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Showing posts from March, 2025

Science of Shilpa Shastra

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Introduction  Shilpa Shastra, often referred to as the " Science of Arts and Crafts ," is an ancient Indian treatise that seamlessly combines aesthetics, technical expertise, and spirituality. Rooted in profound philosophy, this text serves as a comprehensive guide to sculpture, architecture, painting, and various crafts, with its principles deeply embedded in cultural and religious traditions. It lays down meticulous design standards, emphasizing harmony, proportions, and symbolic meanings, particularly in Hindu temple architecture and iconography.  Beyond mere craftsmanship, Shilpa Shastra offers insights into the connection between creativity and divinity, introducing the 64 external arts (Bahya-kala) and 64 internal arts (Abhyantara-kala) as part of its extensive knowledge repository. From the design of awe-inspiring temples to intricate sculptures that breathe life into myths, this ancient science represents the pinnacle of artistic and architectural innovation in India...

Physics of Earthquakes

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Introduction   Earthquakes are one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays of power, reminding us of the sheer force and unpredictability of our planet. These seismic events occur when immense stress builds deep within the Earth's crust, and the unstoppable energy erupts, shaking the ground with waves that ripple across landscapes and communities. This force embodies the raw and untamed essence of nature, which we strive to understand, harness, and coexist with. Through science, engineering, and innovation, we aim to mitigate the devastating effects of earthquakes, designing structures that resist their impact and studying the Earth's movements to predict future events. Yet, there’s an inherent tension between nature’s boundless energy and our desire for control—a dance of resilience, adaptation, and awe in the face of one of Earth’s most powerful phenomena. Earthquakes challenge us, not only scientifically but philosophically, as we grapple with our place in a world governed b...

Interplay of Art, Mind and Reality

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 Introduction  The interplay of art, mind, and reality is a fascinating dance that reflects how humans interpret, shape, and transcend their existence. The mind of an artist holds a profound secret, translating transcendent mental images into art. Art, in essence, is a reflection of the artist's mind. Human anatomy, as an example, is a highly sophisticated biological science. But what if I were to say that the human mind and the entirety of physical nature are the true sciences that hold every secret of the universe? Spiritual beliefs and many religions suggest that human consciousness has extraordinary abilities, often limited by formal education—"the basics we learn in school"—and by what society teaches us to accept. For instance, if you ask a student, “What is 2+2? ” they would simply answer, “4.” If you then ask, “Why is it 4 and not something else?” they might struggle to explain. This is because we are taught that 2+2 equals 4 without question or deeper understa...

The Invention of Blue LED

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 Introduction  Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have brought about a revolution in how we illuminate our world and display information. These fascinating semiconductor devices emit light when an electric current flows through them. The magic happens when electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes , releasing energy in the form of photons . The color of the light emitted depends on the energy required for electrons to cross the semiconductor's band gap. Using multiple semiconductors or a layer of light-emitting phosphor , we can even create white light.  Electronic symbol Parts of a conventional LED. The flat bottom surfaces of the anvil and post embedded inside the epoxy act as anchors, to prevent the conductors from being forcefully pulled out via mechanical strain or vibration. The story of LEDs dates back to 1962 when they first appeared as practical electronic components, emitting low-intensity infrared (IR) light. These IR LEDs became essential in remo...