The Snake Saga INTACH SSSNAKES...

Transcription

1 INTACH The Heritage Club Newsletter JANUARY - MARCH 2019 VOL. 16 No. 1 India Land of the Naga Read Its Snake Saga Dear Green Friends, Snakes hold immense importance when it comes to our ecosystem and help to keep the ecological balance intact. This is why they hold an important place in worship as well! There are diverse species of snakes that are found in India, which is reflected in our art and culture. They also hold symbolic value. While the King Cobra is the most prominent, there are also many regional beliefs and ideas that people follow and believe in. In India, we are in constant contact with snakes as worshippers, charmers, capturers etc. Even the Western image of India involves a snake charmer! It is thus crucial to have enough knowledge about snakes so that our interaction with them is more intelligent and does not threaten their existence. Let s protect this beautiful creature! CONTENTS The Snake Saga 1 Snakes in Hiss tory 2 Snake Stories 3 Sacred Snakes 4 Snake Worship 5 Snakes Naturally! 6 Snakes and the Ecosystem 7 Sense ational Snakes 8-9 Big Venomous Four 10 What s Your Poison? 11 Naga-The Snake Guardian 12 The Naga Connection 13 Snakes in the Red 14 Snake in the City! 15 Snakes and Communities 16 Sssnakes...Ssshapes and Sssymbols 17 Activity 4U 18 Heritage News 19 Prize Winners, What s Next? 20 The Snake Saga Revered, edified and feared, snakes down history have been an icon of worship. Snakes are part of our culture; they are worshipped as an eternal creator and strength. Snakes have hissed and slithered into the very being of almost every ancient culture. In ancient India snakes were considered sacred and associated with Gods and Goddesses. Snakes have no legs, no eyelids, no diaphragm, no bladder, no eardrums and only one lung. Snakes cannot run, jump, roar, howl or even chew but they can swim, climb and strike with amazing speed. What is it that makes them a symbol of power? Snakes can live in a wide range of habitats. They can live on trees or in water, on land or in burrows. Snakes are predators as well as prey; they play a vital role in the food chain. Let s turn the pages and learn more about our Snake Saga! Harman Preet, VI Genius, Swami Vivekanand Public School, Jagadhri; Kamakshi Johar, VI C, Summer Fields School, Kailash Colony, New Delhi; Aaron Abraham Biju, Bhavan s Adarsha Vidyalaya, Kakkanad, Kochi CHURNING OF THE OCEAN The Devas decided to churn the ocean with the help of the Asuras. The King of Snakes, Vasuki, was used as the rope, Mount Mandara was used as the pole and Vishnu transformed himself into a tortoise. After years of churning poison came out. Lord Shiva drank the poison and saved the Devas and the Asuras. Pranjal Sharma, V, India Kids School, Udhampur SSSNAKES... Slithering they go when it rains, Living in forests and plains, With poison running in their veins. In different sizes they appear, With a deadly tongue and no ear, A reptile we truly fear. Anadya Mittal, VIII C, Modern School, Vasant Vihar, Delhi I n d i a n N a t i o n a l T r u s t f o r A r t a n d C u l t u r a l H e r i t a g e

2 Snakes in Hiss tory Historical records suggest that snakes have always held a certain importance. Even in the prehistoric period, India was populated by the Australoid tribes migrating from Africa who carried the ancient knowledge of snake worship. DID YOU KNOW? The word Sarpa which means snake in Sanskrit is related to the Proto-Indo- European word serp which means to crawl or creep. Earliest Evidence One of the earliest evidences of snake worship is from the Harappan period. A seal from Mohenjo-daro shows a seated deity with attendants on either side with an erect cobra. An amulet belonging to this period depicts an eagle flanked by a snake on either side. Other clay figurines and pottery suggest that people worshipped snakes. Mohenjo-daro seal Ancient Literature Rig Veda mentions Ahi Budhnya snake that dwelt in the fathomless depth of the aerial ocean. Vritra, a Rig Vedic demon of drought was shown as a snake sometimes. Atharva Veda mentions sarparaksha mantra to cure snake bites. It also refers to snake skin as a protection against theft. The Grihyasutras gives details of an elaborate annual ritual called Sarpa Bali to please the snakes. Naga Kingdoms Illustration by: Dev Taneja, XI A, Jaypee Public School, Noida Naga Dynasties The word Naga in Sanskrit refers to a snake or serpent. The ancient Naga tribes were considered to be snake worshippers. The Mahabharata mentions cities and kingdoms of a group called Nagas and their dialogue with people. The Naga Kingdoms belonged to this warlike tribe of Nagas. Naga chiefs such as Sesha, Takshaka, Vasuki, Karkotaka and their stories are also mentioned in this epic. The Tamil epics Silappatikaram (5 th to 6 th century CE) and Manimekalai (c. 9 th century CE) refer to Naga cults and Naga cities. pottery fragment The Shishunagas were an ancient Naga clan that ruled from 642 to 372 BCE. Chandragupta II Vikramaditya ( CE) married the Naga princess Kubera Naga. The Gurjara Pratihara kingdom (8 th BHARHUT STUPA century BCE) was established by Naga prince Nagabhatta. South Indian dynasties such as the Cholas, Pallavas, Cheras and rulers of Vijayangara and Maratha claimed to have descended from the Nagas. ACTIVITY: MY SNAKE STORY In Malabar, snake groves are worshipped even today, the existence of which is owed to Parasurama. In houses a patch of trees is set apart for snakes as household gods. These sacred groves contain a snake king and queen made of granite and are worshipped regularly. Share the story of serpent worship in your region. Krishna Prasad, X, G.K.D. Matric Hr. Sec. School, Coimbatore Illustration by: Thrupthi U.S, VI C, SG International Public School, Bangalore

3 Snake Stories As we have seen, snakes were very important in mythology in India. In Hinduism, snakes represent the cycle of life and death. However, in other religions, the perception is a little different. Let s have a look at some stories. JEWEL ON THE HEAD Many folk tales refer to Naga-Mani, the serpent jewel that has special powers. Lord Vishnu is said to be resting on the coils of a serpent called Adi-Ananta-Shesha. They say that on top of its hood the earth is positioned, which acts as a jewel. Gourisha Bhatia, X, Global Indian International School, Indore RAHU AND KETU During the Churning of the Ocean, one of the Asuras (Svarbhanu) tricked Vishnu and drank the amrit. Vishnu cut him in half, but he did not die because of the amrit. His head was joined to a snake s body, which became Rahu and his body, with a snake s head became Ketu. ACTIVITY: "FABLED" SNAKE GARUDA S LIBERATION Garuda was born as a slave to the Nagas and had to get amrit for them to attain freedom. Indra told him that the Nagas should not get even a sip of it. Garuda tricked the Nagas and gave them the amrit only after they set him free. After that, he refused to guard the pot of amrit and Indra took the pot away. So the Nagas could not get to drink it! CURSED SNAKE In the Garden of Eden, the serpent (Satan) is a trickster who tempts Eve to eat from the forbidden apple tree. The snake is then punished by being made to live by crawling on its belly. S. Sandhiya, IV B, Revoor Padmanabha Chetty s Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Chennai Snakes have been an important part of our fables specially the Panchatantra and the Jataka Tales. Looking at these pictures, discover the stories and write them in your own words. Do not forget to mention the moral behind each story. VOL. 16 No. 1 DID YOU KNOW? After the Samudra Manthan, Lord Shiva drank the poison. Parvati took a snake and wrapped it around his neck to stop the poison s effect. This is why he is known as Neelkanth (blue neck) and is seen with a snake around his neck. Illustration by: S.K. Kavisha, XI B, Royal Park Matric Hr. Sec. School, Salem Illustration by: Tanya Chauhan, XI C, Jaypee Public School, Noida

