Re: [Goanet] Talking Photos: Khazur
Joe Thanks for sharing the images. Are those dates Phoenix rupicola ? Thanks. Asit == --- On Sat, 5/22/10, JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: From: JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk Subject: [Goanet] Talking Photos: Film shooting, Khazur, Bhoje, Gera mega project, Zones etc To: goa...@goanet.org Cc: New Herald Id edi...@herald-goa.com Date: Saturday, May 22, 2010, 1:55 PM Talking Photos: Film shooting, Khazur, Bhoje, Gera mega project, Zones etc These are also khazur (dates) http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk25/4626491764/sizes/l/ joego...@yahoo.co.uk
Re: [Goanet] Talking Photo: Flower, can you identify?
Hibiscus tiliaceus A very common plant here too. Asit Rockledge, Florida, USA == --- On Sun, 10/18/09, JoeGoaUk wrote: From: JoeGoaUk Can you identiy from these leaves, buds flowers? What flower is this? leaves, buds flower http://www.flickr. com/photos/ joegoauk3/ 4019365022/ sizes/l/
Re: [Goanet] Talking Photos: Identify these veggie-Bhaji
Malabar Spinach (Basella alba) Asit == --- On Fri, 10/2/09, JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: From: JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk Subject: [bsg-goa] Talking Photos: Identify these veggie-Bhaji To: goa...@goanet.org Date: Friday, October 2, 2009, 4:35 AM Then what is this? 'leafy bhaji' ? http://www.flickr. com/photos/ joegoauk20/ 3956280569/
[Goanet] Air Potato / Re: Dangerous creeper
The vine with heart-shaped leaves is Air Potato. Scientific Name = Dioscorea bulbifera Asit = This one is not of Betim but Bambolim-Curca Road http://www.flickr. com/photos/ joegoauk20/ 3731935083/ sizes/l/
Re: [Goanet] Please identify these very rare flowers
NIGHT BLOOMING JASMINE Cestrum nocturnum Asit = --- On Thu, 7/16/09, JoeGoaUk wrote: From: JoeGoaUk Date: Thursday, July 16, 2009, 3:55 PM Please identify these very rare flowers http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk3/3726830025/sizes/l/ Clue: I went there at night to capture it fresh and pass it on to you. Sadly, I can only pass on the picture not the fragrance. Whenever I travel to Bombay, I always prefered Paulo Travels by their popular 'Night Queen' I, myself could be wrong, not very sure. joego...@yahoo. co.uk
Re: [Goanet] If these are 'Mogre Kolle' then what are these ?
If the flowers look like the ones shown in the link below, then those are the Indian Jasmine, commonly called the Indian JUI or simply JUI from the Sanskrit JUTHIKA. Scientific name is Jasminum molle. http://www.toptropicals.com/html/toptropicals/plant_wk/molle.htm Asit K. Ghosh http://www.asitghosh.com == --- On Sun, 7/12/09, JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: From: JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk Subject: [bsg-goa] If these are 'mogre Kolle' then what are these? To: goa...@goanet.org Cc: goan-...@yahoogroups.com Date: Sunday, July 12, 2009, 8:31 AM If the previous ones were 'Mogrim or mogre Kolle' http://www.flickr. com/photos/ joegoauk3/ 3707917504/ Then what are these? http://www.flickr. com/photos/ joegoauk3/ 3707916538/ sizes/l/ or http://www.flickr. com/photos/ joegoauk3/ 3707918592/ sizes/l/
Re: [Goanet] Please identify these Goan popular flowers
One of the most prolific, invasive and fragrant flowers of the tropical world, Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) is commonly known by “Mograw” or by its regional variations in various parts of India excepting Bengal where it is known by its British Name “Bel” (short for Belle Of India). Arabian Jasmine comes in the following 3 distinct variations all of which are called Mograw or Bel; Belle Of India Maid Of Orleans Grand Duke Of Tuscany 3 photos of 3 distinct variations http://www.toptropicals.com/pics/toptropicals/photo/jasminum/7795s.jpg -- For the more curious, go here; The CONFUSION about Arabian Jasmine http://www.toptropicals.com/html/toptropicals/articles/shrubs/jasminum_mystery.htm All About Arabian Jasmine http://www.toptropicals.com/html/toptropicals/articles/shrubs/jasminum_sambac.htm -- Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida, USA == --- On Fri, 7/10/09, JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: From: JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk Subject: [bsg-goa] Please identify these Goan popular flowers To: goa...@goanet.org Cc: goan-...@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, July 10, 2009, 2:45 PM Please identify these Goan popular flowers http://www.flickr. com/photos/ joegoauk3/ 3707106283/ sizes/l/ or http://www.flickr. com/photos/ joegoauk3/ 3707917504/ sizes/l/ joego...@yahoo. co.uk
Re: [Goanet] Please identify this flowers/plant
A type of Mimosa; ALBIZIA JULIBRISSIN Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida, USA http://www.asitghosh.com == --- On Sun, 7/5/09, JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: From: JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk Subject: [Goanet] Please identify this flowers/plant To: goa...@goanet.org Cc: goan-...@yahoogroups.com Date: Sunday, July 5, 2009, 5:11 PM Please identify this flowers/plant http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk20/3691685466/ joego...@yahoo.co.uk
Re: [Goanet] Pan ?
