CULTURAL QA 12202312
Q1 Do elephants sleep lying down (or standing like horses?)
KR: Mammals have wide diversity in sleep phenomena. Generally,
they go through periods of alternating non-REM and REM sleep, but these
manifest differently. Horses and other herbivorous ungulates can sleep
while standing, but must necessarily lie down for REM sleep (which causes
muscular atony) for short periods. SO, EVEN HORSES DOES NOT SLEEP ALL THE
TIME STANDING. Some animals never exhibit a state that meets the
behavioural definition of sleep. Others suspend or greatly reduce ‘sleep’
behaviour for many weeks during the postpartum period or during seasonal
migrations without any consequent ‘sleep debt.’ Rats die from one form of
sleep deprivation, but sleep loss has not been shown to cause death in
well-controlled studies in other vertebrate species. Some marine mammal
species do not show evidence for REM sleep, and convincing evidence for
this state in reptiles, fish and insects is lacking. The enormous variation
in the nature of rest and sleep states across the animal kingdom and within
the mammalian class has important implications for understanding the
evolution and functions of sleep.
It has been shown that cockroaches, bees and scorpions have
quiescent behaviours with elevated arousal thresholds. Rest deprivation,
studied in cockroaches, did not produce a significant or consistent
increase in rest time during the recovery period, although it did produce
increases in metabolic rate, with all effects being critically dependent on
the exact parameters of the stimulation used to arouse them. Circadian
changes in sensory response thresholds have been documented in bees].
Changes in certain movement parameters were reported after disturbance of
the quiescent state in bees, although no increase in rest duration was
noted. *Drosophila* appear to show a behavioural state which satisfies all
the behavioural criteria of sleep. In this case, as in the other
non-mammalian species, it is unclear whether the *Drosophila* state that
meets criteria for sleep is homologous or analogous to the sleep state
experienced by humans. Clearly the anatomical and some of the neurochemical
properties of sleep cannot exist in insects, because of the differences in
the structure of their nervous systems. No claims of insect REM sleep have
been made. There are more than 700 000 insect species; there are more than
30 000 species of fish. They vary in size, diet and ecological
specialization. Fewer than 10 fish species have been examined for rest or
sleep behaviour in laboratory studies.
Q2 What technology did ancient civilisations have that we still
don't understand today?
KR: Why did Saravana Muthu the great archaeologist of Gopala went
to Turkey? What about this? https://youtu.be/YJamQMBJMXU
Q3 What are some mind-blowing facts about the oceans?
G My note- While a few repeats are there, some very good and new
information are also there. Hence included in this QA
1. Largest habitat: The oceans are the largest habitat on Earth, hosting a
vast array of life forms. Around 94% of all living species on the planet
are aquatic.
KR It is good information. How ever, the above information provided
lack authenticity. (94% is because of the estimated unit levels of species
habitats, compared with human habitats alone. I shall give you another
stat. Forests cover almost a third of the global land. (33%); so, 70% of
water includes some forest lands also where water resources counted. Most
of the Earth’s terrestrial biodiversity is in its forests.
- Forests contain 60,000 different tree species,
- 80 percent of amphibian species,
- 75 percent of bird species, and
- 68 percent of the world's mammal species.
- Hence 7 to 8 billion humans could only be a very low percentage. But
unit counts of species would definitely be of high percentage.
Q4 The Romans were very successful in building an empire. Why did
they fail to bring tranquillity and peace to Judea?
KR A repeat and surprise is furnishing misinformation, even after the tru
roman history I wrote with the authenticity.
Q5 Do big predators like lions, tigers, etc. ever show fear towards
hyenas?
KR: Hyna is an animal eating the waste and the greatest fearful
animal.
Q6 Who was the smartest Mughal?
G Noor Jahan!
“I have sold my kingdom to my beloved queen for a cup of wine and a dish
of soup.”- Jahangir about his wife Noor Jahan.
KR It is not untrue but real history could have been read before
writing story and calling her smart etc; in the history wine woman played a
lot of role and that is not smart one:” Divergent views have been expressed
regarding the marriage of Nur Jahan with Jahangir. According to one version
Jahangir earlier known as prince Salim chanced to see Mihr-un-Nisa when she
used to come to the palace of emperor Akbar with her mother and fell in
love with her. But Akbar got her married to an Afghan chief named Sher
Afghan.
When Salim became the emperor of Delhi, he got Sher Afghan killed and
married Mihr-un-Nisa and Nur Mahal (Light of the Palace) and later on Nur
Jahan (Light of the World). However, according to the other version, there
was no such romance.
