PREGNANCY---- A SECOND BIRTH TO A WOMEN

Pregnancy is a period of expectant waiting and one that all of us aspire to experience at least once in our lifetime. As we set foot on the path that transmutes one from a woman into a mother, several responsibilities and concerns become ours alone. Among these is our duty to the life that is yet to be and how we can give of ourselves, in body and spirit, to form and nurture the new life that we seek to bring into existence.

Giving life is powerful. It is vital, therefore, that we prepare our body to become a suitable environment for the baby to grow in while staying happy and healthy emotionally and mentally as well. Each week of pregnancy brings with it new changes and feelings that may require some explanations and support.

This section touches on those aspects you need to be aware of in the time before, during and after your pregnancy. Here, we will answer to commonly asked questions. You can talk to our experienced medical experts and get your doubts clarified. Some pages will have information, you already know and other pages might encourage you to think differently or about new things.
Fertility and Pregnancy

Well, if it is that time of your life when you are seriously pondering over having a baby, welcome to a whole new experience. In order to improve your chances of getting pregnant soon, it is important for you to know the ideal time to have sexual intercourse. The set of practices that helps you know the days of the month that you are most likely to get pregnant is known as fertility awareness method (FAM).

Fertility awareness is useful not only in helping you conceive, but also to help you avoid a pregnancy. Here are some techniques that will help you know the ideal time when you will be most fertile, so that having sex during these times will improve your chances of getting pregnant quickly. Planning For Pregnancy Planning a pregnancy needs a lot of preparation. If you are trying to have a baby or are just thinking about it, taking care of your health before you become pregnant - also called preconception care- can help you prepare for a safe pregnancy and healthy baby. Pre-pregnancy checkup The first step towards this is to visit your doctor. He or she will give you the right advice after evaluating your health. Based on the evaluation, your doctor will suggest methods of taking good care of yourself before you become pregnant. Keep track of the following aspects while planning your pregnancy. Body weight and fertilityMaintainingyour weight in the normal range before and during pregnancy helps yourhealth and that of your baby’s. Being overweight has its risk of highblood pressure and Diabetes. It also puts a strain on the heart. Thisstrain becomes even greater during pregnancy, when your heart has towork harder to supply blood to you and your baby. Obese women are more prone to problems during pregnancy, which is riskyfor the baby as well as the mother. There is also the added risk ofmacrosomia, a condition in which the baby grows too large leading tolabor and delivery complications. On the other hand, being underweight can diminish your chances of even getting pregnant. It also may increase your chances of giving birth to a Low-birth Weight baby. These small babies often have problems during labor and after birth. Therefore, it is important for you to maintain a healthy body weight before pregnancy. Your doctor will tell you just how much weight you may have macrosomia lose depending on your present body weight. Moreover do not go on crash diets to reduce weight. It will rob you of vital nutrients and spoil your health. Good nutrition A healthy diet will ensure adequate stores of nutrients for you and your baby’s needs, when you are pregnant. Choose healthy foods and avoid junk or fast foods, making sure you have a well-balanced and varied diet. An average woman needs about 2,000 calories per day. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products each day. Drink fat-free or low-fat milk and consume other dairy products. Pregnancy Health Now that you are pregnant, taking care of yourself has never been more important. You will be probably getting advice from everyone—your doctor, family members, friends, co-workers and even complete strangers—about what you should and should not be doing. But staying healthy during pregnancy depends on you, so it is crucial to arm yourself with information about the many ways to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible. Regular check-upsThe key to protecting the health of your baby is to get regular Prenatal care. Getting Prenatal care as soon as you know you are pregnant (or, if possible, before you conceive) and seeing your health care provider regularly as your pregnancy progresses are vital to you and your baby's health. You should have your first examination during the first 6–8 weeks of your pregnancy, where your doctor will figure out how many weeks pregnant you are based on a physical examination and the date of your last period. If you are healthy and there are no complicating risk factors, you can expect to see your healthcare provider Every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy. Every 2 weeks until 36 weeks. Once a week until delivery. Throughout your pregnancy, your healthcare provider will check your weight and blood pressure while also checking the growth and development of your baby. During the span of your pregnancy, you will also have Prenatal tests, including blood, urine and cervical tests, and probably at least one Ultrasound. Eat a healthy and nutritious diet During pregnancy, you should eat a balanced and nutritious diet. You should also increase your calorie intake to meet the needs of your growing baby and your changing body. Babies need nutrients from the food you eat to help them grow. You do not need to eat twice as much as told by Grandma while you are pregnant, just twice as wisely. Keep in mind the food guide pyramid when choosing meals and snacks each day. Eating a range of wholesome food can help prevent prematurity and Low-birth Weight. A balanced diet also helps you to prevent anemia, infections, difficult labor and poor healing. Have plenty of fiber and water It is particularly important to eat more fiber to avoid the common pregnancy problems of Constipation and piles (hemorrhoids). Increase your fiber intake by eating lots of fruit and vegetables, whole wheat bread and cereals, brown rice and pulses. You should also drink plenty of fluids. Increasing fiber without enough fluids can exacerbate Constipation. Exercise regularly A good exercise program can give you the strength and endurance you will need to carry the weight you gain during pregnancy and to handle the physical stress of labor. It will also make it much easier to get back into shape after your baby is born. Exercise can boost your spirits and help ward off the pregnancy blues. If you are used to taking exercise in the form of a sport, you can continue with this as long as it feels comfortable for you, unless your particular sport carries a risk of falls or knocks. Avoid alcohol and smoking Alcoholis absolutely off limits. Drinking even small amounts of any alcohol,including beer, can lead to mental retardation and facial deformities.It is also a major factor of Low-birth Weight and delayed growth. Keep infections at bay It is a must to avoid infections caught from all possible sources like raw food, from pets, atmosphere, workplace or sick people because they can seriously harm the Fetus. Avoid self-medicationRefrain from taking medication of any kind like antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, or steroids, without consulting the doctor, because they can harm the unborn baby. Free yourselves from stress Pregnancy is a stressful time for many women. You may be feeling happy, sad and scared — all at the same time. Very high levels of stress may contribute to preterm birth or Low-birth Weight babies. Hence, you should try to learn how to cope with it What should I be careful about? Eating regularly and nutritiously and drinking lots of water. Resting when you can—and when your body needs it. Exercising (with your doctor’s consent). Relaxing by meditating, listening to music or yoga. Staying away from stressful situations, when possible. Talking—to your partner, friends, relatives and health care professionals. Going to all your Prenatal care appointments Avoid activities that increase your risk of falls or injury, such as contact sports or vigorous sports. After the first 3 months of pregnancy, it is best to avoid exercising while lying on your back, since the weight of the baby may interfere with blood circulation. Also avoid long periods of standing. Rest Most women find it hard to feel comfortable as their pregnancy progresses. It is alright to sleep in any comfortable position except on the belly. Try to rest as much as possible. You may often feel very tired,particularly in the first and third trimesters. Sense of well being willbe there between 3rd and 8th month. Even if you cannot sleep during theday, put your feet up whenever you can. Most important is positive outlook and involvement of spouse. Husband should be empathetic, supportive and proactive. After all you are the blessed one with pregnancy, which is elusive to 30% of couples. Pregnancy and Sleep Getting a good night’s sleep may be one of the greatest challenges you face during pregnancy. Remember your body is working hard to protect and nurture the developing baby. Getting enough sleep is vital as your body needs enough rest as you tend to get more tired than usual during this period. Stress, anxiety, hormonal alterations and physical discomforts are some factors which may affect your sleep. You may have problems falling asleep or you just cannot seem to find a comfortable position to sleep or even be troubled by unpleasant dreams. As your belly grows and pregnancy progresses, sleep may becomeincreasing difficult for you. However, making some simple lifestylechanges during pregnancy may work