TAMIL NADU AFFAIRS

History & Culture

Flowers as War Symbols in Tamil Culture

• • In no other ancient culture in the world have flowers been used as symbols of the land. 
  • Flowers have also been used to symbolize events related to the exterior life and warfare, known as the exterior life, only in Tamil culture. 
  • This not only speaks of the close natural bond that existed among the Tamils. It also speaks of their botanical knowledge.

• In Sangam literature, flowers of war were used to symbolize different stages of war and to express the mood of the soldiers.

• • A flower was used as a symbol for each war action to express the purpose of the war. 
  • These flowers were used to identify one’s comrades on the battlefield and to show the determination of the soldiers.

• The book that describes the above-mentioned grammar of external objects is ‘Purap Porul Venbamalai written by Aiyanarithanar dated 9th century B.E. (AD). This is considered to be the only book written on grammar of external objects after Tolkappiyam.

Vetchi

• The Vetsi flower is used to attract the herds of cows in the enemy country. It is commonly known as Idlipoo in Tamil. In English, Flame flower, scientific name Ixora coccinea.
• It is recorded in Sangam literature that women wore these flowers on their heads. It is native to Southwestern Peninsular India and Sri Lanka. This tree is used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Vanji

• When a war is waged against an enemy country and the land is captured, the Vanji flower is used. The Vanji flag is called Sindhi. In English, Heartleaf vine, scientific name Tinosporacordifolia.
• The tree Salix tetrasperma / Indian willow is called the river Vanji, and some botanists believe that this is the flower of the willow tree that the literature refers to.

Karanthai

• They carry the Karanthai flower to rescue herds of cows that have been attracted by it. It is also called Sivakaranthai, and its scientific name is Sphaeranthus indicus. 
• Its flowers, seeds, and leaves are used for medicinal purposes. It is used against inflammation, as an antimicrobial, and as a blood purifier.
  Current Facts
  • India has introduced a nationwide toll-free helpline (1855) to make the Census 2027 process easier and help citizens take part more smoothly and effectively.
    Kanchi
    • The flower Kanchi is used to protect its country against the blazing fire of the Indian Elm. It is called Aavu. Aaya. 
    • The English name is Indian Elm, the scientific name is Holoptelia integrifolia. 

    Uzhignai

    • A flower that is used to beautify a fort during a siege. 
    • In Kumari district, the name Uzhignai is still given, but it is used to treat paralysis. It is widely known as Balloon vine.
    • In English, Balloon vine, also known as Cardiospermum halicacabum.

    Nochchi

    • The flower that the soldiers who break the siege rise up to. 
    • It is mentioned as Sindhu varam in line 89 of Kurinjipatu. Scientific name: Vitex negundo.

    Thumbai

    • • The flower that is used when the leaders of two countries fight face to face. Scientific name: Leucas aspera. 
    • The Purananuru and Ainkurunuru mention that men and women used to wear the Thumbai flower. 

    Vaagai

    • Vaagai, a flower that is burned as a symbol of victory in war, in detail. Of the above plants.

    
    Environment

    Pykara Lake 

    • Context: The Madras High Court has declined to remove the temporary ban on tourist boating at Pykara Lake.

    Location & Formation

    • The lake lies around 20 km from Ooty in the Nilgiris district.
    • It was created due to the construction of the Pykara Dam across the Pykara River.

    River Significance

    • The Pykara River originates from the Mukurthi Peak.
    • • It is the largest river in the district.
    • It is regarded as sacred by the Toda tribal community.

    Hydropower

    • • The dam includes a power station, among the oldest in South India.
    • It produces approximately 60 MW of electricity.

    Pykara Falls

    • Located a short distance from the lake.
    • The Pykara Falls features two cascades.
    • Heights: about 55 meters and 61 meters.

    Surroundings & Ecology

    • The lake is encircled by dense forests of Mukurthi National Park.
    • This park forms part of the Western Ghats.
    • Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1 July 2012.