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mahesh2904 · 2 years

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Madhya Pradesh: Heart of India

Madhya Pradesh is full of rich history, a wide range of wildlife, unique flora, and delicious delicacies. It's a little gem that needs attention. Read this post to know all about who, where, and what is the heart of India. Sit down! We plan to tell you every little detail about the places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.

Historical places to visit in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is a hub for history lovers. It was ruled by the Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Mughal empires. One can find hundreds and thousands of years old structures, stories, and cultures still intact and waiting to be explored.

Khajuraho

Who hasn't heard of Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh? The city has many Jain and Hindu temples, which are known for their intricate sandstone carvings and sculptures. In these structures, we can witness brilliant Indo-Aryan architecture.

The town is divided by the state government into western, eastern, and southern parts. Khajuraho was created by the Chandel Empire between 950 and 1050 AD and once had 85 such well-decorated temples. However, over time, many of them were destroyed. Today only 22 temples remain.

2. Sanchi rises

The Sanchi Stupa is located in Raisen and is said to have been built between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. The symbolic representation of the Buddha and his ideologies is unique and something that every traveler will appreciate in this place.

The stupa was built by Ashoka, the greatest Mauryan king after he converted to Buddhism. It has been renovated several times. It was also built around 1912 by Sir John Marshall. The national emblem of India, known as the Ashok Chakra, is taken from the Ashok Pillar in Sanchi.

Built after Ashoka's death, the gates have carvings depicting important Buddhist scenes such as Buddha's enlightenment, first sermon, the siege of Kushinagar, Emperor Ashoka's visit to the Bodhi tree, etc. Ashoka's Sanchi Stupa is located 120 kilometers from Bhopal. Visitors can enter from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The ticket price is INR 40 for adults and INR 600 for international tourists. The main attraction is the old statues and the four gates.

3. Gwalior Fort

Do you want to know how kings lived in the first centuries? Visit Gwalior Fort and see for yourself. This 6th-century fort stands tall and proud on the Gopachal Hill in Gwalior. The majestic Vindhayan sandstone fort was subjected to many attacks but the strength it contained did not allow the fort to be defeated. The fort displays beautiful architecture, adorned with some breathtaking sandstone sculptures, stone sculptures, and beautiful works of art. The tall towers and blue exterior tiles give the fort a classic royal charm. A part of this fort that attracts many tourists is the Tamarind tree planted by Tansen. Legend has it that whoever eats a leaf from this tree gets a sweet voice. Other attractions of this fort include the statues of Jain Tirthankars, Gujari Mahal, Karan Mahal, Man Mandir Palace, Jauhar Kund, and Suraj Kund and to tickle your funny bones, the Saas-Bahu Temple.

It takes about 4-5 hours to fully explore the fort. Visitors can enter from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The entry fee for an Indian adult is 75 INR and 40 INR for children. Foreigners have to spend INR 250 to enter the fort. Gwalior Fort is indeed one of the best historical places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.

4. Orchha Fort

Orchha is a less explored jewel in the state. The town was established in the Bundelkhand region by the Bundela chieftain Rudra Pratap sometime around the 16th century. The age-old fort of Orchha still stands tall on an island at the banks of Betwa.

The most popular attractions of this fort include the Jehangir Mahal and Sawan Bhadon Mahal built by Vir Singh Deo, Sheesh Mahal, Dauji ki Kothi, and Baba ki Gufa, and Hardaul ki Haveli. Do attend the light and sound show in the evening, and enlighten yourself with the history of this gorgeous fort.

A unique thing to know about the locals of this area is that they consider Lord Rama as their king, while the Bundelas who established the town are worshipped as demigods. The best time to visit this calm town is during winter when the sun isn’t harsh. Reaching the fort is not a tough task. The closest airport lies in Gwalior, and the railhead nearest to Orchha is in Jhansi.

If you’re a history buff, Orchha’s forts and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries should be on top of your list of places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.

Religious places to visit in Madhya Pradesh

Who said Madhya Pradesh could only lure adventure-seekers and archaeologists? It is equally a treat for the elderly and the spiritual and religious souls as well. Want some internal peace? Do visit these tranquil religious places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.

Ujjain

One of the Holiest cities of India, this place is visited by the many Hindu pilgrims. Ujjain is one of the popular tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh, there are many places to see in Ujjain and many things to do. Want to know more about Ujjain we have a dedicated blog about it to know more read our blog.

Ancient Holy City Ujjian.

2. Omkareshwar, Indore

Hindu Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga, In the city of indore banks of the river Name Narmada thousands of pilgrims visit this place to give their respect to Lord Shiva. In your tour to Madhya Pradesh this is the place to visit.

3. Gwalior

One of the most beautiful cities in Madhya Pradesh, India, Gwalior is known for its magnificent palaces, ancient temples and mediaeval forts. As the birthplace of the great musician Tansen, the city is also distinguished by its noble history and rich cultural heritage.

You can visit and enjoy this beautiful piece of land

Now that you are very well aware of the beautiful place to see in Madhya pradesh, India, one can enjoy and relax with your friends or family. Give yourself the break you deserve a break from your daily city chaos. For your short breaks, which are important for one, we have introduced HOURLYROOMS. It is an online hotel booking platform where users can book hotel rooms on an hourly basis. To book your short stay, visit the website at hourlyrooms.co.in or download the Hourlyrooms app. Happy Travelling.

#travel #madhya pradesh #tourism #hourlyrooms #ujjain #khajuraho

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samosazindabad · 3 years

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Pisces in Astrology from the Islamic World

Those born under Pisces or al hut are said to be changeable in mood, do not like to work and tend to exert little effort in labor, are clever, and can become obsessed with a place or thing. In fact, it is said they are enchanted by locations. They tend to be good-natured and are a mix of amusing and serious and fall in love frequently, getting attached easily. They are said to struggle with internal contradictions and are prone to wander.

Al Biruni says they have an elegant side to them. They are described as sexual but not lecherous like Capricorn or Scorpio. He says they are bold but forgetful, change their opinions often, and can be unstable or unreliable. Pisces men are noted as particularly unreliable. They are prone to make many mistakes in youth but when older they grant sight to the sightless even if they are themselves blind. This is a beautiful aphorism which speaks to the accidental and organic blessing associated with Pisces. Reputedly some have a small mark on their chest and their limbs fall asleep easily.

Pisces is described as feminine, nocturnal, cold, wintry, moist, and phlegmatic. Its season is winter and the early hints of spring. Blue and white is a good color for them to wear. They find much of their fortune on Thursday and misfortune on Saturday. They have many children. They are said to be good healers, religious teachers, mystics, makers of beautiful things, musicians/poets/artists, and counselors though they are better at giving advice than following it. It is also said Pisces was the sign most associated with the human condition.

It is said Pisces obeys Libra and Taurus and holds Scorpio in esteem. They struggle at 18, 25, and 35 with their youth characterized by extreme swings in fortune. Pisces is the home of Jupiter & the kingdom of Venus making them children of the two benefic planets. Generally Pisces is blessed, but like in all things excess is possible and so it’s noted Jupiter and Venus can lead to indulging in too many sweets or indulging in drinking. The placement of Jupiter and Venus would become the sign of the anointed and chosen.

Jupiter is an interesting study in the way Pisces was Islamized. The older pre-Islamic myth is re-imagined within an Islamic cosmology. In depictions of Pisces, we see its Lord Jupiter riding a large fish. See the example in first picture above from 14th C Kitab al Bulhan.

Now compare that image to these Mughal paintings below of Al Khidr: The mysterious teacher of prophets, who is associated with mystic dreams, the holy man who crosses confessional boundaries to become St. George, is associated with Pisces in various treatise.

The human body was divided up by the zodiac with Pisces associated with the feet with many experiencing injuries in their heels.

Muslim astrologers also designated parts of the world as governed by the Zodiac with Pisces corresponding to Syria, Tabaristan, the lands of the Byzantines, and the seas of Yemen. It is also said to be connected to places where holy people gather. The connection of Pisces to the “lands of the Byzantines” would gesture to the relationship between the sign and Christianity. Muslim astrologers would connect Christianity to Sagittarius, but others would lean on the Pisces association.

In world astrology, Pisces became associated with the Great Flood. There is some debate among Muslim astrologers whether the Deluge of Noah happened during a conjunction in Cancer or in Pisces, but Abu Ma’shar favors the latter. The link to the flood is an interesting example of the way Muslims conceived of excess: all things were good in moderation. So the pleasures of Jupiter and Venus—food and sex were all good so long as they were in moderation. The same with rain.

Rains were universally treated as a blessing and natural astrology would use various techniques in order to predict the coming of the rains. And yet blessed rains could also lead to floods. The Great Flood destroyed nearly all of life after all. In this way we can understand how benefics like Jupiter and Venus and auspicious signs like Pisces could go from life-giving to drowning.

Abu Ma’shar would go on to use the theory to predict the end of the world would happen when all the planets align in Pisces. The idea of predicting of the end of days is controversial and explicitly stated as beyond the scope of all but God in orthodox thought. And yet Abu Ma’shar’s prediction raised little controversy; a reminder of how deeply integrated astrology was into Muslim society. The connection of Pisces to floods would be used by other astrologers. They warned the 11th/12th c Caliph Al Mustazhir of a coming flood. They told him a dangerous flood was approaching, but since Saturn was not among the planets in Pisces it wouldn’t be as bad as Noah’s flood. The astrologer’s warning came true. The caliph took protective measures, keeping Baghdad safe, but a deluge in the Hijaz drowned pilgrims.

The moon in Pisces was an ideal time for sex especially for conception, but like Sagittarius one was warned to avoid marriage under Pisces as it was just a little too unreliable. Sex between virgins when the Moon was in Pisces was said to be particularly auspicious.

Some famous Pisces from Islamic history include the 8th c Abbasid caliph, Harun al Rashid who oversaw the pinnacle of the Abbasid empire. He is said to have begun the collection of books for the legendary Bayt al Hikma and patronized scholars, philosophers, and artisans. He had diplomatic relations with Charlemagne, sending priceless gifts of books and knowledge. Charlemagne in turn sent gifts of hunting dogs. He also reassured Charlemagne Christian pilgrims would be welcomed in Jerusalem. One of his gifts to Charlemagne included a mechanical clock which amazed the Frankish court to the degree they thought it magic.

He also sent a massive white war elephant known as Abul Abbas who became a legend in European artwork:

In many ways he epitomized the Jupiteran and Piscean idea of rule—philosophy, art, and generosity. Later in modern astrology Pisces would become associated with the newly discovered Neptune, but for medieval Muslims Pisces would be linked to Jupiter and Venus.It would be the sign of nobility, of generosity, and blessing. Taken to the excess it could become disruptive, but on the whole was viewed as an auspicious sign.

All credit goes to @aaolomi, historian of Muslim politics, gender, Islamic esotericism & folklore on Twitter.

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sebastianshaw · 3 years

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@sammysdewysensitiveeyes So, you asked me not long ago, how I’d feel about Haven as a mutant on Krakoa. As it happens, I’m on an RP Discord where I write her as such, since they allow characters there to be mutants who aren’t mutants in canon, in order to join the RP, since it’s set on Krakoa. I made her a healer, able to heal herself and others. Super on the nose, but it’s what she would want, and it also fulfills *my* desire for her not to be hurt anymore (I mean, she still can be, she’ll just recover) Anyway, in March I wrote this for her in that setting. Featuring Shaw as usual since he’s one of my other muses there and, well, you know I love writing my faves together and their conversations because self-indulgence. No obligation to read, just I remembered I had written it and was like “Oh that’s like what Sammy asked about”

Shaw’s latest job was to spread the Krakoan medicine throughout the country of India. A considerable task; India was made up of no less than 28 states and 8 union territories, with an immense and diverse population. There were the dilapidated slums and rural villages that Westerners most often imagined, but there were also bustling cosmopolitan cities, centers of business and technology and commerce to rival New York, and it was in the biggest of these that Shaw was starting---

Mumbai.