4 Sacred Snakes In Hinduism, snakes represent divinity, materiality, timelessness and the cycle of life and death as they shed their skin and get reborn. In India, the king of the serpents (Nagaraja) is worshipped. Their domain is in the underworld, which is filled with gems and gold. This is called the Patalaloka or the Naga-loka. S. Bhagya Sri Varna Lakshmi, IX, Kakinada Public School, Kakinada; Alveera Ali, VI B, Sunway Sr. Sec. School, Rampur; Parth Misra, IV A, Jankidevi Public School, Jaipur SHIVA The snake around Lord Shiva s neck is said to be Vasuki. It symbolises two things with this snake around his neck, Shiva is independent of time and death, as its three rounds depict the past, present and future. And the subordination of even the feared snake to the Lord shows him as the Lord of the animals (Pashupati)! Aadhya Sinha, VI D, Cambridge School, Noida GANESH Illustration by: Anjali Chhabra, IX D, Army Public School, Ambala Cantt. For Lord Ganesh the snake is tied around his waist, or worn as a sacred thread symbolising protection. It is also said that one day Lord Ganesh was walking after eating a lot of sweets. His vehicle, the rat, saw a snake and stopped abruptly out of fear causing Ganesh to fall. Ganesh's stomach burst open, which he tied up using that very snake! Kaundinya Kaipa, VIII A, Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, Atmakuri Rama Rao School, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad; Inika Gour Tirath, V, Vasant Valley School, New Delhi Illustration by: Sravishta Damre, X A, Shreyas Foundation, Ahmedabad VISHNU Lord Vishnu s snake is called Shesha. He is the brother of Vasuki. Sheshnaga is the symbol of the infinite and is believed to be the protector of Vishnu as it spreads its many hoods over his head. It is also said that along with Vishnu, even Sheshnaga is reincarnated to assist him, for instance as Lakshmana and Balram. Tanisha Gupta, XI B, Model Academy, Jammu; Shreya Rawat, VII A, Pine Hall School, Dehradun; Shivam Kumar, VIII B, Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan Pendurth, Visakhapatnam KRISHNA Krishna defeated Kaliya Naga, the dreaded, multi-hooded snake that lived in the River Yamuna and poisoned its water with his venom. To save the people from the frightening Kaliya Naga, Krishna played his flute and danced on his hood. Kaliya Illustration by: Mehak, VII B, Vishva Bharti Public School, Jagadhri, Yamuna Nagar realised the greatness of Krishna, asked for forgiveness and left the river quietly. Diksha Kanwar, VI, Dundlod Vidyapeeth, Jhunjhunu; Rinky Yadav, Siddhi Sagar Academy, Lalitpur FOLK GODDESS Mansa Devi (background image) considered to be Vasuki s sister, is a Hindu folk Goddess of the snakes worshipped for the prevention of snake bites. Prem Kr. Sah, VII, Dantin Academy English High School, Guwahati Background illustration by: Tanishka, IX D, Siddharth International School, Hisar

5 VOL. 16 No. 1 Snake Worship Other than the expansive references and symbolism in Hinduism, snake depictions can also be found in other religions and religious beliefs. JAINISM The Tirthankara Parshvnath is always shown with hooded snakes over his head. BUDDHISM Snakes are considered to be wise and benevolent. Mucalinda is a snake that protected Buddha from a storm after he attained enlightenment and was still in a meditative state. There is a reference to an incident that Buddha after learning the eternal truth, shared it first with the snakes as the humans were not prepared for that knowledge. It was Nagarjuna who brought the truth to humans. Lord Buddha once said Just as the snake sheds its skin, we must shed our past over and over again. P.S. Naren Narayanan, VIII A, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai In the Jain community, the game of snakes and ladders is considered as an important game of Heaven and Hell. Ishita Jain, VII B, Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, Delhi CHRISTIANITY In the images of Virgin Mary, she is shown to be crushing a dragon, or often a snake, as a symbolic reference to the defeat of Satan. In the Bible, Moses, who went to Egypt to convince the Pharaoh to release the Hebrew slaves, turned his staff (walking stick) into a snake to prove God s power. S. Kanishka, IV B, Revoor Padmanabha Chetty s Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Chennai; S.K. Kavisha, IX B, DAV Public School, Sec-14, Faridabad ACTIVITY: AROUND THE WORLD In ancient Mesopotamia, Nirah, the messenger of Istaran (their local deity) was shown as a serpent. Aborigines in Australia believed that a giant rainbow serpent created life. In Greek mythology, there is a monster called Medusa. Find out and write about any one such interesting story. Animesh Nayak, VII F, Summer Fields School, Kailash Colony, New Delhi; S.K. Kavisha, IX B, DAV Public School, Sec-14, Faridabad

6 eye Snakes Naturally! Over a million of years, prehistoric lizards evolved into legless lizards to be able to burrow into smaller spaces. These reptiles are what we recognise as snakes today. Ashish Kumar, VIII B, Pine Hall School, Dehradun SNAKE APART- PART BY PART Fascinating or frightening, however snakes might appear, with their distinct characteristics and abilities, they form a significant part of nature. A snake may be long, short, stocky or thin. It is divided into three distinct regions: the head, body and tail. R. Ronika, VIII A, Chinmaya Vidyalaya CBSE, Coimbatore head NOSTRIL MOUTH SCALES BELLY BACK Illustrations by: Parthesh Uppal,VII A, P.K.R. Jain Senior Secondary Public School, Ambala; Yashika Baisoya, VI D, Summer Fields School, Kailash Colony, New Delhi; Anakha R., VII C, Gitanjali Devakul, Hyderabad Snake Classification Based on reproduction characteristics Based on venomous properties Oviparous Ovo-viviparous Viviparous Venomous Non-venomous The young ones hatch from eggs. Approximately 70% of the world s snakes lay eggs. Examples are: Cobras, Racers, Mambas, Milk Snakes, Rat Snakes Fertile eggs develop inside the mother snakes and developed young ones are born. Eggs are retained and hatch inside the female snake. Examples are: Boas, Garter Snakes, Rattlesnakes Young ones are born after incubation within the female snake. No eggs are involved at any stage of reproduction. Examples are: Boa Constrictors, Green Anacondas Can produce venom to immobilize/ kill prey and for defence. These snakes inject venom using fangs. Examples are: Vipers, Cobras, Kraits, Sea Snakes Snake Study The study of snakes is commonly called Herpetology. A Herpetologist specializing in studying snakes can be called a Serpentologist or Ophidiologist. They don t produce toxic venom. These snakes sometimes have teeth and their bites should be treated as well. Examples are: Boas, Pythons, King snakes Diolin Steffy. S. S, VIII D, Revoor Padmanabha Chetty s Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Chennai; G. Vaishnavi, XI A, DAV Public School, Sec-14, Faridabad; Khushi Sharma, IX C, Dundlod Vidyapeeth, Jhunjhunu; Liza Arshad Khan, VI E, Sunbeam School, Annapurna, Varanasi; Nischay Chauhan, IX, Balwantrai Mehta Vidhya Bhawan,G. K. II, New Delhi ONLY FEMALES - BEAUTIFUL BRAHMINY! The Brahminy Blind Snake (Indotyphlops braminus) around 2" to 4" long is the only snake species made up of only females called parthenogenetic! Each is genetically identical to the other! T. Annick Pauline, VII Lotus, Cauvery Public School, Karaikal TAIL Scale 1M = 2.54 cms S n a k e S c a l e S h o r t e s t t o L o n g e s t Striped Keelback Saw scaled Viper Sand Boa Bronze back tree snake

