruins of Bidar and the neglected lives of transgenders…” Olga, who had been to his photo show earlier, had expressed her desire to work with him.

Olga, who brought along her own costumes to the shoot, stands in stark colourful contrast to the rusty brown and black of the ruins, peeling plaster, and exposed bricks. She’s sprawled on the floor, her sari pallu spread out like in an ad, sometimes sitting dreamily in a vandalised nook in the wall, or simply basking sensuously in the sun among the arches. Or, clad in animal prints, she looks like she’s emerging from the fort’s shadows. Of course, Olga hadn’t heard of Bidar, and when Venkatesh spoke to her first about the project, he simply asked her to Google it!

The exhibition, which opened today, is on till November 30 at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Kumara Krupa Road, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call Venkatesh on 98440-25525.

source: http://www.TheHindu.com  / Home> Life & Style> MetroPlus / by Bhumika K. / November 26th, 2012

Natl. meet on Ayurveda & Herbal drug technology at Teresian

Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Nature, Science & Technology

Mysore, Nov. 19-

Teresian College, Siddarthanagar, in commemoration of its Golden Jubilee celebrations this year, has organised a two-day National Conference on “Emerging Trends in Ayurveda and Herbal Drug Technology” under the aegis of its UG Department of Chemistry and UG & PG Departments of Biotechnology in collaboration with the Government Ayurveda Medical College on Nov. 22 and 23 at its Golden Jubilee auditorium.

Around 400 delegates from all over India are expected to attend the conference being jointly sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi and NHRM, Department of AYUSH.

The conference will be inaugurated by Dr. G.N. Sreekantaiah, Director, Department of AYUSH. Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan, former Vice-Chancellor, Symbiosis International University, Pune, will deliver the key note address and Prof. K.S. Rangappa, Vice-Chancellor of KSOU, will preside.

Researchers may share their research findings in the form of oral and poster presentations during the conference. Students will get an exposure to the ongoing research work.

For details, contact the Organising Secretary on email: etahdt2012@gmail.com or Mob: 99169-01194, 94480-66382.

Ayurveda and Herbal Drug Technology

The sciences of life — ancient and contemporary — are not at crossroads. Instead they are the sparkling spokes of a golden wheel — a wheel of revolution that has the potential to enable inexpensive, accessible, safe preventive and curative health care for all globally.

The Human Genome Project, longevity genes, personalised medicine, life style disorders, nanotechnology in medical care, new animal models or its alternatives in research, stem cell research, environmental hazards caused due to man-made or natural calamities, tissue culture, genetically modified food, nutraceuticals, fetus scans, etc., are just some of the innumerable buzz words from modern biology rich with technical and technological innovations on one hand. On the other hand, we have forgotten what ancient knowledge has in store.

Ayurveda and Vedic sciences have been and continue to be overshadowed by such contemporary fashions. Ayurveda’s ‘spaimage’ of oil massages or that of herbs and concoctions arrived at by trial and error and advised differently to each person continues this day to be thought of as quackery. But today, from many parts of the world revolutionary thinkers and visionary leaders are starting to recognise the wisdom within as the basis of functional medicine and medicine for the future.

It seems like this ancient Indian system of medicine which has stood the test of time is gradually being given due attention that it deserves. Can Ayurveda regain its rightful place as the parent of personalised medicine, as a system of medicine which has stood the test of time and one that can guide the future of modern functional medicine?

Biotechnology stands for life techniques so also Ayurveda — it encompasses all life sciences albeit in codified Sanskrit language which needs to be decoded with the aid of present life sciences so it becomes imperative to merge them into a beautiful blend to maintain their identity, integrity yet endorse mutually.

Scientists of allied life sciences think they aid ancient medical sciences by creating the much needed evidence while Ayurveda proponents claim that other life sciences benefit by the rich source of knowledge which is being exploited and unacknowledged often. Here is an effort to crumple egoistic walls and bridge gaps to build bridges for mutual benefit.

Here are a few examples of how all promote each other and ultimately each living being reaps rich dividend. The new and vivid concept of ‘Reverse pharmacology’ integrates documented clinical and experimental hits into leads that are further developed into drug formulations. The approach boasts the brilliant combination of traditional medicine and the latest technology to provide better and safer leads. Globally, this approach has now evoked an immense pursuit in Ayurveda and Indian pharmacology.