Without going into details, here we quote only two historians.
Dr. Beni Prasad has rejected the story of romance between Mihr-un- Nisa and
prince Salim and that Jahangir was involved in the incident of death of
Sher Afghan. He writes: “An attentive study of contemporary authorities and
of the well-established facts themselves knocks the bottom out of the whole
romance and the character of Jahangir and Nur Jahan appear in a truer and
more favourable light.” Dr. R.P. Tripathi and Dr. S.R. Sharma have on the
other hand also supported the contention of Dr. Beni Prasad.
Dr. Ishwari Prasad writes: “A careful perusal of contemporary chronicles
leaves upon our minds the impression that the circumstances of Sher
Afghan’s death are of a highly suspicious nature, although there is no
conclusive evidence to prove that the emperor was guilty of the crime.”
A contemporary Dutch writer De Laet, has described the romance of prince
Salim with Mihr-un-Nisa in his famous work, Description of India and
Fragment of Indian History in these words, “as she was engaged to Sher
Afghan, Akbar did not permit her marriage with Salim. But Salim never
forgot his love towards her.”
*Character of Nur Jahan and her influence over Jahangir:*
Nur Jahan was a cultured educated, intelligent and dominating lady. She was
fond of music, painting and poetry. She composed verses in Persian. She
designed new varieties of cotton and silk fabrics. She suggested models of
jewellery. Thus she set the fashions of the age. About Nur Jahans’
influence over Jahangir, Dr. Beni Prasad has observed “Nur Jahan ruled him
(Jahangir) for fourteen years and during the last five years of his reign,
Nur Jahan alone controlled him.” Nur Jahan’s influence over Jahangir had
positive as well as negative effects but the negative ones had serious
effects on the running of the affairs of the state.
*Positive effects:*
*1. Somewhat sober effect on Jahangir’s Character:*
Under the influence of Nur Jahan, Jahangir effected reduction in his
consumption of wine.
*2. Philanthropist work:*
A kind and compassionate lady, she greatly helped the poor, the orphan and
the widows.
*3. Development of art and literature:*
Herself a cultured lady, Nur Jahan patronized art and literature. She
brought about a revolutionary change in dresses and designs of ornaments.
*Negative and damaging effects:*
1. Undue favours to her relatives.
2. Efforts to eliminate the influence of prince Khurram (later emperor Shah
Jahan) resulting in his revolt.
3. Loss of Qandhar.
4. Revolt of Mahabat Khan, a trusted officer of Jahangir.
*Two phases of the influence of Nur Jahan on Jahangir:*
Nur Jahan’s influence on Jahangir may be divided into two phases first
phase (1611-1622) and the second phase (1622-1627).
*First phase of Nur Jahan’s influence (1611-1621):*
NUR JAHAN JUNTA SOON after her marriage with Jahangir, Nur Jahan, as highly
ambitious she was, formed a group of five—herself, her mother Asmat Begum,
her father Ghias beg Itama-ud-Dulla, her brother Asaf Khan and prince
Khurram (son-in-law of her brother Asaf Khan). First of all, Nur Jahan gave
powerful posts to this group. Her father managed to occupy the position of
the Prime Minister and her brother as Finance Minister.
Nur Jahan got her name struck upon the coins of all the firmans’ (royal
orders), her name along with Jahangir appeared. She also often appeared in
the ‘jharoka’ along with the emperor. She listened to the complaints of her
subjects.
Nur Jahan and her ‘Junta’ exercised full control over state administration.
The highest nobles and dignitaries of the state presented themselves before
her and listened to her dictates. All important appointments, promotions,
postings, transfers and dismissals were done at her behest and consent.
“She was”, as Dr. V.A. Smith Says, “a power behind the throne.”
Sir Thomas Roe, the ambassador of the king of England, who stayed in the
Mughal court from 1615-1618 has remarked, “All power vested in the clique
(‘Jinta”) of Nur Jahan at that time. It was impossible to get any work done
without the help of her brother Asaf Khan and his son-in-law Prince
Khurram. Her influence had increased so much that even powerful Amirs like
Mahabat Khan feared her. Jahangir himself was in pleasure day and might,
resigning the entire administration to her.”
*Second phase of Nur Jahan’s influence (1622-1627):*
During this period, Nur Jahan became all the more powerful. Several factors
contributed to this. First, Jahangir’s health deteriorated. Second, Nur
Jahan’s mother died in 1621 and her father in 1622. Therefore, she was
deprived of the sober and beneficial influence of her parents. Thirdly, Nur
Jahan’s daughter. Ladli Begum by her late husband Sher Afghan, was married
to prince Shahryar (son of Jahangir).
