The history of the needlework suggests that owes its origin to the need to stitch skins of dead animals using sharp stones and bamboo needles. Even during the Iron Age, the man knew to cut and join. Then, they learned to pick cotton plants and trees, spin them into threads and weave them into clothes. … Read more

The Bengal Kantha or Kantha of Bengal can be discussed under the following heads, based on location : West Bengal Kantha Kantha of Bangladesh West Bengal Kantha West Bengal districts deserve special mention in the context of Nakshi Kantha . Nakshi Kantha stitching of Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia, Bankura, Midnapore, Howrah, Burdwan, Birbhum and North and … Read more

Border Motifs of Nakshi Kantha Rich Bengali cultural identity is shared by the people of West Bengal thorough these Border Motifs. The borders of the Nakshi Kantha effectively provide a vast treasure of folk art and one can only marvel at the skill and the wealth of the imagination of the creators, Bengali women workers. … Read more

The different methods of Kanthas stitches / Kantha Stitching  are discussed below : Holbein stitching Holbein Stitching are mainly used in Kantha quilts outside Bengal. These embroideries are  generally of geometric patterns and sometimes accompany cross stitch pattern. Running Kantha Stitches The needle follows the same straight line, both above and below. The embroidered stitches … Read more

In the beginning of the 4th century A.D., the Rise of Gupta Empire (Gupta Kingdom) started a new era in the history of India. Various local powers who broke away from the Kushana authority formed independent kingdoms, some of whom where monarchies, while the others republicans. The kings of Gupta Dynasty established an empire and thus … Read more

The Delhi Sultanate administration system The administration system of Delhi Sultanate were directed and governed by the Quranic injunctions. The Quranic law was the supreme law of the empire. The Caliph was the supreme sovereign according to the Islamic theory of sovereignty. All Muslim kings through the world were his subordinates. During the Sultanate period, … Read more

The Bengali Alpana (or Bengali Alpona) are colourful designs and paintings done on the floor or flat surface. It forms an integral part of religious rites of Bengal. It is most commonly known as “Rangoli” in other parts of India. Various simple and easy alpana designs are used in these paintings which perhaps have their origin in … Read more

Sultan Alauddin Khilji had introduced a healthy and systematic administrative policy in the Delhi Sultanate rule. His accession to the throne was not a peaceful one. He had to walk through bloodshed series of revolts. Naturally the main object of administrative policy of Alauddin Khilji was to crush the revolts and consolidate the central authority … Read more

Decline of the Gupta Empire “Empire, like human beings, has birth, rise and death.” The forces that worked towards the decline and downfall of Gupta Empire (Gupta Kingdom) are – the dissension in the ruling family, provincial rebellion, revolt for local independence, foreign invasions and economic reasons. The Decline of the Gupta Empire started during … Read more