for you to get the sleep you need. Sleep problems in pregnancy There are various factors that contribute to disrupted sleep during pregnancy. Some of them are as follows: Frequent urge to urinate: You would often find yourself waking up at night due to an increased need to go to the bathroom, shortly after you become pregnant. This is because your growing Uterus puts pressure on the Bladder and making you feel the need to urinate more often. Moreover, the amount of blood and other fluids in your body increases, which means your kidney is working harder to filter the fluids. This results in more urine output. Nausea: Morning sickness may be worse at night but you may feel nauseated at night as well. Night-time nausea may keep you from falling asleep. Although more common in the early stage of pregnancy, nausea can occur at any stage. Heartburn and indigestion: Many pregnant women experience heartburn and indigestion during pregnancy. Heartburn is a burning sensation that occurs at the lower regions of your chest leaving an unpleasant taste in your throat and mouth. Heartburn and indigestion may occur as the entire digestive system slows down during pregnancy, which cause delay in the stomach emptying after meals. Leg cramps: As pregnancy progress, you may have painful cramps in the muscles of your leg caused by the extra weight you are carrying. It usually happens during second and third Trimester of pregnancy, which may interfere with your sleep. Another reason is that as your Uterus expands, it can put more pressureon the nerves and veins leading from your trunk to your legs. And athird reason may be due to the presence of too much phosphorus and toolittle calcium and potassium in your blood. Restless leg syndrome: Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which your legs feel an uncontrollable urge to move around while you are sitting or lying down. Moving your legs brings immediate relief from the crawling, tingling and burning sensation you feel inside your legs. But the relief is short-lived as the sensation returns once you sit or lie down. RLS can interfere with falling asleep and prevents you from having a deep sleep. There are many theories about the cause of RLS during pregnancy and iron deficiency is one of them. Snoring: In the final stages of pregnancy, some women are likely to snore due to narrowed airways and increased pressure against your lungs. Snoring can cause you to breathe more deeply as if you are harder to get air or you wake up with a gasp in sleep. Culprits for snoring include hormonal fluctuations and weight gain during pregnancy. Other reasons: Some women experience more bizarre dreams than usual or even nightmares. Stress and anxiety during pregnancy also can interfere with your sleep. Best sleeping position The best sleeping position for a pregnant woman is lying on her side, especially the left side. Lying on your side keeps the baby weight from applying pressure against the vena cava, a major vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart. It actually helps improve blood circulation to the heart and allows maximum blood flow and nutrients to the Fetus. Do not worry about shifting positions as it is a natural part ofsleeping. Moreover, you might not be able to do so as it would be toouncomfortable for you as the pregnancy progresses. Sleeping positions to avoid Sleeping on your back: Sleeping on your back is not recommended as the baby’s weight presses on vena cava (a major vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart). It also puts full weight on your back and intestines. All these can cause discomforts and can increase the risk of you developing backaches, indigestion, impaired breathing and circulation, etc. during pregnancy. Sleeping on your stomach: Sleeping on your stomach during pregnancy should be avoided as it will put pressure on the Fetus. Tips for sound sleep Exercise: Exercise during pregnancy is good for your mental and physical health. Don’t exercise too near to bedtime as it can cut down on deep sleep. Pillows: Tucking a pillow under your back, to one side will help you if you are very uncomfortable to lie on your side. Some women find it helpful to prop a pillow between the knees to sleep on their side comfortably. You can also try for “pregnancy pillows” which are available in the market. Nutrition: Drinking a glass of warm milk may help you bring on sleep. Cut down on the intake of caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea and soda as much as possible during pregnancy. Avoid drinking lots of fluid within a few hours before going to sleep to cut down on night time trips to the bathroom. Keep some simple snacks like crackers by your bedside if nausea is keeping you up. Experts believe that carbohydrate-rich foods like bread can also promote sleep. Relaxation techniques: If anxiety and stress are keeping you awake, relaxation can calm your mind. Relaxation techniques include deep breathing, massage, yoga and stretching. Prescription drugs: Ideally, all prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs should be avoided during pregnancy as it may harm your baby. Consult your doctor before taking any kinds of medicine. If a leg cramp awakens you, you can try stretching your leg straight away. Sitting or standing with your legs crossed for long time should also be avoided.   Exercise In Pregnancy Exercise during pregnancy is something many women think about but hardly do. Excuses to avoid exercise vary—no time, it is boring, lack of energy, it may cause harm to the baby etc., are some of the common ones. But the fact remains that exercising during pregnancy has a positive impact on both the baby and the mother. Here are some reasons why you should get moving Exercise for energy Pregnancy can deplete energy. Exercises such as walking strengthen and tone the muscles and rejuvenate women to carry on with their day-to-day tasks with lesser strain. Additionally, exercise improves overall blood circulation and keeps energy levels high. Exercise for easier labor Childbirth is a difficult process and exercise during pregnancy will help increase flexibility, endurance, and muscle control which are necessary for labor and delivery, thereby helpful in easier labor. Benefits of exercising Improves muscle tone and strength. Improves immunity to ward off infections. Helps the mother have a relatively easy labor. Helps mother to get back faster to her pre-pregnancy shape after childbirth. Exercise to reduce pregnancy-associated discomfort Pregnancy is accompanied by minor aches and pains. Exercises such as muscle stretches, walking, swimming etc., strengthen various parts of the body like the back and abdominal muscles. Exercise to prepare you and your body for birth Strong muscles and a fit heart can greatly ease labor and delivery. Gaining control over your breathing can help you manage pain. And in the event of a lengthy labor, increased endurance can be a real help. Muscle groups that are most important to exercise during pregnancyThe three muscle groups that a pregnant woman should target are: Abdominal muscles: Strengthening of these muscles will make it easier to support the increasing weight of the baby. Pelvic muscles:Strengthening of these muscles will permit the Vagina to widen moreeasily during childbirth and also prevent urinary problems (leakingurine when you cough or sneeze) after delivery. Back muscles:Strengthening of back muscles will improve the posture and minimize the strain of pregnancy on the lower back and help prevent discomfort caused by poor posture. Exercise to reduce stressPregnancy is a mixture of elation and anxiety and pregnant women often find themselves swinging from one to the other, which can be quite stressful. Physical exercises increase mood-elevating chemicals in the brain and thereby reduce pregnancy-related blues. Exercise to look better Exercise increases the blood flow to your skin, giving you a healthy glow. Recommended exercises Swimming Stationary cycling Walking Low-impact aerobics Mild stretch exercises Kegel exercises Tips for a healthy exercise program Do’s Start with mild exercises. Wear comfortable exercise footwear that gives strong ankle and arch support. Wear a good fitting support bra to protect your breasts. Choose exercises that do not cause pain or increased tiredness. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. In case of shortness of breath or tiredness, rest immediately. Relax and stretch before and after exercises. Eat a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and carbohydrates. Make it slow; take it one at a time. Don’ts Lifting weights above the head and exercise that strain the lower back. Exercising in hot surroundings. Exercising on unstable or uneven surfaces. Hard contact sporting activities. Exercising while lying flat on the ground as this reduces blood supply to the womb. Finally… If you plan to start on an exercise program, it is important to seek the advice of a doctor and practice certain safety guidelines, before beginning to exercise. What is morning sickness? Morning sickness (can happen anytime during the day – not just in the morning!) is a term used to describe the feeling of nausea and vomiting that is often associated with early stages of pregnancy. Most women experience Morning sickness to some degree although it is highly variable between individuals. Every pregnancy is different so a woman may have a very bad bout of Morning sickness for her first chilExcessive Vomiting in Pregnancy Pregnant women may have many health complaints of varying degrees throughout their pregnancies. One such common complaint that pregnant women are plagued with is Morning sickness (i.e. mild form of nausea and vomiting), which is particularly observed during the first Trimester of pregnancy. It occurs in almost 50% to 90% of all the pregnancies. However, about 0.3 to 2 % of pregnancies are complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum, or excessive vomiting during pregnancy. d and not feel a thing for her second one.

