Indian trees

 

Indian trees are grouped into gardening trees, timber trees, medicinal trees, evergreen trees, deciduous trees, etc. Different species of trees are used for different purposes.

Classification of Indian Trees

Indian Trees can be classified in different ways. These trees are categorized according to their valuable properties and usages into decorative or gardening trees, timber trees, medicinal trees, etc. Indian medicinal trees have valuable medicinal properties and they are commonly used in the traditional treatment methods like Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic and Unani treatments. Indian Trees can also be classified according to the duration of leaf on the tree. Such trees are evergreen trees and deciduous trees. Evergreen trees have leaves throughout the year, whereas deciduous trees shed their leaves and turn dormant in winter. India has flowering trees as well as flowerless trees. Indian trees can also be grouped as coastal trees that grow in the coastal regions of India.

Coconut Palm Tree: Coconut palm, (Cocos nucifera), palm of the family Arecaceae, cultivated extensively in tropical areas for its edible fruit, the coconut. Coconut palms are found in tropical coastal areas nearly worldwide and probably originated somewhere in Indo-Malaya. They are the most economically important palm species, coconuts being one of the predominant crops of the tropics.

Evergreen Trees in India: The Indian Subcontinent provides suitable conditions for the growth and development of various kinds of trees. Evergreen trees are no exception in this regard. These trees have foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year. Various types of evergreen trees have been recorded in India. These trees are described below.

·         Jackfruit Tree: The jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), also known as the jack tree or nangka in Tagalog and Malay, is a species of tree in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family (Moraceae).The jackfruit tree is well-suited to tropical lowlands and is widely cultivated throughout tropical regions of the world, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the rainforests of the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia.

·         Alexandrian Laurel: Calophyllum inophyllum is a large evergreen plant, commonly called tamanu, oil-nut, mastwood, beach calophyllum or beauty leaf. It is native to tropical Asia and Wallacea. Due to its importance as a source of timber for the traditional shipbuilding of large outrigger ships, it has been spread in prehistoric times by the migrations of the Austronesian peoples to the islands of Oceania and Madagascar, along with other members of the genus Calophyllum. It has since been naturalized in regions in the East African coast. It is also a source of the culturally important tamanu oil.

·         Sapodilla: Manilkara zapota, commonly known as sapodilla ([ˌsapoˈðiʝa]), sapote, chicozapote, chicoo, chicle, naseberry, or nispero, soapapple among other names, is an evergreen tree native to southern Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. An example natural occurrence is in coastal Yucatán in the Petenes mangroves ecoregion, where it is a subdominant plant species. It was introduced to the Philippines during Spanish colonization. It is grown in large quantities in Mexico and in tropical Asia including India, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh.

·         Blackboard Tree: Alstonia scholaris, commonly called blackboard tree, scholar tree, milkwood or devil's tree in English, is an evergreen tropical tree in the Dogbane Family (Apocynaceae). It is native to southern China, tropical Asia (mainly the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia) and Australasia, where it is a common ornamental plant. It is a toxic plant, but is used traditionally for myriad diseases and complaints.

Kalmegh Tree: Kalmegh is a plant which is also known as “Green Chiretta” and the “King of Bitters”. It is used for various medicinal purposes and is bitter in taste.It is mainly used for liver problems as it protects the liver against damage caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Kalmegh also helps to boost immunity and is used to manage the symptoms of the common cold, sinusitis and allergies due to its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. Kalmegh might be good for diabetics as it is effective in lowering blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion. It also helps in managing blood pressure by widening the blood vessels and increasing blood flow.

Palmyra Palm Tree: Palmyra palm tree is a tall and swaying tree well known as 'Borasus Flabellifer'. The word 'Borasus' was derived from a Greek word and it means the leathery covering of the fruit and 'Flabellifer' means fan-bearer. Palmyra palm tree belongs to the 'Palme' family. This tree bears a lot of names in various languages in India. For instance, in Hindi and Bengali, the tree is called as Tal, Talgachh and Tarkajhar. It is known as Pannei in Tamil language. In Telugu, it is called as Lulu or Tacli and in Malayalam this tree is named as Karimpana. In English, the tree has some other names except the Palmyra Palm Tree and these names are the Fan Palm, Brab Tree, Toddy Palm and Tala Palm. This tree is found in the drier areas of India, Sri Lanka, and Burma and also in most of the tropical countries.

