As Lohri was last week I bet lots of you have asked this question since: What is the festival really about? Well, like many festivals, Lohri draws on lots of different ideas and customs. The festival always falls on January 13th, which differs from other festivals that have an everchanging date, like Diwali. Lohri isContinue reading “Lohri: A Brief History”
Tag Archives: India
Diwali: A Brief History
Diwali is the ‘festival of lights,’ and is celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus and Jains. Although the date of the festival changes every year, it usually falls in October or November and lasts for five days. Many celebrate the festival in honour of the goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu and the goddess of wealth. ItContinue reading “Diwali: A Brief History”
The influence of scripture, tradition and law on the abolition of Sati
‘Women become sites upon which various versions of scripture, tradition and law are elaborated’ – Lata Mani. Mani’s sentiment rings true, as scripture, tradition and law were used to address Sati, an issue that primarily concerned women. Women therefore did become sites upon which versions of these three sources were elaborated and developed. Although theseContinue reading “The influence of scripture, tradition and law on the abolition of Sati”
Bhangra: A Brief History
It is undisputed that Bhangra originates from the Panjab, a province in northern India. ‘Panjab’ means ‘the land of the five rivers.’ Bhangra itself has been around for over five hundred years. What is more disputed, and difficult to define, is the word ‘Bhangra’ itself. In general terms, Bhangra describes a traditional folk dance, usuallyContinue reading “Bhangra: A Brief History”
What was the significance of policing inter-racial sexual liaisons in late eighteenth century India?
The significance of the policing of interracial sexual liaisons in the 1790s cannot be realised without understanding Britain’s previous activities in India. Since its conception in the seventeenth century, the East India Trading Company’s primary function was the building and maintaining of trade links with India as a whole.[1] This holistic focus began to narrowContinue reading “What was the significance of policing inter-racial sexual liaisons in late eighteenth century India?”
How did Britain gain control of India?
The complicated relationship between Britain and India began with the formation of the East India Company in 1600, by the command of Elizabeth I. the intention of the company was to explore and to compete with other powers in the East Indies. Britain was not successful here, so turned her attention to India. In 1640,Continue reading “How did Britain gain control of India?”
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