7 Snakes and the Ecosystem VOL. 16 No. 1 Act as prey for top predators such as birds and mammals thus balancing the food chain. Illustration by : Sneha Singh, VIII A, Scholars Home Sr. Sec. School, Dehradun; Kill rodents such as rats and pests, keeping their number in check. Role of Snakes in the Ecosystem Have access to burrows and tight spaces hence they prey on animals that are difficult to hunt otherwise. Act as secondary seed dispersers as they carry seeds ingested by rodents in their gastrointestinal tracts. Illustration by: Pranathi P, VIII B, Gitanjali Devakul, Hyderabad Illustration by: Niharika Singh, IV D, Jaypee Public School, Noida ACTIVITY: SNAKE IN THE CHAIN Snakes play an important part in the food chain. Referring to the example below, make a similar food chain with more components (at least 6). Peacock Schools have snakes that teach!! Our school is located in an area with many snakes. We worship them under an ancient banyan tree. Regular awareness programmes are held to create a better understanding and dispel misconceptions about snakes. When found, we call a snake rescuer and hand it over to the forest department to ensure its better preservation. Rizwan Shaik, VII, KLE Rayapur, Dharwad Illustration by: Deepti Yadav, IX D, Suditi Global Academy, Etawah A village school at Dholgarwadi in Karnataka also teaches students to handle snakes. Can you write about another such school in India? Snake Battle ends in knots! Frog Bee Flower In a rare encounter, a King Cobra bit a Reticulated Python, attempting to catch, kill and eat it. However, the python coiled and strangulated the King Cobra even after being bitten. At the end, none of them survived! King Cobra Python

8 Sense ational Snakes Tongues that smell! The long, forked tongues of snakes are used not only to detect and taste food, but also to smell! They dart their tongues out to detect enemies, mates or food. The molecules from the air are carried to two small openings at the roof of their mouth by the tongue, where the smell is interpreted. T. Akshreeya, VIII B, Angappa Educational Trust Senior Secondary School, Coimbatore Heat vision! Snakes have a vision better suited for the night. Some snakes like pythons have pit holes in front of their eyes to help them sense the heat given off by warm-blooded prey. Super Scales Food Habits Illustration by: Abhinav K., VI C, SG International Public School, Bangalore Illustration by: Bushra Banu, VII, Swami Vivekanand Rajkiya Mandal School, Bhilwara Snakes are covered with scales made of keratin from the epidermis. A layer containing pigments lies under the scaly layer and is responsible for the snake s unique colour patterns. Brille is a transparent tough disc-shaped scale protecting the eyes as snakes have no eyelids. The scales carry colours which help them camouflage or act as warning signs. Shashwat Gupta, VII Elites, Swami Vivekanand Public School, Jagadhri; Ananya A. P, VIII A, Chinmaya Vidyalaya CBSE, Coimbatore Many species of snakes have skulls with several more joints that their lizard ancestors had, enabling them to swallow prey much larger than their heads with their jaws. And while they are eating with their mouth full, they can still breathe as they have a little tube at the bottom of their mouth that helps them get air. Tharani N, Riverside Public School, Kotagiri; S. Sri Mahalakshmi, VIII, Cauvery Public School, Karaikal; V. Anuvarna, VIII B, Angappa Educational Trust Senior Secondary School, Coimbatore DID YOU KNOW? Water snakes have nostrils and eyes set high on the head, enabling them to see and breathe when the head surfaces. Paired Organs In their narrow bodies, the paired organs (such as kidneys) appear one in front of the other, instead of side by side. M. Lathish, VI A, Riverside Public School, Kotagiri; Laiba Khan, VIII A, Pine Hall School, Dehradun; Divya Dharshini,VIIIA, Little Scholars Matric Hr. Sec. School, Thanjavur No Ears! Animesh Nayak, VII, Summer Fields School, Kailash Colony, Delhi Snakes do not have ears and are deaf to most sounds! Instead, they sense the vibrations on the ground with their belly scales and lower jaw. A popular myth suggests that snakes dance to the tune of the snake charmer s flute but snakes cannot hear! The snakes sway to the movement of the flute! D. Sreeja, VII, Kakinada Public School, Kakinada Illustration by: Aakanksha Kumar, XI A2, St. Paul s School, Rampur

9 Shedding Skin Snakes shed their skin periodically in a process called molting. Before shedding, the skin becomes dull and dry. Snakes crawl out of their old skin, which peels backward over the body from head to toe in one piece. Sweta S., IX D, Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School, Adyar, Chennai Temperature Control Snakes are cold blooded reptiles which is why they need the warmer temperatures to help them survive. R. Harinethra, IX, Sri Seshaas International Public School, Salem; Rashi Kanojia, VII, Pine Hall School, Dehradun FANTASTIC FLEXIBILITY A snake s backbone is made up of many vertebrae attached to its ribs. Humans have approximately 33 vertebrae and 24 ribs. Snakes have between of each! This is what makes them flexible and helps them move. Vaishnavi S, XI A, DAV Public School, Sec-14, Faridabad; Ariza Noor, VIII B, Sunway Sr. Sec. School, Rampur Locomotion Sidewinding is most common on rough and uneven terrain. The snake moves sideways and then moves forward. Accordian motion is on smooth ground and the snake alternately draws together and stretches like an accordian squeeze box. G. Mani Krishna Koushik, IX A, Akshara School, Kakinada Snakes that fly! VOL. 16 No. 1 There are some species of snakes that can glide (or jump from tree to tree). They flatten their ribs, undulate back and forth in an S shape and glide through the air! S. K. Karunya, IX A, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai; Sumit Kr. Mahato, VII, Dantin Academy English High School, Guwahati DID YOU KNOW? No two snakes have the same pattern on their body. Shubham Singh, IX F, DAV Public School, Sec-14, Faridabad ACTIVITY: IMAGINATION UNLEASHED Write a snake cinquain like the example given below: Snake (one word topic) Majestic fascinating (two adjectives) Slithering shedding sensing (three verbs) Awe admire respect protect (four feeling words) King (one summary word) Illustration by: Faizal, IX, Delhi School of Excellence, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

