#Indian Construction Methods

[shreetmtbars]

Discover the detailed process of constructing a house in India with our comprehensive step-by-step guide. From initial planning and approvals to the final finishing touches, this guide covers every aspect of building your dream home. Learn about site preparation, foundation laying, structural work, and interior design, along with tips for choosing the right materials and ensuring quality control. Ideal for homeowners, builders, and anyone interested in understanding the nuances of house construction in India.

[fatehbaz]

Originally I had attached these tags about British imperial forestry to a post about United States treatment of forests, Indigenous peoples, and land administration from 1900-ish to 1935-ish, during a transition period when clear-cutting logging was threatening profit so the US turned to a German- and British-influenced "sustained yield" forestry paradigm:

And in response, someone added:

In the midst of the first Empire Forestry Conference of scientists, academics, and administrators in 1920, the chairman of the Forestry Commission of Britain, Lord Lovat, said that forests were "grown for use and not for mere ornament ... Forests are national assets only so far as they supply the raw material for industrial development."

Rajan (in Modernizing Nature) directly quotes professor of forestry at Oxford, R.S. Troup, who had been influential in the Indian forest service; at the same forestry conference in 1920, Troup promoted sustained yield like this: "Conservation was a 'wise and necessary measure' but it was 'only a stage towards the problem of how best to utilise the forest resources of the empire'. The ultimate ideal was economic management [...], which regarded forests as capital assets, fixed annual yields in such a manner as to exploit 'to the full interest on this capital [...]' and aimed for equal annual yields so as to sustain the market and provide regular supplies of timber to industry."

One of the big - and easily accessible/readable - summaries of the shift to sustained yield and rise of US and British administrators embracing "economic management" of forests:

Modernizing Nature: Forestry and Imperial Economic Development, 1800-1950. S. Ravi Rajan. 2006.

Concise look at the trajectory from East India Company and Royal Navy timber reserves; to British foresters training in Germany and/or in German traditions (including sustained yield) before joining as officers in the powerful British-Indian land administration bureaucracy; to US scientists being trained by those British administrators; to 1920s/1930s Empire Forestry Conferences promoting industry while identifying forests as essential to power.

---

This has also been covered by:

Vinita Damodaran, Richard Grove, Jeyamalar Kathirithamby-Wells, Jonathan Saha, Gregory Barton, Rohan D'Souza.

More summaries of the situation (shorter length, accessible):

"Imperial Environmentalism or Environmental Imperialism? European Forestry, Colonial Forests and the Agenda of Forest Management in the British Empire, 1800-1900". S. Ravi Rajan, In: Nature and Orient: Essays on Environmental History of South and South East Asia, 1998.

"'Dominion over palm and pine': the British Empire forestry conferences, 1920-1947". J.M. Powell, Journal of Historical Geography, Volume 33, Issue 4, October 2007.

Elsewhere, Elizabeth DeLoughrey and George Handley described it like this: 'These forest reserves [...] did not necessarily represent "an atavistic interest in preserving the 'natural' [...]" but rather "a more manipulative and power-conscious interest in constructing new landscapes [...]."' While Sharae Deckard adds: '[T]he subversive potential of the "green" critique [...] was defused by the extent to which growing environmental sensibilities enabled imperialism to function more efficiently by appropriating botanical knowledge and indigenous conservation methods [...].'

---

And the book:

Commonwealth Forestry and Environmental History: Empire, Forests and Colonial Environments in Africa, the Caribbean, South Asia and New Zealand.

Edited by Damodaran and D'Souza, with work from conferences hosted by Grove, in 19 chapters including:

"Worlds Apart? The Scottish Forestry Tradition and the Development of Forestry in India" (K. Jan Ootheok); "Redeeming Wood by Destroying the Forest: Shola, Plantations and Colonial Conservancy on the Nilgiris in the Nineteenth Century" (Deborah Sutton); "Nature's Tea Bounty: Plant Colonialism and 'Garden' Capitalism in the British Empire" (Jayeeta Sharma); "Industrialized Rainforests: The Ecological Transformation of the Sri Lankan Highlands, 1815-1900"; "Forestry and Social Engineering in the Miombo Woodlands of South-Eastern Tanganyika" (Thaddeus Sunseri)

---

Rajan also points out (again in Modernizing Nature):

"[An] extremely important aspect to the repackaging [of forestry science and management] [...] [and] a critical principle that stands out here is that of sustained yield, or sustainability (Nachhaltigekeit). This concept was fundamental [...]. By the turn of the [twentieth] century a large pan-colonial [British-United States] scientific community was in existence, trained in the German and French tradition of forestry [...]. Following the revolt of 1857, the government of [British] India sought to pursue active interventionist policies [...]. Experts were deployed as 'scientific soldiers' [...]. Dietrich Brandis [...], considered the founder of Indian forestry [...] married Rachel Marshman, who was [...] also the sister of the wife of General Havelock, a close friend of Lord Dalhouse, the then governor-general of India. On Havelock's recommendation, Brandis was put in charge of the forests of [...] Burma [...] and was subsequently appointed inspector-general of forests of India. [...] He also trained prospective foresters of the forest department of the USA, including Gifford Pinchot. [...] Chancellor Bismarck gave the visiting British Prime Minister Gladstone an oak sapling [...]. Prussia prided itself on helping devise [...] modern forest management. [...] [T]he Forestry Commision [...], [or] [t]he Imperial Visionaries, as they became known, believed that an increase in primary production in the tropical dependent empire would result in the growth of the British economy. [...] They deemed their own job to be serving the imperial economy."

---

And also:

Empire Forestry and the Origins of Environmentalism. GA Barton, 2002.

"Colonialism and Green Science: History of Colonial Scientific Forestry in South India, 1820-1920". VM Ravikumar Vejendala, Indian Journal of History of Science, 47:2, pages 241-259, 2012.

"Imperialism, Intellectual Networks, and Environmental Change: Unearthing the Origins and Evolution of Global Environmental History." Vinitia Damodaran and Richard Grove, in Nature's End: History and the Environment, 2009.

"The Reconfiguration of Scientific Career Networks in the Late Colonial Period: The Case of Food and Agriculture Organization and the British Colonial Forestry Service" by Jennifer Gold, and "A Network Approach to the Origins of Forestry Education in India, 1855-1885" by Brett M. Bennett. Both chapters are form Science and Empire, 2011.

Triumph of the Expert: Agrarian Doctrines of Development and the Legacies of British Colonialism. Joseph Morgan Hidge, in Series in Ecology and History, 2007.

Nature and Nation: Forests and Development in Peninsular Malaysia. Jeyamalar Kathirithamby-Wells, 2005. And also: "Peninsular Malaysia in the context of natural history and colonial science." Jeyamalar Kathirithamby-Wells, New Zealand Journal of Asian Studies, Volume 11, Number 1, 2009.

"Empires of Forestry: Professional Forestry and State Power in Southeast Asia, Part 1". Peter Vandergeest and Nancy Lee Peluso, Environment and History 12, no. 1, pages 31-64, February 2006.