Accompanying him on the recommendation of Charles Xavier was Radha Dastoor---Haven of the healing gardens, whom he had previously met when she had helped with his back. At first Shaw had thought this was a bit racist of Charles, but it turned out not only was Haven from Mumbai specifically herself, she had wonderful connections for the tasks. Her philanthropy had connected her with doctors, hospitals, shelters, and its hidden communities of those suffering afflictions such as the oft-claimed-eradicated leprosy. But, Shaw could have done most of that himself, aside from the hidden colonies. No, where Haven came in most handy was, shockingly, her knowledge of Mumbai’s criminal underworld. Not because she had ever been involved with it, but because she had done so much work getting people out of it---the women and children she had worked to get out of human trafficking rings, the survival sex workers rescued from abusive pimps, the children enticed away from little “found families” of criminals who used them for their dirty work. . .the list went on. And of course she hadn’t been able to do all that alone, she had been funding an entire network of people to get this done, to keep the rescued parties safe and help them in getting to a new life, to block off or arrest those who tried to take them back or attack the rescuers themselves (Haven had been a target MANY times, but those had been in the days when she’d been kept safe by The Adversary’s powers. . . ) and thus she had an abundance of detectives and double agents on the inside. And because they were on the inside, they could bring in the medicine. . . and bring out the mutants being sold, enslaved, and Heaven wept at what else. Mutants that, for the moment, were staying with them in The Rajmani. Haven’s wealth was originally inherited, but she’d kept it coming---so that she could keep giving it away---through The Rajmani, a luxury heritage hotel on par with the likes of New York’s Ritz or Plaza. In income, anyway. In beauty, it surpassed them both. Well, perhaps that was subjective, but it was built within a restored Mughal Palace, and Shaw had to admit he was impressed with the great domes and slender minarets, the massive vaulted gateways and delicate ornamentation, the elegant water gardens and charbagh walkways through the carefully cultivated yet lush tropical greenery. Most of all, though, he liked learning the fact that the woman earned at least a little of her own money in some kind of sense, even if by her own admission she only owned it, not managed it. Shaw looked down on those who only inherited wealth, just as they had often looked down on him for earning his. Haven, though, did not seem to look down on him. She didn’t seem to have the proverbial stones to look down on anybody, and she certainly was around people who actually deserved it. She seemed to love being around that type, in fact, went out of her way to benefit them, centered her entire life around it. Some people, Shaw had found, were just mad like that. He suspected that it had something to do with growing up with money, taking it front granted and thus not comprehending its worse. But at least she didn’t dare think she was better than him, so she was that sensible at least. Although it was the last word he’d describe her with. No, if he were to describe Radha “Haven” Dastoor, he’d probably start with insipid, senseless, and downright delusional. But she was also. . .not an unengaging conversationalist. The reverse, actually. “The Mughals were constantly trying to invade Mumbai,” Haven explained, while Shaw nodded along. He was interested in architecture, and in martial history. “But as much of India as they had conquered, the native Marathis were just as constantly pushing them back. It was touch and go for decades. It surprises me that a Mughal structure remained without being torn down, though it was taken over.” “The native Marathis, you say---are Mughals not native? Or merely from another part of India?” “Well, that’s a complicated question, and the answer is a controversial one, so I till try to explain it as neutrally as I can,” Haven replied, and she indeed sounded neutral. They were standing together on the jharoka, an elaborately carved balcony with a roof, each with a glass of nimbu pani, though Shaw would have preferred a good Scotch. “The Mughal Empire in South Asia was begun by Babur, who came from Central Asia, specifically what is today Uzbekistan. His tribe was of Mongol origin, and the word Mughal is itself derived from “Mongol”. He actually came to South Asia to escape his fellow Uzbeks---it’s a very long story--but instead of being a refugee, he became a conqueror, starting by burning Lahore for two days and killing the last Sultan of the Lodi dynasty in Delhi, and the Lodi dynasty itself was not Indian, but Afghan. India was colonized by the Middle East long before Europe decided to try its hand. But to answer your question. . .they did not begin as Indian, no, but they were a part of our country for two hundred years and left a deep mark in our culture---clothing, food, language, art, and, of course, the buildings. But, the same could also be said of the British, and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone, including myself, who considers the British Raj to have been “Indian” simply because they were there for a long time and forced their ways upon us. At the same time, my mother is a Parsi, a people who originate from Iran, thousands of years ago---Parsi comes from “Persian”. And how can one tell me my mother, who was born and raised here, whose mother’s mothers and father’s fathers were born and raised here, that she was not Indian? And though Babur came from elsewhere, his sons and successors were born and raised here, and often to Indian mothers, and their descendants dwell here still, with no other homeland, so are they not Indian? Because if they were not, then perhaps I am not either, at least by half. Ultimately. . . it depends which Mughals, at what time period, and whom you ask, I suppose.” “And I suppose there’s also a difference between ethnicity and nationality to be considered,” Shaw said, though Haven was now losing his interest with this topic. He’d been more interest in the invasions and warring. “Ethnically, one can be anything, and still nationally be American if you were born there or otherwise have citizenship. But, I suppose you need not contemplate such matters anymore--” He cracked a wry smile as she, with a questioning look, awaited the rest of his sentence. “---after all, we are all Krakoan now, are we not? We’re all mutants, and that’s the only thing that matters.” Haven smiled back, not wryly but sincerely, “Oh, I am now, yes. But I am also still everything I was before. I have been balancing multiple identities my entire life Mr. Shaw, I believe I shall be able to continue to do so. But I must confess--” A moment of hesitation. “--I do not truly think of myself as a mutant yet.” She was not sure what reaction that she had expected to this confession, but it was not what Shaw said next. “I don’t either, Ms. Dastoor.” She looked at him in surprise. “Or rather,” he elaborated, “I do not consider myself a mutant in any sense other than in the way I consider myself to have black hair. It’s a physical fact, but nothing else. It is not a “culture” or “identity” to me, and in truth I find such attitudes to be foolish and even dangerous, not to mention a sign that an individual lacks their own personality and convictions and thus must merely default to group identity politics. Being a mutant tells you nothing about me, Ms. Dastoor, and so if I were to talk about who I am, that’s not something I’d include any more than my eye color.” “That’s an especially interesting perspective from someone on Krakoa’s Council,” said Haven, sounding very curious, “Could I ask you---” But her voice was cut off by the unmistakable sound of gunshots---and from INSIDE the building. “The children!” Haven exclaimed. It was not just her and Shaw that were lodged at The Rajmani tonight; it was where the mutants they had rescued were staying before the journey to the nearest portal tomorrow. And most were, indeed, children. As quickly as she spoke, she was moving back inside from the jharoka, but Shaw grabbed her by the elbow, easily holding her back despite her not being a small or weak woman despite her gentle demeanor. Haven was large, and could carry a grown man. But Shaw didn’t even need to be rough to halt her. “You stay put,” he said sternly, “The guards will handle this.” “Mr. Shaw---” “They are better equipped than you, Ms. Dastoor, you will only interfere--” Shaw and Haven had, of course, not come alone. Shaw had brought several trained mutants on his own payroll---not everyone needed to be one of the X-Men to be capable of handling a few humans and their toys--and they had been tasked with keeping watch over, as Shaw had earlier referred to them as, the latest flock of Krakoa’s little sheep. A statement Haven had also wondered about, though it was far from her mind now. Haven might have been about to argue with him. She might have been about to admit he was right, and she should hang back. But as with her question, she was cut off by a gunshot as she turned her face back to him and started to speak. A gunshot, and bullet through the back of her head. It exited through her right eye, and bounced off Shaw’s face and fell to the floor. She would have as well, had he not caught her as she crumpled. When her healing factor had repaired her enough that she regained consciousness, she was on Krakoa again, as were all the refugees, safe and sound. And so was Shaw. “Well, Ms. Dastoor,” he said, “You’ve been murdered---or rather, nearly so--by perfect strangers for a quirk of your genetics. Nothing can make you more of a mutant than that, wouldn’t you agree?” Haven smiled slightly, “I feel as much a mutant as perhaps a Mughal might feel Indian, Mr. Shaw. Take that as you will.” He took it ambiguously. Which was indeed how she had meant it. == END==

#fic #writing #out of shirt

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arjuna-vallabha · 4 years

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GOVINDA DEV - the king of Vrindavan.

In the year 1514 , a Bengali brahmin was walking alone , leaving behind everything that he had in search of spirituality . He was the Dabir-i-khas or chief secretary to the Sultan of Bengal , Allauddin Hussien Shah . But due to his free mixing with the muslims , he was ostracized from his own caste and society , as was common in those times . Some days earlier , Shri Krishna Chaitanya had paid a visit to the village of Ramkeli , situated just outside the capital of Bengal at the city of Gauda . Thousands of people had gathered to catch his glimpse and pay their respects . Out of the thousands , the chief secretary to Sultan was also there . We do not know what transpired between them , but what we know is that the dabir-i-khas of the Sultan had such a deep change of heart that the entire meaning of life changed forever . Secretly he left home in search of the higher cause ! Dabir-i-khas became Shri Roop Goswami . His destination – the holy town of Mathura . Mahaprabhu through his spiritual insight undertood a forested wilderness near Mathura to be the lost pilgrimage of Vrindavana ! Back in those times , the fabled Vrindavana of the puranas was just a name . Nobody knew where the place was . Mahaprabhu had instructed Shri Roop – “ Go to Vrindavan and stay there . Ask Sanatan ( Roop's elder brother and the chief treasurer to sultan of Bengal , who would also become a renunciate monk later in life ) to vist me . In vraj write the scriptures that would expound the philosophy of divine love and rediscover and establish the lost places of pilgrimages . Spread the name of Krishna and the message of Bhakti . I shall visit once to see your work . “ So Roop set off with the intention to rediscover the lost site . But after reaching the forested wilderness of Vrindavan he was in a lurch ! How to search for something without any clues ? He got himself a manuscript of ‘Mathura mahatyam’ and started investigating . Alongside he led a life of exemplary renunciation and prayed to the divine to show him a way . Shastras describe the glories of Govinda as the supreme lord of Vrindavan . Agamas , nigamas and puranas sing in unison the glories of this form of lord . Varaha purana says – “One who sees the Govinda of Vrindavan does not need to go to the abode of Yama and attains punya . In Mathura Khanda of Skanda Purana , Narada says – ‘ Vrindavan is the abode of Govinda who is always served by his servitors . The king of Vrindavan resides with his beloved within the eight petalled lotus . ‘ SammohanaTantra says – ‘ I bow to Shri Radha along with Govinda of yogpeeth in center of Vrindavan . In Vrindavan Mahatmya , Mahadev answers Devi’s questions – “The groves of Vrindavan are dense with manju trees and numerous branches and creepers . This is the abode of sweet rasa and fragranced by aroma of pravala and other flowers .Within such a beautiful abode is the hallowed siddha peetha – the place of Govinda ! At the center of this yoga peetha stands a golden building . At its center is a bejeweled eight cornered golden throne on which blooms the transcendental eight petalled lotus . Govinda , the king of Vrindavan and his beloved ladies of vraj resides in the center in his beautiful vigraha form . . Roop was determined to locate that yoga peeth where Govinda resides eternally and shastras always glorify ! Even before him , Advaita Acharya , the most intimate associate of Chaitanya had come to Vrindavan and located the deity of MadanGopal atop the dwadashaditya teela hillock . Still earlier , the Guru of Advaita Acharya , Shripad Madhavendra Puri had discovered the deity of Shrinath Gopal ( now called Shrinath Ji ) near Govardhan mount . But the lord of Vrindavan , Govinda is yet to be located . It is said that after the demise of Shri Krishna , His great grandson had installed quite a few deities in vraj area . But in due course of time , all the sites had fallen into disuse and were forgotten . Roop Goswami started his penance in attempt to discover the lost sites . Finally he got the divine intervention that he was seeking . A local villager informed him that on the top of Gomaa teela hillock he sees a cow shower milk everyday on a fixed spot . Overjoyed at hearing this . Roop Goswami set off immediately with some other villagers and started digging at the aforementioned spot . Soon , Govinda manifested himself under the dirt ! The whole of Vraj was immersed in great joy and the deity was re installed in a simple hut on the Shukla Panchami tithi of Maagha month in the year 1536 . This news reached Mahaprabhu at Puri and he was overwhelmed with bhava hearing this miraculous manifestation . He immediately sent his associate , Kashishwar Pandit to take charge of the seva of Govinda . But Kashishwar was reluctant to leave the blissfull company of Mahaprabhu . Realising his pain of separation , Mahaprabhu gave him a metal deity of two armed Krishna as an extension of his own self . Kashishwar named the deity Gour Govinda and arrived at Vrindavan to help others in seva of Govinda . During those times , some other associates of Mahaprabhu were also residing in Vrindavan . Amongst the six main Goswamis was Raghunath Bhatta Goswami . His disciple built the first temple to Govinda . But presumably that temple was damaged pretty soon . At this point , Maharajah Maan Singh , the general to Mughal emperor Akbar , offered to build a new temple for Govinda . The funds for contructing this temple came from the Mughal imperial treasury ! And Akbar is said to have allowed the use of red sandstone , which was otherwise reserved for royal use . Red sandstone is the same variety that’s used to build the Red fort at Delhi , Agra fort and parts of Taj Mahal . The chief architect who designed the city of Delhi , Govinda Das , was appointed as the brain behind this project . A whooping 13 lakh rupees was spent in those days just as labour charges ! And finally after much waiting , the temple was consecrated through a lavish ceremony in the year 1590 . No temple of this size and opulence had been constructed in entire northern india , since the coming of islam till the end of british days !! Not atleast to my knowledge . Hindus of northern India back in those times had to regularly deal with external agressions and attacks on their religious places and hence had totally given up their traditional practice to erect big temples to gods . This history can easily be noticed in the art of the Govinda temple . Though the temple is huge and opulently carved , the eaternal walls are completely devoid of any representations of gods/humans or animals ! Which is very untypical of a hindu temple ! Whatever little human figures are to be found , are mainly concentrated around the main entrance door to garbhagriha , and they are not of particularly high craftsmanship . It is understandable that the artists working under Islamic regimes , being used to the Islamic tenant of not depicting human figures , had forgotten their skills in depicting anthropomorphic forms ! But that part apart , the rest of the temple is a glorious testimony to artistic excellence . Someone who has visited the earstwhile capital of akbar at Fatehpur Sikri would instantly understand the striking similarities between the two places . Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami , a eyewitness to the opulence and poularity of the temple in its haydays leaves behind a graphic description of the same – “ Situated in the center of Vrindavan Stands a golden palace . Inside that maha yoga peeth is a bejwelled throne , over which grows an eight petalled lotus . Inside the lotus eternally resides Govinda Dev - the dispeller of lust ! He is served like a king with different items of luxury . Jewels , valuable cloth abound ! Thousands of servitors do run errands daily around the temple The richness of seva cannot be described by a thousand mouths ! “ In British era the collector of Mathura district , F.S. Growse wrote in his records – “The temple of Govinda Deva , is not only the finest of this particular series , but is the most impressive religious edifice – that hindu art , has ever produced , at least in upper India . “ It is said that emperor Akbar himself had once come to meet the goswamis of Vrindavan , which is perhaps not an exaggeration , when you think of his inclusive religious nature and also the fact that he went out of way to fund this luxurious hindu temple using mughal funds . It is probable that he was impressed with the renunciation and eruditeness of the Goswamis . It is also quite possible that he was curious to see the man who gave up his position of chief secretary and is now living under a tree out of love for god ! Maharajah Man Singh donated huge tracts of land and other riches for the maintainence of the temple . Sehnai and other instruments used to sound daily from the Naubat-khana in the temple premises . By that time , Vrindavan had become a small human settlement from forested wilderness . But sadly the will of god would have it otherwise . Govinda Dev could not stay in his new temple for long . In 1669 , the great grandson of Akbar , Badshah Aurangazeb would order a demolition of all the temples of Mathura and Vrindavan . Perhaps the growing emergence of Vrindavan as a new site for idol worshipping hindus alarmed the rigid Islamic mind set of the king . Armies marched to Mathura and destroyed the temple of Keshava deva at the site of Krishna’s Birth , replacing the site with a Shahi Idgah ( mosque ) which still stands today . But Hindus were used to such events by now . News of impending attack reached the Goswamis of Govinda temple and they secretively escorted the deities out of Vrindavan and hid them in Radhakunda , some 20 kilometers from Vrindavan . Other principle deities of Vrindavan , Shri Nath Ji , MadanGopal , Gopinath were all moved out of the area . Only Radharaman , the tiny self manifested deity , was hid inside an alcove in the inner wall of a well where he remained for many years until the fear of Mughals subsided . Banke Bihari , another important deity also did not move out of vrindavan , because back then he was enshrined in a simple hut inside nidhivan without much fanfare . So his presence was unknown to outsiders and he would not have attracted the wrath of the marauders . The gigantic temple of Govinda was desecrated and its spire broken down completely and a small idgah made hastily on the top of the roof . That structure remained into recent times untill Growse had it removed as a part of archeological restoration project and thereby restored the temple to its original identity . Today the temple is maintained by the archeological survey of India . After staying for 2 years at Radha Kunda , Govinda was brought to Kamyavan . This way , Govinda Dev continued to shift between places for the next few decades . Initially the servitor Goswamis tried their best to protect the deity from iconoclasts and as well as try keep him within the borders of 'vraj mandal' ( the expanse of territory where child krishna lived and sported his leelas ) But inspite of their efforts , the political situation continued to worsen and finally they felt compelled to shift Govinda Dev out of the vraj mandal into the safety of Rajputana . Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh , a descendant of Man singh , came to rescue and brought Govinda to his own palace and built a temple to him within his palace compounds to ensure safety . He then dedicated the entire estate as the property of Govinda and himself as a mere servitor . His seal was etched with the words – “ Shri Govindacharan – Sawai Jaisingh Sharan” Even today , Govinda dev is being worshipped royally as the presiding deity of the town of Jaipur . And even today , the descendants of Bengali Goswamis serve them . Now let us come to the topic of this painting . I have tried to depict the temple of Govinda as it would have originally stood at its prime days . A natural question that may arise is - on what proof did I base my artistic reconstructions ? Is it merely an imagination or is there any solid evidence behind it ? Only the walls of the temple stands today at Vrindavan . The top is completely demolished . But there is a line drawing preserved in Jaipur city palace which has sketches of the temples of Vrindavan as well some of the important religious sites of northern india . This was painted when the temple still stood and provides the much needed clues as to how the original structure might have looked. But I shall post a detailed post on my artistic reconstruction later in this page . Hence im restricting my words for now on this topic . On the right hand side of Govinda Dev stands Shri Roop Goswami . On the left is Kashishwar pandit with the deity that Mahaprabhu gave him personally – Gour Govinda . Gour Govinda is still worshipped in the temple at Jaipur . Right beneath him stands Maharajah Man Singh in white clothes . Opposite Man singh in blue suit is Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh who helped the cause in times of distress . These two characters are thereby immortalized in the leela of Govinda . Today , a new Govinda temple erected in late 18th century stands next to the original temple in Vrindavan . And more recently , a new set of Gour Nitai vigrahas have been installed in the original garbha griha of the desecrated temple . The mind of a bhakta feels saddened to see the empty temple today . But I want to put forward a question to all readers at this juncture . Is divine manifestation only to be found in a deity and nowhere else ?! Can the eternal yoga peetha ever be detached from the eternal presence of the lord ?! Can we not say that Govinda is as much present in Jaipur as he is in Vrindavan yogpeeth ?! Wherever Krishna resides , that verily is the vrindavan . So when Govinda moved to Jaipur , the city became the new vrindavan ! And Govinda through his continuing presence in Vrindavan changed the place into a flourishing tirtha that it is today ! The dream of Mahaprabhu was fulfilled at last ! That is precisely why , one of the greatest gaudiya mystics of 20th century , Ramdas Babaji Maharaj never went to Jaipur to see Govinda . To him , Govinda eternally resides in the yogpeeth . Krishna promises to the gopis – “Vrindaavanam parityajya paadamekam na gacchaami” – I shall not leave ever from the land of Vrindavan . The divine leela of Govinda are eternal . And that all auspicious leela has created a thread of bond that runs from Bengal in the east to Rajasthan in the west with Vraj bhumi at its heart ! Jai Govinda !

