Min
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Realms of the Most Radiant Throne අදාත් දීපිමත්සනයි රතඳාන්ය Adāt Dīpimatsanayi Rajandānya | |
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 Flag
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| Motto: සම්පලතය හන් ජාව Sampalataya han Jāwa “Faith and Mercy" | |
| Anthem: අපි සිඞයාගි දරුවන් Api Singayāgi daruwan (Pala) "People of the Lion" | |
| Location of Min in Borea Location of Min in Borea | |
| Capital | Surakuta |
| Largest City | Kini Maligawa |
| Official languages | Pala, Kavai |
| Recognised national languages | Pagrarato, Malang |
| Recognised regional languages | Khoanese |
| Ethnic groups | see Ethnology |
| Religion | Khaturvism |
| Demonym(s) | Min |
| Government | Devolvedb Unicameral Constitutional Monarchy |
• Empressc | Lasanamali |
| Tirumat Sanda Tiru Samaya Tiru Tirabawaya | |
| Legislature | Tijawita Samūtiya |
| Holy Council of Jurists | |
| Celestial Court | |
| Foundation of Surapuluwi | |
| 700-800 BCE | |
• Temple of the Flame Founded | 23 BCE |
| 77 CE | |
| 183X | |
| 1901 | |
| Population | |
• 2018 census | 240,332,012 |
• Density | 148.68/km2 (385.1/sq mi) |
| GDP (nominal) | estimate |
• Total | 931 billion |
• Per capita | $17,143 |
| Gini | 31.55 medium |
| HDI (2013) | 0.773 high |
| Currency | Bulawan (பு) (MBL) |
| Driving side | left |
| Calling code | .461 |
| ISO 3166 code | MIN |
| Internet TLD | .mn |
| |
Min (මින්), officially known as the Realms of the Most Radiant Throne (Pala: අදාත් දීපිමත්සනයි රතඳාන්ය Adāt Dīpimatsanayi Rajandānya) is a sovereign state in southeastern Oraia in Oxar. It has a population of 240,332,012 people with about a third of them residing in the rural regions. Its capital, Surakuta is situated in its central coasts. The largest city is Kini Maligawa, bordering south of the capital.
A theocracy under the Khaturvic Order of the Mandala of Fire order, the Most Radiant Throne has long been a center of the religion since the foundation of the Holy Wheel (Ginamindala) in the onset of the first century BCE. Its capital Arukara is home to the Most Enlightened Sanctuary of the Flame of Heaven, the second holiest temple in Oraia, next to the Temple of Ortan in Lhanyi. Since the capitulation of Zhunvyat to Correctivism in XXXX, Min has since been the sole claimant to the inheritance to the legacy of the ancient Nyimankar empire, from which it took its distinctive matriarchal values.
The Min state itself was a merging of the institutions of the Temple and its immediate predecessor, the Queendom of Surapuluwi. The Most Radiant Throne itself was proclaimed in a coup by the high priestess of the Order, Haliyari in 77 CE. Haliyari, whose conquests of the Tenian plateau would form the territorial nucleus of the empire. Min hegemony would wax and wane over time with the rise of contesting thrones such as Zhunvyat, Lhanyi and Kukama by the XXth century ("Age of Three Thrones"), though the seat in Arukara maintained its divine supremacy.
Things would come to ahead in XXXX when a cabal of Correctivist jurists, generals and nobles, led by Warden and Hierophant Tiru Nimar took over the government and put the imperial throne under arrest, establishing the Imperial Board for Glorious Reconstitution. This authoritarian regency would only be concluded in the assassination of the Nimar by succeeding Empress Kalusa, which immediately reinstituted the throne as the paramount authority in the empire, reversing almost every move by the Reconstitution Board. Since then, succeeding empresses have worked towards regaining the Throne's lost greatness through diplomatic and economic means.
Min today is a key power in Oxar, prevailing through the chaos of the XXX century. Its current empress, Lasanamali... [modern trend of "vassalization"]
Etymology
From [tagalog/pre-sinhala] "amin", a contraction of "aming lupa" (modern Pala api'idmâ), mostly just in reference to the country, especially in min itself. in diplomatic contexts
Geography
Climate
Min sports a generally subtropical and temperate climate, though the interior, due to its mountainous terrain, sports a more latter climate. In the winter, the northern half of the Tenian mountain range is generally alpine above the tree line a third of the year. The Lahudic archipelago protects the region from the yearly monsoons and typhoons blowing west. The northern regions sport a three season (spring, summer, autumn) year while the lowland south only has two (summer, rainy).
Min's biomes are generally heavily forested, save for the coastal lowlands which support more traditional agriculture (see agriculture) though it tends to have variations between the north and south. The north, most particularly its mountainous highland regions, have a more temperate rainforest biome. The south has a more tropical biome, which is more pronounced during the summer. The average summer temperature in Min is 26°C while the winter averages to 3-5°C. Rainfall tends to be moderate to low, though it is much higher within the coastal and southern parts.
