Himachal Pradesh and Rusalka (opera): Difference between pages

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{{For|an opera of the same name by Alexander Dargomyzhsky|Rusalka (Dargomyzhsky)}}

{{India state infobox|

'''''Rusalka''''' is an [[opera]] by [[Antonín Dvořák]]. The [[Czech language|Czech]] [[libretto]] was written by the poet [[Jaroslav Kvapil]] (1868-1950) based on the fairy tales of [[Karel Jaromír Erben]] and [[Bozena Nemcova|Božena Němcová]]; a [[Slavic fairies#Rusalka|rusalka]] is a water [[sprite (creature)|sprite]] of [[Slavic creatures of folklore|Slavic mythology]], usually inhabiting a lake or river. The opera was first performed in [[Prague]] on [[31 March]] [[1901]], with [[Růžena Maturová]] as the first Rusalka.

state_name=Himachal Pradesh |

image_map=IndiaHimachalPradesh.png |

capital=[[Shimla]] |

latd = 30.06|longd=77.11|

largest_city=[[Shimla]]|

abbreviation=IN-HP |

official_languages=[[Hindi]] and [[Pahari]]|

legislature_type=Unicameral |

legislature_strength=68 |

governor_name=[[Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje]] |

chief_minister=[[Virbhadra Singh]] |

established_date=[[1971-01-25]] |

area=55,673 |

order_of_area=10 |

area_rank=17th |

area_magnitude=10 |

population_year=2001 |

population=6,077,248 |

population_rank=20th |

population_density=109 |

districts=12 |

website=himachal.nic.in |

<!--seal=[[image:HPseal.jpg|center]] |-->

footnotes = |

}}

Kvapil's libretto, based on [[Karel Jaromír Erben|Erben]]'s and [[Božena Němcová]]'s work, was written before he had any contact with the composer. The plot contains elements which also appear in ''[[The Little Mermaid]]'' by [[Hans Christian Andersen]] and in ''[[Undine (novella)|Undine]]'' by [[Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué]]. The libretto was completed by 1899, when Kvapil began looking for interested composers. His composer friends were engaged on other projects, but mentioned that Dvořák was looking for a project. The composer, always interested in Erben's stories, read the libretto and composed his opera quite rapidly, with the first draft begun on [[22 April]] [[1900]] and completed by the end of November. After its première the next year, it became an enormous success in Czech lands, though less so elsewhere.

'''Himachal Pradesh''' {{audio|Himachal.ogg|pronunciation}} ([[Hindi]]: हिमाचल प्रदेश), formally the [[Punjab Hill States]], is a mostly mountainous [[States and territories of India|state]] in northwest [[India]]. Neighbouring regions are [[Tibet]] to the east, [[Jammu and Kashmir]] to the north and northwest, [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] to the southwest, [[Haryana]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] to the south and [[Uttaranchal]] to the southeast.

Rusalka's "Song to the Moon" ("Měsíčku na nebi hlubokém") is the opera's best-known [[aria]]. It is one of [[Renee Fleming]]'s signature arias, and she stars in a performance on DVD with the [[Opéra de Paris]]. Another recording available on DVD stars Eilene Hannan as Rusalka, John Treleaven as the Prince, Rodney Macann as Rusalka's father and Ann Howard as the witch, performed in English by the [[English National Opera]]. [[Sarah Brightman]] performed the aria, adapted into [[Italian language|Italian]] as "La Luna," on her [[La Luna (album)|album]] for 2000.

It is 55,658 sq km (21,490 sq mi) and the population in [[2001]] stood at 6,077,248 as per the provisional results of the Census of India 2001. The population of Himachal Pradesh includes estimated population of entire Kinnaur district, where the population enumeration of Census of India, 2001 could not be conducted due to natural calamity. In terms of population it holds the same position (twenty first) among States and Union territories as at the previous census. The population of the State rose by 17.53% between 1991-2001. The sex ratio (i.e., the number of females per thousand males) of population was recorded as 970, which has declined from 976 in the previous census. Total literacy of the State rose to 77.13% from 63.94% in 1991.

[[Bradley Joseph]]'s composition, "Dance of Life", from the 2002 album [[One Deep Breath]] was inspired by Dvorak's Rusalka.