— Dr. Vinay B. Raghavendra (Asst. Professor, Teresian College), Dr. R.A. Vasantha (Associate Prof-essor) and Dr. Shanthala Priyadarshini (Professor, Govt. Ayurveda Medical College).

source: http://www.Starof Mysore.com / General News /  November 19th, 2012

Mysore Maharaja’s carriage to be auctioned at UK

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, World Opinion

A magnificent 19th century State carriage which belonged to the Mysore Maharajas, is set to be auctioned in the United Kingdom by historics auctioneers.

Used exclusively by the royal family of Mysore and to transport European royalty including the Prince of Wales, the carriage is expected to sell for £70,000 to £100,000. This horse or elephant-drawn State carriage is thought to be of British origin and dates from arou-nd early to mid-19th century.

It features an imposing and ornately finished cruciform body with a vaulted, domed roof situated atop double elliptic springs and iron bound artillery patterned wheels. The basic colour is olive green embellished with delicate meander boarders, floral and heraldic motifs and the family coat of arms. Most of the 16 windows offer drop-down, decorated panels and shutters for privacy.

The interior is upholstered in beige damask and the roof has decorative paintwork, carved border moldings and finials.

The exterior houses two seats perhaps used by servants and courtiers and given the detailing and design throughout, could easily be described as a work of art, as can be seen in a wall painting of it at the Mysore Palace Museum. It is thought to have been last used at the Cha-mundeshwari Festival in 1927.

The Wadiyar dynasty, established by Vijaya, ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399. Vijaya took on the name and ruled Mysore, then a small town, from 1399 CE to 1423 CE. From 1760 to 1799, the rule of the dynasty was essentially nominal, with real power in the hands of successive Dalwai, or Commanders-in-Chief, Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who expanded the kingdom aggressively, but clashed with the East India Company.

After Tipu Sultan was killed when the British stormed Seringapatnam in 1799, the Wadiyars were restored to power by the British.

It was offered at auction by an Australian firm, Leonard Joel, on Feb. 22. It is believed to have been offered by a private British collection. It was later exhibited at Sotheby’s Olympia on 1991, and was acquired by historians.

The carriage will be auctioned on Nov. 24, 2012 at the Brooklands Museum in the United Kingdom.

[For more details, contact Dr. Rahul Sharma on email: drrahulsharmaji@yahoo.com.]

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / Home> Feature Articles / November 07th, 2012

Noor Inayat Khan: The Indian princess who spied for Britai

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, World Opinion

The Princess Royal is set to unveil a sculpture of Noor Inayat Khan, dubbed the “Spy Princess” by her biographer Shrabani Basu in London’s Gordon Square Gardens.

Raised in Britain and France and a descendant of Indian royalty, bilingual Noor Inayat Khan was recruited by the elite Special Operations Executive (SOE) in 1942 to work in Paris as a radio operator.

Records from the national archives show she was the first female wireless operator sent to Nazi-occupied France during World War II.

After evading capture for three months, the spy was imprisoned, tortured and eventually shot by the German Gestapo at Dachau concentration camp in 1944.

Her final word – uttered as the German firing squad raised their weapons – was simple. “Liberté”.

Liberty was a notion the pacificist-turned-war-heroine held deeply, according to Ms Basu.

For her bravery, she was posthumously awarded the George Cross. In France she was honoured with the Croix de Guerre, and later with two memorials and an annual ceremony marking her death.

Indian royalty

Brave, glamorous and both sensitive and formidable, it is said she acted not out of a love for Britain, but out of an aversion to fascism and dictatorial rule.

Her father was a musician and Sufi teacher, and Noor Inayat Khan was raised with strong principles and believed in religious tolerance and non-violence.

Ms Basu claims she “couldn’t bear to see an occupied country”, a notion that seems to run in her family.

Noor Inayat Khan’s great-great-great-grandfather was Tipu Sultan, an 18th century Muslim ruler of Mysore. He refused to submit to British rule and was killed in battle in 1799.

Born on 1 January 1914 in Russia to an Indian father and American mother, the agent’s infancy was spent in London.

The family moved to France when she was a child and lived in Paris, where she was educated and learnt fluent French.

A bronze sculpture of Khan has been erected in Gordon Square Gardens on land owned by the University of London

The national archives describe how the sensitive young woman studied both medicine and music.

