Ancient Indian History

At the time of Corona virus outbreak, the world has known the importance of cremation. According to WHO guidelines, cremation is the best method for disposing the dead bodies during an epidemic. What is cremation- Cremation is the method of disposing the dead body through burning or combustion. The process of cremation Image courtesy: Wikipedia  After cremation about two and half kilograms remains is produced, known as 'ashes' and consists of unburned fragments of bones. They do not constitute risk to health and may be buried, scattered in fields and water bodies or disposed in various ways. In India, there is a vast practice of ashes disposal in holy rivers at Haridwar, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Gaya etc. Cremation at Manikarnika ghat, Varanasi  Image courtesy: Wikipedia  History of cremation- The earliest archeological evidence of cremation in the world was found in Australia at lake Mungo. (ref- Bowler, J. M. 1971. Pleistocene salinities an...

Sindoor (vermilion) is a red, orange or ochre colored cosmetic powder used by mainly married women of Indian subcontinent. It is made from cinnabar (a naturally occurring form of mercury sulfide), turmeric and lime.  Image courtesy: Flickr Significance of Applying Sindoor by Indian Women- Image courtesy: Flickr Sindoor has a lot of importance in Indian culture. There is a tradition of applying sindoor on parting of hairs by married Hindu women. It is considered very auspicious and applied for long life of their husbands. Traditionally, the unmarried women and widows do not apply sindoor. A woman's  bindi may also be made from sindoor.  Mythology- Sindoor is symbolized as energy of goddess Parwati, the wife of god Shiva. The Indian women believe that the goddess Parwati protects all those men whose wives apply sindoor on their forehead.  Historicity of Applying Sindoor as Cosmetic- The practice of cosmetics is believed to have or...