[handweavers]

"The relationship of textiles to writing is especially significant, not only for the cuneiform-like qualities of many patterns (preserved in a Hungarian term irásos, meaning 'written'), but also for the parallels between ink on papyrus and pigment on bark cloth. There is, in fact, little difference between the two. Such connections are implied in many textile terms. For example, the Indian full-colour painted and printed 'kalamkari' are so named from the Persian for pen, kalam; the wax for Indonesian batiks is delivered by a copper-bowled tulis, also meaning pen. The European term for hand-colouring of details on cloth is 'pencilling'. The Islamic term tiraz, originally denoting embroideries, came to encompass all textiles within this culture that carried inscriptions. And the patterns woven into the silks of Madagascar are acknowledged as a language: the Malagasy vocabulary for writing and preparing the loom are synonymous, while the finest stripes are zanatsoratra, literally children of the writing, or vowels. The study of textiles is, in fact, a branch of palaeography, in which deciphering and dating reveals the stories encapsulated in cloth 'handwriting'. 

With or without inscriptions, textiles convey all kinds of 'texts': allegiances are expressed, promises are made (as in today's bank notes, whose value is purely conceptual), memories are preserved, new ideas are proposed. Records were kept in quipu (khipu) a method of knotting string used by the Incas and other ancient Andean cultures to keep accounts and communicate information, the oldest of which is some 4,600 years old. Many anthropological and ethnographical studies of textiles aim at teaching us how to read these cloth languages anew. The 'plot' is provided by the socially meaningful elements; the 'syntax' is the construction, often only revealed by the application of archaeological and conservation analyses. Equally, the most creative textiles of today exploit a vocabulary of fibres, dyes and techniques. Textiles can be prose or poetry, instructive or the most demanding of texts. The ways in which they are used - and reused - add more layers of meaning, all significant indicators of sensitivities that can be traced back to the Stone Age."

— Mary Schoeser, World Textiles

[najia-cooks]

[ID: A bowl of a bright yellow stew topped with cilantro, mustard seed, chili, and curry leaf. End ID]

ಉಡುಪಿ ಸಾಂಬಾರ್ / Udupi sambar

A sambar is a lentil-and-vegetable stew distinguished by the use of a particular spice blend (Hindi: सांबर मसाला "sāmbār masālā," "sambar spice"; Kannada: ಸಾಂಬಾರ್ ಪುಡಿ "sāmbār puḍi," "sambar powder"). Sambars are a staple of South Indian and Sri Lankan cooking, sometimes made in households for multiple meals a week. The word "sambar" can be traced back to the Sanskrit सम्भार "sambhārá," "collection of things required for a particular purpose”; “spices."

The lentil used in sambar dishes is usually tur dal (split pigeon peas), though arhar dal, tuvur dal, or even blends containing masur or mung dal may be used, depending on the cook or the region. Vegetables also vary between combinations of okra, potato, ash gourd (petha), bottle gourd (doodhi / lauki), drumstick (saijan ki phalli), beetroot, tomato, carrot, pumpkin, brinjal, and pearl onions, among others. The sambar masala fries chilis, curry leaves, dal, and various spices including cumin, coriander, and fenugreek, then grinds them into a spicy, earthy, fragrant blend.

This recipe makes a sambar in the style of ಉಡುಪಿ (Udupi) cuisine—a subdivision of the cuisine of the ತುಳುವ (Tuluva) people localised in the Udupi District of Karnataka, a southeastern coastal state of India. (Tuluva cuisine is also commonly found in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, and Kasaragod, Kerala). In the Udupi region, sambar may be known as "ಕೊಡೆಲ್" "kodhel"; perhaps related to "ಕಡಲೆ" "kadhale" "Bengal gram"; or "ಹುಲಿ" "huḷi"; "tartness." Udupi huli has coconut oil and jaggery as its primary distinguishing features: the jaggery's deep sweetness and the earthy pungency of unrefined coconut oil combine with the spice of the chilis and the sour fruitiness of the tamarind to create a complex, flavorful, well-balanced dish.

Udupi huli may be further divided into a few major types. ಮಸಾಲೆ ಹುಳಿ ("masāla huḷi") contains shredded coconut and vegetables; ಬೋಳು ಹುಳಿ ("bolu huḷi") contains vegetables, but omits the coconut.

Hotel-style masala huli recipes typically add a lot of jaggery to produce a distinct sweetness; cut back on the amount of coconut included; and contain onion and garlic. The other main type of masala huli—“temple style”—is sattvic (from Sanskrit "सत्त्व" "sattva": "goodness," "essence," "existence"), which in this context means that onions and garlic are excluded.

A sattvic diet in Hinduism centres around the concept of maintaining sattva by eating only pure and mild (sattvic) foods, and omitting tamasic (“dark,” "inert," "destructive"; from Sanskrit तमस् "tamas") and rajasic ("exciting," "passionate," from Sanskrit रजस् "rajas") ones. The concepts of sattva, tamas, and rajas (the गुण "guṇa" system) are central to the construction of caste: the degree to which each person innately inherits each quality supposedly determines their possession of characteristics including honesty, intelligence, and goodness (sattva), stupidity and lack of creativity (tamas), and passion and pridefulness (rajas); the possession of these characteristics in turn determines their rightful place in a professional and social hierarchy. The association of certain foods with certain qualities thus links diet to caste: a distinction in diet is one of the methods by which those belonging to upper castes maintain and police caste boundaries.

This recipe makes enough pudi for one pot of sambar. Traditionally, sambar pudi is created fresh each time the dish is made, but many households make large batches and store them. In this case, omit the coconut; or, use dried coconut and store the masala in the refrigerator.

Recipe under the cut!

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Ingredients:

Serves 4-6.

For the sambar:

2 cups chopped vegetables

1 red onion, sliced*

1 cup (200g) yellow split pigeon peas / tur dal / ತೂರ್ ದಾಲ್ (ಹಳದಿ ಸ್ಪ್ಲಿಟ್ ಪಾರಿವಾಳದ ಬಟಾಣಿ)

4 cups (1 litre) water, or as needed

1/4 tsp ground turmeric / haldi / ಅರಿಶಿನ

2 tsp table salt

2 tsp jaggery / gur / ಬೆಲ್ಲ*

1/4 cup (60mL) tamarind pulp (from 1 Tbsp dried tamarind / imlie / ಹುಣಸೆಹಣ್ಣು)

2 tsp unrefined coconut oil / nariyal ka tel / ತೆಂಗಿನ ಎಣ್ಣೆ

Ingredient list format is English / Hindi (Latin transcription) / Kannada. The Hindi is provided for convenience while shopping.

Udupi sambar usually uses any of: gourd, brinjal (Indian eggplant), pumpkin, dumstick (saijan ki phalli), and okra. Pearl onion is not usually used in this region, but you can add whatever you want, according to taste.

*For a hotel-style sambar, include the onion; increase the jaggery to 2 Tbsp.