The state capital is [[Shimla]] (formerly British India's summer capital under the name Simla), other major towns are [[Dharamsala]], [[Kangra]], [[Mandi]], [[Kullu]], [[Chamba]], [[Hamirpur]], [[Dalhousie, India|Dalhousie]] and [[Manali]]. The western [[Himalaya]] lies in the north and east and the smaller [[Siwalik Hills|Shiwalik]] (or Shivalik) range in the south. The [[Ghaggar River]] originates in the Shivalik range. The main rivers are the [[Sutlej River|Sutlej]] (home of the [[Bhakra Nangal Dam]] Project) and the [[Beas River|Beas]]. The [[bridge]] on the [[Sutlej River]] at Kandraur, [[Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur District]] is one of the highest in [[Asia]].

==HistoryOrchestra==

Scored for a standard late romantic orchestra: 2 flutes, piccolo, 2 oboes, cor anglais, 2 clarinets, bass clarinet, 2 bassoons, contrabassoon. 4 horns, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba. Percussion, harp and strings.

Main article: [[History of Himachal Pradesh]]

== Roles ==

Himachal Pradesh came under [[British India|British]] control in the middle of the [[19th century]]. The British annexed [[Kangra District]], which includes present-day Kangra, [[Kullu District|Kullu]], [[Hamirpur District, Himachal Pradesh|Hamirpur]], and [[Lahul and Spiti]] districts, in 1846 at the conclusion of the [[First Anglo-Sikh War]]. The remainder of Himachal Pradesh was made up of a number of [[princely state]]s; see [[Hill States]].

*Rusalka - [[soprano]],

*The Prince - [[tenor]]

*[[Vodník]] (The Water Goblin) - [[Basso|bass]]

*The Foreign Princess - [[soprano]]

*[[Ježibaba]] (a witch) - [[Mezzo-soprano|mezzo]]

*First Wood-Sprite - [[soprano]], Second Wood-Sprite - [[soprano]], Third Wood-Sprite - [[Mezzo-soprano|mezzo]]

*Gamekeeper - [[baritone]]

Under the [[British Raj]], Kangra District was part of the British province of [[Punjab region|Punjab]], and the princely states, then known as the ''Simla Hill States'', were under the authority of Punjab until the early 1930's, when the [[Punjab States Agency]] was created, under the direct authority of the [[Governor-General of India]]. The [[Punjab Hill States Agency]], which included most of the princely states in present-day Himachal Pradesh, was separated from Punjab States Agency in 1936.

*Kitchen Boy - [[soprano]]

*Hunter - [[baritone]]

India became independent of the United Kingdom in 1947, and Himachal Pradesh was established as a state on April 15 1948, composed of the territory of some 30 [[Hill states]] (including feudatories) that acceded to the [[Government of India]], while [[Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur]] remained a separate state in the Indian Union till its merger with Himachal Pradesh on July 1, 1954 by an act of the Indian Parliament.

== Plot ==

Himachal Pradesh became a [[union territory]] on November 1, 1956. The state was enlarged in 1966 by the transfer of the districts of Shimla, Kangra (which included present-day districts of Kangra and Hamirpur), Kullu, Lahul and Spiti, and Una from Punjab state.

It was made the 18th state of India on [[January 25]], [[1971]].

The opera is in three acts:

== Geography and Climate ==

Main article: [[Geography of Himachal Pradesh]]

'''Act I:''' (a meadow by the edge of a lake): Three wood-sprites tease the Water-Goblin, ruler of the lake. Rusalka, the Water-Goblin's daughter, tells her father she has fallen in love with a human Prince who comes to swim in the lake, and she wants to become human to embrace him. He tells her it is a bad idea but nonetheless steers her to a witch, Ježibaba, for assistance. Rusalka sings her ''Song to the Moon'', asking it to tell the Prince of her love. Ježibaba tells Rusalka that if she becomes human and is betrayed by the prince, both she and the prince will be eternally damned, and that Rusalka will lose the power of speech when human. Rusalka agrees to the terms and drinks a potion. The Prince, hunting a white doe, finds Rusalka, embraces her, and leads her away, as her father and sisters lament.