She, therefore desired- that Shahryar and not prince Khurram (Shah Jahan)
may become the emperor. So this marriage brought about a change in
power-politics. Shahryar was not as capable as Khurram.
*Prince Khurram’s revolt:*
The fort of Qandhar was captured by Persia in 1622. Prince Khurram was
asked to reconquer Qandhar. Khurram apprehended that his absence from the
capital would be utilised by Nur Jahan to prejudice his claim to the throne
and to strengthen her son-in-law Shahryar. He, therefore, refused to move.
Not only this he rose in revolt.
Mahabat Khan was sent to crush the revolt. At last Khurram asked Jahangir’s
pardon for his mistakes. Nur Jahan who at that time wanted to check the
increasing power of Mahabat Khan, got prince Khurram pardoned by Jahangir.
*Revolt of Mahabat Khan (1626):*
Mahabat Khan was one of the most capable commanders of Jahangir. He was
liked by Jahangir very much. Nur Jahan decided to break the power of
Mahabat Khan. Mahabat Khan was humiliated in several ways. Ultimately he
revolted.
Mahabat Khan had an upper hand in the beginning. Nur Jahan even had to
surrender but very diplomatically, she sowed dissensions in the camp of
Mahabat Khan and he was forced to seek pardon of Jahangir. Jahangir,
keeping in view his past services, pardoned him. Thereafter, Mahabat Khan
fled away to Sind.
*Nur Jahan’s last years:*
When Jahangir’s sudden death took place in December 1627, Nur Jahan
declared Shahryar, her son-in-law to be the emperor of Delhi but Khurram’s
father-in-law Asaf Khan (brother of Nur Jahan), cleverly defeated the plan
of Nur Jahan. Prince Khurram who was in the Deccan, immediately came to
Agra and imprisoned Nur Jahan and Shahryar.
Thereafter he sanctioned sufficient pension for Nur Jahan. She spent the
remaining 18 years of her life peacefully without interfering with
politics. She died in 1645 and was buried at Lahore, near the tomb of
Jahangir.
[ KR IRS 12 12 23]
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: 'gopala krishnan' via iyer123 <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2023 at 16:52
Subject: [iyer123] CULTURAL QA 12-2023-12
To: Patty Thatha <[email protected]>, Iyer <
[email protected]>, Kerala Iyer <[email protected]>
CULTURAL QA 12-2023-12
All the BELOW simple and curious QA are from Quora DIGEST to me
on 12-12-2023.
SELECTED QUORA ANSWERS BY EXPERTS ONLY ARE INCLUDED .STILL THEY NEED NOT
BE 100% CORRECT ANSWERS.
Compiled and posted by R. Gopala Krishnan, 80, on 112-12-2023.
Q1 Do elephants sleep lying down (or standing like horses?)
A1 Ethology, Answered by Alice G.Jul 23
This heartBwarming photo captures a family of elephants in restful repose.
Elephants sleep on average two hours a night, the shortest recorded time
for a land mammal.
Some days they don't sleep at all, staying awake for up to 46 consecutive
hours and covering considerable distances of about 30 kilometers. It seems
that elephants only reach the REM phase every three or four days, which
makes them unique animals.
Experts believe this might be due to disturbances caused by the presence of
lions or poachers that keep them in a constant state of alert.
My note- In the picture elephants are lying on side with the trunk rolled
to mouth level. I am told by a mahout of the local temple elephant that in
Kerala side they sleep with trunks rolled to mouth level and like cows
suitably folding the legs.
Q2 What technology did ancient civilisations have that we still
don't understand today?
A2 Saravanamuttu Sri Ranjan,11h
Turkey's underground city of 20,000 people-
More than 85m beneath the famous fairy chimneys of Cappadocia lies a
massive subterranean city that was in near-constant use for thousands of
years.
The ancient city of Elengubu, known today as Derinkuyu, burrows more than
85m below the Earth's surface, encompassing 18 levels of tunnels. The
largest excavated underground city in the world, it was in near-constant
use for thousands of years, changing hands from the Phrygians to the
Persians to the Christians of the Byzantine Era. It was finally abandoned
in the 1920s by the Cappadocian Greeks when they faced defeat during the
Greco-Turkish war and fled abruptly en masse to Greece. Not only do its
cave-like rooms stretch on for hundreds of miles, but it's thought the more
than 200 small, separate underground cities that have also been discovered
in the region may be connected to these tunnels, creating a massive
subterranean network.