For the spice paste / sambar masala / ಸಾಂಬಾರ್ ಪುಡಿ ("sambar pudi"):

1/2 Tbsp split Bengal gram / chana dal / ಹಳದಿ ಸ್ಪ್ಲಿಟ್ ಗ್ರಾಂ

2 tsp split black gram / urad dal chilka / ಸ್ಪ್ಲಿಟ್ ಬ್ಲ್ಯಾಕ್ ಗ್ರಾಂ

2 tsp coriander seeds / dhaniya / ಕೊತ್ತಂಬರಿ ಬೀಜದ

1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds / methi / ಮೆಂತ್ಯ

1 tsp cumin seeds / jeera / ಜೀರಿಗೆ

1 tsp ground turmeric

5-6 curry leaves / kari pati / ಕರಿಬೇವು

3-4 Byadagi or other dried red chilis / byadagi mirch / ಬ್ಯಾಡಗಿ ಮೆಣಸಿನಕಾಯಿ

4 cloves garlic, skins on*

Large pinch asafoetida / hing / ಇಂಗು

1 cup (100g) fresh coconut (about one coconut)*

1/2 cup (120mL) water

While the ratio of ingredients in Udupi sambar pudi vary slightly, the ingredients themselves are almost always consistent.

*For a hotel-style sambar, include the garlic, and decrease the coconut in the sambar masala to 1/4 or 1/2 cup (25-50g).

The grams and pulses in this pudi have many different names. You can find them in a halal or South Asian grocery store; look on the bag for the Hindi names (since they have been transcribed into Latin, the spelling may vary from what you see here).

The urad dal you find may be husked, and thus yellow instead of black; these will work just as well.

For the tempering / tadka / ಹದಗೊಳಿಸುವ:

2 Tbsp unrefined coconut oil

2 red chilis

8 curry leaves

1 tsp brown mustard seeds / rai / ಸಾಸಿವೆ ಬೀಜಗಳು

Recipes from north Karnataka may add cumin and whole, unpeeled garlic cloves to the tempering.

Instructions:

For the sambar pudi:

1. Break open the coconut and remove and shread its flesh.

If using a whole dried coconut, break into the shell with the wrong side of a hammer and pry open. Break into a few smaller pieces and peel with a vegetable peeler until the skin is removed from the white flesh, wearing something to protect your hand. Soak in warm water for several minutes to soften, and then grate or food process.

2. Heat 2 Tbsp of coconut oil in a skillet on medium-low. Add asafoetida and fry for 30 seconds, until no longer raw-smelling. Add dal and fry, stirring often, for 30 seconds until golden brown; add coriander, mustard, fenugreek, and cumin seeds and fry until fragrant.

3. Add curry leaves and fry until wilted, then add garlic and dried chilis and fry another 30 seconds to a minute, until fragrant.

4. Add coconut and fry, stirring often, for another few minutes until a shade darker. Add turmeric and stir.

5. Grind all ingredients into a paste in a mortar and pestle, then mix in about 1/2 cup water to loosen (if using dried coconut, you may need more water).

Or, put all ingredients along with 1/2 cup water into a blender or food processor and process until a relatively smooth paste forms.

For the sambar:

1. Wash tur dal to remove excess starch. Simmer dal with 2 cups water, 1/4 tsp ground turmeric, and 1 tsp coconut oil for about 30 minutes until very tender. Mash until relatively smooth with a wooden spoon or bean masher, or process briefly with an immersion blender.

You may soak the dal in water after rinsing them to reduce the cooking time, but it is not necessary.

2. Meanwhile, make the tamarind paste. Soak 1 Tbsp tamarind dried pulp in 1/4 cup hot water for 20-30 minutes. Squeeze the tamarind into the water to extract the pulp. Discard the tamarind seeds and husk. Optionally, depending on your preferred texture, push the mixture through a metal sieve.

3. Prepare vegetables. Slice the onion; remove ends of okra and drumsticks and cut into 2-inch pieces; quarter tomatoes; quarter brinjal; peel pumpkin and cut into cubes; peel and cube potatoes.

4. If using onion, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to a large pot and fry until translucent.

5. In the same pot, boil vegetables in just enough water to cover, along with a pinch of salt, until they are beginning to soften.

Some recipes call for the vegetables to be boiled, and others call for them to be steamed. I prefer boiling, since it produces a nice savory broth.

6. Mix vegetables, dal, tamarind, jaggery, sambar pudi, and salt to taste and simmer 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to combine and vegetables to cook under tender. Add water as needed. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Taste and adjust salt.

The final sambar should be pourable, like a thick soup—Karnataka sambar is typically thinner in consistency than Tamil Nadu versions.

For the tadka:

1. Heat coconut oil in a small skillet on medium heat. Add tempering ingredients and fry, stirring often, until chilis and curry leaves are a couple shades darker and the mixture is fragrant.

2. Pour the oil and tempering ingredients into the sambar and stir in. If you like, retain some of the tadka as a garnish to serve.

3. Serve warm, in individual bowls, alongside long-grain white rice. To eat drumsticks, scoop the center out and eat it; the tough outer rind is left.

If you intend to save some sambar, it's a good idea to make just enough tadka for what you plan to eat that day, and then make fresh tadka to pour over the reheated leftovers.

[therizinosaurus--cheloniformis]

A (not so concise) History of Pet Rocks

Introduction:

Keeping pet rocks is a hobby and way of life for thousands around the globe, with many of our minerals playing a huge part in our lives, as companions, working animals and as parts of the natural world that we can bring into our own homes. Hopefully, through this document, you will be able to learn about the fascinating history of Pet rocks.

Domestication:

Though records are scarce and inconclusive, it is believed that pet rocks were first domesticated very early on in human history, with some early evidence dating from 34,000 BCE. Rocks have been formative in the development of human history, with pet rocks helping early humans to cook, hunt and providing companionship. We have cave paintings depicting the practice of giving a pet rock to an outcast as the only item they were allowed to bring with them, showing just how essential they really were.

Ancient Egypt:

Pet rocks have been cherished companions for centuries, with record of them being kept in the modern sense stretching back all the way back to the Egyptian period, with tomb-paintings depicting the practice of ‘Petrany’ which directly translates to ‘stone-keeping’ being present from the year 3100 BCE. We have also found mummified bodies that have their pet rocks mummified, and placed next to them, suggesting the Egyptians greatly respected and cared about their pebble pals. The great pyramid of Giza has inside of it a perfectly-polished pebble thought to be the hunting partner of the Pharaoh Kufu. In literature, the Egyptians seemed to believe that pet rocks could take all of a family’s diseases into them, but only of treated well.

Ancient North-America:

Roughly at the same time, in North-America, stories remain of a tribe that bred pet rocks. These pet rocks were used as memory-storers, and would be taken to important meetings and occasions, with the owners believing that they would capture the memory, and not let it fade in the minds of the people who had the rock, and so they were often traded between important individuals as a method of information transferral. They were also treated as sacred, with myths that told of a sacred pebble who only moved when no eyes were set upon it, eventually helping to kill a mischievous spider who had been terrorising the local children.

Ancient Africa

Going back to Africa, some cultures in southern Africa used pet rocks extensively as hunting partners, throwing the minerals at prey that they wanted to catch. This was especially efficient as the rocks were trained by a person who had trained in the training of rocks for years, and would only reveal their ‘trainer secret’ as part of their last words to their one and only apprentice. Obviously, this made them very valuable, and so they would very often be the first to be taken prisoner if fighting broke out between tribes.

