In Myth and Literature, the Mango Remains King BY HEATHER TIMMONS JUNE 4, 2012 1:19 AM June 4, 2012 1:19 am 9 The Trustees of the British MuseumA Gouache painting on paper depicting the deity Śiva meditating under a tree, with the deity Kama to his right. Kama is aiming his flowery arrow at Śiva.
For centurie <https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/04/world/asia/mango-season-has-india-in-thrall.html?ref=global-home>s, writers in South Asia have been inspired by the fruit, flower and leaf of the mango tree, penning celebrations of mango season, dissections of mango commerce and a whole genre of fiction dubbed “sari and mango <https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/a-new-bend-in-the-river>” novels. “Mangos are objects of envy, love, rivalry as well as a new status symbol for India’s new rich,” Jim Yardley writes <https://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/04/world/asia/mango-season-has-india-in-thrall.html?ref=global-home> in The New York Times on Tuesday. Blame, for one, the Vedic Cupid known as Kamadeva, or Kama. Kama shoots flower-tipped arrows at gods and humans alike, inspiring lust, love and the rainbow in between. One of his five arrows holds a mango blossom, said to be a particularly potent missile. A description of this potency can be found in the fourth century Sanskrit dramatist Kalidasa’s play “Shakuntala <https://books.google.co.in/books?id=_PuddhXSDpwC&pg=PA74&lpg=PA74&dq=First+maid.+Why,+little+bee,+you+know+that+the+cuckoo+goes+crazy+with+delight+when+she+sees+the+mango-blossom.&source=bl&ots=7_0lpbSPdX&sig=VO0ajGrm7lNJTpaIJx5f_i31uW0&hl=en&sa=X&ei=7HC_T8> :” *First maid*. Why, little bee, you know that the cuckoo goes crazy with delight when she sees the mango-blossom. *Second maid* (*joyfully*). Oh, has the spring really come? *First maid*. Yes, little bee. And this is the time when you too buzz about in crazy joy. *Second maid*. Hold me, dear, while I stand on tiptoe and offer this blossom to Love, the divine. *First maid*. If I do, you must give me half the reward of the offering. *Second maid*. That goes without saying, dear. We two are one. (*She leans on her friend and takes the mango-blossom*.) Oh, see! The mango-blossom hasn’t opened, but it has broken the sheath, so it is fragrant. (*She brings her hands together*.) I worship mighty Love, O mango-twig I give to Love As arrow for his bow, Most sovereign of his arrows five, Strike maiden-targets low. The mango finds a more exalted, and frequent, place in Hindu mythology that the apple does in Christianity, appearing as a knowledge-giving <https://hindumythologyforgennext.blogspot.in/2011/10/ganesha-wins-mango.html> object of desire for Ganesh and his brother and a symbol of fertility <https://books.google.com/books?id=SzLTWow0EgwC&pg=PA165&lpg=PA165&dq=mango+mythology+hindu&source=bl&ots=tuEzr9dkau&sig=fqzAvD4DgrIxfJdx7iob6airx04&hl=en&sa=X&ei=60PMT5GWJOnu0gG93a1r&ved=0CFoQ6AEwAzgK#v=onepage&q&f=false>, among other things. In more recent literature, the mango’s appearance, and use as a literary device, has been a bit less divinely inspired. “For you,” Dr. Aziz tells Dr. Fielding in “A Passage to India,” E.M. Forster’s 1924 classic, “I shall arrange a lady with breasts like mangoes.” The opening of Arundhati Roy’s “The God of Small Things” is ripe with portent, and with mangoes: “May in Ayemenem is a hot, brooding month. The days are long and humid. The river shrinks and black crows gorge on bright mangoes in still, dustgreen trees. Red bananas ripen. Jackfruits burst. Dissolute bluebottles hum vacuously in the fruity air. Then they stun themselves against clear windowpanes and die, fatly baffled by the sun.” In Indian literature, “mangoes tend to be luminescent orbs dangling in steamy air, glistening with sweetness, sex and Being itself, waiting to be plucked, caressed, birthed,” Randy Boyagoda wrote <https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/11/books/review/the-artist-of-disappearance-three-novellas-by-anita-desai-book-review.html> last year in The New York Times while reviewing Anita Desai’s “The Artist of Disappearance.” (Ms. Desai’s story collection benefited from being bereft of mangoes, he seems to imply in the review.) “I can only presume that the fact the mango’s shape, the fact that there’s a seed inside and that consuming the mango requires activities like sucking has contributed to eroticizing this fruit,” said Deepanjana Pal, an editor and author in Mumbai whose love for mangoes has been documented before <https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/10/travel/10mumbailetter.html?pagewanted=all> in the pages of The New York Times. “Interestingly,” she added, ”it has been used to denote everything from breasts to vagina to testicles.” In 2010, the author Rana Dasgupta proclaimed the end <https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/a-new-bend-in-the-river> of the “sari and mango” novel, saying Indian literature was branching out into “darker, messier terrain.” As literary evolution goes, he may very well be correct. But finding a fruit replacement for the mango isn’t likely. Bananas may be widely grown and distributed in India, but their appeal as a literary metaphor is limited. Ditto