MYSORE A GARDEN CITY

Mysore

Back

Mysuru or Mysore, situated in the southern part of the Deccan Plateau, in the state of Karnataka, India, is an undulating tableland, covered in parts by granite outcrops and fringed by verdant forests.

Located 770m above sea level and 140 Kms from Bangalore, Mysore, the imperial city, was the erstwhile capital of the Wodeyars. Also known as the city of Palaces, Mysore has never failed to mesmerise the tourists with its quaint charm, rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid-out gardens, imposing buildings, broad shady avenues and sacred temples.

Mysore is the erstwhile capital of Wodeyars, the rulers of Mysore State. The Wodeyar family ruled Mysore since 14th century except for a short period of 40 years when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers. Today Mysore is one of the major cities of Karnataka. Mysore has emerged as a thriving market for exotic sandalwood & incense, the Mysore silk sarees and stone-carved sculptures.

Mysore is certainly a charming, old-fashioned and undaunting town dominated by the spectacular Maharaja's Palace, around which the boulevards of the city radiate. Nearby is the city centre with the colourful and frenetic Devaraja Market is inviting a stroll.

On the outskirts of Mysore, Srirangapatnam still harbours architectural gems from the days of the great Indian hero, Tipu Sultan, and the magnificent Hoysala temple of Somnathpur lies little more than an hour's drive away. 
LEGEND
In the tenth century Mysore was known as "Mahishur", the town where the buffalo-demon Mahishashur was slain by the goddess Durga. The word Mysore expands to "Mahishasurana Ooru", which means the town of Mahishasura. It is believed that during one of the wars between devils and demons on the one hand and gods and goddesses on the other, the demon Mahishasur (Mahishur) overpowered the gods.

The goddess on seeing this, incarnated as the fireceful Chamundi or Chamundeshwari and consequently, Mahishasura was killed by Her atop the Chamundi Hill near Mysore. Ever since, the Mysore royal family has worshipped Chamundeshwari as the palace deity. Hills dedicated to Her stand at the eastern end of Mysore town to this day. 
HISTORIC MYSORE

Mysore abounds with history. The prehistory of Mysore is lost in legends that concern the struggle that took place in southern India between invading Aryan people and the original inhabitants. The subsequent history of the region deals mainly with the princely state of Mysore as it was before 1953, for no dynasty succeeded in ruling the whole region occupied by the Kannada -speaking people. Until independence, Mysore was the seat of the maharajas of Mysore, a princely state covering about a third of present day Karnataka. The maharajas' walled Indo-Saracenic palace is a major attraction.

The history of Mysore starts with the activities of prehistoric man traced on the banks of the river Cauvery and its tributaries. Traces of neolithic and megalithic ages have been found there. Many inscriptions replete with the history of various dynasties have been found in Mysore. Many places in the district are associated with mythological stories as well.

Many dynasties have ruled Mysore and neighbouring places. Some of the important ones are the Gangas, who ruled the longest period from 4th to 10th century. The Cholas ruled from 10th century onwards and the Hoysalas from 10th century to the 15th century. Later the Vijayanagar ruled from 14th century followed by the Mysore Wodeyar or Yadu dynasty. From 1399 AD, the Wodeyar family ruled Mysore until India became independent in 1947 except for 38 years in the 18th century when Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan seized power.

Mysore was very prosperous during the reign of Chikkadevaraya, which did not invite the animosity of Mughals, Marathas and the Nizams. After Chikkadevaraya, the Wodeyar rulers became weak and Hyder Ali couped the power. During the 38 years that followed, Mysore prospered very well. With the headquarters at Srirangapatna, they built beautiful palaces in Mysore and Bangalore , laid out a dream botanical garden at Lal Bagh and fought valiantly to oust the British from their native soil.

After the death of Tipu Sultan in 1799 AD the power was restored to the Wodeyars. In 1831 AD, the British took over the administration of Mysore. In the early 20th century, nationalist fervour swept the country and people of Mysore were involved actively in the freedom movement. After independence, Mysore was acceded to the Union of India. In 1956 Mysore State was enlarged and on 1st Nov. 1973 renamed Karnataka
Mysore Tourist Attractions - Mysore Sightseeing

Mysore Palace
The residence of the Wodeyars, this structure is one of the largest of its kind in India. Built in 1912 in the Indo-Saracenic style, this palace exudes a grandeur that is unmatched. The Golden Royal Throne, the Darbar Hall, the Kalyana Mantapa, the Gallery and the Amba Vilas are the main attractions here.

Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery
Housed in the Jaganmohan Palace, this gallery has a collection of exquisite paintings dating back to 1875. The collection includes paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, the Russian Svetoslav Roerich and the traditional Mysore gold life style of painting.

