Kutchi Culture

Gujarat the Land of Legends

2011-03-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

Gujarat the Land of Legends

Antique Kutch Embroidery Window Door Valance Topper

2011-03-21T01:02:00.000-07:00

Antique Authentic Vintage (35-40 years old), Rare Exquisite Banjara hand Embroidery with extensive and exquisite mirror work Sari Indian Toran / Valence / Window or Door Topper / Wall Hanging Tapestry from the Kutch region of Gujarat in Western India, Size Huge: W31" x L21" with seven pods.

NH9895

A memorable work of outstanding art !You are looking at a very vibrant & stunning work of folk craftsmanship, one of the most Ethnic pieces you've probably ever seen. The "Banjara" style is one of the most prized styles of hand embroidery, never seen in any departmental store in the U.S and limited to collector's sites. What distinguishes this memorable style of embroidery is the fact that it covers every inch of fabric with exuberant colors of rural western India. This lovely picturesque hand crafted & hand embroidered Toran / Valence is a visual delight. A 0.25" Orange trim lends character to this magnificent Toran / Wall Hanging.The extensive mirror work adds to the sparkle and lends a spectacularly ethnic look and add style to your room. Transform your window / door / wall with the royal grandeur of Indian culture.This 100% hand embroidered vintage rare Toran is guaranteed to bring you lots of compliments and is truly a bohemian crazy, conversational piece of accessory that everyone's room needs.Hardly ever seen in any departmental store, this is a fabulous & unique gift for your loved ones!Don't miss this fabulous offer!

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Banjara Rare Mirror Kutch Indian Wall Hanging Tapestry

2011-03-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Huge, Spectacular, brilliant Vintage Antique Tribal Masterpiece Indian Tapestry Wall Hanging Throw (this is a Cow Quilt, used to decorate cows on auspicious days) in every conceivable color with exquisite intricate heavy "Banjara" Hand Embroidery in silk & linen threads and large Mirror work from the states of Rajasthan & Gujarat in Western India, Size: 64" X 58"

NH9899

A Mystical Tapestry made of vintage Banjara quilt patchwork in vibrant colors of rural India! The Banjara quilt style is very specific to western Rajasthan and parts of Sindh in Pakistan.You are looking at a very vibrant & stunning work of folk craftsmanship, one of the most Ethnic pieces you've probably ever seen. The "Banjara" style is one of the most prized styles of hand embroidery, never seen in any departmental store in the U.S and limited to collector's sites. What distinguishes this memorable style of embroidery is the fact that it covers every inch of fabric with exuberant colors of rural western India. This gorgeous & exquisite Tapestry in Orange, Blue, Green, deep Pink and Brown has intricate & heavy "Banjara" hand embroidery embellished with tons of glittering huge antique mirrors. So extensive & intricate is the work that the package weight of this tapestry is 5.0 lbs! This spectacular piece of workmanship & skill is an amazing collage of hundreds of intricate antique mirrors, intricate thread work, beads & what not.The sparkling embellishments will lend a spectacularly ethnic look and add style to your room. Transform your wall with the royal grandeur of Indian culture. This unique elegance will add character and transform your table too if you choose to use this as a runner / table cover. Go for a dramatic makeover of your couch and this throw in your living room would become a conversational piece of art. You'll have to just stare at this dramatic piece for hours to believe the unbelievable! A must have in any season for all ethnic savvy ones.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Body Wrap Tribal Embroidered Wool Shawls 80 x 40 inches (ktds524)

2011-03-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

Embroidered Scarf Shawl Wraps in coarse wool fabric with vibrant embroidery work. It is wonderfully rustic and primevally appealing. They make perfect evening shawls. Does not have the kind of comfort that you would experience in pashmina or silk, but it is warm. And above all embroidery is unique and that makes these Indian shawls rare, exotic and provocative.

Kutch has managed admirably to preserve the culture of both its court and nomadic peoples. The special Woolen shawls of this region with embroidery are very famous because of their bright look that complements a winter day. The embroidery is never very dense but the colors are combined in such a manner that the brightness of body colors of the wool shawls is always enhanced. With addition of a little mirror work, the wool shawls look even prettier. The Rabari tribe of Kutch is an expert in such embroidery. The patterns of any embroidery are first sketched in mud with needles and then a final sketching is done in double running stitch.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Bohemian Embroidered Ethnic Kutch Sling Messenger Bag

2011-03-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Stunning, Picturesque 100% Handmade Authentic Banjara Patchwork Shoulder Bag with Mirrors, Metal beads, Cowrie Shells, beaded hangings and Hand Embroidery, From India.

