Mappila Lahala

There are two ways in which Mappila Lahala / Mappila rebellion is seen. 

1. As religion extremism. Muslim VS Hindu. Obviously, right-wing always speaks about Mappila Lahala from this angle; only. 

2. As a result of the revenge against the British revenue policy. It is said that as per the policy tenants didn't have any rights on the land and the sole owner of the land rights belonged to Hindu Janmis.  

As part of the protest, government institutions were attacked and in turn, the protest eventually led to the killing of Janmis and the destruction of Hindu temples. So, it can be considered that the tension started with the dislike towards the revenue policy and ended up in a religion vs religion fight.

British fought against this in a strong way and suppressed the revolt by Mappilaas.

Wagon tragedy is one of the incidents that happened during the rebellion. The tragedy happened when the Mappila rebellion prisoners were carried in the train in a packed manner and many prisoners suffocated to death in the train.

On Anchal post

A piece of news which threw a bit of light on History recently. 

Last "Anchal runner of Kerala passes away" :

https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/offbeat/last-anchal-runner-of-kerala-passes-away-1.3462681

Anchal post was a kind of top priority mail service in the olden days in Kerala. 

The delivery guy was called  Anchal Pillai. The guy would run with a postbag on his head and with bells in hand. 

Origin of Christianity in Kerala

Early Christians/Syrian/St.Thomas Christians

As per historical facts and studies, it is believed that Christianity emerged in Kerala by 52 A.D, after the arrival of St. Thomas in Muziris (Kodungallu, now). He converted several Brahmins and others to Christianity and founded seven churches (Maliankara, Palayur, Kottakkavu, Kokkamangalam, Quilon, Niranam and Nilakkal) in the Malabar coast. 

Some historical proofs that researchers claim for the above are:

Jews who visited Cranganore in 68 AD claims the existence of the Christian community there
Statement of Pantaenus, head of Alexandrian school who visited Kerala in the 2nd century has witnessed the Christian community

//You can see debate all over the internet on this topic. For some, roots from Brahmins thing is a privilege thingy. For some Brahmins, this is kind of less interest topic as they don't want to share their Brahmin pride with other religion! Among Latin and Catholics debate is all about whose roots are from the lower class and whose is from a higher class.
Also, many researchers have rejected this, as proof for this claim is limited//

By 345 AD, the number of Christians further increased, as around 72 families of Syrian immigrants came to Kerala headed by Kanayi Thoma.

Slowly, Christians turned into one of the prominent traders in Kerala and had privileges among the rulers. Socially too, they were treated equally with that of Hindus and played a good role in the social and economic development of Kerala.

Pieces of evidence

Terissappalli copper plate, Tazhakad church inscriptions, that mentions 2 Christian merchants, Copperplate grant issued by Vira Raghava Chakrabarty to a Christian merchant Iravi Kortanan are the primary evidence for the privileges Christian businessmen enjoyed.

This category of Christians followed the Syriac language, rules, and principles. Syriac is considered to be a dialect of Aramaic, the language of Jesus.

Catholic/Latin Christians - Syro Malabar Catholic Church

Latin Christian missionaries who visited Quilon in the medieval period introduced Latin culture of the churches in Kerala. On arrival of Portuguese in the year 1498, this further progressed. St. Francis Xavier and Synod of Diamper (1599) played a big role in Latinisation of the churches in Kerala.

Thus the Christian community in Kerala became 2 factions. Malankara (existing community who followed Church of east/St. Thomas) and Catholics.

Further, this led to incidents such as the Coonan Cross Oath and arrival of Carmelites to convince the existing communities. A section of the existing Christian community was convinced and came under papacy (Rome pope) called as Syro Malabar Catholic Church This, in fact, created friction within the existing community. 

Malankara Syrian Church-Post Portuguese period

Towards the middle of the 17th century, the power of Portuguese declined and Dutch started settling in. This was an opportunity for Malankara church to come out of the Roman Church's control completely and they succeded that with the help of the Dutch.

Break- Up of Malankara Syrian Church - Jacobite

In the year 1910, a section of the Malankara Church wanted to follow Patriarch of Antioch and other faction, Malankara orthodox Church supported local Bishop based out of Kottayam. This break-up was patched up later but again landed in trouble. The dispute on Church was the by-product of this and a verdict was announced by the supreme court of India recently. 

The entry of Church Mission Society (C.M.S) - Anglican Church and Marthoma Syrian Church

By the 19th century, the British entered India and this was an opportunity for C.M.S London to expand its missionary activities to India. In Kerala, they collaborated with Syrian priests which later they would break-up and both started to work their own. The Syrian priests adopted some of the reforms of C.M.S and formed a new Church called Marthoma Syrian Church. Some of the noted reforms include replacement of Syriac by Malayalam as the language of worship. The C.M.S continued their work by forming the Anglican church.

Nestorian/Chaldean church

The Nestorian church is the followers of St.Thomas and is formed from the faction of Church that joined with Romans (Syro-Malabar Catholic church) but wanted more autonomy and freedom from Bishop and thus separated and became independent.

