tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18140777320521163052024-03-02T22:58:31.785+05:30Path Rarely Taken - The Travel BlogIt takes rare temperament to venture out into the unknown !The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.comBlogger258125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-33258418337311434612021-06-14T12:53:00.001+05:302021-06-14T12:56:27.868+05:30Sketch of a Teacher (Professor Rizwan Qaiser): II<p>On 6th May 2021 this blogger, along with 2 former batchmates (Mr. Jitendra Singh and Ms. Sabira Fatimi), organized a condolence meet on Zoom in honor of Professor Rizwan Qaiser, for the benefit of MA Batch (2015-17). These are the excerpts of what he spoke in the meet -</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgHeJjf4VZE/YMXenKDcpYI/AAAAAAAAICA/GgAYKH035GA4DFm6wShK9vBnmvcKQA2dQCNcBGAsYHQ/s991/51781190_10218683759944603_4107012745373679616_n-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="950" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgHeJjf4VZE/YMXenKDcpYI/AAAAAAAAICA/GgAYKH035GA4DFm6wShK9vBnmvcKQA2dQCNcBGAsYHQ/w614-h640/51781190_10218683759944603_4107012745373679616_n-001.jpg" width="614" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">This image of Sir was clicked by one of my batchmates at the Stupa of Sanchi.</div></span><p style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-align: justify;"><u style="text-align: center;">‘Sketch of a Teacher’</u></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-align: justify;">M S Dhoni once said that he preferred cricketers coming from small towns as they understand the concept of struggle and because they understand the concept of a struggle, they can fight the odds better.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Now while he was saying that for cricketers, I would like to add and say because that individual has seen the struggle, he would not want his children to face the same.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>And, that was what Rizwan Sir’s students were, his children.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>In an era when some teachers are in the education world to either earn money or have tunnel vision vis a vis their research, Rizwan Sir was one of those teachers who cared for his students while they were in college and cared for them when they were out of it.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>In ancient times, the teacher (or the guru) was a father figure. Professor Rizwan Qaiser was one such father figure, a fast reducing class in the contemporary era where some educationists are fast forgetting that concept.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>How he would combine his theoretical lectures with real-life examples was incredible. It made sure that we would associate Modern Indian History with our daily lives.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>I got my knowledge about Mahatma Gandhi from Rizwan Sir. The Gandhian Concepts of Satyagraha, Ahimsa, Antyodaya were explained and discussed threadbare in the class.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>We keep saying that the lamp of Gandhian values has to be kept lit so that the future generations do not forget the philosophy of the Mahatma. That can only be possible if the teachers have a deep understanding of the subject so that they can explain it to future generations in an ‘interesting’ manner. It is essential for the teachers to ‘impress upon the students' that Gandhiji’s vision of Ahimsa, non-violence, and Antyodaya can ‘never’ get outdated.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>With the passing of Professor Rizwan, such efforts have been dealt a blow. Yet, we can take solace from the hope that his students will take up the responsibility of explaining Gandhian Principles to future generations and also stand by them. That would ensure that the Gandhian ideology lives on, especially in trying times like now, and in trying times that could come in the future.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>May his Soul Rest in Peace.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>........</i></p><div style="text-align: justify;">(This is the second article in a two part series. <a href="https://travelerrohan.blogspot.com/2021/06/sketch-of-teacher-professor-rizwan.html">You can click this link to go to the first article.</a>)</div>The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-75848601848975022232021-06-13T16:10:00.008+05:302021-06-14T12:55:17.665+05:30Sketch of a Teacher (Professor Rizwan Qaiser) : I<p style="text-align: justify;">Professor Rizwan Qaiser passed away recently. He was a scholar of Modern Indian History. The Pandemic claimed him. He is survived by his wife and son. He will be missed.</p><p style="text-align: center;">--------</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxV_q9i0f_Q/YMXfa8tRXfI/AAAAAAAAICI/I_3eeFdVijkySU9JnbBgFIn1ILhsVb8kQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_20210503_180530_625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxV_q9i0f_Q/YMXfa8tRXfI/AAAAAAAAICI/I_3eeFdVijkySU9JnbBgFIn1ILhsVb8kQCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_20210503_180530_625.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">With Sir, and my batchmates, at Bhimbetaka Caves</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">So, why is this blogger of heritage travel writing about a professor of Modern Indian history? Why is this inquirer of Medieval (Pre-Modern) Indian history writing about a professor whose teachings revolved around Indian Nationalism and Modern Indian figures? The answer to these questions lies in the journey this writer has taken ever since he started blogging on this platform.</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">This blog (and its writers' tryst with blogging) is over 11 years and counting. This period can be divided into 3 stages. The first stage, when I traveled across India for 4 years and blogged. The second stage, when I decided to take my love for history to the next level and go pro with it (read enter the world of academics). The third (and the current) stage, when I found a balance between my academic life and my blogging life.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Professor Rizwan Qaiser (or Rizwan Sir, as we called him) was an important figure in the second stage of this writer's life (in the world of travel, heritage, and history). I completed my Master's of Arts in History from Jamia Millia Islamia in 2017. During my time over there, he was the Head of the Department. I was lucky and also trussed up, by the fact that many luminary minds were teaching in the department of history (like Professor Azizuddin Husain, Professor R Gopinath, Professor Nishat Manzar, Professor A P Sen, Professor R P Bahuguna, and many more) at that point of time. Many of them were not easy on the kids. But, we knew that Rizwan Sir always had our backs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I remember one incident clearly. As part of my training in History, I had to learn about European History too. So, in one of the assignments, which I had submitted, my entire batch (apart from one or two kids) was blamed for plagiarism (without checking) by a strict professor (due to the folly of a few). I remember losing my cool over it because as a blogger, I understand the evil of plagiarism and would never partake in it (I empathize with those who stood in front of me that day, as I was in a complaining mode). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We went to Professor Rizwan with our troubles and he intervened in that moment. In the end, the blanket charge of plagiarism was taken back. All this ended on a bittersweet note for me as the strict Professor gave me very good marks, both in the assignment and in the final exam. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">My memories of taking a course under Rizwan Sir are quite fond. The course was on Mahatma Gandhi. Rizwan Sir, through his lectures and my discussions with him on the subject, made me understand the Gandhian Concepts of Satyagraha, Antyodaya, etc. I would say it was Rizwan Sir, who explained to me what Mahatma Gandhi stood for.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As a teacher, he was articulate, had a firm grip on the subject, and most importantly, he was adept in breaking down concepts, incidents, and theories to make things understandable for the students.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As our time in Jamia came to an end he, at his own risk, as the Head of the Department (because the university was not forthcoming), lead a trip of us history students, to an excursion and exploration trip to Bhopal, Sanchi, Bhimbetka, Bhojpur, and Udayagiri Caves. It was an incredible learning experience. No amount of lectures can substitute an actual visit to a monument.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYCvQQ9oiCdhq3FZZObNAiLondA_JBNTQsL-Vu-cpxm18jz7qRlmu03FTTA2zIzJBz-DQYI-ATha2FV8izl1LF_v0vVV3Jbmz2g8tOYwUuVDhB3ngYFTMSzjjjWTOMRMawQ6eLo8IhuDH/s1280/IMG_20210503_180535_911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYCvQQ9oiCdhq3FZZObNAiLondA_JBNTQsL-Vu-cpxm18jz7qRlmu03FTTA2zIzJBz-DQYI-ATha2FV8izl1LF_v0vVV3Jbmz2g8tOYwUuVDhB3ngYFTMSzjjjWTOMRMawQ6eLo8IhuDH/w480-h640/IMG_20210503_180535_911.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">With Sir, and my batchmates, in Bhopal</div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Rizwan Sir's care and concern for students extended even after our batch had passed out. He arranged for one of his former students (an academic luminary) to help those who were preparing for the National Eligibility Test. I credit my clearing this test directly to this intervention.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In an era when some teachers are in it just to earn a living, in an era when some teachers have zero connection with history, in an era when some teachers view students as products on a production line (once they leave that line, they are forgotten) Rizwan Sir was one of those teachers who would always have time to sit and give his opinion, to students, or ex-students, whenever they were in a tough situation.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Across the country, he was well known for participating in television and radio debates across multiple forums. In such debates, he was always the voice of reason and logic. Being an ace debater himself, I once recalled him saying, 'these days it's almost as if people have taken steroids before coming to a tv debate!'. For the country, he was a television personality but for his students, he was their teacher.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">His teachings on Mahatma Gandhi, Secularism, Maulana Azad, etc will live on through his students.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">He will be missed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">May his Soul Rest in Peace. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">........</p><p style="text-align: justify;">(This is the first article in a two part series. <a href="https://travelerrohan.blogspot.com/2021/06/sketch-of-teacher-professor-rizwan_01024715809.html" target="_blank">You can click this link to read the second article.</a>) </p>The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-63909622822094761672021-06-07T09:39:00.007+05:302021-06-09T09:07:50.032+05:30Remembering Professor Sunil Kumar<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L22gNmViRX8/YL2bXsG4lPI/AAAAAAAAH_c/uNKPjat6FeUlqQX4_6dtwJ7Shq5ypq80QCNcBGAsYHQ/s512/Sunil-Kumar-37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L22gNmViRX8/YL2bXsG4lPI/AAAAAAAAH_c/uNKPjat6FeUlqQX4_6dtwJ7Shq5ypq80QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Sunil-Kumar-37.