the small, prickly lychee. For literary inspiration, it seems, the mango may be the true king of fruits. KR IRS 19523 On Thu, 18 May 2023 at 17:14, 'gopala krishnan' via iyer123 < [email protected]> wrote: > *Mangoes of India – Tracing the king of fruits-FORWARD**- PART1* > > by Shabari Shankar | Posted on March 11, 2023 > > > > Respected friends, > > While going through Quora QA, I came across this article. The article was > found informative one and interesting to read. The article comes to more > than 31 pages and I will be posting it as three parts. This is first part > of the posting > > Gopalakrishnan 19-5-2023. > > > > India is home to a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables, among > which the golden fruit is mango. It stands out from the bountiful harvest > of our country. *It’s a fruit that can be eaten when it’s ripe or raw, > sweet or sour, pulpy or firm, but always a treat for your taste-buds.* > > Mangoes have a long and rich history in India. It is believed that *mangoes > were first cultivated in India more than 5,000 years ago*. The ancient > Indian scriptures, including the Vedas and the Puranas, mention the mango > fruit as a symbol of love, fertility, and prosperity. During ancient > times, it was called “Rasala” or “Sahakara”. > > *The mango was considered a royal fruit in ancient India and was often > served at the court of kings and nobles. Indian emperors, such as Akbar and > Jahangir, were known to be great admirers of mangoes*, and they even > developed new varieties of mangoes through cross-breeding. During the > medieval period, mangoes became a popular trade item, and *they were > exported to other countries, including Persia, Arabia, and East Africa.* > > *The Portuguese introduced the mango to the West, and it soon became > popular in Europe and the Americas*. > > The Malayalam word for this delicious fruit is “Maanga” but when the > Portuguese came to Kerala, it became “Maango”. > > *Today, India is the world’s largest producer of mangoes, accounting for > more than 40% of global production*. > > *Mango festivals are a common occurrence in many parts of India, where > people gather to celebrate the arrival of the mango season*. > > The annual Mango Festival in Delhi is a popular event that showcases over > 500 varieties of mangoes from across India. The best way to celebrate > mangoes and relish their scrumptiousness is by booking a cab to Delhi to > the annual Mango Festival, which takes place in 2023 on July 22. The juicy > and sumptuous fruit, which is native to India, often comes in different > hues that vary from golden to saffron to tender green. > > *Mangoes trail in India* > > Alphonso mangoes > > Sadabahar Mangoes and the Black Mango > > Raspuri & Badami mangoes > > Banganapalli > > Malgova/Mulgoba Mangoes > > Lakshmanbhog Mangoes > > Chausa Mangoes > > Dudhiya Malda > > Dasheri > > Langra > > Amrapali > > *The Mango trail – Exploring the drool-worthy varieties of the ‘king of > fruits’* > > The mango trail of India > > There are hundreds of varieties of mangoes grown in India, each with its > own unique flavour and texture. Indian mangoes are cherished across the > world and people eagerly wait for the arrival of the season every year. > *Here’s > a quick look at some of the most popular mango varieties found in India and > the region they belong to.* > > Alphonso mangoes – “King of mangoes”, rich and sweet in taste. > > Alphonso mangoes, also known as Hapus, are considered one of the most > premium varieties of mangoes in India. These mangoes are primarily grown in > the western state of *Maharashtra, particularly in the Ratnagiri, Raigad, > and Konkan regions.* > > Alphonso mangoes are known for their rich, creamy, and juicy texture with > a sweet and aromatic flavour that is unique to them. *They are > oval-shaped and medium-sized with a bright yellow-orange skin and a small > seed*. They have a thin skin and a thick, juicy pulp with very few > fibres, which makes them ideal for eating fresh or using in desserts, > smoothies, and shakes. > > Alphonso mangoes > > Alphonso mangoes have a short season from March to June and are in *high > demand both in India and abroad. They are also exported to several > countries, including the US, UK, and Middle East.* Alphonso mangoes have > received several international awards for their taste, flavour, and > quality, making them one of the most sought-after mango varieties in the > world. > > Location: Maharashtra > > Alphonso mangoes are a popular variety of mangoes that are primarily grown > in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Here are some places in Maharashtra > where you can find Alphonso mangoes: > > Ratnagiri – Ratnagiri district is known for its Alphonso mangoes and is > one of the major producers of the fruit. You can find them in local markets > and fruit stalls. > > Devgad – Devgad taluka in Sindhudurg district is another major producer > of Alphonso mangoes. You can find them in local markets and fruit stalls. > > Raigad – Raigad district is also known for its Alphonso mangoes. You can > find them in local markets and fruit stalls. > > Fernandes Wadi – This is a farm located in Devgad that grows Alphonso > mangoes using organic farming