NH10066

For those who wish to make a fashion statement! Authentic Banjara shoulder Bag with large mirror work, metal beads, metal coins, cowrie shells, hand embroidery and beaded hangings - a majestic kaleidoscope of bonanza of colors that is mesmerizing. If you want to be unique, different and trendy, this is definitely for you. Spruce up your wardrobe with this spectacular masterpiece of work. You can realize the painstaking & laborious work involved, not to mention days that one piece takes. Never ever seen in any major Departmental store in the U.S, this ethnic bag is as durable as is stunning.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

COTTON KNITTED TAPESTRY HOME DECOR WALL HANGING THROW Free Shipping Worldwide

2011-03-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful gujrati style multicolor thread hand knittied embroidered tapestry/wall hanging/wall decor with decorativ birds & flower design embroidery from the tribal areas of kutch & rajasthan.you can use them to decorate your walls, floor or tables.It represents a true colors of indian cultural diversity in the context of its craftmenship and tradition.Indian handicrafts are always rich in variety owing to great diversity in the cultural set-up of Indian society. The handicraft produced in far flung regions of India are unique and possess great historical traditions and artistry.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Embroidery Toran Handmade Window Treatment Door Valance

2011-03-20T03:53:00.000-07:00

Antique Vintage Exquisite Banjara 100% hand Embroidered with mirror work Sari Indian Toran / Valance / Window or Door Topper / Wall Hanging Tapestry from the Kutch region of Gujarat in Western India, Size Large: 49" x 28" with seven pods

SKU# NH7836

You are looking at a very vibrant & stunning work of folk craftsmanship, one of the most Ethnic pieces you've probably ever seen. The "Banjara" style is one of the most prized styles of hand embroidery, never seen in any departmental store in the U.S and limited to collector's sites. What distinguishes this memorable style of embroidery is the fact that it covers every inch of fabric with exuberant colors of rural western India. This lovely picturesque hand crafted & 100% hand embroidered Toran / Valence is a visual delight. A 0.25" Red trim lends character to this magnificent Toran / Wall Hanging. The extensive mirror work adds to the sparkle and lends a spectacularly ethnic look and add style to your room. Transform your window / door / wall with the royal grandeur of Indian culture. This hand embroidered Toran is guaranteed to bring you lots of compliments and is truly a bohemian crazy, conversational piece of accessory that everyone's room needs.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

India: The Kutch Peoples

2011-03-20T00:17:00.000-07:00

SKU# NH7836

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Kutch La Lune Hand Bag

2011-03-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

Kutch, situated in the border region of Gujarat state is a drought-prone area which is famous across the world for the embroidery done by the native women. Exclusive embroideries are done during marriages as part of the dowry for the bride. This bag is an assortment of antique embroidery samplers created by these women for their 'Hope Chest'. All Aavni items are handmade and not produced in a factory. Imperfections in the weaving, embroidery and making of these masterpieces are part of the charm of this non-commercialized trade. NO TWO PRODUCTS ARE THE SAME! Check out more of our products at Aavni.com

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Antique Kutch Embroidered Window Door Valance Topper

2011-03-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

Antique Authentic Vintage (35-40 years old), Rare Exquisite Banjara hand Embroidery with mirror work Sari Indian Toran / Valence / Window or Door Topper / Wall Hanging Tapestry from the Kutch region of Gujarat in Western India, Size Huge: W40" x L22" with seven pod.

NH9604

A memorable work of outstanding art !You are looking at a very vibrant & stunning work of folk craftsmanship, one of the most Ethnic pieces you've probably ever seen. The "Banjara" style is one of the most prized styles of hand embroidery, never seen in any departmental store in the U.S and limited to collector's sites. What distinguishes this memorable style of embroidery is the fact that it covers every inch of fabric with exuberant colors of rural western India.This lovely picturesque hand crafted & hand embroidered Toran / Valence is a visual delight. A 0.25" Purple trim lends character to this magnificent Toran / Wall Hanging.The extensive mirror work adds to the sparkle and lends a spectacularly ethnic look and add style to your room. Transform your window / door / wall with the royal grandeur of Indian culture. This 100% hand embroidered vintage rare Toran is guaranteed to bring you lots of compliments and is truly a bohemian crazy, conversational piece of accessory that everyone's room needs.Hardly ever seen in any departmental store, this is a fabulous & unique gift for your loved ones!Don't miss this fabulous offer!

