What is Hinduism?

Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and is the faith over four-fifths of the diverse peoples of the vast sub-continent of India, of the people of Nepal and of millions of Indians who have migrated overseas.
The history of the Hindus, as we know it today, goes back 5000 years, but Hindus believe that their religion is without beginning or end and is a continuous process even preceding the existence of our earth and the many other worlds in the vast Universe.
The greatness of Hinduism is at once its complexity and its simplicity, and the fact that it permeates totally the life of every Hindu from the moment of his birth, be he a believer or non-believer, a scholar or an illiterate. It is for this reason that it is often said that Hinduism is not just a religion but a way of life.
Another quality unique to Hinduism is its tremendous tolerance of other religious faiths and beliefs. In the Bhagavad Gita, an important scripture of Hinduism, Lord Krishna, worshipped as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself says, "Whosoever follows any faith and worships me under steadfastness, his faith shall I indeed reinforce".
Hinduism has attracted thinkers from all over the world through the ages, and today there is a great thirst for knowledge of this faith which is practical enough to permit social change and scientific progress, yet highly philosophical and sublime, aiming at ethical perfection. However it is most unfortunate that today even educated Hindus are often unaware as to what the religion teaches or stand for, or what its fundamental beliefs are.

Classy Design Bellychain !!!

I love this bellychain. It's elegant and classy. The workmanship is amazing (very solid) and I love that it's silver. The little dangling charms are eye catching and it glams up any outfit. It was perfect at the beach and in the clubs. I can't wait for summer.

Silver Amulets from India

Amulets are protective pieces of jewelry and belived to bestow good luck to the wearer and are found in most traditional societies on the subcontinent. In Rajasthan, the choice of amulets is more often dependent on the wearer's community or clan and its patron-deity, rather than on individual choice. Amulets may be worn either as necklaces or bracelets. Amulets come in a wide variety of shapes.
Amulets often have geometrical shapes. Squares, rectangles and pentagons are symbolic of a house, six-sided amulets are known as patri and are representative of a temple, and circular amulets called mandala are believed to ward off evil spirits.

Woodwork of Kashmir In India

In ancient India the woodworker held a very important place in society. From a very early date, the art of carpentry was recognised as an essential part of community work. Ane the Brihat Samhita and Shilpa Shastra, two ancient Hindu texts on the arts, provede detailed instructions on the correct methods to fell trees, season wood and make varios wooden objects like - Wooden Boxes, Wooden Jewelry Boxes,Wood Carving, Wood Sculptures, Wood Comb and many others.

Jammu and Kashmir, with its dense forests and wide variety of trees, has a rich tradition of wood carving and architecture. History tells of the old, 12-storey high wooden palace of Srinagar which was unfortunately set on fire by invaders during reign of King Harsha.This tradition of wooden architecture and craft reached its excellence between 1420 and 1470.

Gemstone Necklace - Perfect Gift for Her

Necklace is the most coveted and elaborate of women's ornaments in India . These modern necklaces are perhaps successors to ubiquitous Indian garlands. These garlands are commonly worn by brides and grooms. Garlands are also presented to honor a guest or important person, besides venerating the image of a deity.

Elegant Indian Sari !!!

Sari is an Indian dress and it covers the whole body of the women.This sari is in tie and dye print. The artisans of Gujarat and Rajasthan are well known for their skills in tie dye print. Besides, the fabric used for making tie dye print saris are fine cotton which are also very light on body. I have seen many urban women in Delhi and Mumbai wearing tie dye print cotton saris, and they look simply elegant.

Beautiful Anklets

Absolutely beautiful anklets! The links and charms are amazing and beautifully crafted. Very sturdy; I never worry about them falling off. I've never wanted to show off my ankles before. They dress up any occasion. Can't wait for shorts and sandal weather.