St. Philomena's Church
Built in the Gothic style, is one of the largest churches in the country and has beautiful stained glass windows. The original St. Joseph's church built in 1840 AD was reconstructed and renamed as St. Philomena's Cathedral in 1933 AD. It is an imposing structure of architectural grandeur

Mysore Zoo
The zoo houses some rare animals bred in captivity, and exotic species of plants. The Zoological Gardens has various species of ornamental plants and trees from India and abroad. About 85 species of trees and 35 species of ornamental plants are present, which beautifies the landscape of the Zoo and provides the best environment to the captive wild animals.

Chamundi Hills
13 kms from Mysore is the temple of patron Goddess of Wodeyars, Chamundeshwari. Located on a hill 335 m high, the temple can be approached by 1000 steps built by the Maharaja of Mysore in the 17th century. Towering over the city, these hills are 13 Kms away from Mysore. Halfway up is the Nandi Bull, a 4.8-m monolith. Right on top is the 2000-year-old Chamundeshwari temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of the royal family.

Half way towards the temple is the giant monolith Nandi Bull. This 4.8 metre high monolith was originally grey in colour but the application of coconut oil by the devotees has turned it black. Close to the Chamundi temple is the giant and colourful statue of the demon Mahishasura. From the hill summit one can have a panoramic view of the Mysore City.

Vrindavan Gardens
These gardens are laid on the banks of Krishnarajasagar Dam. Spread over an area of one acre, the terraced lawns and fountains make these gardens one of the best in South India. The swirling fountains are illuminated on weekends and have been the backdrop to many movies in recent times. The Dancing fountains are a major attraction among the tourists.

Fort
It is here that Tipu charged at the British soldiers with his legendary sword. An obelisk in the fort marks the place where he fell - betrayed by his own men. The fort holds within it, a mosque and the Ranganath Swamy Temple. Outside the fort is Tipu's tomb 'Gumbaz', with splendid ebony doors inlaid with ivory. Sangam is 3 Kms south of Srirangapatna where the two branches of river Cauvery reunite in joyful exuberance.

Gopalaswamy Hills
It is a popular hill resort and a trekker's delight as well. It is situated in the verdant Western Ghats of Mysore district. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Venugopalaswamy.

EXCURSIONS MYSORE
Shivasamudra
85 Kms from Mysore, river Cauvery gushes down to a 75-metres deep gorge in the form of two picturesque waterfalls. These falls are at their best during the monsoons; nevertheless their beauty mesmerises tourists throughout the year. Around 1.5 Kms away is Asia's first hydroelectric project set up in 1902 AD.

Talakad
Located 48 kms from Mysore, this ancient town is totally buried under sand dunes and only the Dravidian style Vaidyeshwara temple is visible. It is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery. Its temples are opened for ceremonial worship on a special occasion called "Pancha Linga Darshana ", once in twelve years.

Bandipur National Park
80 kms from Mysore is Bandipur National Park, which is one of the most beautiful wild life centres. Rare species of animals and birds can be seen in this natural habitat. Bandipur has also been chosen as a Centre for the project Tiger Scheme launched in 1973 by the World Wildlife Fund to save the tiger. Bandipur, lying in the shadow of the Western Ghats, is one of the finest habitats of the Asian elephant. Drained by the Moyar River, its open forest makes it easy for visitors to see the elephant and gaur in natural surroundings.

Nagarhole National Park
About 90 kms from Mysore, the Nagarhole National Park with thick deciduous forests is home to Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Pangolin and about 250 species of birds. There are excellent facilities for visitors to stay at the Kabini River Lodge and for viewing wildlife.

Srirangapatna (Mandya district)
Srirangapatna located picturesquely on the banks of river Cauvery 14 Kms northeast, of the Bangalore-Mysore Highway comprises the ruins of the capital city of Haidar Ali and Tipu Sultan. This island fortress, once the capital of the Warrior King Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, has magnificent monuments that are well worth a visit.

Deriving its name from Lord Ranganatha, the town has a 1,000 years old temple dedicated to Ranganatha proclaiming the historical background of the city. Besides the mythological association of the town, the town has assumed significance for the heroism of Hyder Ali Khan and Tipu Sultan in fighting the British in association with the French.

Dariya Daulat Bagh
Dariya Daulat Bagh, Tipu's summer palace built in 1784 AD was his favourite retreat. Made of teak, this Indo-Saracenic structure has ornate frescoes and beautiful, gilded interiors. It is now a museum and speaks eloquently of Tipu's valour and his battle against the British. Close to the river is located the mausoleum of Tipu, called 'Gumbaz'.

Ranganathittu (Mandya district)
4 Kms from Srirangapatna and 18 Kms from Mysore is a bird sanctuary that houses exotic birds. Birds from as far away as Siberia and even North America make their home here. It is very common to see crocodiles basking in the sun. Best season is from May to September/October.

Nanjanagud
Located 23 Kms south of Mysore, Nanjanagud is an important pilgrim centre and is famous for its Srikanteswara temple. Built in the Dravidian style, the temple is one of the biggest of its kind in Karnataka.

Somnathpura
Famous for its 13th century Hoysala Temple, Somnathpura is 35 Kms east of Mysore. The temple is in excellent condition, has frescoed exteriors depicting episodes from the epics.

Melkote
50 Kms north, is a sacred Vaishnava pilgrim Centre, known for its Vairmudi festival in March-April. More than a lakh devotees congregate here for the festival. Melkote is also known for its handlooms.

Cauvery Fishing Camp
82 Kms from Mysore, Bhimeshwari is a paradise for anglers. Mahasheer, the finest game fish is found here. This camp is also accessible from Bangalore (100 Kms).

B. R. Hills
This picturesque hill range, at a height of 5091 ft is 120 Kms from Mysore and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. The temple on the hill, dedicated to Biligiri Rangaswamy attracts devotees round the year.

Mahadeshwar Hill
About 142 Kms from Mysore, is a popular pilgrim centre perched on the Mahadeshwar Hill. Atop the hill is a temple dedicated to the Lord Mahadeshwara, which is in the form of a Linga.
Festivals in Mysore
Mysore Dassara
Every October, Mysore gets ready for the Dassara Festival when the streets are lavishly decorated and the whole city wears a festive look. The main area of festivity during the festival is the palace, which is illuminated with thousands of tiny, shimmering bulbs.

The 10-day-long Dassara festivities in Mysore bring back the glory and grandeur of a bygone era. For full nine days, prayers are offered to the deities of learning, power and wealth, the nine sacred incarnations of Goddess Shakti. Music concerts dance programmes, sports competitions and other cultural events are held. On Vijaydashami, the 10th day of the festival, a colourful procession featuring caparisoned elephants winding through the gaily-decorated streets of the city, mark the occasion.

The Dassara Exhibition is another popular event. People still follow the tradition of 'Bombe Habba', where children display their colourful and attractive dolls and invite friends over. Students worship Saraswathi, the Goddess of Learning.

