By Desis, for Desis and Everyone Else!!
What’s a Desi?
The term “desi” is a term that is commonly used by people from the Indian subcontinent to refer to themselves or other people (origin or ancestry) from the region.
The word “Desi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “desh,” which means “country” or “region” or “homeland”. (‘Sanskrit’ word ‘Desh’? What is Sanskrit?)
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Desi people can come from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives. The term can also be used to describe aspects of Indian origin culture, including food, clothing, music, and art.
Aihole Temple Complex: The Cradle of Hindu Temple Architecture
The Aihole temple complex in Karnataka, India, is a living chronicle of ancient India’s rich architectural legacy. Known as the “cradle of Hindu temple architecture,” Aihole offers an unparalleled glimpse into the evolution of temple design, blending artistry with spiritual grandeur.
Historical Background of Aihole
Prehistoric Roots
Aihole’s history dates back to prehistoric times, evidenced by artifacts and rock shelters that speak of millennia-old human habitation.
Golden Era Under the Chalukyas
Aihole rose to prominence in the 4th century CE, flourishing as a center of temple architecture under the Chalukya dynasty. Between the 6th and 12th centuries CE, it served as the Chalukya capital and attracted artisans, architects, and scholars who experimented with diverse temple styles. Most surviving monuments date to the 7th–10th centuries CE, showcasing a vibrant period of architectural innovation.
Architectural Marvels of Aihole
The Aihole complex spans over 5 square kilometers and boasts over 120 stone and cave temples, each a testament to creativity and experimentation.
Key Features
- Diverse Styles:
Aihole’s temples reflect Nagara (northern Indian), Dravida (southern Indian), and Vesara (a hybrid) styles, illustrating a blend of regional influences. - Experimental Layouts:
Temples vary in layout, including square, rectangular, circular, and apsidal (horseshoe-shaped) designs, echoing an experimental ethos. - Structural Innovations:
Unique features include mantapa (hall) designs, intricate pillar carvings, advanced window placements, and vaulted ceilings. - Sculptural Excellence:
The temples feature elaborate carvings of deities, mythological narratives, and scenes from daily life, displaying unparalleled craftsmanship.
Notable Temples in Aihole
1. Durga Temple
Despite its name, the Durga Temple is dedicated to Vishnu and Surya. Its apsidal design is inspired by Buddhist chaitya halls, and its carvings include intricate depictions of gods and mythological stories.
2. Lad Khan Temple
Among Aihole’s oldest structures, this temple started as a royal assembly hall before its conversion into a Shiva temple. Its simple yet robust design emphasizes functionality.
3. Meguti Jain Temple
This Jain temple, perched on a hill, stands out for its inscriptions and unique architectural elements, offering insights into Jain contributions to Aihole’s cultural mosaic.
4. Ravana Phadi Cave
A 6th-century rock-cut temple featuring striking depictions of Hindu deities like Shiva and Parvati, Ravana Phadi Cave showcases early examples of rock-cut artistry.
Significance of the Aihole Temple Complex
1. Architectural Laboratory
Aihole served as a testing ground where architects refined techniques that would shape temple architecture across India.
2. Religious Harmony
The coexistence of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist structures highlights the era’s inclusive and tolerant ethos.
3. Historical Insight
Inscriptions and temple carvings provide invaluable glimpses into ancient India’s social, cultural, and political dynamics.
4. Artistic Legacy
Aihole’s sculptures represent a zenith in Indian art, blending realism with spiritual motifs.
5. Educational Value
As the “cradle of Hindu temple architecture,” Aihole is an open-air museum, offering lessons in the evolution of architectural styles.
Aihole – Wikipedia
Famous Jain Temples and Nearby Sites
If you’re exploring Aihole, consider visiting nearby architectural gems:
- Pattadakal: A UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Chalukyan architecture with a blend of Nagara and Dravida styles.
- Badami: Known for its rock-cut caves and structural temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras.