Ancient Britain:

In ancient Britain, rocks were highly revered, and the ‘henges’ we see today are a remnant of these. They believed that minerals were able to make prophecies that would tell them about the future, and the henges were created as pens for the rocks, which were taken care of by the community as a whole, and required the intricately designed stone-circles to create their prophecies, which they would say through highly-drugged up druids (or the village drunk, whichever was closer).

Ancient India:

In ancient India, Pet rocks were present in almost every household, and great tales were composed of travellers with their pet rocks by their sides exploring and defeating great evils. An interesting side-note is that all babies born would be given a pet rock at birth, and a common idiom that still survives in the modern indian vernacular is ‘born with the golden pebble’, to signify someone born into wealth.

Ancient China:

In ancient China, Pet rocks were considered incredibly sacred, and entire temples were constructed to honour especially important minerals, usually made of Jade. A fun fact, however, is that these temples were tiny, made to the scale of the pet rocks, and people would bring their own pet rocks to the temple, and have a mechanical conveyor belt take the rocks through the temple, to allow the minerals to worship.

Ancient Greece:

A bit later on, the ancient Greeks also had a close-nit relationship with pet rocks, with the god Apollo often being represented through a ‘lithos’, or a large rock that would sit in the opisthodomos of another god’s temple, and was believed to protect the town from plagues. As well as this, the poet Xenes wrote an epic poem names ‘The Lithikos’, telling the story of the rock that touched Demiphoos while he was being turned into a god by Demeter, named Lithik. It tells the story of the rock slowly gaining power and prestige, being raised as a son by the mother of Demiphoos, Metaneira, driven mad by grief, but driven out of the kingdom by Keleos, father of the boy and king of Eleusis, slowly amassing an army of rocks from the forest, and befriending the very sea through his charm and reasoning skills, and defending the Eleusian mysteries from harm until his presumed death, caused by being carried away by a massive bird. Most of the original text has been lost to time, with only fragments and medieval analysis remaining.

The Romans:

The Romans, ever flamboyant, made owning an extravagant pet rock a status symbol. Minerals were collected from distant, far off lands, and polished to perfection, and sold at exorbitant prices to the rich. This even lead to the extinction of a certain type of pet rock, which was previously found in the mountains of North-Africa. Less desirable rocks were kept by the Plebeians, and utilised for a variety of daily tasks, such as grinding grain. Pet rocks were an essential part of the Roman military, being throw at the enemy by skirmishers, and specially trained minerals would be used in slings in the same situation. Pet rocks were also one of the only possessions that a slave was allowed to own, and, if freed, the slave’s ex-master would sponsor the pet rock’s feed for a year to symbolise the slave’s freedom. Roman emperors also had a penchant for pet rocks. Caligula famously gave his pet rock Faustus 80 acres of land, a farmhouse, and 10 slaves. When Faustus was lost, a empire-wide search was started, and he ordered every house to be searched. Faustus was eventually found in the house of an orphan taken in by a group of dancers. The entire house, including the 4 children were publicly hanged, then their bodies stoned to death. A Roman Poet, Lamargus, who greatly admired Xenes also wrote an epic poem about Pet rocks, it was called ‘The Petrifex’, and told the story of another rock that had been in the fire alongside Lithik, and its travels across Italy, and into space, where it encounters a race of divine rocks, blessed by Minerva, taking over a planet, and gifting it to Venus. This poem was greatly lauded by Augustus’s sons, who made it into a play and had it put on yearly during the Bacchanalia until their deaths.

The Middle Ages:

During the Middle Ages, the common Peasant was inexplicably interlinked with the pet rock. Most commonly granite, these were called ‘stans’, middle english for rocks, and a village would usually have a ‘stanery’, where peasants could leave their rocks to be taken care of if they were going to be away. If a peasant did not pay their taxes, a common yet barbaric punishment would be to take away their stan, and have it encased in the foundations of a building for good luck. During the expansion of Christianity, Pet rocks were used to illustrate the trinity - as they were pets, workers, and weapons all in one. Henry the Eighth famously sentenced one of his friends to death by Rock, specifically his pet rock Brutus. His friend, one Franklin M. Thomas of York, was locked in a cell with Brutus, and starved to death.

The Renaissance:

During the Renaissance, Pet rocks were harnessed in art and the emerging field of science to their full potential. Paintings were made to depict Pet rocks, as they made ideal subjects. A rather famous example of this is Caravaggio’s painting, ‘The Little Rock’, depicting Lithik being carried off by a bird in stunning detail. Many rulers of italian city-states had their pet rocks painted by famous artists. A strange bit of history to come out of this era, is the fact that a mineral was pope for 12 years, while the cardinals decided who would be the new pope. This pet rock is currently on display in the vatican, having been dropped in 1783 by a group of cardinals who were playing hot potato with it, and sadly cracking ‘in twain’.

The Victorian Period:

In the Victorian period, the divine connotations of the pet rock slowly gave way to a much more physically-based reputation. Pet rocks were seen as ideal companions, with a minimal of mess, and they were cheap to keep. Though even the poor could afford a calcite companion, the rich tried to use the humble pet rock as a status symbol once again, calling back to the famous pebbles of Roman times. They searched far around the newly being discovered world, with rock-catchers stealing rare minerals from deep in the Amazon, deep underwater, and deep in the sahara, and selling these to willing buyers for ridiculously high prices. An interesting by-product of this was a man named Robert Weldworth, a famed rock-catcher who would sell exquisite specimens he had collected from around the world to the British nobility. However, Weldworth had not actually collected any of his pet rocks from the places he had said they had been collected in, but taken them from a workhouse garden in Coventry. Having been found out, Weldworth escaped with the money, and hid in a hamlet in Bordeaux, before being killed by a bullet meant for a deer while out foraging in the woods. Many famous Victorian writers prized their pet rocks, and considered them their muses. A notable example of this is Charles Dickens, who had a Basalt called ‘Swear’, and who was the inspiration for the character of Little Dorrit.

The World Wars:

During the World wars, Pet rocks were immensely important to the war effort, keeping families company while the men were away fighting, and greatly increasing morale both out at war, and back in the towns and cities. One particularly famous Pet rock was ‘Jumping Jack’, a mineral used as a mascot for the RAF during the second world war, famed for being able to ‘jump’ after being flicked due to his shape. Crudely-drawn pictures of Jack can be found around the world, often saying something about the Germans encased in swear words, Jack helped the soldiers smile throughout the war. A Pet rock was also given the Victorian Cross after the war. ‘Dolomite Dave’ bravely stopped a German in their tracks, after they had entered the British and French trenches, by hitting the German in the face, protecting the soldiers who had saved him from a shell-hole in a stunning display of bravery.