Painting and text by Halley Goswami, more at https://www.facebook.com/Halleysart

#Krishna #Radha #hindu art #vaishnavism #bengal

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hello-sanjana · 3 years

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Udaipur Tour (A City Of Lakes)

It does not matter how many countries you explore.

There is always a special place in the heart for our own. And when it comes to the place which holds our cultural heritage, it automatically occupies that soft corner of your soul. And our Udaipur Tour is definitely one of those.

Udaipur , the capital of the Mewar Kingdom is one of the most sought-after destinations for tourists all around the world. A city filled with eternal beauty and magic all over becomes a blessing in disguise for you even to be its minutest part.

So, this weekend, I planned a short Udaipur Tour with my family to the ‘city of lakes’.

A small introduction with the kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency:

This beautiful city was founded in 1558 by Udai Singh II and after Akba besieged Chittorgarh. Udaipur is situated in the southernmost part of Rajasthan, nearby the Gujarat border.

Our Journey:

To reach from Delhi to Udaipur, you can opt for NH 48 and NH58 . And Delhi to Udaipur distance is about 663 KM, which will take almost 12 hours. We started our Udaipur Tour at 1 PM so that we can reach around 12 or 1 at night. If you are with family, always plan some buffer time for resting and comforting.

So, apart from the planning, we reached at 2 in the night from Delhi to Udaipur, where we had already had our booking for an ac lake view facing room in Thamla haveli, the rooms have the perfect look of Lake Pichola.

Places to Visit in Udaipur :

Jaisamand Lake: This hidden gem tucked away in the folds of the mountain and located almost 48 km away from the main city. The Lake is the second-largest artificial Lake in India and was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1685. This Lake was built for a purpose, Maharaja Jai Singh has created it to help his people battle a severe drought. The entire place is surrounded by ancient palaces, beautiful temples, and Ghats, which makes it one of the most lovely and most visiting place. If you are planning for a Udaipur Tour for your honeymoon or with a spouse, keep this place in your list. Look at sunset by this Lake and even hire a cruise to make your holiday memorable.Distance from the main city: Approx 1 KMVisiting hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PMEntry free: It is free.

Mewar Light and Sound Show at City Palace: This is the main focal point of Udaipur’s identity, and your tour is incomplete if you have not visited the City Palace. Being one of the best places to visit in Udaipur, the Palace persists as a giant conglomerate of mounting structures that include the Manek Chowk, Maharani Palace, Daawat-i-Khas and Daawat-i-Aam. Try to visit in the evening to catch the Mewar Light and Sound Show. Here you need to take tickets. 1. We bought a ticket for the City palace + Museum – Rs 115. If you are taking a Camera, it’s going to be 225 extra for this.Location: In the center of the cityVisiting Hours – 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Don’t miss the Boat Ride to Jag Mandir. Boat rides on Lake Pichola going to the Jag Mandir, a small island covering a tastefully constructed palace accompanying back to 1620 now serves as a luxurious hotel with a restaurant, bar, spa and al-fresco dining. The Jag Mandir Palace is an exquisite visitable place in Udaipur and has nestled in Pichola Lake’s estuary island. Crafted beautifully by top-notch marble, this place gives a mesmerizing view of the sunset. This place is ruled by three Maharajas, Maharana Amar Singh, Maharana Karan Singh and Maharana Jagat Singh, and was established as a summer resort.Distance from City Centre – 1 km

We have seen the puppet show during our Jaipur trip, and at Shilpgram we enjoyed it again, with camel rides and mud houses. Though it is a huge house and you can feel tired, Dal bati churma, an authentic Udaipur dish, will energize you back.

Haldighaati: Haldighaati, maybe you are familiar with this place- where the historical battle between the Rajputs and the Mughals took place. Where the great Maharana Pratab and his legendry Rajput army has participated in one of the biggest war. This place also has a carved statue from superior quality marble, dedicated to Chetak, and with the beautiful Mulela art wall hangings. If you want to shop for antique items, you can have a great tie here.

Fateh sagar lake – Then we went to Fateh Sagar lake, the huge and beautiful Lake. You cannot be even able to see the other side clearly.

Vintage Car Museum: if you are a car and automobile lover, we are sure you will love this place. This place’s vintage collection is one of the most admirable places, owned by Arvind Singh Mewar. Here along with Antique solar rickshaws, you can check for Rolls Royce, an MG-TC convertible, a Ford-A convertible and a Vauxhall-12 and many more.Distance from City Centre – 1 km

Sahelion ki Bari is a significant garden, which has fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. It also has a small museum inside and was laid for a group of forty-eight maidens. It was built by Rana Sangram Singh who gifted this garden to his queen accompanied by 48 maids in her marriage.

Visiting Hours – 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Entry Charges – Adults: Rs. 250 per person

Children: Rs. 150 per person

Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace): Here you can take your own car to a very high point. You have to go through the hilly area, but when you reach there, you will be amazed by the view of Udaipur city from here.

Jiyan Sagar, Udaipur: Also know as Badi ka Talab, this place will give you an attractive and energetic vibe in your Udaipur Tour. Truly made in traditional Artistic Rajasthani style beautiful chhatris can make your day. Commissioned by Maharana Raj Singh, this beautiful Lake is named after his mother Jana Devi.Free entry

Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:30 PM

You can ride a boat here too: Boat Ride Fee:

Rs. 30 per head for Regular boat

Rs. 200 per head for Motorboat

Rs. 400 per head for Speed Boat

Maharana Pratap Smarak: This place has a marvellous bronze statue of the great Maharana Pratap with his warrior and true friend, his horse Chetak. In their Udaipur Tour, People spend some time here to look and memorize this great warrior and to pay their tribute.Distance from City Centre – 46 kmTime needs to explore the place – half an hourVisiting Hours: April to September 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM

October to March: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Outside the Royal Palace, you can find Jagdish Mandir, a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur in Rajasthan. It is a big tourist attraction, and originally was called as the temple of Jagannath Rai but is now called Jagdish-ji. Temple.

Udaisagar Lake : Udaisagar lake is 13 km from Udaipur. Its construction started in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh And it was completed in 1565. Maharana Udai Singh was constructed on Berach River So that their Kingdom get water supply. Nowadays the water of this lake used in the zinc smelter to close Debari.In 1573 Kunwar Man Singh fed Maharana Pratap Singh to talk about surrendering of Akbar (Mughal Emperor) on the banks of Uday Sagar lake. But Maharana Pratap Singh refused to come and Kunwar Man Singh Insulted. And then this incident led to the battle of Haldighati in 1576. Peple are visiting here to enjoy the serene waters of this lake.Distance from City Centre – 13 km

Rajsamand Lake : This Rajsamand Lake is one of the the five most popular lake in Udaipur. This lake was 66 km far from Udaipur. This Lake is also known as Rajsamudra lake in Rajasthan. This Rajsamand Lake was built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660. The main supplier of water of Rajsamand Lake is Gomti River.In 17th centuary when this lake was made, this lake was very glorious.On the southern end of the lake, All the huge Embankment is made up of white marble.Rajsamand Lake has marble terraces and stones steps, here Maharana Raj Singh used to watch the Tuladan event here, organized by descendants and the king stand there and distributed gold to the Brahmin. On the banks of the lake there was a ‘Nawchowki’ Which was constructed by Maharana Raj Singh. The history of Mewar described in 1017 stanzas, on twenty seven marble slabs, that are called ‘Raj Prasasti’. And this is India’s longest Acknowledge. Rajsamand Lake (Rajsamudra Lake) a huge of water 66 km north of Udaipur between the towns of Raj Nagar and Kanbroli.

Time needs to explore the place – half an hour

Timings: All around the day

Free entry

Distance from City Centre – 62.2 km

Time needs to explore the place – half an hour

Timings: All around the day

Free entry

Doodh Talai : Have you ever wondered why it is called Doodh Talai? There are many stories of people but according to old people doodh talai ( A small milk pond ) which fulfilled their needed that were present in government cow shelters ( Raajakeey Goshalas) which is fulfilled the requirement of milk in heritage kichen.Later on government was shifted to vilas and brought daily for grazing, drinking water and for bathing purpose at Doodh Talai. Then it was later concevived that this unique fresh reservoir was meant for the Royal concern.Distance from City Centre – 5.2 kmTimings: 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Manikya Lal Verma Garden :- The Manikya Lal Verma Garden is also known as Doodh Talai Garden. Lake Pichola and Doodh Talai looks beautiful from here. The Manikya Lal Verma park was constructed in the year 1995 by Nagar Parishad ( Municipal Council), Udaipur and was name after Manikya Lal Verma ( Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan ). There was Two different routes to reach the garden, one for walking and one for vehicles and above this is the temple of Karni Mata.

Entry Charges: Rs. 10 per adult

Doodh talai is located quite near the centre of the Udaipur. Doodh Talai is surrounded by small hillocks that are:-

Deen Dayal Upadhyay park ( Rock Garden or Musical Fountain Garden )

Manikya Lal Verma Garden

The Rope Way

Lake Pichola

Jungle Safari

Due to greenery and tourist attraction everywhere, it is a very famous spot to explore in your Udaipur Tour, in one place we can enjoy the fast food counter camel and horse Ride and Boat Ride.

Deen Dayal Upadhyay park ( Rock Garden or Musical Fountain Garden ) :- Next to the Manikya Lal verma Garden, a small Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay park is located. It was developed by UIT ( Urban Improvement Trust ) Udaipur. The best thing here is that Rajasthan’s first “ Musical Fountain “ was manufactured here by “ Yagnik Mechanical Engineering works” And sunset is also very beautiful from here.

The Rope Way ( Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway ) :- Here is a Ropeway which passes over Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park which leads Karni Mata Temple, this cabin car business person Kailash Khandelwal had developed collaboration with UIT. This cabin car runs at a height of 500 meters from the ground. This is the first ropeway of Rajasthan which is a beautiful adventure in 4 minutes.

Lake Pichola :- Lake Pichola is another place that attracts people and lake Pichola has four islands. ( Jag Niwas, Mohan Mandir, Jag Mandir and Arsi villas ) that represent the royal architecture of Mewar. To see the scene og scenic view one has to ride th sunset boat ride which is 200 rupess per person and can also take Camel and horse ride on the lake side of Lake Pichola.

After exploring all this, visit jungle safari Separately which is 3.5 km from Lake Pichola

The grand Udaipur forts and palaces , lake Pichola, lake Badi and pretty cafes are a few places to vist in Udaipur.

Udaipur had reserved a beautiful spot in my heart and mind I want to Visit here again. It was such as enthralling feeling of meeting an old lover.

So based on my personal experience, here above is my list for palaces to visit in Udaipur. And I have covered all important points like- All places entry fee, their visiting time and how to reach Udaipur and places.