Fish Tail Palm Tree: The feathery fishtail palms are native to humid forests of Asia, northern Australia, and the South Pacific, from sea level to about 6,500 feet (2,000 meters). Their lacy fronds make them special. Many palms are pinnate: blades grow along both sides of a frond's mid-rib. But only fishtail palms are bipinnate: each blade is further subdivided into leaflets. The bipinnate fronds give fishtail palms a feathery look, and they are also the source of their common name— the slightly ragged edges of the divided leaflets do indeed look a bit like a fish tail.

Sacred Trees in India:  Some of the Sacred Trees in India are Ashoka, Banyan, Peepul, Tulsi and Bael that holds religious importance among.

Peepul Tree: The peepul is in the fig family, with curiously heart-shaped leaves that taper off at the point in a small “tail.” Rather mysteriously, the leaves of this tree rustle even when there is no breeze to move them, which is attributed to the long leaf stalk and broad leaf structure. This tree, also known as “Ashvatta,” is purportedly the most worshipped tree in India. Banyan Tree is actually another type of fig tree, with large, glossy leaves and trunks that appear to be composed of a labyrinth of roots (called “aerial prop roots”). It grows around a host plant, often killing the original tree or plant in the process, earning it the nickname “strangler fig.” The banyan tree often represents the Trimūrti, the three lords of cosmic creation, preservation and destruction—namely, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Ashoka is a small evergreen tree, with dark green leaves and fragrant orange-yellow to deep red flowers. The name of this tree means “without grief” or “one who gives no grief.” Water in which the ashoka flowers have been washed is used as a protective and healing draught against sorrow.

Oleander Tree: Oleander, any of the ornamental evergreen shrubs of the genus Nerium, belonging to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae) and having a poisonous milky juice.The best known is the common oleander (N. oleander), often called rosebay. A native of the Mediterranean region, this plant is characterized by its tall shrubby habit and its thick lance-shaped opposite leaves. The flowers are borne in terminal clusters and are of a rose colour, rarely white or yellow. The hairy anthers adhere to the thickened stigma. The fruit or seed vessel consists of two long pods, which liberate a number of seeds, each of which has a tuft of silky hairs.

Pongam Tree: Pongamia pinnata is a legume tree that grows to about 15–25 m (50–80 ft) in height with a large canopy that spreads equally wide. It may be deciduous for short periods. It has a straight or crooked trunk, 50–80 cm (20–30 in) in diameter, with grey-brown bark, which is smooth or vertically fissured. Its wood is white colored.[6] Branches are glabrous with pale stipulate scars. The imparipinnate leaves of the tree alternate and are short-stalked, rounded, or cuneate at the base, ovate or oblong along the length, obtuse-acuminate at the apex, and not toothed on the edges. They are a soft, shiny burgundy when young, and mature to a glossy, deep green as the season progresses, with prominent veins underneath.

Bead Tree: Melia azedarach, commonly known as the chinaberry tree, pride of India, bead-tree, Cape lilac, syringa berrytree, Persian lilac,Indian lilac, or white cedar,is a species of deciduous tree in the mahogany family, Meliaceae, that is native to Indomalaya and Australasia.The fully grown tree has a rounded crown, and commonly measures 7–12 metres (20–40 feet) tall, exceptionally 45 m (150 ft).The leaves are up to 50 centimetres (20 inches) long, alternate, long-petioled, two or three times compound (odd-pinnate); the leaflets are dark green above and lighter green below, with serrate margins.The flowers are small and fragrant, with five pale purple or lilac petals, growing in clusters.The fruit is a drupe, marble-sized, light yellow at maturity, hanging on the tree all winter, and gradually becoming wrinkled and almost white.

