Green legends
Trees are the planet's oldest living beings. Believe or not, some of them have been standing since before the ancient civilisations found in our history books. Here's a glimpse into three of the world's oldest and three of India's oldest known trees. Isn't it amazing that these magnificent trees have been silent witnesses to the sweeping changes of centuries?
Elders of the World
Methuselah, the U.S.
Hidden in California's White Mountains, the Methuselah is a bristlecone pine that is said to be over 4850 years old. To keep the world's oldest known tree safe, its exact location is kept secret.
Sarv-e Abarqu, Iran
Also known as the Zorastrian Sarv, this cypress is estimated to be 4,000 years old, making it, perhaps, the oldest tree in Asia. However, legend has it that the tree was planted by Prophet Zoraster, founder of Zorastrianism, who lived in Persia in the sicth century BCE.
Llangernyw Yew, Wales
An ancient yew tree that is said to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, it finds a place in Welsh mythology, where it is linked to a spirit called Angelystor.
Fun Fact: A spruce tree in Sweden called the Old Tjikko holds the record for the world's oldest known cloned tree. Although its trunk is young, its roots are about 10,000 years old.
Elders of India
Pillalamari, Telangana
Also known as the Peerlalamari (the saint's banyan), this banyan is said to be 800 years old. Its large network of prop roots make it appear like a family with many children; hence the name Pillalamari meaning the children's banyan.
Siddhvari, Uttar Pradesh
In 2023, the Botanical Survey of India announced that this is the oldest scientifically dated banyan of the world. Through a method called carbon-dating, the tree was estimated to be 500 years old. Locals worship it and believe it has existed since the Mahabharata.
Thimmamma Marrimanu, Andhra Pradesh
Spread over five acres, this 550-year-old banyan makes it to the Guinness Book of World Records as a tree with the largest canopy. It is said nearly 20,000 people can stand underneath it. It is also connected to local folklore and beliefs.
Fun fact: The Great Banyan of Kolkata is, perhaps, the most famous banyan of India and is estimated to be 250 years old. The Mahabodhi in Bodh Gaya is a peepal tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment 2,500 years ago. The tree standing today was grown from a cutting of the original.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Green legends
Trees are the planet's oldest living beings. Believe or not, some of them have been standing since before the ancient civilisations found in our history books. Here's a glimpse into three of the world's oldest and three of India's oldest known trees. Isn't it amazing that these magnificent trees have been silent witnesses to the sweeping changes of centuries? Elders of the World Methuselah, the U.S. Hidden in California's White Mountains, the Methuselah is a bristlecone pine that is said to be over 4850 years old. To keep the world's oldest known tree safe, its exact location is kept secret. Sarv-e Abarqu, Iran Also known as the Zorastrian Sarv, this cypress is estimated to be 4,000 years old, making it, perhaps, the oldest tree in Asia. However, legend has it that the tree was planted by Prophet Zoraster, founder of Zorastrianism, who lived in Persia in the sicth century BCE. Llangernyw Yew, Wales An ancient yew tree that is said to be between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, it finds a place in Welsh mythology, where it is linked to a spirit called Angelystor. Fun Fact: A spruce tree in Sweden called the Old Tjikko holds the record for the world's oldest known cloned tree. Although its trunk is young, its roots are about 10,000 years old. Elders of India Pillalamari, Telangana Also known as the Peerlalamari (the saint's banyan), this banyan is said to be 800 years old. Its large network of prop roots make it appear like a family with many children; hence the name Pillalamari meaning the children's banyan. Siddhvari, Uttar Pradesh In 2023, the Botanical Survey of India announced that this is the oldest scientifically dated banyan of the world. Through a method called carbon-dating, the tree was estimated to be 500 years old. Locals worship it and believe it has existed since the Mahabharata. Thimmamma Marrimanu, Andhra Pradesh Spread over five acres, this 550-year-old banyan makes it to the Guinness Book of World Records as a tree with the largest canopy. It is said nearly 20,000 people can stand underneath it. It is also connected to local folklore and beliefs. Fun fact: The Great Banyan of Kolkata is, perhaps, the most famous banyan of India and is estimated to be 250 years old. The Mahabodhi in Bodh Gaya is a peepal tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment 2,500 years ago. The tree standing today was grown from a cutting of the original.