In 1939 the Twenty Jataka Tales, a collection of traditional Indian children’s stories she had retold, were published in Le Figaro.

When war broke out in 1939, Noor Inayat Khan trained as a nurse with the French Red Cross.

She fled the country just before the government surrendered to Germany in November 1940, escaping by boat to England with her mother and sister.

‘Tigress’

Shortly after arriving in the UK, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) as a wireless operator and soon caught the attention of recruiters from the SOE.

Also known at the time as Nora Baker, Khan joined the elite spy squad in 1942.

She was deployed to France a short time later despite an SOE training report describing her as “not over-burdened with brains” and “unsuited to work in her field”.

Codenamed “Madeleine”, she joined others in the resistance network Prosper, famously tasked by then Prime Minister Winston Churchill to “set Europe ablaze”.

Despite suspicions that the network had been infiltrated by a Nazi spy, Khan refused to return to Britain, risking arrest by the Gestapo.

Ms Basu – who spent eight years researching her life – told the BBC: “She was this gentle writer of children’s stories, a musician, but she was transformed. She was a tigress in the field.”

Noor Inayat Khan was raised by her Sufi father to be tolerant of other religions and a pacifist

With her team gradually captured by the Gestapo, Noor Inayat Khan continued for as long as possible to send intercepted radio messages back to England.

Despite her commanders urging her to return to England, she single-handedly ran a cell of spies across Paris for three more months, frequently changing her appearance and alias.

Eventually, she was betrayed, arrested and imprisoned. She was sent to Pforzheim prison in Germany where she was kept shackled and in solitary confinement.

She refused to reveal any information, despite 10 months of repeated beatings, starvation and torture by her Nazi captors.

Her fortitude – and two escape attempts – led her captors to brand her “highly dangerous”, despite her pacifist upbringing.

‘Inner strength’

In September 1944, she and three other female SOE agents were transferred to Dachau concentration camp where on 13 September they were shot and killed.

Ms Basu has described her life as “inspirational”, and said the modern world can draw lessons from the story of Noor Inayat Khan.

She said: “For her to come into this world on the front line taking on the Gestapo, showed her inner strength and her courage, her immense courage and resilience.

“It’s very inspiring, especially given the the troubled times that we live in. It is important to remember these qualities and values.

“Two and a half million Indians volunteered for the war effort and it was the largest single volunteer army.

“I think we must not forget their contribution. Noor was part of this.”

source: http://www.bbc.co.uk / Home> UK / by Samantha Dalton, BBC News / November 08th, 2012

Indian-origin ‘spy princess’ Noor Inayat Khan to be honoured by England

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nri's / Pio's, Records, All

A bronze bust of Indian-origin British ‘spy princess’ Noor Inayat Khan, who worked in France during World War II before being tortured and shot by the Germans, is being unveiled today in Gordon Square Gardens here, near the house where she lived as a child.

Noor Inayat Khan / DNA

It is said to be the first such memorial in Britain dedicated to a Muslim and the first in honour of an Asian woman.

Khan, posthumously awarded the George Cross for her work in France and for revealing nothing of use to her interrogators despite being tortured by the Gestapo for 10 months, is a direct descendant of Tipu Sultan, the renowned Tiger of erstwhile princely state of Mysore who refused to submit to British rule and who was killed in battle in 1799.

The event marks the end of several years of campaign by the Noor Inayat Khan Memorial Trust headed by her biographer Shrabani Basu, to revive the memory of the forgotten war heroine.

The campaign has received the support of British Prime Minister David Cameron and several MPs and Peers as well as from eminent women like film maker Gurinder Chadha, stage artist Nina Wadia and sitarist Anoushka Shankar.

Basu, founder of the Noor Memorial Trust and author of her biography – Spy Princess – said she became interested in Khan’s story from “pure curiosity” about how an Indian woman could have been involved in the theatre of war in Europe.

“As I started researching her life, I realised she was a Sufi who believed in non-violence and religious harmony and had yet volunteered to be in the frontline,” Basu, a journalist, said.

“Khan – code named Madeline and shot dead at Dachau concentration camp, was the proud descendant of a ruler who had died fighting the British, her own father was a strong nationalist, and Noor was a great admirer of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.

“Though she believed firmly in Indian independence, she was focused and knew that it was important to fight the war against fascism”.