Sea Grape Coccoloba uvifera Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida, USA = --- On Tue, 6/23/09, JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: Ok, this 'pan' may look like a 'Ponnsa Pan' but it is not http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk19/3651956944/ What leaf is that? joego...@yahoo.co.uk
Re: [Goanet] Talking Photo: Please identify these fruits
SYZYGIUM FRUITICOSUM Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida, USA == --- On Fri, 5/8/09, JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: From: JoeGoaUk joego...@yahoo.co.uk Subject: [Goanet] Talking Photo: Please identify these fruits To: goa...@goanet.org Date: Friday, May 8, 2009, 6:40 AM Please identity these small fruits http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk18/3511949665/sizes/l/ Clue: They are not Canddam or canttam Infact, the abv fruits are smaller than canddam (may be half of it’s size) It’s tree is shorter (bushy type but not thorny) may not grow taller than 3 metres. Fruits – First greenish, thin purplish and then dark bluish As a kid I remember eating it at south Goa beach side (even ate it j ust 2 days ago) This Pic is taken in north Goa beach side -Vagator Bonus: These 3 red cajus for you http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk18/3512760044/sizes/l/ joego...@yahoo.co.uk
[Goanet] Talking Photos: Another medicinal plant?
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * ANKA SERVICES For all your Goa-based media needs - Newspapers and Electronic Media Newspaper Adverts, Press Releases, Press Conferences www.ankaservices.com kam...@ankaservices.com Another medicinal plant? http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk16/3151349944/ Calotropis gigantia Akanda in Bengali ===
[Goanet] NEAL KUMAR KATYAL: President Obama's Deputy Solicitor General
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * ANKA SERVICES For all your Goa-based media needs - Newspapers and Electronic Media Newspaper Adverts, Press Releases, Press Conferences www.ankaservices.com kam...@ankaservices.com The brilliant Indian-American law professor Neal K. Katyal, who successfully argued and won the landmark detainee rights case Hamdan v. Rumsfeld before the US Supreme Court, will serve as principal deputy solicitor general starting 20th January. In Hamdan v. Rumsfeld, the Supreme Court found that the Bush administration's military commissions for trying suspected terrorists violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the Geneva Conventions. Professor Katyal of Georgetown University will be reporting to the Solicitor General, Ms. Elena Kagan, another alumni from the President's Alma Mater. Ms. Kagan was the dean of Harvard law School. -
Re: [Goanet] Talking Photos: Please identity these fruits (tree on which we spent hours)
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * ANKA SERVICES For all your Goa-based media needs - Newspapers and Electronic Media Newspaper Adverts, Press Releases, Press Conferences www.ankaservices.com kam...@ankaservices.com Mimusops elengi It is called BAKUL in Bengal and in Bengali. Grows well here in Florida too but it is an undesirable one. Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida, USA == Talking Photos: Please identity these fruits http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk16/3203581823/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk16/3204430410/ We ate them a lot while at school. I saw it only yesterday after a long gap, I taste it, and I never want it again. There was a time, like many college students bunk their classes to go for Movies or gardens/beaches etc, we too bunked our classes and spent almost whole day on this tree I was in Std.II or III. There was a lady in our village, who once caught us and drive us straight to the school. And when arrived home, a good or solid beating from my Mom. No more bunking school after that. At the time, I did curse the ‘wicked lady’ saying ‘Lamblli’ ‘Deuchar’ ‘padd poddloli’ ‘gu hachea bounta’ ‘Chelli’ ‘Kolvont’ ‘randdul’etc etc. As I grow older, I realized that I was wrong and that the lady gain nothing by reporting me to our school/parents (except my curses and swearing bad words) if any body gain from it then it must be me and only me. The lady still lives on touching almost 100. Every time I see her she gets 100 bucks and I visit Utorda (a house next to her) on an average 3 times a month.. The lady is fit and roaming all over. I do tell this to many youngsters and others about her. joego...@yahoo.co.uk