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
7 Best Places In Mumbai City To Feel Completely Alone
Mumbai, the city of possibilities, is known for its madness, people, and never-ending activities. But what if I told you that even in the chaos, there are soothing spots where you can relax? Yes, you can find solitude in even the most bustling city in India. If you live here and looking for some solace or a tourist hoping for a respite forms the madness , then look no further. Here's some of lovely spots where peace is found between bustling Mumbai. 1. Marine Drive at Dawn It's usual to spot Marine Drive filled with riders taking morning strolls while other people watch to enjoy the sea breeze. But if you ever happen to visit during dawn, around the time sun rises, you will notice that it is almost empty. Along with the warm breeze blowing during the morning, a gentle sound of waves crashing together with soothing scenery of sun rising gives this magnificent place a whole new aesthetic. Perfect for grabbing a seat at the promenade ensuring you're The only thing on your mind is a cup of chai. 2. Sanjay Gandhi National Park If you want a place to escape the repetitive and hectic life of Mumbai, then make a trip to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The park itself is immensely sprawling, and you will find several treks that once completed will immerse you fully in the wonders of nature. The Kanheri caves located deep within the park is an alluring sight to all history lovers. The rock-cut caves were formed in the first century BCE and allow one to marvel at ancient beauty. 3. Worli Sea Face For people who want a peaceful getaway from all the hustle and bustle without crossing Bandra-Worli Sea link, Worli Sea Face is a must. The entire area has a long road which is perfect for jogging or casual bike riding. The faint sound of waves crashing into the shoreline paired with the distant view of boating adds to the view and helps relieve some stress. 4. Haji Ali Dargah at Low Tide Haji Ali Dargah is an incredibly beautiful mosque that serves as a tomb on the Arabian Sea. It is situated on the small islet, and is usually full of tourists and devotees. However, during low tide when the pathway leading to the shrine is less populated, the area is much more accessible. Thus, the place can be enjoyed in its full ambient glory. It is a delightful place to visit for those wishing to escape the monsoon season. 5. Powai Lake Powai Lake is located in Powai which is a suburb of Mumbai, and is a nice retreat from the city's fast paced lifestyle. The area is picturesque and neatly maintained. The lake sits amongst beautified lavish green hills and its calm water reflects the sky in perfect symmetry. It's the perfect place to enjoy a soothing evening by the lakeshores with a book in hand while enjoying the soothing warm breeze. Hiranandani Gardens located near the area also make it easier to exercise. 6. Banganga Tank Spread over many temples and ancient structures, the Banganga Tank is known for its water which is still used for religious purposes. It is said to be a water tank and is dated back to the 12th century. It now lies in the lap of a new Malabar Hillistic society. This place is astonishingly beautiful and one can contemplate the boundless void for a long duration. It is said that the setting of the area adds to its charm. Moreover, one can also approach it during the day or in the late evening. 7. Elephanta Caves The Elephanta Caves, housed in an island off Mumbai, is recognised as a world heritage by UNESCO. It is well known for the idol of Lord Shiva which has three heads. The islands can be reached by a ferry and these are quite lively. Although crowded, the islands are peaceful and quiet, and the view from Elephanta gaze of Maharashtra is stunning. Final Thoughts Though Mumbai has a population of over twenty million people, it has always possessed an unmatched serenity, if sought after. Calming Marine Drive, the serene waves at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, or even the spiritual essence of Haji Ali Dargah, these places show us that even the busiest of cities still provide tranquility. Therefore, next time you visit Mumbai, and feel overwhelmed from all the chaos, you can head on over to these places and let the quietness enable you to recharge. It is not only the spirit of the Mumbai people that is magical, but the city itself possesses a charm that ensures that every corner you discover grants you some form of introspection. So go ahead, unearth these treasures and experience the different subtleties of the people and the city as a whole.