- Mahakuta Temples: A serene cluster of temples known for their sacred tanks and unique carvings.
How to Appreciate Aihole’s Architectural Legacy
To fully experience Aihole’s treasures, visitors should:
- Explore Varied Designs: Notice the experimental layouts and structural innovations across different temples.
- Study the Sculptures: Appreciate the intricate carvings and their depiction of mythological and daily life scenes.
- Reflect on Religious Harmony: Observe the coexistence of Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu structures, symbolizing inclusivity.
- Consider Historical Context: Learn about the cultural and political backdrop that nurtured such creativity.
Planning Your Visit to Aihole
Getting There
- By Air: The nearest airport is in Hubli, about 120 km away.
- By Train: Badami is the closest railway station, located 35 km from Aihole.
- By Road: Aihole is well-connected to nearby cities like Badami and Pattadakal via regular buses and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
Visit between October and February for pleasant weather.
FAQs About Aihole Temple Complex
- Why is Aihole called the “cradle of Hindu temple architecture”?
Aihole served as a laboratory where temple designs were tested and refined, influencing temple architecture across India. - How many temples are in Aihole?
Aihole is home to over 120 temples, showcasing diverse styles and layouts. - What is the significance of the Durga Temple?
The Durga Temple is notable for its apsidal design and elaborate carvings, inspired by Buddhist chaitya halls. - Are there Jain temples in Aihole?
Yes, the Meguti Jain Temple is a prominent example of Jain architecture in Aihole. - What are other nearby attractions?
Pattadakal, Badami, and Mahakuta are must-visit sites that complement Aihole’s architectural legacy.
Conclusion
The Aihole temple complex is a timeless repository of ancient India’s architectural brilliance. Its experimental designs, intricate sculptures, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and spiritual seekers alike.
Top 3 Largest Hindu Temples: Where to Find These Marvels
Indian temples are more than architectural masterpieces—they are spiritual sanctuaries that symbolize the cultural, artistic, and philosophical depth of a civilization. From the towering vimanas of South India to the sprawling temple complexes of Southeast Asia, these structures tell stories of devotion, creativity, and cultural exchange.
Among the most iconic temples are Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Prambanan in Indonesia, and monumental sites in India like the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu. Let’s explore how these magnificent temples compare, highlighting their shared heritage and distinctive features.
A Tale of Three Regions
Hinduism, born in India, spread across Southeast Asia through trade and cultural interactions during the first millennium CE. This influence led to the creation of grand temples, where Indian philosophy was adapted to local traditions. The result? Unique architectural marvels that reflect both common roots and regional creativity.
- India: The birthplace of Hinduism, home to monumental temples like Brihadeeswarar, Konark Sun Temple, and Meenakshi Temple.
- Cambodia: The Khmer Empire built Angkor Wat, a testament to the grandeur of Indian influence in Southeast Asia.
- Indonesia: The Javanese Hindu kingdoms constructed Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple complex in the country.
Angkor Wat, Prambanan, and Brihadeeswarar: A Comparison
1. Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
- Size: At 162.6 hectares, Angkor Wat is the world’s largest religious monument.
- Built By: King Suryavarman II in the 12th century.
- Dedication: Initially to Vishnu, later became a Buddhist site.
- Architectural Style: Khmer architecture, with lotus-like spires and extensive bas-reliefs depicting Hindu cosmology.
- Highlights: The Churning of the Ocean of Milk relief, moats symbolizing the cosmic ocean, and the central tower representing Mount Meru.
The main deity was “Seshasayana Sree Ranganatha Swamy” – the same deity in Sreerangam, in Tamilnadu, India!
2. Prambanan (Indonesia)
- Size: A more compact site covering 39.8 hectares but boasting 240 temples.
- Built By: The Sanjaya dynasty in the 9th century.
- Dedication: To the Trimurti—Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
- Architectural Style: Javanese Hindu, with pointed spires (candi) that symbolize Mount Meru.
