Sriram Warrier: July 2024

Friday, July 26, 2024

Anthropological approach to Food and Health in human lifestyle

Outline: The article takes you back in time to understand our primates and learn their activities and lead you to the present time, explaining where we are and what we are doing in terms of our lifestyle. This article is more focused onto food and health of human beings.

*********

In the universe, on the planet earth,, there is life. Plants thrived on earth for a long time and evolved long before animals started existing one earth. There are about 8.7 million animal species on earth and one must understand that we are just one among them.

We still live in an ice age but towards the end of its cycle. Such a time period when the the earth is getting warmer is called interglacial period. During this time, chimpanzees and apes lived on trees. They nested on the branches of trees and lived together. While the weather became warmer over time, ice began to melt. The trees and plants were now getting more greener and the leaves were getting drier during the hot weather. This caused forest fires and a vast area of forests were lost due to this. Such a scenario made way for the formation of savannahs. While this was happening, one of our unrelated primates were unable to accommodate themselves on trees since they are depleting in quantity. One of those species were Australopithecus. There are many sub categorization of this species. some of them are Australopithecus anamensis, Australopithecus afarensis etc. While they started to find a space to accommodate themselves, they climbed down and initiated exploring on the surface of earth, that is on the land. They were able to find fallen fruits, nuts, seeds, insects, grasses, plants and other things for food, They sometimes slept on the ground near the trees but mostly spent the night on the trees itself since they had the ability to climb them as well. While they started to spend more time on earth in walking and running, their body started to adapt these new traits and changed happened to various body parts in order to accommodate these traits. This was the result of bipedalism in those species. Bipedalism gave them the ability to stand up straight and look more far for potential dangers or to look out for food. It enabled them to use hands to carry things such as leaves, wood, stones etc. It helped them regulate body temperature by standing erect such that the temperature on the ground does not affect the torso or the head part of the whole body. One of the species who started using stone tools were Australopithecus Afarensis. These tools were later developed by Australopithecus Garhi and it was seen that usage of such tools lead to a new item in their diet, which is meat.

It was seen in Australopithecus Garhi that usage of stone tools lead to developing of their hands and palms. The length of the fingers decreased which enabled them to hold onto the stones and other similarly sized items in their custody. Further, not usage of hand to walk shortened the length of the hand and they were less strong like they used to be because they no longer hung on trees or used them to pass on from branch to branch. Having a meat based diet had a significant assistance to the cerebral development as there were more protein and fat coming into the body this caused an expansion of cranial space to accommodate a larger brain. This is the start of evolution of the species to other decedents ultimately leading to the evolution of human beings. Australopithecus species later on went extinct due to a competitive fellow primates other stronger and developed primates evolved known as Neanderthals' and Homo species. Neanderthals and Homo species, such as Homo Habilis and Homo Erectus lived closely sharing values. They also had cross breeding as well and you can see that todays human beings, few of them share DNA with that of the Neanderthals'. Because of the fact that they were lazy to push themselves to tackle the changing climate and attaining a share of the resources, the homo habilis and homo erectus went eventually extinct. To a certain level, the homo sapiens and Neanderthals' interbred together but later on Neanderthals' also went extinct. What is remaining today is the species Homo Sapiens and we human beings are one among them

Human beings are one of the most intelligent species on earth for they can think, make quick and optimistic decision and have values among themselves. Human beings were hunter gatherers initially. Throughout the time, we inherited the technologies of stone tools, bone tools and tools made of timber from our non related primates and they were used by us to hunt animals and collect other resources. We lived in groups and each member were an active member to go and hunt the animals, collect the meat, honey, fruits, nuts, seeds, plants, etc and gather them and bring it to the dwelling area. Also we were nomads and we moved around after staying at one place for some time. The stone age diet was one of the most fitting lifestyle for human beings always for there was a rhythm in it.

