Artifact Research by Gary Madden

Posts Tagged ‘Indian’

The scope of Indian Philosophy is very wide. According to this, philosophical knowledge does not aim merely at satisfying our theoretical and speculative interests, but wants to realize highest truth of life. So it does not only aim at theoretical but also practical approach to spiritual truth.

In this article, we will do research on the advanced concept of Kama (Sensual Pleasure) from ancient times in India. How our life style was deeply connected with this concept. We also noted that this ancient Indian theory was having so prosperous view that it is still relevant for our modern lifestyle. Now let us focus on the meaning of Kama.  Kama is pleasure, sensual gratification, sexual fulfillment, please of the desires, Eros and the aesthetic enjoyment of life.

Indian Philosophical Schools also give us the concept of our aim of life which they said Purushartha. The term Purushartha consists of two words, viz., Purusha and Artha. Purusha means person or self and Artha means aim or goal of human life. The concept of Purushartha basically indicates different values to be realized in human life through the efforts of human being.

There are four Purusharthas or aims of life as propounded by Manu in his Manu Samhita, viz., Dharma (Virtue), Artha (Wealth), Kama (Pleasure) and Moksha (Liberation). One can find the reference of these Purusharthas have taken a new and ordinary form. Dharma is always related with duty, artha is always related with money, Kama with pleasure and Moksha with death.

Kama is ordinarily termed as physical pleasure, Vatsayana in his book Kamasutra gives the definition of pleasure which is as follows –

“Kama is the enjoyment of the appropriate objects by the five senses of hearing, feeling, seeing, testing and smelling, assisted by the mind together with the soul.”

The urge to enjoy pleasure and satisfy desires is the most powerful incentive for individual progress. It is said all that man does is inspired by Kama. As Manu was concerning Kama as desire, one person can say, it is a desire for pleasure. Now it may be sensuous pleasure, mental pleasure for getting through satisfaction or impulse for sexual pleasure.

Kama in a broader sense means desire and in a narrow sense sexual desire. According to Hindu and Buddhist Philosophy , desire is the root cause of human suffering. In Bhagavadgita desire leads delusion and bondage to the cycle of birth and death.

Man sacrifices because of the desire for rewards. Not a single act of him appears ever to be done by man free from desire. According to Manusmriti, he who performs his duties out of desire properly will reach in a position of fulfilling all the desires and deathless state in turn.

In Indian Philosophy, sexual discussion is not an untouchable thing but their interpretations are different from each other. According to Hindu point of view, sex can be either a means to liberation and happiness in life or a great cause of suffering depending upon how we approach the same. A person who can overcome these, successfully achieve salvation. It can be done either by abstaining from it or by indulging in it. The former concept is the path of Vedanta Philosophy and the later is the way of Tantras, which is also a part of Indian Philosophy. One is the way of suppression but the other is the way of expression through detachment and understanding in which sexual energy is sublimated and transformed into a higher form of energy. It is just the way you learn to handle fire. Sexual desire is the ultimate of all desires and unless it is overcome , one is never can be free from the bad effect of Maya (Illusion).

In Hinduism there is permission for sexual activity up to a limit without any conflict with principles of Dharma (Virtue) and used for the purpose of procreation, perpetuation of family and social order. Here sexual activity is part of obligatory duty and not to be misused for enjoyment as it would lead to attachment, delusion and one’s downfall. In Hindu ethics, sexual relationship outside marriage is not permitted except in special circumstances.

According to Hindu law books, there is a clear demarcation between legitimate and illegitimate sex, sex itself is not considered to be unclear or sinful because sexual desire is an important and legitimate aspect of human obligators. It is created by nature to perpetuate life towards material balance.

Sex established as an important aspect of Hindu society from ancient times. Married women were not allowed to meet men in private when they were not accompanied by their husbands or in their absence.

According to Hinduism, sex is an important aspect of human life, but lust is not. Lust is one of the chief enemies of man.

In Indian Philosophy creation itself is a continuation of the union between Purusha (Male) and Prakriti (Female), the male and female aspect of the world-appearance, which is symbolically represented in the form of Sivaling. Creation ends when this union ends. So, sexual desire is also the last stronghold of Prakriti and the final refuse of our attachment with this world-appearance.

