May 10, 2014

Sugarcane Cultivation at Tiruvannamalai



Cultivation of sugarcane in India dates back to the Vedic period. The earliest mention of sugarcane cultivation is found in Indian writings of the period 1400 to 1000 B.C. Cultivated canes belong to two main groups: (a) thin, hardy north Indian types S.Barberi and S.Sinense and (b) thick, juicy noble canes Saccharum Officinarum. Highly prized cane is S.Officinarum. 


Local sugarcane cultivation


Sugarcane belongs to the grass family (Poaceae), a seed plant family that includes maize, wheat, rice, and sorghum. The main product of sugarcane is sucrose, which accumulates in the stalk internodes. Sucrose, extracted and purified in specialized mill factories, is used in the food industry, fermented to produce ethanol and also used as livestock fodder. 


Cane is planted in furrows


Sugarcane is the world's largest crop by production quantity with India the second largest (after Brazil) sugarcane producer. Sugarcane cultivation requires a tropical climate, and is a highly efficient photosynthesiser. Sugar is actually made in the leaves of the sugarcane plant and then the sugar is stored as sweet juice in its stalks. 


Sugarcane crop ready for mill

Sugarcane is cultivated in the tropics and subtropics in areas with plentiful supply of water, for a continuous period of more than six to seven months each year, either from natural rainfall or through irrigation. 


Cutting the Sugarcane

  
It is planted in furrows at either horizontal or at 45-degree angles and it takes anywhere between 12,000 and 25,000 stems to plant 2.5 acres of land. After they are planted, they are covered with a light layer of soil. When they begin to grow and start sprouting, the furrow is turned inwards and the crops mature over the span of 9 to 24 months. 


Sugarcane harvesting done in the old fashioned way


Sugarcane needs strong sunlight, fertile soil and lots of water (at least 1.5 metres of rain each year or access to irrigation) to grow. 


Sugarcane being transported to the Mill

Once sugarcane has been harvested, it must be transported to a sugar mill as soon as possible. The longer it takes, the more sugarcane juice stored in the stalks will evaporate - so it is important that it arrives within 16 hours of being cut, to minimise deterioration. 


Waste burnt off, preparation of field for different crop


If the sugarcane is cut in the proper manner, it will regrow naturally without any further planting. But in the case of this narrative, after the cutting of the cane, the waste was set on fire in order to prepare the fields for a different crop. 


May 5, 2014

Banyan Tree


The Banyan can be found throughout this area. There are several in the old part of Ramana Ashram and the side of the Samudram Bund, south of the Hill, are a number of young Banyan Trees.

The Banyan Tree (Ficus Benghalensis linn. Tamil = Al) which is the National tree of India, is an evergreen that grows to a height of about 100-ft. It has been reported that some Banyan reach more than 1000 feet in circumference and could cover 10,000 with its span. This tree is easily identified by its aerial roots, which hang from its branches. These roots often get embedded in the ground and become minor trunks. The leaves are broad, oval and glossy. If broken, a white, milky fluid oozes out of the leaves. 

The name Benghalensis comes from India where early travellers observed that the shade of the tree was frequented by “banias” (Indian traders). English writers began to tell of the banyan tree, a tree under which Hindu merchants would conduct their business. The tree provided a shaded place for a village meeting or for merchants to sell their goods. Eventually "banyan" became the name of the tree itself. 

Ficus means fig and Benghalensis is of or pertaining to Bengal. The Sanskrit word Vata means to surround or encompass. The tree symbolizes all three gods of the Hindu Triad. Vishnu is the bark, Brahma, the roots, and Shiva, the branches. Another name for Kubera, the treasure-keeper of the gods, is Vatashraya, one who lives in the Banyan tree. According to tradition it is visited by the goddess Lakshmi on Sundays.