=== Districts ===

[[Image:Hpmap1.jpg|frame|Map of Himachal Pradesh]]

* [[Kangra District|Kangra]]

* [[Hamirpur District, Himachal Pradesh|Hamirpur]]

* [[Mandi District|Mandi]]

* [[Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh|Bilaspur]]

* [[Una District|Una]]

* [[Chamba District|Chamba]]

* [[Lahul and Spiti]]

* [[Sirmaur District|Sirmaur]]

* [[Kinnaur District|Kinnaur]]

* [[Kullu District|Kullu]]

* [[Solan District|Solan]]

* [[Shimla District|Shimla]], containing the state capital

'''Act II:''' (the garden of the Prince's castle): A Gamekeeper and his nephew, the Kitchen-Boy, note that the Prince is to be married to a mute and nameless bride, suspecting witchcraft and doubting it will last, as the prince is already lavishing attentions on a Foreign Princess who is a wedding guest. The Foreign Princess, jealous, curses the couple. The prince rejects Rusalka. The Water-Goblin takes Rusalka back to his pond. The Foreign Princess, having successfully won the Prince's affection, now scorns it.

=== Flora and fauna ===

==Economy==

'''Act III:''' (a meadow by the edge of a lake): Rusalka asks Ježibaba for a solution to her woes and is told she can save herself if she kills the Prince with the dagger she is given. Rusalka rejects this, throwing the dagger into the lake. Rusalka becomes a ''bludička'', a spirit of death living in the depths of the lake, emerging only to lure humans to their deaths. The Gamekeeper and the Kitchen Boy consult Ježibaba about the Prince, whom they say has been betrayed by Rusalka. The Water-Goblin says that the Prince betrayed Rusalka. The wood-sprites mourn Rusalka's plight. The Prince, searching for his white doe, comes to the lake, senses Rusalka, and calls for her. He asks her to kiss him, even knowing her kiss means death and damnation. They kiss and he dies; and the Water-Goblin comments that "All sacrifices are futile". Rusalka thanks the Prince for letting her experience human love, commends his soul to God, and returns to her place in the depths of the lake as a demon of death.

Main article: [[Economy of Himachal Pradesh]]

[[Category:Czech-language operas]]

The Himachali economy is mainly dependent on tourism and apples. There are also some natural minerals in the state. There are two large cement factories catering not only to the people of Himachal but also selling in other states.

[[Category:Operas by Antonín Dvořák]]

[[Category:1901 operas]]

[[Category:Operas]]

[[cs:Rusalka]]

Due to the abundance of perennial rivers, Himachal also sells hydro electricity to other states such as [[Delhi]].

[[da:Rusalka]]

[[de:Rusalka (Oper)]]

==Transport==

[[es:Rusalka (ópera)]]

Though Himachal boasts of two airports and various narrow gauge rail tracks, roads are the main mode of transport.

[[fr:Rusalka (opéra)]]

[[ko:루살카 (드보르자크)]]

The government-owned [[Himachal Road Transport Corporation]] runs a network of buses across the state and Himachal Pradesh being a major tourist destination, there is no dearth of private buses and taxis.

[[ru:Русалка (Дворжак)]]

[[sk:Rusalka (opera)]]

Three national highways pass through the state connecting the major towns. National Highway 20 passes through [[Palampur]], [[Dharamsala]] and [[Nurpur]] before terminating at [[Pathankot]]. NH 21 connects [[Chandigarh]] with [[Manali]] and NH 22 connects [[Chandigarh]] with [[Shimla]] and extends right upto the Tibet border.

[[sv:Rusalka]]

Travelling through roads can be risky during [[monsoon]] season due to frequent landslides and washouts.

The narrow gauge rail network connects [[Kalka]] with [[Shimla]] and another one connects [[Pathankot]] with [[Jogindernagar]].

An airport at [[Jubbarhatti]] near [[Shimla]] and another one at [[Bhuntar]] near [[Kullu]] make for a very picturesque landing. The flights operate only seasonally due to extreme cold conditions during winters.