Biodiversity
The country hosts about over 1,300 recorded animal and plant species, about two-thirds of them endemic to the country. Min's great biodiversity, owing to its extensive coastline, coral reef system, varying geography and a general rainforest climate. Min's diverse ecosystems have played part in the development of tourism in the country. Min's extensive biosphere is protected by the Ministry of Serenity.
Abundant with tropical and oceanic-temperate ecosystems such as the Ajaya Tropical Pines ecoregion, it is considered one of the most megadiverse countries in Oraia, if not the world. Such regions have hosted an exotic and diverse set of flora and fauna, which have influenced Min's depictions in contemporary Orientalism. Notable mammals and reptiles include the Oraean lion and tiger, the clouded leopard, the kakuuka, monk sloth, Min cobra and the Talung crocodile. Notable birds include the monkey-eating eagle, southern hornbill and the black crowned crane. The amarang, aloe tree, punumpuya, Oraean pine, burning tree and the kaynitu are examples of Min's subtropical flora.
Similarly, Min's oceanic territories are also filled with diverse marine life, bearing the second largest coral reef system in the world (the Raridiwataya reefs) and the fifth-largest mangrove forest in the world (the Dele). Lionfishes, igat, cownose ray, milkfish and ayungin are common fishes in the region. The Talung Bay's warm waters have also sustained the cultivation of pearls, shrimp, crabs and seaweed. Min is also a frequent spot for migratory species such as the Voragic oceanic ray, spotted jelly, sea turtles, and the common crane. Numerous smaller Mangrove and Kelp forests also pepper the Talung Bay, the latter being a major hotspot for wild fisheries the coasts.
History
Prehistory
- Continental Austronesian civilization, replaced by insular indic--Urheimat near Lhanyi, later displaced by Tibetic peoples (cf. Sepcan expansion), expanding to south and east Oraia
Rise of the Rice Kingdoms
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The development of agriculture and relative ease in travel thanks to an earlier seafaring and riverfaring heritage precluded the expansion and progress of the Chauic peoples, who by the XX century BCE has ranged from Thianchin to far eastern Nyima (Makaungese). In particular, the northern and central portions of the Chauic urheimat were benefiting from trade with other societies in what is now Senria, Tuthina and Xiaodong, as attested by archeological evidence of Monic artifacts and products (seaweed, jade, stoneware) in southern Min. Some researchers note this as the earlier instance of the Rachatian trade network.
[living in forests]
In the ferment of the Chauic peoples (which by c. XX BCE have split into the Matau and Maurang branches), perhaps out of tribalism and geography: Min's western border roughly follows the Tenian mountain range. This relative isolation (save for some Maurang and Dravidian contact) from their Chauic fellows would have been a factor in the development of Pala society as a radically distinct culture, which coalesced as one in XX BCE.
Old Pala society followed early Chauic standards: decentralized and demotist...
- description of Pala society
- classical period
- Khaturvism develops amongst the Nyimans
- Synoecistic city-states, which ruled through their protection of the rice paddies (hence rice kingdoms)
Rise of Sumpusin and Sibari's Empire
Khaturvism, a codified animistic religion developed in what is now Lhanyi, entered the region around the 1st century. The city-based node structure of the Pala petty kingdoms, along with a rising scholarly tradition in the coast and the XXX helped foster the more philosophical and hierological aspects of the faith. This ferment eventually springs forth Khaturvism's esotericism that would define the later Min state and its spread in Oraia.
A key polity that cemented the position of Khaturvic religion in the late Classical period was the Queendom of Arasihan. A relatively moderate power within the bay, Arasihan was the epicenter of Khaturvi activity. Its capital, Sarangayan (modern Paghawon) was a center of religious learning and a pilgrimage site. Influenced by the native traditions, Khaturvism in the coasts would later take up a mystic character, gradually focusing on the dynamic and mystical character of the element of Fire, personified by the god Nyimasenge (known to the Kavi as Kalasan). The gnostic ferment in the kingdom would only truly deviate from the old orthodoxy in the mid 7th century CE. By that time, the Khaturvi clergy in Sarangi-an have entered into a close relationship with Arasihan's royalty.
[...]
- Sibari gets revelation, kills Queen Kalang, effectively destroying the Myin kingdom. In its place is the priesthood, which would later develop into its own monarchy (cf. Dalai Lama). Sibari becomes the Lion Empress
- imperial period
- Early conquests include crossing the Budhingan to whatever Narmada will be now, then Tinzhan, Xiaodong, the south, eventually warring with Tinza.