This Udaipur Tour was a refresher for all of us, after staying too long at home. And even at the end of all this, I can say if you are willing to stay at a place for a little longer just because it calms your soul, stay there.

Finally, our trip to Udaipur ended with some crazy experiences and memorable moments, which actually are going to be counted.

Stay connected with us, to explore unexplored. Because you never know!!!!

#udaipur #udaipur tour

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drram1952 · 4 years

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Sindhi Community in Pakistan

The ruins of Mohan – Jo – Daro speak of tremendous age of human civilization in Sindh, but the 1st written records of the region related to the invention of Alexander the great in 325 BC. Alexander seriously injured in battle with fierce tribesmen outside Multan, but after his recovery he proceeded on down the Jhelum and in Indus River with a fleet of about 2000 ships, captured by securing Sukkur, and the surrounding territory.

Eventually he made his way to the sea – to sail for home at a place that the historians call Alexander heaven, which was probably somewhere in the region of modern Alexander. The 1st major town that the travellers who followed Alexander historic route in to Sindh will come to his Sukkur, some seven horse drive to the south west of Multan its character is moulded around the river that flows through it on which high rigged, sabot – shaped boats place slowly to and fro across the current, here in the shadows of the grand Mosque, which casts the reflection of its shimmering minerals on the waters of the Indus, fisher flock river people lead proud and independent outdoor lives, exposed to the elements and the vicissitudes of nature.

Their settlements are strung out in a ranged line along the river banks thatched wooden huts on shore and huge leaking house boats afloat on the water. The fisher man looks gaudy caring and un-ruly hair seems to be the hallmarks of latter day pirate yet, on closure acquaintance, they immerse as gentle kind hearted people with delightful sense of humour and a calm and social fatalism. Pushing to smoke a home road cigarette with them and to drink a cup of tea you are aware of the beauty of the river in the early morning as

reflect un-hurried wavelets lap against the mud embankment. The shots of children bathing for a way in mid-stream carry effortlessly across the still sunny air and mingle with the rhythm of clothes being slapped dry by a laundry man against the flat black rocks.

Turning South from Sukkur the road runs straight and though some of the more fertile regions of Sindh. Cultivation here is plentiful but in the absence of effective irrigation, depends to a great extent on the modes of the Indus, through the river flows sluggishly for most of the year it has a tendency to flood and tendency that is the basis for more than 40% of Sindh agricultures over the millennia the Indus has deposited so much alluvium along its path that in many places its banks and even its bed are above the level of the surroundings plains.

One such change of courses dramatically improved the fortunes of Hyderabad. Some 320 km to the south of sukkur, in the mid-18th century Hyderabad was known “Nikunkot” and the Indus flow peacefully enough to the east of it. In 1758, however, the unpredictable river shifted into a new course to the waste of the town. A few years later because of the havoc further South, that had resulted from the change of course, Sindh rulers the saintly Ghulam Shah Kalhores moves his capital to Nirkot, at the same time remaining Hyderabad.

The Oval fort build by Ghulam Shah still stands today, in the centre of modern Hyderabad and bears very little evidence of the skirmishes that have taken place outside 1 km circumference of its walls around them. Traffic moves ceaselessly. Horse drawn carts mingle with more elaborate 6 seaters landaus. A whole local industry is given over to carriage making and the craft man are renovated for their painstaking attention to detail, it is an aborting experience to watch a master at work embossing a huge wooden wheel with bright nails and chrome or carving integrate designs into the tall boat of landau.

Karachi enjoys a splendid natural harbour, 1 of the best in the sub-continent. It has only seriously exploded the valuable asset in the 100 years, although it potential for great prosperity was visible somewhat earlier. “Yet be the glory of the East”, prophesied sir Charles Napier. The British General who conquered Sindh would that I could come again Karachi, to see you in your grandeur Napier 1st visit was in 1943, when the great city was an in –significant and un-appealing coastal town with population of the most, a few thousands called Kullachi. It has 2 gates, Mithadr facing sweet water well, and Khaddar facing the salty sea. Today, though the world 19th century town is long gone its (sweet and salt) gets to Karachi oldest.

In 1947 the new state of Pakistan was born and Karachi was established as the Capital, though Karachi is no longer Pakistan’s capital, having surrender that honour to Islamabad in 1959, its dominance in the national economy is behind dispute. The port handles is billions tons of cargo annually and is 1 of the most important shipping centre in South Asia, Karachi is also the main terminus of Pakistan railway system and the sight of the principal international airport, about 1 quarter of the centuries industries are located here.

Karachi cloth bazar is an excellent place to sample for the 1st time the intoxicating atmosphere of this great city.

Here amidst the food and drink stalls that seems to congregate where ever goods are bought and sold merchants from, all over Pakistan are to be found engaged in the business of making money. Textile are still century’s largest industry and Karachi is the largest whole sale centre for the products of

this industry. Products which are moved to retail outlet as far away as Peshawar and Ravalpindi, Kota and Lahore.

Karachi museum is a major repository of national treasury and a centre of Archaeological and Historical research situated in the heart of the city in pleasant garden it is divided into a pre-historic gallery, a Buddhist Hindu gallery, a Muslim gallery and Ethnological gallery, a manuscript hall and numismatist section. The Muslim gallery contains a particularly fine collection of miniature painting and art form that was in high vogue during the Mughal era. Manuscripts hall illuminated a number of extremely ancient copies of the holy Quran, illuminated throughout and characterised by delegate and imaginative choreography.

In Pakistan over all the Sindhi community is settled in Hyderabad, Karachi, Sukkur and many other parts of Sindh state. The lifestyle of the Sindhi people in Pakistan shows that they follow occupations like making clothes, ornaments, fishing, making wheel carts with decorations. They make beautiful vehicles decorate them and are involved in poultry making also. In a survey conducted by myself in Vadodara, Ahmedabad & Mumbai, I visited 35 families in different areas I asked them certain questions about life in Pakistan. Many people of Amil, Bhaibandh, Shikarpur, Hyderabad and these have someone which is considered so many Sindhi’s like Punjabis. Bhatia, Shikarpuri etc.

In Amil most of the families are working in Government sector and in the corporate sector. This community is mostly highly educated Sindhi families. Bhaibandh are businessman working abroad most of the people are engaged in business activities like, toys, clothes, electronics etc. These people are working in neighbouring countries also. People other than this caste have a different social religious future language in the Bhaibandh caste are more educated and mainly businessman. The life style is different from community to community.

In Pakistan the dresses of Sindhi women’s are the cap they wear etc and different from the other Pakistani people. After the partition the Sindhi celebrate in a way of similar to that in India. They continued the barter system in Pakistan even after the partition, even today many other states practice the same, in many Sindhi caste (dowry system) is still equivalent in this system like cash, ornaments, clothes and furniture are demanded from girl’s family. Due to this many girls get married out of caste which leads to failure of marriage as girls are not able to adjust out of caste. I have personally observed that many girls over 30 years of age are un-married. In Sindhi community girls are highly educated while the boys are not so, so their ideas lifestyle changes but those Sindhi’s still who live in Pakistan has totally changed.

#sindhi community in Pakistan

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anushreesp · 5 years

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Rajasthan – Jaipur

An impromptu post about my trip to Rajasthan!

Rajasthan was on my bucket list for over a year for all the colourful vibes and history the state has to offer.

I had a week long vacation when I was transitioning from one team to another at work. I wanted to make the most of this time where I had no responsibilities of old team and no work from the new team.

I wanted to go to Rajasthan in 2017 and it did not happen with extensive planning; planning paralysis! End of 2018, without giving much of a thought, I decided to go on a vacation.

My friends who visited recently helped me come up with a decent itinerary.

Excited as ever, I was more than happy to be taking my parents on their first flight. The impending innocence and joy on their face to see the flight take off is something that I will cherish for a lifetime.

The first city we landed on was Jaipur!

Jaipur Tales

Jotting down few memories of Jaipur which caught my attention vividly.

The city of Jaipur welcomed us with a bright pink smile on its face. The sunlight was high but the winds were chilling. Those were the coldest days of December! The city is known for wide roads built by Raja Man Singh centuries ago spoke volumes on the planning and thinking. As we drove through, we were greeted with tall clean pink buildings on either sides of the road.

I still feel so intoxicated by the piping hot chais of Jaipur, early morning smell of fried kachori and samosa, carts of kadai poha in front of Hawa Mahal, array of flower sellers sitting outside the temples. The city has its own palette of food with smell of fresh parathas with butter filling the air and hung thick curd, series of gewars and phenis, piping hot jalebis and churning milk in the biggest containers, people flocking in at well known restaurant LMB to try the authentic Rajasthani thali, dal baati choorna!

The best part is the availability of tongas throughout Jaipur which you can bargain for a cheap ride. It’s also a wonderful way to experience a place slowly and closely. Some of the noteworthy memories of the local markets are of the flying pigeons all over the place and tons of shops selling pigeon food, guides wrestling to get their first share of customers, shopkeepers doing the job of photographer outside hawa mahal to get customers, never ending bargains, never ending shops of colourful bandhinis, jutis, leather bags, tourists decking up the city with essence of languages from all over the world.

Every road welcomes you with an intricately designed arch taking you back to the time of kings and queens.

Puppet shows in the mahal and various parts of Jaipur is definitely a thing to look out for in Rajasthan. There will be two people performing this art. A singer and a puppeteer who controls the puppets with the strings from behind the curtains. Puppets were controlled to dance to the songs of Amitabh, Madhuri and many other super stars.

Night vibes is something to watch out for in Jaipur. I felt the pink city had transformed into an orange city with lights decking up all the buildings. It’s also a peaceful time to finish your shopping and get some pictures clicked in front of radiating and peaceful Hawa Mahal. The nights of December gets extremely cold and the shops selling colourful sweaters, caps of wool, jackets decks the roads.

Adding one or two lines about the touristy places I visited:

Hawa Mahal – prime attraction of Jaipur, is situated at the heart of old Jaipur. It’s a 5 storeyed honeycomb shaped building which was used by queens and royal ladies of the City Palace to view the festivities and the world outside. One can spot the celebration of the amalgamation of Rajput and Islamic architecture.

Amer Fort is one of the neatly maintained fort of Jaipur. There was an option to ride over elephants or to walk. I chose to walk as I wanted to savour every bit of the journey. Amer fort has intricate paintings on its wall made with vegetable colours like mustard leaves for green. Amer Fort also has a beautiful Sheesh Mahal, literally translates to a palace of mirrors, mirrors of all shapes and dimensions adorning the walls, ceiling and the door. I was fascinated by the water storage underground tanks built centuries ago to conserve rain water. Mughal garden at the entrance of the fort is a picture worth looking at.

We also visited a nearby stepwell, Panna Meena Kund around 4 kms from the Amer Fort is definitely an architectural marvel. This step well was an invention of the 8th century, to store rain water.

Walking further ahead exploring the place, we came across this beautiful temple with open circular ceiling. We sat and relaxed there for a while.

Nahagarh Fort. Nahagarh Fort is situated at a higher altitude and has a view of the entire city of Jaipur. Generally, any forts were a place where soldiers resided watching for enemies and protecting the people of the place. Nahagarh Fort is now converted to a museum. There are also identical houses which was constructed for 8 chief soldiers and a step well nearby.

Albert Hall Museum is also a place to watch for getting a sight of culture of Rajasthan and rest of the world. The museum houses mummies of Egypt, porcelain vases from Persia, colourful paintings of Krishna, warrior weapons and costumes, wooden work of the old times, musical instruments and many more. The museum is fully lit at night and the light colour changes from pink to red to green to blue!

Jantar Mantar is a geometrical and astronomical marvel built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. There are huge time machines which are still in use to determine time, day, month and year.

Jal Mahal is an amazing place to visit post sunset. It’s a palace built in the middle of a lake and the lighting makes it a perfect place to sit and chit chat over variety of snacks. There is also a market selling different artifacts of Rajasthan. We also came across some great locals to crack a great conversations!

Places Visited: Hawa Mahal City Palace Jantar Mantar Albert Hall Museum Amer Fort Nahagarh Fort

Must Visit Food Places: LMB- Laxmi Mishtan Bhojanalay Chaat Places outside Amer Fort Local Chai Shops

Days Spent: 2 days

Watch out upcoming posts for stories about rest of the places in Rajasthan!

Happy Exploring!

#travel

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lgbtqiahistoricalromance · 6 years

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LGBTQIA Historical Romances with Artists, Poets, Thespians, Musicians, Dancers, and Bohemians - July 2018

Jalendu by Mark Andrew

- Set in the turbulent twilight of the reign of the Mughal Emperor of India, Jalaluddin Akbar, Jalendu tell the story of the socially awkward, but politically important young Prince Adinath and Jali, a handsome, spiritually inclined farm boy who becomes his bodyguard. Their unlikely friendship and love changes the fate of the empire. The small kingdom of Vindhyagarh sits in the Vindhya foothills between Prince Salim, the rebellious son of the emperor and self-declared Sultan of Ilahabad (present day Allahabad) and his powerful Bundela Rajput ally, Maharaja Vir Singh Deo of Orchha. But Salim in truth is no rebel. He is loyal to the power behind the throne, the women of the imperial household. The court nobility, led by the emperor's vizier Abul Fazl, see their power evaporating as the emperor seems powerless to oppose the wishes of the empresses or to act against his disobedient eldest son. They fear that when Salim become emperor, they will be reduced to mere servants. Abul Fazl vows that Salim will never sit on the imperial throne. Rana Jayaram of Vindhyagarh wants peace, but his efforts to ensure it draw his kingdom into a very dangerous political game. His youngest son has rarely left the palace because of illness and spends his time reading ancient Sanskrit texts, drawing and composing poetry. His only friends are his brother's widow and his old tutor. Jayaram sees a chance to extract his kingdom from danger by an alliance with the influential Kachwahas. An alliance by the marriage of Prince Adinath to a Kachwaha princess would not only tie Vindhyagarh to a Rajput house more loyal to the empire but into the imperial family itself.

On Wings of Song by Anne Barwell

- Six years after meeting British soldier Aiden Foster during the Christmas Truce of 1914, Jochen Weber still finds himself thinking about Aiden, their shared conversation about literature, and Aiden’s beautiful singing voice. A visit to London gives Jochen the opportunity to search for Aiden, but he’s shocked at what he finds.The uniform button Jochen gave him is the only thing Aiden has left of the past he’s lost. The war and its aftermath ripped everything away from him, including his family and his music. When Jochen reappears in his life, Aiden enjoys their growing friendship but knows he has nothing to offer. Not anymore.