Ayudha Pooja
It is a part of the Dassara celebrations. All vehicles and implements are worshipped on this day. The nine-day celebrations culminate in the grand Dassara procession on Vijayadashami, the day of victory. The Dassara procession begins at the Palace with uniformed soldiers, horses, caparisoned elephants, dancers and floats accompanied by brass hands playing evocative Indian melodies. The Palace Guard and Mysore Lancers march past as graceful folk-dancers twirl and swirl between the floats. A majestic elephant adorned by golden anklets, bell and chains carries the city's patron goddess, Chamundeshwari in a 'howdah'. This extravagant celebration comes to an end with a torchlight parade by the State Police, as fireworks light up the night sky. 
DASARA OF MYSORE:-

Dasara in Mysore is a sight one would remember for a long time even after leaving the place. It is believed that the presiding deity of the city has the power to conquer evil forces and this has led the citizens to celebrate the festival with much gaiety and fervor.

The tradition of celebrating Dasara with such grandeur started with the 16th-century rulers of Vijayanagar. After the disintegration of Vijayanagar Empire, the tradition was kept alive by rulers of Mysore and continues till now.

During the month of October and November, for ten days the Dasara festival is celebrated and the city is at its colorful best with music and dance, Sports, Literary competitions, fairs and exhibitions all over. All this culminates in the Dasara procession and a torchlight parade on the tenth day.
 
ver the years Mysore has become synonymous with the Dasara (or Dussehra) festival. Dasara is the most extravagant festival of Mysore. This festival has been celebrated in Mysore with great pomp and show since centuries. This tradition is still carried on though the scale of the celebrations has been watered down. The Dasara festival is celebrated in the months of September and October each year. According to Hindu mythology the festival celebrates and commemorates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari after slaying the demon Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil. The Dasara festivities have become an integral part of the culture and life in Mysore. During the 10 day festivities the normally clam, slow, peaceful city erupts into life and every street and street corner is bustling with activity. House, shops and important buildings in the city are decorated and illuminated for the period of the celebrations. Today Dasara in Mysore has become the state festival of Karnataka. As part of the celebrations renowned musicians of Karnataka and from outside perform in front of the illuminated Palace. The Palace is open to the public and the royal throne is displayed. The State Government arranges music, dance, and folk dance performances, doll shows. Wrestling and sports competitions are held. A two-month long Dasara Exhibition is held at the Doddakere Maidan, in which several business and industrial houses take part. Apart from this a Food and Film festival is also organized. During the festivities special religious ceremonies are held at different temples in Mysore especially the Chamundeshwari Temple on top of the Chamundi Hills. The high point of the Dasra celebrations is the Vijayadashami procession held on the tenth day. The finale of the celebrations is the state organized procession consisting of floats, the police and their bands, mounted guards in royal livery and folk artists and musicians. Some traditional items of the royal family form part of the procession. The main attraction of the procession is the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari kept in the golden howdah on top of a decorated elephant. The procession begins at the Mysore Palace and ends at the Banni Mantapa grounds, traveling a distance of about 2.5 miles. The procession is followed by a torch light procession in the evening and a stunning display of fireworks.

Folk Art of Mysore

Karnataka has a rich tradition of folk arts and folklore. Different branches of folk art like singing, drama, dance and puppet shows are popular in the rural parts of Karnataka. On different festivals and especially during Dasara these artistes visit the city of Mysore and perform. In the olden days they performed before the King, today they perform on the streets of Mysore or in specially designated areas during Dasara. Presentation of Folk Art by popular folk groups of the state has become an established and regular part of the Dasara celebrations.

These folk artistes form part of the famous Dasara procession as well. Bessu Kamsale, Somanakunitha and Yasksghagana the popular folk art of Karnataka form an integral part of the Dasara celebrations and the procession. Beesu Kamasale has been recognized as a leading folk art of India and many leading groups have taken part in national and international cultural festivals. Yakashgana is a nightlong stage play, where the actors enact episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata throughout the night.

This folk art is especially popularly in Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada districts of Karnataka are performed in Mysore. Folk art or indigenous art is an integral part of rural life and is handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. Recognizing its importance Mysore University has set up a museum of Folk arts to collect artifacts related to the different folk arts in Karnataka. The University has also introduced a course in Folkarts at the Master's Degree level.

The Elephants of Mysore Dasara:-

Elephant Biligiriranga

Biligiriranga was majestic beast, about ten feet in height. The king Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar was very fond of this bull and would personally mingle with the elephant during Dasara. After the festivities, Biligiriranga would return to the forest and live there till the next Dasara. According to the forest officials, he was a virile bull and was responsible for increase in the elephant population in the area. There is no doubt that Biligiriranga increased the glory of the festival in Mysore. It is said that he was loyal and obedient to his trainer (mahut) till his death.

Elephant Rajendra

Rajendra was caught in the year 1971, and was the last to serve the Wodeyar dynasty. Soon after Indira Gandhi annulled all royalty in India, instead of the king, an idol of Goddess Chamundi was paraded during the procession, so Rajendra also had to adjust to the changing times moving from royal patronage to that of a public government.
Rajendra was a soft bull. He was easily influenced by presence of cow elephants. His trainers felt that Rajendra never found true love and sought for a soul-mate till his demise.

Elephant Drona

Drona was named after Dronacharya, the great guru of Mahabharata. In the epic, Dronacharya is a priest, but he was so mature and intelligent that he taught warfare for a livelihood!  The elephant Drona was named so because of his amazing ability to learn and correct himself. When the ambari (the golden platform carrying the idol, a.k.a. howdah) shifted left or right during the procession, Drona could move his muscles selectively and stabilize the weight! His trainers were very surprised because they had not trained Drona in this skill. Drona also practiced energy conservation techniques (he would walk slow early in the procession to conserve energy), and rigid eating habits (he was very particular about his diet, and always ate in solitude). Drona led a durable family life with his two wives Kokila and Shanti.
One day Drona went grazing in a village of Balle and pulled down a trunk of a tree to eat the leaves. The falling trunk also brought down a high-tension power cable and instantly electrocuted the celebrated bull. Drona was mourned in the state just like any other celebrity.

Elephant Arjuna

It is a common practice to groom a descendant to the lead elephant even when the lead elephant is alive. Arjuna was the elephant thus trained to succeed Drona.  One day Arjuna went to bathe in a river with his buddy Bahadur and Bahadur's trainer Annayya. While crossing a road, the elephants were startled by a vehicle and in the chaos that ensued, the rider Annayya fell down to the ground, only to be stamped on the his head by Arjuna. He was crushed to death. People opined that an elephant that had killed a man was unfit to carry the religious duties of Dasara. So Arjuna, while being as capable as Drona, never got to be the bearer of the prestige. These days he helps the forest officials trace poachers in the Bandipur National forest. The tragedy has has no apparent impact on him, but the people are not accepting him.

Elephant Balarama

After the Arjuna was voted out of Dasara lineup, Balarama, a bull of about forty years of age, who was captured in a forest near Somavarpet has been tapped for the festival. While he lacks the charisma of Drona and Arjuna, it is said that he is a dependable elephant. He is said to be an introvert, and had to be provided special training so he can withstand the firing of canons that occurs during the festival.

