How Well Do You Know India?

Many wonder about the origin of word ‘India’. The answer lies with the river Indus that gave origin to the word ‘India’. Aryan population used to call river Indus as Sindhu. When the Persian people came they termed it Hindu and thus Hindustan came into existence by combining sindhu and Hindu.

India has several ‘firsts’ in her name. Harappan culture was established in Indus valley civilization some 5000 years ago whereas during the same period many other cultures were only nomadic forest dwellers. India gave birth to four religions Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. More than 25% population of the world follows these religions. Will you be surprised to know that largest English speaking nation in world is none other than India? India is a great hub of scientists and engineers. Officially India has second largest pool of such precious human resources.

India has made tremendous gains in technology department. In fact, apart from USA and Japan, India is the only country to have made super computer indigenously. That does not come as a surprise knowing that the decimal system was developed in India in 100 BC. India is also a popular destination for health tours because of the quality of doctors and low cost. Going by the history books, approximately 2600 years ago, Sushruta (father of surgery) had performed complicated surgeries like brain surgery, fractures, cesareans and urinary stones etc. More than 125 surgical equipments were used in that period. Many ancient texts also indicate deep knowledge of subjects as complex as, physiology, digestion, anatomy, genetics, embryology, immunity etc. With reference from about India

Facts About India

Varanasi is said to be the oldest and continuously inhabited city in the world. Situated on the banks of great Ganges, it was earlier known as Benaras. Lord Buddha had visited this sacred place in 500 BC. It may sound ironical but India was the richest country on earth at one point of time. Fondly known as ‘The Golden Bird’, India lost that prestigious title when British arrived in India in the early 17th century. Even legendary Christopher Columbus, the great explorer had heard of India’s richness and wanted to visit this place.

Many of you will not be surprised to know that the value of ‘Pi’ was discovered in India during the early 6th century. Budhayana calculated its value and gave us the concept that was later known as Pythagorean Theorem. That clearly says that Europeans lagged behind in discovering such calculations. Time taken by earth to orbit around sun was first calculated by the great Bhaskaracharya. The exact figure was 365.258756484 days that was validated by astronomer Smart hundred of years later.

India also gifted trigonometry, algebra and calculus to the world. By as early as 11th century, Sridharacharya had given us quadratic equations. Indians were much ahead of other civilizations in terms of big numbers like 10 to the power of 53 whereas the maximum Romans and Greeks discovered was 106. One of the least known facts about India is that the art of Navigation originated in India in the river Sindhu 6000 years ago. The Sanskrit word Navgatih gave origin to the word Navigation. Used with permission: Factsaboutindia.org

The Beauty of India

India has a great history of more than thousand years. There are several interesting facts about this land of miracles. India is the world's oldest, largest, and continuous civilization that has never invaded any country in her entire history. Not for nothing India preaches tolerance, peace and resilience. India is also the largest democracy in world. India has been at the forefront of several inventions and milestones. For example, the number system was invented in India. The great Aryabhatta invented zero. According to a report in prestigious Forbes magazine, our own Sanskrit fits the bill perfectly when it comes to choosing language for computer software. Sanskrit is also said to be the mother of all European languages. In 700 BC, the first university of the world was built in Takshashila. Even during that time, students from all over the world came to study here. The total subjects were more than 60 and approximately 10,500 students from diverse nationalities came to get sound education.

4th century BC witnessed establishment of Nalanda University that was a great foot forward in the education arena. Ancient India is extremely rich in terms of such milestones. Not many people know that earliest school of medicine is Ayurveda and that again was a gift from India to the entire world. Charak is known as the father of medicine. He is credited to establish its roots. Even in this modern age, many people are reverting back to Ayurveda for its magical effect and harmless treatment. Courtesy & permission amazing facts.co.in

Vedic Age

Period of 1500 BC to 500 BC is known as Vedic Age. This was a golden period in the history of Indian civilization. Vedic Sanskrit texts were composed during this era. Vedic age civilization gave a lot of precious things to Indian culture and civilization. This culture primarily thrived on the Indo-Gangetic Plains of the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism originated in this period only. The wonderful period of Hinduism just started after the Vedic age. Classical Sanskrit literature also came into prominence after the Vedic age. Vedic age sowed the seeds of the great Maurya Empire and Middle Kingdoms that followed Vedic period.