- Highlights: The towering 47-meter-high Shiva Temple, intricate Ramayana carvings, and nearby Buddhist temples like Candi Sewu.
3. Brihadeeswarar Temple (India)
- Size: Part of the Great Living Chola Temples UNESCO site, featuring the tallest vimana (temple tower) at 66 meters.
- Built By: Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century.
- Dedication: To Shiva, with Nandi (the bull) at the entrance.
- Architectural Style: Distinctly South Indian style, made entirely of granite, with intricately carved sculptures and murals.
- Highlights: The enormous Nandi statue, the central dome carved from a single stone, and exquisite frescoes.
Architectural Marvels of the World
Size and Scale
- Angkor Wat is unmatched in size, resembling a city in itself.
- Brihadeeswarar impresses with its sheer vertical height and granite construction.
- Prambanan captivates with its elegant layout of clustered spires.
Design Styles
- Angkor Wat embodies the grandeur of Khmer architecture, with sprawling galleries and moats.
- Prambanan blends Indian design with Javanese artistry, featuring vertical temples and intricate bas-reliefs.
- Brihadeeswarar showcases South Indian Dravidian precision, emphasizing symmetry and sculptural detail.
Cultural and Religious Significance
- Angkor Wat: Transitioned from a Hindu to a Buddhist site, symbolizing religious harmony.
- Prambanan: Coexists with nearby Buddhist temples, reflecting Java’s syncretic spirituality.
- Brihadeeswarar: A center for Chola power and art, symbolizing divine rule.
Each temple highlights the adaptability of Indian spiritual traditions, influencing regional beliefs while evolving uniquely.
Which Temple Should You Visit First?
Each site offers a unique experience:
- Angkor Wat: Ideal for history buffs who want to explore vast archaeological parks.
- Prambanan: Perfect for those seeking a compact, yet intricate site alongside nearby Buddhist temples.
- Brihadeeswarar: A must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and those exploring South India’s rich heritage.
Structural and Layout Comparisons: Similarities and Differences
Despite being built in different regions and periods, Angkor Wat, Prambanan, and Brihadeeswarar Temple share a common spiritual foundation while showcasing unique regional adaptations.
Similarities Across the Temples
- Inspired by Mount Meru:
- All three temples symbolize Mount Meru, the cosmic mountain considered the axis of the universe in Hindu cosmology.
- Central towers or vimanas represent the sacred peak, while surrounding structures mimic the lesser peaks.
- Oriented for Spiritual Harmony:
- Each temple is carefully aligned with cardinal directions, often incorporating solar or celestial alignments to enhance spiritual significance.
- Use of Intricate Reliefs:
- Bas-reliefs and carvings narrate Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as cosmological themes.
- Water Elements:
- Angkor Wat’s massive moat, Brihadeeswarar’s temple tank, and Prambanan’s natural integration with Java’s lush environment all emphasize the importance of water in Hindu temple symbolism, representing purification and the cosmic ocean.
Key Differences in Structure and Layout
1. Scale and Complexity
- Angkor Wat:
- Sprawling complex covering 162.6 hectares, with layered galleries, a vast moat, and a central tower.
- Visitors encounter multiple levels, each symbolizing a spiritual ascent.
- Prambanan:
- More compact, covering 39.8 hectares, but with 240 temples clustered around a central courtyard.
- Focused on verticality, with towering spires designed to draw the eye upward.
- Brihadeeswarar:
- Relatively compact compared to Angkor Wat, with a focus on a single towering vimana (66 meters) surrounded by smaller shrines.
- The temple’s granite construction gives it a monumental, solid appearance.
2. Design and Ornamentation
- Angkor Wat:
- Known for its Khmer architecture, with lotus-like towers and a strong emphasis on narrative bas-reliefs along its galleries.
- Reliefs such as the Churning of the Ocean of Milk OR Ksheera Sagara Madhanam are vast in scale and detail.
