Culture Archives - Page 13 of 24

Ajanta Caves regarded as masterpieces of Buddhist art

5Jul

By Aqsa AzamNo Comments

Culture

Ajanta Caves regarded as masterpieces of Buddhist art

The first Buddhist cave monuments at Ajanta date from the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. The paintings and sculptures of Ajanta Caves considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, have had a considerable artistic influence. Hidden away in the hills of northwest India, some 200 miles from the busy streets of Mumbai, emerges a magnificent jewel of art and religion: the Ajanta Caves. The caves, cut into the face of a mountain, form a horseshoe shape around the Wangorah River. They are an example of one of Indian’s unique artistic traditions known as rock-cut temples. Ajanta consists of thirty caves, each dedicated to the life of the Buddha. Each cave is filled with sculptures, wall murals, and ceiling paintings. Though much of this site has collapsed. What remains at Ajanta has allowe...

Sigiriya Rock Forest: 8th wonder of the world

12Jun

By Aqsa AzamNo Comments

Culture, Latest

Sigiriya Rock Forest: 8th wonder of the world

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress has a dramatic and thrilling past that is bound to captivate all who visit the site. Discover a tale of ambition, betrayal, and vengeance. When you learn about the king who had the vision and perseverance to create this magnificent palace in the sky. Located in between the Habarana and Dambulla towns in the Matale district in Sri Lanka is, Sigiriya. The ‘Lions Rock’ previously known as Sihagiri has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is commonly referred to as Sigiriya. Ancient rock fortress and palace ruin surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs. The fortress’ name is echoed in the staircases that emerge from a lion’s mouth constructed in brick and plaster which offer access to the site. Sigiriya is al...

Tea: The most celebrated drink in the world

30May

By Aqsa AzamNo Comments

Culture, Global, Latest

Tea: The most celebrated drink in the world

Tea, the world’s second most consumed drink after water, has a complex history, deeply rooted in Chinese culture. There are numerous legends and tales about its origins, centered around the first cup of tea that was ever brewed. The history of tea dates back to ancient China, almost 5,000 years ago. According to legend, in 2732 B.C. Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea when leaves from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water. He was immediately interested in the pleasant scent of the resulting brew, and drank some. Legend says the Emperor described a warm feeling as he drank the intriguing brew. As if the drink was investigating every part of his body. Shen Nung named the brew "ch'a", the Chinese character meaning to check or investigate. In 200 B.C. a Han Dynasty Emperor rul...

23May

By Aqsa AzamNo Comments

Culture, Latest

A unique tale of loyalty and Friendship in royal court

The close relationship between Queen Victoria and her young Indian attendant Abdul Karim was deemed controversial and scandalous by the royal court. After the Queen passed away, the family evicted Karim from the home the queen had given him and deported him back to India. Shrabani Basu, a renowned UK-based journalist notices a unique detail while touring Victoria’s Isle of Wight summer home in 2003. She saw a brown man standing next to Queen Victoria with a posture of a nobleman. She noticed that he is holding a book or important paper rather than a serving tray. This intrigued her and eventually led her to the details of Karim and Queen Victoria's scandalous yet eccentric friendship. This duo from the royal court is removed thoroughly after her demise. An assistant clerk at Ag...

‘Tere Bin’ trending on twitter for manifesting marital rape

22May

By Aqsa AzamNo Comments

Culture, Latest, Pakistan

‘Tere Bin’ trending on twitter for manifesting marital rape

Pakistani drama Serial 'Tere Bin' is trending on Twitter for all the wrong reasons. It opened a new argument all over the social media. Ladies from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh are raising their voices to register on this major crime. In episode 46 of the popular drama 'Tere Bin'. We see Ali's character, Murtasim, apparently forcing himself on his wife Meerab (Zaidi) as the credits roll. Moreover, in the promo for the next week's episode, it's implied that Tere Bin will now include the theme of marital rape. The said sudden change in a fan-favorite character has sent shockwaves through the fanbase of the drama serial. Many called out the show and its writer for the unnecessary downfall of Murtasim's character arc. However, the latter has now opened up about the criticism. As ...