== Demographics ==

{{expandsect}}

==Culture==

{{Cleanup-date|May 2006}}

The major spoken languages are [[Pahari]] -- Mahasui (in upper Shimla region), Kulluyi, Lahauli, Kinnauri, Chambyali, Sirmauri, Bilaspuri, Dogri, [[Kangri language|Kangri]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], [[Hindi]] and [[Mandyali language|Mandyali]]. Kangri and Mandyali are believed to be twin dialects originating from Punjabi.

[[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]] and [[Sikhism]] are the main religions. [[Dharmshala]], in the western area of the state is the home of the [[Dalai Lama]] and many Tibetan refugees.

Ethnicity

About 90% of the population of Himachal Pradesh is Hindus. There main communities are Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. The tribal population of the state comprise of the Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis. The Gaddis are the traditional shepherds who migrate from the alpine pastures to the lower regions during the winters. The Kinnars are the inhabitants of the Kinnaur region and practiced polyandry and polygamy. The Gujjars are nomads who rear buffalo herds. The Pangawals of the Pangi region of the Chamba district are both low and high caste Hindus. The Lahaulis of Lahaul and Spiti region are mainly Buddhists.

Arts and Craft

Thapada is a large embroidered shawl, which is a specialty of the handicraft of Himachal Pradesh. Other items of craft include the Kohana, a kind of a wall hanging, pillow covers, blouses and caps adorned with fine embroidery. The embroidered caps of the Kulu, Sirmair, Kinnaur and Lahaul regions are also very famous. The shawls from Kulu, woolen rugs and carpets from Lahaul, depicting the traditional Pahadi designs. Beautiful patchwork quilts, rag dolls and elephants are also made in the area and comprise a necessary parts of bride's trousseau. The wool products are made in either the Byangi wool. Dyeing and printing of fabrics has been a traditional craft in the area. The Farahada and the Chhiba people do this work traditionally. Weaving of wool is a major cottage industry in itself. The highlanders of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur weave dresses from it for special occasions such as festivals and weddings.

The Dom tribe is well known for producing fine household articles made of bamboo. They are later painted in bright colors. They manufacture boxes, sofas, chairs, baskets, racks and several articles used in daily life. Leather craft is extremely developed and the slippers and shoes made in Chamba are in large demand. The Himachalis are adept at the art of making pots and statuettes with clay in many shapes and sizes. These include pitchers, bowls, platters, cups, lamps and small and large pots. These are decorated with white patterns drawn with Golu clay. Toys and figures of gods and goddesses are made during festivals. The metal ware of Himachal Pradesh includes attractive utensils, ritualistic vessels, idols and silver jewellery. The local goldsmiths also craft fine gold ornaments. The jewellery by the woman of Kulu, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, Pangwati and Bharmor region is very attractive.

Dance and Music

The dance and music of the state is mainly religion-oriented where gods are invoked during the festivals by singing and dancing. This practice has continued since ancient times. The major dance of the state are the Rakshasa (dem0on) dance, the Kayang Dance, the Bakayang dance, the Bnayangchu dance, the Jataru Kayang dance, Chohara dance, Shand and Shabu dances, Lang-dar-ma dance, Nati dance, Jhanjhar dance, Jhoor dance, Gi dance and Rasa dance.

Musical instruments like Ranasingha, Karna, Turhi, Flute, Ektara, Kindari, Jhanjh, Manjara, Chimta, Ghariyal, and Ghunghru are played to provide music for the songs and the dances.

Fairs and Festivals

Fairs and festivals are an integral part of the Indian way of life. The colorful state of Himachal Pradesh has many fairs and festivals to celebrate throughout the year. The National Snow Statue Competition at Kufri near Shimla begins in the New Year. The ice-skating in Shimla begins around this time. The bonfires of Lohri, a festival to mark the sowing of the Rabi crop light up the night sky on January 13 every year. The skiing competitions are held at Solang Nullah in Manali in the month of February. A fair in the memory of the sage Baba Barbhag Singh is held at around the same time at Una. It is believed that the Baba had magical powers, which were used towards altruistic ends. The little kites dapple the horizon with their color during the Basant Panchami, the arrival of the spring.

