Browsing by Author "Mudgal, K."

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Archeo-philately: New Dimensions in Heritage Studies
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dasture, P.; Vartak, A.; Mudgal, K.; Xalxo, G.; Bhatt, E.
Although it is known as the ‘King of Hobbies’; philately is not merely stamp collection but a serious study of stamps, covers, cancellations & postal stationery. A small piece of paper has the ability to reveal in depth details of the past. Heritage is that which is inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations, but not until long ago, it was primarily used to describe that which people inherited legally or which belonged to one by reason of birth; however, over the years, the definition has expanded to encompass cultural traditions, natural environs & historical buildings. The archaeology of any country showcases its rich cultural, anthropological and architectural development through the ages. It is the study and analysis of all artifacts, architecture and bio-facts of the earlier civilizations. Through philately the natural and cultural heritage of a nation can be brought to the attention of common man. This paper gives a brief overview on how philately can be used as a very effective teaching aid in learning history and archeology and it essentially speaks about the 32 World Heritage Sites depicted on Indian postal stamps, covers, post cards and the likes; of these, 25 are cultural sites, while the remaining 7 are natural sites. The uniqueness of this work, lies in the fact that these collections of stamps are the only ones issued by any country, which depict monuments of all the major religions practiced in the country.
The Elephant in Gautam Buddha’s Life, Jatakas and their Depiction in Sculptures and Paintings
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Mudgal, K.; Joshi, Y.
There were two major events in Gautam Buddha’s life in which the elephant had a prominent role. The first event was related to Gautam Buddha’s birth and the second one was his miracle at Rajgriha. Jatakas are the stories of previous births of Gautam Buddha. Before he received the Bodhi (Great Enlightenment) he was born in many births in different forms like a king, elephant, monkey, etc. After passing through these various births finally he was Enlightened. In these Jatakas, Gautam Buddha appears as a Bodhisatva. These Jataka stories are used by Gautam Buddha’s disciple to spread their Dhamma. There are a lot of Jataka stories in which Bodhisatva had been born as an elephant or an elephant is the main character in those stories. These two events in Gautam Buddha’s life and Jataka tales are depicted in the forms of sculptures and paintings at many Buddhist monuments in India as well as countries where Bauddha Dhamma reached like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Siam etc. In this paper we shall take a collective review of various art forms where the above mentioned stories are used as themes.
Elephants in Gautam Buddha’s Life, Jâtaka and Their Depiction in Sculptures and Paintings
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Mudgal, K.; Joshi, Y.
Saathmari (साठमारी): A Unique Game of Elephant fighting
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Joshi, Y.; Mudgal, K.
Saathmari was a game of elephant fighting and was played during early 20th Century only in 2 princely states of India. These states were Baroda (Gujarat) and Kolhapur (Maharashtra). Origin of this game is obscure. As per records this game was very popular in Baroda state. Maharaja of Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Shahu, experienced the thrill of this game during his visit to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad of Baroda and after experiencing thrill of it he started this game in his state as well. This game was usually played when adult males come in heat, and when the animal becomes aggressive and violent. If the male elephant is not aroused enough, he is fed alcohol. Players as well as the elephants were often severely injured in this sport. However this sport, 'Saathmari' was very popular among royalty as well as the masses. Saathmari was a sport introduced in Kolhapur in the year 1915. His Highness Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj built a separate stadium for this sport. Special tools required for the sport were also made by his artisans. Today no witnesses of this sport are alive. The stadium is still there and few tools can still be seen at the museum. The description of "Saathmari" can be read in biographies of H.H.Shahu Maharaj and H.H. Sayajirao Gaikwad, these records give us glimpse of this thrilling sport. We shall be trying to collect few paintings or photographs from local museums depicting "Saathmari" and references from the available official papers of erstwhile states of Kolhapur and Baroda.
Sâmhmârî: A Unique Game of Elephant Fighting
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Joshi, Y.; Mudgal, K.