Elegant Cotton Kaftan

True Elegance! This caftan is beautifully made. The colour scheme is perfect; really makes a statement. The colour combination, in cooperation with the pattern and cut make it very flattering. I love the shape on me. It draws the eyes up and away from the hips, but gives a slimming appearance. The embroidery is fantastic as well. Really detailed and perfectly executed. Very high quality work. Definite favourite!

Spice Tea of India

Tea- A beverage made by steeping processed leaves, buds, or twigs of the tea in hot water. Tea also called ‘Chai’ is a very popular drink in India. It is an art to make a good tea. Masala chai (Spice Tea of India) is famous all over India. It’s included cardamom pods, whole cloves, black pepper corns, sticks of cinnamon, all spice berries, larger slice of fresh ginger peeled and crushed, milk, sugar.

Uses of Cardamom:
Cardamom, Amomum, Elettrria, called Elaichi in India.
* Flavor- It gives a good flavor to your tea and sweet food.
* Medicine- It is an effective medicine and used as an ingredient in traditional systems of medicine in China, India, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.
* Ingredient- It is a common ingredient in Indian food and is used as a spice in food. Black cardamom is sometimes used in garam masala for curries.
* It has also been known to be used for making gin.

Uses of Cloves:
* Ingredient- Clove is a key ingredient in tea along with green cardamoms. It easily loses its flavor.
* Medicine- Cloves used as a treatment for stomach upsets, vomiting and diarrhea. Cloves and clove oil used for muscle and dental pain.

Uses of Black Pepper Corns:
* Medicine- It’s a good medicine for heart diseases, cold, fever etc.
* Ingredient- It is used to flavor tea and food.

Uses of Cinnamon:
* Cinnamon is used to treat nausea, flatulence and diarrhea. Cinnamon is good for controlling blood cholesterol and diabetes.
* Ingredients- is used in garam masala for curries and in making cakes, pies, buns, toast, puddings etc.

Uses of Ginger:
* Ingredients- Used in Cooking for its warming properties and wonderful aroma and taste.
* Medicine- It is a good medicine for heart diseases, cough, cold etc.

Tea is a low-calorie beverage that keeps the body energetic and full of life. India was the top producer of tea for nearly a century. India is also the world's largest tea-drinking nation.
Tea cultivation in India has somewhat ambiguous origins. Though the extent of the popularity of tea in Ancient India is unknown, it is known that the tea plant was a wild plant in India that was indeed brewed by local inhabitants of different regions.
The first recorded reference to tea in India was in the ancient epic of the Ramayana, when Hanuman (Hindu God) was sent to the Himalayas to bring the Sanjeevani tea plant for medicinal use. Fine-leaf tea is hand plucked, and hand shears are used on mountain slopes and in other areas where tractor-mounted machines cannot go. (Like Darjeeling, Assam). The tea "fluff" and waste from processing is used to produce caffeine for soft drinks and medicine.

Finding the perfect Father's day gift

The perfect gift for father’s day should be well thought out, personal and different. Adding an Indian touch to those regular presents will help increase the value of the present and the surprise felt by your father.
The Kurta Pajama is a personal and useful choice. A traditional Indian piece of clothing, the Kurta Pajama is comfortable and can be warn on any occasion. A universally popular choice, it is made in pure cotton to help endure those warn summer days. These Kurta Pajama sets from Rajasthan and Gujarat are not only found in traditional block printing patterns, but also tie and dye, rich embroidery and intricate mirror work.
The Short Kurtas are similar to the Kurta Pajama, only with the absence of the pajama and shorter Kurtas. A more casual pick, the Mens short sleeve Casual Cotton Shirt Kurtas, are made for comfort and endurance for the summer heat. A more affordable option, the Short Kurtas, like the Kurta pajama, come in various designs and patterns including tie and dye, block printing, rich Indian embroidery and intricate mirror work.
Cufflinks- The perfect gift for all those workaholic fathers out there. Made out of sterling silver and different gemstones, these Indian handmade novelties are a well thought out and unique gift. This item is definitely going to earn you kids some browny points this year!.
Used for religious and inspirational purposes, sculptures and statues, of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, help bring about peace, serenity and a sense of inspiration and stimulus in the surrounding areas. Carved by some of the finest sculptors of India, most of these styles were introduces in the 10th and 11th century.