After this long discussion we can conclude that sex is very much important aspect in Indian Philosophy. For this reason, ancient Indian sages composed the Kama Shastra on the basis of the Vedas. The famous Kamasutra is ultimately about wisdom and our creative cultivation. It is written by the sage Vatsayana sometimes between first and sixth century AD. The Kama Shastra is recognized as the true living text of the original Kama Shastra. The aim of the sixty four Arts of the Kamasutra is not merely to be a good wife but to be skillful, playful, understanding, sexually refined, beautiful and intelligent woman.

The ancient Indians were very good evolutionists because it is clear from evolution that sex and survival are the two most fundamental sources which motivated our continued existence through healthy, intimate, close relationship with each other.

The Charvakas, one of the important and very ancient heterodox school of Indian philosophy regarding sensual pleasure as the supreme end. The interpretation is utterly different from other schools. According to the charvaka we have only one life, there is no after-life in a heavenly kingdom nor is there a succession of rebirth as most Indian schools believed. They said sensual pleasure is produced by the intercourse of the sense organs with their objects. According to them, pleasure arising from the embrace of a woman and other objects of enjoyment is the highest good.

The school of Charvakas is often represented as propounding a crude form of hedonism.  They rejected any notions of absolute righteousness and wanted to establish a philosophy of pleasure-seeking (Kama) as a primary goal of life. The special importance upon happiness by Charvakas confronts directly to the emphasis placed upon suffering which is accepted by the other schools of Indian Philosophy.  

Now we want to focus on Tantra and Tantric sex also because without discussing these aspects of Indian Philosophy this article is incomplete.

Though the Tantra Philosophy is a part of Buddhism but that has its roots in Hinduism and Jainism also.

The Buddhist does not believe in an independent or separately existing external world. They believe that the external world and the inner world are the two sides of the same fabric. The dynamic forces of the universe under different from the inner forces of human mind. Moreover, these dynamic forces are not only for one’s own good but for that of all living beings and it is the aim of the Buddhist Tantras.

The word Tantra is related to the concept of waiving and its derivatives hinting at the inter-woveness of things and actions, the independents of all that exists. The continuity of inter-action of cause and effect, as well as in spiritual and traditional development. According to Buddhism, Tantra are invariably of a mystic nature, which tries to establish an inner relationship of things , the parallelism between mind and universe, rituals and realities, the world of matter and the world of spirit. This is the essence of Tantrism.

According to Tantric Philosopy, the greatest source of energy in the universe is sexual and places high value on ritualized intercourse. Sexual orgasm, according to them, a cosmic and divine experience. The path of Tantra is a spiritual one which includes and appreciates the experience of our sexuality and sensuality as a conscious meditation and also erotic and cosmic energies.

Tantra sees the whole universe as a divine play of Shakti (Female power) and Shiva (Male power). It considers that the union of these two powers as a foundation of universe. So here we can notice that this conception of sex is totally different from the western thought about sex. In that Tantra is as much about pleasure as about procreation. Tantric sex is more to do with opening the mind. It is a spiritual practice and it involves control over muscles and one’s orgasm. Tantric sex attempts to awake powerful psychic energies through which we can enter into higher states of consciousness.

Tantra   transforms sexuality from simply doing to actually being. There is no end in Tantric sex. Tantra teaches us to worship your sexual partner and to transform the act of sex in a sacred involvement.

Most of modern thinkers propound that Indian Philosophy is so much spiritualistic which is separate from our materialistic world. But this is not true. Though Indian philosophy is unlike the Western concept about sensual desire, but from the very inception their approach is more effective on the practical ground.

Bibliography:            1. Outlines of Indian Philosophy – Dr. Jadunath Sinha.

                                2. Kamasutra – Vatsayana

                                3. Sarvadarshansangraha – Madhavacharya

                                4. The Essence of Buddhism, Ch. II.

When you take a south Indian trip, you are sure to find out that religion is one of the most important features and parts of the people of south India. And since Kerala is a part of south India, you are sure to find lots of things in your Kerala trip in www.keralatourism.indian-seo.com that are related to religion.

Of course, of all the religious places found in your south India trip, the temples that are located in south India form the icing of the cake. There are many temples found spread equally in the various parts of Kerala. On visiting the different temples found here, you find that they are all dedicated to different gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology.

The temples of your south Indian trip from www.keralatourism.indian-seo.com and especially of Kerala are all famous for their magnificent sculpture and architectural style. Moreover, most of the temples found here are carved in traditional style to make them more enthralling to visit and look at. The most famous temples of Kerala are the Vadukkumnathan temple, Mannarshala Temple, Chottanikkara Temple, Padmanabhaswamy temple, Vaikom Temple and Ananthapura Lake Temple.