Khan was the last essential link with London after mass arrests by the Gestapo destroyed the Special Operations Executive (SOE)’s spy network in Paris.

As her spy circuit collapsed, her commanders urged her to return, but she refused to abandon her French comrades without communications.

For three months, she single-handedly ran a cell of spies across Paris, frequently changing her appearance and name until she was eventually captured.

The bust is being installed on land owned by the University of London, close to the Bloomsbury house where the spy princess lived as a child in 1914 and where she returned while training for the SOE during the World War II.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / Daily News & Analysis / Home> India> Report / Place: London, Agency: PTI / Thursday, November 08th, 2012

Tippu Sultan’s Descendent Noor Inayat’s Bronze Bust at London

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Records, All

London, Nov. 5

A bronze bust of Noor Inayat Khan also known as ‘Spy Princess’ for her role in a dangerous secret mission against the Nazis, will be unveiled by Princess Anne in London on Nov. 8.

The bust is sculpted by Karen Newman, a London-based artist and will be installed in the north-east corner of Gordon Square, near the house where Noor lived and spent her off-days reading on a bench in the Square.

Basu, author of Spy Princess, The Life of Noor Inayat Khan and the founder of Noor Inayat Khan Memorial Trust, which raised 60,000 Pounds from the public for the memorial said that the memorial for Noor in Gordon Square would ensure that her story of bravery and sacrifice will not be forgotten by the future generations.

Noor Inayat Khan was born to an Indian father Hazrath Inayat Khan and an American mother Ora Ray Baker in the Soviet Union on 1st January 1914. Noor was a descendant of Tipu Sultan, the 18th century ruler of Mysore. Noor’s family lived in London and moved to Paris when Noor was just six years old. On the outbreak of the Second World War she trained as a nurse with the Red Cross.

In May 1940 France was invaded by the German Army. Just before the French government surrendered she escaped to London with her mother and sister.

Noor volunteered for the war effort and joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and was eventually recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE).

Noor was the first woman operator to be infiltrated into occupied France and did crucial work for the allies. She was betrayed, captured and finally killed in the Dachau Concentration Camp.

Noor IUnayat Khan was posthumously awarded the George Cross by Britain and Croix de Guere award by France.

source:  http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / November 06th, 2012

‘Wheels-2012’ enthralls auto buffs in city

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Sports, Travel

The automobile enthusiasts had an opportunity to view the vintage cars, Jawa bikes, mopeds, Yezdi bikes, sports cars, and superbikes, at auto expo— ‘Wheels – 2012’ organised by Flames, a students’ association of mechanical engineering students of Sahyadri College of Engineering.

A rally was organised as a part of the auto expo. The rally was flagged off at Mahaveera Circle and concluded at the college campus, in Adyar.

MYK-5970 Ambassador car manufactured in 1951 in America, from Manjusha museum at Dharmasthala welcomed the visitors at the expo.

Dilip Kumar had exhibited a bicycle with gear facility. The bicycle was made in Britain way back in 1951.

‘Suvega’ of 1976,  Lambretta-48 of 1956, Yezdi from Czechoslovakia, Jawa bikes were centre of attraction among the youth. Jawa bikes were household names in India when it was introduced in the Indian market. It had become part of Indian lifestyle. In fact, Jawa had set up its unit in India in 1962 and was renamed as Jawa Yezdi, said a student.

Different models of Jawa bikes were also on display.  Other two-wheelers which were on display are ‘Ninja,’ ‘GSX,’ ‘Hayabusa,’ ‘R1’ bikes, which made the youth to ride the bikes at least once in their lifetime. Vintage cars too were  the star of attraction.

Morris Minor 1000, Ford jeep, Contessa car of Hindustan Motors, old Fiat car  along with modern cars like  Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Audi were on display. Customised cars and bikes and accessories, which enhance performances of cars and bikes like exhaust free headers and silencers, air-filters and other accessories, were also kept for display in the auto expo.

Organising committee head of the event Rakshith Shetty said this event has been organised to educate people about how automobile industry has changed over the years technology-wise.

The expo was inaugurated by Sanjay Rao of Mandovi Motors. He spoke on the importance of wearing safety belt. College Principal U Bhushi was present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Mangalore, DH News Service / October 20th, 2012

From here & there

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence, Nature, Science & Technology

Mandya & the Canadian link

Canadian-born Lesli C Coleman, regarded as one of the ‘makers of modern Mandya’, worked in Mandya district of princely Mysore province from 1908 for more than 40 years. Coleman is said to have worked tirelessly, helping farmers get better yields from their crops through pest control and better farming techniques.