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sunil-Kumar-37">Professor Sunil Kumar</a> </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Professor Sunil Kumar passed away recently. He was 64. He was a specialist in the History of the Delhi Sultanate (Medieval Delhi). He had developed health complications. He is survived by his family. The blog and its author extend their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.</p><p style="text-align: center;">……..</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, why is a heritage and off-beat travel blogger writing this piece? It is because along with this blog, which is 11 years old now, even its author has grown. From being a blogger about history I attempted to take my passion to the next level, the academic level. And today, I am a historian who is a blogger. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">During my full-time blogging days, I would be in awe of the research work Professor Sunil Kumar did over Medieval Delhi. He was one of the rare historians of the Delhi Region, 'My Home'. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jm6acGJq0PU/YL2hZHzziyI/AAAAAAAAH_0/gTqujkUFBbcCX4eI4PBNuTgicL680z5hQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/kumar%2Bsunil%2Bsultanate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jm6acGJq0PU/YL2hZHzziyI/AAAAAAAAH_0/gTqujkUFBbcCX4eI4PBNuTgicL680z5hQCNcBGAsYHQ/w414-h640/kumar%2Bsunil%2Bsultanate.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Professor Sunil Kumar's landmark book about the Delhi Sultanate.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(The author does not own the copyright to this picture)</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">In this journey, I have had the privilege of learning from some big professors. He is one of them. So, once I completed my Master's in History, I attempted to do research and for that, I gave interviews at Delhi University twice. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Being the Head of the Department of History, he led the interview panels and sat right next to me. Also, apart from these two interactions, we briefly exchanged emails because I requested some help from him regarding my research proposal and he was kind enough to respond. It left me touched. My communications with him were formal and brief. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The tyranny of the academic system in India is that, a prospective researcher has got 10 minutes to prove to the panel that he or she has the historical aptitude, confidence in the topic he/she is proposing, they have read books and research papers related to that proposal and defend that proposal in front of the panel. After the 10 minutes are over it’s the time for the next candidate to come in. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In my opinion, these three things cannot be displayed by a candidate, to an interview panel, in less than 35-40 minutes unless they are highly intelligent and bordering on genius. In my opinion applications along with research proposals (and academic resumes) should be invited by Universities well in advance, and then interviews should be slated. Anyways, we live in India. The priority of the education system here is to churn out doctors, engineers, and MBAs. So we need to take that into our stride.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The academics who are sitting in the interview panel also have the harrowing task of judging a candidate's abilities in 10 minutes. I am sure they do so with the regret that they would be missing out on students who require time to express themselves and their ideas comfortably. I do not envy their job.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">My two interactions with him (concerning the interviews, especially the second one) were 'intense' experiences, and my failure to clear those interviews left me with an aching heart and dealing with severe bouts of depression and self-doubt. Yet, once I overcame those debilitating emotions, through my reflections of those interactions, I 'scrutinized' every word exchanged between him and me so that I could identify and correct my flaws and also my approach to such interviews.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, while being heartbroken because of my lack of success, I always felt that even in those moments of failure I was taught something. How can I say that? Because I failed in front of Professor Sunil Kumar! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As I mentioned earlier, he was a historian par excellence of medieval Delhi. His research work has helped people gain a better perspective about those who constructed such beautiful monuments (of the sultanate period) all around Delhi like the Qutub Minar, Alai Darwaza, Begumpuri Masjid, etc. He 'always' had my unconditional respect.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkipgMGQWTQ/YL2gVZzdLEI/AAAAAAAAH_o/wF7vCfuUYPIoLCytrKPoyOqEkvXo36IOgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Sultanate%2BMelange%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkipgMGQWTQ/YL2gVZzdLEI/AAAAAAAAH_o/wF7vCfuUYPIoLCytrKPoyOqEkvXo36IOgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Sultanate%2BMelange%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from above right - Begumpuri Masjid, Qutub Minar, Alai Darwaza</div><p style="text-align: justify;">This blog 'is' run by someone who has passionately covered the monuments of the same period of history which Professor Sunil Kumar was a master of. He was my teacher by proxy. The lessons he taught me through his emails, rejections, etc, and the lessons he continues to teach me via his research papers on Sufism are invaluable.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There was a great chasm between his abilities and mine but, there were a few similarities that united us in our outlook also. We were both liberal, we both have studied at St Stephen's and, most importantly, we both 'loved' the Delhi Sultanate period.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Even in my days as a full-time blogger, while I read more of Professor Satish Chandra and Professor Irfan Habib still, I knew how significant Professor Sunil Kumar's book 'The Emergence of the Delhi Sultanate' was. The book helped me understand the Mamluk Dynasty (the constructors of the monuments in the Qutub Complex) so well. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">He even wrote a research paper on the Qutub Minar namely 'Qutb and Modern Memory'. In his research paper, 'The Tyranny of Metanarratives' he talked about the areas of Delhi and the local non-Persian speaking population of Delhi which thrived in their own right and yet, were not covered much by Persian historians of that period. He also explained how medieval Delhi appeared geographically (with mountains, ravines, forests, and riverine plains), in the paper. In his research paper The Pirs Barakat and Servitors Ardour he talked about the mosque behind DLF Saket which has been built over a dargah and a 700 years old baoli (step-well). He also talked about the Dargah of Hazrat Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki in Mehrauli and the Dargah of Jalal ud din Chishti Aulia in Jahanpanah City Forest.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I will regret forever that I was never able to sit down with him, in a relaxed atmosphere and discuss Delhi's monuments (especially those in the Qutub Complex like Quwwat ul Islam Masjid, Alai Minar, etc.) with him. That would have been a conversation which would have delighted me.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It is my opinion that a historian's life begins after he retires as that is the time he is free to do his research work. It is a tragedy for Delhi that Professor Sunil Kumar left before giving such works to shape.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Appearance-wise, I observed that he was stylish, with his mobile case by his side. He was tall and had a deep voice.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Professor Sunil Kumar, please accept this traveler's humble and respectful bow. You are in my prayers, Sir. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">May your Soul, Rest in Peace.</p><p style="text-align: center;">……..</p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-25672612028599375632021-06-04T19:00:00.067+05:302021-06-06T00:56:46.597+05:30The Qutub Minar - An Emotional Perspective!<p style="text-align: justify;">Some unemotional facts first. Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. It is more than 800 years old. It is located in Delhi, the capital of India. It's architectural concept is Central Asian in origin, something unique to India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second most visited monument in India, next only to the Taj Mahal.</p><p style="text-align: center;">....</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, what makes the Qutub Minar so special? Because it is 800 years old? Because of it's unique architecture? Because it is the highest brick minaret in the world? Because it is a UNESCO World Heritage site? Or, because the minaret has become a symbol of sorts for contemporary New Delhi. It could be one of the above reasons or it could be all of them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keE7Sh_Dhg8/YLj-A5Fre8I/AAAAAAAAH7c/roTzjz7f2IgLCddjgsoMJpIpN8HNKXWLgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-keE7Sh_Dhg8/YLj-A5Fre8I/AAAAAAAAH7c/roTzjz7f2IgLCddjgsoMJpIpN8HNKXWLgCNcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/30.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Qutub Minar, under the deep blue sky!</div><p style="text-align: justify;">Numerous personalities across ages have been left spellbound by this monument. There is something about the monument that enchants the viewer. The dynasty which built this monument lost power in 1290 C.E. (Qutub Minar was built by the Mamluks). Yet, in the medieval era, rulers of other dynasties took a special interest in conserving the monument, especially Ferozeshah Tughlaq (r. 1351-1388 C.E.) and Sikandar Lodi (r. 1489-1519 C.E.). In the modern era, even the British Imperialists (under no obligation to maintain the monuments of India at that time) deployed engineers to repair the monument (it was struck by lightning in the early 1800's C.E.). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (while researching for Asar us Sanadid, a famous book on monuments), without paying attention to his safety, made his manservants suspend him from a basket, while he sat in it, and swung him around from the great heights of the monument, so that he could make notes of the Quranic inscriptions engraved on it. So, when such towering and astute personalities have been left enchanted by this monument then perhaps the reader would excuse this humble writer for being ‘deeply’ enamored by this monument too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Qutub Minar is a monument which because of its height (Qutub Minar height - 72 meters), and the fact that it is surrounded by a protected forest from 3 sides, is one of the most visible monuments of South Delhi. It is easily visible from all the high rises in the neighboring colonies (Katwaria Sarai, Munirka, Mehrauli, etc) provided they have a clear line of sight. Qutb View Apartments, the Govt Quarters of Katwaria Sarai and high rises of Munirka provide good views of this monument in my opinion. Some of the best views of this monument can also be seen from Mehrauli Archaeological Park and the Centre for History of JNU. These are places I have seen the minar from. In geographical terms, the monument is easily visible across a radius of 6-7 kilometers, provided there is a clear line of sight!