The Banyan is said to have nourished mankind with its 'milk' before the advent of grain and other food. The legend for this follows thus: 

Nirantali, the first keeper of the world, was sent by the gods to live in Saphaganna. She brought with her Banyan seeds, wrapped in leaves. When the Earth and the clouds were ready, men were born. They took the Banyan seeds and planted them. These grew into slender trees with very tiny leaves that provided no shade at all. Nirantali tugged and pulled at the leaves till they were large then she stretched the branches till they came down to Earth. But men still did not have proper food to eat. So Nirantali told the Banyan tree, “Feed men with your milk”. The Banyan replied, “I have only blood in my body. Where should I get the milk from?” Nirantali swung her axe, hit the trunk of the tree and said, “Let milk flow”, and so it did and men lived on it until grain came to the world. According to the Agni Purana, the Banyan symbolises fertility and is worshipped by those who want children. For the same reason, it is never cut. Even its leaves, which are used as cattle fodder, are broken only when there is a famine. It is believed that if the tree is cut, a goat should be sacrificed in atonement.


Young Banyan tree, Samudram Bund, Arunachala


It is stated in the Vishnu Purana, during the deluge at the end of an epoch or yuga, Vishnu sleeps on a Banyan leaf. It also compares Vishnu to the seed of the Banyan: just as a huge tree originates from and is contained in one little seed, the entire universe is reduced to its germ after these periodic deluges. This germ is contained in Vishnu, who then recreates the Universe. 

The Banyan tree is one of the most venerated trees in India. Because of its ability to survive and grow for centuries, it is often compared to the shelter given by God to his devotees. It also symbolises the personality of a benevolent ruler or head of family who nourishes and looks after all those under his care. Its large leaf is a motif commonly used in worship, rituals and festive sacrifices. The Banyan tree is mentioned in many scriptures as a tree of immortality. It was under a Banyan tree that the Hindu sages sat in a trance seeking enlightenment and it was here that they held discourses and conducted holy rituals. In Hindu mythology, the tree is called Kalpavriksha, the tree that provides fulfillment of wishes and other material gains. 

The Vishnu Purana states: "As the wide-spreading Nargodha (Sanskrit for Banyan) tree is compressed in a small seed, So at the time of dissolution, the whole universe is comprehended in Thee as its germ; as the Nargodha germinates from the seed, and becomes just a shoot and then rises into loftiness, so the created world proceeds from Thee and expands into magnitude." 

In Hinduism the leaf of the Banyan tree is said to be the resting place for Lord Krishna. In the Bhagavad Gita Krishna says: "There is a Banyan tree which has its roots upward and its branches down, and the Vedic hymns are its leaves. One who knows this tree is the knower of the Vedas." (Bg 15.1) 

Elsewhere in the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says: Of all trees I am the Banyan tree . . . " (10.26) 

According to another legend the Banyan Tree is believed to have originally been situated in Vasuki's garden. Amba or Mother Earth, wanted it for her children. After a fight with Vasuki and by invoking Shiva's help, Amba managed to obtain the Banyan. 

This tree is also sacred to the Buddhists. After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha is believed to have sat under a Banyan tree for seven days, absorbed in his newfound realisation. A pilgrimage to one of the main Banyan trees is considered the equivalent of twelve years of sacrifice. The worship of the tree is also represented in a Buddhist sculpture with its long hanging roots dropping gold pieces in vessels placed below. 


Ripe figs on tree, April 2014 


Parts of the Banyan Tree

Indra was portrayed as sitting with his queen shaded by a Banyan from whose branches people gathered jewels, clothes, food and drink. Also called the Agastyavata, it symbolizes immortality. When the whole world was flooded during the Great Deluge, a leaf of the Banyan tree cradled Balmukunda safely through the waters.

The Puranas tell the story of Savitri, who lost her husband a year after their marriage. He died under a Banyan tree and by worshipping it, Savitri was able to follow Yama himself and win back her husband's life as well as secure prosperity and progeny. This powerful legend has made Savitri an ideal of Indian womanhood and established the Vat-Savitri Vrata. On Vata Poornima, the full-moon night in Jyeshtha, married women fast and circumambulate the Banyan to pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands.

On this day, Hindu married women worship the Banyan Tree by tying threads around its bark. The ritual is performed to obtain divine grace to secure the life of their husbands and get the same groom for several births to come. Banyan trees were regarded as symbols of fertility, venerated by those who wanted children. The Mahabharata tells of a mother and daughter who embraced two Banyan trees and became the mothers of Sage Vishvamitra and Sage Jamadagni.


