Oxford University digitised more than one hundred 19th Century Kalighat paintings depicting Hindu deities. The digitisation is part of a wider project at the university’s Bodleian library to make thousands of rare manuscripts and images accessible to the public. Religious statesman, Rajan Zed, took to Twitter to heap praise on the university: We commend #OxfordUniversity for digitizing 110 19th-century #KalighatPaintings of #Hindu deities & others & posting on new #OnlinePortal. — Rajan Zed (@rajanzed) August 1, 2015 Sir Monier Monier-Williams acquired the Kalighat paintings for the Indian Institute Library following his third fund-raising trip to India in 1883. You can trace the history of the Kalighat art to a Kali Temple on the bank of the Buri Ganga (a canal diverging from the Ganges River) in southern Kolkata (Calcutta). This form of Bengali folk art, created between 1800 and 1930, was a product sold to tourists and pilgrims as souvenirs. The sprawling metropolitan success of 18th-century Kolkata attracted a wealth of creative talents. Others moved to the city due to the economic grip of The East India Company in the region. Among them were the trained artists of Murshidabad and folk painters (patuas). A patua depicted mythologies, religious figures, popular [...]
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Continue ReadingA recently discovered manuscript at Birmingham University could be one of the world’s oldest fragments of the Quran, thanks to scientific analysis. Tests at Oxford University’s Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit dated the parchment between AD 568 and 645 with 95.4 per cent accuracy. That timeline is a close match to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (AD 570 and 632). This accidental discovery gives new significance to the study of Islam in Birmingham. A PhD researcher, Alba Fedeli, decided to get the parchments tested. The manuscript was misbound with leaves of a similar seventh century Quran manuscript. Susan Worrall, Director of Special Collections (Cadbury Research Library), at the University of Birmingham, said: “We are thrilled that such an important historical document is here in Birmingham, the most culturally diverse city in the UK” The manuscript, which consists of two parchment leaves, contains parts of Suras 18 to 20, written in Hijazi, an early Arabic script. According to Professor David Thomas, Professor of Christianity and Islam, the findings are significant. With a ‘degree of confidence’ the parchment text is traceable to less than two decades after Muhammad’s death. “These portions must have been in a form that is very close to the [...]
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Continue ReadingDerby’s first free Sikh school still intends to open in September despite council opposition. Akaal Primary school opens its doors in September on the grounds of the city’s national Sikh museum. Lord Nash, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools, wrote to Derby City Council requesting permanent land for the school. A request now under review as they explore their legal position. The council insists that extra primary school places are not required. Dr Daljit Singh Virk, one of the school’s insisted that a ‘political game’ is at hand due to the local and national political divide. In spite of its Sikh ethos, the school offers 50 per cent of places to non-Sikhs. It also offers optional ‘Sikh studies’ outside of school hours alongside an ‘inclusive vegetarian food policy’. The curriculum promises a ‘Sikh ethos and a strong focus on literacy development. Our curriculum will be broad, balanced and thematic’. It will be the first East Midlands school to follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years programme. By 2020, the school hopes to offer places to 420 students in the region. In a statement, the National Secular Society took a critical stance in line with broader criticisms of faith schools.
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Continue ReadingIn an odd and provocative tweet, Richard Dawkins shared this image without context: pic.twitter.com/XlynBMwk9e — Richard Dawkins (@RichardDawkins) July 13, 2015 A lack of context left some followers confused. Some tweeted, ‘ISIS brides?’ and ‘@RichardDawkins Oh you ‘islamophobe’ Richard! Sharing the plight of Muslim women like this. How dare you! #sarcasm’ @RichardDawkins A powerful and haunting image, but could we have some context? — Tom Towler (@tjatowler) July 13, 2015 @RichardDawkins Contextualize, please — Janne Strang (@jannestrang) July 13, 2015 Others provide context: @RichardDawkins These women are not enslaved; they're participating in a passion play. See caption in attached image. pic.twitter.com/Gyiwvx53Cv — George Maschke (@georgemaschke) July 13, 2015 @RichardDawkins This is Shiite Muslim community commemorating Ashura in Lebanon. It's not about women slavery in Islam. — Adel (@Alcon_Naphcon) July 13, 2015 The truth behind the tweeted image dates back to 2011. Ali Hashisho took the photos during the Ashura procession in the village of Saksakieh, southern Lebanon. It is important to view Hashisho’s other photos of the event. What is Ashura? The day of Ashura holds special significance for Shia Muslims. It falls on the 10th of Muharram (the first month of the Islamic calender). It commemorates the martyrdom of [...]
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Continue ReadingA key pillar of Sikhism asks followers to ‘share the fruits of one’s labour with others before considering oneself’ – inspires a selflessness and sense of community that goes beyond faith and ethnicity. Jagdeep Singh Sohal, 31, from Ilford, along with 15 volunteers, joined together with the Midland Langar Seva Society to feed 30 homeless individuals in Ilford, London. Nor does the support stop there as volunteers tidy up any leftover mess. Video of the event. Photos of the event. The idea was born from a discussion Sohal and other worshippers at Singh Sabha London East, High Road in Seven Kings, had about “giving back” to the community while using the gurdwara’s gym facilities. In time, the group hopes to extend its service to other London boroughs, as others express interest in supporting the project, including local businesses keen to donate food to expand their operation. Sohal told the Ilford Recorder: “This is just one way of helping out. It’s our duty to help people whether they’re Christian, Sikh or Muslim, it’s for everyone and we’re just tying to make a difference”. The group distribute every Tuesday at 8pm. To get involved call 077 9162 9666.
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