Maatir Blogs

There is always a story to tell and there’s no better way to tell it than with pictures. From temples to homes, kalamkari artwork has survived the test of time. It has been passed down from generation to generation staking its claim on the world art scene. Origins Named for its technique, kalamkari is a combination of two Persian words: kalam meaning pen, and kari meaning work or craftsmanship. Kalamkari artists use tamarind wood, bamboo, or date palm sticks as the pen to hand paint designs on cotton or silk. It started as a decoration in temples before getting recognition as an art form in and of itself. It was promoted in the Mughal era in what is now the state of Andhra Pradesh in the southeast of India. Story Time Many of the early pieces of kalamkari artwork were used to help tell the stories of Hindu mythology. Large swathes of fabric were painted with deities and heroes from the epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. When they aren’t taking inspiration from mythology, they oft...

 Whether you’re just starting your exercise journey or have many years under your belt, yoga has become a form of physical fitness for many around the world. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” meaning “to unite”. Originally taken to mean joining the mind to the body, yoga is also uniting people and building communities. Yoga Through the Ages Mindfulness and creating a space to live in the present moment have been around for a while. Though historians can’t name the first person to practice yoga or even when it first began, we do know that it’s at least as old the Vedic period in 1500 BC. At first, yoga was an exclusively male activity. More specifically, only the men in the highest caste were learning the practices of yoga.  The demographics started changing in the 19th C with the rise of yoga gurus. They started traveling to Europe and the US sharing yoga with anyone who wanted to listen. And people wanted to listen. The modern age of yoga was spurred on by those yogis. ...

When you go to the store to grab a handful of items, you may find yourself reaching for a plastic basket. In the days without them, artisans had to make their own baskets. This longstanding tradition of basket weaving can be seen all over world. Basketry Historians have a tough time tracking down the exact origins of basket weaving. This is because natural materials biodegrade easily over time. We do know that it is the oldest as well as the most widely spread handicraft.  The oldest recovered basket was discovered in Faiyum, Egypt. It dates back to about ten to twelve thousand years old based on carbon dating. Other evidence that people have been making baskets since the beginning of time are the imprints in the clay people used when they started making pottery.  India in particular has a very rich culture when it comes to basketry. Each region takes a slightly different material and approach to crafting their baskets. Some things they have in common is the intricacy of the ...

Taking a walk-in nature brings many of us a few moments of peace as we admire the beauty all around us. In Asia, one plant in particular has seemingly risen to a higher level than the rest. The lotus, native to India, Eastern Africa, and Southeast Asia, has been deemed sacred by many cultures. Common Symbolism The lotus flower has come to represent lots of different things. The most common tie is to the concept of spiritual enlightenment. Like the lotus, we must emerge from murky water and show the world the best of us.  Other interpretations of the symbolism are personal growth, new beginnings, and purity. Slow and steady for the win. The lotus grows one petal at a time, reminding us that reaching Enlightenment takes gradual steps. Every day really is a new day. The flowers bloom in the morning and close up at night. It shows us visually the cycle of rebirth. Lotus flowers rise from muddy waters everyday and yet they are clean. Symbolism for Hindus Hinduism specifically adds o...

There are few things that unite all Indians. One of them is cricket. Homes and stadiums everywhere on match days are filled with electric energy from fans sharing in camaraderie rooting for their favorite team. Early Cricket It is believed that cricket originated in England. When it was introduced to India, it took on a life of its own. The British East India Trading Company was the first cricket team in India created in 1721. The game was mostly played among mariners in Cambay, around 400 kilometers north of Mumbai. Later, in 1792, the Calcutta Cricket Team was created. Gaining Popularity Nearly 50 years after the Calcutta team was formed, the Parsis founded the first community cricket club in India . They intended to spread their love of cricket in the community and inspire them to do the same. In the late 1800s, cricket gained popularity across the Indian subcontinent. Part of the charm of the game is the simplicity. Two players, a ball, and a bat is sufficient for a good game o...

Curry: the great misconception about Indian food. Throughout the years, curry has been evolving and traveling around the world. Settle in for the story of how curry has come to be such a common dish all throughout India. Origin The story starts in the 1500s in Goa. The Portuguese have landed in India and they looked to the locals for food. They noticed that people were eating rice and vegetables with a thick, spiced sauce or gravy. At this time, black pepper was the spice of choice. But when the Portuguese realized that chillies were cheaper, the swap was quickly made. They also brought with them both potatoes and tomatoes. The British came to India soon after in the 18th century. They also found people eating curries, so they adapted it for their tastes. Being the travelers they are, the British had many colonies around the world.  Just as people are not stationary, neither is food. Wherever they went, the British brought curry with them. People say that the British traveled the w...

In the bustling neighborhood of Colaba in Mumbai, the Gateway of India marks one of the city's biggest tourist attractions. It’s a site for locals and tourists alike, filled with street vendors, photographers, and food stalls. The Making of a Monument The Gateway of India was built in the 20th century using Indo-Saracenic architecture. That means that this project was a collaboration of both Gujarati and Arabic styles of architecture.  The genius behind this project was Scottish architect George Wittet. The construction started in March of 1911 and the finished structure was completed in 1924. On December 4, 1924 the monument was officially inaugurated. Style  The Gateway of India is made with basalt. That was a unique choice of stone for two reasons. The first is that basalt is resistant to acidification, and being so close to the Arabian Sea, that is important. The second is that since it’s yellow, it makes for a pleasing visual experience even if you are too far away to see...