Column | Window Seat

Window Seat | Mrinal Chatterjee | 8.3.20

History repeats itself…

There is saying that history often repeats itself.

As the Corona virus is wreaking havoc in many countries of the world travel restrictions are being made for people of different countries. The world economy is already in the downward spiral as China suffers the brunt of the pandemic and it spreads to rich European countries. It effectively has cut down world trade and people’s movement from one country to the other. These two have been the major constructs of globalization.

Something like this had happened 800 years ago. The Mongol tribes of Central Asia were forged into an effective union by the genius of Temujin, who was proclaimed as Genghis Khan (universal ruler) in 1206. Under his leadership until his death in 1227 – and followed by his descendants in the same tradition – the entire Eurasian landmass from China in the east to Iraq, Iran and Russian in the west, extending to Hungary and the Adriatic Sea by 1240, was conquered to establish the Pax  Mongolica. 

As Deepak Nayyar writes in his well-researched essay titled ‘The  Future of Globalisation: Learning from History’ (EPW Nov. 9, 2019), “ Globalisation has always required an  infrastructure of law, order and security, provided by political hegemony. The Mongols were the hegemons in this era who unified the Eurasian landmass under their political control and encourage trade flows between all regions across this vast geographical space. In fact, it was only the Mongol Empire that welded the segments and loops of the Silk Roads into a single route. Once established, every region- Central Asia, south Asia, South East Asia, East Asia, the Islamic world and Europe – participated in this international trade.

        The geographical unification drove economic interaction in a horizontally linked world system even if it was not hegemonic But there was a flip side. Bacteria, germs and viruses, that were local to particular regions, also moved across long distances, carried by people or animals. Plague germs were carried by Mongol troops, with their horses, from Central Asia to the Black Sea in 1347. There were transmitted by ships to ports around the Mediterranean, and then across Europe. And it caused devastation of the worst kind. It is estimated that the plague – Black Death – killed more than 25 million out of a total population of 80 million in just three years from 1348 to 1351.  Its impact on the Islamic world was perhaps worse.

The global spread of disease was a corollary of the economic integration brought about by the Mongol Empire. It led to the formation of a common market not only for goods but also for microbes and germs. Something like this is happening now as Corona virus is spreading to different countries across the world. As I write this, 31 people have been affected in India and Bhutan reports its first case.

The mid-14^th century witnessed the disintegration of Pax Mongolica, when the internal conflict among Mongol states coincided with the loss of Persia and China. In the absence of imperial rule, trade routes were no longer safe, secure and open. The Silk Route, too, was closed down by the Ottoman Empire in the early 15^th century. The diseases also was a reason for the disintegration.

As Corona virus continues to spread despite efforts of all the countries- the history seems to be repeating itself.  

Holi

Holi, the festival of colour is celebrated throughout North, West and East India on the full-moon day of Phalguna. Participants throw coloured water and powders on one another and smear colour on the face and body of the other.

Holi is particularly enjoyed by worshippers of the god Krishna. Its general frivolity is considered to be in imitation of Krishna’s play with the gopis.

Ravindranath Tagore was fascinated by the paly of colours of this festival and introduced Vasanta Utsav (Festival of Spring) in Shantiniketan. Songs dedicated to the celebration of life and dances mark this ‘utsav’. Over a period of time it has become a part of Bengali culture.

Odisha has a unique ritual during this time- called Dola Yatra or Dola Melana. Idols of Krishna from different villages congregate at one place and worshipped together. This festival signifies the journey of Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna for ultimate union in the tradition of Bhakti cult.

Tableau on Dola Yatra at Republic Day Parade 2017

Over and above the religious rituals, Holi is fun. Holi is letting oneself loose. Holi is hanging around with friends.

Tailpiece: Message on Holi

Nabaghana's message on World Water Day:
Save water, drink beer.

Nabaghana's message on Holi last year:
Save environment, play holi on whatsapp.

Nabaghana's message on Holi this year:

Don’t play Holi, Save yourself from being affected by Corona virus.

Tailpiece: Made in China

Never thought that death also could be ‘Made in China’.

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Journalist turned media academician Mrinal Chatterjee lives in Dhenkanal. He writes fiction. Hindi translation of his novel Shakti, originally written in Odia has recently been published.

He can be contacted at mrinalchatterjee@ymail.com