10 Big Venomous Four There are nearly 3000 known species of snakes in the world, out of which around 270 can be found in India. Four of the species found in India are venomous and responsible for most of the snake bites. They are called the Big Four! Indian Cobra Scientific Name: Naja naja Local Names: Nag (Hindi, Marathi), Gokhra (Bengali), Moorkan (Malayalam), Nalla pambu (Tamil) Distribution: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, southern Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan Characteristics: Have a large impressive hood which has two circular patterns connected by Illustration by: Srishti Jain, VIII D, Cambridge School, Noida a curved line, resembling spectacles. Responsible for most cases of snake bites in India. It s now protected under Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972). Illustration by: T. S. Karthikeya, IX A, BVB's Atmakuri Rama Rao School, Hyderabad Common Krait Scientific Name: Bungarus caeruleus Local Names: Maneer (Hindi), Manyar (Marathi), Valla Pamboo (Malayalam), Kattu viriyan (Tamil), Kalta pamoo (Telugu) Distribution: Main peninsular India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal TOP OF THE TERROR LIST! The hook-nosed sea snake is considered the most venomous snake in the world, with its venom being almost 100 times stronger than that of King Cobra. Illustration by: P. Siri, VIII A, Gitanjali Devakul, Hyderabad Characteristics: Most venomous of the Big Four in India. Feeds mainly on other snakes and sometimes preys on rodents, lizards etc. Considered to be one of the most deadly species in the world. Its venom is said to be 15 times more toxic than that of Indian Cobra. Russell s Viper Scientific Name: Daboia russelii Local Names: Paran (Hindi) Ghonas (Marathi), Chandrobora (Bengali), Mandali (Malayalam), Kennadi virian (Tamil), Katuka rekula (Telugu) Illustration by: D. Raghavendra Reddy, IX B, BVB's Atmakuri Rama Rao School, Hyderabad Distribution: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Laos, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Cambodia, parts of Indonesia Characteristics: It ambushes its prey, its patterned skin allows it to camouflage and merge with the background. Produces venom which affects the nervous system, causing paralysis and death if untreated. Saw-scaled Viper Scientific Name: Echis carinatus Local Names: Afai (Hindi), Phoorsa (Marathi), Churute (Malayalam), Suratai pamboo (Tamil) Distribution: India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Middle East, Central Asia Characteristics: Considered one of the most aggressive snake species all over the world. It is the smallest of the big fours in India. Has a unique threat display, a sizzling warning sound produced by rubbing sections of their body together. ACTIVITY: MY LITTLE SNAKE BOOK Taking any one of the above species, make a snake book. You may include myths and stories, characteristics, distribution and protection of the snake. D.R. Tanusree, IX, Kakinada Public School, Kakinada; Rani Jeengar, IX B, Swami Vivekanand Rajkiya Mandal School, Bhilwara; Khush Gurnani, IV A, Jankidevi Public School, Jaipur; P. Dharshini, VIII A, Vidyaa Vikas Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Pudukottai

11 What s Your Poison? Venom injected through snake bite affects the body and either paralyses or kills the prey, depending on the toxicity, amount of venom and the kind of prey. Venom Power Snake venom is a complex mixture of toxins, proteins and enzymes which is produced by a pair of modified salivary glands, in the cheeks of the head of a venomous snake. Venoms vary in strength and toxicity. There are majorly three types of venom Hematoxic - It affects the blood and destroys tissues. Neurotoxic - It attacks the nervous system and paralyses the victim and shuts down vital functions. Myotoxic - It affects muscle function and can cause kidney damage. The cobra s bite is deadly but some species of cobra also spit or spray venom at their victims. Khushi Sharma, IX C, Dundlod Vidyapeeth, Jhunjhunu; C.V. Madhangeashwar, VII Lotus, Cauvery Public School, Karaikal Non-Threatening Venom is actually a powerful digestive enzyme, which is useful as snakes don t have chewing or tearing teeth. Out of these not all are dangerous because Either their venom is too mild or injected in very small quantities. Their mouths are too small to bite humans. Their jaws are too weak to break human skin. Their teeth are placed too far back in the mouth to bite humans. DO s Learn to identify the common four venomous snakes in India. Use a torch while stepping out in the dark. If bitten, try and remember the colour and shape of the snake. Cover the bitten area with a clean and dry dressing. Locate the nearest source of antivenin. Anjali Sharma, IX A, Happy Hours School, Jodhpur Illustration by: A. S Linghadharinee, VIII B, Angappa Educational Trust Senior Secondary School, Coimbatore Illustration by: Divyanshi Singh, VII E, Suditi Global Academy, Etawah THE BIG BITE The amount of venom injected by a snake determines the severity of a bite. The most important thing to remember for a snake bite is that it has only one treatment anti-venom medications available at hospitals and clinics. S. Sarausma, VII, Sri Seshaas International Public School, Salem Nostril Small Teeth NON-POISONOUS FIGHTING THE FANGS Round Head SCALES ON UNDERSIDE OF TAIL NORMALLY IN A DOUBLE ROW Body width equal to Head DON T s WHY AM I NOT VENOMOUS? How is snake venom different from human saliva? Research and find details of the composition of both. Nostril Large Hollow Fangs VOL. 16 No. 1 Illustration by: Divyanshi Singh, VII E, Suditi Global Academy, Etawah POISONOUS Triangular Head Body narrower than Head SCALES ON UNDERSIDE OF TAIL NORMALLY IN A SINGLE ROW Illustration by: Sanjay G.P, VI B, Sri Sankara Sr. Sec. School, Chennai Don t place your hands and feet at places you can t see or walk barefoot in the dark. Don t bother or try to kill/hit a snake. Don t panic if bitten. Not all venomous bites are fatal. Don t attempt to suck the venom out of the bite. Don t try to treat the bites with magic and spells.

12 Naga-The Snake Guardian Indian Cobra The Indian Cobra or the popular Naga of Indian culture finds a special place in India, through wildlife, mythology, customs and festivals. Indian Cobra (Naja naja) is famous for its spectacular display where it spreads its large impressive hood on being threatened. The generic name and the specific epithet of the Indian cobra, Naja, are derived from the Latinisation of Naga the Sanskrit word meaning cobra. The Indian Cobra also known as the Spectacled Cobra, is a medium-sized, heavy bodied snake, with most adult snakes ranging from 3 to 5 ft. in length. Throughout its massive range, the Indian cobra s colour and pattern varies quite a bit. MY BOLD EYE! The Indian cobra protects itself sometimes by turning its back to predators in an attempt to intimidate them with the bold eye markings on the back of their hood. The extending of the hood also protects the snake by making it difficult for the teeth of a predator to grip it. ACTIVITY: DANCE OF DEATH Illustration by: S. Mithun Raj, XI A, Alpha English Higher Secondary School, Puducherry The most common snakes used by snake charmers in India are the Indian Cobra. As cobras are sensitive snakes and refuse to take food except under ideal conditions, they usually die within a couple of months of being sold to the charmers. King Cobra THE GOOD SNAKE! The Tamils call cobras Nulla Pambu the good snake. Scientific Name: Ophiophagus hannah Local Names: Kala nag, Naga raja (Hindi), Sankhachoor (Bengali), Ahiraja (Odia), Krishna sarpam (Malayalam), Raja nagum (Tamil) King Cobra is the world s longest venomous snake and the deadliest of them all. King Cobras inject a larger quantity of venom and can store enough venom to kill an Asian Elephant too. M. Sri Vikash, Riverside Public School, Kotagiri Indian Cobra VS King Cobra Great relevance in Indian Culture Belongs to the Naja of Cobras Huge and wide hood Circular markings on the back of the hood Illustration by: Sheetal, IX H, KPS, Ambala Cantt. National Reptile of India Contrary to the name, it belongs to a different group and is its only member Narrow and longer hood Inverted v-shaped markings on the neck Priya, VIII, Dundlod Vidyapeeth, Jhunjhunu; B. Praneetha, VIII D, Akshara School, Kakinada Write a newspaper report about the snake charmers in your region and make suggestions of useful professions for them related to snakes. Illustration by: U. Seershika, IX B, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan s Atmakuri Rama Rao School, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