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gool0t0Sy_E/YLoTJp97w2I/AAAAAAAAH8Q/XVBeXVbjcFEcJbeTgz_eUxeC1HRFqJ-pgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gool0t0Sy_E/YLoTJp97w2I/AAAAAAAAH8Q/XVBeXVbjcFEcJbeTgz_eUxeC1HRFqJ-pgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/33.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Qutub Minar, as seen from Mehrauli Archaeological Park</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XanW3LIxn4g/YLoUeSoMocI/AAAAAAAAH8g/iy_jy3VxBZA3nqi9DxEagrtPVWIhOkohwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/34.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XanW3LIxn4g/YLoUeSoMocI/AAAAAAAAH8g/iy_jy3VxBZA3nqi9DxEagrtPVWIhOkohwCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/34.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Qutub Minar, as seen from Metcalfe's Folly (opposite Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, Mehrauli Archaeological Park)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Until my teenage days, I lived in South Delhi, in one of such colonies where, from the terrace, one could see the Qutub Minar anytime they wanted. I remember that my father was the one who showed me the monument and told me about it, from the roof of our apartment. Even at that time, I could not help but notice how the monument looked so intriguing. It looked like a bundle of reeds.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p>So, my point being that when you see a monument from your house and you grow up along with it, it is bound to have a profound impression on you. Moreover, the Qutub Minar does have the power to gravitate people to itself even if they are seeing it for the first time. I have been witness to this phenomenon. It's architecture, part Mamluk part Tughluq, the honey comb like designs under the balcony of the first floor of the minar, the calligraphic style of its inscriptions etc. all play a role in attracting a person to itself. The monument leaves the onlooker awestruck.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TaVqe_btlWU/YLkDrtoG4gI/AAAAAAAAH70/DGuCrZ0KIG0aYUEORKhUCiC2PNDFDegdQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TaVqe_btlWU/YLkDrtoG4gI/AAAAAAAAH70/DGuCrZ0KIG0aYUEORKhUCiC2PNDFDegdQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/33.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Minar, as seen from the main road (outside the boundary wall of the Qutub Complex)</div><p style="text-align: justify;">During the lockdown when I was stuck in my home, and could not visit any monument, I thought that all the residential colonies (with a line of view to the Qutub) are special. Reason being that these places offer a view of this marvelous monument 365 days a week. So, even if the residents of these places (especially those who love history), felt lockdown fatigue and missed visiting monuments as I did, they could simply sit by their window, a glass of juice (or whatever drink they might want to have) in hand and enjoy the view of the Qutub. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The benefit of being able to see Qutub Minar out of your window is that (apart from the daylight viewing) in the evening, the ASI lights up the monument beautifully. It is a delight to see the monument under lights. Depending on the occasion, the monument is lighted under different hues and colors. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Seeing such a splendid light show, from across the forests of Sanjay Van (Qutub Minar is surrounded by forests from 3 sides, remember!) is a sight for sore eyes and would certainly wipe away lockdown blues of all kinds. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c46AHn_diPI/YLj-VsBv8SI/AAAAAAAAH7k/rY6Pz8Rvbm03RjIwTjps9PHvBObQSjiwgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1051" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c46AHn_diPI/YLj-VsBv8SI/AAAAAAAAH7k/rY6Pz8Rvbm03RjIwTjps9PHvBObQSjiwgCNcBGAsYHQ/w560-h640/31.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Qutub Minar (the bright spot) as seen across the Neela Hauz (Lake), a part of Sanjay Van (forests). Off camera, it looks much larger of course!</div><p style="text-align: justify;">When the lockdown ended, I would often take my bike out for evening drives to beat the lockdown blues. I would often ride to Qutub Minar to not only click pictures from outside but also to gaze at it and its distinctive architectural features. I would observe the additions made by Firoz Shah Tughluq (floors 4 and 5 of Qutub Minar was built by him) which are so different from the original architecture of the monument which was finalized by Mohammad Ghori and Mamluk rulers Qutb ud din Aibak and Iltutmish (floors 1 to 3). I would also observe the special lighting in the evening if any. The Qutub Minar height ensures that it is viewed even from Aruna Asaf Ali Road, across the Sanjay Van Forests. So, while riding my bike, I would often spot it from there too!. All this served as a catalyst to renew my inspiration to keep working towards my goal, to carve out a career in the world of history. An inspiration that has taken a lot of beating in the past four years due to my lack of success in cracking Ph.D. interviews. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4cAjC_7TRM/YLkCq42hRvI/AAAAAAAAH7s/h6to16anAOcpgryxPEkSv7xrdT5vo6NFgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4cAjC_7TRM/YLkCq42hRvI/AAAAAAAAH7s/h6to16anAOcpgryxPEkSv7xrdT5vo6NFgCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/32.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Minar, at night.</div><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyways, gazing at the Qutub Minar always cheers me up and serves to remind me of my love of history (medieval Indian history, to be precise). I just hope that I can stay in the world of history and don't have to leave it. The Qutub Minar stands for me to remind me as to why I am making the sacrifices I am making. The reason being that being a Delhiite, I am enamored by the Medieval Indian era, an era when the entire country was ruled from Delhi.</p><p style="text-align: center;">........</p>The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-61399960343447400082021-05-25T11:54:00.001+05:302021-06-06T01:02:11.770+05:30Protecting Workers of Travel and Tourism Industry - A Commentary<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lockdown has been re-imposed across various parts of India yet again due to an increase in Coronavirus cases. One of the industries which has been severely affected by this is the travel and tourism industry. Travel agencies are laying off employees and the hotels and airlines are considering doing so if they have not done so already. One does not even want to think of the owners who can no longer find running a hotel or a restaurant economically sustainable. The pandemic, unequaled in the shock it has given to economies, has arrived as a bane for the industry.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5DxHLII-wo/YLcgwy7e0KI/AAAAAAAAH0I/jM5vGlKuchEg5VG0msXcsz_A9y-Zq_rvQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1024/3D_medical_animation_coronavirus_structure.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="1024" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F5DxHLII-wo/YLcgwy7e0KI/AAAAAAAAH0I/jM5vGlKuchEg5VG0msXcsz_A9y-Zq_rvQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h298/3D_medical_animation_coronavirus_structure.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Structure of Coronavirus. A virus which has wrecked the peace of mankind!</div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Pic Courtesy - <a href="https://www.scientificanimations.com, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons" target="_blank">WikiImages</a><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Being a trained Hotel Management professional and having been a part of the Hotel Industry at a point in time, I am aware of how important footfall is, of how important free movement of people is, for the health of the industry. Yet, when a virus makes the free movement of people impossible, the people who earn a living from this industry are left with no option but to look on, helplessly. They have to wait until the majority of the world's population is inoculated with a vaccine.</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I travel, I usually visit hotels that are budget properties. I usually go to economical restaurants. But it is these properties that are the worst affected due to the Coronavirus-induced pandemic. Oyo, one of the biggest names in budget properties, has suffered economically due to the Coronavirus-induced pandemic.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whatever be the situation, the governments (state and central) need to ensure that the owners of businesses in the travel and tourism industry are insulated to a certain degree by the Covid 19 induced pandemic. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Equally important, the governments need to make sure that the people working in the travel and tourism industry are protected financially. They need to do so because the travel and tourism industry is a great earner of foreign exchange (and also boosts local economies) and so the people who make all this happen need to be protected, keeping the future in mind when we would be needing them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No tourist would want to check-in and find an inexperienced staff taking care of a hotel because the 'experienced' staff had to leave for greener pastures during the Covid 19 induced pandemic! After all, even they have families to take care of!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Indian Government has announced that they have plans to help the tourism industry, plans which they will unveil once the unlocking process starts. That is a welcome start. Yet, my point is that my travel experiences were made awesome not just by owners of hotels but also by the drivers of canters (safari vehicles), forest guides, monument guides, the cooks, the cleaning staff, the servers, the cab drivers and the auto drivers. So, the governments (both state and center) should consider giving these people some form of stipend, for their sustenance, until a semblance of normalcy returns. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All this should be done to ensure that when we go back to our favorite destinations or explore new ones, our travel experiences are just as enjoyable as it was earlier, if not much better.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;">....</div>The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-85729064501515801622021-01-08T12:47:00.108+05:302021-06-06T01:07:48.114+05:30Qutub Minar Complex, under lights! - A Photo Essay<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97dZTZjlihMAYFLXPZWXCYh4WvN0QCeOJMCVF4NECh66oDeTY7lx2I44-clVHvttLokqHj4yiuf8gKO1ZG9dqNDjTHl2K-A3OsvH9oBPzfJLoi3JVaWW0WMRQbNE9-E6vzy2K7qGcza2P/s1210/41-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="685" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97dZTZjlihMAYFLXPZWXCYh4WvN0QCeOJMCVF4NECh66oDeTY7lx2I44-clVHvttLokqHj4yiuf8gKO1ZG9dqNDjTHl2K-A3OsvH9oBPzfJLoi3JVaWW0WMRQbNE9-E6vzy2K7qGcza2P/w362-h640/41-001.jpg" width="362" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Qutub Minar, under lights!