The Reluctant Berserker by Alex Beecroft Review (Gorgeous writing, and an unusual case of a dominant musician and a submissive warrior.)

- Dark Ages England. Among the Saxons, a warrior is the highest form of human life. He dominates all, he yields to none, and if ever this mastery is taken away, his honour is taken with it. Reluctant berserker, Wulfstan, a noble and fearsome warrior, has spent most of his life trying to hide the fact that he would love to be cherished and taken care of by someone stronger than himself. Slight and beautiful harper, Leofgar, has the opposite problem – how can he keep the trained killers off him long enough to get them to acknowledge he’s as much of a man as any of them? When, in a panic, Wulfstan accidentally kills a friend who is about to blurt out his secret, and Leofgar flees rather than submit to his lord’s lust, they meet on the road to the pilgrims’ shrine at Ely. Pursued by a mother’s curse and Leofgar’s vengeful lord, they must battle guilt, outlaws, and the powers of the underworld with the aid of only music and a female saint. And if they fall in love on the way, there’s still that murderous shame to overcome.

Treading the Boards series by Tess Bowery (author’s Tumblr)

Rite of Summer: Gay men in a disaster!triad. Sex solves a lot of things, but actually talking about problems solves more. Not a poly ending.

She Whom I Love: Bisexual best friends share a very confused (yet grateful) straight man. Disaster is narrowly averted. A very poly ending.*

*Shortlisted twice for the Bisexual Book Awards, 2015 - Best Romance, Best Erotic Fiction.

That Potent Alchemy: Genderqueer ballet dancer hates gender, ballet, and emotional connection. Macbeth helps. No poly in this one at all.

Artemis by Jessica Cale (trans male hero/bisexual heroine)

- Actress Charlotte Halfpenny is in trouble. Pregnant, abandoned by her lover, and out of a job, Charlotte faces eviction two weeks before Christmas. When the reclusive Earl of Somerton makes her an outrageous offer, she has no choice but to accept. Could he be the man of her dreams, or is the nightmare just beginning?

Apollo Somerton has been in love with Charlotte for a decade, seeing each of her plays multiple times, despite being a man that otherwise keeps to himself. After Charlotte finds herself pregnant, she almost resorts to drastic measures, but Somerton rescuers her and makes her an offer she can’t refuse. But, despite his adoration and beauty, Charlotte knows being an actress didn’t prepare her for the role of wife to an Earl, and others will stop at nothing to keep the pair from getting married.

This is a sweet novella, with a frankly adorable leading man. Handsome and devoted, he has a secret, but love with persevere. Some aspects of the novella are a little far-fetched, but the love story makes it totally worthwhile. (Contains mentions of period-typical homophobia and transphobia. Trans male leading man, and bisexual heroine.)

25% proceeds donated to Equality NC, and 25% to the Malala fund

Think of England by KJ Charles Mini Review

- Lie back and think of England... England, 1904. Two years ago, Captain Archie Curtis lost his friends, fingers, and future to a terrible military accident. Alone, purposeless and angry, Curtis is determined to discover if he and his comrades were the victims of fate, or of sabotage. Curtis's search takes him to an isolated, ultra-modern country house, where he meets and instantly clashes with fellow guest Daniel da Silva. Effete, decadent, foreign, and all-too-obviously queer, the sophisticated poet is everything the straightforward British officer fears and distrusts. As events unfold, Curtis realizes that Daniel has his own secret intentions. And there's something else they share-a mounting sexual tension that leaves Curtis reeling. As the house party's elegant facade cracks to reveal treachery, blackmail and murder, Curtis finds himself needing clever, dark-eyed Daniel as he has never needed a man before... Warning: Contains explicit male/male encounters, ghastly historical attitudes, and some extremely stiff upper lips.

The Actor and the Earl by Rebecca Cohen (Three book series, w/Sebastian playing his own twin sister in all three.)

- Elizabethan actor Sebastian Hewel takes his bow at the proscenium only to embark on the role of a lifetime. When his twin sister, Bronwyn, reneges on the arrangement to marry Anthony Redbourn, Earl of Crofton, Sebastian reluctantly takes her place. At nineteen, Sebastian knows his days as a leading lady are numbered, but with this last performance, he hopes to restore his family’s name and pay off his late father’s debts. Never mind the danger of losing his head should he be discovered.He didn’t expect Anthony to be so charming and alluring—not to mention shrewd. While he applauds Sebastian’s plan, Anthony offers a mutually beneficial arrangement instead. Sebastian will need every drop of talent he has to survive with both his head and his heart intact, because this is the best part he’s ever had.

You Must Remember This: A Gay Retelling of Casablanca by John Michael Curlovich

- You Must Remember This is an homage to the classic film Casablanca on the 75th anniversary of the film’s release in America. It is the height of World War II. Frank Chandler is an American GI who has been separated from the army on a “blue discharge.” Along with his musician friend and sometime lover Dan Jackson, he finds himself in Marrakesh (only a short distance away from Casablanca), an international city where every kind of pleasure is easily available. But Marrakesh is also a city of danger. The Nazis are establishing themselves there, and their ominous presence means life is fraught with peril. Then Lilli, a beautiful, mysterious woman from Frank’s past, shows up unexpectedly, and he finds himself confronted with the hardest choice of his life. Lilli’s presence stirs emotions he thought he had buried. Yet there is still the city—and its men—and the thousand pleasures it offers… Should Frank go with Lilli and try to make a “normal” life with her? Or should he follow what he increasingly believes to be his true nature? That is the dramatic conflict at the heart of You Must Remember This.

My Lord, Lady, and Gentleman - Book Three of the Surrey SFS series by Nicola Davidson (m/m/f)

- Welcome to the Surrey Sexual Freedom Society - where unconventional and uninhibited ladies and gentlemen discuss all matters erotic... Estranged from his aristocratic family for choosing art over a third son’s proper path, Mr. Clayton Irving lives in wretched circumstances. His only joys are his friends and an extraordinary talent for sensual portraits, until the perfect opportunity arises: paint ton empress Lady Susanna Fenton. All his financial woes gone…if he can hide his fierce craving for her—and even more forbidden—her husband Lord Joseph Fenton.

In the eyes of the world the Fentons have it all: staggering wealth, position, and a caring union. Yet their smiles hide a marriage broken by secrets and pretense. The wicked portrait is a last effort to save it, and Susanna and Joseph soon discover that sinfully handsome Clayton is key to a passionate and happy new start for them all. But secrets always reveal themselves, and those who break the rules are punished. Can an unconventional ménage truly defy all for love?

The Bohemian and the Banker by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon

- A night lost in Paris finds two hearts changed forever. Sent to Paris on business, Nigel Warren doesn’t quite understand why his colleagues’ eyes twinkle as they tell him to meet them at a local night spot. When he discovers it’s a drag cabaret and his acquaintances aren’t there, he realizes he’s the butt of a joke. Yet he finds himself quite undone by a singer dressed in an elegant gown, crooning a spellbinding ballad. It’s not unusual for Jay, a former Londoner, to bring a new “friend” home from the cabaret, but he’s never had a guest quite like Nigel, whose straitlaced manner hides an unexpected passionate streak. One romantic night on a rooftop under starry skies, followed by an afternoon enjoying the excitement of the 1901 Paris Exposition, bonds these opposites in a way neither can forget—even after they part. Their spark reignites when Jay comes to London, but he’s not sure he can go back to hiding his true self, not even for the sake of love…unless Nigel is willing to shed his cloak of staid respectability and take a leap of faith.

Robby Riverton: Mail Order Bride by Eli Easton

- Being a fugitive in the old west shouldn’t be this much fun. The year is 1860. Robby Riverton is a rising star on the New York stage. But he witnesses a murder by a famous crime boss and is forced to go on the run--all the way to Santa Fe. When he still hasn't ditched his pursuers, he disguises himself as a mail order bride he meets on the wagon train. Caught between gangsters that want to kill him, and the crazy, uncouth family of his "intended", Robby's only ally is a lazy sheriff who sees exactly who Robby is -- and can't resist him. Trace Crabtree took the job as sheriff of Flat Bottom because there was never a thing going on. And then Robby Riverton showed up. Disguised as a woman. And betrothed to Trace’s brother. If that wasn’t complication enough, Trace had to find the man as appealing as blueberry pie. He urges Robby to stay undercover until the danger has passed. But a few weeks of having Robby-Rowena at the ranch, and the Crabtree family will never be the same again. Damn, what a kerfuffle. If only Trace can get rid of the fugitive while hanging on to his own stupid heart.

A Brush with Darkness by Erastes

- Florence, 1875 After making a grisly discovery one night, I needed proof that there was still goodness in the world. I never dreamt it would come to me during my next commission—with a subject whose very name means light... Yuri was glorious in his otherworldly beauty, surrounded by a bright halo of iridescence, but I detected a fierce darkness lurking underneath the surface. Sketching all night, I could hardly wait to capture his likeness in a painting. For Yuri has stimulated not only my creative urges, but my sexual ones as well. His very presence infuses me with joy and passion, but what will happen if my patron should discover our trysts? Dependent on his good graces, I can't afford to lose his support. But I fear the time will soon come when I must choose between restoring my family's fortunes and obeying the temptation of the muse before me... Previously published as Chiaroscuro, newly revised by author.

The Matinee Idol by Owen Keehnen

- LOVE IN THE SILENT FILM ERA... At the height of the roaring 1920s, Raymond Richmond leaves Iowa and heads for Hollywood with dreams of silent film stardom in his head. In Los Angeles, he meets Brick, the ruggedly handsome cowboy of his dreams. Soon the two are a couple. When Raymond film career takes off, he is pressured to choose between stardom and Brick. Afraid of passing up his dream, Raymond chooses his career. As Raymond’s star ascends, he attempts to fill the void Brick has left in a number of ways. Eventually, his career begins to suffer and shortly after the advent of talkies, Raymond hits rock bottom. Desperate and alone, he is prostituting himself to feed his addiction to alcohol. But fate intervenes and reunites Raymond with Brick. However, Brick carries deep wounds from their past as well. Can the former lovers overcome the demons and betrayal of the past and find happiness once again? Spanning over a decade, Owen Keehnen’s The Matinee Idol is a timeless tale about second chances and the redemptive power of love.

Convincing the Secretary - Book Two of the London Legal series by Ava March (Included due to Edward’s true calling.)

- Business and pleasure is a mix no gentleman should consider. Lord Grayson Holloway goes after what he wants—be it in the law office on his clients’ behalf or in the bedchamber. His new position as partner puts him closer to achieving his goal of becoming the most successful solicitor in London. There’s just one problem—his new secretary. Broad of shoulder yet mild of manner, Edward tempts Gray like no other. Yet the young man barely notices him. Edward Fenton tries to be a good secretary, but being in Lord Grayson’s hard, commanding presence rouses Edward’s most forbidden desires. Wicked, naughty desires no gentleman should consider giving in to, let alone with his new employer. Gray is more than willing to mix business with pleasure. But convincing Edward to take a chance on a future with him? That might be the most challenging case Gray has ever taken on. Warning: Includes buttoned-up gentlemen who become undone, improper use of a desk, spankings, and a big bad lord who has a soft spot for his virgin secretary.

A Wager of Love by Katherine Marlowe (Review pending, but this is included, because Gilbert and Laurence have long conversations about poetry and philosophy, and they do a little acting in pursuit of their goal. This was a delightful book, using the thoughts and concepts of the time period to great effect.

- Laurence Aberforth has never been in love. The first time he meets the impulsive and charming Gilbert Heckwith, he accepts a wager as to whether or not true love exists in the world. Amidst the playful flirtation of their new friendship, they explore the concept of love through philosophy and poetry, and the two of them ultimately find the proof of their wager in each other. Clean romance, no cheating, no cliffhangers, standalone novella.

Such a Dance by Kate McMurray

- New York City, 1927. Eddie Cotton is a talented song-and-dance man with a sassy sidekick, a crowd-pleasing act, and a promising future on Broadway. What he doesn’t have is someone to love. Being gay in an era of prohibition and police raids, Eddie doesn’t have many opportunities to meet men like himself—until he discovers a hot new jazz club for gentlemen of a certain bent...and sets eyes on the most seductive, and dangerous, man he’s ever seen. Lane Carillo is a handsome young Sicilian who looks like Valentino—and works for the Mob. He’s never hidden his sexuality from his boss, which is why he was chosen to run a private night club for men. When Lane spots Eddie at the bar, it’s lust at first sight. Soon, the unlikely pair are falling hard and fast—in love. But when their whirlwind romance starts raising eyebrows all across town, Lane and Eddie have to decide if their relationship is doomed…or something special worth fighting for.

The First Act by Vanessa Mulberry

- April 1594. William Moodie thinks he’s in love with celebrated actor Richard Brasyer. When Brasyer’s playing company, Goldfox’s Men, comes to town, William is only too willing to leave his country life for the opportunities of the theater and a life in London. Determined to become Richard’s apprentice, William seeks to impress his mentor with his acting—and please him in bed.Meanwhile, Richard struggles to escape his past as a spy and disentangle himself from the manipulations of his former master and ex-lover, Bennett Goldfox. Swearing off a relationship with his new apprentice proves difficult for Richard, as William uses all his youthful charms to seduce him. When Bennett’s life is threatened, Richard is lured back into the game for one final mission, and he and William travel to Cambridge to hunt down a list of traitors to the Crown.In the midst of danger and deception, Richard and William come to truly see each other, faults and all, and realize their feelings run deeper than either expected.

Palace Dog by RE Nelson

- In April 1975, as the government in Saigon is falling, Michael Andrews prepares to make his way back to Vietnam to find the love he was forced to leave. But Michael’s journey begins four years earlier. He joins the Air Force to keep out of the Army and out of Vietnam, but his first assignment is teaching English in Saigon to members of the Vietnamese military in an Army program called Palace Dog. As an artist, and a man, before his time in Vietnam, Michael found life lonely and unsatisfying. In the midst of war, Michael searches for direction and meaning. He ultimately finds love and hope with Thao, a young Vietnamese art student, only to have their already uncertain future wrenched from them when he is pulled out of the country. For Michael, his return in 1975 is inevitable and without question, though the outcome he hopes for is anything but assured.