- Sibari dies childless, replaced by adoptive daughter. Elective monarchy — similar to Lama/Kumari choosing, albeit a bit biased towards the relatives of the past queen
- Cult of Sumpusin begins to solidify as actual doctrine, construction of the first temples
- Decline after four generations, eventually eclipsed by Xiaodongese and Tinzan states
Avakang period
- "crow period"
- Min territory shrinks, mostly northern States
- subjugated by Jiaos and later Tinzans
- monarchy eventually becomes officially hereditary, "illness of the mantra"
- southern kingdoms become independent (?), further trade in the Talung bay creates new merchant class, the Sangkri
Correction of the prophecy
- reestablishment of Min dominance in the Talung, Min gains southern part (and further south)
- economy defined by now powerful Sangkris, supplanting the northern feudal lords
- reestablishment of the old elective order, revival era
- cultural and artistic boom!!!
- center of trade and commerce in continental Borea
- Min by this point is like a feudal theocratic confederation.
- peasant revolts
- Toki shogunate, min has to react
- Nordanian audience in Lion's palace
Eastern industrial revolution
- continued by Queen Payung
- infrastructure goes big, Min palace renovated to current state
- rise of sakarism
- bourgeois class forms from new merchants and old sangkri
- Industrial revolution reaches Min but it's slow as shit lmao fucking burukrata-pyudalismo
- sangkri develops into Kuluvaya businesses and challenges the prevailing Estates, which remain powerful in the country
Suvalnic emergency
Khaturvism and Correctivist philosophy converged and clashed during the latter period of the industrial age. In particular, a group of syncretic correctivist scholars called the Solarists, founded in 1803 gathered a considerable audience among the elite, which argued for a centralized, meritocratic government (suvalny) under a righteous and Periyaramic ruler. This would be furthered by the writing of the tract On the Fundamental Order of the Burning Light by Solarist Andawari Pinuti, which organized and expounded the earlier ideas of her colleagues.
Solarists viewed the Throne as the vessel of Nyimasenge and its holders as instantiations of the divine. In order to revitalize Min's divine destiny, the subjects of the throne must vigilantly practice their duty as contribution to the betterment of society's collective Aram. These ideas were well recieved amongst Arukara's elite, and even moreso by the lower classes, who, despite advancements in technology and infrastructures, were severely undercut by the enroachment of a disdainful elite in the Khaturvic ecclessia.
- The Coup begins, declaring it an emergency
- apparently the solar government is actually far worse!!! wow!!!
After the Suvalnic emergency
Government and administration
Min in is a theocratic absolute monarchy where the the Empress (andawaren)--currently Kalangin--is its paramount sovereign, ruling in her capacity as both holder of the Radiant Throne (embodying her position) and as the high priestess of the Order of the Mandala of Fire. The Empress is revered as a living deity and her word is considered absolute. By virtue of the principle of Periyaram, the holders of the throne are the full incarnation of the god Nyimasenge, thus living gods. Within the theory of Khaturvic politics, Gods are the totality of order and virtue within the mortal universe, thus, the state is the embodiment of their prescence. Thus, in most respects, the ecclesiastic Order and the secular state are indistinguishable. Key declarations of the Empresses since the end of the Suvalnic emergency --Fundamental Decrees (Saligang pahayag ng Irukang Napakaliwanag)--are compiled as the basis of the modern state.
The bureaucratic executive is almost entirely filled in by jurists, and just below the Empress is the triumvirate of the order's Archjurists...
Khaturvic and Pala law constitute the basis of the country's legal system, as expounded in the third Fundamental Decree. The Council of Arbiters, a section of the Holy College of Jurists, serves as the country's judiciary, divided formally into three levels (municipal, commandery and imperial).
Thearchy
The College of Jurists are the ones who shall elect and proclaim the successor of the Empress, who searches and picks four candidates as juristic apprentices and spiritual recievers of the divine wisdom passed down within the throne. While one is proclaimed Empress, the other three would graduate as full jurists, and--deemed worthy enough--may become Archjurists in conjunction.
Bureaucracy
Imperial concordances
The Imperial concordances are the formal assemblies of state. One is a synod convened and moderated by the Empress, and the other a formal consultative assembly held by secular nobles and sectors of the common people.
Nobility
Administrative divisions
Fifteen commanderies
Foreign relations
fuck the international community, we out here boolin and doing GOD SHIT
Akai...
Defense, security and military
The Min Royal Defense Forces (କସିପୟଅମ୍ ନୋ ନମ଼ଆ ନୋ ମିନ Kasipayaan no Banwa no Min, literally "Army of the Min Realm") is the standing armed forces of the Min, officially handled by the Minister of Militant Affairs and headed by the Monarchy. They are divided into the Min Royal Army, Min Royal Fleet (combined air and naval force) and the Constabulary. The MNPF currently holds an estimate 683,000 active troops and 107,000 in reserve. Much of the MNPF's current strategy (at least among the army, constabulary and the guard) is based on guerilla and urban warfare.