Re: [Goanet] Please identify these fruits (another)
Joe Thank you for posting the photo for identification. I had been interested for the last few years to find out if this was available in India. I think this is MIMUSOPS BALATA. This little known fruit from the Sapotaceae family is also known as Achras balata with regional common names like Ausubo or Assapookoo. An effort is now under way to re-classify this as Manilkara bidentata. Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida, USA = Following 2 photos were taken in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on 14th July, 2007. Fruit flowers http://www.asitghosh.com/MISC/1asitmbalatasm.jpg A cluster of fruits http://www.asitghosh.com/MISC/2asitmbalatasm.jpg - Fruits for the following 4 photos came from a tree in Merritt Island, Florida on 21st July, 2007. Whole fruits compared to a 1-inch coin http://www.asitghosh.com/MISC/3asitmbalatasm.jpg Horizontally vertically cut fruits http://www.asitghosh.com/MISC/4asitmbalatasm.jpg Close-up of 5 seeds with pulps removed http://www.asitghosh.com/MISC/5asitmbalatasm.jpg 2 halves with 5 seeds removed http://www.asitghosh.com/MISC/6asitmbalatasm.jpg --- On Sat, 9/6/08, JoeGoaUk [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: JoeGoaUk [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goanet] Please identify these fruits (another) To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Saturday, September 6, 2008, 12:05 PM Please identify these fruits If these are Peram (Guava) http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk1/2832687465/sizes/l/ Then what are these? http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk1/2833527152/sizes/l/
[Goanet] Here's the other ID / Please identify these fruits
Joe Those small red fruits in the link below http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk1/2812074248/sizes/l/ are SYZYGIUM FRUITICOSUM (EUGENIA FRUITICOSA) In Bengal, and in Bangladesh, they are called BonJaam (wild jamun) or PetiJaam or TitiJaam. Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida, USA === --- On Sat, 9/6/08, JoeGoaUk [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: JoeGoaUk [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goanet] Please identify these fruits (another) To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Saturday, September 6, 2008, 12:05 PM Please identify these fruits Both the foll are not 'Boram' any many said If this is ‘boram’ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk1/2811228457/ Then what are these? http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk1/2812074248/sizes/l/
Re: [Goanet] Talking Photos: Please identify this plant/fruits
Carissa carandas --- JoeGoaUk [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Talking Photos: Please identify this plant/fruits http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk5/2466607136/sizes/l/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk5/2465781243/sizes/l/ Clue: Some Hindu ladies wear it on their head [EMAIL PROTECTED] === Asit http://www.asitghosh.com ==
[Goanet] Louisiana Mississippi / Re: Bobby Jindal elected Governor of the State of Louisiana