A group of hunter gatherers mostly rely on plant based food such as leaves, fruits and nuts. It is only at times they hunt big animals for meat. Once they decide to hunt them down, they start to find their territory and start preparing the tools and other required needs. Hunting an animal is not a one day job. Some animals do not have sweat because of the absence of the sweat glands. For example, a cat or a dog do not sweat. To maintain the thermal equilibrium they put their tongue out and the body heat is exchanged through it. Similarly pigs spend most of the time in mud and a deer pant heavily to dissipate heat. On the other hand, human beings have sweat glands and can dissipate heat through sweating. Thus while hunting a deer for an example, a deer runs swiftly while human run in lesser speed. But the deer can get exhausted after a run and stops to breathe heavily. Meanwhile the humans or the hunters can track the deer track and smell leading to the place where the deer has stopped. This is a bit lengthier process and finally the hunter can attack the deer for its meet.

After hunting the deer, they cut it into multiple pieces and bring it to their camp. The other members join them in preparing a meat based meal. The skin can be used as a clothing, the horns have other purpose, the bones have other purpose and the surplus meat is stored for the next day until it go stale. Next they don't go out to hunt another animal sooner but they just walk around for days collecting other food. Meanwhile they have plant based food to sustain themselves. During this plant based diet, the body gets more rest and it is an opportunity for the body to repair itself from all those heavy muscle involved activity as well as the cuts and bruises. This was the primary lifestyle of hunter gathers and it went on until about 12000 years ago when agriculture was discovered.

Human beings later on found out that they could grow eatable plants and fruits. They also domesticated animals such as cocks and roosters for food. When agriculture was introduced, there were surplus of food items. This surplus enabled humans to store them in a safe place. Such a practice lead us to stop travelling around because we are able to grow food around ourself and all we need is a strong shelter to dwell. The focus of evolution later on changed to developing of social values, cultural aspects such as daily activities and practices, formation of different religion and religious values. While human beings started to live an extended life, there were competition amongst ourselves for getting our hands on resources such as food and later this was extended to having a control of land. In the last few thousand years, we have managed to create a matrix in which every society found a common point accepted by all. This matrix was controlled by certain elements within it.

Let me explain the rest of the points from a perspective of the culture in Kerala. Agriculture was one of the important aspect in Kerala and almost everyone had farming land and were farmers. There will be a rich and powerful landlord who lend his land to farmers to cultivate crops. The farmers work hard under the hot sun no matter what the result is and earn a small amount of money as their fee. Meanwhile the landlord have one full rice meal thrice a day everyday doing nothing. It can be observed that the farmers have about equal carbs that the landlord have but they are fit while the landlord has attained more fat in their body.

Carbohydrates are one of the main food in Kerala and we have them in abundant. These carbs are not a bad thing as far as we are burning them through some or the other physical work. If we are sitting in front of a computer, we don't really need food to eat. Those farmers burnt carbs everyday and that's the reason they are more healthy. When a carbohydrate enters the body, it is converted into sugar. When a body is physically active, it demands energy and these sugars are converted into energy. when a body is not demanding energy, these sugars are surplus entity. When unused, the body converts them into fat and stores them in the pockets of muscles initially. If these spaces are fully occupied by the surplus fat, the body will dump them into spaces around our vital organs and later one inside these organs. One of the result of this dumped fat is blocked artery that leads to a heart attack.

This is one of the prime reason why a human body is required to be physically active. Having food in a timed way everyday is not really needed. A fixed time to have food is actually a part of the matrix that i mentioned above. How can we have food then? Let us look at what our ancestors did. As mentioned above earlier, hunter gatherers ate meat once in a while and otherwise they had fruits and nuts. This means that one should have something or the other once in four hours. We should ensure that the food we eat should only fill a small part of the stomach and never fill it up to the brim. When a stomach is fully filled, the body has to focus on breaking this food into the respective nutrients and will not help us in building and repairing the body effectively. Another point to remember is that our heart plays an important role in absorbing nutrients. A healthy flow of blood is important for the body to absorb nutrients efficiently and this is why one should exercise regularly. This was something that was automatic in the case of our ancestors. Hunting itself was a natural exercise. To maintain that or as an excuse we invented the concept of going to gym and other activities such as Yoga and meditation. Thus one should note that not filling the stomach to the brim, to maintain the physical fitness and to monitor and ensure that the heart is working effectively is what we have to concentrate today.