The Modern Day:

Pet rocks have remained important into the modern day. During the cold war, they were kept around cities to warn of a nuclear attack, and in shelters to keep the residents company if the worst were ever to happen. The pet rock skyrocketed in popularity in 1975, possibly to its highest level in history to date. This was due to Gary Dahl, who was someone who worked in advertising at the time. He decided to capitalise on pet rocks, which had always been kept by a small, and insular community of people, and, by packaging the pet rocks, collected from Rosarito Beach in mexico en masse. This caused an uproar in the Petrany community at the time, who tried to protest the mineral abuse that was going on through polite complaint letters and quiet indignance, but it was all to no avail. Dahl refused to back down, and had sold millions of pet rocks to the public by January 1976. What was worse, was that the pet rocks he shipped were wild-caught, and so made for terrible pets - the instruction manual supplied with the rocks was barely enough for a normal member of the public to take care of the minerals they bought properly, even promoting the use of pet rocks as weapons. Sadly, this led to an extinction of the Rosarito-Beach varieties of Sandstone and basalt. Another effect this commercialisation of Petrany had was that it led to many members of the public releasing their rocks back into the wild, causing the number of feral rocks to increase greatly, and rock rescue centres to become greatly overburdened. At this time, a prominent figure in the petrany community, Howard Dash, editor of ‘The Petrany Periodical’ - a popular magazine - started the RSPCM (The Royal Society For Prevention Of Cruelty To Rocks) to help prevent such events from occurring again.

Since the 70s, the pet rock community has greatly evolved, improving the practice for caring for their pet rocks, using cutting-edge research and experimentation to help pet rocks live happier lives than ever before.

[lifewithaview]

Connie Britton and Oliver Stark in 9-1-1 (2018) Point of Origin

S1E5

The crew races to an emergency when disaster strikes at an Indian wedding; Abby enlists the help of Buck to try and find her mother.

*At the beginning of the episode, after the floor collapsed, Bobby confronted the owner about the out of code use of kal-pal, it was actually called pal-kal. Pal-Kal is a cheap, lightweight construction method that uses metal plates and thin layers of cement.

[100hands]

Shankar Kanade

Bijoy Ramachandran / July 16th, 2024

for 'Creations' magazine, Sangli

Sometime in the summer of 1992, a motley group of architects of disparate dispositions organised a workshop. A house was to be designed on a linear site with roads on the two narrow ends almost a floor apart in section. I remember distinctly the sensation of suddenly becoming aware of the power of the split-level – offering prospect and refuge, creating an intimate scale and responding to location in a visceral and direct way.

This was also the first time I got the chance to engage closely with the Base Group - Nikhil Arni, Sharad Padalkar, Edgar Demello, Sanjay Mohe, Prem Chandavarkar and of course the Kanade brothers. Discussions meandered and arguments were common. As participants, the real learning was about the importance of taking positions and working at the level of small details simultaneously with a larger contextual and societal awareness. Though the notion of ‘Indianness’ preoccupied the national discourse, this workshop seemed to focus squarely on what Prem called the ‘palpability of place’.

It was intimidating to see the ease with which Mohe drew the aspirational view – incorporating into it everything to do with ‘inhabitation’ – the shade, the perfect perch and vantage. Edgar and Prem brought their wide erudition and travels to our conversations. When will we ever read all those books, internalize all those seminal projects and be able to articulate our realization with such clarity? Nikhil was the agent provocateur and a host par excellence, introducing us to great music and delectable accouterments. Padalkar, with his long Swedish experience, gently nudging us to be watchful and Navnath Kanade, an enigmatic teacher - not easily satisfied, often using metaphors to instruct us.

Shankar Kanade Sir on the other hand sat down with us to draw. He was keen to engage at that level, with us. He was curious about his own instincts and where they would lead on this interesting site. His mind racing with ideas and opportunities. I have rarely had a teacher like this - someone who got down into the trenches with us, often as unsure as us about direction, but through this journey showing us methods, strategies and general principles of engagement. Being with him was a lesson in the single-minded pursuit of joy - the masterful management of all challenges into the making of places for well-being.

Years later on a visit to Keremane, their celebrated apartment building in Bangalore, with Prof. Chhaya, I remember distinctly, Shankar Sir’s recapitulation of the cost break-up of each component of construction and how he figured out ways to reduce this. His preoccupation with affordability did not come at the cost of making places of heightened sensory delight. So many of his homes reveal their making in literal but idiosyncratic ways. The trace of the hand is immediately perceivable, manifest in the intimate scale, the glorious imperfections, and the whimsical compositions. But often this articulated exterior conceals a rich, mysteriously lit, and cavernous interior, even in the smallest of homes. The scale of the projects did not deter Shankar Sir from his preoccupation with choreographing this sense of joy and wonder. His homes reveal the great empathy he had for his clients, working closely with them to keep their homes within budget, and surprising them with this bonus of a constantly inspiring place to live.

In 2023, as part of the Dhruba Baruah Memorial lecture event in Kolhapur, I got a chance to visit ‘lal ghar’ near Sangli with Mohe, Girish Doshi and around 20 architects. We spent the day with Shankar Sir in his wonderful laterite house, with two courtyards, an ingenious play of levels, and as always, just the perfect scale. It was a wonderful day. Shankar Sir and Mohe recapitulating the early days of discovery – at JJ, working in Doshi’s office on housing and Bernard Kohn’s office on a building for Vikram Sarabhai, teaching at CEPT, the wonderful Base Group days, talking about Kanvinde, Raje, and Correa and that very particular moment in time – when the nation was seeking an architectural identity and Shankar Sir as a young architect was seeking a foothold. Shankar

Sir’s humble beginnings, his deep and long-standing passion for architecture, and a willingness to engage wholeheartedly in the work at hand are inspirational lessons for us. His ability to see opportunity in any situation and turn even the most intractable condition to create magic is the result of his deep humanity and empathy.

Mohe told us of a story of when Shankar Sir lived in Mumbai in a small room while at JJ. The roof had a large hole in it and when asked about the rains, Shankar Sir would say that when lying down it was wonderful to have the stars overhead. As young architects finding our feet in Bangalore in the 90’s, we were fortunate to have had Shankar Sir and the other wonderful architects of the Base Group who blazed a path for us to follow, showing us what it is to be a real architect – one with integrity, curiosity and an abiding humanity.

[tajmirror]

Same Day Taj Mahal Tour by Car By Taj Mirror Company

Taj Mirror Company's Same Day Taj Mahal Tour by Car is an amazing opportunity to visit one of the world's most iconic monuments in a single day. Same Day Taj Mahal Tour by Car This tour is great for those who have limited time but want to see the Taj Mahal.

The excursion begins in the early morning with a comfortable pickup from your hotel or a predetermined place in Delhi. A skilled and courteous driver will accompany you in a well-maintained, air-conditioned vehicle, assuring a smooth and enjoyable travel to Agra, which is roughly 3-4 hours away.

When you arrive in Agra, you will be greeted by your professional tour guide, who will lead you on a fascinating tour of the Taj Mahal's history and architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site, created by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a Mughal architectural masterpiece featuring magnificent white marble inlaid with precious stones.

After visiting the Taj Mahal, the group continues to the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site. For years, the Mughal rulers' principal residence was this towering red sandstone fort. Your guide will explain the fort's history and strategic importance.

A delicious lunch at a respected local restaurant follows, where you may sample traditional Indian cuisine. The journey next continues to the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, sometimes known as the "Baby Taj," another stunning specimen of Mughal construction.

After a day full of historical treasures and cultural encounters, the tour closes with a relaxing journey back to Delhi. You will be dropped off at your hotel or another predetermined place, bringing an end to a great excursion.