One of the most famous pilgrim centers of your south Indian trip is Sabarimala temple. This is a temple that is located on the hill of the Western Ghats, and is a temple that is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The two main events organized here every year are the Mandal Puja and the Makara Sankranti Puja which are celebrated from November to Middle of January.

Another sacred and important pilgrim center of Kerala is the Guruvayoor temple where you find the famous Sri Krishna temple. The specialty of this temple is that the walls of the temple are filled with beautiful carvings and mural paintings worth seeing during your south Indian trip.

The Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple is another temple to visit on your South India Trip. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the amazing aspect of the temple is the 100 feet high ‘gopuram’ that is built here, in Dravidian style. Moreover, this is a temple that is famous for its mural paintings and stone carvings.

Then there is the Vadukkumnathan temple of Trichur that is worth visiting during your south Indian trip. This is a famous Shiva temple that is located in Thrissur or Trichur. This is one of the most ancient shrines found in Kerala and is famous for housing a large museum of ancient wall paintings, artifacts having historical value and wood carvings.

On reading all this, it is quite natural for you to get enthralled with what Kerala has to offer you. To provide you instructions and guidance for a south Indian trip that proves to be memorable, you have to visit one of the many online sites containing information pertaining to Kerala trips. One such famous site is the site, www.keralatourism.indian-seo.com. On visiting this site, you find most of the information you will require to make your south Indian trip indeed a memorable and interesting one.

First archaeologically proved traces of indian handicraft belong to the Indus Valley civilization way back in 3000 B.C. During this time Indian craftsmen were doing excellent job in pottery making, bead making, terracotta, jewelry and weaving. The most significant aspect is the technical advancement in the handicrafts field at this time. The archaeologists have excavated many sites like Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, Chanhudaro, Kotdigy, Dholaveera etc. and they have found numerous artifacts that manifest the skill of the craftsmen at that time.

In Vedic age (1500 B.C. to 700 B.C.) too a lot of advancement in handicrafts had taken place. There is reference of pottery making, weaving wood crafting etc in the Vedas. Rig Veda especially mentions about pottery made from clay, wood and metal. Weaving and weavers also find the reference in these holy texts. In the later Vedic period the principal development was the discovery of iron. This led to the manufacture of iron weapons on mass scale. Craftsmen got a huge exposure and the crafts traditions started to be entrenched in the social structure.

Indian gem stone jewelry reached to perfection in certain art forms especially in stone crafts. After the great transformation of Ashoka from a hardcore imperialist to Buddhist reformist, numerous activities indulging the craftsmen began. It is said that not less than 84000 stupas were build during the reign of Ashoka. Most prominent stupas whose remains are still available are located at Sanchi, Bharhut, Vaishali, Amaravati and Mathura. Similarly the iron pillars of Delhi and Vaishali are the marvelous examples of metallurgy.

In the period followed by the Mauryan, an assimilation of regional influence took place in Indian arts and crafts. Since this period in Indian history was that of political turmoil, not a single dynasty could rule over India for a long time. The attacks of Indo-Greeks, Indo-Bactrians, Shakas and Kushanas made Indian scene topsy-turvy. Handicrafts of this age have direct influences of these invasions from central Asia and other regions. Buddhist sculptures belonging to this age found at Taxila, Begram, Swat Valley, Bamiyan etc. depict these influences clearly. Buddha with curly hair and wrapped in draperies was the result of Greek influence. The main crafts which got maximum influence of the Central Asian invasions were jewelry, sculpture, textile making, leather products and the metal works.

Gupta age has been called classical age of Indian history by historians. The art and crafts domain was also greatly affected by the political stability, efficient ruling, capable administration and the consistent patronage of art and crafts. Fascinating murals of Ajanta and the significant development in the technique and art of sculpture, jewelry making, wood carving stone carving and weaving were the highpoints of this age. Development in science, astrology, astronomy, mathematics, literature and physiology were the other greatest achievements of this time. Stone sculpture and metal sculpture were made maintaining the high standards. The rock cut temples of Ellora are the astonishing examples of stone craft. This structure raises the standard of Indian Crafts to the towering heights.