Giant Banyan Tree, Botanical Gardens, Howrah

In certain areas of the Philippines, people believe in sorcery, witchcraft, enchanted beings or objects, and other supernatural forces. The most feared of all is Baliti, the great Banyan tree which villagers believe possesses super-natural powers. To disrespect Baliti is to call the tree's wrath upon oneself.

According to legend, Banyan or Baliti, was a man who was a great healer. He was respected and well loved by the people. The god, Engkantada, known as the enchanted lady of the forest, acknowledged his good character by giving him healing powers far beyond the earthly ones he already possessed. Engkantada told him that these powers could only be used to aid others, and that he must never ask for, or take, any payment in return for his healing services. Baliti agreed.

For many years Baliti worked refusing all offerings of payment. Eventually he met a beautiful woman called Brunhilde and after a short courtship they married. Soon Brunhilde started to demand that Baliti take payment for his healings. Batili's love for Brunhilde had become greater than his promise to Engkantada, so he asking for, and accepting payment for his services. His wife started to use her sorceress powers to make the people of the village ill. After making the villagers ill she would tell them that only her husband could heal them as Brunhilde knew that spells she had cast could only be removed with magic, as they had been created.

Those who were not able to pay were refused Baliti's services while all the time Baliti and his wife lived lavishly. The villagers began to hate Baliti and his wife and prayed to God Engkantada, to help them. Engkantada after confronting the couple with their wrongdoings, transformed Brunhilde into a huge snake, so that everyone would see and avoid her. Engkantada knew that Baliti had been fooled by his wife so in retribution for his errors, she turned him into a great Banyan tree, but did not take his powers away. This way he could still be of help to the villagers who came to him requesting aid.

Many claim that Baliti's powers still exist. There are stories of unusual things happening when someone offends Baliti. It is believed that tragedy always follows those who have offended him, therefore, respect is given to him by all. Whenever passing the tree people say such things as "excuse me", or "may I sit under your branches great one?"

The Banyan tree occupies the pride of place amongst the sacred trees of India. It has aerial roots that grow down into the soil forming additional trunks. It is, therefore, called Bahupada, the one with several feet. It symbolizes a long life and also represents the divine creator, Brahma. It is invariably planted in front of Temples. The numerous stems of the Banyan tree are even regarded as the home of gods and spirits. It was under a Banyan that Lord Shiva as Dakshinamurthi is nearly always depicted sitting in silence with Rishis at his feet. It is thought of as perfectly symbolizing eternal life due to its seemingly unending expansion.

In a South Indian tale Luxman accompanies Rama, who is carrying home his bride. Luxman overhears two owls talking about the perils that await his master and mistress. First he saves them from being crushed by the falling limb of a Banyan-tree, and then he drags them away from an arch which immediately after gives way. By and by, as they rest under a tree, the king falls asleep. A cobra creeps up to the queen, and Luxman kills it with his sword; but, as the owls had foretold, a drop of the cobra's blood falls on the queen's forehead. As Luxman licks off the blood, the king starts up, and, thinking that his vizier is kissing his wife, upbraids him with his ingratitude, whereupon Luxman, through grief at this unkind interpretation of his conduct, is turned into stone.

In the Philippines children at a young age are taught never to point at a fully mature Banyan tree for fear of offending the spirits that dwell within them, most especially when they are new to the place. They would always utter a respectful word or two to the spirits in the Banyan tree when they are near one, walking near or around it to avoid any harm. They believe that provoking the spirits in a Banyan tree can cause one great harm, illness, misfortune, untold suffering and death.

April 30, 2014

Compound at Vediappanur


The below photographs are of land available at peaceful and exclusive Vediappanur Road, near Adiannamalai Village, Tiruvannamalai. Size of the compound is 21800 Sq.Feet about 50 cents (half acre). Offers are invited for minimum purchase of 10900 sq.ft. or more. Plot is suitable for private residence or Trust. 


Compound at Vediappanur

House and Trees in Compound




The compound which has trees and a garden is located about 400 metres from the Girivalam roadway near Varunalingam. For information regarding price, please get in touch at the email address located left side of this page.