methods. > > Navsari Agricultural University -This is a university located in Navsari, > Gujarat, that has a research station in Dapoli, Maharashtra, where they > conduct research on mango cultivation, including Alphonso mangoes. > > Pawas Agritourism Farm – This is a farm located in Ratnagiri that offers > agritourism activities and grows Alphonso mangoes using natural farming > practices. > > Please note that availability may vary depending on the season and > location, so it’s always a good idea to check with the farm or local market > before visiting. > > Sadabahar Mangoes and the Black Mango – Rare and expensive > > Sadabahar mango is a lesser-known variety of mango that is grown in the > state of Uttar Pradesh in India. The word “Sadabahar” means “everlasting” > in Hindi, and the name is given to this mango variety because of its long > shelf life. > > Sadabahar mangoes are medium-sized with an oblong shape and > greenish-yellow skin when unripe. The flesh of this mango is firm, sweet, > and fibrous, *with a rich flavour that is often compared to honey.* This > mango is available from June to August. > > The exotic Black Mango is rare and extremely expensive because it has dark > violet skin with red pulp. This mango also contains very little sugar and > has a more acidic flavour, making it an excellent *choice for diabetics*. > Some experts believe this is the same as the Vanraj variety of mango found > in India. > > Location: Uttar Pradesh > > Here are some places where you may find Sadabahar mangoes, along with a > few farms that grow them: > > Lucknow – Lucknow in Uttar Pradeshis where Sadabahar mangoes are > available in local markets and fruit stalls. > > Mango Mandi, Saharanpur – This is a wholesale market located in > Saharanpur district where you can find a variety of mangoes including > Sadabahar, Langra, and Dasheri. > > Jaimal Singh Nursery, Malihabad – This is a nursery located in Malihabad, > near Lucknow, that grows a variety of mangoes including Sadabahar, Langra, > and Dussehri. > > Anwar Ratol Mango Farm, Lucknow – This is a farm located in Lucknow that > grows Sadabahar mangoes along with other varieties such as Alphonso and > Malihabad Safeda. > > Badshah Bagh, Lucknow – This is another farm located in Lucknow that > grows a variety of mangoes including Sadabahar, Langra, and Dussehri. > > Raspuri & Badami mangoes – “Alphonso of Karnataka”, sweet and flavoursome > > *Raspuri mangoes are primarily grown in the state of Karnataka* and are > known for their sweet and juicy flavour with delicate aroma. These mangoes > are small to medium in size with an oval shape and thin skin. The flesh of > the Raspuri mango is fibreless, making it ideal for eating fresh, making > smoothies or juices, and using in desserts. > > Badami mangoes, also known as Alphonso of Karnataka, are primarily grown > in the state of Karnataka and are similar to the Alphonso mangoes in terms > of texture and flavour. These mangoes are small to medium in size with an > oval shape and golden-yellow skin with a tinge of pink. The flesh of the > Badami mango is smooth and creamy with a sweet and rich flavour. > > Both Raspuri and Badami mangoes are in season from April to June and are > widely available in India during this time. *They are also exported to > several countries, including the US, UK, and Middle East.* These mango > varieties are considered to be among the best mangoes in India, and they > have a loyal following of fans who eagerly await their arrival every year. > > Location: Karnataka > > Here are some places in Karnataka where you can find Raspuri and Badami > mangoes: > > Bengaluru – You can find Raspuri and Badami mangoes in local markets and > fruit stalls in Bengaluru. > > Mysuru – Mysuru is a city in Karnataka known for its juicy Raspuri and > Badami mangoes. You can find them in local markets and fruit stalls. > > Mandya – Mandya is a district in Karnataka that is famous for its Raspuri > mangoes. You can find them in local markets and fruit stalls. > > Mango Mela, Lalbagh, Bengaluru – This is an annual mango festival held in > Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru, where you can find various types of > mangoes including Raspuri and Badami. > > Ravi Farms – This is a farm located in Ramanagara, near Bengaluru, that > grows Raspuri and Badami mangoes using organic farming methods. > > Pai Farm – This is a farm located in Mandya that grows high-quality > Raspuri mangoes using natural farming practices. > > T.S. Mango Farm – This is a farm located in Channapatna, near Mysuru, > that grows Badami mangoes along with other varieties such as Alphonso and > Mallika. > > Please note that availability may vary depending on the season and > location, so it’s always a good idea to check with the farm or local market > before visiting. > > *I will continue with Tommy Atkins mangoes in the next posting.* > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "iyer123" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/2110339527.2865739.1684455271379%40mail.yahoo.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/2110339527.2865739.1684455271379%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. 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