Majuli and Spatula: Difference between pages
(Difference between pages)
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{otheruses}} |
|||
{| border="1" align="right" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="200" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;" |
|||
[[Image:Fishslice1.jpg|thumb|200px|right|A common spatula design]] |
|||
|+ <big><big>'''Majuli'''</big></big> |
|||
A '''spatula''', also known as a '''Turner''', '''Flipper''' and '''fish slice''' in ([[British English]]), is a kitchen utensil with a long handle and a broad flat edge, used for lifting fried foods.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
|- |
|||
| url=http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/fishslice?view=uk |
|||
| [[List of rivers in India|River]] |
|||
| title=AskOxford.com |
|||
| [[Brahmaputra]] |
|||
| accessdate=2007-05-24 |
|||
|- |
|||
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va=spatula|title=Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary|accessdate=2007-06-20}}</ref> Though the word [[Spatula (disambiguation)|''spatula'']] is used in [[British English]], it refers solely to a mixing and spreading implement.<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| [[States and territories of India|State]] |
|||
| url=http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/spatula?view=uk |
|||
| [[Assam]] |
|||
| title=AskOxford.com |
|||
|- |
|||
| accessdate=2007-05-24 |
|||
| District |
|||
}}</ref> |
|||
| Jorhat |
|||
Often the [[Scraper_%28kitchen%29#Plate_scraper|plate scraper]] is referred to as a spatula. In small parts of [[poo land]] (e.g. [[Glasgow]] or Victoria Halls) the spatula is also known as a tosser which refers to the tossing of omelettes or pancakes. |
|||
|- |
|||
| Location |
|||
| {{coord|27|N|94|E|}} |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Area]] |
|||
| 421.65 km² (2001) |
|||
|- |
|||
| Elevation |
|||
| 84.5 m |
|||
|- |
|||
| [[Population]] |
|||
| 140,000 |
|||
|} |
|||
The word ''spatula'', known in English since 1525, is a diminutive form of the [[Latin]] term ''spatha'', which means a [[broad sword]] (as in [[spatharius]]) or a flat piece of wood and is also the origin of the words [[spade]] (digging tool) and [[spathe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=spatula&searchmode=none|title=Etymology OnLine|accessdate=2007-05-24}}</ref> |
|||
'''Majuli''' or '''Majoli''' (Assamese: মাজুলি) is a [[river island]] in the [[Brahmaputra|Brahmaputra river]], in the [[India]]n state of [[Assam]]. Majuli is often erroneously cited as the largest river island in the world by the Indian media, but in fact it is merely the largest freshwater island in South Asia. Majuli occupies an area of about 422 km², having lost significantly to erosion. |
|||
==Design== |
|||
The island is formed by the [[Brahmaputra]] river in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti, an [[anabranch]] of the Brahmaputra, joined by the [[Subansiri]] river in the north. The island is about 200 kilometres east from the [[states and territories of India|state's]] largest city — [[Guwahati]], and is accessible by ferries from the town of [[Jorhat]]. The island was formed due to course changes by the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries, mainly the [[Lohit River|Lohit]]. Majoli is also the abode of the [[Culture of Assam|Assamese]] neo-Vaisnavite culture. |
|||
Spatulas have a handle that is long enough to keep the holder's hand away from what is being lifted, flipped, or scraped. |
|||
The blade of the device is wide and/or thin. The shape of the blade varies, with square and rectangular shapes being most common. The blade is usually somewhat flexible. Spatula blades are often longer on the right side than the left, as this is more effective for [[right-handed]] people. There are also [[left-handed]] spatulas, but these are rare. Most have long slots on the blades to allow liquids to flow through, though some have holes or no perforations at all. |
|||
==History== |
|||