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Qutub Minar, an icon of contemporary New Delhi is at least 800 years old. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In India, after the Taj Mahal, it is this monument that attracts the highest number of visitors from across the world. Recently, it even surpassed the Taj Mahal in the number of Ticket Sales.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The allure of this monument is its height and its unique architecture. It stands tilted due to the wear and tear time has imposed on it. No words though, can define the rustic beauty of this monument which no one exactly knows why it was built and how it came to be named Qutub Minar.</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">So, call it ignorance on my part or lack of regular promotion on part of the Archaeological Survey of India, I never had an opportunity to visit the <span style="text-align: left;">Qutub </span>Minar late in the evening when the lights were on because somehow, I was not aware that I could do that (can you believe it?). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">So when the 1st nationwide lockdown was lifted from India in 2020, I made it a point to visit this place late in the evening and see the <span style="text-align: left;">Qutub </span>Minar and all the nearby monuments like alai darwaza, etc., collectively called the <span style="text-align: left;">Qutub </span>Minar Complex, under lights. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I think that visiting this place after sunset is one of the best ways to explore this monument. There are no crowds. So you can spend more time observing the intricacies of the Qutub Minar and the other monuments in the complex like quwwat ul islam mosque, alai darwaza etc. Security guards are everywhere so you are safe. Most importantly, the illuminated monuments cast a completely different impression on you in comparison to daytime.</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">This article had to be done in a Photo Essay form so that you would have understood, via pictures, a fraction of what I felt when I visited the <span style="text-align: left;">Qutub </span>Minar Complex (and the Qutub Minar) when it was dark.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qx6WPDg6BTo/YLobBPQo6yI/AAAAAAAAH-M/ROKQ7yD6NggA8FpDsDG9SeJHZjQolCrMQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1210/47-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="910" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qx6WPDg6BTo/YLobBPQo6yI/AAAAAAAAH-M/ROKQ7yD6NggA8FpDsDG9SeJHZjQolCrMQCNcBGAsYHQ/w482-h640/47-001.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Inscriptions on the Minar, under lights!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U47gOaxhiac/YLobAzdjMmI/AAAAAAAAH-I/y99qnPMByKElUQN_bV4i8Hkww7wsVQ0PgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1210/49-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="910" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U47gOaxhiac/YLobAzdjMmI/AAAAAAAAH-I/y99qnPMByKElUQN_bV4i8Hkww7wsVQ0PgCNcBGAsYHQ/w482-h640/49-001.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Minar, from a different angle, under lights!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Quwwat ul Islam mosque is one of the oldest mosques in India. A walk through the mosque premises in the evening, while secure security-wise, felt quite eerie nonetheless. That reflected in the quality of my photographs as I found myself short of patience when I tried to click pictures, while standing in the courtyard area of the mosque. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pictures of the Quwwat ul Islam Mosque, under lights - </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pc0o9VCh9_U/YLobNsZW9qI/AAAAAAAAH-Q/ugh_f88n0BYxU2thtuqGR6dKwW4UbxNcQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1210/40-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1210" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pc0o9VCh9_U/YLobNsZW9qI/AAAAAAAAH-Q/ugh_f88n0BYxU2thtuqGR6dKwW4UbxNcQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h362/40-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The front façade of the mosque under a dark blue sky and a crescent moon, under lights!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8-RVaegw4I/YLobNwHq9AI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/XjH6-q9QmroH-QownVz21UmINyeFzccsACNcBGAsYHQ/s1210/42-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="910" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8-RVaegw4I/YLobNwHq9AI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/XjH6-q9QmroH-QownVz21UmINyeFzccsACNcBGAsYHQ/w482-h640/42-001.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the mosque, under lights!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xK9JmQgrKgw/YLobN8_-TOI/AAAAAAAAH-U/hmVD40OxNsU06LUgyQis_wDeKOlV_m3HgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1210/44-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1210" data-original-width="910" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xK9JmQgrKgw/YLobN8_-TOI/AAAAAAAAH-U/hmVD40OxNsU06LUgyQis_wDeKOlV_m3HgCNcBGAsYHQ/w482-h640/44-001.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The aisles of the mosque and the engravings on the pillars, highlighted under lights!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNZq0v5vVBstxBS6S-pP0em-3K7JF-0WKqJLg3DFjtW_eTBGU5vjwp0dbrW1ejlxNi6pGlzDow1KmK3FYnnfqZjY3hhcsQxVHETADVUQxDeFujczj9e45HCteiOXdObSuEAhi9exdS1_s/s1210/45-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1210" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNZq0v5vVBstxBS6S-pP0em-3K7JF-0WKqJLg3DFjtW_eTBGU5vjwp0dbrW1ejlxNi6pGlzDow1KmK3FYnnfqZjY3hhcsQxVHETADVUQxDeFujczj9e45HCteiOXdObSuEAhi9exdS1_s/w640-h482/45-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Mihrab of the mosque, under lights!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c0O81cez31A/YLobPYK-zlI/AAAAAAAAH-k/QsoeK_JcuxAe6VlG_n_m48-TTSBquglrQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1210/48-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1210" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c0O81cez31A/YLobPYK-zlI/AAAAAAAAH-k/QsoeK_JcuxAe6VlG_n_m48-TTSBquglrQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h482/48-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The mosque, from another angle, under lights!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">........</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-50319206630825142982020-12-04T08:30:00.006+05:302021-06-06T01:17:31.488+05:30A Trip to Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan, India - A Photo Essay #3<p>While travelling, one observes things of myriad hues. One sees people, culture, sights, environs and one also feels the aura of a place. Everything cannot be presented to a reader through words without losing the advantage of brevity. So, this is why I am preparing this Photo Essay so that you can have a deeper insight to all that I saw when I was in the Ranthambhore National Park. </p><p>The first set of pictures includes images of the deer population of Ranthambhore. Ranthambhore National Park is blessed with numerous variety of deer namely Spotted Deer, Sambhar Deer, Barking Deer, Nilgai etc.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAxaZFpjOWE/YLhSOXoAfDI/AAAAAAAAH4g/RaUN8I7oE8wpyWywTMBq7C1Opi23jNDnACNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/15-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1200" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAxaZFpjOWE/YLhSOXoAfDI/AAAAAAAAH4g/RaUN8I7oE8wpyWywTMBq7C1Opi23jNDnACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h364/15-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDscR7rIks8/YLhS5nTsMSI/AAAAAAAAH5E/kv7q_sqv3_8EPCEB8j8nlvOa-9bAzicpQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/3-002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDscR7rIks8/YLhS5nTsMSI/AAAAAAAAH5E/kv7q_sqv3_8EPCEB8j8nlvOa-9bAzicpQCNcBGAsYHQ/w364-h640/3-002.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIcCktWkDZw/YLhS3E2vjuI/AAAAAAAAH4o/heV5pVe-CO4ARdlysW39f7Wg1inet4CxgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/12-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1200" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIcCktWkDZw/YLhS3E2vjuI/AAAAAAAAH4o/heV5pVe-CO4ARdlysW39f7Wg1inet4CxgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h364/12-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXFZCBIQWpg/YLhS3Y5G3EI/AAAAAAAAH4w/mwHn9wURfmsDHa_WiP6wAt4fssd2BL9vQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/14-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="684" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXFZCBIQWpg/YLhS3Y5G3EI/AAAAAAAAH4w/mwHn9wURfmsDHa_WiP6wAt4fssd2BL9vQCNcBGAsYHQ/w364-h640/14-001.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0nXPyluOY0E/YLhS3HQND7I/AAAAAAAAH4s/7LxfrJf6dbYkOeZFpeJfMjshuWXpc_8rACNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/16-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="684" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0nXPyluOY0E/YLhS3HQND7I/AAAAAAAAH4s/7LxfrJf6dbYkOeZFpeJfMjshuWXpc_8rACNcBGAsYHQ/w364-h640/16-001.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zj4SCBMiZNs/YLhS4pm2kWI/AAAAAAAAH44/S5khYnUeAvsDxz2foaGkDC1zbO7EqvkogCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zj4SCBMiZNs/YLhS4pm2kWI/AAAAAAAAH44/S5khYnUeAvsDxz2foaGkDC1zbO7EqvkogCNcBGAsYHQ/w364-h640/23.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-LFlG-ptc8/YLhS5H24yeI/AAAAAAAAH48/crYwKZlbvJ8L1jtNAed4avJA3YEoSN4NgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="685" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-LFlG-ptc8/YLhS5H24yeI/AAAAAAAAH48/crYwKZlbvJ8L1jtNAed4avJA3YEoSN4NgCNcBGAsYHQ/w366-h640/26.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSsk5wEsXVU/YLhS5dqS9_I/AAAAAAAAH5A/EGBU-eQHEH0jps_vShXNzcTYxW-do_brQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="905" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSsk5wEsXVU/YLhS5dqS9_I/AAAAAAAAH5A/EGBU-eQHEH0jps_vShXNzcTYxW-do_brQCNcBGAsYHQ/w482-h640/29.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ranthambhore National Park possesses a rich variety of birds. I was able to capture only two though. The Peacock and the Magpie!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CvTCqdmJos/YLhTesJguJI/AAAAAAAAH5o/SdiSzVbyKXEw_mRJSTLqR3IsVT6kTRegQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/21-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1200" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CvTCqdmJos/YLhTesJguJI/AAAAAAAAH5o/SdiSzVbyKXEw_mRJSTLqR3IsVT6kTRegQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h364/21-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ak3dZFzpeZk/YLhTtJkrzYI/AAAAAAAAH5s/YwmYF3ES3k0Aw0gA4GbQXAQciEdAV_QnwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/2-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="683" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ak3dZFzpeZk/YLhTtJkrzYI/AAAAAAAAH5s/YwmYF3ES3k0Aw0gA4GbQXAQciEdAV_QnwCNcBGAsYHQ/w364-h640/2-001.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I was lucky enough to capture a reptile on camera. It was basking in the sun near the Kacheda Reservoir, Zone 5.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1nILXbKejs/YLhTzW2fKTI/AAAAAAAAH50/RoBr5Ab4T9AeDM9acdN3YrAX2qWisI6EgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/8-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="682" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1nILXbKejs/YLhTzW2fKTI/AAAAAAAAH50/RoBr5Ab4T9AeDM9acdN3YrAX2qWisI6EgCNcBGAsYHQ/w364-h640/8-001.