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News18
5 days ago
- General
- News18
What world can learn from Korea's 15th-century rain gauge
Seoul, Aug 5 (The Conversation) Droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and more severe across the globe. The cause is often rain — either too little or too much. The monsoon regions of the world, where societies have weathered cycles of drought and deluge for thousands of years, hold essential lessons about rainwater monitoring and conservation. In Korea, one such lesson dates back to the 15th century. In 1441, during the reign of King Sejong, Korea established the world's first official rain gauge (cheugugi) — a cylindrical copper instrument — and also created a state-administered rain monitoring network. This wasn't just a technical invention; it was part of a wider policy. On September 3 of that year, according to the Annals of the Choson Dynasty (a UNESCO Memory of the World record), local magistrates across the country were ordered to measure rainfall regularly and report it to the central government. This system represented one of the earliest forms of climate data governance and set a precedent for valuing rain as a measurable, manageable and fairly governed resource — a public good to be shared and respected. It also reflected a philosophical tradition in Korea of respecting rain not as a curse, but as a gift — one that must be understood, welcomed and shared. India too has a rich tradition of rainwater harvesting, spanning from the Vedic period and the Indus–Sarasvati Valley civilisation (3,000–1,500BC) to the 19th century. Throughout diverse ecological zones, Indian communities developed decentralised systems to capture and store rainwater. The archaeological site of Dholavira in Gujarat, for example, featured sophisticated reservoirs designed to collect monsoon runoff. Historical records, including ancient inscriptions, temple documents and folk traditions, indicate that these systems were not only engineered but also governed, with established rules for sharing, maintaining and investing in water as a communal resource. In some regions of India, every third house had its well. Although these practices declined during colonial rule, they are now being revived by local communities, government initiatives, and non-governmental organisations. The revival of traditional wells is gaining momentum, particularly in urban areas facing water scarcity. For example, in the city of Bengaluru in southern India, local communities and organisations are using age-old well-digging techniques to tap into shallow aquifers. These efforts are often supported by the state or central government, as well as specialists and organisations, including the Biome Environmental Trust, Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, and the Centre for Science and Environment. India's current prime minister has also launched a campaign called Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain as part of a nationwide effort to restore and promote community-led rainwater harvesting. Reviving ancient wisdom In Korea, there's also been a resurgence of this ancient wisdom in modern contexts. Although urban initiatives like the Star City rainwater management system show promise, the movement towards reviving old practices like rainwater harvesting is still growing. Meanwhile, in Cambodia, the Rain School Initiative empowers students and teachers to manage rainwater for drinking and climate education. Rainwater is not just a technical solution — it is a cultural key to resilience. It offers autonomy, sustainability and hope. That is why we propose to establish UN Rain Day on September 3, in recognition of Korea's historical contribution and in celebration of global rain literacy. It is a symbolic date that reminds us how rain has shaped civilisations and how it can shape our future — if only we choose to listen to the wisdom of water. Designating international days has proven effective in raising awareness and catalysing global action. For instance, World Water Day (March 22) has spurred international cooperation and policymaking on water issues since its establishment in 1993. World Toilet Day (November 19) has elevated the global conversation around sanitation and public health. A UN Rain Day would spotlight rain as a vital yet often overlooked resource. This is something that's especially crucial for climate adaptation in monsoon regions and beyond. (The Conversation) SKS GSP (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 05, 2025, 11:15 IST News agency-feeds What world can learn from Korea's 15th-century rain gauge Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Muscat Daily
22-07-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Omani navigator Ibn Majid's manuscript earns Unesco honour
Paris – Oman has received official recognition from Unesco for inscription of the manuscript Al Nuniyah al Kubra (The Great Nuniyah) by renowned Omani navigator Ahmad ibn Majid in the Memory of the World register. The certificate was handed over during a meeting in Paris on Tuesday between H E Amna bint Salem al Balushi, Oman's Permanent Representative to Unesco, and Dr Tawfiq al Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information at the organisation's headquarters. Inclusion of The Great Nuniyah is the result of joint efforts by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in coordination with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and Oman's Permanent Delegation to Unesco. The manuscript is regarded as a landmark in the field of marine science and navigation. Inscribed in April 2025, The Great Nuniyah is the second Omani manuscript to be recognised under Unesco's Memory of the World programme. The first was The Mine of Secrets in Oceanography by navigator Nasser bin Ali al Khadouri, added in 2017. Ibn Majid's work documents maritime geography and ancient shipping routes in detail. It also records societies encountered during his voyages and provides insight into anchoring techniques and marine life. Significantly, while earlier scholars divided the Earth into seven northern regions, Ibn Majid extended the classification by introducing seven regions in the southern hemisphere. The Memory of the World programme was established by Unesco in 1992 to safeguard documentary heritage at risk of loss. Manuscripts are selected based on criteria such as historical importance, rarity, authenticity and cross-cultural impact.
