Thursday, April 22, 2010

Indian Miniatures - Painting Secular Lifestyle of Medieval India

http://www.cartridgesave.co.uk/news/uploads/2009/11/indian-miniatures-leader.jpg

Where would the history of Indian painting, especially of it medieval period, stand without the broad mention of Mughal Miniatures? It would be hard for an art critique to paint a complete picture of cultural and artistic journey of India without putting the miniature paintings on record; these were the exotic and beautiful pieces of art that the artist did under the helping umbrella of the Mughal emperors who ruled most part of India from sixteenth to eighteenth century.

Mughal Emperor Humayun had injected artistic flavour into the art of Indian painting when he had welcome two miniature artists from Persia. By the passing of time this miniature art has percolated up to the deep corners of Indian states which were ruled by the Rajaput Kings and other princely states of northern and southern India.

On seeing the mughal miniatures we would think that this must be a Persian painting; such heavy was the influence of the Persian painting style on the minds of the Indian artists of that time. But the Mughal style of painting concisely narrates the life and choices of the people of medieval India.

On close scrutiny, we would find that there is elaborated depiction of the lifestyle of contemporary Indian society; May it be the costumes that the men and women in the paintings put on, or may it be the ornaments of the male and female figures have on their bodies: these articles were the clear witness what the life of people was in those centuries.

Strangely enough for the historians, too, the paintings commissioned by the Mughal emperor Akbar were the clear witness of a great endeavour to integrate two different cultures of Hindu and Muslim into one and create a peaceful Indian state. The paintings of Lord Krishna fall under this category. The miniature artworks of other deities of Hindu religion were the proof of the will of the great Emperor. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the mughal miniature paintings are symbol of cultural and religious tolerance that had developed in India during the medieval period.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Lifestyles of Singles - Dating, Relationships, Careers and Fun

http://www.whydate.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Meet-Single-People-Online-at-Free-Online-Dating-Sites.jpg

The singles lifestyle is not as easy and carefree as it appears, and there are hidden dangers all around. Problems such as date rape, STDs and psycho boyfriends. Then there is the bar scene, the club scene and the awkwardness of the same old "sex in the city" routines. All this plus, you must maintain a job, a place to live and be street wise and careful.

And as for the dating scene, the online dating and the lousy hook-ups and referrals from people you thought were your friend. Well, how on Earth is a single girl, living the single lifestyle suppose to manage all that? Well, speak no further as I have just the book for you, one that is fun to read, and gives some common sense advice as well as some of the tricks of the trade for those living the single lifestyle and looking for a potential suitor:

"Dating, Inc.; Recruit, Select, and Retain the Right Man for the Relationship" by Jeff & Carol Cohen

These two authors also write for About dot com on the Internet and have written numerous articles, factoids and sound advice for those living the singles lifestyle, loving it, but still looking for that special someone to make their lifestyle complete. A relationship with a potential soul mate with information on how to test drive before you jump all the way into a permanent situation.

One of the best parts of this book and something that I found most intriguing was the incredible ease of use, worksheets and simple explanations. It's no wonder that Jeff and Carol Cohen are the people go for answers when they want advice on enhancing their lifestyles and love lives. I very much recommend this book and I wish you all the success in the world with your singles lifestyle and love life.