Scientific name : Odobenus rosmarus Family : Odobenidae Native to : North Pole in the arctic and sub-arctic seas Interesting fact : Its name means ‘tooth walking sea horse’. Conservation status : Data Deficient It is a large flippered marine mammal found across the northern hemisphere. Adult walruses are easily recognized by their prominent tusks, […]
“I am asking for those two boons, O King! Do not break your promise to me!” said Kaikeyi. Unaware of the terrible tragedy that was to come, Dasharatha promised. “I want Bharata to be named as your successor. And I wish Rama to be sent into exile in the forest for fourteen years,” demanded Kaikeyi.
The Shoe Stealing Game (JootaChhupai) is a wedding custom practised in most parts of India in Hindu and Muslim weddings. Do you know: The bride and the groom are expected to take off their shoes during the wedding ceremony. In most Indian weddings, once the groom has removed his shoes, chaos would ensue, where the
Kissing Feast is one of the wedding customs followed in Sweden. Do you know: In Swedish weddings, the bride and the groom walk down the aisle together rather than the father of the bride giving her away. Amongst the many customs surrounding their weddings, kidnapping the ‘couple to be’ before their wedding and planning a
Polterabend is a pre-wedding custom practised in Germany. Do you know: The word Polterabend comes from the German verb ‘poltern’, which means to make loads of noise; and the noun abend–meaning evening. Polterabend is a custom practised by the friends, members of family and guests of the coupe to be married on the eve of
Common name : Vicugna Scientific name : Vicugna vicugna Family : Camelidae Native to : South America Interesting fact : They yield small amounts of fine wool, every three years. Conservation status : Least Concern It has a long, woolly coat which is tawny brown on the back, while the fur on the throat and
The Awá tribe of Brazil is known to take in orphaned animals in the rainforest. Do you know: The Awá tribe live and hunt in the rainforest using 6-foot tall bows and gather forest produce for their food. The Awá tribe, which is fast becoming endangered because of killings and encroachment on its land, has
The King was in a joyous mood, sharing his happiness with everyone in the palace. He came looking for Kaikeyi, thinking he would tell her the news of their beloved Rama himself. He was surprised to find her finally in the ‘Anger Room’ as it was called. Puzzled by her tears and anger, her shabby
Lip Plate, known as a ‘Lip Plug’ or ‘Lip Disc’, is one of the distinguishing features of the Mursi tribe of Africa. Do you know: A girl in the Mursi tribe perseveres to increase the size of the Lip Plate until it is 12 cmsor more in diameter. The Mursi tribe is extremely egalitarian in
Kaikeyi certainly loved Rama, but her love for Bharata made her blind to the evil which Manthara was pouring into her ears. “Perhaps Rama will have all his brothers, including your darling Bharata, killed later,” suggested Manthara. Kaikeyi became thoughtful, imagining the things Manthara was saying. She was beautiful and Dasharatha doted on her, but
The Korowai tribe until the 1970’s lives in houses high above the ground on trees. Do you know: The new tree houses are blessed with animal fat smeared on the threshold and stairs. The Korowai people strategically build their houses high above the ground so as to avoid pesky mosquitoes, evil spirits and neighbours! Banyan
Manthara was a companion and maid to Queen Kaikeyi. She was a woman with an evil and petty mind, jealous of the prosperity of others. When she heard that Rama was to be the Crown Prince, she went to give Kaikeyi the news. Kaikeyi was delighted to hear it and gifted Manthara a necklace. Manthara
Cannibalism is practised amongst the Korowai tribe of New Guinea. Do you know: The Korowai do not believe that they practise cannibalism. While the Korowai do not practise cannibalism often, but when it is practised, the person who is killed is killed by a special bone arrow and completely eaten by the tribe. However, the
The assembly met and in one voice the proposal of King Dasharatha was agreed to. Happy at the outcome, the King sent Sumantra to call Rama to the assembly hall. He informed him of the decision that had been taken. One of Rama’s great qualities was his absolute obedience to his father’s will. He humbly
The brides settled into their new home and the new lifestyle. For twelve years the period of quiet joy and happiness continued, as Seeta and Rama and the other couples came to know and understand one another well. One day, the prince of Kekaya, Yudhaajit, who was Kaikeyi’s brother, came to Ayodhya. He asked for