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Vintage Handmade India Kutch Textile Ethnic Fabric 10x6

2011-03-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

Rare Tribal Authentic Banjara Vintage 100% hand-embroidered Textile Patch (also called "Galla") Mirror work and Cowrie Shell work, from the nomadic group known as Banjaras from India. Size = 10" x 6.5"

NH8278

A wonderful work of nomadic art. Rare, authentic vintage hand-embroidered textile patch with exquisite mirror work and Cowrie shell work from India.The textile patch is in good condition. Patch may have minor rips or stains. The mirrors are all kind of blurry and aged-looking. Rows and bunches of cowrie shells runs along the edges.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Welcome To My Kutchi Culture

2011-03-19T05:56:00.001-07:00

Welcome To My Kutchi Culture
Please Comment

Good infomation about Kutch And Gujarat

2011-01-23T20:24:00.000-08:00

Kachchh (also spelled as Kutch) is a district of Gujarat state in western India. Covering an area of 45,612 km², it is the largest district in the state of Gujarat and the second largest district of India after Leh.

Kachchh literally means something which intermittently becomes wet and dry; large part of this district known as Rann of Kachchh is shallow wet-land which submerges in water during the rainy season and becomes dry during other seasons. The same word is also used in the languages of Sanskrit origin for a tortoise and garments to be worn while having a bath. It is interesting to note that when its map viewed upside down, it resembles a tortoise.

Kachchh District is surrounded by the Gulf of Kachchh and the Arabian Sea in south and west, while northern and eastern parts are surrounded by the Great and Small Rann (seasonal wetlands) of Kachchh. When there were not many dams built on its rivers, the Rann of Kachchh remained wetlands for a large part of the year. Even today, the region remains wet for a significant part of year.

The district had a population of 1,583,225 of which 30% were urban as of 2001.

History

Remote and sparsely populated while the district of Kutch may be, it has had an interesting history. The Indus valley civilization, known to be one of the first ever civilised societies consisted of the ancestors of Kutchis as well as others. However now most of the river lies in Pakistan after India was split up.

Economy and Industries

Kutch is a growing economic and industrial hub in one of India's fastest growing states - Gujarat. Its location on the far western edge of India has resulted in the commisssioning of two major ports Kandla and Mundra. These ports are near most to the Gulf and Europe by the sea route. The hinterland of north-western India hosts more than 50% of India's population.

And Very well connected By Road, Rail and Air. Road qualities are one of the best in India. Kutch have very large number of small truck fleet owners and Village Ratnal have largest number of truck ownership in Asia. People have natural Entrepreneurial skills and large number of people of Kutch have are NRI and Businessman, Industrialist all owner India and support a lot to local economy by Investment and remittance. The Village of Baladia is considered Richest village in Asia with more than Rs. 2 bn bank deposits and all 100% villagers are creditors and no debtors and separate article was published for Baldia and Ratnal in Time Magazine.

Kutch is Mineral rich region with very large reserve of Lignite, Gypsum and lot of other mineral. Kachchh got tax break for Industries for 15 years after the major earthquake in January 26, 2001. And now houses Asia's largest Cement Plan, Sanghi Cement . Kandla - India's largest port by cargo handling. Mundra - One of the most sophisticated high-tech ultra modern port. Other major Industries are Welspun, Ajanta Clocks, One of the largest windmill farms concentration, Kutch region produces 70% salt of India. Kutch is world famous for Handicraft and Embroidery. Bunni - Embroidery and Bhujodi Village is famous for hadicraft and shawls. The Belts From Towns 1) Shamkhiyali - Bhachau -Gandhigham -Kandla, 2 ) Gandhidham - mundra, 3) Gandhidham - Adipur -Anjar - Bhuj, 4) Bhachau - Bhuj houses hundreds of Industries. And It is part of Silver corridor of India. The Major Industries in Kutch are Import-Export, Transportation and Cargo Handling, Cement, Mining, Ports, Salt, Tourism, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Timber, Real Estate, Retail and lot more. The local environment, people and government is very business friendly and pro-industry. The towns of Gandhidham and Bhuj are very livable, peaceful and environment is very conductive for any business. If you are thinking to Invest in India, don’t miss to evaluate this region.

textiles from the 'kutch' region (india)