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the hilly landscape of Ranthambhore National Park. Combined with it's flora, it makes for great viewing. This is a sideshow people often forget to enjoy, in their quest to see the elusive Tiger!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPGvuuWYZ14/YLhUNxV5wBI/AAAAAAAAH6E/eMgWV4Y7mRoATVb-HgZZnf7nDy-cbxKxgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/13-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1200" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPGvuuWYZ14/YLhUNxV5wBI/AAAAAAAAH6E/eMgWV4Y7mRoATVb-HgZZnf7nDy-cbxKxgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h364/13-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPL4-Wbe9H0/YLhUN4g2IEI/AAAAAAAAH6A/rAMSbIwv_Aclaf5zdsp6bN3-2XoQrCf0ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/17-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1200" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPL4-Wbe9H0/YLhUN4g2IEI/AAAAAAAAH6A/rAMSbIwv_Aclaf5zdsp6bN3-2XoQrCf0ACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h362/17-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6S1vFctlXJU/YLhUOHiRoBI/AAAAAAAAH6I/00qnAD2wb_k1j0w6e4y-NCsx0pfWgwpvwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/19-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1200" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6S1vFctlXJU/YLhUOHiRoBI/AAAAAAAAH6I/00qnAD2wb_k1j0w6e4y-NCsx0pfWgwpvwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h364/19-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjGZZCMyaHpMDy-NBgLZ69jy4aibrtKD5miafHv4VCNsWXnIYJJClb_3yPfjAn-7Mo42aZ7d4_8grEEyEsgKbuUzW3rnSEPY-wPDfJFrzV24Y7G_Q5GModAzHpl2ZFMFjnOE2owLESAPE/s1200/27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1200" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjGZZCMyaHpMDy-NBgLZ69jy4aibrtKD5miafHv4VCNsWXnIYJJClb_3yPfjAn-7Mo42aZ7d4_8grEEyEsgKbuUzW3rnSEPY-wPDfJFrzV24Y7G_Q5GModAzHpl2ZFMFjnOE2owLESAPE/w640-h364/27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXXtDS9amF8/YLhUPVsFoGI/AAAAAAAAH6Q/F8GvyGmvaHsMoINKHZaCpg4l-WtQrPAngCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="904" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXXtDS9amF8/YLhUPVsFoGI/AAAAAAAAH6Q/F8GvyGmvaHsMoINKHZaCpg4l-WtQrPAngCNcBGAsYHQ/w482-h640/28.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vrZ-RIws2I/YLhUqY49v3I/AAAAAAAAH6k/D_kr7CPpPVIDW75o8CcekE4GbHYwfED7gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/1-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="682" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vrZ-RIws2I/YLhUqY49v3I/AAAAAAAAH6k/D_kr7CPpPVIDW75o8CcekE4GbHYwfED7gCNcBGAsYHQ/w364-h640/1-001.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OV4xLCPKyFo/YLhUqem9hII/AAAAAAAAH6g/-hWgp9XbF8cMcUXrPhTmlyZvFbf4GRprgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/7-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1200" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OV4xLCPKyFo/YLhUqem9hII/AAAAAAAAH6g/-hWgp9XbF8cMcUXrPhTmlyZvFbf4GRprgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h362/7-001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8GfZYZHHDc/YLhU0PNcpGI/AAAAAAAAH6o/ICI-wShgdrM5VD3w8xkWFxbP2_o0XKeNwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/18-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="684" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8GfZYZHHDc/YLhU0PNcpGI/AAAAAAAAH6o/ICI-wShgdrM5VD3w8xkWFxbP2_o0XKeNwCNcBGAsYHQ/w364-h640/18-001.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFnPiVOUQII/YLhU0XHbhuI/AAAAAAAAH6s/V34ntCbrWGoXHwXmK_VV6eLYcx_zDhGfACNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/20-001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="684" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFnPiVOUQII/YLhU0XHbhuI/AAAAAAAAH6s/V34ntCbrWGoXHwXmK_VV6eLYcx_zDhGfACNcBGAsYHQ/w364-h640/20-001.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Often, man made interventions have had to be done in order to sustain the fauna population in Ranthambhore. This water tank in Zone 6 is one such intervention.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWnDXV9suJ0/YLhVH-cArbI/AAAAAAAAH68/XP2YmXt-DgMZBGBZ7JLJv2iuEQiF9bAhgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1200" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWnDXV9suJ0/YLhVH-cArbI/AAAAAAAAH68/XP2YmXt-DgMZBGBZ7JLJv2iuEQiF9bAhgCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h364/22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Jungle paths have to be carved for safaris but also have to be blocked if mothers give birth to animals very close to the paths!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFuLIIedeJo/YLhVIGGD7dI/AAAAAAAAH7A/mnB2UvMEkf82Q062rrfJD61oHo3Dlh28QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="685" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sFuLIIedeJo/YLhVIGGD7dI/AAAAAAAAH7A/mnB2UvMEkf82Q062rrfJD61oHo3Dlh28QCNcBGAsYHQ/w366-h640/25.jpg" width="366" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnnJV_WiXMI/YLhVIelf4DI/AAAAAAAAH7E/0y2zgML4Rts27CnB-jiywBzvJe-C2w3nwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="680" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnnJV_WiXMI/YLhVIelf4DI/AAAAAAAAH7E/0y2zgML4Rts27CnB-jiywBzvJe-C2w3nwCNcBGAsYHQ/w362-h640/24.jpg" width="362" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(</i><span><i> This is the third in the series of articles I am writing about my visit to Ranthambhore National Park in Feb - Mar 2018. Due to a hectic schedule I was unable to complete it. Now due to the pandemic, with zero travel opportunities, I am revisiting my former trips which I had documented and photographed with the intention of blogging but never did. So, I will be naming this series of retrospective posts as 'From the Vault' posts. I hope you like them :-) )</i></span></div>The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-81843530716189265312020-11-13T18:52:00.001+05:302021-06-03T09:54:45.548+05:30A Trip to Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan, India #2<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qy9W5CWXz8/YLgAZ0Vxq6I/AAAAAAAAH2o/V2A8ov99KwAgrcrkcIW3HWOs_bS7BjUVACNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qy9W5CWXz8/YLgAZ0Vxq6I/AAAAAAAAH2o/V2A8ov99KwAgrcrkcIW3HWOs_bS7BjUVACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A Herd of Deer in Zone 5</div><p style="text-align: left;">My two safaris were incredible experiences. That said, in a jungle, only two factors can spoil your fun. One, if a predator confronts your car or two, if the people you are traveling with, misbehave by not following the etiquette of traveling in a safari. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyanUC6VxgQ/YLgB-eYahBI/AAAAAAAAH2w/oLxqe-zQdScSgwL3QJCUNTo2gGza0iDCQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyanUC6VxgQ/YLgB-eYahBI/AAAAAAAAH2w/oLxqe-zQdScSgwL3QJCUNTo2gGza0iDCQCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vast Landscapes of Zone 6. It provides good photographic opportunities to click wildlife from a distance.</div><p style="text-align: left;">In Zone 6, the biggest charm was the flatlands which we saw. It made me feel as if I was having a safari in Africa or something. The biggest highlight of the day though was a series of tiger pugmarks we saw on the trail. A tiger had crossed that trail to head somewhere. I was able to see a Sloth Bear in this safari and some deers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cugog883GSE/YLhZbLymgtI/AAAAAAAAH7U/yRPC_t7bKnMm0I9anC3STHNphMSLM-qqQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cugog883GSE/YLhZbLymgtI/AAAAAAAAH7U/yRPC_t7bKnMm0I9anC3STHNphMSLM-qqQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/6.jpg" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Pugmark of a Tiger, Ranthambhore National Park</div></span><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pXkrjIXjNYK7b-pgy-9egPRQ41mK_6kIDrxaeFTdQabrTyKhyHb0VJj8694gqEaLhO_0kZxcEUT9mIeaEf-F72dKlMlmu4NU8oSZpO8f7kKjIPWz-OWGGZYtfczV1iXoRKDRbPvXsIJN/s1200/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pXkrjIXjNYK7b-pgy-9egPRQ41mK_6kIDrxaeFTdQabrTyKhyHb0VJj8694gqEaLhO_0kZxcEUT9mIeaEf-F72dKlMlmu4NU8oSZpO8f7kKjIPWz-OWGGZYtfczV1iXoRKDRbPvXsIJN/w640-h360/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;">The Kacheda Reservoir. We visited in late Feb.</div><p style="text-align: left;">In Zone 5, which we visited the next day, I got to visit the Kacheda Reservoir. I was disappointed to see that it was almost dry. Yet, I was able to spot a crocodile, which was basking in the sun at some distance. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOkNocKMM7nZ1QcDrbkjisI8Zst51jofZyWhICMnoaIyxEk7QAzjK1d2OHHS_P91NLBeu9ivFN2H9u1k-pquFQz8LxJdZiL5fT2QKrsXfp_h9FzBqOzPgd0pS9wNAqMvHtrGSsp96679T/s1200/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOkNocKMM7nZ1QcDrbkjisI8Zst51jofZyWhICMnoaIyxEk7QAzjK1d2OHHS_P91NLBeu9ivFN2H9u1k-pquFQz8LxJdZiL5fT2QKrsXfp_h9FzBqOzPgd0pS9wNAqMvHtrGSsp96679T/w360-h640/8.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A crocodile, on the other side of the bund at Kacheda Reservoir</div><p style="text-align: left;">It was in this safari that I heard the barking of a deer (a warning signal that a predator was nearby) which was then followed by a bellow which was let out by a tiger. We were quite some distance away when we heard the roar of the tiger, but it shook everyone in the canter. But, as we were 'in' the canter we knew we were safe. Trust me, we would not have been as confident of our chances had we been on our own in the jungle!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfjnuL-Z2w4/YLf_fxQdJcI/AAAAAAAAH2U/IdPPVeSPFB8z0FQ58jGu4vnMtfAt5dIMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfjnuL-Z2w4/YLf_fxQdJcI/AAAAAAAAH2U/IdPPVeSPFB8z0FQ58jGu4vnMtfAt5dIMgCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/10.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jungle Safari Trails taken by Canters and Gypsies</div><p style="text-align: left;">Our canter raced to look for the spot from where the roar came and very soon we reached there only to find a gypsy quietly waiting for the tiger to show itself. But, the predator had decided to sit amongst the foliage and so we could not see anything. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lKFmTrqoDo/YLf_Q9DLxII/AAAAAAAAH2Q/9bTmO2R_bEwG22Z7G_7c21MKzVhiF4qswCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lKFmTrqoDo/YLf_Q9DLxII/AAAAAAAAH2Q/9bTmO2R_bEwG22Z7G_7c21MKzVhiF4qswCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whenever wildlife is spotted is expected to be spotted, canters and gypsies accumulate at the spot.</div><p style="text-align: left;">Within 5 minutes of us reaching the spot from where the tiger had roared, all the gypsies and canters stormed in, to get a look at the tiger. Within a few minutes, the powerful roar of a tiger had turned a secluded part of the forest to resemble the parking lot of a popular mall in New Delhi. I realized that now, the tiger would not come out even if it wanted to. Tigers are shy animals.</p><p>I was, though, very satisfied with my experiences in both the safaris and will be planning to visit Ranthambore once again, the moment it is possible.</p><p>Overall, my experience of visiting Ranthambore was very good. The hills, forests, wildlife, and the natural beauty of the place make this destination a must-visit. My resort was small in scale but I was happy with the cleanliness of the room, the meals which had a homemade gue to them (something I greatly appreciated), and the evening campfires. I am more than willing to go there again!