Gentlemen Please don't forget the great state of Florida. We in Florida along with Arkansas had been trying very hard to dethrone Louisiana/Mississippi and occupy that highly coveted bottom position. As a progressive step towards that goal, we Floridians think that we possibly have finally learned how to vote properly. Humbly Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida, USA --- Mervyn Lobo [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Chris Vaz [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Goanet [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2007 10:20:15 AM Subject: [Goanet] Bobby Jindal elected Governor of the State of Louisiana Chris, My congratulations to Bobby. Its an amazing feat considering that some US politicians keep referring to Indians as Macacas. The political achievements of a first generation citizen will not be news worthy in Canada. In fact, the political achievements of an immigrant are hardy mentioned here since approx 30% of the members of Parliament are born outside Canada. My MP is a Muslim women from Tanzania. One Indian couple from Vancouver arrived in the country as refugees and were both MP's within five years. Here is what the Times of India had to say about Bobby. http://timesofindia .indiatimes. com/World/ The_United_ States/Jindal_ faces_challenges _ahead_as_ Louisiana_ Governor/ articleshow/ 2478539.cms While studying in Alabama, I picked up a saying, Thank God for Louisiana. Alabama always ranks about 49th in the US on education, health, jobs, etc. Mississippi and Louisiana usually compete for the last place. Maybe Bobby was voted in to change all that :-) Mervyn3.0
Re: [Goanet] Goa - An Intimate Portrait, Photo Exhibition by Rajan P. Parrikar (Nov 1-6, 2007)
Dear Mr. Parrikar For some time now, I had been keenly watching your moving images of Goa as seen through your Canon lenses. Even at halfway around the world, the inherent messages in these stunning, almost surreal images come very clear to me. I would be anxiously waiting for your online gallery. Thank you very much. Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida, USA --- Rajan P. Parrikar A subset of the photographs I shot from June through September 2007 will be displayed. For over 45 days spread over these 4 months, my driver-assistant Babu Naik and I set out at 7 in the morning, returning home by around 6 in the evening.
Re: [Goanet] Goa in the Monsoons preview
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * GARCA BRANCA VACATION ACCOMMODATION LOUTULIM, SOUTH GOA. For RR; modern/clean amenities; serene, healthy and wholesome location Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. Dear Mr Parrikar I for one would be eagerly waiting for more images from you. Thank you for taking the time to share them with us. Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida, USA http://www.asitghosh.com = --- Rajan P. Parrikar [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: To Goanet - Lairai Devi temple in Shirgaon - http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/lairaitemple.jpg Ruicho Khuris in Chodna - http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/ruichokhuris.jpg The view from Ruicho Khuris in Chodna (the St. Bartholomew church is partially seen) - http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/fromruichokhuris.jpg 11th C idol of Vetal in Loliem, Canacona - http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/loliemvetal.jpg Alami vendors in Corlim - http://www.parrikar.org/images/samples/alami.jpg These will be part of a much larger Goa in the Monsoons gallery to be published in a few weeks. Warm regards, r --- http://www.GOANET.org --- Follow the online presence of the Museum of Christian Art, Old Goa Contacts: Tel: +91 832 2285299 Email:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://christianartmuseum.goa-india.org/ ---
[Goanet] The Portuguese in the Bay Of Bengal
http://www.GOANET.org This month's Goanet operations sponsored by an Anonymous Donor Came across this brilliantly researched article by accident. Then found out that this website is a treasure trove of information on Portuguese settlements all over the world. http://www.colonialvoyage.com/bengal.html Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida 32955, USA LAT 28* 17' 50.33 North / LONG 80* 43' 57.77 West http://www.asitghosh.com
Re: [Goanet] How to estimate the age of a Coconut tree?