2011-01-16T00:03:00.000-08:00

a peek at tribal textiles from 'kutch'

this area in gujarat, a state in western india borders pakistan and is home to over a dozen different gypsy/nomad tribes of varying origins (including one that has migrated from baluchistan)

and they all produce beautiful textile work, as i have recently discovered. although in the beginning the work looks similar, a closer look reveals the distinctive signature of each tribe.

they weave, tie&dye and embroider to create their art.

i've had some pieces for awhile, but a recent event, made me go a bit crazy and now there are many more in my cupboard that i am trying to understand. and i have gone nuts enuff to book a trip to the region next week. am planning to live with the rabari gypsies and am hoping ambitiously, to come back with a complete understanding about the region's textile art, its history and its people !

a "starter pack" of pictures of some of the pieces :

several tribes use mirrors - and sometimes large mirrors set in metal. the embroidery used here is a good neat example of the work of this type. the hanging triangles are made of 'mashru' material which is unique to this region.

this is probably a head gear that helps support the earthen or metal pot on the head. the tail piece seems to have some purpose i hope to discover soon. the camel wool tassels have natural dyes.

this is a head scarf - with embroidery on a square piece that has been tied and dyed first. each corner has a different design, and small cowries are real.

this blanket uses undyed sheep wool. created in two longitudinal parts and then stitched together. the weaver explained that this is because their looms are small (? - will find out why). this is the only piece of the set that i have posted, which is new.

this is a bridal veil for one of the tribes. also made in two longitudinal parts. first tie-dyed separately - then stitched together and then embroidered. the mismatch between the tie-dyed parts is visible.sometimes there also is a deliberate attempt to sabotage perfection in the embroidery - to 'avert the evil eye' called the 'nazarbattu' seen in pic1 on the left bottom. a third dimension is seen in this ludi - with a stuffed square pyramid on each flower (pic 3 which is not of the same ludi as in pic 1 and 2).

there's lots more .... but am not sure if there is interest enuff on this forum- so i shall rest for now !

jaina mishra
mumbai, india

Food Of Gujarat

2011-01-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

The food served in the South of Gujarat is influenced by the cuisine of Maharashtra. In South Gujarat, people usually consume Jowar, whereas in Saurashtra and North Gujarat, the diet consists mainly of Bajra and Maize. In Baroda, you will find a blend of all tastes due to its location. In earlier times, wheat was consumed only by the elite and by the middle class during the festive season. With changing time, things have changed. Today, wheat forms an integral part of the Gujarati platter and is used in a number of ways.

Gulab Jamun

Jalebi

Kachori

Pav Bhaji

Bhajias (Pakoras)

Sweets

Basundi
Doodh Pak
Gajar Halwa
Gulab Jambu
Jalebi
Ladoo
Puran Puri
Shrikhand
Mohan Thal
Magas
Barfi
Gari
Sutarfeni
Kaju Katri

Snacks

Bhajias/Pakoras
Pav Bhaji Recipe here: http://mitholimdo.wordpress.com/category/recipe-by-name/pav-bhaji/
Chana Dal Wada
Kutchi Dabeli
Dal Wada
Dhokla
Farsi Puri
Ganthias
Handvo Recipe here: http://mitholimdo.wordpress.com/category/recipe-by-name/handvo/
Kachori
Khandvi Recipe here: http://mitholimdo.wordpress.com/category/recipe-by-name/khandvi/
Muthias
Sev-Usual
Bhel
Pani Puri
Fafda
Chevdo
Bhakharvadi
Chavanu
Jain Chevdo
Patra
Gatha

Pulses (Dals)Kadhi

Mixed Dal
Moong Dal
Plain Dal
Tuver Dal
Udad Dal
Kadhi
Dhal Dhokli

Vegetables

Batata Suki Bhaji
Cabbage Peas
Cauliflower-Green Peas
Methi Mutter
Okra
Sev-Tomatoes
Undhiyu

