Ever wondered why Mughal monuments in Delhi were built from marble but buildings in Dalhousie and Shimla of the same era used other construction materials?
Students from the NCR region and other cities have over the past few months been researching into some obvious facts and thus discovering stories, lores and legends about their cities and local communities and traditions.
The discoveries were put into verse and melody for the second edition of an inter-school competition titled "Anveshan in Verse", organised by the India Traditions and Heritage Society (ITIHAAS).
"Our idea behind organising such an event was to inculcate heritage in a curriculum and to provide students a forum where children could engage with their heritage, the traditional knowledge systems and culture," says Director of ITHAAS, Smita Vats.
The 11-year-old organisation began the competitive event last year as part of its efforts to foster insight among school going children about the history and rich traditions of their country.
Citing the fact that people generally visit monuments for fun and usually do not have any proper knowledge of their architecture and history, Vats says the motive was to make children aware of the science behind their construction.
"If marbles are used in Mughal monuments in Agra and Delhi, it's because these are hot cities. Marbles are not used in Dalhousie and Shimla because of their cold weather. We want children to make such connects and create knowledge," Vats says.
The verse competition comprises three categories. Primary students clubbed into the category "Chesta," strung together melodies on the topic 'In -Joy" with students documenting celebration of various festivals like Holi.