This is a very boring but interesting perspective I have on ourself. For I was just amazed to see that whatever we are doing today to maintain our health is something the nature had already given us long ago. Our own decision made us not to use them effectively. Thus we are managing to age quickly eventually causing death.

***********

I took references from certain website to make my points stronger. Some part of this articles is a bit of my own imagination that occurred to me while they were acting as a bridge between two referred points. Also you can comment below if i had made a blunder and this article is open for discussion as well. Not sure how many is going to read them but thank you.

References

Blakemore, E. (2023). Who were the Neanderthals—and why did they go extinct? [online] History. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/who-were-the-neanderthals#:~:text=Some%20surmise%20that%20competition%20from.

Deer Association. (2022). How to Create a Heat Refuge for Deer | National Deer Association. [online] Available at: https://deerassociation.com/how-to-create-a-heat-refuge-for-deer/#:~:text=This%20adaptation%20allows%20for%20evaporation [Accessed 26 Jul. 2024].

Garlinghouse, T. (2019). Unraveling the Mystery of Human Bipedality. [online] SAPIENS. Available at: https://www.sapiens.org/archaeology/human-bipedality/.

GoodRx. (n.d.). How Often Should You Eat? Here’s What the Experts Say. [online] Available at: https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/how-often-should-you-eat.

Kemeny,Sapiens, R. (n.d.). Fat, Not Meat, May Have Led to Bigger Hominin Brains. [online] Scientific American. Available at: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fat-not-meat-may-have-led-to-bigger-hominin-brains/#:~:text=The%20prevailing%20view%2C%20supported%20by.

mhuazano (2024). How exercise can help-or hurt-your digestion. [online] Newsroom. Available at: https://keck.usc.edu/news/how-exercise-can-help-or-hurt-your-digestion/#:~:text=Over%20the%20long%20term%2C%20exercise [Accessed 26 Jul. 2024].

National Geographic Society (2023). Hunter-Gatherer Culture | National Geographic Society. [online] education.nationalgeographic.org. Available at: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/hunter-gatherer-culture/.

National Geographic. (n.d.). The Evolution of Diet. [online] Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/foodfeatures/evolution-of-diet/#:~:text=So%20far%20studies%20of%20foragers.

ScienceDaily. (n.d.). How many species on Earth? About 8.7 million, new estimate says. [online] Available at: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823180459.htm#:~:text=08/110823180459.htm- [Accessed 26 Jul. 2024].

The Smithsonian Institution’s Human Origins Program. (n.d.). Australopithecus afarensis. [online] Available at: https://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/australopithecus-afarensis#:~:text=How%20They%20Survived%3A-.

Ward, C. and Hammond, A. (2016). Australopithecus and Kin | Learn Science at Scitable. [online] www.nature.com. Available at: https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/australopithecus-and-kin-145077614/.

www.mpg.de. (n.d.). Oldest evidence of human stone tool use and meat-eating found. [online] Available at: https://www.mpg.de/research/oldest-evidence-human-stone-tool-use#:~:text=The%20bones%20date%20to%20roughly%203.4%20million [Accessed 26 Jul. 2024].

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Alternate history of Kerala (Travancore / Thiruvithamkoor)

A note to the readers,

This is an alternate history made with the help of artificial intelligence. It all started with a simple idea and I had to compromise my sleep just to make this in one go. I have tried to make all the parts quite interesting and engaging. Furthermore, you can also find the photographs attached to this letter towards the end as well. Consider this as an artwork and I confirm this has nothing to do with any of the real-time politics in the world. Hope you enjoy this piece of work.

Thank you

The Story starts from here.

In the year 1729, King Marthanda Varma of Venad abolished the Ettuveetil Pillamar, a group of feudal lords who had challenged his authority. He then established a new dominion and named it Travancore, meaning "the land of the three crowned kings". He embarked on a series of reforms and innovations, such as investing in education, research and development of weapons, and opening a port at Vizhinjam. He also expanded his territory by annexing several neighboring kingdoms and states.