Scroll.in
4 days ago
- Scroll.in
Nationalist ideology and the slippery slide into fascism
Nationalism is typically seen as the preserve of right-wing politics, and it has long been a cornerstone of authoritarian and fascist governments around the world. In democratic countries the term 'nationalism' is linked to national chauvinism – a belief in the inherent superiority of one's own nation and its citizens – but the picture is more complex than it first seems. For starters, there is little to differentiate patriotism from nationalism except for degree of intensity. Most of us, however, can recognise the difference between love for one's own homeland and the harsher, often exclusive or xenophobic tenets of extreme nationalism. Patriotism is a low degree nationalism, but radical nationalism often turns into xenophobia. The picture is further complicated by substate or minority nationalism, an entirely different beast often associated more with left-wing and progressive ideals. Many political parties and ideologies – in Europe, the Americas and elsewhere – use the term 'nationalist' without any connotations of far-right beliefs. Instead, they present the nation as an emancipatory force that strives to achieve self-determination for a particular territory. Examples include the National Party in Suriname (founded in 1946), the Basque Nationalist Party (1895), the Scottish National Party (1934) and the Galician Nationalist Bloc (1982). Some of Europe's prominent left-wing movements, such as Irish party Sinn Féin, are fervently nationalist, while others, such as the Welsh Plaid Cymru, embrace eco-socialist principles. This does not mean that minority or substate nationalisms are immune to the influence of the radical right. Belgian party Vlaams Belang and the Catalan Alliance are two contemporary examples of far-right minority nationalism. Looking further back, the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists and the Flemish National Union occupied similar political space during the interwar period. Despite these nuances, nationalist ideology can often slide easily into fascism. The resurgence of ethnic nationalism in the late 20th century has also reinforced this association, often channelled through the concepts of nativism and populism to bring about movements as diverse as Trump's 'Make America Great Again', Putin's irredentism and Hindutva nationalism in India. Few would question fascism's emphasis on the nation, or that nationalism is a pillar of any fascist worldview. However, the relationship between nationalism and fascism remains underexplored. My research aims to remedy this by looking closely at the link between the various conceptions of nation and the ideological contents of fascism. Ethnic nationalism Fascist ideology has often been regarded as the inevitable outcome of 19th-century forms of ethnic nationalism. Spurred by European imperialism and the Great War, the principle of the nation became increasingly chauvinistic, racist and xenophobic. This ethnic turn of nationalism would be decisive in making it an instrument of fascism, as well as a core argument of the diverse versions of the radical right, from 'fascistised' conservatism to more blatant forms of authoritarian government. In most theories of fascism, nationalism is implicitly linked to a single-issue expression that conceives the nation as an organic reality, one where the criteria for inclusion are based on 'objective' truths such as language, blood and soil, history and tradition. However, elements such as ancestry, history and territory are certainly not exclusive to fascist or authoritarian concepts of the nation. Many of those ingredients can also be found in liberal and Republican definitions of the nation, which usually take for granted the 'cultural community' within whose ethnic and territorial borders the community of citizens would be built. Indeed, many of Europe's rising progressive political forces – such as Sinn Féin in Ireland – can trace back their origins to radical nationalism in the early 20th century but promote a tolerant, open view of society that is the antithesis of fascism. It is therefore true that every fascist is a nationalist, but not every nationalist is, even potentially, a fascist. This raises the question of exactly how fascism harnesses nationalism to achieve its aims. In my view, there is a specifically fascist concept, and usage, of nationalism. Fascist nationalism Fascists see the nation as a single organic entity binding people together, not just by their ancestry but also by the triumph of will. As such, it is the driving, unifying force that mobilises the masses towards a shared goal. But fascists also have to appropriate nationalism for their own ends. In order to serve fascism, the concept of nation has to be coherent with the main tenets of fascist ideology: the idea of revolution, the corporatist imagination of social order, the purity of race (defined in either biological or cultural terms) and the social relevance of irrational values. The diversity of nationalist traditions also accounts for much of fascism's geographical heterogeneity. Although the components provided by nationalism are old, fascism combined them to create something new. This created what is known as the 'generic' fascist concept of the nation, which can be broken down into at least five specific characteristics: A paramilitary view of social ties and the national character: The nation exists in a permanent state of military readiness, meaning the martial values of discipline, unity of command and sacrifice are placed above all individual rights. The whole social order and the nature of its bonds are cast in a paramilitary mould, meaning society itself becomes a barracks. This also accounts for fascism's strong tendency towards territorial expansionism, the pursuit of empire and war – these all provide a common cause to keep the nation permanently united and mobilised. A Darwinian 'survival of the fittest' view of national and international society: This leads to the exclusion of others (defined variously by traits such as race, culture, language, and so on), the belief in the limitless sovereignty of one's own nation, and the justification of violence against its enemies, both internal and external. This leads to imperialism as a natural consequence of the affirmative character of the nation. The nation above all else, including religion: Fascist governments have always been, in theory, independent from religion. Wherever they seized power, most fascist movements arrived at some sort of agreement with the Church, but fascism ascribes God and religion a subordinate place (either explicitly or implicitly) within its hierarchy of principles. The nation is always at the top. Unity of state, culture and nation: As far as the relationship between the nation and the state is concerned, the fascist nation is neither above nor beneath the state. It is both identified with the state, and transcends it: a 'national-statism'. Blind belief in a charismatic leader: The idea of the fascist nation requires absolute trust in a singular, all-powerful leader. In Nazi Germany this was known as the Führerprinzip, the idea that the word of the Führer transcended any written law. This transforms the 19th-century figure of the national hero or founding father into something far more transcendent. The fascist leader assimilates and embodies the qualities of all the national heroes who came before.