Hindu Vedic Civilization was truly rich in terms of literature. One can not categorize the linguistic richness of the era in one single category. Experts have classified the text of the period in five categories of Rigvedic, Mantra language, Samhita Prose, Brahman Prose and Sutra Language. Rig Veda is a text collection of richness of that era. It is said to be written over a number of centuries. Mantra language is renowned for having Atharvaveda and other such great texts. Samhita Prose is known for having Yajurveda and painted grey ware culture whereas Brahmanas period gave India Upanishads. Sutra Language has the major components of Srauta sutras and Grihya sutras. The post Vedic age witnessed compilation of historical epic texts Ramayana and Mahabharata. Vedic period is known for political structures and works in areas of agriculture and literature. Several historiacal events took place during this era that marked the beginning of many new milestones registered in development of Indian civilization.

Kerala- The Major Attractions

Those who have visited Kerala are well aware of the term Kettuvallams. Boats sailing on the beautiful backwater of kerala are stitched together to form Kettuvallams. These are huge structures, sometimes measuring upto 75-80 feet in length. Anhili is the term given to woods used in the making of these gigantic country crafts. If one has deep interest in taking a look at rich culture of Kerala, then Kettuvallams offer you best propositions. These houseboats are made up of eco-friendly materials like bamboo mats and poles, coir carpets, coconut fiber etc. all these materials are produced locally so that bring down the costs as well.

Kumarakom is a lush green place situated on the Vembanand lake. One of the most popular tourist attractions in kerala, the place has been visited by several big names who have found it to be a perfect gateway for relaxation. Alappuzha is another popular backwater destination in this southern state. Also refered as Alleppey, it gives you wonderful view of numerous canalas forming the amazing network. One is sure to get lost in the picturesque beauty of the land.

Kozhikode is located in the northern part of kerala. It offers you wonderful exploration opportunity of cruising and old world feel. Relatively an under-traveled place, it has managed to sustain its heritage and ancient history. Kollam is another favorite with tourists because of its backwater. Kollam is more famous for its cashew trade and often known as Swapnadesham. Kochi is famous for its natural harbors. It has a proud history of being a major trading center. Because of its beautiful backwater beauty, it is also known as the 'queen of Arabian sea'.

Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala is known for its blue backwaters. But one fact that is not very known is that backwaters labyrinth is composed of crisscrossing of no less than 44 rivers. These 44 rivers flow across the state and are further formed by several lagoons, canals, deltas and lakes. More of a network, these 44 rivers flow alongside sea water. The complex structure of the backwater can only be felt and experienced. The total stretch of the backwater is astonishing 1900 km, however for safety and difficulty reason only 900 km of the water is allowed for navigation purposes. Houseboats are preferred and more useful mode of transport in these backwaters. Tourists all across the world flock to experience these backwaters on the houseboat.

Apart from being a major tourist attraction, the backwater of kerala also provides amazing ecological support to the Mother Nature. It is unique and extremely beneficial for several reasons. One can witness great number of birds and water animals in the backwaters. The complex backwater labyrinth also supports many rare and unique species that are not found anywhere else. Aquatic life is fully supported by the richness of the water. Species like terns, darters, crabs, mudskippers, kingfishers, frogs, cormorants, turtles and otters can found the serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters. There are several leafy plants as well. The beauty of nature can be seen in surrounding greenery as bushes, shrubs and palm trees adorn this wonderful place.

God’s Own Country

Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Lakhs of tourists visit to kerala every year. Kerala is known for its serene backwaters that manage to provide tourists, a wonderful unforgettable experience. Also known as ‘God’s Own Country’, the place has been a favorite with not only domestic but international travelers as well. It’s an enchanting place with several wonderful places that are yet to be cluttered with any sort of discomfort. Kerala stands alongside Goa in terms of number of visitors. The unique part of kerala is its complex and quite long structure of its water body that is popularly known as backwaters. It is also a peaceful state with highest percentage of literacy in India. People are quite educated and that reflects in respect accorded to the tourists. The state of kerala is also known for its lush green environment and beauty spread all around.

The most attractive feature of Kerala is experience of canoe or houseboat. One can have one of the most soothing experiences of life while cruising across the backwaters on a houseboat. The experience will make you come again to God’s Own Country. The houseboat carries all the facilities and comforts. One will witness lakes and lagoons in the structure of backwaters. The backwaters are main link between cities and far flung villages of kerala. It’s not only soothing but also makes one aware of structure of this mesmerizing state.