During Medieval period the onus of development in arts and crafts had been shifted to the southern peninsula of Indian subcontinent. The Chola Empire and Vijaynagara empire wholeheartedly supported the trade and commerce based on the art and crafts of the local artisans. The temples with numerous intricate details were carved. Gems and jewelry was given immense importance. Bronze sculpture and silk weaving craft reached at its zenith. In the Northern region of India, under Delhi Sultanate, the art of pottery making, weaving, wood carving, metal works and jewelry was also flourishing. Under the patronage of Mughal Empire, the art and science of architecture reached to the starry heights. Painting saw its zenith under the emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shahjahan. School of Mughal paintings influenced other regional painting schools too like Pahari School of Painting, Rajput School of Painting, Kota School of Painting, Boondi School of Painting etc. The art of weaving also flourished during these times. Metallurgy covered several milestones during medieval period and several battles were fought using highly advanced technology in the guns and canons by the standard of that time.

INTRODUCTION

The philosophy of education is to acquire right knowledge of different aspects and dimensions of the world around us and to disseminate the same for the benefit of the individual, society, nation and world.

The present day’s education, though has undergone a radical change, with the development of modern science and technology, especially the computers, much needs to be done on the holistic approach to education, which can evolve personality. One might get tremendous amounts of information by logging on to the Internet, and the glut of information will lead to information garbage. In spite of all these we are lagging in imparting right education to right people thereby, creating disharmony. Therefore, one needs to have proper guidance and an evolved system which will lead to evolution of personality. This system should have a positive impact on the thinking process, beliefs, attitudes with its holistic approach to concepts, methods and techniques; thus creating harmony and ushering in peace.

Today, in majority of the cases, mathematics is considered to be a dry subject and still notion exists that it is only for the intelligent. Many dread mathematics, because the teachers themselves teach in an unimpressive way and the joy of making learning of mathematics a pleasurable experience is almost lacking. This is found right from the school to the college level.

In this regard, Vedic/Ancient Indian Mathematics (VM/AIM) with its wonderful concepts, methods and techniques, which have stood the test of time comes in handy for imparting a holistic, creative education in mathematics.

The Vedic Seers and Ancient Indian Scientists and Mathematicians perceived mathematics in Nature, in the form of primordial concepts, the different shapes and patterns symbolising the cosmic truths in the Micro and Macro aspects.

Mathematics was developed right from the fundamental concepts of Numerals, Place value, Zero and Infinity to the advanced concepts finding their applications in the Artificial Intelligence, computer based numerical methods, philosophy, science, arts, etc. In fact, one will be baffled by the fertile imagination of the ancient seers and scholars, who perceived mathematics in nature in all its glory and expressed the great mathematical truths and concepts through hymns, theorems and postulates which are lyrically beautiful, yet mathematically precise which speak volumes about them. It goes without saying that these methods, concepts and techniques of Mathematics in the form of Slokas and Sutras (Aphorisms) were conceived by the Ancient Indian Seers and scholars, centuries before their modern counterparts.

OBJECTIVE

(a) The present objective is to create an awareness about the vast potential of the Vedic/Ancient Indian Mathematics (V.M./A.I.M.) for the curriculum development and R & D works.

(b) To demonstrate with practical examples chosen from different levels of mathematics education; the benefits of learning V.M./A.I.N. like faster computing time, alternative and creative approach to problem solving, etc. This is substantiated by the results of number of workshops and case studies conducted.

(c) To motivate scientists scholars, teachers, philosophers and others to take up an in-depth study of VM/AIM in proper perspective and adopt it to the modern times, so that a great amount of this wonderful traditional knowledge is revived and developed which would be a true homage to the Seers and Scientists of yore.

(d) Last but not the least, to pave way for the adoption of time tested VM/AIM in the school/college curriculum and establish dedicated RBD centres.

APPROACH

An Integrated approach for the study and learning VM/AIM is made:

(i) Mathematical concepts embodied in the Vedas, Upanishads.

(ii) ‘Vedic Mathematics’ as expounded by H. H. Bharatikrishna Teerthaji consisting of 16 Aphorisms and 16 Corollaries, covering different topics in Mathematics, right from the fundamental Arithmetic operations to the higher level of Mathematics.

(iii) Ancient Indian Mathematics – contribution by various mathematicians of yore up to the celebrated genius Ramanuja. This integrated approach is unique of its kind. Various methods techniques are culled out, analysed and are expressed in modern mathematical notations, making it easily adaptable.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The methods and techniques are selected based on the following criteria. If the VM/AIM methods are better than the conventional ones in terms of step size, length, computation time, elegance and novelty, either individually or collectively, then these are selected in place of the conventional ones.