Gujarati Wedding Ceremony

2011-01-15T11:17:00.001-08:00

HINDU WEDDING
Marriage is a highly auspicious occasion in the Indian culture. According to the Vedas, the Hindu scriptures, marriage is a sacred life long commitment between a man and a woman. It is considered to be the strongest of all social bonds and is the initiation into a lifetime of togetherness. The Vedic wedding ceremony consists of prayers, invocations, and vows recited in Sanskrit, the most ancient surviving language. The Vedic wedding ceremony dates back to over five thousand years. The ceremony is performed under a decorated canopy, the Mandap. The four pillars that surround the madap represent the four parents. This signifies the important part they have played in raising their children to become the responsible adults they are today. The ceremony is performed before a sacred fire, or Agni, which is the eternal witness of the marriage and all vows taken.
HINDU WEDDING CEREMONY
Baraat (Wedding Procession) The original form of a baraat is a procession from the groom's house to the bride's house for the wedding ceremony. The joyous wedding day begins with the Mangal Vadya, the playing of Shehnai (a traditional wind instrument) and Dhol (Indian drum). Swagatam (Welcoming of the Groom and his Family) The groom and his family are greeted at the doors of the Mandir (Temple) by the bride's parents and family. The mother of the bride then greets and welcomes the groom and his family into her own family. She blesses the groom by placing a tilak (red dot) on his forehead. The groom is then led to the mandap where the wedding ceremony will take place.
Ganesh Puja (The worship of Lord Ganesh) Every Hindu ceremony begins with the worship of Lord Ganesh, deity of peace and wisdom. This is done so people can find strength within themselves to remove any obstacles that may arise. Madhuparka (Welcoming the Groom) While the groom is sitting under the mandap the Madhuparka is performed where his feet are washed by the bride's parents. He is then offered Panchamrut, a liquid composed of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar.
Kanya Daan (Giving away of the daughter) The bride accepts her change of status from an unmarried woman to a wife by spreading turmeric powder on her hands. Kanya Daan is performed by the father (or uncle of guardian) of the bride in presence of a large gathering that is invited to witness the wedding.
Vivaaha (Wedding) The bride and the groom face each other, and the priest ties their garments (the bride's saree to the groom's shirt) in a knot, symbolizing the sacred union. The bride and the groom garland each other and exchange the rings. Next the nuptial fire, symbolizing the divine witness, and the sanctifier of the sacrament, is installed and worshipped.
Both the bride and the groom grasp their hands together and pray to God for His blessings. Samagree, consisting of crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar, rice, ghee (clarified butter), and twigs is offered into the sacred fire to seek God's blessings for the couple.
Mangal Phera (The Circumambulation of the Sacred Fire) The groom holds the bride by the hand and both walk three times around the sacred fire. Both offer oblations and recite appropriate Vedic hymns to Gods for prosperity, good fortune, and conjugal fidelity. They touch each others heart and pray for union of their hearts and minds.
Saptapadi (Seven Sacred Steps - Oaths) This is the most important rite of the entire ceremony. Here the bride and the groom take seven steps together around the sacred fire (Agni) and make the following seven promises to each other: As per the Vedic rituals, the groom sings "With God as our guide, let us take":
1. The first step to nourish each other
2. The second step to grow together in strength
3. The third step to preserve our wealth
4. The fourth step to share our joys and sorrows
5. The fifth step to care for our children
6. The sixth step to be together forever
7. The seventh step to remain lifelong friends
8. The perfect halves to make a perfect whole!
The Satapadi ceremony concludes with a prayer that the union is indissoluble. At the end of this ceremony, the groom and the bride become husband and wife.
Mangal Sutra The Mangal Sutra Dharana is the tying of the thread containing the marks of the Vishnu or Shiva on the neck of the bride by the groom.
Suhaag or Sindhoordana The groom places sindoor (red powder) on the bride's hair symbolizing her as a married woman.
Aashirvaad (Blessing) The groom's parents bless the couple and offer clothes or flower to the bride, symbolizing her joining the groom's family. All those assembled at the ceremony shower flowers on the couple and bless them completing the marriage.