Shivratri or the festival to celebrate the marriage of Shiva in March signifies ritual gaiety at the famous Baijnath shrine. The cattle fair is held at Nalwari in Bilaspur. Chait Durga Asthami is celebrated in the Shakti shrines at Hathkoti, Chitpurni, Jwalamukhi and Vajreshwari. Color and fun mix on Holi, the festival of colors at the Gurudwara at Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur. In April, Chhat celebrations are held in Kullu and Chamba. Paonta Sahib welcomes Hindu and Sikh devotees on Baisakhi. The Navratri begins this month. Fairs are held in Chamba, Bilaspur, Kangra and Rohru village in Shimla district.

A colorful celebration takes place around the old temple of Hidimba at Kullu, Doongri in May. Banjar Mela in Kullu also starts in the second half of the month. Paragliding season begin in Bir in Kangra. A variety of cultural events are held at Shimla, Dharamshala and Dalhousie during the month of June. The Prashar Fair is held in Mandi off the Prashar Lake. The Red Cross Fair in Shimla is a big draw with the tourists. The Himachal Folk Costumes Programme and the Flower Show in Shimla attracts active participation of the locals. Lahaul celebrates a unique festival called Cheeshu.

Haryali is celebrated in Kangra and Sirmaur and Shravan Sankranti in Nahan in the month of July. Buffalo fights are the highlight of the Sari fair held at Arki in the month of August. The Lahaul Festival is held near Keylong. Kaza's Ladarcha Fair is a commercial fair held on the old trade routes to Tibet and Afghanistan. The Manimahesh Yatra starts in the district of Chamba. The famous fair of Naina Devi in Bilaspur also takes place during August.

In the first week of September, Fullaich (Phulech) take place in Kinnaur while Kangra plays host to Sair. Chamba is the ___location for the colorful fair of Rath-Rathni. Dussehra is one of the most sacred festivals of the Hindu religion and is celebrated in October. The much talked about Dussehra celebrations start in Kullu with Navratri. The Pong Dam is the site of water sports championship held in the same month.

Diwali is celebrated throughout the state. On the banks of Sutlej, the Lavi fair is celebrated for three days. At Sirmaur, idols of Parasuram are immersed in the waters of Renuka Lake. Shimla has the tradition of celebrating Christmas since the days of the British Rule. To take part in the festivities, people come from far off places. The International Himalayan festival is held in Dharamshala in the second week of December. Attire

Sari is the most common garment that Himachali women wear nowadays. Traditional dresses comprises of Kameez, Kurta and Salwar in distinctive Himachali style. The Gaddi women wear the long knee length gown known as Juan chadiyan and their Chola, a white woolen garment. They wear a coat or waistcoat during winters. One can also see flap caps made of wool during winters. Woolen shirts with long coats and sleeveless woolen jackets on the top of the coat are the most preferred dress for men. These days men can be seen in shirts and trousers along with denims.

Cuisine

There is no specific cuisine of Himachal Pradesh. The influence of a long and close association with Punjab and large-scale migration of Tibetans can be on the cuisine of the state. Some of the unique Himachali recipes include Nasasta, a sweetmeat of the Kangra region; Indra, dish made of Urad dal; Baadi / Ghaunda, and Bada/Poldu of the Shimla region. The popular dishes of the state are Pateer, Chouck, Bhagjery and chutney of Til. Non-vegetarian food is quite popular and preferred in Himachal Pradesh.

==Government and politics==

See Also: ''[[:Category:Indian political parties-Himachal Pradesh|List of political parties in the state]]''

In [[2003]] the state legislative assembly was won by the [[Indian National Congress]]. The main opposition is the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]].

== Media and communication ==

== Education ==

Himachal is home to many educational institutions offering a wide variety of courses.

There are five universities, two medical colleges, four dental colleges and two engineering colleges in the state. There are over 10000 primary schools, 1000 secondary schools and more than 1300 high schools in Himachal<ref>[http://himachal.nic.in/educ/ Himachal Govt. Website], link visited on 14 May 2006 </ref>.

Prestigious boarding schools such as [[Lawrence School, Sanawar]] and [[Bishop Cotton School]], Shimla are located in Himachal as is the famed [[St. Bede's College]], Shimla.

==References==

<references />

==External links==

*[http://himachal.nic.in/welcome.asp Official website of Himachal Pradesh Government]

*[http://himachal.us A detailed Himachal blog]

{{India}}

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