Coleman is known to have designed several innovative agricultural implements many of which are found to have been used by farmers even today.

But that’s not all. Lesli Coleman has mainly been remembered by the people of Mandya for his initiative and efforts in setting up the sugar factory (with a 600-tonne cane crushing capacity) which was started in Mandya in 1933. A major milestone for the region.

In Chikmagalur district

He also worked in Chikmagalur district, where a research centre named Coffee Experimental Station (present-day Central Coffee Research Institute) was founded under his guidance, in 1925.

Coleman, who was basically an agricultural scientist, carried out extensive research in the field of agricultural science.

His major contributions have been research and teaching of entomology of agricultural pests and plant pathology.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Supplements> Spectrum / by S V Upendra Charya / October 30th, 2012

Heritage walk in city on Oct. 18

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

Mysore, Oct. 14

Tourists and Mysoreans now get a chance to take a look at the heritage buildings of the city through the Heritage Walk organised by Dasara Heritage Walk Sub-Committee to be held on Oct. 18 from Town Hall premises at 7 am.

The Heritage Walk will cover Clock Tower, Free Masons’ building, Chamarajendra Wadiyar Circle, Amba Vilas Palace, K.R. Circle, Dufferin Clock Tower, Devaraja Market, K.R. Hospital, Mysore Medical College & Research Institute (MMC&RI), Ayurvedic Hospital and culminate at CAVA.

Experts Prof. N.S. Rangaraju, journalists Echanur Kumar, architect Ravi Gundurao, Meena Mysore and Gavi Siddaiah will be providing information pertaining to the history, architecture, art and design of the buildings, said Sub-committee President Dr. J.V. Gayatri.

Minister for Urban Development S. Suresh Kumar will flag off the Walk. Mayor Rajeshwari Puttaswamy, Dy. Mayor Mahadevappa, Minister S.A. Ramdas and Corporator M.J. Ravikumar will participate.

source: http://www.StarofMysore.com / General News / October 14th, 2012

Dasara to get cracking with online quiz

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links, Pre-Independence

Mysore:

The Dasara executive committee is fine tuning events to attract visitors to Mysore.

Running against the deadline-the  Dasara festival starts on October 16-the official machinery is now focused on the festivities. This edition has some additions like a musical ensemble from dawn to dusk and magic shows. There is tax free entry for the visitors crossing inter-state borders. The state government has issued order waiving the entry tax from October 15, which will be on for a month, district minister SA Ramdas said on Wednesday.

Sideshwara Swami of Bijapur-based Gnanayogashram will inaugurate the festivities atop Chamundi Hills on October 16 at 10.42 am. Chief minister Jagadish Shettar and the deputy CMs will attend. The Dasara executive committee headed by the minister will start inviting the dignitaries from Thursday starting with the CM and cabinet ministers. On Friday, the minister with officials in tow will call on governor HR Bhardwaj at the Raj Bhavan and scion of the Mysore royal family Srikantadatta Narasimharaaja Wadiyar at Bangalore Palace and invite them. The invite will also be extended to the Chief Justice of the Karnataka high court Justice Vikramajit Sen.

Dasara events will start with an online quiz on Sunday. This is aimed at creating awareness about the flagship festival of the state and its history. The quiz is open for the applicants for registration at the official website for the Dasara www.mysoredasara.gov.in

“This edition of the festivities we are focusing on age-old traditions followed in the state like the customs practised by followers of different religions during marriage as the government has decided to celebrate the festivities traditionally,” Ramdas stated. The tableaus during the Dasara procession on October 24 will depict the customs and traditions followed here. It will also educate the masses about the various stages of evolution of transportation.

Ramdas admitted that the Cauvery crisis has affected the tourist flow but nonetheless said it will not impact the festivities with normalcy having returned to the Cauvery belt. “We were worried, but now hope that it will not affect the festival. The ball is now in the court of Cauvery River Authority and we hope we’ll get justice,” he stated.

According to him, commercial flights will operate during Dasara from Mysore Airport and the details will be announced in two days.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> City> Mysore / TNN, October 11th, 2012