January 16, 2014

Water Sustainability – Less Intensive Crops


For the last two years this area has suffered meagre rains during the yearly monsoon. Now that farmers have planted their crops for the coming season it is sad to report that even now there are farmers who insist on planting at least one rice crop before the heat sets in at the end of February, beginning of March. As reported in Tehelka at this link here in an excellent article entitled “WATER SCARCITY TN WILL FACE CRISIS, WARN EXPERTS ,” 

“ . . . area of concern is the over-exploitation of groundwater in many places. According to experts, farmers took to cultivating water-intensive crops and indiscriminately exploited groundwater for irrigation, which has led to a steep fall in water table in many places. Many wells have run dry in Coimbatore and adjoining Districts.” 

Agriculture accounts for 85-90% of the total use of water in Tamil Nadu. By the judicious planting of less water intensive crops and gaining a 10% reduction in the agricultural sector, would considerably ease the impending water shortage situation. 

In respect of the above the below extract from 'Report on Rain Fed areas by the Planning Commission, New Delhi,' is very relevant and is definitely something that needs to be considered by local Government. 

“The most important aspect of groundwater is that it is a common property resource, the means of access to which is privately owned. We generally access groundwater through private wells and tubewells. But withdrawal of water from our source can adversely affect the water in our neighbour’s water source. Depending on the hydrogeology of the watershed, the question “who is my neighbour?” gets answered. If the watershed is in an alluvial tract, for example, my deep draw of water can affect a farmer even hundreds of metres away. Thus, how farmers decide to collectively manage the groundwater resources of the village could have a deep bearing on how long groundwater survives. It could actually determine the entire efficacy of the watershed programme. Indeed, one could go as far as to say that sustainable and equitable management of groundwater could be the key area of rural governance in the 21st century 

The unique aspect of the situation is that water below my land is not "mine". Groundwater is a non-stationary, "fugitive" resource that merges into water under another's land in a fluid sort of way. By lowering the depth of his tubewell, my neighbour can squeeze all water out of my well. Without proper collective arrangements for groundwater use, there tends to be an infinite regress of competitive extraction, with farmers outbidding each other in depths of drilling. Competitive extraction of groundwater leads to disastrous outcomes, the worst of which are observable in coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, for example. Here, saline ingress of sea-water poses a virtually irreversible environmental hazard for farmers who have engaged in competitive pumping of groundwater.” 

The above is particularly relevant nowadays in Tiruvannamalai now that contractors have been given Local Government permission to undertake industrial level sand quarrying in several major water catchment areas in the city. As to the possible complications such injudicious radical excavations will make in the long term to the water supply of the town cannot be assessed at this time. Certainly it makes very good sense to halt all sand quarrying in this area while an independent water survey under judicial oversight could be undertaken. 

Anyhow on to happier subjects, the photographs accompanying this posting were taken a few days ago of ladies planting an onion crop for a local farmer. As it is the auspicious time of Pongal I am also posting recent photographs of the countryside surrounding the Hill. 


Arunachala Pongal 2014

Village Ladies planting onions

The Ladies

January 15, 2014

Real Estate Market


The below is an extract of an article which recently appeared in an Indian National newspaper and could be of interest to those building and renting in the Tiruvannamalai area. In previous years many investors have built homes in this place, with the idea of renting to either middle class Indian earners or visitors from overseas. However with recession prevalent in many Western countries and a resulting decline in the number of visitors to this country, it is perhaps important for the Tiruvannamalai property investor to remember that prices should reflect the purchasing/rental power of the buyer/renter. 


Oversupply affects real estate 

High price points and sticky borrowing costs have weakened buyer sentiment in the commercial and housing markets but realtors hope that since pent-up demand has increased over the three year slowdown in demand the first quarter of 2014 could see an upturn. 

However for now there are about 11.09 million homes lying vacant in 2012-13 according to the Ministry of Housing and urban poverty alleviation. In the commercial space vacant premises range between 12-22 per cent in different cities, according to property analysts. 