Taj Mirror Company's Same Day Taj Mahal Tour by Car is a well-organized, hassle-free method to witness the timeless grandeur of the Taj Mahal and other Agra attractions. It provides an ideal combination of history, culture, and comfort, making it a must-see for any visitor to India.

ALSO READ-

CrowdStrike is a renowned cybersecurity firm that specializes in endpoint protection, threat intelligence, and cyberattack response services. CrowdStrike, founded in 2011 by George Kurtz, Dmitri Alperovitch, and Gregg Marston, has quickly established itself as a powerful force in the cybersecurity market. The corporation is based in Sunnyvale, California.

CrowdStrike's core product, the Falcon platform, uses AI and ML to detect and respond to threats in real time. The technology gives extensive visibility into endpoint activity, enabling enterprises to quickly detect and remediate any security breaches. Falcon's cloud-native architecture provides scalability and ease of deployment, making it a popular choice for businesses of all sizes.

CrowdStrike's role in detecting high-profile intrusions, such as the 2016 Democratic National Committee (DNC) hack, is one of its most notable accomplishments. The company's competence in threat intelligence and incident response has made it a reliable partner for both government agencies and private-sector businesses.

CrowdStrike's business strategy is subscription-based, with several service tiers to meet different corporate demands. This concept has been successful, as the company's revenue has grown rapidly and its customer base has expanded abroad. CrowdStrike went public in 2019, reinforcing its market position.

The company's commitment to innovation is demonstrated by continual updates to the Falcon platform and the incorporation of new technologies to battle increasing cyber threats. CrowdStrike's focus on proactive threat hunting, along with its comprehensive threat intelligence capabilities, enables enterprises to stay ahead of adversaries.

To summarize, CrowdStrike has evolved as a cybersecurity leader thanks to its cutting-edge technologies, strategic threat intelligence, and effective incident response. Its Falcon platform continues to set industry standards, equipping enterprises with the capabilities they need to defend against complex cyber threats.

[kultofathena]

✨ 2 New Sabers from Universal Swords✨

These ornate and entirely handcrafted sabers from India with their damascus blade and koftgari-inlay embellishment is in itself a display of the traditional swordsmithing arts of India. The damascus steel blade features panels of silver inlay on both sides of the blade. The blade tang is secured by filling the hollow hilt and grip with a hardened resin to solidly anchor it into the hilt. This method of sword construction is a traditional technique in India.

Each sword is paired with a wood-core scabbard overlaid in vibrant velvet.

Damascus and Silver Koftgari Indian Saber with Ram’s Head

Damascus and Silver Koftgari Indian Saber with Hand design

In stock and available to order now.

[fatehbaz]

The rise of the European empires [...] required new forms of social organization, not least the exploitation of millions of people whose labor powered the growth of European expansion [...]. These workers suffered various forms of coercion ranging from outright slavery through to indentured or convict labor, as well as military conscription, land theft, and poverty. [...] [W]ide-ranging case studies [examining the period from 1600 to 1850] [...] show the variety of working conditions and environments found in the early modern period and the many ways workers found to subvert and escape from them. [...] A web of regulation and laws were constructed to control these workers [...]. This system of control was continually contested by the workers themselves [...]

---

Timothy Coates [...] focuses on three locations in the Portuguese empire and the workers who fled from them. The first was the sugar plantations of São Tomé in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The slaves who ran away to form free communities in the interior of the island were an important reason why sugar production eventually shifted to Brazil. Secondly, Coates describes working conditions in the trading posts around the Indian Ocean and the communities of runaways which formed in the Bay of Bengal. The final section focuses on convicts and sinners in Portugal itself, where many managed to escape from forced labor in salt mines.

Johan Heinsen examines convict labor in the Danish colony of Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Denmark awarded the Danish West Indies and Guinea Company the right to transport prisoners to the colony in 1672. The chapter illustrates the social dynamics of the short-lived colony by recounting the story of two convicts who hatched the escape plan, recruited others to the group, including two soldiers, and planned to steal a boat and escape from the island. The plan was discovered and the two convicts sentenced to death. One was forced to execute the other in order to save his own life. The two soldiers involved were also punished but managed to talk their way out of the fate of the convicts. Detailed court records are used to show both the collective nature of the plot and the methods the authorities used to divide and defeat the detainees.

---

James F. Dator reveals how workers in seventeenth-century St. Kitts Island took advantage of conflict between France and Britain to advance their own interests and plan collective escapes. The two rival powers had divided the island between them, but workers, indigenous people, and slaves cooperated across the borders, developing their own knowledge of geography, boundaries, and imperial rivalries [...].

Nicole Ulrich writes about the distinct traditions of mass desertions that evolved in the Dutch East India Company colony in South Africa. Court records reveal that soldiers, sailors, slaves, convicts, and servants all took part in individual and collective desertion attempts. [...] Mattias von Rossum also writes about the Dutch East India Company [...]. He [...] provides an overview of labor practices of the company [...] and the methods the company used to control and punish workers [...].

---

In the early nineteenth century, a total of 73,000 British convicts were sentenced to be transported to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania). There, the majority were rented out as laborers to private employers, and all were subjected to surveillance and detailed record keeping. These records allow Hamish Maxwell-Stewart and Michael Quinlan to provide a detailed statistical analysis of desertion rates in different parts of the colonial economy [...].

When Britain abolished the international slave trade, new forms of indentured labor were created in order to provide British capitalism with the labor it required. Anita Rupprecht investigates the very specific culture of resistance that developed on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands between 1808 and 1828. More than 1,300 Africans were rescued from slavery and sent to Tortola, where officials had to decide how to deal with them. Many were put to work in various forms of indentured labor on the island, and this led to resistance and rebellion. Rupprecht uncovers details about these protests from the documents of a royal commission that investigated [...].

---

All text above by: Mark Dunick. "Review of Rediker, Marcus; Chakraborty, Titas; Rossum, Matthias van, eds. A Global History of Runaways: Workers, Mobility, and Capitalism 1600-1850". H-Socialisms, H-Net Reviews. April 2024. Published at: h-net.org/reviews/showrev.php?id=58852 [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism purposes.]

[studymedicc]

Examining Reproductive Medicine in India: Progress, Difficulties, and Prospects

India has made great strides in reproductive medicine, positioning it as a global center for assisted reproductive technology (ART). India has emerged as a popular destination for people seeking fertility treatments thanks to its combination of cutting-edge technology, highly qualified medical staff, and reasonably priced therapies.

Advancements in Reproductive Medicine

India has achieved significant advancements in reproductive medicine, providing a broad spectrum of treatments to address a variety of infertility-related problems. In vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and egg donation are examples of assisted reproductive technologies that are now widely used.

There are even more sophisticated methods available, like surrogacy, preimplantation genetic testing, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Numerous couples have been able to achieve their desire of motherhood with the use of these approaches.

Modern fertility facilities and knowledgeable fertility doctors who are abreast of industry developments are features of India’s medical infrastructure. Reproductive medicine practices continue to evolve as a result of the nation’s emphasis on medical education and research.