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRLq_lesBFk/YLf_vx8izlI/AAAAAAAAH2g/RhZ-6OIry1Qdc4KFePgMTlSBJ8fSEi7xQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dRLq_lesBFk/YLf_vx8izlI/AAAAAAAAH2g/RhZ-6OIry1Qdc4KFePgMTlSBJ8fSEi7xQCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/11.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful and Serene. A View of the Resort from the Entrance of my Cottage.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">****</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="text-align: center;">(</i><span style="text-align: center;"><i> This is the second in the series of articles I am writing about my visit to Ranthambhore National Park in Feb - Mar 2018. Due to a hectic schedule I was unable to complete it. Now due to the pandemic, with zero travel opportunities, I am revisiting my former trips which I had documented and photographed with the intention of blogging but never did. So, I will be naming this series of retrospective posts as 'From the Vault' posts. I hope you like them :-) )</i></span></div>The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-55432377952648417592020-10-02T18:52:00.001+05:302021-06-03T09:53:14.687+05:30A Trip to Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan, India #1<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="text-align: left;">Ranthambhore National Park (near Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, Western India) is one of those rare wildlife sanctuaries where the odds of you spotting a tiger is more as compared to other parks like Corbett and Kaziranga (despite them having a far greater tiger population). Moreover, the park gets its name from the 1000+ years old Hill Fortress of Ranthambhore (which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) which was brutally sacked by Ala ud Din Khalji (in the late 13th Century) and Akbar's (16th Century) forces. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BmqOZRbi8bI/YLeCgxizPyI/AAAAAAAAH1U/Fh1JYoyUZfIC6jzYCkKefNIobeCEP6tggCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BmqOZRbi8bI/YLeCgxizPyI/AAAAAAAAH1U/Fh1JYoyUZfIC6jzYCkKefNIobeCEP6tggCNcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A Ranthambhore Fort Gate in Zone 6 of Ranthambhore National Park</div><p style="text-align: justify;">This park, which was formerly the hunting grounds of the Rajas of Jaipur was nurtured by the conservator, the late Mr. Fateh Singh Rathore. It is chiefly due to his (and the forest department's) efforts that the tiger population of the park has risen to 65-70 as of February 2018.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfb_eG3l7us/YLeDGteXInI/AAAAAAAAH1c/5l3Z_u2XToQ4mMhVeukjv5Hike58UaCBACNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfb_eG3l7us/YLeDGteXInI/AAAAAAAAH1c/5l3Z_u2XToQ4mMhVeukjv5Hike58UaCBACNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/1.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rugged Landscape of Ranthambhore</div><p style="text-align: justify;">The dry deciduous vegetation of this sanctuary ensures visibility in the range of 50 to 200 meters from zone to zone. It is due to this factor that tiger sightings are more common here.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">My visit to Ranthambhore, the second one in total, was chiefly due to fond memories from my first visit and also so that I could visit the fort this time (although it's another matter altogether that I canceled out the fort at the last moment to book another safari). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">My trip was a lovely one, my hotel (a small resort) was nice and offered a view of the Sanctuary from the porch while the safaris were lovely!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Unlike the majority of people who visit sanctuaries only to ‘see the tiger’ I, having made multiple visits to the Delhi Zoo (while bunking college) and having come across the tiger multiple times (so much so that I started avoiding the enclosure due to visual fatigue) was more keen on checking out the vegetation, the wildlife and the forest in general and try to grasp the aura of the place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVP_WkuSrUg/YLeDSv7_WWI/AAAAAAAAH1g/2iaNNvPnaPIJsOqJO5epWqGIgem3UnV4QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/3-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVP_WkuSrUg/YLeDSv7_WWI/AAAAAAAAH1g/2iaNNvPnaPIJsOqJO5epWqGIgem3UnV4QCNcBGAsYHQ/w360-h640/3-1.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A deer amongst the foliage</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8argdyQg4562J_Y6uDRaOmInETzB6fSSsmnswJfc9JQvm4LSnWRe6g6ROzCMCnBHfjbEanurO6YS1QPwhiLvz1ZY4g56IFuV6e9rux_pCLdsX9uXnPqMlmNeWGSfJ-gIDFdxYKOoiGuBj/s1200/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8argdyQg4562J_Y6uDRaOmInETzB6fSSsmnswJfc9JQvm4LSnWRe6g6ROzCMCnBHfjbEanurO6YS1QPwhiLvz1ZY4g56IFuV6e9rux_pCLdsX9uXnPqMlmNeWGSfJ-gIDFdxYKOoiGuBj/w360-h640/2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Magpies, basking in the Sun</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I went to Zones 5 and 6 for my two safaris. I insisted on booking the safaris online and also insisted on going to the sanctuary office to collect my Canter Boarding Passes myself. Both the activities were quite an adventure by themselves as while the online booking portal offers limited options to pay online, the drivers of canters and gypsies were at their rowdy best (in the Sanctuary office), yelling, breaking the queue… Nonetheless, I got the boarding passes without any issues and as I mentioned earlier, had memorable safaris!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56z6nzaxvzQ/YLeDiDL3E-I/AAAAAAAAH1s/hlLjXCAeTGA7X2eIirkg41KAmSpl56gcACNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="1200" height="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-56z6nzaxvzQ/YLeDiDL3E-I/AAAAAAAAH1s/hlLjXCAeTGA7X2eIirkg41KAmSpl56gcACNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h294/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A Post of the Forest Rangers in Zone 6, Ranthambhore National Park</div><p style="text-align: justify;">The trip all in all was a wonderful one and it left me fighting a bout of post-travel depression yet again!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">To know what were my experiences at the safaris and to know whether I came across any presence of the elusive tiger do read my next post!</p><div style="text-align: right;">(to be continued....)</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(</i><span><i> This is the first in the series of articles I am writing about my visit to Ranthambhore National Park in Feb - Mar 2018. Due to a hectic schedule I was unable to complete it. Now due to the pandemic, with zero travel opportunities, I am revisiting my former trips which I had documented and photographed with the intention of blogging but never did. So, I will be naming this series of retrospective posts as 'From the Vault' posts. I hope you like them :-) )</i></span></div>The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-26882753392239156472019-07-29T14:30:00.000+05:302019-07-30T02:52:33.770+05:30International Tiger Day 2019<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Paw Print of a Tiger</div>
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<b>A Trip to Remember</b><br /><br />I have travelled to, and continue to travel (in spits and bursts, I have to admit) across India. I have been to three Tiger Reserves—Corbett, Sariska and Ranthambore. My first trip to Ranthambore though was a memorable one. I went as a part of a media group, on a FAM trip organised by Aircel for their <a href="https://travelerrohan.blogspot.com/2014/04/save-our-tigers-wildlife-conservation.html" target="_blank">Save Our Tigers</a> campaign. <br /><br /><b>Learning about Tigers from the Specialists</b><br /><br />In this trip, we got to see the good work done by Aircel (through their Save My Tigers campaign). We got to interact with the main forest officer of Ranthambore National Park and with Wildlife Specialist, Dr. Anish Andheria. It is during one such interaction with Dr. Andheria that I asked the question 'What was the tiger holding capacity of India's forests ?'. He thought for a moment and gave an estimate of 6000 tigers.<br /><br /><b>Tiger Numbers going up a cause for celebration</b><br /><br />Yesterday (on International Tiger Day '19), the Prime Minister released the All India Tiger Estimation Report 2018. It stated that <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nearly-3000-tigers-in-india-finds-census/article28744392.ece" target="_blank">the number of Tigers in the country had reached 3000</a> (2967 to be precise). This leads to a sense of jubilation amongst the people and why not? The number of Tigers had dwindled to less than 1411 until 10 years ago. This was from a high of at least 20,000+ tigers at the turn of the century. So, it's a matter of celebration no doubt.<br />
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<br /><b>Sparing a thought for the lost gene pool</b><br /><br />That said we cannot forget that, as a result of Tiger numbers going down, a vast gene pool of healthy tigers has been lost. The tigers of today carrying only the genes of the 1411 tigers who survived by 2008 into the future. They would not carry the genes of the more than 20,000+ tigers who were there at the turn of the century.<br />
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Forest Chowki inside Ranthambore National Park</div>
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<b>The Challenges Ahead</b><br /><br />So, coming back to the present, we must make efforts to double the tiger population of the country from 3000 to 6000. For that we need to deal with factors like Poaching (Sariska), construction of Tiger Corridors (so that Tigers can move from one sanctuary to another), Creation of new Tiger Reserves, etc. Work on Tiger conservation has to continue as this is a job, only half done!<br />
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<br /><b>Congratulations to the Conservators!</b><br />
<b> </b><br />In the end, I would like to congratulate all the agencies and individuals involved in the tiger conservation program. They have worked hard to achieve this milestone! Great Job!<br /></div>
The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-67806834515414806542018-03-05T22:23:00.000+05:302018-07-07T23:25:25.767+05:30A Safari to Ranthambhore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My visit to Ranthambhore, the second one in total, was chiefly due to fond memories from my first visit and also so that I could visit the fort this time (although it's another matter altogether that I cancelled out the fort at the last moment to book another safari). </span></span></div>
<br /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iT78PpMy4Ao/Wp1vdhBpbNI/AAAAAAAAHSs/SoKxyF0lbroaUlxEiPmcFfdKrLYuS9TaACLcBGAs/s1600/28061296_1613785542033610_2707882933965017586_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iT78PpMy4Ao/Wp1vdhBpbNI/AAAAAAAAHSs/SoKxyF0lbroaUlxEiPmcFfdKrLYuS9TaACLcBGAs/s640/28061296_1613785542033610_2707882933965017586_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> Sawai Madhopur Railway Station</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I went to Zones 5 and 6 for my safaris. I insisted on booking the safaris online and also insisted on going to the Ranthambhore forest booking centre to collect my Canter Boarding Passes myself. Both the activities were quite an adventure by themselves as while the online booking portal offers limited options to pay online, the drivers of canters and gypsies were at their rowdy best (in the Ranthambhore forest booking office), yelling, breaking queue… Nonetheless, I got the boarding passes without much issues and as I mentioned earlier, had memorable safaris!</span></span></div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9d-ins4okgsmfJ8N6HEyLSS3ULKLraip8waJEYdLUR5bRfzT5XQ3RF0Fk3NU707uz1dmo6SVQS0pG72huyrGjZGTXvuH3s8T0BCsTnpUMglQPC3v_1vsIYkWTWfh9zEjcb94bGjAiCoT/s1600/28061715_1613791232033041_7502100237772418045_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="882" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9d-ins4okgsmfJ8N6HEyLSS3ULKLraip8waJEYdLUR5bRfzT5XQ3RF0Fk3NU707uz1dmo6SVQS0pG72huyrGjZGTXvuH3s8T0BCsTnpUMglQPC3v_1vsIYkWTWfh9zEjcb94bGjAiCoT/s640/28061715_1613791232033041_7502100237772418045_o.jpg" width="578" /></a><br />