13 The Naga Connection Nagas have been attributed to many elements in India. Below are a few of the Naga connections. Naga Named Places Cobra Cousins Monocled Cobra and Spitting Cobra inhabit some regions of India along with Indian Cobra and King Cobra. Anantnag Nagpur Nagaur Thiruvananthapuram Nagercoil Naga in Kashmiri means spring as spring in the past was associated with snake worship. The name Anantnag comes from the spring of Shesha Nag. The city and river are named after Naga. It was earlier called Fanindrapura, which came from the word Fana the hood of the snakes. Shuchi Laha, VII, Gwalior Glory High School, Gwalior The city was ruled by the Nagavanshi Kshatriya clan and was named after them. The name of the city is derived from the Great Anantha Naga, who is also known as Great Serpent Adishesha. Saksham, IX A, Model Academy, Jammu VOL. 16 No. 1 The name of the town Nagercoil originated from the Nagaraja temple. Tanya Chauhan, XI C, Jaypee Public School, Noida Naga and Nagin on Indian Screens Serpents have been a fascinating theme for Indian filmmakers. India has produced films like Nagin (1954), Nagina (1986), Sheshnaag (1990), Hisss (2010), Cobra (2012) and many more. Concepts such as curses, revenge, magical snake gems, travel from earth to the heavens in films also revolve around snakes. Shape-shifting snake women called Ichchhadhari Nagin have seen a common portrayal many a times on Indian Television. ACTIVITY: NAGA CONNECTION Find out what the following Naga names denote: Nagapanchami Naga Mani Nagendra Naga Kesara Nagaloka Naga Nakshatra Naganana Traditional festival of snake worship Mythical snake jewel Ishita Jain, VII B, Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, Delhi; N. S. Abhyaktha, Chinmaya Vidyalaya CBSE, Coimbatore MUST SEE: BATTLE OF THE BRAVE COBRA VS MONGOOSE Read Rudyard Kipling's book Rikki Tikki Tavi. Here, he has described a battle between a Cobra and a Mongoose, which is a species known for killing cobras, even King Cobras. He writes: "Eye to eye and head to head... This shall end when one is dead." Write the autobiography of an Indian mongoose or an Indian Cobra and mention this battle in your story. Watch this battle here: nationalgeographic.com/video/ a23-d3cb-a96c- 7b2f1bf90000 Safiya Khan, VI E, Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, Delhi

14 Snakes in the Red Deteriorating environmental factors are a leading cause of threat to our biodiversity, and snakes haven t been spared either. For centuries, humans killed pythons out of fear. Snakes of all kinds were hunted for food, skin and blood, which is believed to have medicinal values. Rashmi, IX D, DAV Public School, Sec-14, Faridabad RARE RETICULATED PYTHON! Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus) is found in the Nicobar Islands and in small numbers in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Endangered Snakes Sustained loss of habitat, climate change and declining prey are a few factors responsible for putting some of the snake species under threat. Indian Python Scientific Name: Python molurus Other Name: Asian Rock Python Distribution: Indian subcontinent One of the methods used to kill the prey by the python is strangulation where the snake tightly coils itself around the prey. They can swallow prey bigger than their own diameter because the jaw bones are not connected. Status: Indian Rock Python was declared near threatened and endangered by different organisations. This was due to exploitation for its skin and meat. SNAKE PARKS Katraj Snake Park, Pune: The snake park is housed in the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. It has over 22 species of snakes, including Indian Python, King Cobra and Russell s Viper. Chennai Snake Park: Also known as Guindy Snake Park, this is the first reptile park of India. It hosts a wide range of snakes such as adders, vipers, cobras and pythons. Illustration by: Akhil Chandpuri, VIII A, Scholars Home Sr. Sec. School, Dehradun Parassinikkadavu Snake Park, Kannur: This Park acts like a snake researcher s paradise as it has a research laboratory. A large variety of both venomous and non-venomous snakes including python, krait and pit vipers are found at this park. SNAKES OF THE WESTERN GHATS Western Ghats Bronzeback Scientific Name: Ahaetulla perroteti Other Name: Bronze-headed Vine Snake. A mildly venomous, rearfanged snake. Madurai Shieldtail Scientific Name: Platyplectrurus Madurensis Other Name: Travancore Hills Thorntail Snake A non-venomous, burrowing snake. Status: Due to decline in quantity and quality of habitat, both these snakes are marked endangered on the IUCN Red List. King in Danger! King Cobra is vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Factors such as loss of habitat and exploitation for traditional medicine, meat and skins, have made King Cobra vulnerable. Urvi Muley and Aaron Desai, Global Indian International School, Ahmadabad; Harshit Anand, VII E, Summer Fields School, Kailash Colony, New Delhi ACTIVITY: Creative with Snakes Design a poster with the heading: LET THEM SLITHER, NOT WITHER! SAVE SNAKE Illustration by: Sagarika Shyam, IX A, SG International Public School, Bangalore

15 Snake in the City! Human-snake encounters are common in some regions, but not because snakes are coming into our homes. In fact, we are invading their habitats, clearing forests for building purposes, hence compelling them to come into conflict with us. VOL. 16 No. 1 Did You Know? According to the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, capturing, killing, poisoning or trapping of wild animals is prohibited. Read more about this act to understand how it protects snakes. S. Tharun, X M, Padma Seshadari Bala Bhavan, Chennai REPTILE RESCUERS India Snake Rescue Network (ISRN) Every year, people die because of snake attacks in India, leading to human-snake conflict. The ISRN addresses these problems. Rescuers work towards generating awareness about snakes. Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) conduct Illustration by: Ritik Goyal, VII F, DAV Public School, Faridabad regional workshop on mitigating this conflict in North- East India. Gandhinagar based group of snakes rescuers have developed an app for snake lovers to educate people about the reptiles and are ensured these are rescued successfully. Paavai A, VII, Riverside Public School, Kotagiri; K. Jahnavi, VII A, Gitanjali Devakul, Hyderabad Save Yourself and the Snake! If you ever find a snake in your house or in your neighbourhood, never kill it! Killing or handling a snake is a punishable offence. Be careful while clearing vegetation, dry leaves and twigs in your garden. If your shoes have been kept out for a while, check before wearing them. Keep your surroundings free of solid waste. Make sure your area is as rodent free as possible, as rodents attract snakes. If you see a snake, do nothing. Step away and let it go. Do not try to pick it up or kill it. Do not purchase products made of snake skin. Find out about the forest department or professional snake rescue helpline of your area. Call them if you encounter a snake. Bidisha Mukherjee, IX A, DAV Public School, Sec-14, Faridabad Snake Man of India Romulus Whitaker, the acclaimed herpetologist and conservationist has worked extensively with reptiles and is called the Snake Man of India. Devoting his life to reptiles, he established the first Indian snake park in Chennai in Apart from his detailed work on King Cobra, Romulus Whitaker also worked with the Irula tribe and helped them get involved in antivenom production. The Padma Shri awardee, Romulus Whitaker, also has an Indian Boa snake specie named after him Eryx Whitakeri! WE LOVE SNAKES Snake Man of Kerala Vava Suresh is known as The Snake Man of Kerala. He is a resident of Sreekaryam town in Kerala s Thiruvananthapuram district. He developed a fascination for snakes when he was 12 years old. He rescues snakes in and around the area whenever he is called for. He has been bitten by snakes 3701 times and has been hospitalized several times too. Thanusree Manoj, VI, Bhavan s Adarsha Vidyalaya, Kakkanad, Kochi Snake Educator Kaisar Hussain has been rescuing snakes for over six years. He used to see people being scared of snakes and killing them out of fear. He therefore felt it was important to educate the people about snakes. P.V. Varnika, VI C, Glazebrooke Public School, Salem