Specialists in real estate have noticed a decline during the third quarter in 2013, as corporations focused on consolidating and downsizing their real estate portfolios, and/or relocating to peripheral markets. 

While this has contributed to rental stability in most markets in recent months, subdued demand and high vacancy levels led to a steep decline in office space supply during the last quarter, weighing on future investment plans. 

Even investments in the real estate sector have slowed down across segments, resulting in stagnant construction activity. 

House Construction Costs



Many people interested in purchasing houses in the Tiruvannamalai area, are under the mistaken belief that house prices will reflect this rustic area. Nothing could be further from the truth. In Tiruvannamalai and what is regarded in State demographics as a "backward area," prices are in no way backward. Unfortunately even though building artisans and workers are now demanding salaries comparable to the metro areas of Chennai, their standard of work is no better than one would expect of a quiet village spot. Thus it is commonplace for people with the financial means to actually import craftsmen from Chennai, Pondicherry and Kerala for various projects including house building, bamboo work, and speciality crafts such as lime work and mud work. 





The photograph of the recently completed house shows a newly constructed home of 720 sq feet (compound size 900 sq ft) built from standard material that cost a staggering Rs.10 Lakhs (not including plot cost). A house of comparable size and material could have been built even three years ago at a cost of only Rs.6 Lakhs. The increase in material cost and wages has now made the price of house construction in this area start from a low of Rs.1,000 a square foot to up to Rs.2,000 a square foot for homes made from with more expensive materials. 


December 3, 2013

Adiannamalai House -- More Photographs


The below photographs are more of the Adi Annamalai house of which I posted at this link here and here. Construction of the house has been nearly completed with finishing work remaining for electrical fittings, second coat of paint and the gate at the front of the house. 


Hall

Hall with bedroom doors and kitchen at end

The 2 bedrooms leading off from Hall

Inside Bedroom

Inside bedroom looking out to Hall

Shelving inside a bedroom

Front of House, waiting front gate

Side view of House, gate and 2nd coat of paint remaining to be completed

November 23, 2013

Adiannamalai House Photographs



The below are photographs I recently received of a new house currently under construction at Adiannamalai. To view an earlier post go to this link here, and to check out the house specifications go to this link here

The house faces east and is on the left side of the girivalam pathway as you are going around clockwise. It is located about a 100 yards from the girivalam roadway, to which it has direct road access. The house is under a five minute walk from Adiannamalai Temple. 


Right click on photographs below to view enlargement




The front will be closed off with wall and gate

House has hall and 2 bedrooms

Finishing touches to Kitchen

Plenty of shelf space in rooms

Hall with kitchen at end


October 15, 2013

Act for Seed & Food Freedom

There is already a link on Arunachala Land for the website of Dr. Vandana Shiva. If you are interested in the agricultural independence of India, visit her website to find out more about the excellent work her organisation is engaged in regarding the protection of biological diversity. The organisation Navdanya is actively involved in the rejuvenation of indigenous knowledge and culture and in creating awareness of the hazards of genetic engineering. It is also in the forefront of defending people's knowledge from biopiracy and food rights in the face of globalisation and climate change. 

As well as the website there is also a Navdanya Blog with regular updates and information at this link here. 


Traditional farming in South India



Navdanya is a women centred movement for the protection of biological and cultural diversity. The organisation has recently been engaged in a civil movement (October 2nd to October 16th, 2013) known as the “Act for Seed and Food Freedom”.

For information on this, watch Dr. Vandana Shiva’s below Video.




Leaders of Big Agriculture are determined that world's populations remain ignorant about the serious health and environmental risks of genetically modified crops and industrial agriculture. Deep layers of deception and corruption underlie both the science favoring GMOs and the Corporations and Governments supporting them. 

Watch the below video, “Seeds of Death,” which exposes the truth about GMOs and pulls back the curtains to witness the planet's future if Big Agriculture's new green revolution becomes the dominant food supply. 


September 30, 2013

Tiruvannamalai Puja Flowers


Certain trees and shrubs considered sacred in that their flowers are used in worship, are currently being planted throughout the Tiruvannamalai area.

On a personal note I would consider that the most sacred of trees and shrubs would be those that are not picked throughout the flowering season and used for such worship. But thats just my personal opinion!