- The main deity was Seshasayana Sree Ranganatha Swamy – the same deity in Sreerangam, in Tamilnadu, India!
- Prambanan:
- Javanese Hindu architecture emphasizes pointed, sharp-edged spires called candi, with intricate carvings on temple walls.
- Depictions of the Ramayana and regional myths reflect local adaptation.
- Brihadeeswarar:
- Dravidian architecture is characterized by symmetry and precision, with the towering vimana dominating the skyline.
- Features ornate sculptures of deities, celestial beings, and mythological scenes carved into the temple’s granite surfaces.
3. Use of Space
- Angkor Wat:
- Designed as a mandala, with concentric galleries representing the spiritual journey from the earthly realm to the divine.
- The moat adds grandeur and serves as a symbolic cosmic ocean.
- Prambanan:
- The layout is hierarchical, with the central compound housing the Trimurti temples and smaller temples arranged in rows.
- The concentric square plan creates a sense of unity within the sprawling complex.
- Brihadeeswarar:
- Focuses on a single towering vimana, surrounded by functional and symbolic elements like the Nandi pavilion and smaller shrines.
- The courtyard is expansive but less labyrinthine than Angkor Wat.
4. Structural Material
- Angkor Wat: Constructed using sandstone, known for its durability and intricate carvability.
- Prambanan: Built from volcanic stone, reflecting the region’s geological resources.
- Brihadeeswarar: Made entirely of granite, a feat of engineering given the hardness and weight of the material.
Why These Differences Matter
The structural and layout differences reflect the regional contexts and resources available to the architects, as well as the cultural priorities of their patrons. Angkor Wat’s vastness symbolizes Khmer imperial power, Prambanan’s vertical spires reflect Javanese aesthetics, and Brihadeeswarar’s granite solidity showcases Chola engineering excellence.
FAQs
1. Which is the largest Hindu temple in the world?
Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest Hindu temple and the largest religious monument globally, covering 162.6 hectares.
2. How does Prambanan compare to Angkor Wat?
Prambanan is smaller but more compact, with its focus on vertical spires. Angkor Wat is sprawling, with layered galleries and vast bas-reliefs.
3. What is special about Brihadeeswarar Temple in India?
Brihadeeswarar Temple features the tallest vimana (temple tower) made entirely of granite, reflecting the engineering brilliance of the Chola dynasty.
4. What are the commonalities between these temples?
All three symbolize Mount Meru, are aligned to cardinal directions, and feature intricate carvings depicting Hindu mythology.
5. Which temple is the best to visit for history enthusiasts?
Each temple offers unique insights: Angkor Wat for its vast scale and bas-reliefs, Prambanan for its Javanese Hindu spires, and Brihadeeswarar for its south Indian granite grandeur.
Conclusion: A Shared Legacy
From the soaring vimanas of Tamil Nadu to the sprawling galleries of Angkor and the spire-studded landscape of Prambanan, these temples reflect the global reach of Indian culture. They are monuments to a shared history, yet each tells a unique story of philosophy, artistry, and human ambition.
Whether you’re standing before the towering spires of Prambanan, the lotus-shaped towers of Angkor Wat, or the granite marvel of Brihadeeswarar, these temples promise unforgettable journeys into the heart of India’s architectural legacy.
The British Raj
Summary
Did you know that British colonial rule in India, which lasted over two centuries, left behind far more than political change? During this time, the British extracted massive wealth from India, leaving behind scars that shaped the nation’s economy and society. From famines to the deindustrialization of India, the consequences of the British Raj are still felt today, influencing inequality and underdevelopment in modern India. This story is one of exploitation, oppression, and an enduring legacy that continues to shape the country’s path.
From Abundance to Abject Poverty
In the 1700s, India was an economic powerhouse, holding 27% of the world’s economy—more than all of Europe combined! But after 250 years of British dominance, India’s share plummeted to less than 3%. This devastating fall tells a grim tale of colonial exploitation.