Indian Timber Trees: Indian timber trees have utility value in day-to-day life. Mango tree grows throughout India. It is well known for producing a fruit called mango, but mango tree can also be utilized for making cheap furniture, packing boxes, panels for doors and windows, etc. Palm tree grows all over India and is useful for making furniture, roof covering, rafters and joists. Tamarind tree grows throughout India. It is utilized for making agricultural instruments, well-curbs, carts, etc. Banyan tree grows throughout India. The aerial roots of Banyan tree are utilized for making tent poles and well-curbs. Bakul tree is grown in north India and is reddish brown in color. It is used for making cabinets. Benteak species of timber grows in south India and can be used for boat building and making furniture. Coconut tree is found throughout coastal India and is used for making poles, piles, furniture and formwork. Mulberry tree grows in Punjab.

Kalmegh Tree

 Kalmegh or Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal plant which is cultivated on a large scale, particularly in south-eastern Asia and southern Asia, and is employed in the treatment of ailments like infections and other maladies. Mainly the roots and leaves of Kalmegh are utilized for medicinal usage. It is herbaceous and is grown in India as well as Sri Lanka. This plant is referred to as ‘Maha-tita' in the north-eastern portions of India and is popular by various vernacular names. It is called ‘Kalmegh' or ‘Kala Megha' or dark clouds, and is a significant Ayurvedic herb. Some people also term this medicinal plant as ‘Bhui Neem‘, implying, ‘neem of the ground' mainly due to the fact that it has a strong bitter taste which is similar to that of the neem tree.

Kalmegh may be effective against liver toxicity by producing a cleaning solvent and inhibiting the production of free radicals that destroy cellular membranes that surround liver cells. Free radicals might cause liver cirrhosis. This can further result in coma and death. Studies have shown that kalmegh may be an effective solution for infective hepatitis treatment. In a study decoction obtained from the kalmegh plant demonstrates cleaning and purifying activity, especially of blood. Thus, it may be used to cure jaundice.  Kalmegh may be helpful for the treatment of fatty liver, and it can reduce the risk of gallstone formation. Thus, it might also aid in fat digestion. Moreover, for any conditions related to liver you must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.

Indian tribal paintings

 Indian tribal paintings possess an inimitable sensitivity, as tribal folks possess a passionate awareness, massively varying from the urbanised population. India presents before the world perhaps as sunny a field as any solitary country in the world pregnant with a perfect specimen of all the minute varieties of Oriental life; of Oriental scenery, Oriental nations and Oriental manners, and it is open to the globe to explore these peculiarities to the last degree while enjoying perfectly European security. And tribal paintings cater to such Orientalism, inexhaustible charisma of the “others”; a perfect expression of their life redrawing their passion and mystery.

Tribal painting is the mirror of the energy of the respective art of various tribal groups. It is a living and changing art form, which changes with time, necessity, environment, memories, global influences and experiences of these people.

Warli Paintings

Warli paintings come from the Warlis tribe principally found in “Thane” district in the state of

Maharashtra. The theme of Warli painting is not mythological but rather activities of daily life like hunting, harvesting, dancing and sowing.

Santhal painting

Santhal Paintings have its origin that dates back to pre- aryan period . They are drawn by a special community called Jadu Patua or magic painters in the Santhal Paragana district of Bengal/Bihar borders. These paintings cover simple themes like wedding, harvest, music and daily rituals.

Chavand Fort

 Chavand Fort is situated on the top of a hill in Junnar taluka in the district of Pune in Maharashtra state. It is located in the Sahyadris mountain Range and is almost 30 km from the present Naryangoan town in Junnar taluka. The fortification was built at an elevation of 3400 feet (1036 m) above sea level. The Chavandwadi village is located at the base of the hill fort.

From the western side of the Chavand Fort, there is a way to go to the top of the fort along with the school of the village. The time required to reach the entrance of the door is about 45 minutes from the western side of the Chavand Fort. From here stairs will take us to the plains of the fort on which remnants of many constructions can be seen.

The base village of the fort is called Chavandwadi and any bus/vehicle going towards Aptale can drop you at Chavandwadi. Once you start the trek from Chavandwadi, you reach rock steps which were destroyed by the British Army. After a short while you will see a huge stone door built in the Gomukhi style architecture. This door is called the Mahadarwaja. From the Mahadarwaja the route splits into two, the left one takes you to the fort walls and the right one takes you to the top of the fort.