In 1741, the Dutch East India Company attacked Travancore at the Battle of Colachel, hoping to gain control of the lucrative spice trade. However, they were decisively defeated by Marthanda Varma's army, which had superior firearms and tactics. The Dutch commander, Eustachius De Lannoy, was captured and later became a loyal general of Travancore. He helped modernize the Travancore army and navy, and introduced European techniques of fortification and administration.

The British East India Company, which had established its presence in India since the 17th century, became aware of Travancore's growing power and influence. While they were busy conquering the north of India, they also tried to attack Travancore by sea and land, but they failed miserably. The Travancore army, led by Marthanda Varma and De Lannoy, repelled the British invasions with their superior artillery and naval forces. The British suffered heavy losses and had to retreat from the south of India.

Marthanda Varma died in 1758, leaving behind a legacy of a strong and prosperous kingdom. He was succeeded by his niece, Lakshmi Varma, who became the first female ruler of Travancore. She continued her uncle's policies and reforms, and also maintained friendly relations with other Indian states, such as Mysore, Hyderabad, and the Maratha Empire. She was followed by her daughter, Usha Varma, who ruled from 1766 to 1798. She was a benevolent and popular ruler, who patronized arts, culture, and religion. She also defended Travancore from the attacks of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, who had allied with the French.

In 1789, Tipu Sultan invaded Malabar, a region under the Zamorin of Calicut, and tried to establish his authority over the local rulers and communities. He also planned to attack Travancore from the north, and breach the Nedumkotta fortifications, which had prevented his father Hyder Ali from annexing the kingdom. However, he was met with fierce resistance from the Travancore army, led by Raja Kesavadas, the Dewan of Travancore. The Travancore army successfully repulsed the Mysore army at the Battle of Nedumkotta, and inflicted heavy casualties on them. Tipu Sultan was forced to retreat from Malabar, and abandon his ambitions of conquering Travancore. Usha Varma then took advantage of the situation, and annexed Malabar into the Travancore empire, with the consent of the Zamorin and the local rulers. She also established a strong administration and a fair taxation system in Malabar, and won the loyalty and gratitude of the people.

In 1798, Balarama Varma ascended the throne of Travancore. He was a young and ambitious ruler, who dreamed of expanding his kingdom beyond its borders. He launched his first campaign to conquer Cochin, a neighboring kingdom that had been a rival and an ally of Travancore. He defeated the Cochin army at the Battle of Aluva, and annexed Cochin into his empire. He also moved the capital from Travancore to Cochin, and built a new palace and a fort there. He also established a new port and a naval base at Cochin, and strengthened his maritime power.

In 1805, Balarama Varma launched his second campaign to conquer Goa, a Portuguese colony that had been a major trading center and a stronghold of Christianity in India. He defeated the Portuguese army and navy at the Battle of Mormugao, and captured Goa. He also expelled the Portuguese missionaries and officials, and converted the churches and convents into temples and schools. He also established a new port and a naval base at Goa, and increased his trade and commerce with other countries and regions.

In 1812, Balarama Varma launched his third campaign to conquer Tamil Nadu, a region that had been ruled by various kingdoms and states, such as the Pandyas, the Cholas, the Nayaks, the Carnatic, and the British. He defeated the British army at the Battle of Tirunelveli, and captured the southern part of Tamil Nadu. He also defeated the other rulers and states, and annexed the rest of Tamil Nadu into his empire. He also moved the capital from Cochin to Madurai, and built a magnificent temple and a palace there. He also established a new port and a naval base at Tuticorin, and enhanced his naval supremacy.