Source of Information:

A Survey of Kerala History- A Sreedhara Menon

Various published news, Church websites, and videos.

Origin of name 'Keralam'

Although, many studies have been done by scholars to derive the name 'Keralam'; there is no certain theory that proves the origins of name Keralam. 

Some of the theories are:

1. From the word 'kera' meaning coconut
   The word kera in Malayalam means coconut and 'alam' means region/land. Since coconut is one of the main agricultural product in Kerala, it is assumed that the word Keralam came from Kera+Alam, meaning land of coconuts.
2. From 'Cheram'
   As per Dr. Gundert, in Kannada/Canarese pronunciation, cheram was called as 'Keram', the country between Gokarnam (Gokarana) and 'Cumari' (Kanyakumari), and the name Keralam was derived from 'Cheram'.
3. From the Tamil word 'Charal'
   As per this theory, the word Keralam came from the Tamil word Charal which means kind of mountain slope. This, down the line, got evolved to Chera/Kera country>Keralam.
   
4. From 'Cher' and 'Alam'
   Cher means muddy and alam means region, thus meaning a slushy land, Cheralam/Keralam. The word Chernta means 'added', thus it is also interpreted as land that was added to the existing mountains or addition to the land from sea.
5. Land of 'Chera'
   Another theory is that the name came from 'Chera' kings who were the rulers of the state in Chera dynasty. Thus Cheralam/Keralam meaning land of Chera kings. It is also said that the name was first recorded as Keralaputra in a 3rd-century BCE rock inscription left by the Maurya emperor Ashoka (274–237 BCE), one of the Edicts of King Asoka.

Origin of Indians - Akhilesh Pillalamarri

Sharing interesting articles written by Akhilesh Pillalamarri in The Diplomat, on the origin of Indians.

Part 1: https://thediplomat.com/2019/01/unraveled-where-indians-come-from-part-1/

Part 2: https://thediplomat.com/2019/01/where-indians-come-from-part-2-dravidians-and-aryans/

Part 3: https://thediplomat.com/2019/01/where-did-indians-come-from-part-3-what-is-caste/

Part 4: https://thediplomat.com/2019/02/where-did-indians-come-from-part-4-how-unique-is-indian-society/

Jabri Festival and Kaapadans - Experiencing own death rituals when alive

Jabri festival happens once in 12 years, in Mahothobhara Mahalingeshwara Temple located at Nettanige village of Kasargod district, near Kasargod-Karnataka border.

The festival includes Bhootabali Utsava, Swayambhoo Guhapravesha and Athirudra Mahayaga ceremonies. Out of these, Bhootabali Utsava and Athirudra Mahayaga are conducted annually. The ritual Swayambhoo Guhapravesha is conducted only once in 12 years.

Jabri cave/ Swayambhoo cave

The main ritual happens in the Jabri/Swayambhoo (meaning, formed itself and not man-made) cave. The cave is situated in Bhanthaje forest area, located at the north side the of the temple and is considered as holy by the believers. Belief is that Kharasura, a strong believer of Lord Shiva, who placed one of the three Shiv Lingas he had in the Nettanige, came through this cave.

Kaapadans

The main rituals inside the cave are done by the the the priests and the Tanthri's and the preparation for the pooja is done by 2 selected members from the Mogeru community and are called as Kaapadans. The procedure to select the Kappans is called as Swarna Kavadi Prashnam.

Attending own death rites

The Kappadans, before entering the cave is supposed to experience all stages of life, such as birth, marriage, death. Hence, all death rites are conducted for the Kaapadans and they are considered dead post the rites. 

After these rituals, Kapaadans are kept in an isolated place, a hilltop near the temple. The Kaapdans stay in a hut in the isolated place, spend the day by offering prayers and sleep barely on coconut leaves. Temple food is provided to them by a designated person and when the food is provided, they avoid eye contact.

The final day, Guhapravesham

After 48 days, the Kapapdans come out of the hut, and lead the priests and believers to the cave, wearing fresh white cloth and holding a wooden torch. Once they enter the caves, they prepare the cave ready for the rituals for the main priest. They spend around 1.5 hrs inside the cave and when they come out, they are considered to have had a rebirth.

Whatever they bring from the cave (such as snakeskin or remains of any animal) is considered as sacred and is buried near the temple.

Once the Kaapadans come out, the main Preist and tantri enter the cave and conducts the main rituals. Post the rituals, they bring soil from the cave and is distributed as Prasad to the believers. The believers keep this soil at their home.

As per belief, the ceremonies and what happens inside the cave should not be disclosed to the outside world and hence remain unknown.

Life of the Kaapadans after Jabri festival

The Kaapadans after the rebirth are not allowed to do major works and basic expenditure to live are provided by the temple board. They also should not spend time when the women in their house are menstruating and need to spend time in the temple during those times.

A caste-ical take on the festival

It needs to be noted the Kaapadans are selected from the Scheduled community and they are the ones who are going through this unique rituals. In fact, they risk their lives and makes the cave ready for the main Brahmin priests to do the pooja. Also, if something happens to Kaapdans, those are believed to be as a result of their violation of any rules that they were supposed to follow during the 48 days fasting. Same applies after the 'rebirth' too. 