© K. L. Kamat

Mysore Dasara Procession
Decorated elephants waiting their turn to walk the procession.

Shopping in Mysore

As the treasure trove of a myriad of handicrafts, Mysore is a veritable shopping extravaganza. Government -owned emporiums, shops and the bustling bazaars teem with a vast array of delightful artifacts straddling silks, sandalwood crafts, traditional paintings, perfumes and lot more. The main shopping centers are around Krishnaraja Circle, Devaraja Urs Road and Sayyaji Rao Road.

The shimmering silks of Mysore figure prominently in shopping lists. There are private weavers in Mysore and there is the Government Silk Weaving Factory that produces beautiful silk sarees, silk fabric and ties. This factory has its showroom on Manandavadi Road and also in the shopping area around Krishnaraja Circle at the heart of the city.

Mysore is equally well-known for artifacts are made out of sandalwood, rosewood and teakwood. Craftsmen produce figures of Gods, Goddesses, jewel boxes, small gift items etc. The best place to buy these things is the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium of the Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation.

Mysore is also famous for Agarbathies or incense sticks. A large variety of incense sticks are manufactured by small and large manufactures. It is manufactured here using locally available perfumes like sandalwood and jasmine and the exported for Mysore and Bangalore to the rest of the world. The best place to get all these items is the Government Handicrafts emporium in Mysore.

How to Reach Mysore:

By Air:

The nearest airport to Mysore is Bangalore (139 km). All the domestic airlines in the country operate their flights to Bangalore from all the major cities in the country. Some international airlines too have flights to Bangalore. Bangalore is to have an international airport shortly.

By Rail:

Mysore is connected with a number of trains to Bangalore. The super fast luxury train the Shatabdi Express connects Mysore to Madras. The quickest and most comfortable way to reach Mysore is via Bangalore.

By Road:

Mysore is 139kms to the south west of Bangalore. The state highway that connects these two cities is very well maintained. Travelling from Bangalore to Mysore by road is a pleasant experience and will take about 3hrs. The Karnataka Road Transport Corporation has excellent bus service to Mysore. There are ordinary buses, semi-luxury buses and luxury buses operated by the Government of Karnataka. Every half an hour there is a non-stop bus to Mysore from Bangalore Bus Station. Corporations of other states and private tour operators have buses plying to Mysore as well. All these facilities have made Mysore extremely accessible by road.

MARRIAGES ARE MADE IN HEAVEN!

What is Marriage?  
Marriage may be defined as socially approved sexual alliance whose off springs also have social recognition and approval. Jacob and Stern say, “Marriage is a term of social relationship of husband and wife and of plural of mates, also used for ceremony of uniting material parents”. Thus marriage alone is an institution which results in social recognition of children..
WHAT IS MARRIAGE MEANS?
           t is said that marriages are made in heaven and celebrated on earth. The popular belief is true to many extent, because it is a special bond shared between two souls, who tie the wedding knot after promising to be companions for a lifetime. It is the physical, mental and spiritual unison of two souls. It brings significant stability and substance to human relationships, which is otherwise incomplete. It plays a crucial role in transferring the culture and civilization from one generation to the other, so that the human race is prospered. The institution of marriage is beneficial to the society as a whole, because it is the foundation of the family, which in turn is the fundamental building block of the society.

While the concept of marriage remains the same across the globe, the way of solemnizing it differs extensively. Different laws have been formulated to legalize the ceremony, which proves to be an important turning point in one's life. Apart from the laws of marriages, the rituals following during the ceremony are in total contrast to each other. Something that is seen in the western countries cannot be witnessed in other nations in the developing world, primarily due to the contrast in the lifestyle and religious beliefs. One of the prime reasons for the paramount status of marriage is that it is the license for two individuals to live together in a society, without much limitations.

Coming to the subcontinent of India, marriage encompasses a number of meanings, apart from being a legalized way of uniting two people. It bears a lot of social significance. This is primarily because in India, marriage has been considered a way to bring the families of two individuals closer. Since the ancient times, marriages have been celebrated as ceremonious occasions, just like the religious festivals, wherein a number of rituals and customs are followed. A number of ceremonies are observed before, during and after wedding.

The key to successful marriage is love, understanding, mutual respect, trust, commitment and togetherness. While many couples are able to find all the key ingredients in their marital relationships, others find one element or more lacking in their bond. This gives rise to consequences that are not always expected, or desired. This is a reason why a number of couples face adverse consequences, like divorce. One of the visible reasons why married couples find marriage as an intimidating bond is that they face a number of problems, while being in the relationship. Lack of trust, mutual respect, love and understanding contribute to the deterioration of the bond.    
            

Marriages in Different Religions

India is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse customs. Each religion has its own traditions and ritual. Different existing religions in the country- Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Jewish, Buddhism, Jain and Christianity every religion has their own wedding customs. Though Indian wedding is mainly associated with the Hindu marriage ceremony, actually the Indian Marriage canopies the marriages of all the different existing religions in the country. If you are interested in knowing about the different Indian Marriages, you must go through this article.

Hindu Wedding
The Hindu Marriage is very popular as the majority of Indian population follows Hinduism. Though there is also much variation in the Hindu religious customs in accordance with the regions and communities, the overall customs remain same throughout. The Hindu marriage is held in a big marquee, either in the bride's home yard or in a rented wedding hall. Different rituals are held pre marriage, on the main day and post marriage. Customs like Ganesh puja, Haldi, Sagan, Sangeet and Sagaai are held before the wedding day. On the wedding the most prominent rituals are Jaimala, Kanyadaan, Sindoor, Mangalphere and Saptapadi. Generally, Hindu Marriages are very royal and extravagant, especially the north Indian Hindu marriages held at night.

Muslim Wedding
After Hindus, Muslims form a major chunk of Indian Society. Muslim weddings in India are also celebrated with equal pomp and gaiety. They have various pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding rituals. Each ritual has an important significance. In the pre-wedding rituals, Mehndi ceremony is an important function. It is mostly celebrated at the bride's home on the eve of the wedding ceremony or a few days before the wedding. On the wedding day, there are rituals like welcoming the baraat. The main wedding ritual in Muslims is the Nikaah. It is held either at the home of the bride or at any other common venue. The ceremony is conducted by the Maulvi (priest) in the presence of the close friends and relatives. The priest then reads the important verses from the Quran. Thereafter, the ritual of Ijab-e-Qubul (proposal and acceptance) takes place, the Groom sends his proposal to the bride. The marriage is said to be solemnized only if the girl gives her consent.