Q3 What are some mind-blowing facts about the oceans?
A3 Elena, Aug 6
My note- While a few repeats are there, some very good and new information
are also there. Hence included in this QA
The oceans are vast and mysterious ecosystems that cover about 71% of the
Earth's surface. Here are some mind-blowing facts about the oceans:
1. Largest habitat: The oceans are the largest habitat on Earth, hosting a
vast array of life forms. Around 94% of all living species on the planet
are aquatic.
2. Deepest point: The Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean is the
deepest known point in the world's oceans, reaching a depth of about 36,070
feet (10,994 meters) at Challenger Deep.
3. Unexplored depths: Despite significant advancements in oceanography,
over 80% of the ocean remains unexplored, and we know more about the
surface of the Moon than the depths of our oceans.
4. Longest mountain range: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is the longest mountain
range on Earth and stretches approximately 40,390 miles (65,000 kilometres)
along the Atlantic Ocean floor.
5. Ocean currents: The ocean's currents are like a massive conveyor belt,
redistributing heat around the globe. The Gulf Stream, for instance,
carries warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to the North Atlantic,
significantly influencing Europe's climate.
6. Blue holes: Blue holes are underwater sinkholes or caves, often found in
shallow coastal waters. Some blue holes can be hundreds of feet deep and
contain unique ecosystems, providing valuable insights for scientific
research.
7. Bioluminescence: Many marine organisms, such as certain species of
plankton and deep-sea creatures, can produce their own light through
bioluminescence. This phenomenon serves various functions, including
attracting prey and communication.
8. Largest living structure: The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of
Australia is the largest living structure on Earth. It's made up of
billions of tiny organisms called coral polyps and is visible from space.
9. Salt concentration: The ocean's salt concentration varies globally, but
on average, seawater is about 3.5% salt. Some saltwater bodies, like the
Dead Sea, have much higher salinity levels, making them hypersaline
environments.
10. Ocean pollution: The oceans face significant pollution challenges, with
an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic entering the oceans each
year. This has severe consequences for marine life and ecosystems.
11. Oxygen production: Phytoplankton in the oceans produce more than half
of the world's oxygen through photosynthesis, making them crucial for
supporting life on Earth.
12. Underwater volcanoes: There are thousands of underwater volcanoes, also
known as seamounts, scattered across the ocean floor. They play a vital
role in the formation of new ocean crust and can host unique deep-sea
ecosystems.
These mind-blowing facts remind us of the oceans' immense scale,
biodiversity, and importance for the Earth's climate and life-support systems.
As we continue to explore and study the oceans, we gain a deeper
understanding of their complexities and the need to protect and preserve
these invaluable ecosystems.
Q4 The Romans were very successful in building an empire. Why did
they fail to bring tranquility and peace to Judea?
A4 RI Sohag,15h
They didn't fail. It was their way of bringing peace and tranquility. In
fact, it was part of a well-developed strategy.
The empire was very vast and the Romans simply did not have enough troops
to permanently control all corners of the empire. That's why they designed
a system that was as simple as it was brilliant, where everything was based
on speed and power. For this reason, they had built a network of roads that
allowed the legions to move quickly from one point of the empire to another.
In each part of the empire there were relatively limited garrisons whose
job was to sound the alarm in case of an uprising and hold out until the
legions arrived.
The legions were constantly on the move, moving from one hotspot to
another. Once they arrived, they had to strike quickly and very powerfully.
Quickly to prevent the uprising from spreading and to ensure that they
could be deployed elsewhere. Powerful to prevent the revolt from resuming
after their departure and especially to show other peoples that it was a
very bad idea to rebel against Rome.
The treatment therefore had to be exemplary. Those who resisted were killed,
the others (including women and children) were sold into slavery. Every
nation in the Roman Empire needed to know what happened to those who tried
to overthrow Roman power.
The Jews experienced this to their detriment. Moreover, they had had the
bad idea of massacring the Roman garrison of Caesarea, which set a very bad
example for the other peoples. The Romans could not simply let this pass
and the punishment had to be proportionate to the crime. They decided to
put an end to the Jewish presence in the country, even changing the name to
"Palestine", derived from the Philistines, traditionally the former enemies
of the Jews.
The Romans had nothing against the Jews in particular. It was simply part
and parcel of their strategy to keep the empire under control.
Q5 Do big predators like lions, tigers, etc. ever show fear towards
hyenas?
A5 K. Fletcher, Master's Degree in Psychology, Harvard University
(Graduated 2011)8h
Why do people underestimate hyenas so terribly??