Challenges Faced

In spite of the advancements, the area of reproductive medicine in India faces certain obstacles. The societal stigma and lack of understanding regarding infertility provide a major obstacle.

Because of social pressure and false beliefs, many couples are reluctant to seek medical attention. By addressing these problems through counseling and public education initiatives, the stigma attached to infertility might be lessened.

Strict laws that guarantee moral behavior and safeguard the rights of intended parents, surrogates, and donors present another difficulty.

Although India has taken steps to control assisted reproduction, more changes and regulations are needed to create a thorough legal system.

Hopeful Prospects

For infertile couples, the state of reproductive medicine in India gives optimism. For both domestic and foreign patients, the mix of cutting-edge technology, highly qualified medical staff, and reasonably priced treatment charges makes it a desirable option.

In addition, the Indian government is aggressively pushing medical tourism due to its recognition of its potential, which has resulted in higher investments and the construction of infrastructure.

Significant progress in reproductive medicine has been made in India, offering hope to many infertile couples. The advancement of assisted reproductive technology in India, along with the commitment of highly qualified medical experts, has made the country a top fertility treatment destination.

Ethical standards and the advancement of the sector will be further ensured by addressing issues with awareness, stigma, and regulation. Reproductive medicine in India has a bright future filled with hope and fulfillment for those wishing to become parents, provided there are ongoing improvements and a supportive atmosphere. If you are planning build a career in reproductive medicine StudyREPRO is the best option to learn reproductive medicine.

[stmichaelsministryofgnosis]

Alan Watts on Religion

Dive into the enriching world of Buddhism and its fascinating links with Hinduism in this video, featuring the profound teachings of the renowned British philosopher, Alan Watts.

In this presentation, Watts unravels the Hindu view of the world, a compelling drama where the self (Atman) embarks on a game of cosmic hide and seek. He further explores how Buddhism absorbed the Indian cosmology from Hinduism, resulting in its unique philosophies and practices.

The key highlights of our discussion include the concept of the six worlds or life paths in Buddhism. This hierarchy extends from the celestial Devas to the infernal Naraka. Alan Watts offers a detailed exposition on the distinctive qualities of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, and the critical role of the bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism.

Interestingly, Watts emphasizes that Buddhism isn't about being morally good. Instead, it fosters the development of wisdom and compassion and encourages continual learning and dialogue. The pursuit of direct experience and enlightenment is of paramount importance in this path.

Finally, Watts brings to light the contribution of Nagarjuna, who revolutionized Buddhism with the development of the dialectic method, aimed at dismantling intellectual constructs of reality, providing a fresh lens to view the world.

St. Michael's Ministry of Gnosis serves as a sanctuary for literature, religion, scientific research, history, gnosis, and art. Our main practice is the collection and application of knowledge.

Official Telegram Channel for St. Michael's Ministry of Gnosis The uploaded content, opinions, and views expressed here do not reflect the opinions or views of St. Michael's Ministry of Gnosis. https://t.me/ministry0fgnosis

The Ministry of Gnosis Open Forum Telegram Channel serves as a platform for content sharing and civil discourse. Join today and help the community grow! https://t.me/ministry0fgnosisforum

[scotianostra]

On October 2nd 1854 the biologist, sociologist, geographer, philanthropist and pioneering town planner, Patrick Geddes, was born in Ballater.

Some biographies still maintain that he was born in Perth, not Ballater! It is generally conceded nowadays that he was born in the Deeside town, it is not known in which house and, with his father a serving soldier; it may even have been in the

barracks. A few years after Patrick was born the Geddes’s moved to Perth, where their house, Mount Tabor is still in existence and whence, eventually he went to the Academy. In addition to formal schooling, it is known that Geddes, from an early age was fascinated by plants and animals – he spent hours and hours botanising on Kinnoull Hill. As he grew up he initially wanted to be an artist but father put that idea out of his

head.

He had a lifelong contempt for examinations and never took a university degree. After a period of private study, he chose botany as his subject but left Edinburgh University after one week. He went on to study botany and zoology with individual teachers and mentors in London and Paris. It was in Paris that he became influenced by the work of the French sociologist Le Play.

Geddes became a demonstrator in practical physiology at University College London, and in 1879 he travelled to Mexico to collect biological specimens. While there, he suffered temporary blindness and this left him with permanently weakened eyesight. It was during this period that he discovered his 'thinking machines' — a visual method of presenting and connecting facts and ideas to aid thought.

Geddes spent most of his life outside normal academic channels. He seemed to have difficulties expressing his ideas in writing. However, he had a gift for mobilising others and for putting his ideas into practice.

Geddes succesively demonstrated or lectured in Physiology at University College, London, in Zoology at Edinburgh University from 1880 to 1888, and held the Chair of Botany at University College Dundee from 1888 to 1919. At the University of Bombay, India, he organised a department of sociology and civics and held the Chair of Sociology there from 1919 until 1924.

Although trained in Biology, Geddes had generalist interests and these soon led him to become a social geographer, practical administrator, historian, dramatist and philosopher. He involved himself in the renovation movement in the Old Town of Edinburgh and it was in the Old Town too that he situated his famous Outlook Tower, a museum of local, regional, Scottish, and world history.

In 1919, Geddes who was 'considered one of the greatest living authorities in civics and social survey' was entrusted by the International Zionist Commission to plan New Jerusalem and its proposed university. He was also the founder - in 1924 - of the College Des Ecossais (Scots College), an international teaching establishment located in Montpellier. In the British Mandated Territory (part of which later became Israel), the new city of Tel Aviv (the White City) was constructed from the early 1930s until the 1950s based on an urban plan by Sir Patrick Geddes - a plan which reflected modern organic planning principles. He was also involved in Indian town planning work.

[bumblebeeappletree]

Every week, Eco India brings you stories that inspire you to build a cleaner, greener and better tomorrow.

In the desert of the Indian state of Rajasthan - we take a look at an innovative architecture project in Rajasthan - a girls' school that was initiated with the help of a non-profit organization. Constructed using traditional methods and local materials, the building meets modern standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. At the same time, the school provides an important social impetus for the education of girls in one of the most remote parts of India.

Credits -

Supervising Producer & Voiceover: Nooshin Mowla

Field Producer & Script: Juhi Chaudhary

Video Editor: Richard Kujur

Associate Producer: Ipsita Basu

Director of Photography: Richard Kujur

Executive Producer: Sannuta Raghu

[sincere-architects]

Title: India's Top 10 Architects Who Are Shaping the Future of Design

Designing useful structures is only one aspect of architecture; it is also a creative effort with the potential to influence our surroundings and way of life. A new generation of architects has developed in India, a nation rich with culture and history, pushing the frontiers of design and innovation. This article examines the top ten Indian architects who have revolutionized how we see space and made a lasting impression on the field of architecture.

Anoop Bartaria:

            Anoop Bartaria is a renowned architect in India who is known for his creative and environmentally friendly approaches to design. Bartaria has made important contributions to the world of architecture with a strong dedication to contextual and environmentally sustainable design. His work effortlessly combines traditional and modern architectural elements to create spaces that are a reflection of the environment and local culture.