The Kutch Museum

2011-01-15T06:39:00.001-08:00

If you are touring the Kutch region of Gujarat (India), then the Kutch Museum at Bhuj town is a must-see spot for you. In addition to being the oldest museum of Gujarat and one of the oldest in India, this museum is a repository of Indian and Kutchi arts, crafts, culture and history of this region.
Silver and Gold Work:
Goldsmiths of Kutch were renowned for their enamel and filigree work on silver and gold ornaments and articles. Exquisite pieces of this workmanship include brooches, necklaces, rings, trays, silver fans, biscuit boxes and other table items. Another speciality of this region is penknife and lock industry. Innovative pieces of this craft are also on display in the museum.
Arts and Crafts:
Tie-and-dye (Bandhani) work is one of the main attractions for tourists to this region. Going back to hundreds of years, this craft is alive and thriving even today. with a number of award-winning craftsmen engaged in this craftsmanship. The museum has a great number of eye-catching peices depicting this art. Another textile art called "rogan" work where textiles were painted with indelible colored designs is becoming rare now. Once a thriving industry, there is only one craftsman engaged in this work now. However, in this section that you can see a number of samples of this exquisite art.
Weaponry:
In addition to some quaint pieces of weaponry in use in old days, this section has a cannon gifted by Tipu Sultan to Kutch rulers. At first glance, this cannon would seem quite ordinary but the story behind its coming to this region from a far off place would surely interest the history buffs. It is believed that Tipu Sultan of Mysore was looking for allies to fight against the Britishers and had sent this gift to the rulers of this region to rope in their support for his endeavors. It is not known whether anything came off this move from Tipu Sultan but the local rulers did use this cannon in their local wars and skirmishes.
Coins:
Kutch was one of the few princely states in India to have its own coins and you can see most of the silver and gold coins of this region from the time of Mughals down to the British era up to the time when India became independent. One interesting coin in this section is the one with the name of King Edward VIII who abdicated the British throne. Edward's reign was so short that the Britishers did not get around to putting him on their own coins. But the Kutch region did. Naturally this coin has become a rarity for coin-collectors.
These are but a few notable sections of this museum which has many other attractions like paintings and stone inscriptions which are the signposts of this region's cultural and historical heritage. All in all this Museum is a worth a visit if you happen to be in this part of India.

The Peoples of Kutch

2011-01-13T02:15:00.001-08:00

Kutch has been a significant confluence point for different races and people. The nomadic pastoralists are certainly the most interesting and their links can be traced on one side to Marwar and Mewar (regions of Rajasthan), Saurashtra and, on the other side, Sindh and beyond to Afghanisthan, Iran and Central Asia.

The great Rabari group is spread over the western plains of India from Kutch to Rajasthan. They are Hindu cattle-breeders and shepherds, falling into three endogamous groups - those of Kutch, Rajasthan and Central Gujarat.

There are further sub-divisions according to region like the Garasia, Kachela, Dhebaria and Wagadia of Kutch. Rabaries worship the mother goddess, Ramdev Pir, horsemen heroes and the sainted dead. In Kutch, after the monsoon rains and their year's wanderings, they celebrate all marriages on one day only, that of Gokul Ashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna.

The other main group of pastoralists consists of two dozen nomadic and semi-nomadic Muslim groups who trace their roots from Sindh and beyond. The Jath are the largest such group. The others are smaller and live in Banni area, a low-lying, sixteen hundred square kilometers pastureland close to the salt marshes of the Great Rann of Kutch, and also in the surrounding areas.

The main clans are the Halipotra, Raisipotra, Mutwa, Node, Hingorjah, Bhambha, Cher, Junejah, Kaskalee, Korar, Ladai, Nunai, Pathan, Baluch, Samejah, Sumra and Tabah.

The Dhanetah section of the Jath are also in the Banni. They keep mainly cattle, no goats, and are settled around nearly fifty water-holes on the Banni.

The Jaths are a nomadic community spread over Kutch. They appear to have started their migration to this area, from Sindh, some four hundred years ago. Their main groups are Dhanetah, Fakirani and Garasia. The Garasia Jaths live mainly in the Nakhatrana region of Kutch.

There is a sprinkling of Bharwads also in Kutch, and they have spilled over from their home region in Kathiawar. There is a great concentration of Ahirs in Kutch.

In and around Pacham are the Sammas. An interesting community is that of the Sodha Rajputs, some of whom have been settled in Kutch in the recent past only, after coming from Pakistan. In other castled villages tribals like the Koli mingle with the normal population mix of Patels, Jadejas, Rajputs, Bhatias, Kayasths, Lohanas, Gosains, Gadhvis, Kapdis, Jains, Brahamans, Jogis, Banias, Bairagis, Sanghars, Bhanushalis, Bhadalas Syeds, Shaikhs, Pathans, Khojas, Memans, Miyanas, Sammas, Kharvas and Toris. And intermingling with them are the service groups and craftsmen.

Kitchens of India Paste for Butter Chicken Curry, 3.5-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6)

2011-01-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

Kitchens of India paste for butter chicken curry rich, mildly spiced gravy recreates the taste of truly mouth-watering butter chicken. Just add tender nuggets of chicken, cook and serve.