Arab Times
22-07-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Failaka's forgotten echoes find global spotlight at UNESCO and Kuwait's art scene
KUWAIT CITY, July 22: A vibrant exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art is showcasing the rich antiquities of Failaka Island through a collection of visual artworks, celebrating the recent inclusion of the historic Icarus Stone in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. Organized under the theme 'Kuwait's Antiquities in Colors,' the summer exhibition features 38 fine and ceramic artworks created by Kuwaiti artists who have visually interpreted the archaeological legacy of Failaka Island. The exhibition, which runs until July 27, is accompanied by specialized artistic and ceramic workshops aimed at deepening public engagement with the country's ancient heritage. Speaking to KUNA, exhibition organizer Sarah Khalaf explained that the event was launched in celebration of the Icarus Stone's addition to UNESCO's Memory of the World list on April 18. The event highlights the global importance of the artifact and reflects Kuwait's dedication to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage through the arts. Professor Hassan Ashkanani, an expert in archaeology and anthropology at Kuwait University, described the Icarus Stone as 'a rare and significant artifact of immense historical value.' He noted that it dates back to 2300 BC and is inscribed in ancient Greek with a 44-line message from a representative of the Seleucid state to the ruler of Icarus, the ancient name for Failaka Island. According to Ashkanani, the inscription offers insights into the political, social, economic, and religious life of the time, referencing agricultural practices, the care of deer, the establishment of temples, and the hosting of religious rituals that resembled the Olympic Games. Discovered in 1960 during early excavations by Denmark's Moesgaard University, the Icarus Stone was found within the remains of a Hellenistic castle on the island. Ashkanani highlighted its unique importance, noting that it is 'the first piece of Kuwaiti heritage to be registered on the UNESCO list.' The artifact is currently preserved and displayed at the Kuwait National Museum. Ashkanani added that the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) continues to organize events that introduce the public to Kuwait's ancient history, with a special focus on the treasures of Failaka Island. The island, situated in the Arabian Gulf, remains one of Kuwait's most archaeologically rich sites, representing centuries of cross-cultural exchange and civilization. In conjunction with the exhibition, Dr. Mohammed Al-Jassar, Secretary-General of NCCAL, toured the Museum of Modern Art, underscoring the importance of promoting Kuwait's cultural identity through artistic expression. This celebration not only marks a milestone in Kuwait's cultural diplomacy but also reaffirms the nation's ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing its unique historical narrative with the world.
Time Out
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The Bayeux Tapestry is going on display in London for the first time in 900 years: dates, tickets and everything you need to know
One of the world's most famous medieval masterpieces is returning to the UK for the very first time in 900 long years. Yep, the spectacular Bayeux Tapestry is coming home. The 70-metre-long tapestry is an intricately embroidered depiction of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, in which William the Conquerer took the English throne, and it'll go on temporary display at the British Museum next year. Most famously, it shows the moment that an arrow hit England's King Harold right in the eye. It's one of nearly 600 items around the world that are included in Unesco's Memory of the World register. For the last nine centuries, the tapestry has lived in France. It has been at the Bayeux Museum in the town of Bayeux in Normandy since 1983. In place of the tapestry, Normandy will be lent the Anglo-Saxon treasures of the Sutton Hoo ship burial that are currently on display at the British Museum, which includes Viking golden coins, a sword, a shield, and an iron helmet. Britain has tried to loan the tapestry three times before, once in 1931, then in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation and again in 1966 for the 900th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings – but none of those requests were ever approved. So, this is a pretty major moment in Anglo-French history. Here's everything we know so far. When is the Bayeux Tapestry coming to the UK? It'll be on display in the British Museum's Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery from September 2026 until July 2027. How to get tickets We don't have any information yet on when the public will be able to get tickets to see the tapestry, but we suggest keeping an eye on the British Museum's website. It could even be worth becoming a museum member, if you're particularly keen to see it. What is the significance of the Bayeux Tapestry? Nicholas Cullinan, the director of the British Museum called the piece 'one of the most important and unique cultural artefacts in the world, which illustrates the deep ties between Britain and France'. He added: 'It is hard to overstate the significance of this extraordinary opportunity of displaying it at the British Museum and we are profoundly grateful to everyone involved. 'This will be the first time the Bayeux tapestry has been in the UK since it was made, almost 1,000 years ago. We are also delighted to send the Lewis chessmen, and some of our treasures from Sutton Hoo – the greatest archaeological discovery in Britain – to France in return.' When was the Bayeux Tapestry last in the UK? It's not known for certain but it's thought that the last time the tapestry was this side of the English Channel was back when it was made 900 years ago. Despite the tapestry's name, most historians agree that it was embroidered in Canterbury, likely by nuns or upper class women.