In Bartaria's designs, usability, environmental sensitivity, and utility are frequently given first priority. He has an in-depth understanding of building materials and methods, which he uses to make structures that not only stand out visually but also accomplish their goals.

Bimal Patel: 

            Bimal Patel is known for his expertise in urban planning and design. He has been instrumental in transforming the cityscape of Ahmedabad through innovative urban development projects. His visionary approach to urban design has led to the creation of vibrant and functional spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents.

Hafeez Contractor:

           A stalwart in the Indian architectural scene, Hafeez Contractor's portfolio boasts a wide range of projects, from commercial towers to residential complexes. His design philosophy emphasizes functionality and practicality while maintaining an aesthetic appeal. His iconic works have significantly contributed to the modernization of India's architectural landscape.

Brinda Somaya:

           Brinda Somaya is renowned for her dedication to preserving India's architectural heritage. She combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, revitalizing historical structures for modern use. Her restoration projects breathe new life into forgotten gems, ensuring they remain a part of India's cultural narrative.

Raj Rewal:

      Raj Rewal's architectural style is characterized by a blend of modernism and Indian architectural traditions. His designs often incorporate innovative use of space and light, resulting in structures that are not only functional but also visually striking. Rewal's iconic buildings have become landmarks in various cities across India.

B V Doshi:

           A pioneer in sustainable architecture, Balkrishna Doshi's work is deeply rooted in Indian culture and climate. His designs prioritize environmental sensitivity and human well-being. Doshi's commitment to creating architecture that connects with people's emotions and the natural world has earned him international recognition, including the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize.

Charles Mark Correa:

           Though no longer with us, Charles Correa's legacy continues to shape India's architectural discourse. His designs seamlessly merge traditional Indian architectural elements with modern sensibilities. Correa's emphasis on climate-responsive design and his advocacy for urban planning that considers the needs of all socio-economic strata have left an enduring impact.

Sameep Padora:

           Sameep Padora is known for his experimental approach to architecture, often challenging conventional design norms. His projects explore new materials, construction techniques, and spatial arrangements, resulting in thought-provoking structures that redefine architectural boundaries.

Rahul Mehrotra:

          Rahul Mehrotra's architectural practice extends beyond designing buildings; it encompasses urban planning, conservation, and academia. His projects often address the complex urban challenges of India, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and inclusive design solutions.

Rajiv Saini:

          Rajiv Saini's minimalist and contemporary designs focus on functionality and simplicity. His attention to detail and keen understanding of materials result in spaces that are both elegant and functional, reflecting a modern Indian aesthetic.

Conclusion:

These top 10 architects in India have not only contributed to the physical landscape of the country but have also shaped the way we interact with our surroundings. Their innovative designs, commitment to sustainability, and preservation of cultural heritage have set new benchmarks for the field of architecture. As India continues to evolve, these architects will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the nation's built environment for years to come.

[tubetrading]

How to Identify High-Quality ERW Pipes: Key Factors to Consider

When looking for a supplier of ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) pipes, it is crucial to pick high-quality items that may be customized to your needs.  Because of its reliability, strength, and low price, ERW pipes have found widespread use in many different fields.  This blog will help you choose which ERW pipes are of the highest quality by outlining the criteria you should use to make your selection.  Tube Trading Co. is a great ERW Pipe Dealer in Gujarat, for those who are in search of a trustworthy ERW pipe dealer.  We are a reliable ERW pipe provider, supplier, and distributor in Gujarat, and we stock a comprehensive inventory to meet your requirements.

·        Manufacturing Standards:

Maintaining strict quality control during production is a vital part of making high-quality ERW pipes.  Pipes should meet the standards set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Indian Standards (IS), or any other applicable organizations.  To put your mind at ease, Tube Trading Co. checks each batch of ERW pipes we produce to make sure it conforms to all applicable requirements. 

·        Material Quality:

The performance and durability of ERW pipes are profoundly affected by the quality of the raw materials used in their construction.  The best ERW pipes are fabricated from high-quality steel that is both durable and resistant to corrosion.  Tube Trading Co. only buys its raw materials from reliable vendors, so you know you're getting high-quality ERW pipes from the most distinguished ERW Pipe Provider in Gujarat. 

·        Welding Technique:

The welding method used to construct ERW pipes has a major impact on the durability of the finished product.  Look for pipes that have been welded using precise processes to produce strong, uniform welds.  Tube Trading Co. utilizes cutting-edge welding methods and meticulously supervises the welding process to produce durable ERW pipes suitable for a wide range of applications. 

·        Dimensional Accuracy:

For a trouble-free assembly and optimal fit with other parts, precise dimensions are required.  The dimensions of high-quality ERW pipes, including their OD, ID, and wall thickness, are all precisely measured.  The ERW pipes sold by Tube Trading Co. are guaranteed to have precise dimensions for a snug fit and superior performance in your machinery. 

·        Surface Finish:

Surface Finish High-quality ERW pipes always have a homogeneous and polished surface finish.  A smooth, well-finished surface reduces the potential for corrosion, improves the visual appeal, and allows for more effective fluid or gas flow.  The ERW pipes sold by Tube Trading Co. – a renowned ERW Pipe Supplier in Gujarat have excellent surface quality, guaranteeing their practicality and aesthetic appeal. 

·        Testing and Certification:

Look for pipes that have been put through a battery of tests, such as hydrostatic, ultrasonic, and eddy currents.  The ERW pipes' quality and dependability have also been verified by third-party certificates.  Tube Trading Co. has certifications proving the quality of their ERW pipes and conducts rigorous testing to ensure this. 

Advantages of using ERW Pipes: 

ERW (Electrical Resistance Welded) pipes are widely used because of their many benefits, including; 

●    ��  Cost-Effective:  When compared to other pipe options, such as seamless pipes, the price of ERW pipes is far lower.  ERW pipes have lower production costs because of their simpler and more efficient manufacturing method. 

●       High Strength:  The strength and durability of ERW pipes are well-known.  The welding procedure employed during production fortifies the connection between the pipes, making them resistant to stress and pressure.   

●       Versatility:  The wide range of sizes, shapes, and wall thicknesses available for ERW pipes makes them an extremely flexible material. 

●       Easy Installation:  Due to their uniform dimensions and tight tolerances, ERW pipes are a breeze to set up.  Their exact OD, ID, and wall thickness assure a snug fit and the ability to work with a wide variety of other parts.   

●       Corrosion Resistance:  Longevity Improvement & Environmental Protection Coatings/Materials that resist corrosion can be used during the production of ERW pipes. 

●       Environmentally Friendly:  Due to its efficient production method, ERW pipes are regarded as environmentally benign. When compared to conventional pipe production methods, they result in less waste and fewer carbon emissions. 

Final Thoughts: 

Taking into account the aforementioned criteria when shopping for ERW pipes will help you choose products of the highest quality that are suited to your demands.  The ERW pipes sold by Tube Trading Co., an excellent ERW Pipe Distributor in Gujarat, are of the highest quality, manufactured to exacting standards, and boasting exceptional material quality, precise dimensions, superb surface finish, and thorough testing.  When you work with Tube Trading Co., you can rest assured that your ERW pipe solutions will last for years to come.