Domestic security and law enforcement outside the capital is primarily handled by a coordinated collective of Local Watches (ମାକିଷ୍ଟ ଓ କାଇଲିଅଂ makisat no kailian) operating throughout every settlement in the country, with its coordinating institution handled by the Chancellery itself.
_with_Indonesian_corvette_KRI_Sultan_Hasanuddin_(366)_in_Strait_of_Malacca_in_October_2014.JPG)
The MNPF is a reconstitution of the preceding Lion's Glorious Legion (ଊାଚୁମଛୋଅୟ୍ ଓ ସିପୟନ୍ ନୋ ସୂମ୍ପୂସିନ୍ Warumazoay o Sipayan no Sumpusin) in 1967. Fearing a possible breach of the Treaty of Shenkong by Xiaodongese forces, Queen Tay-usa reformed the country's military doctrine into one predicated on defense, formally modernizing the military into one fit for its time. The country's obsession with national defense between the years 1968-1993 (the "caltrop" years) are marked with deeper cooperation with the Senrian Republic (a partnership that continues to this day), and expansion of the navy and army.
National defense is handled by the Ministry of Militant Affairs. Under the reign of Kwan-im, the government lends about 12% of the national budget to the military. Since 2010, Queen Kwan-im and Chancellor Saramat has instituted a project of further reform and expansion of the MNPF, phasing out earlier assets to particular paramilitaries or to the city watches (an action met with controversy). This further modernization of the military would later lead to the transition of the Min National Fleet towards green-water status. Since then, Min has worked to rapidly modernize and upgrade its military capabilities to uphold its national sovereignty and interests. Currently, the Min government spends about 2.6% of the national budget to the MNPF.
Economy
The official currency of Min is the Balavang (ବଲଊ଼ଞ୍). It is managed by the Ministry of the Revenue and is circulated by either the Ministry of Abundance or the local government units depending on their level of autonomy from the state government. Min currently has a nominal GDP of an estimated ฿931 billion, with moderate income inequality and a high standard of human development.
The country is a regulated mixed economy and is considered developed by global standards, driven mostly by local private conglomerates (makuluvaya), public enterprises (akatao o tiatian "public estates"), and state-supported common enterprises. Current economic policy has been based around fostering sustainability and local development. The country holds two stock exchanges; one in Kahavan and one in Icandara.
Min maintains a very competent trade and export-based economy and enjoys considerable prosperity since its slow growth during the latter 20th century. Min's local economy is still driven by the extraction and production of raw material, namely agri-aquaculture, fuel (oil and biofuels) and textiles, the former two in which Min is primarily dependent upon. Min's primary exports are textiles, oil, fish, fruit, and tea, while its main imports are chemicals and manufactured goods. Major trading partners include Tuthina, Akai, Senria and Sjealand.
Agriculture and Fisheries
Min is traditionally and predominantly an agrarian country, with about 32% of the country's GDP belonging to the agri-aquacultural sector. About 17% of Min land is arable and cultivated, while 14% of coastal areas are used for fisheries. Rice and millet are the predominant plants cultivated within the country, locally-grown fruits and vegetables are also a major cultivated product. The most popular fruit in cultivation are sun apples and pyrelles, while more quintessential tree crops such as palms and coconuts dominate the interior provinces. While there have been corporations and guilds that participate in the agricultural industry, it is predominated by individual farmers. The northern provinces, most particularly West Thianchin, Pamacikan, Icyang and Devimaha have the greatest yield for staple crops, while the livestock and tree crops (most particularly coconut) predominate the southern provinces.
The country's warm current and number of reefs allow for large-scale fishing. Local fisheries make up about 67% of the country's fishing industry, while mainstream fishing fleets haul up to 1.1 million tonnes a year. Despite the agricultural sector's size, it is very subsidized and protected by the government, with regulations favoring small-scale cultivators, fishermen/fisheries and livestock raisers. Specialized aquacultural practices, such as seaweed farming and pearl cultivation are also widespread.
Communications
Communications in Min follows Tuthinan and Senrian models, even sharing similar hardware design albeit with relaxed government control. The telecommunications system is partially nationalized and is nominally under the management and supervision of the Ministry of Public Works. The telephone system is connected by cable to Senria, XXX and XXX. Currently, almost all of Min, urban and rural, are connected through phone lines either through public or private telephone.
With the rise of internet and phone culture in the early 2000's, texting and later online chat has become the country's primary mode of long-distance communication. In 2013, it has been reported that the country exchanged in average at least 1 billion text messages per week. The entrance of smartphones, social media apps and decentralized online transactions have made Min a hotspot for cellular network financing. The country's obsession with phone culture have dubbed Min the world's "cellphone capital".