Women Gemstone Pendant and Chain in Sterling Silver

A pendants necklace (from Old French) is a hanging object, generally attached to a necklace or an earring. In modern French this is a word meaning “during” (also the gerund form of "hanging").Pendant silver jewelry from ShalinCraft comes in two forms – gem stone pendant and unique silver pendant. A gemstone or gem, also called a precious or semi-precious stone, is a piece of attractive mineral, when cut and polished its used to make jewelry or other adornments. Most gemstones are hard, but some soft minerals are used in jewelry. The gemstone pendant necklace comes in different stone pendants like amethyst pendant, coral pendant, peridot pendant, garnet pendant, onyx pendant, citrix pendant etc. Choose your gem stone pendant necklace according to your birthday or religious preferences. Handmade silver pendant necklaces are in antique reproduction Indian style and they seem to go very well with traditional ethnic clothes. They are designed to give you an exceptional look. We have a large variety of sterling silver pendants. Unique and stylish sterling silver pendants will enhance one's beauty and is an ideal centerpiece for any chain. Pendant in semi precioius stones is inexpensive and is meant for every day wear. Sterling silver pendant enhance your beauty and make you look wonderfully attractive.

Gem Stones Bangle Bracelet in Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver bracelet is an article of jewelry which is worn around the wrist. Bracelets can be manufactured from leather, cloth or metal, and sometimes contain rocks, wood, and/or shells. Bracelets are also used for medical and identification purposes, such as allergy bracelets and hospital patient-identification tags. Silver bracelets, sterling silver jewelry from India for your casual, formal and party wear. Eye catching designs from 16th and 17th century Rajasthan. They go well with almost any kind of dress. Bracelets made from connecting various or similar components like beads and variety of materials included metals and gemstones. Sterling silver bangle bracelet from ShalinCraft is in antique reproduction style. Bracelets that are in solid form, usually some metal, are referred to as bangles or bangle bracelets. Silver bracelets in beautiful designs and colors. Made of fine quality sterling silver, these bracelets are also available in gemstones and other semi precious stones. Bracelets have great romantic and amorous connotation. A simple bracelet is slipped on to the wrist by mere pressure, occasionally over a thin coating of oil applied to the hand. Some bracelets have a gap between the two ends from where these are slipped on to the wrist from its side. In most cases, the single tier bracelet, when hollow, is adorned with repousse work motifs, and when solid, with engraving. In two tiered bracelets, the outer rim is usually adorned with additional lobes, pendants, and jingle bells. This Indian style bangle jewelry comes with fine enamel painting, popularly known as meenakari work. Each bangle set is worn in pairs. Sterling bangle is a preferred fashion jewelry of the middle age women in India. Like the sterling bangle bracelet, arm bangle too is very popular, though mostly with younger women. Jewelry adds charms to ones beauty and one of the most preferred gift for any occasion. Light weighted bangle bracelets are perfect for wearing everyday. Gift these bangle bracelets to your friend and relatives.