“In 1700, India’s share of the world economy was 27%, more than all of Europe combined—by the end of British rule, it had fallen to just 3%”
Historical Records
Impact of British Rule
Before British rule, India was a hub of trade and commerce, with flourishing industries like agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing. But after the death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707, the British seized control, exploiting India for its resources. By the time India gained independence in 1947, the country’s once-thriving industries had collapsed, its economy crippled, and its people divided.
Ancient Indian Industries
India was a far greater industrial and manufacturing nation than any in Europe or Asia. Its textile goods, exquisite jewelry, precious stones, pottery, porcelains, fine metalwork were renowned worldwide.From the writings of JT Sunderland
Textile Industry
India was once a textile superpower, holding a 25–30% share of the global textile trade. But under British rule, India’s vibrant textile industry was crushed by monopolies and disrupted trade links.
Shipbuilding Industry
Indian vessels were known for their elegance, utility, and durability, outlasting English ships by far.
Historical Records
India’s shipbuilding industry was another victim of British exploitation. Indian vessels, known for their durability and elegance, outlasted British ships by decades. But the British East India Company’s dominance led to the downfall of the Bengali merchant fleet, robbing India of a vital source of revenue.
Bengali ships were much more durable than English ships. Bengali ships had an average lifespan of over 20 years, while English ships were not known to last more than 12.
Merchant contracts from that time period
Steel Industry
Indian made Steel was popularized as Damascus steel which came from the Indian Steel Industry which was the first in the world to provide steel to the world from before the 6th century CE
Historical records
India pioneered the production of crucible steel, also known as Damascus steel, as early as the 6th century CE. This industry, too, was crippled under British rule, leading to a loss of global reputation.
Exploitation by Taxation
Beyond industries, the British imposed harsh taxes on Indian farmers, often forcing them into debt and starvation. This system of exploitation created millions of landless farmers and fueled cycles of poverty.
The Impact of the British Raj
By the late 19th century, India had become Britain’s largest source of revenue. Indian taxes funded British soldiers and civil servants, but the cost to India was catastrophic.
“India is to be bled of money; the Lancet should be directed to those parts where the blood is congested”
Marquess of Salisbury, UK Prime Minister
It’s estimated that the British extracted a jaw-dropping $43 trillion from India during their rule. The construction of railways, often hailed as a British “gift” to India, was primarily for British economic interests, with each mile costing Indians exorbitantly more than what similar infrastructure cost in the U.S.
The total amount of wealth extracted from India by the British amounts to a jaw-dropping $43 trillion.
Modern economists estimation
Railways of India
Every mile of Indian rail cost an inflated £18,000 to construct, compared to only £2,000 for the same distance in the United States.
Historical Records
The British-built railways were used to exploit India’s resources, transporting agricultural goods out of the country—even during famines, which resulted in the deaths of 35 million people.
The Legacy of British Colonialism
“Under British rule, an estimated 35 million preventable deaths occurred due to famines”
Contemporary Records
The story of India’s decline under British rule is a harsh reminder of the destruction wrought by colonialism. Fortunately, since gaining independence, India hasn’t experienced a large-scale famine, and the country is on a path of self-reliance and recovery. While the economic scars run deep, the resilience of India continues to shine.
Conclusion
The story of India’s journey from abundance to abject poverty under British rule stands as a poignant reminder of the price paid for colonialism’s pursuit of wealth and power.
The term Desi can refer to people of Indian subcontinent origin or ancestry, or it can refer to the cultural practices and products of the region.
Desi food, will include dishes such as biryani, Pongal, samosas, Dosa, Idli, Parantha, Chawal and dal, while Desi fashion may feature traditional clothing styles like sarees, salwar kameez, Dhoti, and kurta pajama.
Desi music may include traditional folk music (dozens of styles), classical music (also several distinct schools), traditional dance (several traditional and ancient styles) and popular movie or music genres like Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, Mollywood (all different regional language film industry names – a play on the word Hollywood).
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