On the top of the fort the path further splits into two, the left one takes you to a dilapidated temple and the Seven tanks, while the right one takes you to the Chamunda devi temple.

Bugun Liocichla

                                                       Bugun Liocichla

Bugun Liocichla is an Indian bird that bears a scientific name of"Liocichla bugunorum" is a passerine bird species from the Leiothrichidae family. Bugun liocichla was found in Indian states in the year 1995.

Description of Bugun Liocichla
Bugun Liocichla was first spotted in 1995 in Arunachal Pradesh. This bird was described as a new species in 2006. The description was made without the collection of a type specimen as they were too few to risk killing one. It is thought to be an endangered species, with the only known population estimated to consist of 14 individuals and commercial development threatening the habitat of this population.

The Bugun Liocichla is a small, brightly coloured bird species with a distinctive appearance. It has a relatively short, broad tail and a medium-length, slightly curved bill. Adult birds are approximately 18 centimetres (7 inches) in length and weigh around 30-40 grams.

The plumage of the Bugun Liocichla is highly distinctive and consists of a combination of bright colours, including bright blue, green, yellow, and orange. The bird’s face is black with a white stripe above the eye, and the underparts are a vibrant orange colour. The wings and back are mostly blue-green with yellow and white patches.

Northern River Terrapin

 

                          Northern River Terrapin

Northern River Terrapin is an Indian Reptile that bears a scientific name "Batagur baska", is a species of Sweet Water Turtle. Northern River Terrapin is one of the most critically endangered turtle species according to a 2000 assessment by the IUCN.

Structure of Northern River Terrapin
Northern River Terrapin is one of Asia's largest freshwater and brackish turtles. The carapace of Northern River Terrapin is moderately depressed, with a vertebral keel in the young, which keel disappears in the adult; nuchal broader than long; first vertebral as broad in front as behind, or a little broader; vertebral 2 to 4 sub equal, much broader than long in the young, nearly as long as broad and as broad as the costal in the adult. The postero-lateral border of the third vertebral is strongly concave.

Through a joint West Bengal Forest Department (STR)/ TSA program in 2012, these founder animals were part of a conservation breeding initiative, with the first successful reproduction of 33 hatchlings in 2012. More than 400 terrapins were hatched through this program and ten sub-adults were selected and released. In addition to carefully managing breeding in captivity, STR and TSA worked with central government agencies to obtain permits and engage with communities within the Sundarbans in educational initiatives on the importance of the terrapins’ return to the wild.

Dhrupad Music

 Dhrupad Music

Dhrupad is one of the most ancient forms of North Indian Classical Music. The word Dhrupad is derived from two words, Dhruva meaning 'structured, fixed or rigid' and Pada means 'word or syllable'. The word Dhrupada or Dhruvapada therefore means 'a composition in which the Padas or words are set in a definite structure or pattern'. The essence of Dhrupad music is primarily spiritual. The main attempt of Dhrupad is not so much to entertain as to stimulate feelings of peace and contemplation within the listener.

Origin of Dhrupad Music
It is a form of devotional music that traces its origin to the ancient text of Sama Veda. The Sama Veda was chanted with the help of melody and rhythm called Samgana. Slowly this developed into other vocal style called 'Chhanda' and 'Prabandha' with the initiation of verse and meter. The synthesis of these two elements led to the issuing of Dhrupad.

Theme of Dhrupad Music
Dhrupad compositions are full of religious, heroic and erotic themes and quite often are eulogies of gods and kings. Since the earliest Dhrupadas had invariably a devotional content, it is held that the Dhrupads originated in the religious-music of ancient times.