A national computer intranetwork in Min was introduced in the late 90's as part of the continuous modernization programs by the government, inspired by Tuthinan and XXX models. This was later expanded in 2012 into a nationwide wireless fidelity system called Kalambangan. Today the internet is considered a citizen's right, with about 87% of households connected to the global network. While telecommunications access in Min is maintained as universally accessible, private service providers have sprang out recently offering greater quality of service. The largest of these, Amihaya Agitatingog, connects 12 of the 15 provinces.
Tourism
The tourism and travel sector in Min is a notable contributor to its economy, owing about 4.5% to the country's yearly GDP. The sector employs 3.2% of the national workforce. Min annually takes in about 2.2 million international visitors, in which other Borean countries (namely Senria, Luziyca and Qwehyong), take up a majority, next to Conitians and Nordanians. The Department of Serenity, jointly governed by the Office of Serenity and College of Proceedings is responsible for the sector's management and promotion.
One of the primary areas of Min's tourism is cultural, luxury and natural. The country boasts rich biodiversity and its festivities as primary tourists attractions. One of the most popular areas of travel within Min are Sijang, Kahavan, the Budhingan Mountains, Alungsina Reef, Kakarupan and the Temples of Pamacikan, while peak seasons are somewhere during January to March, which is also Min's holiday season. Cintrasuratri, Laungga and Sunugabi are the festivals with the highest tourist attendance.
Infrastructure
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Min has been extensive on infrastructure since the reign of Queen Tay'usa, continuing and improving on the already established Blessed Vitality projects. Infrastructure in Min has been one of the most advanced in Eastern Borea, with it taking about 18.4 of the national expenditure. Since the late 1970's the Council of State (particularly the Ministry of Public Works) has labored to instigate development throughout the country, starting with the Common Rail and Atagitap projects that expanded travel throughout the country and introduced Min to alternative energies. Along with it are the Min government's continuous spending for the creation and maintenance of rural roads. Through Queen Kwan-im's Social Ecology plan, there was a very sharp turn towards sustainable and local development, amending previous works to adhere to the Queen's Social Ecology standards, while adding some newer ones that are expected to aid in local industry such as vertical farms and geodesic fishpens.
The country has worked also to improve disaster risk management through infrastructure, funding projects such as underground flood discharge systems for the metropolitan regions and national storehouses called On-ku for use in case of supposed social, natural and/or resource-based disaster. The On-ku is prevalent in the urban and suburban areas of Min, though the government is working on making On-ku fully omnipresent in case of large scale calamities.
Transportation
Min since the late 60's have been extensively developing its transportation infrastructure. Challenges for early development included the country's mountainous terrain and low investment in infrastructure developments. Former Queen Parung II would later increase her focus towards this issue, putting about 8% of the country's budget towards developing the country's infrastructure and ordering projects such as the expansive road-rail tunnel and expressway systems.
Public transportation is a common mode of movement across the country. Buses, Citawi, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are commonly available in major cities and towns. In 2017, the government has instated new regulations for public transport companies to transition to more sustainable types of transportation technology. In 2015, there have been about 4.67 million registered private vehicles in the country.
Rail transport in Min is extensive and is continually being developed and improved by successive governments on the Lion Throne. Collectively called the "Common Rail" project, the Northern and Southern Lines currently spans from Kajawi to Kahavan and Kahavan to Haybey, respectively. Rapid transit lines in the urban areas are used for intra-city travel, the largest being in Kahavan. National railways utilize Maglev while the urban railways use electric. The rural lines are handled for by Agitabak, a joint public-private rail firm.
Energy
Despite great oil production, Min has resolved on exclusively using renewable energies domestically. Min produces 48% of its energy from nuclear, water, wind and solar power with the remainder on natural gas, generally depending more on the former. However, 48% of Min's electricity is produced by wind and solar, as opposed to nuclear's 34% (hydropower accounts to 15% of total electricity production, the remainder on natural gas) Today there are about 70 power plants throughout the country, 28 of them nuclear.
Demographics
Population and Ethnology
As of 2016, Min has a recorded population of 54,332,012 and recently with a population growth rate of 5.3 a year. About 67% of these population reside in the coastal regions, with 63% of that situated within urban areas. Much like its neighbors, Min has an ethnically diverse population, having been in the proximity of Narmadi, Monic, Lahudic and Chauic cultural spheres. According to the XXX's Annual Report regarding the Peoples of the Borean Nations, there have been confirmed 29 confirmed distinct native ethnic groups in the country, classified under distinct cultural groupings, also known as umbrellas. The largest of these umbrellas (in terms of population) are the Chauic Pala taking up 40% of the population, next being the Bayi at 23%, the Narmadi and Duljunese at 8%, and the Thianchinese at 4%.