Hyenas are the 2nd largest, most powerful predator In Africa. And they live
in huge clans to boot. Not to mention they're close to chimpanzees in
intelligence.
So, yes, most every animal in Africa experiences fear towards hyenas at
some point. They're strategic and tactical in their approach to lions. Not
attacking or showing aggression until they have called in for
backup/assessed the situation. They use their “laughter" & other sounds as
a form of psychological warfare. It works.
Lions are frequently overwhelmed & overpowered by hyenas, having their
kills stolen from them regularly. In sufficient numbers, lions get so
fearful they climb up trees, refusing to come down until SUN RISE. Hyenas
can kill lion and do. (Of course it goes both ways-they are eternal enemies)
But for adult male lions, this would occur far more frequently in areas
where hyenas have high numbers. (Clans in excess of 40-70) They're the
neutralizer in the war against the two species. Hyena & lion recognize
individuals & know who they can and cannot take advantage of as easily.
Tigers don't exist with hyenas so they don't. Other big predators would be
leopards, cheetah and wild dog. And they most definitely do fear them. &
should as hyena are far larger. (140lbs)
You don't have to like hyenas to at least acknowledge their
strengths/abilities.
Q6 Who was the smartest Mughal?
A6 T.M. Gautham, Lives in India6y
Noor Jahan!
“I have sold my kingdom to my beloved queen for a cup of wine and a dish
of soup.”- Jahangir about his wife Noor Jahan.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Noor Jahan was more powerful in the
empire than the Emperor Jahangir himself. Jahangir was addicted to alcohol,
opium, what not? But, he was lucky enough to have a smart wife who could
execute his duties in a way better than him. Jahangir was also smart enough
give the power into Noor Jahan’s hands.
How Smart was Noor Jahan?
She administered the empire. She played the role of her husband. She was
able to convince her husband to leave the administration to her.
She made the nobles to stand in front of her and obey her commands. She
got her name engraved in the coins very shortly after marriage. Note that
she was 20th wife of Jahangir.
Whenever Jahangir arranged ‘Jharoka’ to listen the sufferings of common
people, Noor Jahan accompanied him. A good empress would know her subjects’
pains.
She was a great hunter. She knew to use a pistol. She has a record of
killing four tigers with six bullets.
She invented the famous perfume Attar.
Sir Thomas Roe visited India and met Jahangir. No one knows the reason, but
Noor Jahan never permitted Sir Thomas Roe to meet her. In Roe’s
autobiography, he had expressed his disappointment of not able to meet the
Queen.
She was known for being kind to women and common people, through which she
gained their love and affection.
Clever enough to accept defeats. When Jahangir died, she declared her
son-in-law Shahryar as her successor. But Shah Jahan managed to grab the
power in next three months. She didn’t create any drama. She knew her time
was over and happily accepted the pension given by Shah Jahan and spent
next 18 years peacefully without power.
Q7 What are some interesting facts about water?
A7 Deepaktopzone, Dec 6
There are two kinds of water: salt water and fresh water. Salt water
contains—you guessed it—large quantities of salt, while fresh water has a
dissolved salt concentration of less than 1%. Only fresh water can be used
as drinking water.
Americans use five times the amount of water that Europeans use.
A small drip from a faucet can waste as much as 75 litres of water a day.
Frozen water is 9% lighter than water, which explains why ice floats.
Water is the only substance on earth that is found naturally in three
forms: liquid, solid and gas.
A trillion tons of water is evaporated every day by the sun!
If you ever catch a fever, be sure to drink lots of water—it regulates your
body temperature.
In Canada, there is more water underground than on the surface.
Most of the water found on the earth's surface is permanently frozen or
salty.
Less than 1% of the water supply on earth can be used as drinking water.
More than 90% of the world's supply of fresh water is located in Antarctica.
The earth is a closed system that rarely loses or gains extra matter.
Essentially, this means that the same water that existed on earth millions
of years ago is still present today.
Pure water has no smell and no taste. It also has a pH level of around 7.
Canada is home to 25% of the world's wetlands. In fact, it's the largest
wetland area in the world.
Our bodies are 60-70% water; our brains are 75% water; our lungs are nearly
90% water; and our blood is about 82% water.
--
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/iyer123/1969493400.2034586.1702380164903%40mail.yahoo.com
<https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/1969493400.2034586.1702380164903%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>
.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Thatha_Patty" 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/thatha_patty/CAL5XZooWY3x%2Bx%3DTJjV8tYQqhO9z_PZzqT0Fx%2BbsLoZhF4bsnEw%40mail.gmail.com.