Originally, the island was a narrow and long piece of land called Majoli (land in the middle of two parallel rivers) that had Brahmaputra flowing in the north and the Burhidihing flowing in the south, till they met at Lakhu. Frequent earthquakes in the period 1661–1696 set the stage for a catastrophic flood in 1750 that continued for 15 days, which is mentioned in historical texts and reflected in folklore. As a result of this flood, the Brahmaputra split into two anabranches—one flowing along the original channel and the other flowing along the Burhidihing channel and the Majuli island was formed. The Burhidihing's point of confluence moved 190 km east and the southern channel which was the Burhidihing became the Burhi Xuti. The northern channel, which was previously the Brahmaputra, became the Luit Xuti. In due course, the flow in the Luit Xuti decreased, and it came to be known as the Kherkutia Xuti; and the Burhi Xuti expanded via erosion to become the main Brahmaputra river {{Harv|Sarma|2004|p=6}}. |
|||
[[Krishna]], the popular [[Hindu]] god is supposed to have played here with his friends. While this is speculative, the locals speak in the Assamese language. However, what is certain is Majuli has been the cultural capital of Assamese civilisation since the 16th century; based on written records describing the visit of [[Srimanta Sankardeva|Sankardeva]] — a 16th century social reformer. Sankardeva, a pioneer of the medieval-age neo-vaishnavite movement, preached a monotheist form of [[Hinduism]] called as [[Vaishnavism]] and established monasteries and hermitages known as ''[[satras]]'' on the islet. |
|||
Spatulas are usually made of [[plastic]] or [[metal]], with a wooden or plastic handle to insulate them from [[heat]]. Thus, spatulas made for outdoor [[grilling]] have very long handles. |
|||
The island soon became the leading centre of Vaishavinism with the establishment of these satras. After the arrival of the [[United Kingdom|British]], the island was under the rule of the British till [[Indian independence movement|India gained independence]] in 1947. |
|||
Spatulas can be colorful or have very artistic designs. They can be used as decorations in the home or in some abstract art forms. |
|||
==Economy== |
|||
The main industry is [[agriculture]], with [[Rice|paddy]] being the chief crop. Majuli has a rich and diverse agricultural tradition, with as many as a hundred different varieties of [[rice]] grown, all grown without [[pesticides]] or artificial [[fertiliser]]s. Among the fascinating arrays of rice produced are the ''[[Komal Saul]]'', a unique type of rice that can be eaten just after immersing the grains in warm water for fifteen minutes, and usually eaten as a breakfast cereal; the ''bao dhan'', that grows under water, and is harvested after ten months and the ''[[Bora saul]]'', a sticky brown rice used to make the traditional cake known as ''[[pitha]]'',. [[Fishing]], [[dairying]], [[pottery]], [[handloom]] and boat-making are other important economic activities. |
|||
==Related utensils== |
|||
Handloom is a major occupation among the distaff population of the villages. Although largely a non-commercial occupation, it keeps many of the inhabitants occupied. Weaving is exquisite and intricate with the use of a variety of colours and textures of [[cotton]] and [[silk]], especially 'muga' silk. |
|||
*[[Peel (tool)|Peel]] |
|||
*[[Putty knife]] |
|||
*[[Scraper (kitchen)|Scraper]] |
|||
*[[Scoopula]] |
|||
*[[Hamburger]] |
|||
== |
==Notes== |
||
{{Reflist}} |
|||
[[Image:Assam 146.jpg|thumb|A tribalvillage]] |
|||
The dwellers of Majuli are mostly tribal folk. These tribal are the ''mishing'' tribes from [[Arunachal Pradesh]] and who immigrated here centuries ago. Apart from them, the inhabitants are also from the Deori and Sonowal Kacharis tribes. Languages spoken here are [[Assamese language|Assamese]], [[Mishing]], Deori. The island has twenty-three villages with a population of 150,000 and a density of 300 individuals per square km. The only mode of association to the outside world is through a ferry service which operates only twice a day. Despite inherent drawbacks faced, modernism has touched this island, with the setting up of medical centres and educational institutions. Housing too, has segued from traditional bamboo and mud construction to ones made of concrete. |