16 Snakes and Communities ANCIENT SNAKE TRIBE IRULAS Irula are inhabitants of the Nilgiri Mountains in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Irulas used to serve as night guards to the Cholas for thousands of years. They are known to be skilled snake catchers, and specialise in venom extraction and production of antidotes for snake bites. Sankari Karthik, X B, Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School, Adyar, Chennai THE SAPERAS OF NORTH INDIA The Sapera is a community found in North India. They are also known as Barwa Sampheria in West Bengal, Sapela in Punjab and Sparera in Madhya Pradesh. A. Smrithi, IX C, Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School, Adyar, Chennai Snake Festivals Around India In Rajasthan, they celebrate many snake festivals like Nagpanchami and Gauga or Guga. In Bishnupur in West Bengal, Jhapan Utsav is celebrated. It is celebrated in August on the day of Manasa Puja. Snake charmers perform folklore related to the event. Vallam Kali celebrated during Onam in Kerala includes a traditional snake boat race. Ant-hills are considered to be a favourite dwelling of cobras and are worshipped by pouring milk into them during Nagapanchami. Priya Jangir, IX A, Dundlod Vidyapeeth, Jhunjhunu; Kanishka, IX D, Siddharth International School, Hisar; Ramkrishna, VII, Vidya Gyan Leadership Academy, Sitapur; Vinja Chhaya, IX A, Cygnus World School, Vadodara Illustration by: Ananya Dhimahi, X A, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Atmakuri Rama Rao School, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad Illustration by: Ayushi Upadhyay, VIII B, Scholars Home Sr. Sec. School, Dehradun Nagpanchami A legend regarding this festival says that a farmer once accidentally killed a serpent. Enraged, the mother of the serpent bit and killed the farmer and his family. One of his daughters was spared because at the time she was praying to the Nagas. This act brought back the farmer and the rest of his family. Ever since this incident, snakes have been worshipped. Devotees keep fast and offer milk, eggs, dry fruits to their snake deities. The rituals and procedures differ from place to place. Traditionally, married young women visit their pre-marital households to celebrate the festival. Illustration by: Tanya Manjkhola, VIII B, Scholars Home Sr. Sec. School, Dehradun Illustration by: Rinky Yadav, VIII, Siddhi Sagar Academy, Lalitpur K. Sai Varshitha, IX, Kakinada Public School, Kakinada; T. Prathikshaa, IX A, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai; M. Akshaya Lekshmi, VII A, Glazebrooke Public School, Salem; Krishika Gupta, VIII A, Model Academy, Jammu; Sonakshi K., V D, Scholars Home Sr. Sec. School, Dehradun MILK MYTH Snakes cannot digest milk. They are usually starved during the festival period, because of which they drink any accessible liquid, even if it is harmful for them. Rajeev Karakoti, VIII A, Cambridge School, Noida; Vikayath, VIII B, Oxford Grammar School, Hyderabad Illustration by: Madhur Soni, VIII, Siddhi Sagar Academy, Lalitpur ACTIVITY: CELEBRATE WITH A DIFFERENCE Carry out an awareness drive in your neighbourhood. Bust myths related to snakes and their venom and talk about snake threats related to practices and festivals.

17 Sssnakes...Ssshapes and Sssymbols SNAKE AESTHETICS Other than worshipping snakes, communities carved and painted snake motifs on the walls of religious places as well, such as at the Deogarh Temple. This helped transfer the belief to future generations. Cobras were represented as protectors or guardians of sacred spaces. The earliest evidence of snakes in art can be seen in the wall paintings of Bhimbetka, Lekhania, and Mahadaria. Ancient evidence of pottery fragments has been found as well. Like the ancient pottery artefact given here, design one of your own. Illustration by: Sakshab, VIII, Dundlod Vidyapeeth, Jhunjhunu Riya Saini, VIII B, Vishwa Bharati Public School, Jagadhri; Vrinda Arora, VI G, Maharana Mewar Public School, Udaipur; Khyrul Nisa Bhat, VIII A, Model Academy, Jammu; S. Shivaani, IV C, Revoor Padmanabha Chetty s Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Chennai SNAKE POWER - match the following A Vasuki 1 Vishnu does yoga nidra on it B Nagaraja 2 Masculine version of the serpent C Manasa 3 King of Nagas D Shesha 4 The snake who poisoned the Yamuna E Astika 5 Anthropomorphic serpent goddess F Kaliya 6 Half Brahmin and half Naga SNAKES AND LADDERS This game is an ancient Indian intervention and was not played for mere entertainment. It had a philosophical dimension. Originally the game was known as Gyan Chaupar (Game of Knowledge), Mokshapat, or Moksha Patamu. The main difference between the traditional and the modern version was that in the traditional game, a virtue or a vice and its effects, or something neutral was placed in each box, according to which the players moved. Design a board game or an interactive game showing virtue and vice. Aishwariya, IX A, DAV Public School, Sec-14, Faridabad; Kamakshi Johar, VI C, Summer Fields School, Kailash Colony, New Delhi; Mohamedha Saniya, VIII A, Vidyaa Vikas Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Pudukottai; Burhan Owais, X A, Greenwood Sr. Sec. School, Rampur SNAKE SYMBOLISM After the decline of the Kushana Empire, the following kingdoms had images of snakes on their coins. Snakes were even the official symbols of princely states such as Gwalior. DID YOU KNOW? In the Tamil month of Aadi, snakes are worshipped as Goddess Parvati and are offered milk. V. Lakshana, VI D, Sri Sankara Senior Secondary School, Adyar, Chennai Find other such motifs, and make a sketch. Inspired by that design a motif for your family. Safiya Khan, VI E, Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, Delhi VOL. 16 No. 1 FLAG OF THE PRINCELY STATE OF GWALIOR R. Priyavarshini, IX B, Holy Angels Public School, Fairlands, Salem; V. Sudarshana, VI C, Glazebrooke Public School, Salem; B. Prithika, VIII A, Holy Angels Public School, Fairlands, Salem; Mangai, VI, MCTM, Chidambaram Chettiyar International School, Mylapore, Chennai; Sai Mihir, IXA, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Atmakuri Rama Rao School, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad Illustration by: Kannan, VIII, Delhi School of Excellence, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

18 Activity 4 U Reptile Riddles Across 4. My bites can do you no harm but my tight coils are a cause for alarm! 5. When they see me, they cry as I scare them with my bold eye! 8. I belong to the boa species and am named after a Padma Shri awardee. Down 1. My camouflage should make you nervous, as my venom causes paralysis. 2. Of the Big Four, my venom is the best. I eat rodents, lizards and other pests. 3. I am commonly called Dhaman And I live in areas that are urban. 6. Shooting at you from 6 feet far, my venom won t kill but make a scar. 7. I swim around and eat meals, of fish eggs and eels. 5 Kaa is a huge, powerful Rock Python in The Jungle Book who was Mowgli's wise mentor. 4 Trust in me Just in me Shut your eyes Trust in me Illustration by: N. Renuka, IX, Kakinada Public School, Kakinada COILED LIKE A SNAKE Kundalini is a Sanskrit word which means coiled up like a snake. In Hinduism, it is a form of primal energy located at the base of the spine. It can be awakened by meditating, chanting mantras, or doing yoga. Nidhi Pathak, XI C, Jaypee Public School, Noida; Yashika Arora, St. Mark s Sr. Sec. Public School, Delhi; G. Sameera Setty, IX A, and A. A. Avantika, IX B, Akshara School, Kakinada Snakes have also inspired certain yogic poses, such as Sarpasana and Bhujangasana (cobra pose). Find out their benefits and try doing them yourself. BHUJANGASANa sarpasana Khushi Ahlawat, VII B, Maharana Mewar Public School, Udaipur BIG SNAKE SACRIFICE The story of Janmejaya s snake sacrifice is a fascinating one about Janmejaya s revenge for his father who died of a snake bite after being cursed. The issue was finally resolved by the intervention of Astika. Pawan Gupta, IX E, St. Mark s Sr. Sec. Public School, Delhi Find out the full story and make a comic strip of the same. SNAKY SAYINGS Read the following idioms and find out their meanings Snake in the grass, Mad as a snake, Snake along, Nurse a snake in one s bosom, Snake eyes