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Vatika Resort, Sawai Madhopur (the resort where I put up)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To know what were my experiences on the safaris and to know whether I came across any presence of the elusive tiger do read my next post!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">..... </span></div>
The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-6975520905829307242017-10-27T14:08:00.001+05:302018-07-07T23:35:08.899+05:30Tourist Safety and India - A Long Distance Relationship? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Sunday, October the 22nd, a young Swiss Couple who were visiting Fatehpur Sikri (a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Agra) were brutally attacked by 5-6 boys after they, allegedly, refused to click pictures with them. The Swiss female received fractures and gash wounds while the Swiss male suffered from a fractured skull, hearing loss and a clot in the brain. Reported by the national papers on Thursday, October the 26th, this event impacted the conscience of many citizens of the country.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K9SZzvuK95Y/WfLzdcn73QI/AAAAAAAAHPg/yZt3S8I3YxgpqvAPkChk1DpujBEAXiAJgCHMYCw/s1600/images-2.jpeg" style="font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K9SZzvuK95Y/WfLzdcn73QI/AAAAAAAAHPg/yZt3S8I3YxgpqvAPkChk1DpujBEAXiAJgCHMYCw/s400/images-2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let's try to be Incredible for good reasons!<br />
(Pic Courtesy - Ministry of Tourism)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This incident revealed the pathetic condition of the minds of every Two out of Three Indians involved in the tourism and hospitality industry who look upon tourists (be it foreign or Indian) as means of earning an 'extra' buck or two by either fleecing them, fooling them or by some other unfair means. Such people, neither respect the monuments around which they stand nor do they respect the people who visit them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Such an attitude displayed by touts, false guides, hooligans etc only serves to spoil the experience of the tourist or traveller who has come down to India to see the monuments or attractions which belong to one of the oldest civilizations in the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The notoriety of touts in Agra, for example, has been observed by me (Came across a character who chased me from the door of the train till the time I sat in a shared auto heading to Agra Fort). I have heard worse stories from Fatehpur Sikri, where my friend and Travel Blogger Merwyn was threatened with physical violence when he refused to take the services of a guy masquerading as a guide. Even in this case, it was only when Merwyn dared him to lift a finger did that guy leave him alone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, when an Indian can face such a threatening behaviour in his own country what would a foreign backpacker go through is anyone's imagination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While the police at Fatehpur Sikri have arrested those culprits but it is imperative for them to realise that mass sensitisation programs need to be seriously considered in order to educate people about the value of tourists and how to behave with them. As long as the attitude of people towards the tourists will not change, the country will continue to get bad word of mouth publicity from tourists who visit India.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One should reflect upon this point - What experiences are this couple going to relate to the people and media in Switzerland when they go back?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There was also this other incident (some years ago) of a Swiss Couple (on a cycling tour) being attacked and the female being gang-raped by criminals in feudal-minded Datia (Madhya Pradesh). My point is this, is there any sense in sinking millions of Rupees of taxpayers money in the Incredible India Advertising Campaigns (in the manner in which it is doing currently) while many continue to disrespect tourists with impunity?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A proposal for a Tourism Police has been repeatedly ignored despite the fact that such an entity is required in a country like India more than anywhere else. In my opinion, the protection of tourists has to be accorded an equally important priority if not the highest priority as compared to the Incredible India campaigns. The sooner the government realises the better it would be for the prestige of the country which keeps taking a hit everytime a tourist is fleeced, robbed or assaulted - physically or sexually.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Another interesting aspect of this entire story was that it was the external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj who first took cognizance of this event and not the (usually loud) tourism minister K Alphons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the end, it would be better if we pose this question to ourselves, that in 'the manner in which we are treating our guests, would we ourselves like to visit India if we were non-Indians'? In the answer to this question, we would find the answer to another very important question, and that is,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'IS INDIA A SAFE COUNTRY TO TRAVEL IN'?</span></div>
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The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-35670453784781208452017-02-21T18:21:00.000+05:302017-10-31T13:25:06.030+05:30Road Trip to Sadhaura and Nahan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some
trips are born out of planning, some trips are born out of a desire to see a new place, and some trips are born out of a wish to fulfill promises which had been made. This particular road trip of me and my family was born out of a
promise my father made at a humble shrine of a Sufi saint, located at the
foothills of the Himalayas, right next to a riverbed on the Himachal Pradesh –
Haryana Border. The name of the town was Sadhaura (Haryana) and this humble shrine was
located on the outskirts of it. </span></div>
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<br>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SnrOhVn8KfU/WKwzCo6UI3I/AAAAAAAAGi4/LVnaV3oi04EmE2rW2xpkdgh8NBfxIxlGQCLcB/s1600/2017-02-21-13-54-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SnrOhVn8KfU/WKwzCo6UI3I/AAAAAAAAGi4/LVnaV3oi04EmE2rW2xpkdgh8NBfxIxlGQCLcB/s640/2017-02-21-13-54-55.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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Zooming across the tree lined NH 44</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
set out in our car post filling our tanks, getting a
brand new set of tyres (the trip was a long one, almost 250 kms one way, so it
made sense to change our tyres especially seeing the fact that it was close to
due date of periodic change of our car tyres), stocking ourselves up with cameras,
GPS device and (vis a vis my father) memories of the place he had visited 29
years ago.</span></div>
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<br></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks
to the servicing our car had got we zoomed across the NH44 and via towns of Panipat,
Karnal and Shahbad Markanda we crossed the town of Sadhaura. Now this bit we
covered with the help of Google maps. The last bit of the journey was a tricky
one because the landscape (as it existed in 1986) had changed drastically, to
top it all the mountains which were close by had been shrouded in a cloak of
mist by nature so it was really tough to fix the location of the shrine. What
made it even tougher was that when we asked the locals for directions they kept
on guiding us to local shrines which didn’t fit the description. Eventually father
and son (the one for whom he had prayed for in the shrine, which is me), after
roaming barefoot on the riverbed (the car after negotiating the sandy riverbed
with some difficulty, the </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">tyres of the car came to our aid over here, had been
parked at a shrine which looked old) my father had a feeling that we were at
the right place.</span><br>
<br>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GMgTih56udo/WKw03J8s2HI/AAAAAAAAGjE/yDPCOsCWMfAaGNLIie8xszbSm7ulxnsNgCLcB/s1600/2017-02-21-13-45-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GMgTih56udo/WKw03J8s2HI/AAAAAAAAGjE/yDPCOsCWMfAaGNLIie8xszbSm7ulxnsNgCLcB/s640/2017-02-21-13-45-47.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The Blessed Dargah, which we finally found..</span></div>
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<br></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
remaining doubts which he had in his mind (he recalled that there were
mountains visible right behind the shrine, something which we could not
ascertain because of the mist in the air) were cleared by the young caretakers
in the shrine who informed us that One, the shrine had undertaken some structural
modifications since the last time my dad came<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(which is why it looked a bit different), Two, this shrine was at least
300 years old and thus the only shrine which stood next to the river bed (at
that location) and Three, the mountains ‘were visible’ behind the shrine and
that they were shrouded in mist which is why we could not see it then (you
could remember that one of the memories which my dad had of the shrine was that
it was locate at the foothills of Himalayas).</span></div>
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<br></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
these doubts were cleared we proceeded to the shrine with an open heart and
offered the beautiful chaddar which my father had obtained from a shop next to
the Nizammuddin Dargah in Delhi.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5BXoN2u7D4/WKw1FQkFJgI/AAAAAAAAGjI/rDHEynODFl0yD36p5UKMhOssiFfvGuCXgCLcB/s1600/2017-02-21-13-40-37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5BXoN2u7D4/WKw1FQkFJgI/AAAAAAAAGjI/rDHEynODFl0yD36p5UKMhOssiFfvGuCXgCLcB/s640/2017-02-21-13-40-37.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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The beautifully decorated inner wall, of the dome under which the Sufi Saint rests.. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once
the customary pictures were taken we decided to head off to Nahan, to celebrate
the fulfillment of my dad’s promise. Now, our car was a 2 x 4 drive but</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> we were confident to take our
city car to Nahan (a town in Himachal Pradesh, at an elevation of 3058 ft above sea level) which was