|||
[[Category:Food utensils]] |
|||
The heart of all villages is the [[Naamghar]], where villagers episodically gather to sing and pray. It is the most important public place for the villagers. After the rituals are complete, villagers decide here on issues concerning the village such as auctioning of fishing rights, what to do with money raised, and other topics of significance to the community as a whole. |
|||
[[da:Spatel]] |
|||
The inhabitants are expert navigators by boat; their expertise is most visible during the monsoon season when they navigate the turbulent waters of the Brahmaputra. Extremism is also a major concern in the region. The insurgent group the [[ULFA]], has a wide network in the region and was responsible for the execution of social worker Sanjoy Ghosh who was trying to uplift the people of the island. |
|||
[[de:Pfannenwender]] |
|||
[[es:Espátula]] |
|||
==Culture== |
|||
[[fr:Spatule (cuisine)]] |
|||
Majuli has been the cultural capital and the cradle of Assamese civilization for the past five hundred years. The satras set up preserve antiques like weapons, utensils, jewellery and other items of cultural significance. Pottery is made in Majuli from beaten clay and burnt in driftwood fired kilns in the same mode carried out by the peoples of the ancient [[Indus Valley civilisation|Harrappan Civilisation]]. Sociologists have stressed on the preservation of these unique peoples, whose culture and dance forms are untouched by modernism. The handloom work of these tribes is also internationally famous. |
|||
[[id:Spatula]] |
|||
[[nl:Bakspatel]] |
|||
Virtually every single person on the island is involved in the three-day long 'raas' festival, depicting the life of Krishna. People from hundreds of kilometres away come to celebrate this festival including a number of expatriate members of community. The satras have also honed certain art and craft traditions, which can now be found only here. In Natun Samuguri satra for example, one can still find the craft of mask-making; and in the Kamalabari satra the finest boats are made. |
|||
[[ja:へら]] |
|||
[[nn:Spatel]] |
|||
==Neo-Vaishnavite satras== |
|||
[[ru:Шпатель]] |
|||
[[Image:Assam 098.jpg|thumb|From one of the satras]] |
|||
[[sv:Stekspade]] |
|||
The island has been the hub of Assamese neo-[[Vaishnavite]] culture, initiated around 15th century by the revered Assamese saint [[Srimanta Sankardeva]] and his disciple Madhabdeva. Many ''[[Xatra]]s'' or monasteries constructed by the saint still survive and represent the colourful Assamese culture. The saint took refuge in Majuli and spent a couple of months at Beloguri in West Majuli, which was a place of grandeur for the historic and auspicious, 'Manikanchan Sanjog' between Shankardeva and Madhavdeva, this was the first ''satra'' in Majuli. After the "Manikanchan Sanjog", sixty five satras were set up. However, today only twenty-two of the original sixty-five still survive. Sixty-five out of the six hundred and sixty-five original ''satras'' in Assam were situated in Majuli. |
|||
The main surviving ''[[Xatra]]s (Satra)'' are: |
|||
* Dakhinpat [[Xatra]] : Founded by Banamalidev, a supporter of Raasleela, which is now observed as one of the National Festivals of Assam. |
|||
* Garamurh [[Xatra]] : This "Satra" was founded by Lakshmikantadeva. During the end of autumn, the traditional the Raasleela is enacted with pomp and celebrations. Ancient weapons called "Bartop" or [[cannons]]s are preserved here. |
|||
* Auniati [[Xatra]]: Founded by [[Niranjan Pathakdeva]], the satra is famous for the "Paalnaam" and ''Apsara'' Dances and also its extensive assortment of ancient Assamese artefacts, utensils, [[jewellery]] and [[handicrafts]]. It also has a hundred and twenty five disciples and over seven hundred thousand followers worldwide. |