The matriarchal Pala people stand as the dominant culture within mainstream Min society, being an umbrella group of 7 cultures (including the Minhava) descended from both Boreo- and Lahudic peoples. Their populations are primarily concentrated around the coastal regions. The Borean Bayi, which includes the Malangaw and the Mageyani peoples are traditionally situated on the highlands and southern coasts, the latter mostly situated around the Kebabatian, Kataguran and Palawangbakian provinces. The Monic Thianchinese, a Monic ethnic group descended from the Minjianese, are a prominent and sizeable minority concentrated in the northeastern coast of the country. Narmadic and Narmadicized people, particularly of the Varnaputri, the Kavanese and the Duljunese exist in considerable numbers.
Immigrant population has been recently rising within the Min. Tuthinans, and Senrians are the largest and oldest established diasporas respectively, most of them having roots from merchant families in the Classical to Regal periods. Respectively, they form about 6% and 9% of the population. A portion of the population with Conitian and Nordanian descent also exists, classified between two waves: the first wave being mainly descended from immigrants from the pre-modern period, with the second coming from more recent expatriates. A majority of them hail from the countries of XXX, XXXX and XXXX. combined, they form 3% of the country's population and are mostly concentrated around the urban regions. Xiaodongese diaspora is a more recent trend, with the majority being political refugees granted asylum and citizenship during the onset of the 21st century. They currently count about 2% of the population.
Religion
Khaturvism is the state religion of Min, owing much to the faith for its foundations, traditions and society. In particular, Min associates itself with the god Haryapuya, which they include as a prevalent theme in state propaganda. The Monarchy itself is the paramount leader and high priestess of the Cult of Sumpusin, the official institution that upholds the faith. Religious law has been prevalent enough that there is a special section of state judges that are devoted to the discipline. olitical factions that support the Khaturvic faith are a notable influence, with religious orders such as the Semaan no Seripuya having affiliates within the State Assembly. Mayangtali, the collective religious traditions and practices of pre-Khaturvic Min, are also recognized in amongst the aboriginal peoples of the realm.
Officially, about 61% of the country's religious population identify as Khaturvi and 27% being Mayangtali, converging together due to a syncretic phenomenon called Parapaan o Devata, and thus often grouped together in national censuses. Kamism is the third largest religious group, accounting to about 9% of the country's population. Western religions, particularly of Saturnian and Apostolic provenance constitute a significant minority from the western expatriate population, numbering at 2%. Irreligion, whether atheistic or agnostic, is a rising trend, mostly based around younger populations and recent immigrants and account to about 1%. Politically-motivated irreligion is frowned upon in Min society, due to its anathemic attitude to religion in general.
Culture and society
Min is counted among the Etiolahudic ethnolinguistic family (specifically the Chauic), with direct relation to the Tuthinan Aborigines. Min is an ethnically diverse country, with over 150 distinct cultural groups ranging from the northern Thianchinese to the southern Navani. The metropolitan culture of the country is defined by the Pala, a traditionally agricultural people. The Pala dominates pretty much all sectors of Min society, and despite major social changes in the latter part of the 20th century, an air of superiority amongst ethnic Pala (particularly the Minhava of the central provinces) over other native peoples (collectively named the "maranggau") prevails in everyday life.
Min society is matriarchal and religious, traditionally associated with esoteric knowledge and fire. An emphasis towards ritual—informed living is influenced heavily by their traditional adherence to Khaturvic belief, along with other aspects of Min society. Interestingly, modern-day Min is one of the socially progressive countries in Borea, which by the current constitution guarantees equal rights to citizens of all identities. Compared to its neighbors, the Min generally sport a generally loose and enthusiastic temperament, something that has been ingrained throughout their history, even predating the foundation of the Empire. The Pala are also particularly known for their "everyday egalitarianism" These, coupled with a prevailing culture of celebration and festivity (perhaps more frequent and excessive than an outsider might expect) and a religiously-informed usage of psychedelic substances has lent foreign perceptions of the people as "stoned, apathetic degenerates" or "uncontrollable hedonists".
In recent decades, there has been a growing divide between the rural and urban population, the former being typified as superstitious, communal and unrefined, the latter being individualistic, cosmopolitan and pretentious. This ties into the country's old regionalistic attitudes as well, having a great cultural, economic and social divide that exists between the richer northern and poorer southern provinces. Mainly due to the North being much more influenced by Monic cultures, compared to the south which is seen as more native and archaic, with deep affinities to other Boreo-Lahudics and Narmadi. Northern Min culture is defined more by their focus towards closeness between family, outwardness and deep familial ties, while the Southerners are much more based on cooperation with the nuclear family, a deep connection towards nature and esotericism.