Garo language

                                     Garo language

Garo language is one of the popular languages of India. It is spoken by majority of the people residing in Garo Hills in the state of Meghalaya. Garo language is also popular in several districts of the state of Assam like Dhubri, Goalpara, Kamrup, and the Darrang. This popular tribal language is also spoken in the neighbouring country of Bangladesh. Garo language uses Latin alphabet. This language also has a close association with Bodo language, the language is spoken by the Bodo tribal community, which is one of the most prominent communities of the Indian state of Assam. Garo language belongs to the Tibeto Burman language family

 In India Garo has about 1.15 million speakers, mainly in the Garo Hills district of Meghalaya state, and also in parts of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and West Bengal states. It is a statutory provincial language in Meghalaya, and is taught in primary schools.

There are about 120,000 speakers of Garo in Bangladesh, mainly in the Dhaka and Sylhet divisions. The majority of speakers are literate in their language, although they write in the A'chick dialect, and speak in the A'beng dialect.

Kali Bari Temple

 Kali Bari Temple is perhaps the only temple which is located at the vicinity of Shimla. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali who is known as Shyamala. It is often believed that Shimla received its name from the temple of Shyamala. Kali Bari Temple had been another important place of worship that was constructed during the British period. It was mainly constructed for the devotees who had to travel from Delhi to Simla and settled there for a long period six months or so.

Although people can offer their prayers at Kali Bari Temple at any time of the year, visiting it during the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja and Kali Puja is usually considered best.At the time of Durga Puja, Goddess Kali, along with her complete family, comes to her own abode i.e.; the Himalayas to bless her devotees. While at the time of Navratri, thousands of tourists flock to this place to experience her compassion and love for the entire world. Besides this, there are huge celebrations at the temple to celebrate the victory of Goddess mother Kali over evil on the day of Deepawali.

Khajuraho Dance Festival

  

                              Khajuraho Dance Festival

Khajuraho Dance Festival is one of the most splendid shows among the Indian Dance Festivals. The dance festival is organised against impressive backdrop of marvelously decorated western group of temple of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The festival is held by Eicher and Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad, which aims at promoting cultural heritage of Khajuraho in particular and the whole country in general. In addition to that the festival intends to make the recent culture relevant to the society and preserve the heritage for the later generations. The festival is held every spring in order to celebrate the glory of the temples of the region.

                                  

The land of famous temples with beautiful creation was once the religious capital of Chandela dynasty. The dynasty was one of the powerful Rajput dynasties of Central India. The enchanting temples are associated with legendary dance festival. Khajuraho Dance Festival is the podium for intermingling of the varied dancing styles and forms of the country. This cultural festival aims at emphasising the richness of the Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. The celebration of Indian classical dance and music takes place in the milieu of the elegant temples, as most of these dance forms are believed to have basically originated in the Hindu temples.

Kalhatti Falls

 

Kalhatti Falls is one of the attractive tourist spots in Karnataka. It is also widely known as 'Kalahsti Falls'. In addition to the beautiful falls, the adjacent forest area is also well known for its natural beauty and adventure sports. Every year tourists from various places of the world throng to this spot to enjoy its mesmerising beauty. The Kalhatti Falls also has religious significance so it is also famous among the pilgrims.

Location of Kalhatti Falls
The picturesque Kalhatti Falls in Karnataka is located in Kallattipura, Chikmagalur District. The Kemmangundi hill station is 10 kilometres away from Kalhatti Falls.

                                   

Attractions of Kalhatti Falls
Kalhatti Falls is a retreat for people from the hustle and bustle of the city life. This magnificent waterfall presents a fascinating view. It falls from a height of 403 feet from atop the mountains. The pristine whiteness of the falling water is excellently complemented by the greenery around it. The adjoining mountain is enriched with flora and fauna.

Apan Vayu Mudra

                                             Apan Vayu Mudra

 Apan Vayu Mudra is a very powerful hand posture which in ancient India was considered to be a life saver in case of a heart attack. It is still considered as the first aid for heart attacks. This Mudra serves to be of immediate effect in an emergency.


Apan Vayu Mudra is a combination of two mudras, 'Apan mudra' and 'Vayu mudra'. As they are practiced together, their combined effect cures the disease at once. Apan Vayu Mudra is beneficial to the heart. This mudra is also identified as Hridaymudra or Mrit Sanjeevani mudra. In a severe heart attack, if administered as a first aid measure within the first two seconds, this mudra proves to be instant reliever.