|||
* Kamalabari [[Xatra]]: The Kamalabari Satra, founded by Bedulapadma Ata, is a centre of art, cultural, literature and classical studies on the island. Its branch the ''Uttar Kamalabari Satra'' has performed cultural programmes of the ''Satria Art'' all around the country and abroad. |
|||
* Benegenaati [[Xatra]]: It is a reliquary of antiques of cultural importance and an advance centre of performing art. Muraridev, the grandson of Sankaradeva's stepmother was the founder of the Satra. The royal raiment belongs to the Ahom king Swargadeo Godadhar Singha, is made of gold. Also preserved is the royal umbrella made in gold. |
|||
* Shamaguri [[Xatra]]: The satra is famous for the masks making in India. |
|||
These satras are also the treasure house of "Bongeet" Matiakhara, satriya dances (Jumora Dance, Chali Dance, Notua Dance, Nande Vringee, Sutradhar, Ozapali, Apsara Dance, Satria Krishna Dance and Dasavater Dance), all promulgated by [[Srimanta Sankardeva]]. It has also become a center for ''shuddhi'' in the Northeast of India, due to the efforts of [[Pitambar Deva Goswami]]. |
|||
==Ecosystem== |
|||
[[Image:Assam 133.jpg|280px|thumb|left|Majuli wetland]] |
|||
A [[wetland]], Majuli is a hotspot for flora and fauna, harbouring many rare and endangered avifauna species including migratory birds that arrive in the winter season. Among the birds seen here are: the [[Greater Adjutant|Greater Adjutant Stork]] , [[Pelican]], [[Siberian Crane]] and the [[Lesser Whistling Duck|Whistling Teal]]. After dark wild [[geese]] and [[ducks]] fly in flocks to distant destinations. The island is almost [[pollution]] free owing to the lack of polluting industries and factories and also the chronic rainfall. |
|||
[[Image:Majuli-area.png|thumb|right|The island is shrinking due to erosion. The data is from {{Harv|Sarma|2004}}.]] |
|||
The island is under threat due to the extensive [[soil erosion]] on its banks. The reason for this magnitude in erosion is the large embankments built in neighbouring towns upriver to prevent erosion there during the [[monsoon]] season when the river distends its banks. The upshot is a backlash of the tempestuous Brahmaputra's fury on the islet, eroding most of the area. According to reports, in 1853, the total area of Majuli was 1,150 km² and about 33% of this landmass has been eroded in the latter half of 20th century. Since 1991, over 35 villages have been washed away. Surveys show that in 15-20 years from now, Majuli would cease to exist. |
|||
To save the island, the Union Government of India has sanctioned Rs 250 [[crore]]s (US $ 55 million) for the protection of the isle. A petition has been sent to the [[UNESCO]] for the declaration of Majuli to be a world natural heritage site and furthermore make it a world cultural heritage site. |
|||
==Tourist interests== |
|||
Majuli is situated at a distance of 20 km from [[Jorhat]]. One can take the bus or a hired taxi to the Nimati Steamer Ghat from where ferry services ply. The distance takes over three hours to cover, with three bus rides and two ferry rides. |
|||
On the north-bank is the river Subansiri and on the South bank, the mighty [[Brahmaputra]] has excided the island from the main land. [[Lakhimpur]] town is to the North and [[Golaghat]] is to its southwest. The town of [[Sibsagar]] is on the southeast and [[Jorhat]] is to the south. On the extreme east is [[Dibrugarh District]]. |
|||
* The Vaishnava Satras founded by Sankardeva |
|||
* The colourful culture of the tribes |
|||
* Migratory birds |
|||
* The Ali-ai-ligang festival in Feb-March |
|||
* Pottery making |
|||
* Mask making |
|||
* Paal Namm festival in the end of winter |
|||
* The sunset in winter |
|||
* Exotic homespun masks crafts |
|||
==Educational Institute== |
|||
===College=== |
|||
*[[Majuli College]] |
|||
*[[Jengeraimukh College]] |
|||
*[[Ujoni Majuli Kherkotia Mahavidyalaya]] |
|||
*[[Rongasahi College]] |
|||
*[[Pub Majuli College]] |
|||
*[[Garamur college]] |
|||
===Junior College=== |
|||
*[[Namoni Majuli Junior College]] |