Filtering the traditions?

Since the importance of upholding of traditions are the new trend, it needs to be discussed whether value needs to be given for tradition or for a life! So are filtering out the traditions the solution?

References:

http://www.nettanigetemple.in/history.html

https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/attending-one-s-own-death-ritual-keep-tradition-alive-meet-kapadans-kasargod-58869

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/mar/19/dying-to-keep-alive-a-four-century-old-mystic-tradition-1583019.html

https://www.deccanherald.com/content/605488/jambri-mahotsava-nettanige-april-27.html

http://www.keralapicnicspot.com/festivals/jabri-festival

Panathur Road, Bangalore 'city'

" City - A city is a large human settlement. Cities generally have extensive systems for housing, transportation, sanitation, utilities, land use, and communication. Their density facilitates interaction between people, government organizations and businesses, sometimes benefiting different parties in the process." 

Bangalore has got a lot of good things to cherish about. Climate, cosmopolitan atmosphere, major IT companies, and more.

But this is about another side of Bangalore or in fact, the real side of Bangalore. The Bangalore that has worst traffic management, unplanned layouts, roads where 2 cars cannot go at a time and needs 2 traffic police at the opposite ends to manage the traffic. 

Panathur road

Panathur Road connects outer ring road, from Kadubeesanahalli to Varthur and is familiar to office goers who travels from Whitefield to Bellandur or by people who travel from Bellandur to ITPL.

It is also the place where there is a small railway station, Bellandur Road which is used by commuters who travels to Hosur (mainly).

A couple of years before, the area was almost no man's land and had very few commuters. Forward to now, with the increase in companies on the outer ring road and ITPL and the workforce,  this road has become one of the busiest roads and is getting busier day by day. The advantage of being a shortcut road to reach Varthur from the outer ring road.

Naturally, with an increase in the crowd, real estate also picked up and now even bigger players have also made an investment, say Sobha dream acres.

All the above might explain how an area gets 'developed' with the arrival of companies nearby and so on. All good. 

But was the infrastructure ready?

 Did BBMP check the accessibility or feasibility before providing approvals to the apartments coming up?

Did they check if the road can accommodate 1000s of vehicles at a time? 

Did they check if the road can accommodate at least 2 cars at the same time before giving approval for apartments? 

Did the authorities check if public transport is feasible through this road?

NEVER

The road through the house or house on the road? 

Result:  

Massive block. Vehicles coming from Varthur side and vehicles coming from the outer ring road are not able to pass through this road as the road is too narrow. Since the place has a good amount of groundwater, it is the mecca of water tankers and they act as a catalyst for the bottleneck situation.

The line towards outer ring road  in an afternoon

Regular traffic towards Varthur side

To avoid the impact of this on sales of the apartments, private security guards were deployed on either side of the road with a walky-talky and at a time only vehicles towards one side are allowed. Not sure if the guards were kept by the traffic police department or the real estate groups.

This was not enough as the traffic was piling up. But nothing was done until 2 lives were sacrificed. A 12 old year kid and a 25-year youngster.

Post the accident, candlelight protests were held and as a result, water tanker timings were restricted and 2 traffic police were allotted to manage the traffic.

Situation now:
For the water tankers, the sign seems to be a decor item and most of the time you can see tankers in the queue.  

Scene after 8 PM:
The scene after 8 PM is horrible since there are no traffic police/security guards to monitor the vehicles coming from either side. So you never know, whether you will get stuck in the middle or you will be lucky enough to reach the other end. 

As a result, even at midnight 1-2 AM there is a horrible block and takes hours together just to reach either end.

This picture was taken at 1 AM or so.

There is a traffic signal post at on both ends, but even if it is made operational, vehicles following them properly is an unrealistic dream.

 Positive developments - Croma Road

A new parallel road is constructed that starts from Disha Park West and connects to the road that takes you to Croma, Maratha Halli, hence, called Croma road.

This has come as a big relief for the commuters. But not at all a permanent solution since there is a water vent to cross that gets waterlogged occasionally and commuters are forced to take the risk to cross the hurdle.

Also, even though the roads are meant for light motor vehicles, water tankers are pretty much common and already bore well has been dug on the roadside.

PS: There were a couple of height barrier installed, but could survive only for a shorter time as the tanker mafia got it removed forcefully within a few days. 


In addition, the area next to roads, which looks like a lake bed is being leveled.

In short, only permanent solution is an additional vent (near Bellandur railway station) and road widening of panther road (S cross). There has been news about this, but no progress in reality.


In News 29/01/2019:
https://www.deccanherald.com/city/panathur-mud-road-about-be-715255.html

https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/civic/balagere-main-road-in-severe-need-of-repair/articleshow/67715543.cms

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2019/jun/17/hundreds-protest-against-bad-roads-1991139.html

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/mar/23/water-tankers-wreak-havoc-on-bengaluru-roads-1954481.html

https://www.deccanherald.com/city/mahadevapura-residents-spend-90-min-in-traffic-survey-728442.html