The Viscount and the Artist by Alyson Pearce (The Eccentrics Book 1) (Review pending, but this was a lovely surprise. I expected a slap-dash May/December romance, but these characters were actually worked out, and Jeremy stays true to his convictions in spite of everything working against him. Andrew has a crisis, but they work through it together.)

- Andrew Cardwell is a man driven by duty to his country and to his family. After the death of his uncle, he’s determined to provide security and stability for his family as the new Viscount Cardwell—even if that means marrying and producing an heir. Surprising himself, Andrew decides to sponsor a young artist named Jeremy for the season, to help him find a patron. What he doesn’t anticipate is how well Jeremy fits in his bed…and his life. Jeremy Leighton knows what it’s like to be a disappointment. The only son of a vicar, he’s refused to follow the path his father set for him, choosing his passion for art, instead. He accepts Andrew’s proposal, hoping to prove to his father—and himself—that he can succeed as an artist. After spending time with Andrew in and out of bed, Jeremy struggles not to fall for the damaged viscount, knowing the season will likely end in Andrew’s engagement. Between a meddling cousin, a widow on the hunt for a new husband, and their own doubts about the relationship, how can Andrew and Jeremy shed the expectations of others to find true happiness?

Juliana by Vanda (f/f)

- New York City, 1941. Alice “Al” Huffman and her childhood friends are fresh off the potato farms of Long Island and bound for Broadway. Al’s plans for stage success are abruptly put on hold when she’s told she has no talent. As she gets a job to pay for acting classes, Al settles into a normal life with her friends and a boyfriend. It all changes when she meets Juliana.A singer on the brink of stardom, Juliana is everything Al isn’t: glamorous, talented, and queer. The farm girl is quickly enthralled, experiencing thoughts and feelings she never realized were possible. Al finds herself slipping between two worlds: the gay underground and the “normal” world of her childhood friends. It’s a balancing act she can handle until the two worlds begin to collideIn a city bursting with change, can Alice find what she was looking for all along?Juliana: Volume 1: 1941-1944 is a captivating work of LGBT historical romance. If you like extensively researched settings, spell-binding storytelling, and characters you can’t help but fall for, then you’ll love the first book in award-winning playwright Vanda’s new Juliana series.

Nightingale by Aleksandr Voinov

- In Nazi-occupied Paris, most Frenchmen tread warily, but gay nightclub singer Yves Lacroix puts himself in the spotlight with every performance. As a veteran of France’s doomed defense, a survivor of a prison camp, and a “degenerate,” he knows he’s a target. His comic stage persona disguises a shamed, angry heart and gut-wrenching fear for a sister embedded in the Resistance. Yet Yves ascends the hierarchy of Parisian nightlife to become a star, attracting the attention—and the protection—of the Nazi Oberst Heinrich von Starck. To complicate matters further, young foot soldier Falk Harfner’s naïve adoration of Yves threatens everything he’s worked for. So does Aryan ideologue von Grimmstein, rival to von Starck, who sees something “a bit like a Jew” in Yves. When an ill-chosen quip can mean torture at the hands of the Gestapo, being the acclaimed Nightingale of Paris might cost Yves his music and his life.

Ardent by Heloise West

- In the village of Torrenta, master painter Morello has created a color that mimics the most expensive pigment of all, the crimson red. Master Zeno, from strife-ridden Medici Florence, tells him the color gives him a competitive advantage – but Morello must be careful. Fraud is ever-present in the dye and pigment markets. As they work together in Torrenta, Morello falls hard for Zeno’s assistant, Benedetto Tagliaferro, a young man of uncommon beauty and intelligence. Benedetto is still fixed on his old lover, the master painter Leo Guisculo, and cannot return Morello’s affections. But when Leo dies in a terrible accident, it’s to Morello that Zeno and Benedetto turn for help. And Morello soon finds that in Florence, every surface hides layers of intrigue.

#lgbtqia romance #historical romance

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travelandsarah · 4 years

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Repost Sketch by @art.que1 The word pol is derived from the Sanskrit word pratoli meaning entrance to an enclosed area. Pols were originally made as a protection measure when communal riots necessitated greater security probably dating from 1738 during Mughal-Maratha rule (1738–1753) in Ahmedabad. A typical pol would have only one or two entrances and also some secret entrances known only to people residing in a pol. Some pols contain old beautiful houses with internal courts having intricate wooden carved facades with columns and fresco work done around court walls or ceilings. Pol architecture is an interesting evolution in urban living space.Each pol was protected by a gateway closed at night as a safeguard against thieves. Inside is one main street, with crooked lanes branching on either side. Most vary in size from five or ten to fifty or sixty houses. One of them, the Mandvi pol in the Jamalpur area of Ahmedabad, is much larger than the rest and includes several smaller pols, with an area of about fifty acres and a population of thousands. Pols are almost entirely inhabited by Hindus, in some cases by a settlement of families belonging to one caste, and in others by families of several of the higher castes, Brahmins, Vanias, Suthars, and Kanbis. Most pols have been established and with a gateway, some provided at the expense of the Pol's leading man whose name the pol in many cases bears, and whose family holds a position of respect as the heads of the pol. Each pol had generally its own watchman and its own sanitary arrangements. The affairs of the pol were managed by a group of people. The house property in the pol is to some extent held in common. Formerly no man could sell or mortgage a house to an outsider without first offering it to the people of the pol.Though this rule has not been kept latterly, residents of a pol sold their houses to people of the same caste. When a house is mortgaged or sold, the people of the pol had a right to claim from one-half to two per cent of the money received. At weddings and on other grea description credit @heritagewalkahmedabad @theheritagediary #heritagesoftail #art #artistsoninstagram #sketch #street#rural #draw https://www.instagram.com/p/CB7O0_fDM_h/?igshid=1ick9wzwiheh9

#heritagesoftail #art #artistsoninstagram #sketch #street #rural #draw

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manish77universe · 5 years

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Buy Gold Jewellery Online - buymyJewel

Jadau: A masterpiece of brilliance.

Have you ever wondered the true meaning of beauty? Well, the meaning of beauty differs from one person to another. There is a sense of observation in every being and there perspective changes. Is the process of judging beauty is entirely subjective? Beauty is described as an emotion or belief which carries pleasure to the individual who looks or examines. The English word "beauty" is extremely expansive: it might allude to an alluring lady or, to some degree less much of the time, an appealing man, however it is likewise a key idea in style, utilized of works of art of each sort. We discuss scenes and blossoms and nature as delightful, and considerably progressively conceptual things, for example, thoughts or numerical confirmations, and furthermore of profound characteristics, frequently in religious settings and contradicted to lewd magnificence.

Gold jewellery is one thing of beauty that has an attractive vibe which makes people crave for it but its not easy to acquire one. Gold has been used in various works of art like jewellery. Gold jewellery is prominent for it’s use in the commercial as well as the global market. A piece of gold jewellery is loved by everyone from ancient era, it has transformed the jewellery sector and shaped the people’s mentality through ages. Gold Jewellery has it’s mark all over the world but in India it has a great significance. It is well recognized that gold and silver have tremendous historical, religious, cultural, social and economic significance in our country. India being a gold bearing country has the highest gold consumption in the world.

Today we are talking about a special kind of gold jewellery making technique. ‘Jadau’, a jewellery making technique which is used to make amazing gold jewellery with complex designs. Women in India loves to adorn Gold jewellery a lot, it states the fact that India is the number one consumer of gold in the whole world. There was a time when only the royals would adorn gold jewellery but now as the availability of jewellery is more, the commoners are also able to afford one. The availability of gold jewellery is increasing day by day and the jewellery market keeps expanding. Nearly all real gold is stamped with a hallmark that notes the karat weight of the jewellery.

Jadau jewellery is one of the most adorned jewellery in India. Here we are talking about the Jadau. Jadau jewellery is basically assembled with gems, semi-precious materials, which are embedded into gold by heating the gold a little and then cooling the gold up. No adhesives, nothing is used. People often confuse ‘Jadau’ with a kind of gold jewellery but rather it’s a jewellery making technique which is used to make ‘Polki’ and ‘Kundan’ Jewellery. The Jadau jewellery is one of the most anticipated jewellery making art in India that has emerged from Rajasthan. The Rajputana kingdom is notable for it's sovereignty. The jewellery plans that are inundated in the Rajasathani jewellery are Jadau, Polki and Kundan and so on.

buymyJewel has introduced ‘Jodhpuri Jadau’, a beautiful collection of gold jewellery which is inspired from the beauty of Jodhpur and assembled by the Jadau jewellery making technique. Fundamentally, it is about valuable gemstones that are studded in gold. This is one motivation behind why it is worn by most ladies around the globe. The excellence of Jadau Jewellery making system has continued as before since ages. The Jadau Necklace is indicated to be an incredible bit of craftsmanship that is overwhelmed from the gold jewellery making specialty of Rajasthan. It is old fashioned yet at the same time holds the situation in the jewellery showcase. The Jadau Necklace set is craft of excellence that rises above the importance of adornments to a lady. Gold jewellery is regularly cherished by numerous however just a couple of structures of gold jewellery outperform the adoration for gems. Jadau work is cooperation, where a gathering of skilled workers are included together. Every specialist completes a particular errand identified with the jewellery creation. The jewellery making strategy of Jadau is convoluted and needs fixation and control. A Jadau depicts the respectability and sovereignty of Rajputana rule.

buymyJewel has a great collection of gold jewellery, ranging from gold necklaces to bangles and much more. buymyJewel introduced itself as India’s first business to business real jewellery assisted e-commerce platform. BMJ incorporates a variant range of gold jewellery online. We have certified Hallmark gold jewellery online. We have an abundance of gold necklace sets which engulfs gold necklaces, gold earrings, gold rings, gold tika, gold bangles etc. We have segmented different types of jewellery by their designs and specialties. Now a days people often look forward to buy gold jewellery online.

The Jodhpuri Jadau jewellery online collection is the best Jadau jewellery collection on the web. We have augmented a variety of Jadau jewellery designs in our collection which is catered for each and every individual’s likes and personas. Generally, the idea of Jadau work has been practically speaking in the conditions of Rajasthan and Gujarat since the Mughal Era. Jadau Jewellery is also known called Engraved jewellery and is exceptional and a sort in itself. Viewed as a conventional jewellery of India, it is utilized in numerous customary and promising occasions, similar to weddings and celebration festivities. It is little known but is a fact, that the most complicated and intricate ‘Jadau’ handwork in Jewellery, had been the original tradition of Bikaner. The oldest jewellery tradition of Bikaner ‘Jadau’ work. buymyJewel is the best platform to buy gold jewellery online with great prices and offers.

buymyJewel has gold Jadau jewellery design with price which is elegant looks eccentric. We have catered a beautiful range of Jadau Necklace sets that captures the traditions and cultures of Rajasthan. The colors are blended with each jewellery piece. The lateral art of jewellery making has changed through years but a Jadau is still made with that utter discipline and preciseness. Our craftsmen are professionals in the Jadau jewellery making sector and they are from different parts of India that is a great opportunity for jewellery makers like us. buymyJewel is one of the best place to look for Jadau jewellery.

#buy gold jewellery online #jadau

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rajasthantourplanner · 5 years

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Jaipur Tour Operator

Jaipur “Pink City” - Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state. It evokes the royal family that once ruled the region and that, in 1727, founded what is now called the Old City, or “Pink City” for its trademark building color. At the center of its stately street grid (notable in India) stands the opulent, colonnaded City Palace complex. With gardens, courtyards and museums, part of it is still a royal residence.

Amber Fort - Amber (pronounced Amer) is at a distance of about 11 kilometres from Jaipur. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was the bastion of the Kachwahas of Amber, until the capital was moved to the plains, to what is today Jaipur. The palace, located in craggy hills, is a beautiful melange of Hindu and Mughal styles. Raja Man Singh I began construction in 1592 and the palace, which was built as a strong, safe haven against attacking enemies, was completed by Mirja Raja Jai Singh. The contrast between the harsh exterior and the inviting interior couldn’t be more surprising. Made entirely of red sandstone and white marble, visitors are left spellbound by the magnificence of the palace that utilises carvings, precious stones and mirrors. The splendour of the palace is enhanced by the breath-taking vista of the Maota Lake in front. The palace is nearly seven centuries old and has a legendary past. Originally a small structure that the Rajputs won from the Meena tribes, it was later transformed into the grand Amber Palace.

City Palace - Located deep within the walled city, the City Palace Complex was conceived and built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. A beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the palace is still home to the last ruling royal family which lives in a private section of the palace. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II is credited with building most of the structures, but it was expanded upon by later rulers as well. The City Palace Complex includes the Mubarak Mahal (the palace of reception) and the Maharani’s Palace (the palace of the queen). Mubarak Mahal now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and displays a vast and unique collection of royal costumes, delicate Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Benaras silk saris, and other dresses with Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery. The clothes of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I are also on display. The Maharani’s Palace, surprisingly, has an interesting display of very well-preserved Rajput weaponry, some dating back to the 15th century. Other than the arms, the palace is adorned with beautiful paintings on the ceiling that are well-maintained.

Jantar Mantar - Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is considered to be the largest of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. It contains sixteen geometric devices, designed to measure time, track celestial bodies and observe the orbits of the planets around the sun. It also houses the Interpretation Centre that helps the tourists to understand about the working principles & chronolgy of the observatory.

Hawa Mahal - Hawa Mahal, literally the Palace of Winds, was built in 1799 by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh as a summer retreat for him and his family. It also served as a place where the ladies of the royal household could observe everyday life without being seen themselves. This unique five-storey structure is a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, and the exterior, with its small latticed windows (called jharokhas), resembles the crown of Lord Krishna. The windows also serve as an air-conditioner of sorts, blowing cool air throughout the palace, making it the perfect retreat during summers. Built from pink sandstone, the Hawa Mahal is Jaipur’s iconic landmark and visitors can view its complete magnificence from outside, from across the road. However, it is also possible to climb right up to the top for a wonderful view from the windows. Today, the Mahal is maintained by the Archaeological Department of the Government of Rajasthan and also houses an archaeological museum in the courtyard.