Price: $12.54

Click here to buy from Amazon

Latcho Drom [VHS]

2011-01-09T16:17:00.000-08:00

This majestic, French-made film wishes viewers a "latcho drom"--a safe journey--as it follows the roots of the Rom, traveling people better known as Gypsies. Stunning and evocative, it transcends language and culture, bringing together the best elements of National Geographic-style documentary and music video in a kind of anthropological MTV. Using only music and image, without any steady characters or plot, award-winning director Tony Gatlif (himself of Rom descent) tells a compelling story of Rom migrations from Northern India to Europe and the rest of the world. Beginning with a gathering of lavishly dressed nomads singing across the harsh deserts of Rajasthan, viewers are transported through the lush oases of Egypt into the ghettoes of Turkey, from the muddy lanes of Eastern Europe through lush French fields to the windswept coastal cities of Spain. Every step of the way, there are hypnotic reminders of the harshness and beauty of the Rom lifestyle: the rhythms of labor pounding into vibrant dance, the songs of Turkish flower sellers merging with the plaintive political satires of a gray-haired Romanian violinist. Music is everywhere--children barely able to walk dance alongside great-grandmothers--and covers all styles and subjects--from the wintry strains of an Auschwitz lament to a flamenco devotional in a Spanish shrine to a festive Dixieland number that borrows as much from New Orleans as from northern India. And wordless stories abound, told in the smiles of strangers waiting for a train or in the frowns of rifle-toting farmers come to evict travelers from their land. --Grant Balfour

Price: $19.95

Click here to buy from Amazon

The Indiaman Magazine

2011-01-07T23:21:00.000-08:00

The only genealogical & history magazine in the world about the British in India from 1600 to 1947.

Check it out!

Links for 2011-01-06 [del.icio.us]

2011-01-07T00:00:00-08:00

Kutchi Culture

Five Star Indian Recipes

2011-01-06T06:25:00.001-08:00

Collection Of More Than 1000 Chosen Indian Recipes.

Check it out!

rann of kutch

2011-01-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

The Great Rann of Kutch, along with the Little Rann of Kutch and the Banni grasslands on its southern edge, is situated in the district of Kutch and comprises some 30,000 square kilometres (10,000 sq mi) between the Gulf of Kutch and the mouth of the Indus River in southern Pakistan. The marsh can be accessed from the village of Kharaghoda in Surendranagar District.
In India's summer monsoon, the flat desert of salty clay and mudflats, averaging 15 meters above sea level, fills with standing waters, interspersed with sandy islets of thorny scrub, breeding grounds for some of the largest flocks of Greater and Lesser Flamingoes, and is a wildlife sanctuary [7]. At its greatest extent, the Gulf of Kutch on the west and the Gulf of Cambay on the east are both united during the monsoon.
During the flooding wildlife including the Indian Wild Ass shelters on islands of higher ground called bets.
The area was a vast shallows of the Arabian Sea until continuing geological uplift closed off the connection with the sea, creating a vast lake that was still navigable during the time of Alexander the Great. The Ghaggar River, which presently empties into the desert of northern Rajasthan, formerly emptied into the Rann of Kutch, but the lower reaches of the river dried up as its upstream tributaries were captured by the Indus and Ganges thousands of years ago. Traces of the delta and its distributary channels on the northern boundary of the Rann of Kutch were documented by the Geological Survey of India in 2000.
The Luni River, which originates in Rajasthan, drains into the desert in the northeast corner of the Rann and other rivers fedding into the marsh include the Rupen from the east and the West Banas River from the northeast.
This is one of the hottest areas of India.

Diwali Kachchhi Recipe : BAAJAR JA MOTHIA

2011-01-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

Saamagri:

2 vaadko bajar jo atto

1 vaadko jowar jo atto

1 vaadko finely chopped kaanda(dungri/onion)

3 tbsp. radheli bhaat(cooked rice)

meetho swad anusaar(salt)

3 tbsp. tel (oil)

1 1/2 tsp.aadu-mercheji paste

1/2 tsp. hing

mothia baafela paani/cooker

Mothia Vagharela kare:

1 tsp. rai

1 tsp. ter(til/sesame seeds)

chapti hing

1 1/2 tbsp. tel(oil)

kothmari

khamnelo nariyel

Mothia bhanayji reet :

Vaghareji chiju chade ne baaki made hekde bowl me /taahri me mix kareji.madhyam naram atto badhejo.kadak lage ta paani/grated doodhi vaji sako.8 inch long ane 1? inch jaado roll bhanayjo.tel lageli thaari me hi roll rakheja.hekde tapele me adadhe sudhi paani bhare,rollwari thaari rakheji ane bai thaari se dhake vajejo. 20 miniute baafela rakhejo.thai vane ta chaake thi check karejo ke kacchaa ta nai.baar kadhi thadha thela danejo.1 “inch size ja piece kareja.

vaghar la kare:

kadai me tel garam thiye ta rai,ter(til),hing vajejo .mothia vajeja.10 minute sekeja ane otaare kare kothmari ,nariyel thi sajayjo.