19 Heritage News VOL. 16 No. 1 Heritage Quiz - National Finals (14 th - 15 th December 2018) The INTACH Heritage Quiz saw over 100 city rounds and 22 state rounds conducted by INTACH Chapters in collaboration with Xpressminds Edutainment. The entire event culminated in the National Finals of the event that was organised by HECS and Xpressminds Edutainment at INTACH, New Delhi. Winning Teams from 22 state finals were invited to be part of the event, namely Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Delhi-NCR, Nagaland, Sikkim and Assam. On 14 th December the finalists were invited to INTACH for an introductory session. The event began with Ms. Purnima Datt (Principal Director, HECS) addressing the students and welcoming them to Delhi. She spoke to them about INTACH and its work in pioneering heritage conservation in India; she also acquainted the students with the work of the Heritage Education Division. A walk to the Lodi Gardens was conducted for the participants post this session. After the walk, the students were addressed by the Member Secretary, INTACH, Dr. (Mrs.) C. T. Misra. She also handed over a Heritage Passport and the INTACH Badge to the students. The National Final of the quiz was held on the 15 th December. The event was divided into two parts. Quiz Master Mr. Kunal Savarkar welcomed the students and explained to them the format of the quiz and the rules to be observed by the participants as well as the audience. The first part of the event saw 4 semi-finals being held. The qualifying teams from each semi-final were to compete in the national final. The team from Kodad (Teja Vidyalaya) was declared the National Winner of the INTACH Heritage Quiz 2018, followed by the team from Varanasi (Sunbeam School, Bhagwanpur). The third position was bagged by Jaipur (Jayshree Periwal High School), while the fourth position was secured by Ambala Cantt (Convent of Jesus and Mary). The winners were felicitated by Maj Gen (Retd.) L K Gupta, Chairman, INTACH. He was very appreciative of the event and congratulated all the participants. Winners 1. Teja Vidyalaya, Kodad 1 st Position 2. Sunbeam English School, Bhagwanpur, Varanasi 2 nd Position 3. Jayshree Periwal High School, Jaipur 3 rd Position 4. Convent of Jesus and Mary, Ambala Cantt. 4 th Position 5. Shanti Asiatic School, Ahmedabad 6. The Heritage School, Kolkata 7. Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Silpukhuri, Guwahati 8. DAV Centenary Public School, Mandi 9. Presidency School, Bangalore 10. St. Shantal English Medium School, Trivandrum 11. Mount Carmel School, Aizawl 12. Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School, Amritsar 13. Delhi Public School, Secunderabad 14. Stepping Stones High School, Aurangabad 15. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore 16. The Radiant Way School, Raipur 17. Charis High Academy, Dimapur 18. Daffodils Home Senior School, Gangtok 19. Vidya Bharati Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Jamshedpur 20. Cambridge School, Noida 21. Gwalior Glory High School, Gwalior 22. DAV Public School, CS Pur, Bhubaneshwar Best Heritage Club 2018 Dear Heritage Club Members and Teachers, Send us a detailed report with photographs of the activities you have organized in your Heritage Club during the year 2018 and what you have learnt from them. Send us the report by 15 th March Cash Prize: 1 st Prize: nd Prize: rd Prize: 2000 And more special prizes to be won! You can also send us your inputs on why you like the young INTACH newsletter and give us suggestions and ideas for our forthcoming issues. Best Heritage Club Students 2018 Select the best student from your school heritage club. The student must fill the heritage club passport. Interesting and well-filled passports will win a prize. Send us the passport with your heritage club report by 15 th March NEW HERITAGE CLUBS! We welcome the new heritage clubs of Bathinda, Chennai, Datia, Guwahati, Hisar, Jaipur, Kochi, Malerkotla, Ooty, Rangat, Udaipur and Vadodara

