Hinduism Today January 2009 - Cover, Index, Front Articles

www.hinduismtoday.comarcheologyArchaeos Opens a Digital Window on Fabulous VijayanagaraSince we first wrote aboutthis site in 2001, Archaeos completedtwo more years of mappingthe renowned city of Vijayanagar inSouth India. In the 15th century, thisHindu “City of Victory” was possiblythe largest city (650 sq. km.) in theworld. It was ruthlessly destroyed450 years ago by Muslim armies.The Archaeos Vijayanagar MappingProject (www.archaeos.org/vmp/)was conducted from 2001-2003.From fields of rubble, Archaeos hascaptured remarkable views of a civilizationwhose influence reached thefar shores of Indonesia and Vietnamand changed the world. Archeostried to answer some key archeologicalquestions. How big was the city?What size were the complexes?What were they used for? The projectresult web site contains panoramas,photos, PDFs of archeologicalreports and videos. Be sure to gothrough each link. At the “Features”link, stop and click on every view tosee closeups of carvings, walls, enclosures,tools, etc.Only a limited area of the ruinshas been designated for conservation.The Archaeos mapping projecthas proved that the extent of the cityis much greater. “It is hoped that thework will aid in the preservation ofthe site as a whole, known as ‘Groupof Monuments at Hampi’ on UNES-CO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Itcovers zones not currently protectedor designated for excavation andprovides another perspective onmore areas within this culturallyrich and lively yet endangered site.”Above is a frame from one of the eleven panoramas thatsurvey the ruins of one of history’s earliest citiesagricultureMagical NeemNeem is india’s miracle tree azadiractaindica. The Neem Foundation(www.neemfoundation.org) has become averitable people’s movement, with a hightech Web 2.0 site and a mission of “GreeningIndia with neem.” The site explains thetree’s many uses and its history in India, itsimportance to ecosystems, natural medicine,animal health, organic farming, pest controland economic potential.While sharing information on a magicalplant that cures many ailments, preventspregnancy and repels pests, the NeemFoundationalso shows viewers how toget involved, using the neem tree as a focusfor environmental activism.The mission statement on the “WhoAre We” page says it all: “Neem Foundationis a voluntary, independent, nonprofitorganization. More importantly,it is a people’s movement —an initiativethat involves ordinary citizens of theworld, a forum for individuals and institutionswho would like to make a difference.“It is a platform for people, whowould like to see the world return to naturefor answers; who would like to lendtheir might to fight poisoning of our soil,pollution of air and ground water, anddesertification. The Neem Foundationstrives to popularize simple, natural solutionsand help people raise their voices untilthe authorities respond to stop the exploitationof the earth by commercial interests. It isthe apex body of all neem movements aroundthe world.”Don’t walk, but fly to this site to find outwhat you can do. And plant a Neem treetoday!