TECHNIQUE

The teaching of VM/AIM is done following the usual techniques like lecturing, using Audio-visual equipments like OHP, slide projector, computer aided learning, etc.

Before we go into the subject of VM/AIM in terms of examples, it is imperative to know at least some fundamental facts about the Vedas, their nature, structure, etc., which would facilitate in understanding and appreciating the mathematical concepts embodied in the Vedas.

Vedas are the earliest systematic literature in the entire world existing since thousands of years, which have stood the test of time and continue to challenge the mankind with renewed freshness and vitality. Vedas, which are the fountain head of knowledge and wisdom, are built upon sound structure which are definite, clear, unambiguous, generative and complete, thus satisfying the properties of an algorithm! This amply proves the fact that the Vedas are the highest revelations to the Rsis (Seers) of Yore and are not a mere compendium and collection of literature from different parts of the world, and no second version of Vedas exists anywhere. Hence, the Vedas have to be studied and analysed in proper perspective, in order to bring out the truths hidden in them. Now let us take some stock illustrations from Vedas and other ancient Indian sources in Mathematics at different levels i.e. right from the fundamental level of Arithmetic to Algebra, Calculus, Quadratics, Polynomials, Astronomy, Geometry, etc. which will give a glimpse of the vast scope of the same.

Now coming to the Vedas, the most outstanding, fundamental contribution for which the entire world is beholden to ancient India is the invention of decimal numerals (with place values), zero and infinity, for example: 576, 685, 1998, etc. Can there be a more elegant, better method where the digits placed in the units, tenths, hundredths or thousandth place, indicate their respective values and magnitude.

In arithmetic operations one finds use of complimentary numbers very effectively and finds 10 different varieties of multiplication based on the Vedic mathematical Sutras propounded by H. H. Bharatikrishna Teertha (1880-1964). He being a brilliant scholar and Saint discovered 16 aphorisms and 16 corollaries after 8 years of intense penance, covering variegated topics (both elementary and advanced) in mathematics. Consider the following examples:

(i) Complimentary numbers Here the objective is to convert all the numerals greater than 5 to less than 5 in order to facilitate speedy calculation and reduce carry over. For ex. 9,8,7,6 are expressed as 1,2,3 & 4 respectively with base as 10.

(ii) Using complimentary notation known as ‘Vinculum’ following examples will make clear, about the usage and benefits of this:

(a) 28 -> 32 [eq. to 30-2]

(b) 19 -> 21 [eq. to 20-1]

(c) 278 -> 322 [eq. 300-22]

(d) 289621 -> 310421

Note: whenever complimentary notations are used, the digit preceding, gets augmented by 1 and while normalising it gets reduced by 1. In the example (d) we see how only the digits greater than 5 are converted and the others remain as they are.

Before we take up other topics in Mathematics we cannot help but quote some examples on the philosophical aspect of numbers, which the ancient seers very effectively utilised.

Now let us consider this very interesting example. The idea of counting nine numbers and zero which is an Indian system is closely connected with nine months of development of human embryo. Man develops in nine months through nine successive stages, like the nine number and completes his birth in the 10th and this is the 10th Avatara of ‘MAN’ to put it figuratively. Similarly the body has nine openings (Navadvara) and the 10th being the Brahmadvara which can be located in the soft region in the head in a new born infant. This small micro-opening called the Brahmarandhra. At the top of the head through which a yogi leaves the body. Thus the 10th opening is the gate to the highest stage of development, similar to his birth from the womb in the 10th month. In the former he is delivered downwards and in the lateral upwards! This is the essence of story of deliverance of man from the imprisoning restrictions of matter which has been beautifully delineated in many philosophical Tantric and musical texts.

Similarly the concept of Sets and cardinal numbers are conceived by the Seers and scholars. For example we have deep significance for numbers like seven as Saptaswara (seven basic notes in Music), Sapta Rsis (seven great sages), Saptavarna (seven colours), nine planets (Navagrahas), Navanidhi (nine treasures), Dasadik (ten directions), Ekadasa Rudra (eleven Rudras), Dvadasamasa (twelve months), Saptavimsat Nakshatrah (27 stars) etc.

Similarly we can quote many examples from different branches of mathematics, even in geometry: the Sulva Sutras (which are the origin of geometry) make use of this branch of mathematics to construct varieties of altars for the purposes of sacrifices. The magnificent temples which stand testimony to the skills and designs of the workers are the living examples of applied mathematics.