The British Empire, which had consolidated its power in the north of India, was alarmed by the rise of Travancore. They tried to undermine and destabilize the empire by waging guerrilla warfare and creating ruckus occasionally. This became a headache for Balarama Varma, who decided to directly attack the British Empire. Using his newly developed navy, he moved his soldiers to England. He landed at Portsmouth in 1815, and marched towards London. He met the British army at the Battle of Waterloo, where he outnumbered and outmatched them. He made them flee from their own land, and captured London. He then proclaimed himself as the King of England, and demanded the surrender of the Queen of England, who was observing these developments from Windsor Castle. She had no choice but to order the immediate transfer of power of the East India Company to the British monarchy, and to abdicate her throne in favor of Balarama Varma.

Balarama Varma then proceeded to conquer the rest of the United Kingdom, and then moved on to the north of the British Empire, such as Wales and Scotland and Ireland. He also annexed other British controlled territories, such as Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. He established a global empire, with Madurai as its capital. He ruled with an iron fist, and imposed his culture and religion on his subjects. He also suppressed any resistance or rebellion with brutal force.

In the 20th century, the world witnessed the rise and glory of the Travancore Empire. Balarama Varma died in 1845, and was succeeded by his son, Vishnu Varma, who was a wise and visionary ruler. He faced many challenges and opportunities from within and outside his empire. He was able to cope with the demands of his vast and diverse empire, and fostered peace and prosperity among his people. He also maintained friendly and diplomatic relations with other powers, such as the United States of America, Russia, and China, who respected his dominance and influence. He also avoided the outbreak of the First World War, which involved many of his allies and enemies, by mediating and negotiating between them.

Vishnu Varma also embarked on a series of reforms and innovations, such as developing the economy, infrastructure, and trade of his empire. He promoted industrialization, urbanization, and modernization, and built railways, roads, bridges, dams, and airports across his empire. He also encouraged education, science, and technology, and established universities, research institutes, and laboratories in his empire. He also supported arts, culture, and religion, and patronized artists, writers, and scholars in his empire. He also expanded his ports and naval fleets, and established trade and commerce with other countries and regions. He became known as the Emperor of the World, and his empire was the most powerful and prosperous in the world.

Vishnu Varma ruled until 1914, when he peacefully abdicated his throne in favor of his son, Rama Varma, who continued his father's policies and reforms. He also faced the emergence of new challenges and threats, such as the rise of nationalism, communism, and fascism in the world. He also faced the outbreak of the Second World War, which involved many of his former allies and enemies. He managed to maintain his empire's neutrality and security, and also provided humanitarian aid and assistance to the war-torn countries. He also initiated the process of decolonization and democratization, and granted independence and autonomy to many of his former colonies and states. He also formed a federation of nations, called the Travancore Commonwealth, which was based on the principles of cooperation, mutual respect, and human rights.

Rama Varma ruled until 1947, when he decided to abdicate his throne to Marthanda Varma II to preserve his empire and its sovereignty, and rejected the idea of transforming it into a republic. He became the Emperor of Travancore, and oversaw the continuation of a monarchical and constitutional system of government. He also ensured the unity and diversity of his empire, and respected the rights and freedoms of its people. He also maintained the empire's status and role as a global leader and partner, and participated in the formation of the United Nations and other international organizations. He also promoted the values of peace, justice, and harmony in the world.

In the dawn of the 21st century, the Travancore Empire experienced a significant shift in leadership as Marthanda Varma II relinquished his throne to his successor, Aditya Varma. The Empire, under the new regime, continued to flourish as a robust and stable entity, with a rich and vibrant culture that celebrated its heritage and embraced modern influences. The economy of the Empire was dynamic and innovative, with a focus on sustainable development and growth. The society of the Empire was progressive and inclusive, with equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, caste, or religion.

The Empire also maintained a cordial and cooperative relationship with its former British colonies, which had achieved independence and prosperity. The Empire continued to be a loyal friend to these nations, supporting them in their endeavors. Additionally, the Empire maintained a close and harmonious relationship with the princely states in the northern region of present-day India.

The legacy of Travancore continued to shape the world as it entered a new era of history, leaving an indelible mark on the global landscape. The Empire's achievements in various fields, such as art, literature, science, and technology, were a testament to its enduring influence on the world.

The End