Tip: Variation la kare methi/doodhi/palak/gajar vaji sako.

Posted in: Food, Recipes.

View the original article here

Proud to be an INDIAN

2011-01-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

The name `India’ is derived from the River Indus, the valleys around which were the home of the early settlers. The Aryan worshippers referred to the river Indus as the Sindhu.

The Persian invaders converted it into Hindu. The name `Hindustan’ combines Sindhu and Hindu and thus refers to the land of the Hindus.

The number system was invented by India. Aryabhatta was the scientist who invented the digit zero.

Sanskrit is considered as the mother of all higher languages. This is because it is the most precise, and therefore suitable language for computer software. ( a report in Forbes magazine, July 1987 ).

Chess was invented in India.

Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus are studies which originated in India.

The’ place value system’ and the ‘decimal system’ were developed in 100 BC in India.

The first six Mogul Emperor’s of India ruled in an unbroken succession from father to son for two hundred years, from 1526 to 1707.

The World’s First Granite Temple is the Brihadeswara temple at Tanjavur in Tamil Nadu. The shikhara is made from a single ‘ 80-tonne ‘ piece of granite. Also, this magnificient temple was built in just five years, (between 1004 AD and 1009 AD) during the reign of Rajaraja Chola

India is…….the Largest democracy in the world, the 6th largest country in the world AND one of the most ancient and living civilizations (at least 10, 000 years old).

The game of snakes & ladders was created by the 13th century poet saint Gyandev. It was originally called ‘Mokshapat.’ The ladders in the game represented virtues and the snakes indicated vices. The game was played with cowrie shells and dices. Later through time, the game underwent several modifications but the meaning is the same i.e good deeds take us to heaven and evil to a cycle of re-births.

The world’s highest cricket ground is in Chail, Himachal Pradesh.
Built in 1893 after levelling a hilltop, this cricket pitch is 2444 meters above sea level.

India has the most post offices in the world !

The largest employer in the world is the Indian railway system, employing over a million people !.

The World’s first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.

Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to mankind. The father of medicine, Charaka, consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.

Although modern images & descriptions of India often show poverty, India was one of the richest countries till the time of British in the early 17th Century. Christopher Columbus was attracted by India’s wealth and was looking for route to India when he discovered America by mistake.

The art of Navigation & Navigating was born in the river Sindh 6000 over years ago. The very word ‘Navigation’ is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. The word navy is also derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Nou’.

Bhaskaracharya rightly calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the sun hundreds of years before the astronomer Smart. His calculations was – Time taken by earth to orbit the sun: ( 5th century ) 365.258756484 days.

The value of “pi” was first calculated by the Indian Mathematician Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is known as the Pythagorean Theorem. He discovered this in the 6th century, which was long before the European mathematicians.

Algebra, trigonometry and calculus also orignated from India. Quadratic equations were used by Sridharacharya in the 11th century. The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Hindus used numbers as big as 10*53 ( i.e 10 to the power of 53 ) with specific names as early as 5000 B.C. during the Vedic period. Even today, the largest used number is Tera: 10*12( 10 to the power of 12 ).

Until 1896, India was the only source for diamonds to the world. ( Source . Gemological Institute of America )

The Baily Bridge is the highest bridge in the world. It is located in the Ladakh valley between the Dras and Suru rivers in the Himalayan mountains. It was built by the Indian Army in August 1982.

Sushruta is regarded as the father of surgery. Over 2600 years ago Sushrata & his team conducted complicated surgeries like cataract, artificial limbs, cesareans, fractures, urinary stones and also plastic surgery and brain surgeries.

Usage of anesthesia was well known in ancient India medicine. Detailed knowledge of anatomy, embryology, digestion, metabolism, physiology, etiology, genetics and immunity is also found in many ancient Indian texts.

Hence, when talking of a nation, it becomes very imperative that the past should also be talked about. And the past of India is as fascinating and interesting as it is momentous.

Proud to be Indian !

Jai Hind !

View the original article here