Practice of Apan Vayu Mudra
This mudra is practiced by touching the base of the thumb by the index finger and tip of thumb touches the tip of the middle finger and the ring finger. The little finger remains straight, at ease. This can be done with each hand.

Apan Vayu Mudra can be practiced as many times in a day as needed. Practising this mudra for 15 minutes in the morning and evening can be beneficial for the heart patients, people suffering from High BP or people who have experienced a heart attack.

Hill Stations of West Bengal

 Hill Stations of West Bengal offers the national and international tourists with the mesmerizing natural beauty. Some of the hill stations in northern part of West Bengal are Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik, Lava, Lolegaon, Rongbull and many other places. While on the contrary, the southern part of West Bengal has the other hill stations like Mukutmanipur, Joychandi Pahar, Ayodhaya Hills, Susunia and Garhpanchakot. These vibrant destinations are easily accessible from all the cities of India. Kolkata, Siliguri, Durgapur, Jalpaiguri District and Malda District are the popular cities nearby.

Darjeeling, Darjeeling District

Darjeeling is a colonial hill town in the Indian state of West Bengal. This place is noted for its tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Kalimpong, Kalimpong District

Kalimpong is well known for its educational institutions, many of which were established during the rule of British Empire in India.

Belapur Fort

 Belapur Fort is an ancient hill fort that is located in Belapur Township in Navi Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra. The structure has an elevation of almost 89 ft (27 m). It was built in 1560 by the Siddis of Janjira. Later it was occupied by the Portuguese and then by the army of Maratha Empire. Eventually the structure was conquered by the British East India Company during the early 19th century. The strategic significance of Belapur Fort reduced to a great extent after the East India Company achieved political supremacy in the region and also after the development of the Bombay Presidency.

History of Belapur Fort

The construction of Belapur Fort began in the year 1560 and ended in 1570. It was built by the Siddis of Janjira after they seized control of the region from the Portuguese. It is located near the mouth of the Panvel Creek. Later the Portuguese forces again occupied the fort in 1682. However in 1733, the forces of the Maratha Empire, under the leadership of Chimnaji Appa, took over the fort and the region by defeating the Portuguese. He had made a vow that if it was successfully recaptured from the Portuguese, he would place a garland of beli leaves in the Amruthaishwar temple. After the victory the fort was christened as Belapur Fort. The Maratha Empire reigned over the region of Belapur till June 1817. Afterwards, the territory and the fort were occupied by the army of the British East India Company, under the command of Captain Charles Gray. The British forces dismantled and demolished the structure to some extent because of their military policy of destroying any Maratha stronghold. The British partially destroyed the fort. A tunnel is also supposed to exist, which according to locals, connects it to Gharapuri Island, the site of the Elephanta Caves. 

Kavaledurga Fort

Initially built in the 9th century, the Kavaledurga Fort is a historical monument that is located about 18 km from Thirthahalli in the Shimoga district of the state of Karnataka.

History of Kavaledurga Fort
Renovated in the 14th century by Cheluvarangappa, the Kavaledurga Fort was then called Bhuvanagiri, which was a stronghold of the Nayakas of Keladi. They had a feud with the Vijayanagara rulers but soon gained independence after their fall. Venkatappa Nayaka fortified the place and built a palace. The Kavaledurga Fort has three lines of walls, which are constructed of huge granite blocks following the natural contour of the hillock. Each fortification has a gateway flanked by guard rooms on either side and in between these fortifications, there are temples, a ruined palace site and basement of structures.

Kavaledurga Fort an abode of Gods

There were around fifteen temples within the fortifications, but only three of the temples still exist – Kashi Vishwanatha temple, Sri Lakshmi Narayana temple and Shikareshwara temple. The Lakshmi Narayana temple is situated on a rock with natural steps leading up to it.The Shikareshwara temple is situated almost at the centre of the fort, on a natural hillock and affords a panoramic view of the area. The Kashi Vishwanatha temple is unique for its Islamic style doorway and the presence of two stone pillars at the entrance.