Albert Hall Museum - The building gets its name from The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the inspiration for its design. The exquisitely built Albert Hall is housed in the centre of Ram Niwas Garden. Sir Swinton Jacob (who is also the mastermind behind many other palaces in Rajasthan) conceptualised and designed it using styles from the Indo-Sarcenic architecture and the Prince of Wales laid the foundation stone of the building in 1876. The museum displays a wide range of metal objects, wood crafts, carpets, stone and metal sculptures, arms and weapons, natural stones and ivory goods. It also houses a large collection of miniatures from Bundi, Kota, Kishangarh, Udaipur and Jaipur schools of art.

Nahargarh Fort - Nahargarh Fort sits proudly on a ridge of the Aravalli Hills, creating an impressive northern backdrop to the city of Jaipur. It was constructed during the reign of Jai Singh in 1734, and was later expanded in 1868. Nahargarh, which means abode of tigers, was a formidable barrier, defending Jaipur against attacking enemies. Within its walls, the fort houses Madhavendra Bhawan, the summer destination for the members of the royal family. Built by Sawai Madho Singh, the palace has 12 matching boudoirs for the queens, at the head of which is a suite for the king. They are all connected by corridors decorated with delicate murals. Even today the palace is a favoured spot for local picnickers. The fort looks brilliant when floodlit at night. Overlooking the city, it presents a glittering view of the city lights.

Jaigarh Fort - About 15 kilometres from Jaipur, Jaigarh Fort was built by Sawai Jai Singh II sometime in the early 18th century amidst the arid, rocky and thorn-scrub covered hills. Despite its ancient construction, it still retains most of its imposing citadel appearance. Visitors can see the world’s largest cannon – Jaiban, at the fort.

Birla Mandir - The Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, or the Birla Temple, as it is more popularly known as, is located at the base of Moti Dungari. Built on an elevated platform, this comparatively modern temple is built entirely of white marble and dominates the skyline of south Jaipur. The temple was commissioned and built by renowned Indian industrialists, the Birlas, in 1988. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also called Narayan, and his companion, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and good fortune. The temple is a work of art and has a marvellous display of exquisite carvings and sculptures covering many mythological themes. The eye is drawn to the images of Laxmi and Narayan, carved as they are, from one piece of marble. The top of the temple has three domes, each representing the three religions followed in India. This is designed to pay homage to secular India. The temple looks spectacular at night when it is lit up. Other than the main temple, the complex has a museum that exhibits the earlier belongings of the Birla family.

Jal Mahal - One of the most wonderful sights in Jaipur is the beautiful Jal Mahal or Lake Palace. The light, sand coloured stone walls and the deep blue of the water make for a wonderful contrast. The palace appears to float in the centre of Man Sagar Lake, where its magnificent exteriors can be enjoyed by tourists.

Gaitore Jaipur - Gaitore, one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Jaipur, is a royal cremation ground for the Kachhwaha Rajput kings and the members of the royal family. The word ‘Gaitore’ is believed to be a mispronounced form of the Hindi phrase, 'Gaye ka Thor’ which means 'resting place of the departed souls’. Located on a narrow valley on Jaipur-Amer road, this place is 15 km away from Jaipur. The valley has cenotaphs (chhatri) made of marble and sandstone with Rajastani carvings, dedicated to legendary kings who ruled Jaipur. A perfect blending of Islamic and Hindu temple architecture, Gaitore has cenotaphs of Sawai Ram Singh, Sawai Madho Singh and Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and so on. Among these kings, the cenotaph of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II is quite impressive with its intricate peacock carvings and designs on beautiful white marble structure. It is said that the carvings on each cenotaph reflects the taste of the respective king. Read further to know more about Gaitore and its historic significance.

Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden – Sisodia Rani Palace and Garden is located 8 kilometres from Jaipur on the Agra road. Laid out in Mughal style, it is painted with the legends of Radha and Krishna. The garden is multi-tiered and has fountains, water courses and painted pavilions. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built it for his Sisodia queen.

Govind Dev Ji Temple – The Krishna temple is a rare spire-less temple and houses the idol of Govind Devji that Sawai Jai Singh brought from Vrindavan. The deity, worshipped by the erstwhile royal family, is also revered by the the locals in the area.

Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple – Moti Doongri is a small hill around which the city of Jaipur flourishes. Moti Doongri means pearl hill, because the hill indeed resembles a pearl drop. Visitors go there to pay homage at the famous Ganesh temple, the most auspicious and important religious temple in Jaipur. The Ganesh temple was built by Seth Jai Ram Paliwal, sometime in the early 18th century. A legend goes, the King of Mewar was heading back to his palace after a long journey and was carting a massive Ganesh idol on a bullock cart. The king had decided that he would build a temple for the idol of Lord Ganesh wherever the bullock cart stopped. Apparently the cart stopped at the foot of the Moti Doongri, which is where the temple is situated today. The hill also has an exotic palace perched right on top. A replica of a Scottish castle, it was once the royal home of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh. It continues to belong to the royal family. The mere view of this castle is extremely exotic.

Digamber Jain Mandir – The ancient Digamber Jain temple at Jaipur is in Sanganer, 14 km from the city. The principal idol in the Sanghiji Temple is of Lord Adinath in the Padmasan (lotus position) posture. The temple is made of red stone and has attractive carvings. The seven-storied temple has sky-high 'shikharas’ (spires) and its inner sanctum is a stone shrine with eight sky-high shikharas.

Galtaji Temple – Galtaji is an ancient pilgrimage centre in Jaipur. Set amidst low hills and packed with locals and tourists alike, the attractive spot has temples, pavilions and holy kunds (natural springs and water tanks). Visitors to Galtaji will come across the complex of Ramgopalji temple, locally called the Monkey temple (Galwar Bagh). It gets this moniker because of a large group of resident monkeys. The green landscape and chattering monkeys add to the delight of the area. On top of the hill is a small temple dedicated to the sun god, called the Surya Mandir. Constructed by Diwan Kriparam, the temple can be seen from anywhere in the city.

Nahargarh Biological Park – Nahargarh Biological Park, a part of the Nahargarh sanctuary is located about 12 km from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Delhi highway. It encompasses a large area of 720 hectares and is situated under the Aravalli range. The Park is famous for its vast flora and fauna, and its main aim is to conserve it. It also doubles up as a great place to educate people and conduct research on existing flora and fauna. At Nahargarh Biological Park, ornithologists can expect to see over 285 species of birds, of which, the most popular is the white-naped tit, which can only be found here. When you visit the Park, make sure you also head to Ram Sagar, which is a famous among bird watchers and makes for a great spot to catch different varieties of birds. While here, you can stay at well-equipped and famous places such as Ganga Vilas, Gopal Vilas and Lalit Vilas, which were famous with the maharajas of the yore as hunting lodges. The Nahargarh Zoological Park is also worth a visit and houses animals such as Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, panthers, hyenas, wolves, deer, crocodiles, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, wild boar, etc.

Jaipur Wax Museum – Amidst the confines of the Nahargarh Fort at the foothills of the Aravallis lies the Jaipur wax museum, a visit of which is sure to leave you awe-struck! It has been developed by Entertainment 7 Ventures Pvt Ltd. Hosting over 30 wax statues of famed personalities, the museum is a spectacle to behold! The wax museum, as the name suggests, holds wax statues of many leading personalities such as Amitabh Bachchan, Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Rabindranath Tagore, Albert Einstein, Michael Jackson, Sawai Jai Singh II, Maharani Gayatri Devi and many Indian and International leads. The life-like replicas along with detailed backdrops and ingenious sets provide an overwhelming yet unique experience. The museum also has a display of the 10 foot long Bullet, Gati Gamini, the signature Rajasthan Tourism Motorbike. The timing for the wax museum and sheesh Mahal is from 10 am to 6.30 pm and open all days of the week, The ticket price per person for wax museum and Sheesh Mahal is Rs 500 for Indians, and Combo entry for International Travellers is Rs 700 for all days.

Raj Mandir Cinema – One of the most famous spots in Jaipur is the Raj Mandir Cinema. A single-screen experience, done up with a royal and luxurious architecture, the cinema holds a special place in the Pink City. Watching a Hindi movie is an amazing experience at this cinema, and booking your seat in advance is always a good idea. It was established in 1976. An asymmetrical exterior design helps the theater stand apart. Inside, the extravagantly finished roof, grand chandeliers, and a rising staircase next to the lobby lend an old world charm to the place.Located just off MI road, a Jaipur trip cannot be considered complete without a visit to the Raj Mandir.

Visit - https://rajasthantourplanner.com/rajasthan-tour-operators/jaipur-tour-operator.html

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indiatourplann-blog · 5 years

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Jaipur Tour Operator

City Palace - Located deep within the walled city, the City Palace Complex was conceived and built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. A beautiful fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the palace is still home to the last ruling royal family which lives in a private section of the palace. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II is credited with building most of the structures, but it was expanded upon by later rulers as well. The City Palace Complex includes the Mubarak Mahal (the palace of reception) and the Maharani’s Palace (the palace of the queen). Mubarak Mahal now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum and displays a vast and unique collection of royal costumes, delicate Pashmina (Kashmiri) shawls, Benaras silk saris, and other dresses with Sanganeri prints and folk embroidery. The clothes of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I are also on display. The Maharani's Palace, surprisingly, has an interesting display of very well-preserved Rajput weaponry, some dating back to the 15th century. Other than the arms, the palace is adorned with beautiful paintings on the ceiling that are well-maintained.

Gaitore Jaipur - Gaitore, one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Jaipur, is a royal cremation ground for the Kachhwaha Rajput kings and the members of the royal family. The word 'Gaitore' is believed to be a mispronounced form of the Hindi phrase, 'Gaye ka Thor' which means 'resting place of the departed souls'. Located on a narrow valley on Jaipur-Amer road, this place is 15 km away from Jaipur. The valley has cenotaphs (chhatri) made of marble and sandstone with Rajastani carvings, dedicated to legendary kings who ruled Jaipur. A perfect blending of Islamic and Hindu temple architecture, Gaitore has cenotaphs of Sawai Ram Singh, Sawai Madho Singh and Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and so on. Among these kings, the cenotaph of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II is quite impressive with its intricate peacock carvings and designs on beautiful white marble structure. It is said that the carvings on each cenotaph reflects the taste of the respective king. Read further to know more about Gaitore and its historic significance.

Digamber Jain Mandir – The ancient Digamber Jain temple at Jaipur is in Sanganer, 14 km from the city. The principal idol in the Sanghiji Temple is of Lord Adinath in the Padmasan (lotus position) posture. The temple is made of red stone and has attractive carvings. The seven-storied temple has sky-high 'shikharas' (spires) and its inner sanctum is a stone shrine with eight sky-high shikharas.

Visit - https://rajasthantourplanner.com/rajasthan-tour-operators/jaipur-tour-operator.html

#RajasthanTourism Rajasthan Tour Packages Jaipur Tourism Jaipur Tours

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altughuner-blog · 5 years

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Kolhapur to me stood for the temple of Mahalakshmi, Kolhapuri Chappals, Hot Chillis and Lavani dance. I first visited the city as part of the luxury train Deccan Odyssey trip. Got to spend just a couple of hours there that gave me a glimpse of Places to visit in Kolhapur. I knew I would come back. It took me a few years to return, but this time I savored the sights, sounds, and flavors of the city.

I remember wearing a saffron Pheta at the city railway station. This was my first taste of Kolhapuri culture.

Brief History of Kolhapur

In the recorded history, Kolhapur was ruled by Shilaharas from 10th-13th CE. In the medieval times by Maratha rulers with Shahu Maharaj its best-known ruler. Tarabai – the daughter-in-law of Shivaji Maharaj also ruled the region. Her idols can be seen all over the city.

In the Pauranik literature, it is a part of the Karvirpur Kshetra.

Places to Visit in Kolhapur

Mahalakshmi Temple – This is the biggest attraction in the city. So we did a complete post on Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur. Do read it.

New Palace

The New Palace actually dates back to 19th CE. Since it replaced an old palace, the name new stuck to it. Since there is little possibility of any new palaces coming up, the name suits it.

Built in a combination architecture in dark grey, the palace has unique eight angles with a clock tower in the middle. The ground floor of this building is now a museum where the collections of the royal family are displayed.

The erstwhile royal family continues to stay in one part of this palace. There are huge displays of Royal portraits, old furniture, artifacts, statues, Ganjifa cards, a gallery of stuffed animals that were hunted by the kings. Of course, there is a display of weapons and arms.

Durbar hall with high ceilings, carved pillars, and panels of exquisite glass paintings depicting life events of the royal family is the high point of this palace. The museum is well organized and documented. Opposite the building, there is a small lake and a zoo. We could see a lot of birds including the migratory ones on the trees standing in the lake.

This obviously is among the list of Places to visit in Kolhapur.

Bhavani Mandap – Old Palace

The Bhawani Mandap

Bhavani Mandap is the old palace that you enter through a big gate. This palace was destroyed in a fire and that led to the construction of the new one. Construction here is massive and medieval in the same dark grey stone. There is a life-size statue of Sahu Maharaj, the beloved king of the city.

We moved towards the imposing stone gate of Bhawani Mandap.

City Library

Before that, we visited the Karvir Nagar Vachan Mandir or the local library. On the left of the main gate, we saw the lovely Rajaram Mahavidyalaya. This beautiful building has nuances of Rajasthani architecture like Jharokhas and arches, Mughal as well as colonial architecture. Built in 1880, this building still runs like a school.

Another gate of Bhawani Mandap

We entered Bhawani Mandap, but instead of a building, we found ourselves in an open ground with shops all around. There were hustle and bustle all around. There was street food on one side and the temple offerings including the beautiful Saris on the other.

Straight ahead, I remembered watching Dandpatta during my earlier trip here.

Dandpatta Video

Here in this city, I got to see these young men and women showcasing the traditional Maratha Martial arts. Watch the video.

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Dandpatta is the traditional martial arts practiced by women. It was a sheer delight to see young girls in saffron saris playing effortlessly with the swords in their hands. Young men also presented their skills with the swords but I missed the traditional attire.

Bhawani Mandir

Last time, I missed visiting the Tulja Bhawani temple. This time I visited it and discovered a small museum here.

Shivaji Gaddi, Bhawani Mandap

Shivaji Gaddi – Bhawani Mandap

There is a life-size statue of this favorite King of Kolhapur – Shahu Ji. There are dioramas of animals, including a giant bison that were apparently hunted by Shahu Ji Maharaj.