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Gandhi portraits: India, Hungary seek Unesco tag
New Delhi It was January 8, 1934, and Mahatma Gandhi had granted young Hungarian artist Elizabeth Brunner exactly 15 minutes. Brunner, undeterred by the Mahatma's scepticism about portrait painting, began sketching his downward gaze—capturing not just his weathered features but what she saw as his inner spirit. That brief encounter, which Gandhi would later sign and treasure, now anchors an ambitious cultural preservation effort. India and Hungary are jointly seeking UNESCO's prestigious Memory of the World status for Brunner's remarkable collection of over 2,000 portraits documenting India's independence era, officials at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts announced. The bid runs parallel to a separate joint application with Nepal to inscribe Emperor Ashoka's ancient stone edicts Brunner's path to that fateful veranda began with dreams—literally. Driven by recurring visions of Rabindranath Tagore, she arrived in India from Hungary in 1929 with her artist mother, Elizabeth Sass Brunner. Financial hardship and bureaucratic hostility nearly forced their deportation, but refuge came at Tagore's Santiniketan under master artist Nandalal Bose. There, Brunner developed what would become her signature gift: an ability to perceive and capture her subjects' inner essence. Tagore himself, moved by her early work, became her first major Indian subject, granting her unprecedented access. It was encouragement from one of Gandhi's close aides, impressed by her Bombay exhibition, that eventually led her to the Mahatma's veranda. What began as reluctant cooperation evolved into profound collaboration. Brunner's portfolio became a visual chronicle of modern India's founding generation: Tagore in contemplation, a gesticulating Jawaharlal Nehru, a young and intense Indira Gandhi, the regal Maharani Gayatri Devi, and the serene Dalai Lama. 'She didn't just paint faces; she painted presence,' the IGNCA official explained. 'There's a depth to her work—she sought the spirit within the person.' Her portraits were encounters rendered in charcoal and paint, informed by her unique position as an outsider who had embraced India as her 'homeland-to-be.' Her 1962 return to Gandhi's image, now housed in the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya's reserve collection, bears her handwritten inscription echoing his philosophy: 'Let us have the courage and determination to stand together and do our very best in this time of need.' The IGNCA, guardian of Brunner's legacy, holds over 800 meticulously preserved and digitised works from the collection, which officials describe as having 'outstanding universal significance' for embodying a unique cultural dialogue between Europe and Asia during a transformative historical period. The UNESCO campaign The path to UNESCO recognition, targeting 2026, demands extensive documentation. Applications must demonstrate global impact, rarity, integrity, and lasting relevance through precise historical records, rigorous preservation plans addressing threats like decay, concrete strategies for public access (bolstered by existing digitization efforts), solid legal custody documentation, and thorough stakeholder consultation. India has had recent success: the April 2025 inscription of Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra manuscripts brought the country's total Memory of the World inscriptions to fourteen. IGNCA recently convened scholars and UNESCO experts to refine dossiers for both the Brunner Collection and Ashokan edicts applications. The parallel nominations represent different but complementary aspects of India's cultural legacy. Ashoka's stone edicts, carved millennia ago, preach peace and moral governance. Brunner's charcoal portraits, drawn during the struggle for independence, capture the human faces behind the ideals of modern India's founding. 'The edicts speak of statecraft; the portraits breathe the human struggle,' the IGNCA official observed. Both legacies, deeply woven into India's identity and its message to humanity, now seek acknowledgment in the world's shared memory. The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, established in 1992, preserves documentary heritage of outstanding value to humanity. If successful, the Brunner Collection would join an elite list of cultural treasures, ensuring global recognition and protection for an extraordinary artistic testament to one of history's most significant independence movements.