Arts
Pottery, blacksmithing, carving, painting, weaving, performance and sculpture are common areas of Min traditional arts, renowned throughout for its sophistication and diversity. Intricate designs, esoteric religious themes and (more recently) an adherence towards a "harmony of contrasts"—pekaiva (ପେକଇଊ଼)—are some of its defining characteristics. Art in Min has been evident since before the Great Monic Migration has reached Eastern Borea, with elaborate cave paintings found throughout the country (presumably Lahudic) date far back to 5,000 to 10,000 BCE. However, later forms of artistic expression would later be dominated by the Chauic peoples, which dominated the east and southeast regions of the continent at the onset of the Rice Kingdoms period. Min has been described as a "nation of artisans" due to their entrenched drive towards creative endeavors, which permeate throughout all levels of society. A craftsman's hand was expected among a person, signifying skill and diligence.
Min's religiously-informed adherence towards the elements, particularly towards the sun, fire and the ocean, and an ancient martial attitude fueled the Min's creative imagination since the Classical period, which gave rise to blacksmithing as a sophisticated craft. Until today, the trade has held an almost sacred position in Min culture, with artisans and guilds most protective of their craft. This elemental fixation also seeped its way into the other artistic forms (mainly painting and sculpture), most notably to their religious art, where the iconography of ritual of fire and light are held in deep reverence. Paintings and tapestries depicting divine figures or events, called katung (କତୁଞ୍) is a great example of this. Similarly, textiles and traditional fashions of the Min utilize similar themes. Various indigenous tribes in the country employ the same motifs of fire and light within their works as well.
The theme of pekaiva is an aesthetic that developed in Min's postclassical period which dominated the later periods of artistic expression in the country. Defined by an emphasis on the synergy of contrasts (Inspired by the principles of Senrian Kamuwism, Tuthinan Mono-no-ahare and Cakraism), pekaiva has strived to attain a dialectical unity of two inherently opposing forces into something harmonic, usually done through the blending or juxtaposition of two radically different literary/aesthetic themes into a single work. This mindset is prevalent until today, galvanized by the later entrance of minimalism in modern Min, a great number of modern art within the country being exemplified as expressions of pekaiva.
Media
Architecture
Min architecture (ପମ୍ଊ଼ଊ଼ହୟ୍ pamvavahay), while considered to be a part of the wider family of Monic aesthetics, has a key basis from Chauic building techniques. Traditional Min architecture has a relative degree of diversity, with its various ethnic groups having their own distinctive styles influenced by cultural history and geography. In general, Min architecture draws influence and shares elements with ancient Narmadi, Lahudic and Oceano-Monic styles. Most of the extant indigenous architecture in the country are based from stone and wood, with building methods remaining unchanged until contact with ancient East Narmadi and Mon, which considerably influenced Min architecture in the classical period.
Min architecture has a quite prominent difference between north and south. Southern Min buildings, influenced by the Classical Period, are defined by predominant usage of wooden framing and clay bricks, intricate stone carvings, leveled stilts and exaggerated gables (a holdover from the prehistoric tabang architecture of the preclassical period), and a preference for using thatch in roofs. The Northern style utilizes more Monic designs and building techniques, such as preference for tiled swallowtail roofs, more solid foundations and subtle decoration. Local vernacular designs are far more diverse, utilizing a wide range of materials from stone slabs, bamboo, teak wood and even rammed earth. Most religious architecture in Min is still made under the southern style, out of respect to tradition.
Monic-inspired styles from Lahudica became a prevalent sight during the 19th to 20th centuries, most particularly Sinkyou from Senria and Monic neoclassicism from Tuthina which became major bases in urban architecture. The royal palace itself (rebuilt in 1949) was made using Sinkyou's building techniques, its overall design is unmistakably Pala. This "native application" trend was short lived, though it already produced a handful but significant body of work.
Foreign styles only appeared in the country since the late 19th century (most particularly the Conitian Beaux-Arts) and only spread during the 1900's. Much more divergent styles introduced much later, such as Modernism (including its derivatives) were relatively accepted (and quite popular) within the urbanities, especially ecologically-informed critical regionalism. Such designs were seen as contrary to Min identity by the country's more conservative voices is still contestedly debated in various circles, and was deeply debated between various circles including the government. Prevalence of modern architecture were only possible after the Min-Xiaodongese War, which became a defining feature in urban redevelopment. Despite such developments, modernist buildings are only more prevalent in coastal and more developed urban areas, save for more recently-built government buildings in the interior.
Music
Min has a rich and diverse musical tradition that encompasses multiple ethnic groups and various foreign influences. The most basic quality of Min music is its rich utilization of percussion-driven rhythm (unusual for its Borean neighbors) and melodic arpeggios. Among the most notable Min instruments include the dundong, dambang, dabakan, kucapi, kalaleng, makappi (related to the Turkic dombra) and the palangun. Later developments, such as the usage of gongs and more pronounced wind instruments (most specifically the Pa'aw) would later become the basis for music in the classical era.
Traditional Min music has always been one of ritual quality. Majority of songs written during the Classical period (Min) are mostly religious in nature, usually in the form of devotionals or chants usually serving as accompaniments to ceremonies and worship. Some of these songs have a call and response structure, In the peak of the Classical period, there developed an intricate court ensemble music called Kajarang (କଚରଞ୍), which makes heavy use of percussion idiophones such as Kuruntang and Cawili. It is sometimes with strings such as the Falayan.