Christian Wedding
In India like the Hindus and Muslims there are vast majority of Christians too. A Christian Wedding celebration in India is simple yet charming. The wedding ceremony is conducted in the church. On the day of the wedding, the best man greets the bride with a bouquet. The best man is someone very close to the bridegroom. She is than accompanied by her father to the altar. In the presence of two witnesses from both sides the bride and the groom declare themselves to be husband and wife. The groom declares his wedding vows. The couple exchanges their rings and the priest blesses the newly wedded couple and declares them husband and wife. The couple then walks down the aisle together. Everyone then joins the couple for the reception party. Here, the wedding cake is cut, and everyone raises the toast in the name of the bride and the groom.

Sikh Wedding
Like Hindu, Muslim and Christians, Sikhs are also an important part of the Indian Society. Very much similar to the Hindu marriages, the Sikh marriages also involve different rituals and customs. The Reht Maryada, which is the official Sikh code of conduct, specifies certain guidelines that as long as both the boy and girl profess the Sikh faith and no other faith they are joined in wedlock by the Anand Karaj ceremony. The guidelines strictly forbid any sort of dowry system, astrology and any other superstitions associated with wedding date or time. Different rituals are associated with the Sikh marriages, which are performed on different days.

Parsi Wedding
Compared to the other religions in the country, the population of Parsis is very less in the country, yet the Parsi rituals and traditions hold a distinct identity in the Indian society. In a Parsi marriage, the gathering on the marriage day is called Shahjan, the gathering for the queenly bride. The bridegroom comes first to take the seat in the room where the marriage is to be celebrated. The bride comes later. The Parsi lagan or marraige is called ‘Achumichu', which takes place either at a Baug or at an Agiary.

Buddhist Wedding
Buddhist Religion is also a very popular religion in India. Based on the principles of brotherhood and fraternity, the religion preaches simple living and high thinking. The Buddhist marriage in accordance with its principles is very simple and sober. With no religious obligations like horoscopes and astrology and no social obligations like feast and grandeur, the Buddhist marriage is more a family affair than a social or religious one. There is no hard-lined ritual for a Buddhist wedding ceremony; however people generally visit the temple and take blessings from the monks to solemnize the marriage.

Jewish Wedding
The Jewish population in India is very limited, yet they are an important part of our diversified culture. The Jewish traditions are interesting yet simple. In the Jewish religion, marriage is considered to be mandatory as a single person is considered to be incomplete. The Jewish wedding ritual can be divided into two basic phases- the kiddushinor engagement phase and nissu'in or the actual wedding. While kiddushin leads to a change in the conjugal status of the bride and groom, nissu'in or the actual wedding is important to bring a legal change.  Kiddushin is a ring ceremony where the groom places a ring on the bride's right index finger and the bride just clenches her fist to show her acceptance. However, one the day on the day of nissu'in, the couple is joined in matrimony, under the chuppah.

Jain Wedding
Jain religion also forms an important part of Indian society. They have a very interesting culture that adds to the diversity of Indian traditions. Marriage is considered to be very pious in Jain religion. As the Jain community does not believe in wasting time and money over the pomp and show of marriage, they Jain marriage is comparatively a less extravagant and more ritualistic affair.   The most important rituals of Jain Wedding Ceremony are Phere, Kanyavaran, Havan and Granthi Bandhan. Once these four rituals are completed, the wedding of the couple is said to have been solemnized.

Ways To Keep Romance Alive In A Marriage 

• Find time for each other. It is very important to keep alive the flame that was omnipresent in the initial days after your marriage. You may be busy with your career, studies or children, but that should not deter you from spending some time in the company of each other.
• Surprise your spouse by small and unexpected gifts, like flowers, cards and letters, which convey your feelings and. Items like jewelry, clothes, candy or a special home-cooked meal make up the gifts that never lose their charm.
• Apart from going on trips as a family, take vacations just with each other as well, more so if you have children. Enjoy the simple pleasures of life as you did before your marriage. Make surprise visits to weekend getaways, where you can simply relax and spend some time with each other.
• Find time to be silly and carefree, just like you were in the early stages of your relationship. Cook together, dab flour at each other or play silly games. However foolish all this seems to be, it will surely help you in keeping your love for each other alive.
• Whenever you find a few minutes to spare, take a walk together, going hand in hand. Enjoy nature in all its glory and talk about small nothings.
• Spend some time listening to music and dancing. The physical closeness will greatly add to your intimacy and emotional bond as well.
• Have heart-to-heart talks on a regular basis. Share each other’s hopes, dreams, beliefs and ideas. It will help you in knowing your partner better and you will also feel closer to him/her.
• During weekends, stay awake late or the entire night, together and have a chat. You can even watch some movies of your choice.
• Give compliments to each other. Let your partner know how important and special he/she is in your life. Compliment him/her when he/she dresses up for a party. Take the opportunity to tell your friends, in front of your partner, how lucky you are, to have a spouse like him/ her.
• Don’t forget to say ‘I love you’ to your spouse. However, make sure that it does not turn out to be a casual comment, made out of habit. Say this while looking deep into his/ her eyes, with full sincerity.
• Having an active social life is good, but don’t do everything as a part of the group. Learn to say ‘no’ to going out with friends, when you feel like spending time with your spouse only.
• Pay interest when your spouse talks about his/her likes or something he/she would like to have. Later, surprise him/her by gifting the same, with or without occasion. This will help your partner see how much you love him/her.
• Celebrate every occasion you can think of, with gusto. It can be your wedding anniversary, the anniversary of your first date, your birthdays and all other small, yet important events of your life. While the celebration can be big or small, the enthusiasm should remain high.

                     

STOCK EXCHANGE IN INDIA

Stock exchange in India are the most perfect type of market for securities weather of government,semi government, public body,shares n debentures of joint stock company etc. In stock market purchases n sales are made in condition free compitation. The government securities are traded outside the trading ring n in the form of over the counter sale or purchase. The bargain that is struck in the trading ring by member of stock exchange are the fair prices that are determined.
        stock exchange means any body of individual weather incorporated or not constituted for the purpose of asisting,regulating,selling, or dealing in securities. It is an association of member brokers for the purpose of self regulation n protecting the investment of their own. With the stock exchange becoming corporate body with demutualisation control n ownership will be in different hand.

BOMBAY STOCK EXCHANGE (BSE) :-
               Trading in securities been in vogue in India for over 200years. Speculation was a common feature even during east india company ruled. The brokers realisedthe investor confident in securities market couldbe sastain only by organising themself into a regulated body with defined rule n regulation. This realisation resulting in formation of "the native share n stock brokers association" which later came to be known as 'BOMBAY STOCK EXCHANGE'.
         Bombay Stock Exchange, previously known as the Stock Exchange, Mumbai, is one of the oldest and largest stock exchanges in Asia. Not only this, Bombay Stock Exchange is the largest stock exchange in terms of the number of companies listed with it.
         