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Enjoy your holiday in Goa. Stay at THE GARCA BRANCA from November to May There is no better, value for money, guest house. Confirm your bookings early or miss-out Visit http://www.garcabranca.com for details/booking/confirmation. Dear Mr. DSouza Unfortunately, determining the age of a Coconut tree is not an easy task, to say the least. And determining the exact age is almost impossible. The total lifetime of a Palm frond is about 2 years. Palms make a new frond every 22 to 30 days. Healthy Coconut palms may make anywhere from 14 to 17 fronds in a year. Since every frond makes a scar on the trunk, there would be about 14 to 17 new scars on the trunk every year. So to find the age of a Coconut palm, you need to count all the scars on the trunk and divide by 14 to 17. Hope this would help. == --- John DSouza [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear friends, Could you tell me how the age of a coconut tree is estimated? When I was in Margao last month one of my wife's relatives mentioned that it had somethiung to do with its height...but he did not elaborate. Thank you very much. DEV Borem Korem Warm regards, John D'Souza Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida 32955, USA LAT 28* 17' 50.33 North / LONG 80* 43' 57.77 West http://www.asitghosh.com
[Goanet] The NEW Hottest Pepper in the World
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * Flat for Sale: Mapuca, Goa (Ansabhat) - 10 min walk to Mapuca Market 2 Bedroom-Living-Dining-Kitchen-Bath-Balcony-Terrazo Floors Great Investment - Winter Getaway Asking Canadian $ 31,500/- or Indian Rs 10 lakhs Contact Rosario Fernandes - [EMAIL PROTECTED] At the 2007 New Mexico Chile Conference, held on February 5 6 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Dr. Paul Bosland presented a document he recently received from Guinness World Records, Ltd. -- the certificate that officially declares Bhut Jolokia, a chile from the north-eastern region of India as the hottest of all spices. This officially ends the reign of the Red Savina Habanero (Capsicum chinense) that remained unchallenged since 1994 as the world's hottest Pepper. Here are the links to know all about hot peppers. = The Story of Bhut Jolokia, Naga Jolokia Bih Jolokia http://www.fiery-foods.com/dave/sagajolokia.asp Hottest Chili in India in Current Science Magazine, India, 10th August, 2000 http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/aug102000/scr974.pdf Scoville Heat Scale High Pressure Liquid Chromatography http://www.answers.com/topic/scoville-scale?hl=capsaicin/ Chili Pepper Institute, NMSU Website http://spectre.nmsu.edu/dept/academic.html?i=1251#BHUT%20JOLOKIA%20IS%20HERE! Seeds of the Jolokias for sale in England http://www.chileseeds.co.uk/bih_jolokia_the_hottest_chilli_in_the_world.htm Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida 32955, USA LAT 28* 17' 50.33 North / LONG 80* 43' 57.77 West http://www.asitghosh.com
Re: [Goanet] New species of Legless Amphibian in Goa
* G * O * A * N * E * T C * L * A * S * S * I * F * I * E * D * S * To Goa with Love - Three unique Valentine Day packages from EXPRESSIONS Say I Love You! in style this year For details, photos and pricing check out: http://www.goa-world.com/expressions/valentines/ Congratulations to Dr. Bhatt and his team for the recent discovery of a new species of Legless Amphibian (Gegeneophis goaensis), supposedly endemic to Goa only. The new discovery clearly demonstrates the richness and diversity in the wildlife of the area. Dr. Bhatt, if I remember correctly, was also credited with the discovery of another Legless Amphibian in the recent past, Gegeneophis nadkarnii in the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats. I'm very curious to know the distinguishing features of the two species. The Legless Amphibians aka Legless Lizards (Ophisaurus ventralis) are plentiful here in Florida. The attached 2 photos here are of one resident in my 55-Gallon Serpentarium. Responding to camera flash, http://asitghosh.com/MISC/asitlizard01a.jpg Devouring a cricket http://asitghosh.com/MISC/asitlizardcricket01a.jpg === --- nirmal kulkarni wrote: Hi, am in the field so this mail gonna be real short folks! ya alot of peple do mistake caecilians for earthworms..in fact during our search for the curent species...many loacal folks we met mistook earthworms for these lesser known amphibians.in sattari these amphibians are called Kadu in the local language. Varad Giri of the Bombay Natural History Society had come up wid a very gud poster on the Caecilians of the Western Ghats...id take his permission and try and post it on this site...hope that wud help! as far as etymology of the species is concerned... the Genus of the species is Gegneophis and it is a genus endemic to the western ghats of india. the species name is goanensis...hence the latin name is Gegneophis goanensis! it has been so named after the state of Goa as it was found in goa.there is no other reason otherwise. and yes,father Jouquimdid u by any chance teach in St Britto's High School in Mapusa!do leme know...i knew a priest there who is partly responsible for guidin me into wildlife conservation. thanx nirmal Vivian D'Souza wrote: After seeing a picture of the new species of legless amphibian which was recently discovered in Keri, it appeared very much like something that I see in my compound during the rainy season. While I am a nature lover and animal lover and environmentalist by compulsion, I am also totally ignorant about these things. So pardon my ignorance. I have seen a creature very much like an earthworm but much longer, which I was told by my workers can give a nasty bite and is best avoided. They killed the creature. I was wondering if this creature is similar to what was recently discovered. Can anyone on this forum enlighten me ? The next time I see one, I will capture it and take close up pictures so that I can get someone knowledgeable to identify it. Asit K. Ghosh Rockledge, Florida 32955, USA LAT 28* 17' 50.33 North / LONG 80* 43' 57.77 West http://www.asitghosh.com