Below is a list of some of the trees that are specially planted in this area so that their flowers may be used in worship:


Trees

Mimusops Elengi (Maghizham)
Aegle Marmelos (Vilvam)
Couroupita Guianensis (Magalingam)
Saraca Asoca (Asoka)
Anthocephalus Cadamba (Kadambam)
Pterocarpus Marsupium (Vengal)
Syzygium Cumini (Maaval)
Prosopis Cineraria (Vanni)
Madhuca Longifolia (Illupai)
Ficus Benghalensis (Aal)
Ficus Religiosa (Arasu)
Azadirachta Indica (Vembu)
Bauhinia Tomentosa (Aathi)
Myctanthes Arbor Tristis (Pavazha Malli)
Butea Monosperma (Palasu)
Plumeria Rubra (Malai Arali)
Tecomelia Stans (Manjarali)
Cassis Fistuila (Sara Konnai)
Guetarda Speciosa (Panneer Poo)
Calophylum Inophyllum (Punnai)



Photographs of flowers from some of the above trees


Saraca Asoca (Asoka)

Anthocephalus Cadamba (Kadambam)


Calophylum Inophyllum (Punnai)


Couroupita Guianensis (Magalingam)


Madhuca Longifolia (Illupai)


Mimusops Elengi (Maghizham)


Aegle Marmelos (Vilvam)


A list of shrubs that are specially planted so that their flowers may be used in worship are as follows:


Shrubs

Cascabella Thevitia (Ponnarali)
Merium Indicum (Arali)
Ervatamia Divaricata (Mandhiavattai)
Hibuscus Rosa-sinensis (Semparuthi)


September 15, 2013

House for sale, adjacent Samudram Eri


This is a new property, which has just been constructed in an area off the Perumbakkam Road and is about 1½ kms west of Ramana Ashram. 

Plot Size: 20' x 50' = 1000 sq.ft. plot area, 2000 sq.ft of construction. 

Details: Duplex hall: 20'x20', 3 bed rooms, 2 attached baths, 1 com bath, kitchen, underground meditation hall, car parking, com utility space, good darshan of Arunachala, Pyramid roof, modular kitchen, cupboards in each room.

Water: 320' deep 6" diameter bore well with 1.5 hp submersible pump, u.g water storage sump 20000 litters cap, etc. 









The house is ready for purchase and occupancy. For more details please get in touch with me at the email address located at the top left of this page.

September 14, 2013

Adiannamalai House specifications


As promised in the previous posting of a house (currently under construction) for sale in Adiannamamalai, below is a plan of the house plus specifications. 

For any more details please get in touch via my email contact at top left of this page.


Right click for enlargement






Total plot area = 938 square feet

The building size = 20’ x 27’ 

Porch 14’ x 6’ = 624 sq. ft. 

Two bed rooms, one hall, one kitchen, one com bath and toilet

Stairs to open terrace 

Borewell 320' deep 6" diameter: Borewell with 1 hp submersible pump 

Framed structure, Vengai wood main door, inside flush doors

Al. fab windows, 2 'x 2' vertified tiles, in and out Emulsion paint, Kundan electrical fittings. 

P.V.C. sanitation. 500 litre overhead tank

September 12, 2013

House for Sale, Adiannamalai



I took the below photographs yesterday of a house currently under construction. The house is a few minutes walk from Adiannamamalai and it is expected to be completed within the next two months. 

The house will have one larger bedroom, guest bedroom, bathroom, hall/living room and kitchen. A bore well has already been drilled and there is abundant sweet water. 


Photograph taken yesterday September 12, 2013

The Civil Engineer in charge has built many Arunachala homes

Lady with pink blouse is standing where verandah and front door will be

Septic tank side of house. Boundary marker top right corner of tank.

Construction will be completed in two months

Arunachala darshan taken from house

This adorable budget home is the first one in the plot project. The land of which, is currently being sold at the rate of Rs.500/- per square foot. I will have house plans and specifications within the next couple of days. 

The price is firm and set at Rs.15 Lakhs. If you wish me to send you further details including plan and specifications of house, email me at top left address of this page.