Handcrafted Silver Jewelry Necklace Embellished in Gemstones

The variety and range of neck ornaments among the various region of India is vast. Necklace is a band or chain, worn around the neck as an ornament. Gemstone necklace frequently formed from a metal chain; often attached to a locket or pendant. necklaces can also be manufactured with cloth, and they sometimes contain rocks (particularly gems), wood, and shells. When worn high on the neck it is referred to as a choker. Gemstone Necklace is made in variegated designs and distinct styles that have been brought forth to the international markets by Indian Artists. Gemstone necklaces are made from naturally occurring crystalline form of a mineral, which is desirable for its beauty, valuable in its rarity and durable enough to be enjoyed for generations. There are more than 30 popular gems varieties and many rare collector gemstones. Gemstones are considered the repositories of cosmic rays and in India they are used to treat illness, enhance one’s fortunes and ward off evil effects intricately designed necklaces and jewelry sets in a rich profusion of colors, to match any apparel and any occasion flawlessly finished beads set in elaborate designs to enhance the feminine beauty. ShalinCraft sterling silver necklace, Gem Stones Necklace, pearl necklace, and other forms of fashion jewelry necklace are handcrafted by the traditional artisans of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Handmade necklace in silver and semi precious stones is inexpensive and is meant for every day wear. Buy necklace online and your order would be shipped directly from India.

Warli Paintings Folk Art From India

Warli Paintings. Indian Art ribal Art. Unique Collectible and Gift for All Occasions. Nestled at the foot of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, India, is the settlement of an ancient tribe known as the Warlis. These tribal people, who survive on forest produce and worship nature, have carved an international niche for themselves by virtue of their artistry. What originated as a domestic ritual of ceremonial beautification is now revered as a folk art of immense value. Artist and scholars believe the painting style to have originated sometime during the tenth century AD. Warli paintings express everyday life using extremely basic object forms and just one color - white - on a simple mud base. The painting style is close to pre-historic cave paintings. It breaks the barrier of three-dimensional rendering and the objects seldom overlap. The core philosophy and social history of a tribal society are conveyed through these paintings in all their humble renderings. Each painting is usually an entire scene that contains various elements of nature including people, animals, trees, hills etc. Warli paintings are characterized by their depiction of triangular humans and animals with stick-like hands and legs, geometrical designs with rows of dots and dashes. Straight lines were rare in Warli paintings. A series of dots and dashes made one line. Events like a marriage, a dance, sowing, harvesting or hunting are the primary themes. Birds, squirrels, monkeys, snakes and other animals are frequently depicted. Natural elements like streams and rocks are also featured. The themes are often repetitive and symbolic in nature. However, unlike the other folk Indian Art in India, Warli do not narrate mythology or epic, but depict their simple social life through their art. The prevalence of nature in the Warli paintings indicates that these people not only survive on forest, but they are actually a part of nature herself.

Ankle Bracelet Toe Ring Indian Foot Jewelry

Anklet toe ring: Ankle is an ornament worn around the ankle and toe rings are small circular bands, made of metal that is worn on the toes. Worn commonly on the second toe of either foot, these tiny adorable toe rings are considered an important accessory for the married women. It forms one of the most popular fashion accessories among the Indians. The toes rings are usually adjustable type and are available in a variety of designs. Anklets are also known as an ankle bracelet which is used to adorn the ankles. Anklet is a perfect piece of art. This is a fashion accessory among all age groups, especially the teenage group. The anklet come with loving embellishments, intricate carvings and other fine artistry easily done on silver. Silver anklets called pajeb or jhanjhar in India, are made by tying links in a chain. Subsequently, sonorous bells can be attached to the chain, so that the wearer can make pleasing sounds while walking. Traditionally handcrafted silver anklets are embedded with silver beads. Absolutely charming, ankle bracelets go well with any casual dress for women, occidental or oriental. They are particularly suited for summers when women love to wear sandals. The feet of an Indian woman are very often adorned with anklets. Anklets are of two basic types, i.e. the stiff and the flexible. The stiff anklets are either cast or fabricated by hammering sheet metal into the requisite shape. Using the techniques of chiseling, engraving, granulation, or threading and wire work, anklets are patterned. The anklets have always enhanced the dainty & feminine side with elegance. Shalin craft have two types of materials used for defining the shape of anklets available in traditional and chunky designing. Such as: Sterling Silver Anklet and Stone Anklet, both are crafted by hands. It is a perfect gift and there is no better music to the ears of a lover than the jingling sound arising from the steps of his beloved.