[Goanet] Portuguese Discoveries, Smithsonian and Turner / Spices The Portuguese
This excerpt might provide some interesting reading on the current subject. The complete article, originally published in the ECONOMIST magazine was titled; The Spice Trade, A Taste of Adventure: KERALA, INDIA, AND THE MOLUCCA ISLANDS, INDONESIA - Soon after dawn on May 21st 1498, Vasco da Gama and his crew arrived at Calicut after the first direct sea voyage from Europe to Asia. If historys modern age has a beginning, this was it. Europes ignorance of, and isolation from, the cosmopolitan intellectual and commercial life of Asia were ended forever. With ships, weaponry and a willingness to use them both, the countries of Europe were about to colonize the rest of the world. To support this expansion, its merchant classes would invent new forms of commercial credit and the first great corporations, vital parts of capitalisms operating system, and spread their trading networks across the seven seas. And what did the men shout as they came ashore? For Christ and spices! The proselytising part turned out to be disappointingly unnecessary: there were already plenty of Christians living on the Malabar coast, following the arrival of a Syrian contingent many centuries earlier. But as far as spice went, Vasco da Gama and his crew were right on the money. Then, as now, Calicut was a gateway to the worlds greatest pepper-growing region indeed this was why the Syrians had moved there in the first place. As such it was at the heart of the spice trade, a network of sea routes and entrepôts in the making for millennia: the world economys oldest, deepest, most aromatic roots. - The complete article can be found at, http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/spicetrd.html Asit K. ghosh = From: Teotonio R. de Souza [Moderator-GRN] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Goa Research Net] Portuguese Discoveries, Smithsonian and Turner: Just another media stunt? Date: Sun, 03 Dec 2006 11:50:08 - THE DISCOVERIES MARKED THE END OF THE FASCINATION FOR SPICES Lisboa, Jornal PÚBLICO, 3 December 2006, Sunday Bulletin on Culture, p. 33 Trade in spices did not begin with the arrival of Vasco da Gama in India in 1498 as we are made to believe in the text books in our first classes of History of Portuguese Discoveries. The Egyptians used spices and the Romans had organized trade routes for commerce of spices. Jack Turner, an Australian researcher and author of Spice The History of a Temptation, reconstructs the history of spice trade from Egypt to the arrival of the Portuguese, the English and the Dutch in the East. The only major difference that the Portuguese introduced was the change of the route. Turner wrote one of the 20 essays for the catalogue of the exposition entitled Encompassing the Globe, which has been inaugurated in Washington at the Simthsonian Institute. The exposition seeks to present the views of a new generation of historians. Turner seeks to respond to a central issue and question: Why were the spices so important for the Portuguese? They were used since the second millennium BP for cooking, as medicines and as aphrodisiacs. They were much sought by the elites. The results were not always the most satisfying, and some were even recipes for torture: imagine a mix of honey, peper and wine for better sight, or applying pepper to genitals as sexual stimulant! Pepper was most in demand before and after the Portuguese discovery of the Cape route. In the first years of this route in the 16th century nearly 90 % of the Portuguese cargo consisted of pepper. When there were shipwrecks with this cargo aboard, they would provoke black tidal waves. Despite the Portuguese crown investments, it never made the expected profits with this trade. Bad administration and excessive expenses with transport and defence did not permit the Portuguese to neutralize its rivals. The Portuguese crown tried in vain to fix the prices in Europe by trying to keep the monopoly of this trade. It never succeeded in doing this. There was corruption and parallel black market which benefited the country, but not the crown. Despite the limited benefits, the spices were greatly responsible for promoting a new vision of the world. It would not have been possible without Gama, who cannot be seen as a discoverer, but as a merchant and investor. Turner concludes that the Portuguese Discoveries had a major cultural impact and were vital for the evolution of the modern world and for the beginning of the globalization. Very differently from the traditional economic and political readings of the impact of the pepper, cinnamon and ginger trade, the Australian historian is more interested in analysing the impact upon the lives and imagination of peoples across centuries. The high point of the trade in