Modern Music in Min is dominated by the Electronica, New Jazz and Soul and Hip-hop genres, the latter two brought by immigrants from [some advanced country in afronautasia idk] in the early 70's. Western musical styles such as Jazz and Swing proliferated in the postwar era thanks to open trade policies in the 1950s-60s. The majority of modern music in Min today is commonly instrumental and experimental, earlier genres such as pop slowly fell out of style in the late 1990's with the rise of nightclub and lounge culture in cities such as Kahavan and Icyang. With the entrance of the internet, local musicians gained widespread appeal, making the country a premier spot of the wider independent music scene. Post rock, math rock and Kepiran amassed a following during the onset of the 2010's. Artists such as Sapun, Ephemere, Tung.Ieng and Si Puraon are considered defining characters of the scene. Particular independent scenes in the hypnagogy and chillwave genres have smaller but very active followings.
Literature and Theater
Academics have pointed out that due to both proximity and history, Min shares a common literary heritage with either its Monic neighbors or Narmadic tradition, fueled by the Cakrist religion. Nevertheless, the Min has accumulated about 3,000 years worth of literary work. Min literature has had a major influence within its region, played an important part in the cultural development of the Chauic peoples, beginning with the oral tradition. This, in turn would influence Classical Min literature, having been noted for its creating great narratives done through poetic verse and its heavy usage of allegory (taking from the tradition's religious roots) and folklore. This form seeps into areas that normally would've been considered part of prose, such as treatises and ancient accounts of history. Major examples include as Samantura's Account of the Cosmos, the Khaturvic epic Journey Beyond the Veil and the renowned Apinuti, the country's national epic.
Prose-like style and more abstract forms of poetry came in the post-unification period through heightened Monic trade. Most of such works were originally considered a vernacular form, reserving the more traditional styles towards the nobility and the monarchy. Thus, a majority of these works tend to come from Monicized scholars that worked within the country. Si Tama Hayu's Blessing of Paradise, a collection of religiously-inspired romantic poetry and the novel Tale of the Wounded Tiger by Kacayu Bayu. Works such as these employ themes and concepts from the cultures they adapted from, such as Tuthinan philosophy and Narmadi esotericism. Later developments such as more realist depictions of people and society point to the growth of social commentary as a prominent element in later works. Today, more abstract and modern forms of literature have become widespread, such as free verse poetry. Postmodern and meta-cosmic themes have also been delved in by modern Min writers, such as Kisu Anxu (The Unending Ninefold Path and Man from the Furthest West) and Kaasin Icyang (the Black Vase series). Comics as an artform in the country were introduced from Tuthina during the early 1990's, and usually covers more mature and nuanced themes and topics. This gave rise to the Manku (ମନ୍କୂ), a genre that employs more simplified, realist aesthetics. Manku since the onset of 2010's has experienced a resurgence among younger readers thanks to the introduction of the webcomic medium. Manku tend to fall within the fantasy or meta-cosmic genre, with titles such as Bawu Habi's Khakhara and Ama Praha's Murder the Gods and Topple Their Thrones attaining international attention for their idiosyncratic style.
Theater in Min is awarded a pedestal in Min society due to its long history and the dedication towards refinement by its creators and participants. Older, more traditional plays (named ଅଦମ, adanas) tend to be written in verse and adapted from classical literature. More vernacular forms would either take from local folklore. These plays derive from religious and historical concepts, ancient writers deeming theater as a form of "introducing the people towards the spirit's freedom" (moksa). In extension, atanas also derives from religious ritual, employing graceful, choreographed movements inspired by devotional dance along with a particular microtonal singing style that derives from devotional music. More martial forms of atanas delve more towards esoteric experiences, employing fire dancing, chants and acrobatics. A more simplified version of the Kajarang ensemble is usually employed as its music. The northern Kisarang (କିସରଞ୍) and the southern Mahapalara'ung (ମହପଲରଉଂ) are great examples of this style. A more comical derivative of the atanas, called Paishun (ପାିଶୁନ୍) which is based upon basic plots, improvised storytelling and is mostly carried by its slapstick humor. Paishuns are usually satirical in nature, mocking local notables and various social issues of the day. However, despite the supposed vulgar expression of the tradition, Paishun players require themselves great skill within their improvised dialogues in order to maintain coherence and heighten the comedy.
See Also
| History |   | |
|---|---|---|
| Politics | The Lion Throne · Royal Family · The Council and the Assembly of State (Min democracy) · Foreign relations | |
| Military | ||
| Administrative divisions | ||
| Economy | ||
| Demographics and issues | ||
| Culture and Society | ||
| Symbols | ||
