What are the 5 lesser-known facts about India?
India is home to various incredible things, that most people don't know. So, in this, we will get to know "What are the 5 lesser-known facts about India?" India is globally recognized as the most populous nation, ranking first in terms of its population size. Furthermore, it holds the distinction of being the seventh-largest country in the world in terms of land area. In addition, India is renowned as the largest democratic republic on the planet. India, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, offers a myriad of fascinating aspects. India is a country in South Asia with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It has been invaded and ruled by various empires and colonial powers, including the Mauryas, Mughals, and the British. In the year 1947, India achieved independence from British colonial rule, marking a significant turning point in its history. Subsequently, India transitioned into a democratic republic, adopting a system of governance that empowers its citizens to participate in decision-making processes and ensures the protection of individual rights and freedoms. It is known for its diverse culture, religions, languages, and traditions, as well as its contributions to science, mathematics, and spirituality. Today, India is a rapidly developing country with a thriving economy and a growing global influence.
Here are 5 lesser-known facts/things about India:
1. Floating Post Office: India is home to the world's only floating post office, located in Dal Lake, Srinagar, Kashmir. India is home to a unique attraction that has caught the attention of both locals and tourists alike, the floating post office. The world's only floating post office can be found nestled on the houseboat on Dal Lake in Srinagar, Kashmir. This heritage post office has been in operation for over 200 years and is still functioning today. Letters are delivered by postmen traveling in shikhara across Dal Lake, bearing a special seal of a shikhara with a boatman on it. The post office also contains a small philately museum with all traces of the philatelic history of the state postal department. Visitors can buy special covers, postcards, and stamps from there.
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| Floating Post Office in Srinagar, Kashmir |
The floating post office was relaunched in 2011 and has become a vital tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. It offers standard postal services, a philately museum, and a shop selling local souvenirs. Letters posted from this post office carry picturesque scenery designs of Srinagar city and Dal Lake, which is a unique feature of this post office. The floating post office is also an essential service and savings deposit location for many farmers and laborers who work nearby. The post office has successfully survived the chequered history of Srinagar.
2. Shampoo's Origin: The word "shampoo" derives from the Hindi word "chāmpo," which means to massage or knead. India has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, with a diverse culture that has been shaped by various religions, languages, and customs.
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| Shampoo Bottle |
The country has experienced significant growth and development over the past few decades, becoming a major global player in fields such as technology, medicine, and education. When it comes to hair care, Indian hair comes in various types and textures and requires products that embrace natural hair textures while providing hydration and nourishment. Using products from Indian brands that use sustainable and clean processes and ingredients is highly recommended. A few examples of such products include Arata anti-hair fall Super Shampoo and Naturindia Ayurvedic Organic Shampoo for Hair Growth.
3. Magnetic Hill: Located in Ladakh, India, the Magnetic Hill is a fascinating natural phenomenon where vehicles appear to defy gravity by rolling uphill without any power. The phenomenon observed is attributed to an optical illusion arising from the distinctive characteristics of the terrain in question.
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| Magnetic Hill In Ladakh |
Magnetic Hill is a famous tourist attraction located on the Leh-Kargil Highway in Ladakh, India. The hill is a small stretch of road that defies the phenomenon of gravity. Stationary vehicles are pulled uphill at a speed of 20km/hr, despite the engine being turned off. The reason behind this magnetic force is still a mystery, but there are various theories, including an optical illusion and a strong magnetic force emanating from the hill or a nearby mountain.
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| Magnetic Hill Instruction Board |
Visitors should park their vehicles at a yellow box marked on the magnetic road in neutral gear to see the uphill movement. The best time to visit Magnetic Hill is between July and September, but visitors must note that there are no accommodations nearby.
4. The First Granite Temple: The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is the world's first complete granite temple. The Brihadishvara Temple, also known as Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a Hindu temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. Constructed during the 11th century under the patronage of Chola emperor Rajaraja I, the mentioned architectural marvel stands as a prime example of Tamil architecture.
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| Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur |
It holds the prestigious distinction of being a constituent of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples." The temple complex encompasses various notable components, including intricately adorned entrance gateways (gopura), the central temple structure, inscriptions, captivating frescoes, and sculptures. These artistic elements predominantly depict themes associated with Shaivism, while also encompassing representations of Vaishnavism and Shaktism. The temple's famous brass Nataraja statue and the bull-shaped Nandi outside the temple are made of heavy stone, with the bull-shaped Nandi carved from a 25-ton piece of stone. The temple also features passageways leading to places throughout the city.
5. The World's Largest Monolithic Statue: The statue of Gomateshwara, also known as Bahubali, in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, is the world's largest monolithic statue. It stands at an impressive height of 58 feet (17.7 meters) and is a significant Jain pilgrimage site. Around the year 983 CE, the aforementioned structure was erected under the patronage of Chavundaraya, a prominent minister and commander of the Western Ganga dynasty.
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| Statue of Gomateshwara |
The statue depicts the Jain figure Bahubali in kayotsarga posture. The statue embodies the fundamental principles of Jainism, namely peace, non-violence, renunciation of worldly attachments, and a commitment to a simple and austere lifestyle. It is one of the tallest monolithic statues in the ancient world and is regarded as the largest free-standing statue in the world. The statue is accessible via a flight of more than 500 steps. At a frequency of every 12 years, the grand festival of Mahamastakabhisheka takes place, wherein devout adherents engage in the ceremonial act of bathing the statue with a combination of water, milk, sugarcane juice, and saffron paste. The next Mahamastakabhisheka is to be held in 2030.
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