|||
*[[Pitambar Deva Goswami College]] |
|||
===School=== |
|||
*[[Sri Lohit High School]] |
|||
==Politics== |
|||
Majuli is part of [[Lakhimpur (Lok Sabha constituency)]].<ref>{{cite web |
|||
| url = http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2001/background/S03/AS_ACPC.pdf |
|||
| title = List of Parliamentary & Assembly Constituencies |
|||
| accessdate = 2008-10-06 |
|||
| work = Assam |
|||
| publisher = Election Commission of India }}</ref> |
|||
==References== |
|||
{{reflist}} |
|||
{{refbegin}} |
|||
* {{Citation |
|||
| last1 = Sarma | first1 = J. N. |
|||
| last2 = Phukan | first2 = M. K. |
|||
| title = Origin and some geomorphological changes of Majuli Island of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India |
|||
| journal = Geomorphology |
|||
| volume = 60 |
|||
| issue = 1-2 |
|||
| pages = 1-19 |
|||
| date = [[2004-05-03]] |
|||
| year = 2004 |
|||
| url = |
|||
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V93-4B4RVJ4-1&_user=489256&_coverDate=05%2F03%2F2004&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000022721&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=489256&md5=3510afc82077431d76a5ada3a67ecc8e |
|||
}} |
|||
*{{cite news |first= Subrata |last=Nagchoudhury |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Majuli: Island On The Ebb |url=http://www.india-today.com/itoday/majuli.html |work=India Today |publisher= |date=February 28, 1997 |accessdate=2008-05-02 }} |
|||
{{refend}} |
|||
==External links== |
|||
{{Commonscat|Majuli}} |
|||
* [http://www.majuli.org majuli.org] maintained by Majuli Island Protection & Development Council (MIPDC) |
|||
* [http://www.cfar.umd.edu/~venu/NFI/majuli.html Life in Majuli] |
|||
* [http://members.tripod.com/majuli/sanjoy/majinfo.htm Culture of Majuli] |
|||
* [http://www.1upindia.com/states/assam/cities.html Satras of Majuli] |
|||
* [http://www.majuli.info/ World's Largest River Island] |
|||
==See also== |
|||
*[[Tourism in Assam]] |
|||
[[Category:Islands of India]] |
|||
[[Category:Geography of Assam]] |
|||
[[Category:Tourism in Assam]] |
|||
[[Category:Jorhat]] |
|||
[[Category:River islands]] |
|||
[[sv:Majuli]] |
|||
Revision as of 01:02, 12 October 2008
A spatula, also known as a Turner, Flipper and fish slice in (British English), is a kitchen utensil with a long handle and a broad flat edge, used for lifting fried foods.[1][2] Though the word spatula is used in British English, it refers solely to a mixing and spreading implement.[3] Often the plate scraper is referred to as a spatula. In small parts of poo land (e.g. Glasgow or Victoria Halls) the spatula is also known as a tosser which refers to the tossing of omelettes or pancakes.
The word spatula, known in English since 1525, is a diminutive form of the Latin term spatha, which means a broad sword (as in spatharius) or a flat piece of wood and is also the origin of the words spade (digging tool) and spathe.[4]
Design
Spatulas have a handle that is long enough to keep the holder's hand away from what is being lifted, flipped, or scraped.
The blade of the device is wide and/or thin. The shape of the blade varies, with square and rectangular shapes being most common. The blade is usually somewhat flexible. Spatula blades are often longer on the right side than the left, as this is more effective for right-handed people. There are also left-handed spatulas, but these are rare. Most have long slots on the blades to allow liquids to flow through, though some have holes or no perforations at all.
Spatulas are usually made of plastic or metal, with a wooden or plastic handle to insulate them from heat. Thus, spatulas made for outdoor grilling have very long handles.
Spatulas can be colorful or have very artistic designs. They can be used as decorations in the home or in some abstract art forms.
Related utensils
Notes
- ^ "AskOxford.com". Retrieved 2007-05-24.
- ^ "Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary". Retrieved 2007-06-20.
- ^ "AskOxford.com". Retrieved 2007-05-24.
- ^ "Etymology OnLine". Retrieved 2007-05-24.