Located at Dalal Street, Mumbai, India, Bombay Stock Exchange has over 4700 listed companies and is now considered as the 12th largest Stock Exchange in the world.
Bombay Stock Exchange without any doubt has a significant trading volume. The market index used in India and Asia is the ‘BSE 30′ or BSE Index. In other words, it is the Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive Index. And although many stock exchanges are operating in India, the Bombay Stock Exchange along with the National Stock Exchange of India account for the most number of share trading volume in India.
In all, the BSE Index was developed in 1986 and since then, trading of securities, market derivaties and futures contracts have reached to new heights. And as of now, the Bombvay Stock Exchange is an electronic trading platform which entertains a number of investors on daily basis.
    

Related Posts

• Lahore Stock Exchange
• New York Stock Exchange Trading | Online NYSE Quotes
• Johannesburg Stock Exchange | JSE Online Trading
• Karachi Stock Exchange Pakistan
• NASDAQ Stock Exchange | NASDAQ Online Quotes
• Toronto Stock Exchange | TSX Online Quotes
• Forex Trading Advantages over Stock Trading
• London Stock Exchange | LSE Online Quotes

NATIONAL STOCK EXCAHNGE:-
                    High powered commity on the establishment of new stock exchange in the year 1991 june.

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSEI) became the country's largest stock exchange soon after its launch in the early 1990s and hosts India's main equities benchmark, the S&P CNX Nifty. The NSEI also lists derivatives, where it holds a near-monopoly of the Indian market, and it is now the world's largest exchange for single-stock futures trading on its integrated electronic trading platform. In mid-2010 the NSEI intends launching a transparent platform to allow short-selling of its listed securities.
The National Stock Exchange of India ranked as the world's seventh-largest derivatives exchange by contract volume in 2009, according to the annual Futures Industry Association's survey of the world's leading derivatives exchanges. ^[1] The FIA report, published in early April 2010, notes that the number of futures and options traded on NSEI leapt 52 percent to 918.5 million contracts. Its best performing contract was the S&P CNX Nifty Options, which ranked fifth on the FIA's Top-20 list of equity-index derivatives contracts by volume, jumping almost 113 percent to over 321 million contracts traded in 2009.
      
The NSEI was created in 1992 by a consortium of Indian banks including State Bank of India, Union Bank of India and ICICI Bank but ownership was broadened in 2007 by selling 5 percent stakes each to international investors NYSE Euronext, Goldman Sachs, General Atlantic Partners and Softbank Asian Infrastructure Fund. It began trading the equities and debt in 1994 and launched futures and options trading in 2000.^[2] The popular single stock futures contracts were launched in 2002 while currency futures were added in 2008, followed a year later by interest rate futures.^[3]
The NSEI handles around twice as many trades as its nearest Indian stock-market rival, the Bombay Stock Exchange, an edge attributed to the NSEI's superior single trading platform, Bloomberg reported recently.^[4] However, it has recently been challenged by the launch of MCX Stock Exchange (MCX-SX), an offshoot of the rapidly growing Multi Commodities Exchange (MCX), which also intends to trade stocks and was granted a licence to do so by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in mid-2009.^[5] The NSEI's total income jumped around 40 percent between September 2007 and September 2008 while pre-tax profit rose over the same period by more than 50 percent,^[6] which likely encouraged the new entrant.
   

References

1. ↑ 2009 Annual Volume Survey. FIA magazine. Retrieved on April 8, 2010.
2. ↑ The Organisation. National Stock Exchange of India. Retrieved on October 14, 2009.
3. ↑ Proposed stock exchange set to challenge NSE’s near-monopoly. Livemint.com. Retrieved on October 14, 2009.
4. ↑ Bombay Bourse Hires Bank of America’s Madhu Kannan. Bloomberg. Retrieved on October 14, 2009.
5. ↑ Proposed stock exchange set to challenge NSE’s near-monopoly. Livemint.com. Retrieved on October 14, 2009.
6. ↑ Profit & Loss Statement. NSEI. Retrieved on October 14, 2009.
7. ↑ S&P CNX Nifty. NSEI. Retrieved on October 14, 2009.
8. ↑ Nifty, Sensex at new peak, end near 17-month highs. NDTV. Retrieved on October 14, 2009.
9. ↑ Narain set to get 3-year extension as NSE chief. Business Standard. Retrieved on October 14, 2009.
10. ↑ Mr Ravi Narain. NFCGIndia.com. Retrieved on October 14, 2009.
11. ↑ National Exchange to Gain as Indian Economy Grows, Norwest Says. Bloomberg. Retrieved on October 14, 2009.
12. ↑ National Stock Exchange of India and CME Group Announce Cross-Listing Relationship. PRNewswire-FirstCall. Retrieved on March 10, 2010.
13. ↑ Press Release. NSE. Retrieved on July 20, 2010.
14. ↑ National Stock Exchange Plans New Short Sales Within Weeks to Lure Funds. Bloomberg. Retrieved on May 28, 2010.
15. ↑ Press Release. NSE. Retrieved on July 20, 2010.

   

Latest News

The NSEI is expected to do better than both domestic and international competition as India's economy continues to expand following its recovery from the 2008 financial crisis, according to Palo Alto, CA-based investor Norwest Venture Partners, which recently acquired a 2.11% stake in the NSEI.^[11] Norwest expect Indian markets to grow faster than its global rivals and expects NSEI's dominance in derivatives to drive its growth faster still. The NSEI is the world's third-largest exchange in equities trades and fourth-largest in index futures as well as the world's leader in single stock futures, Norwest officials noted.
NSE entered into a significant cross-listing partnership with the CME Group, the world's largest derivatives-exchange operator, in March of 2010, involving benchmark stock indexes in the two countries. Futures contracts on the NSE's benchmark S&P CNX Nifty Index (better known as the Nifty 50) will soon be listed on exchanges controlled by the CME Group, denominated in local currency, CME Group announced March 10, 2010.^[12] In return, the NSE will be able to list their own futures contracts, denominated in Indian rupees, on the CME Group's S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Averages stock index contracts. The contracts commenced trading on July 19, 2010. Also beginning July 19, CME introduced two new contracts as part of its NSE partnership, the E-mini and E-micro S&P CNX Nifty (Nifty 50) futures.^[13]
The NSE intends launching a short-selling platform in the summer of 2010 that will allow traders to borrow and lend shares transparently on the exchange to meet "huge demand", CEO Ravi Narain told Bloomberg in late May.^[14] Narain expects that offering exchange-based shorting will attract foreign investors at a time when the startegy is under attack in some western markets. China allowed short selling on its exchanges in March 2010 while Germany reversed course in early May and outlawed naked shorts on some listed securities.
NSE is also following China's lead in offering foreign investors access to its index futures market through an agreement with Chicago-based CME Group. That would allow Indians to invest in Indian rupeess on the CME's U.S. index futures market on Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA).
In July 2010, the exchange launched the India Volatility Index (India VIX) on a real-time basis; it previously only tracked end-of-the-day changes. India VIX is based on the index option prices of the benchmark Nifty. NSE said July 19, 2010 that it will be applying to the SEBI for permission to start futures and options on the index, after it has been tracked for a suitable period.^[15]