20 Harman Preet, VI, Shashwat Gupta, VII, Swami Vivekanand Public School, Jagadhri Rani Jeengar, IX B, Bushra Banu, VII, Swami Vivekanand Rajkiya Mandal School, Bhilwara Kamakshi Johar, VI C, Animesh Nayak, VII F, Yashika Baisoya, VI D, Harshit Anand, VII E, Summer Fields School, Kailash Colony, New Delhi Aaron Abraham Biju, Bhavan s Adarsha Vidyalaya, Kakkanad Anadya Mittal, VIII C, Modern School, Vasant Vihar, Delhi Dev Taneja, XI A, Nidhi Pathak, XI C, Tanya Chauhan, XI C, Niharika Singh, IV D, Jaypee Public School, Noida Thrupthi U.S, VI C, Abhinav K., VI C, Sagarika Shyam, IX A, SG International Public School, Bangalore S. Sandhiya, IV B, S. Kanishka, IV B, Diolin Steffy. S. S, VIII D, S. Shivaani, IV C, Revoor Padmanabha Chetty s Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Chennai S.K. Kavisha, XI B, Royal Park Matric Hr. Sec. School, Salem S. Bhagya, Sri Varna Lakshmi, IX, K. Sai Varshitha, IX, D. Sreeja, VII, D.R. Tanusree, IX, N. Renuka, IX, Kakinada Public School, Kakinada Alveera Ali, VI B, Ariza Noor, VIII B, Sunway Sr. Sec. School, Rampur Parth Misra, IV A, Khush Gurnani, IV A, Jankidevi Public School, Jaipur Tanisha Gupta, XI B, Khyrul Nisa Bhat, VIII A, Krishika Gupta, VIII A, Saksham, IX A, Model Academy, Jammu Shreya Rawat, VII A, Ashish Kumar, VIII B, Rashi Kanojia, VII, Laiba Khan, VIII A, Pine Hall School, Dehradun Aadhya Sinha, VI D, Rajeev Karakoti, VIII A Cambridge School, Noida Kaundinya Kaipa, VIII A, T. S. Karthikeya, IX A, U. Seershika, IX B, Ananya Dhimahi, X A, Sai Mihir, IX A, P. Raghavendra Reddy, IX B, BVB Atmakuri Rama Rao School, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad Diksha Kanwar, VI, Khushi Sharma, IX C, Priya, VIII, Priya Jangir, IX A, Sakshab, VIII, Dundlod Vidyapeeth, Jhunjhunu Rinky Yadav, VIII, Madhur Soni, VIII, Siddhi Sagar Academy, Lalitpur Mohamedha Saniya, VIII A, P. Dharshini, VIII A, Vidyaa Vikas Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Pudukottai Prem Kr. Sah, VII, Sumit Kr. Mahato, VII, Dantin Academy English High School, Guwahati P.S. Naren Narayanan, VIII A, S. K. Karunya, IX A, T. Prathikshaa, IX A, Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai Sweta S., IX D, V. Lakshana, VI D, Sankari Karthik, X B, A. Smrithi, IX C, Sri Sanjay G.P., VI B, Sankara Senior Secondary School, Adyar, Chennai Ishita Jain, VII B, Safiya Khan, VI E, Delhi Public School Mathura Road, Delhi S.K. Kavisha, IX B, G. Vaishnavi, XI A, Vaishnavi S, XI A, Shubham Singh, IX F, Rashmi, IX D, Ritik Goyal, VII F, Bidisha Mukherjee, IX A, Aishwariya, IX A, DAV Public School, Sec-14, Faridabad R. Ronika, VIII A, Ananya A. P, VIII A, N. S. Abhyaktha, Chinmaya Vidyalaya CBSE, Coimbatore T. Annick Pauline, VII, S. Sri Mahalakshmi, VIII, C.V. Madhangeashwar, VII, Cauvery Public School, Karaikal Parthesh Uppal, VII A, P.K.R. Jain Senior Secondary Public School, Ambala Anakha R., VII C, K. Jahnavi, VII A, Anakha R., VII Credits Purnima Datt Research & Content Development Sanjoli Mathur Nehal Rajvanshi Editing Sanjoli Mathur Nehal Rajvanshi Acknowledgements INTACH Knowledge Centre Illustrations Geetika Gunjan Yatindra Kumar Design and Printing Colorcom Advertising Circulation and Subscription Christina Shangne Prize Winners C, P. Siri, VIII A, Pranathi P., VII B, Gitanjali Devakul, Hyderabad T. Akshreeya, VIII B, V. Anuvarna, VIII B, A. S Linghadharinee, VIII B, Angappa Educational Trust Senior Secondary School, Coimbatore M. Lathish, VI A, Tharani N, M. Sri Vikash, Paavai A, VII, Riverside Public School, Kotagiri R. Harinethra, IX, S. Sarausma, VII, Sri Seshaas International Public School, Salem A. A. Avantika, IX B G. Sameera Setty, IX A, B. Praneetha, VIII D, G. Mani Krishna Koushik, IX A, Akshara School, Kakinada Aakanksha Kumar, XI A2, St. Paul s School, Rampur Ayushi Upadhyay, VIII B, Akhil Chandpuri, VIII A, Tanya Manjkhola, VIII B, Sonakshi K., V D, Sneha Singh, VIII A, Scholars Home, Dehradun Srishti Jain, VIII D, Cambridge School, Noida Divyanshi Singh, VII E, Deepti Yadav, IX D, Suditi Global Academy, Etawah. S. Mithun Raj, XI A, Alpha English Higher Secondary School, Puducherry Sheetal, IX H, KPS, Ambala Cantt. Urvi Muley and Aaron Desai, Global Indian International School, Ahmedabad Thanusree Manoj, VI, Bhavan s Adarsha Vidyalaya, Kakkanad, Kochi P.V. Varnika, VI C, M. Akshaya Lekshmi, VII A, V. Sudarshana, VI C, Glazebrooke Public School, Salem Kanishka, IX D, Tanishka, IX D, Siddharth International School, Hisar Riya Saini, VIII B, Mehak, VII B, Vishwa Bharati Public School, Jagadhri Vrinda Arora, VI G, Khushi Ahlawat, VII B, Bhansali, VIII-F, Kavya Bhansali, VIII F, Maharana Mewar Public School, Udaipur R. Priyavarshini, IX B, B. Prithika, VIII A, Holy Angels Public School, Salem Mangai, VI, MCTM, Chidambaram Chettiyar International School, Mylapore, Chennai Yashika Arora, Pawan Gupta, IX E, St. Mark s Sr. Sec. Public School, Delhi Kannan, VIII, Faizal, IX, Delhi School of Excellence, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad Anjali Chhabra, IX D, Army Public School, Ambala Cantt Shivam Kumar, VIIIB, Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan Pendurth, Visakhapatnam Inika Gour Tirath, V, Vasant Valley School, New Delhi Pranjal Sharma, V, India Kids School, Udhampur Rizwan Shaik, VII, KLE Rayapur, Dharwad Divya Dharshini, VIIIA, Little Scholars Matric Hr. Sec. School, Thanjavur Shuchi Laha, VII, Gwalior Glory High School, Gwalior S. Tharun, X M, Padma Seshadari Bala Bhavan, Chennai Vikayath, VIII B, Oxford Grammar School, Hyderabad Gourisha Bhatia, X, Global Indian International School, Indore Krishna Prasad, X, G.K.D. Matric Hr. Sec. School, Coimbatore Liza Arshad Khan, VI E, Sunbeam School, Annapurna, Varanasi Nischay Chauhan, IX, Balwantrai Mehta Vidhya Bhawan, G. K. II, New Delhi Anjali Sharma, IX A, Happy Hours School, Jodhpur Ramkrishna, VII, VidyaGyan Leadership Academy, Sitapur Vinja Chhaya, IX A, Cygnus World School, Vadodara Burhan Owais, X A, Greenwood Sr. Sec. School, Rampur References Pashu- Devdutt Pattnaik Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization - Heinrich Zimmer, Edited by Joseph Campbell Sacred Animals of India - Nanditha Krishna Encyclopaedia of Indian Natural History- Bombay Natural History Society Sanctuary Asia, 2004, September naga%20 cult%20in%20india.pdf symbolism-of-snakes-in-hinduism.asp ganguly/index.html naga-hindu-mythology ANSWERS: Pg 13 Naga Connection- Semi-divine elephants, fragrant flowering tree, subterranean world, a constellation, Ganesha; Pg 17 Snake Power- A-3, B-2, C-5, D-1, E-6, F-4 Pg 18 Reptile Riddles- 1. Russell s Viper 2. Common Krait 3. Rat Snake 4. Python 5. Indian Cobra 6. Spitting Cobra 7. Sea Snake 8. Eryx Whitakeri April - June 2019 What's Next? India s Educational Marvels Educational architecture has developed from simple gurukuls to Buddhist and Jain learning centres to madrasas and then modern universities (founded before the 1950s). Write to us in about 100 words on any one: The architecture of a learning centre of your region (ancient/medieval/modern, before the 1950s) The role it has played in history and heritage Unique facilities like library, study hall, classrooms etc. Notable teachers, philosophers, students from there who have contributed to heritage You may accompany your write-up with a sketch, painting, or a personally clicked photograph. Last date of entries: February 15, 2019 July - September 2019 Weaving Wisdom Weaving in India has a rich historical tradition and showcases the incredible weaving wisdom across the country. In about 100 words write on any one: History of weaving traditions Kind of weave and its unique technique in your region, including fabrics, sarees, carpets, shawls etc. An interview with a traditional weaver to bring out their socio-economic conditions Kind of persons/communities/organizations involved in the traditional weaving industry and suggestions for its improvement You may accompany your entry with a sketch, photograph, painting, collage or even a small sample of the weave you have described. Last date for entries: May 15, 2019 Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India Feedback Do you have any ideas, comments or suggestions to make Young INTACH more interesting? We welcome any thoughts on what themes you would like us to select for the upcoming issues of Young INTACH. Please write to: Purnima Datt Heritage Education and Communication Service (HECS) Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) 71, Lodi Estate, New Delhi Tel: (011) , , Fax: (011) hecsintach@gmail.com, Website: To know more about INTACH, visit: To know more about HECS projects and publications, visit: We are grateful to the Ministry of Culture for supporting Young INTACH, a quarterly heritage newsletter for and by children that has about 3 lakh readers and the number keeps on going higher with each issue.