Mathematics was also brought into worship by use of Mantrabandhas which are nothing but mystical geometric diagrams inscribed with digits or cosmic energy capsules (beejaksharas). These diagrams are of various sizes, shapes and colours. The word of Mantra and Tantra is indeed a network of energies, forces and vectors and are very dynamic. These geometric forms indicate outward manifestation of the spirit so as to exert its influence in the desired manner. The power possessed by the Yantra (graphical representation) is sought to be stepped up by their inscription and infusion of the appropriate Mantra. In short these can be termed in the modern context as the printed circuit boards which vibrate into light through the electrical energy passed and performs the desired functions independently and collectively. The Yantra is the basic hardware and the Mantra is the software.

CONCLUSIONS

1. Vedic/Ancient Indian Mathematics (VM/AIM) with their novel methods, techniques and approach help the learners to develop their aptitude and creative rational thinking.

2. The VM/AIM which have stood the test of time for centuries with their novel creative approach and techniques help the students to develop their intuitive capacity, which in turn has a positive impact on the right half of the brain, paving way for the holistic development.

3. Many workshops and courses conducted for students of different classes, be it urban or rural, have proved the efficacy of these and the results are very encouraging.

4. It has been found from practical trials that one year portion of school curriculum in mathematics can be completed in about 60% of the time, thus making learning faster and enjoyable. In fact VM/AIM has been popularly known as ‘Maths with Smiles’.

5. This will prove to be a boon for all the competitive exams, with its much faster and accurate results and can be adopted globally.

6. Learning of VM/AIM leads to education in different dimensions and appreciate philosophy, religion in better perspective which in turn has a positive impact on the personality development, leading to harmony and peace.

7. VM/AIM open up new vistas for R&D, especially on computer based numerical methods, development of new algorithms apart from opening up of frontier areas of interdisciplinary research. Example: Nyayasastra (one of the six Darshanas has wonderful scope in Artificial Intelligence). The author has already culled out and developed about 15 computer based numerical methods based on VM/AIM which are unique of their kind.

8. The Ancient Indian Mathematics not only kept up the curriculum development, but also made mathematics interesting to house wives, common people and people from non-mathematical areas of study. They composed aphorisms, slokas and hymns, which were lyrically beautiful yet mathematically precise, thus contributing to the holistic development of the subject.

9. Last but not the least, study and practice of VM/AIM with their creative and novel approach can aid in holistic development of personality. This will not only revive the ancient treasure of knowledge and wisdom, but also will be a true homage to the great Seers and Scholars of Yore.

Online business to business directory brings you a host of beautiful handicrafts and products made by talented craftsmen and artisans. These craftsmen are found in plenty in Indian small and cottage industries. It is these small scale industries which play a vital role in the economic progress of the country. The same was promoted by Indian government as it has a greater potential for employment generation. It played a pivotal role in industrial decentralisation and industrial expansion in villages too. With this, there was better distribution of wealth too. Business directories promoted products manufactured by these talented craftsmen and thus encouraged entrepreneur talent.

Handloom, khadi, handicrafts, sericulture, coir, bell metal and village industry products are popular among foreigners. To make it easier for them to access Indian craftsmen’s products business to business directories have been found in plenty online. Popular items found online are hand-woven shawls, stoles, bed spreads, beautifully embroidered table cloth, woollen items, kanjeevaram sarees. They also include other items like hosiery products, garments, leather products, fishing hook, engineering products which are now found in modern small scale set up.

These artisans are also renowned world wide for their textile handicrafts, stone carving, wooden carving, metal ware etc. Their products are not only beautiful but also guarantee quality unlike machine made items which have manufacture problems. Items like rubber products, plastic products, chemical products, glass and ceramic items are produced in small scale set up. Of late, artisans are also working on certain electronic items, electronic components and equipments, mechanical engineering items, transport equipment, hardware, automobile parts, sports goods, bicycle parts, instruments, watches and other stationery items.

Although, small scale industrial factories are concentrated more in villages they are also present in urban areas and usually they account for the maximum volume of production for that particular good in the country. Government of India is trying to promote such sectors as they have generated employment for many and are quite beneficial in villages. Hence they have taken the following steps in order to:

To encourage decentralized industrial expansion
To develop this small scale sector as a major source of employment
To mobilize capital investment and entrepreneurship skills
To ensure equitable distribution of income.

Find your prospective buyers and sellers because it acts as a one stop shop destination for them. Besides getting the comprehensive list of importers and exporters, they also offer value added services to facilitate end to end business interactions between the international trading community.