When you stand in the vast courtyard of Bhawani Mandap, you get a glimpse into the world of walled cities. I wonder how life would have been, well protected by the strong walls on all sides, and right next to the Mahalakshmi temple.

Kolhapuri Saaj

The interesting part of this museum-cum-temple is a throne that was once used by Shivaji Maharaj. A portrait of his hangs behind the throne.

Apparently, there is an underground tunnel that connects Bhawani Mandap to Panhala fort, some 20 km away. No one seems to know about it though.

Kushti or Taaleem

Pahalwan at Gangavesh Akhara

Kolhapur is a great center for Wrestling or Kushti as we call it in India. It would not be wrong to say wrestling is the favorite sport of this city. It was well patronized by its erstwhile Kings and the legacy continues to live.

The Olympian K D Jadhav who won a bronze in 1952 Olympics, was spotted and trained by the then King Shahaji II in the city.

There are two places that I recommend you to visit for wrestling enthusiasts.

Khasbag Kushti Maidan or the Khasbag Wrestling Stadium

Khasbagh Kushti Maidan

I have never seen a wrestling stadium in India, and that too such a big one. It has a covered platform that I assume would have been the place where the King sat. The legacy may have passed on to the current day VIPs.

In the center is the wrestling ring with soft soil in it. All around the stadium is just a slope with a layer of cow dung. However, it is designed in such a way that wherever you sit, you will get the full view of the ring.

I have never seen a dedicated wrestling stadium like the one I saw in this city.

Gangavesh Taleem or Akhara

The city has many Akharas or Taleems as they are known locally. Gangavesh Akhara is quite popular. I visited it around noon time when the wrestlers and their Guru Ji were resting after their daily practice.

I saw the large space dug within a large room. The soil is nurtured with Haldi or turmeric, ghee, and herbs. It is worshipped like a deity before the wrestlers start their daily practice. On the wall was an image of Hanuman, the Isht Devta of all wrestlers.

Read More – Pahalwan Routine at Tulsi Akhara in Varanasi

Watch this video of Tulsi Akhara

youtube

Other important Akharas in the city include Shahupuri Akhara, Motibag Akhara, and New Motibag Akhara.

Normally, women are not allowed in Akharas during practice time. So, please check with the authorities or take prior permission to visit the Akharas.

I am told that wrestlers from around the country come here to learn wrestling. This includes the famous wrestlers of Haryana, who have won many Olympics and other international medals in wrestling.

Traditionally, wrestlers or Pahalwans came from villages and hinterlands. It was kind of a family sport for many families. However, with recent success stories in professional wrestling, many young men and women are taking it up as a career. Akharas are also opening up for women.

Pahalwans I spoke to at Gangavesh Akhara were all preparing for some tournament or the other. May they rise and shine.

Rankala Lake

Rankala Lake Kolhapur

It is a huge lake little more than a kilometer away from Mahalakshmi temple. The nightlife of the city is centered around this lake. You will see a long queue of street food sellers along the lake.

Rankala Lake is a man-made lake. It has a temple in the middle just like Panchganga River has along its ghats. One of those places to visit in Kolhapur for the waterbody fans.

Kailashgarhchi Sawari Mandir

Portrait of Shivaji Maharaj

This was not on my list of Places to visit in Kolhapur, but thanks to Twitter, I discovered this little known gem.

This is a small temple located inside the lanes of the city. It is an ancient Shiv temple that was renovated a few years back. Shiva here lives as Kailasheshwar, just like he lives as Vishveshwar in Kashi. Kolhapur is also treated as Kashi of Karvirpur Kshetra. Nandi in golden color sits outside the temple door as does the Deepstambhas of the temple.

Shivaji Durbar Painting – Kailashgarhchi Sawari

What took me to this temple is the paintings of Shivaji Maharaj that is the official portrait of him declared by the Maharashtra Government.

Mahabharat War Scene by G Kamble

The temple has many exquisite paintings by the noted painter – Sh G Kamble including:

Shivaji Durbar

Shahu Ji Maharaj portrait

Mahabharat War scene or Ranbhumi painting with a 3-D effect

Shiva Tandav painting.

Panchganga River & its lovely temple

The city is located on the banks of the Panchganga river. I wanted to visit the river, but no one told me that it has lovely ghats. I noticed them while passing over a bridge on the river on my way to Panhala Fort. On our way back we stopped here at the ghats.

Panchganga Ganga Ghats

The ghats of Panchganga are full of various temples and tall Deepstambhas. All temples are made in stone, have a single room with a pyramidical Shikhar and a Nandi outside the main door. Each temple is at a different level. When we visited in early April, some were totally submerged in water with only the roof visible, others were half submerged while some were just inside the water.

This reminded me of temples on the ghats of Tapti at Burhanpur that are used to measure the water levels. I wonder if these temples also had a similar purpose. For now, no one could answer this for me. Opposite this ghat is a huge temple which stays closed most of the time.

I could also see some carved hero stones on the ghats. The place was filthy and full of garbage. I hope the authorities do something to keep it clean. It can be such a beautiful location for locals as well as travelers to visit in the mornings and evenings.

One person said, these are not temples but they are cenotaphs of the royal family of Kolhapur. Any information on this would be highly appreciated.

Town Hall Museum

While the New Palace Museum is popular with tourists, the town hall museum has some of the local archaeological gems. The place used to be a Jain Mutt, but in 1949 it was formally converted into a museum. The architecture is totally colonial.

Vishnu Murti – Town Hall Museum

Some must-see artifacts at Town Hall Museum here are:

Shivalingas with a Sri Yantra on it

Vishnu Murti

Sculpted Elephants

Excavated artifacts from Brahmapuri area of the city

Hero stones and Sati Stones

Lavani Dance

Lavani performance by a troupe

During my Deccan Odyssey trip, I got a glimpse Kolhapuri Lavani. Local TV artists presented various dance and singing styles of the region in a small package based on – a day in the life of a village home in the region. They ended the performance with a dedication to Ambabai – the presiding Goddess of Kolhapur. There was so much energy in the room that we could almost feel the presence of the divine.

Mujra

Board Announcing Mujra in the city

I saw boards announcing Mujras in the city. I could not attend one this time, but I do want to see one next time I visit the city. Will update this space then.

What to Eat

Sabudana Wada

This city is famous for its non-vegetarian cuisine. For vegetarians, there is Misal Pao and Wada Pao. I did enjoy my street food inside the Bhawani Mandap one evening. My favorite being Sabudana Wadas.

Places to visit near Kolhapur

Kopeshwar Mahadev Temple – a beautiful ancient temple about 70 km from the city. It can be easily done as a day trip from the city.

Panhala Fort – This is located just on the outskirts of the city.

Narsobachiwadi – a temple at the confluence of Panchganga and Krishna River. You can do it on the way to Kopeshwar Temple.

Jyotiba temple – This is a beautiful temple complex where the deity is offered Gulal or bright pink colored powder.

Siddhagiri Museum – An attempt to recreate the ethnic life of Maharashtra. I did not particularly like it.

Amboli Ghats – It is the best place to see waterfalls in the western ghats.

Travel Tips

No photography is allowed inside the Mahalakshmi temple, Town Hall Museum, and New Palace. Most of the other places photography is allowed.

Places to visit in Kolhapur city is easy for the visitors with autos available everywhere for commuting.

There are all kinds of Hotels in the city. I stayed at Maratha Residency and it was a decent place to stay on a reasonable budget.

The city is well connected to Mumbai, Pune, and Belagavi.

The post Places To Visit In Kolhapur – The Cultural Heart Of Maharashtra appeared first on Inditales.

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janesheartus · 6 years

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The Fairy Tale Castle of Jeno Bory In Szekesfehervar Hungary

Front view of Bory Castle.

The fairy tale castle of Jeno Bory in Hungary, is the first in a new series of travel adventures, that will be known as A World Far And Away. Located near the capital of Budapest in Szekesfehervar, this architectural wonder was built by Jeno Bory, in an expression of love that would last for half a century.

Szekesfehervar is still known as the city of kings. During the long centuries of the Hungarian monarchy, it was where the crown and coronation accessories were kept. It is also the location of the state archives.

Today, the traveler will find winding streets and small squares that lead to cathedrals, mansions and increasingly, shops that cater to tourists.

City of Székesfehérvár

Visitors will find all the standard styles of architecture in Szekesfehervar. These include Baroque, Neoclassicism and Rococo. Some consider this beautiful city, to be the real historic capital of Hungary.

Jeno Bory was a Hungarian architect and sculptor born in 1879. As a young man he would meet and fall in love, with his future wife llona

He later promised her that he would build a castle, that would allow them to live a fairy tale existence. Bory would spent nearly the next forty years, making this commitment a reality.

Jenő Bory

Jeno Bory was a professor at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts and at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics.

After receiving a degree in building engineering in 1903, he entered the Academy of Fine Arts to study sculpture. It was at this time, he met llona Komocsin. She became a painter, after graduating from the Academy.

Bory bought the one acre piece of land and small cottage in 1912, within the Maria Valley, outside of Szekesfehervar. The couple would soon spend their summer holidays there.

Paintings of llona Bory

Most of the constructions beginning in 1923, were done through his own efforts. It has been said, that he did not even use plans throughout the building process.

Since the work took place on weekends alone, it would take decades to accomplish. Only rarely would he employ the talents of other individuals mostly his students.

Although this masterpiece in architecture is a wonder to behold, it is not actually a castle in the true sense, but mimics many of its features. It is also largely built from concrete, not stone or brick.

Another view of Bory Castle.

As his monument to love began to take form, he invariably combined various architectural styles that included Gothic, Renaissance and Romanesque.

Throughout the various elements of the structures, one can see the images of llona, who was considered by her contemporaries, to be an incredibly beautiful woman. There are portraits, sculptures, and even carved verses in her honor.

Paintings cover many of the walls, with a number of mosaics inside and outside of the building. Glass paintings and fountains appear in various locations, throughout the castle in the most unpredictable places.

Some of the outdoor sculptures at Bory Castle

The Bory love story will somewhat remind experienced visitors, of the legend regarding the Taj Mahal in India.

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan, had this magnificent 17th century marble mausoleum, constructed for the ever adoring memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Travelers to the castle will be treated to numerous architectural features, that will delight the imagination. There are arches and galleries, columns and domes, and spiral staircases throughout.

The layout of the castle is emblematic of the architect’s life. There is the Chapel and the Studio Gallery. These were the two elements that played a prominent role, in his professional and personal life.

Circular Staircase at Bory Castle

During World War I Bory was an official war artist in Sarajevo. He would later be awarded an Order by Emperor Franz Josef I.

He would teach at the Academy of Fine Arts from 1911 to 1946 and the Technical University from 1921 to 1944. He would also be the rector of the Academy from 1943 to 1945.

His talent in sculpture, allowed him to continue work on Bory Castle, long after he was no longer employed at the Academy or the University.

The huge number of sculptures he created over 40 years, provided much of the funding for castle constructions.

Some of the Gardens at Bory Castle

Several hundred statutes still remain in the castle. They were designed and created with diverse techniques.

Bory castle first opened its doors to the public in 1934. These early guests, were given tours by the owner himself.

As an ongoing project, Bory once said that it would never really be fully completed.

Jeno Bory would die in December of 1959 and llona would die fifteen years later in 1974.

Courtyard at Bory Castle

Today, the Bory Castle is a private museum. It was lovingly restored by grandsons of Bory beginning in 1980.

Except for one portion of the castle, where the great grandsons of Bory live, the rest is open to the public for a rather small admission fee.

The building is 30 meters high (98.4 feet) from the dungeon to its tallest point among the towers. There are in fact, seven towers on the site.

The Bory Castle contains some 30 rooms, of various sizes, including three studios. One studio was used by Bory and his wife, as well as an art gallery and apartment or flat.

Inside Bory Castle

An abundance of antiquities and works of art, can be found throughout the castle.

One can find a gallery of sculptures, known as the Court of the Hundred Columns, with the likenesses of great Hungarians of the past, including Almos and Tinodi Lantos Sebestyen.

There are also bards, heroes and kings from an almost mythical past.

Besides creations of his and llona, works by other artists can be seen at the castle. The collection includes pieces from Janos Fadrusz, Aladar Korosfoi-Kriesch, Istvan Csok, and Vilmos Aba-Novak.

Sculpture at Bory Castle

Many newlyweds will come to the castle, hoping to capture the magic of the place in their own marriages. It is a popular spot, for locals to take wedding pictures.

The surrounding gardens, fountain and courtyards, all add to the memorable experience of the place.

Thanks to a number of cultural events and programs held at the museum, the Bory family has been able to collect enough funding to maintain the property through a foundation.

Location

The address of the Bory Castle Museum: 8000 Szekesfehervar, Mariavolgy ut 54.

Phone Number: 36-22-305-570 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 P.M (17:00).

Email [email protected]

Website: http://bory-var.hu/

Admission

Cash Only

Adults 1000 HUF $3.90 USD (United States Dollar) Euros 3.24

Students and Seniors 500 HUF $1.95 USD Euros 1.62

Children (under the age of 6) Free

Wedding Photo-shoot 5000 HUF ($19.50 USD) Euros 16.21

There is no accessibility features for the disabled.

There are restroom/toilet/WC facilities for visitors.

How To Get There

The Bory Castle is located some 64.2 kilometers (39.9 miles) away via the M7 from Budapest. It is about a 44 minute drive. An alternate route is the M0 and M7 which is 74.7 kilometers (46 miles) and will take near 57 minutes. A final alternative is to take the M1. This is 83.5 kilometers (51.9 miles) away from the capital and will take 1 hour and 12 minutes.

Public transportation by bus and rail is also available.

Days and Hours of Operations

The Bory Castle is open:

March 5th October 27th

Everyday of the week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (17:00)

October 28th to November 11th

Everyday of the week from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (16:00)

From November 12th to March 4th Winter Break

Opening and closing days, somewhat depend on the calendar

Lodging

There are some places to spend the evening, in the nearby towns and communities. There is a wide range of accommodations, to fit the needs of all travelers in Budapest, which is about an hours drive away.

The post The Fairy Tale Castle of Jeno Bory In Szekesfehervar Hungary appeared first on WanderingTrader.

from Updates By Jane Heart http://wanderingtrader.com/travel-blog/fairy-tale-castle-jeno-bory-szekesfehervar-hungary/

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