Kolkata, like many other metropolises has been home to a plethora of people from different corners of this nation and the world. Marwaris, Tamilians, Chinese, Parsis, Muslims, Armenians and Brits, and of course the Jains. A very close knit and moneyed community, Jains had migrated to Bengal from Rajasthan seeking new fortunes in its then rich shores. While Kolkata became their home much later, it was actually Murshidabad, where they first came to live during the Nawabi rule.

Sheherwali, is what Jains from Murshidabad are known as - a sheherwali is a 'city-bred' Jain - ‘city’, because Murshidabad was the erstwhile capital of Bengal under the Mughals, which later shifted to Kolkata during the British rule.

Sheherwalis were mainly merchants and bankers who worked in tandem with the prosperous Nawabs of Bengal.

The name Jagath Seth, a title meaning ‘banker to the world’ conferred on a wealthy merchant family of that time, however, like Shakespeare’s eponymous character Brutus, is associated with a dark period in Bengal’s lustrous history – it is but a fact that the ‘Seths’ were responsible in coalescing with the British to put an end to the rule of the Nawabs in Bengal, and thereby establishing the first footprints of the colossal British Empire in the sub-continent.

While Bengal, during the Mughal era was a veritable goldmine – offering rich profits to traders dealing in agriculture, precious stones, silks and ivory – Murshidabad was seen as the ‘icing on the cake’ by flourishing tradesmen. It is said Robert Clive after visiting the city had famously said that its men were richer than any he had seen in London.

…. but that is a thing of the past – for now, it’s a different reality - the once resplendent and beautiful city of Murshidabad, on the banks of the Bhaghirathi is among the poorest districts in India.

Solar powered movie theatre!!

Now here’s a truly effective and innovative energy saving idea that’s generating a lot of enthusiasm. Sol Cinema – the world’s smallest solar-powered movie theatre, which gives you the option to enjoy movies in a more sustainable and eco-friendly manner.

Situated in Kent, UK, this unique effort being funded by the media arts charity group Undercurrents, is being promoted to spread awareness on climate change issues and solar power energy.

This one-of-a-kind movie theatre is in fact a recycled two-berth 1960s caravan powered by four large lithium ion batteries that are charged by two 120W solar panels. It can seat upto eigth adults or about 12 children. Since its inception Sol Cinema has travelled around the country showcasing documentary and short-films on green issues. Earlier in the year, the cinema was used at Ramsgate town’s new Summer Squall Arts Festival, where it screened a number of local documentary films.

A fun movie-going experience, Sol Cinema is stocked with a rare collection of quirky movies, music videos and short films with stirring environment themes.

An inspiring effort, Sol Cinema is the perfect example of what can be done on a small scale by individuals and institutions to tackle climate change.

Check out Sol Cinema's unique look in the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye8gs1MN-eM&feature=channel