at a distance of 30kms from Sadhaura.</span><br>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tluI8T4Gnls/WKw1Pjg5BAI/AAAAAAAAGjM/bIOXlfib2QkgQmrjkOpqKn0B29cmPLGKACLcB/s1600/2017-02-21-13-36-44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tluI8T4Gnls/WKw1Pjg5BAI/AAAAAAAAGjM/bIOXlfib2QkgQmrjkOpqKn0B29cmPLGKACLcB/s640/2017-02-21-13-36-44.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Climbing the <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">w<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">inding road upto Nahan</span></span> </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtVfP7hOXVg/WKw2FKtFycI/AAAAAAAAGjo/ffQ0ztvaiw00dpE81Gnzi9n2qzthSvWLwCLcB/s1600/2017-02-21-13-43-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rtVfP7hOXVg/WKw2FKtFycI/AAAAAAAAGjo/ffQ0ztvaiw00dpE81Gnzi9n2qzthSvWLwCLcB/s640/2017-02-21-13-43-18.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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Bare hills beside the road to Nahan, it is hill sides like these which are prone to landslides during the rainy season</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
road to Nahan took us through the town of Kala Amb. Post crossing the Himachal
Pradesh border we started to negotiate the winding roads leading up to the
former capital of the princely state of Sirmour. We drove cautiously whenever
we saw a truck approaching and never accelerated beyond 30 kms per hour (and
that too on an empty and straight stretch of road, which were few to find to be
quite honest). </span><br>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maE_PyFA7nE/WKw1a7_vgoI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/DFekMHMtjdMyJhu180KMgiqHeNgNvPq2QCLcB/s1600/2017-02-21-13-52-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-maE_PyFA7nE/WKw1a7_vgoI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/DFekMHMtjdMyJhu180KMgiqHeNgNvPq2QCLcB/s640/2017-02-21-13-52-28.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Lytton Memorial</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhNXQglaQKg/WKw1n21yOHI/AAAAAAAAGjY/cnYYfzgg5Pgl9CP4NH7CYWatYkGF1ySmwCLcB/s1600/2017-02-21-13-47-54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhNXQglaQKg/WKw1n21yOHI/AAAAAAAAGjY/cnYYfzgg5Pgl9CP4NH7CYWatYkGF1ySmwCLcB/s640/2017-02-21-13-47-54.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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Gurudwara Shri Dashmesh Asthan (Nahan Sahib)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Upon
reaching Nahan we had lunch and after exploring the British Era Lytton
Memorial, which is quite at the entrance of Nahan, we went to the Gurudwara
Shri Dashmesh Asthan (Nahan Sahib) a historical site which was visited by Guru
Gobind Singh!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUHyv1JzT8w/WKw1ygLLIAI/AAAAAAAAGjg/suxPml3BSd4_lmILa-tTU1Dmmoueo5EFQCLcB/s1600/2017-02-21-13-50-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mUHyv1JzT8w/WKw1ygLLIAI/AAAAAAAAGjg/suxPml3BSd4_lmILa-tTU1Dmmoueo5EFQCLcB/s640/2017-02-21-13-50-35.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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A Panoramic view of the countryside, as seen from Nahan</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After
spending some time here we headed back. After negotiating the downhill mountain
roads with the help of our brakes and</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>tyres we hit the NH 44 and zoomed back to
Delhi. The trip to Delhi took us around 5 and a half hour.</span></div>
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<br></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As mentioned earlier we were in a Tata Nano but that never made us nervous while driving on the Highways as we simply stuck to the Road Safety rules. While driving on the highways we ensured that we drove on our designated lanes, did not attempt to overtake from the wrong side and always yielded whenever a big truck came up. We used the dipper effectively and that helped. My brother and father took turns at driving as a fatigued driver at the wheel is an invitation to accidents. </span></div>
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<br></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
was never able to document this trip for my blog (due to certain events
mentioned ahead). This trip was special not only because my dad was able
to fulfill his promise which he made to the Sufi Saint in the 80’s but also
because 10 days post the trip my dad met a terrible accident which led to a
surgery and post operative complications. Today while my dad is hale and hearty
but (upon medical advice) he can no longer undertake a 500 kms road trip like
this ever again.</span></div>
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<br></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt; line-height: 115%;">..... </span></div>
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The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-15480704599035340802016-07-29T23:35:00.000+05:302016-07-31T23:49:10.976+05:30Yoga Retreat at Namah Vol. 1 - The Yogic Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On the eve of International Yoga Day (which falls on June 21st) Namah Resorts organised a Yoga Retreat in their property in Jim Corbett National Park. The retreat included Yoga sessions led by Yoga experts from Saptarashmi and performing Yogic Kriya's like Kunjar Kriya, Neti Kriya e.t.c. I was one of the bloggers who was invited for this fitness themed travel trip.</div>
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Since almost an year now, I have turned to exercising and weight training in order to stay fit (keeping my health in mind) so I thought this was a nice oppurtunity to try my hand at Yoga, explore the Jim Corbett National Park (in the monsoons) and also explore the Namah Resort. So this travelogue is a part of a series of 3 articles where I would explore these three aspects one by one. </div>
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Everyday the retreat would start with us performing the Kunjar (or Vaman) Kriya and the Neti Kriya early morning. Let me explain these kriya's through pictures - </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6vP3HwFglO0hkGXzw76NIRedQam83XQh4MUWSFGzrGdi6LcmoQyD2PWYKp5oHfxOSmF5hYhLyvsN7tFefRXGpMgMO-HDX9XdAH_vxvjnOHZ2O14BZbxZfWEMkOM60itslJkScg03tUbF/s1600/DSC_0561+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG6vP3HwFglO0hkGXzw76NIRedQam83XQh4MUWSFGzrGdi6LcmoQyD2PWYKp5oHfxOSmF5hYhLyvsN7tFefRXGpMgMO-HDX9XdAH_vxvjnOHZ2O14BZbxZfWEMkOM60itslJkScg03tUbF/s640/DSC_0561+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The Jal Neti Kriya is performed by pointing the nozzle of the utensil (used for Neti) and letting the water flow into one nostril and flow out of the other. This helps in clearing the sinuses and is greatly beneficial for people living in a polluted environment and asthmatic's. The two precautions which need to be kept in mind is that the water needs to be lukewarm (not cold) and that you 'have' to breathe through your mouth !</i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hEfKlQVCsMo/V54z84xq4eI/AAAAAAAAGAw/_84WROEbhF0StS_6vcy1eT3J6uklcNbRgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0544%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hEfKlQVCsMo/V54z84xq4eI/AAAAAAAAGAw/_84WROEbhF0StS_6vcy1eT3J6uklcNbRgCLcB/s640/DSC_0544%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The Kunjal Kriya is performed in two steps. In the first pic here we have to drink as much water (luke warm and mixed with some salt) as possible in a short period of time.</i> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqmtKyLGcMH4Eg9xtcViAxvLnOVyfK0z5KQA89s_pQTKo28nnKWsN0fBaHHGyZQSawCIB1qclhGADTAo4ZtxKk3Y4ucz_Jayi79ZeOUNM0wYCCSK8FebyiPM8Lb23D1ZN3U1lVyBODv6H/s1600/DSC_0547+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqmtKyLGcMH4Eg9xtcViAxvLnOVyfK0z5KQA89s_pQTKo28nnKWsN0fBaHHGyZQSawCIB1qclhGADTAo4ZtxKk3Y4ucz_Jayi79ZeOUNM0wYCCSK8FebyiPM8Lb23D1ZN3U1lVyBODv6H/s640/DSC_0547+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>In the second step of Kunjal Kriya you stick your fingers inside your mouth and massage the little tongue located at the base of your tongue so that all the water (which you just drank) rushes out. This kriya helps in clearing out your stomach of all the undigested food present in your stomach (which you had consumed the previous night) and hence prevents indigestion.</i></div>
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After performing these two kriya's early in the morning we would be treated to a Herbal Drink which consisted of honey, ginger, ajwain e.t.c.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71BG26woFLc/V543iAymMTI/AAAAAAAAGBA/W0TFf3JFgrEuCFWh60NoOgO20QRtqWwZwCLcB/s1600/13490585_793591007408816_27146859173707238_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-71BG26woFLc/V543iAymMTI/AAAAAAAAGBA/W0TFf3JFgrEuCFWh60NoOgO20QRtqWwZwCLcB/s640/13490585_793591007408816_27146859173707238_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>The Yoga Gurus from Saptarashmi preparing water for the kriyas !</i> </div>
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The
retreat conducted by Yoga Instructors from Saptarashmi was a good one
and they made us perform all kinds of asana's (pose's) like Pranayam, Matsya (Fish) Asana (Pose), Dhanur (Bow) Asana (Pose), Magar (Crocodile) Asana (Pose) e.t.c. As I was performing these asana's myself I was unable to click pics. So here are two which I could source- </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVwigEdnZVYqzVYQEkOkcJxzmkGvpzsNQ90df-LQzc7iC-2ZAr3Gg4ZVatudzyg3AVec_HNOF3eriiZ6UxQFlpOJqhxfifPULKanMTHPlqTOerUMilGlONWxOmlIN8JoDhpokwJdYssPz/s1600/13443203_1316659865016351_5242433975492858371_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVwigEdnZVYqzVYQEkOkcJxzmkGvpzsNQ90df-LQzc7iC-2ZAr3Gg4ZVatudzyg3AVec_HNOF3eriiZ6UxQFlpOJqhxfifPULKanMTHPlqTOerUMilGlONWxOmlIN8JoDhpokwJdYssPz/s640/13443203_1316659865016351_5242433975492858371_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Performing meditation which involves concentrating on one's breathing. (Pic source from FB Page of Namah/Jim Corbett)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2CB5tYNDzxicJ20ujVVQuyiT3k9JI38y5Uw89M38S7nJ-QdKQRYiT6qaFb5sfo-D1abWC-ezRL_iiHl-CIv-d8gWaSb-aI-MtYV1J8IqC6efFOKfuIBvz1WbxuuWxDrsEAWVDiakPAUg/s1600/DSC_0591+%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2CB5tYNDzxicJ20ujVVQuyiT3k9JI38y5Uw89M38S7nJ-QdKQRYiT6qaFb5sfo-D1abWC-ezRL_iiHl-CIv-d8gWaSb-aI-MtYV1J8IqC6efFOKfuIBvz1WbxuuWxDrsEAWVDiakPAUg/s640/DSC_0591+%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i> The Nataraja (Lord of Dance) Asana. This asana promotes flexibility in the
limbs and core muscles which in turn help in retaining posture/balance. It also strengthens the legs and ankles.</i></div>
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One of the favourite asanas which I performed was the Dhanur (Bow) asana where we would lie down on our stomach and hold our ankles with our hands. It really helps in promoting flexibility of our back muscles and strengthening our core muscles !</div>
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What made performing yoga for us bloggers a wonderful experience was the presence of the Himalayas and the jungles of Jim Corbett looking over us while we exercised !</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxXcXB0N9KOeaq8B02Fa1SBihGUwMoFUw4t6O6-J080hQTTF2X3QDcm_7jtKTdDOq2NiNRN_givfB9bwyQIhg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<i>This video shows the serene and lush green surroundings where we did the kriyas and Yoga (especially on the 3rd day). The chirping of the birds, the presence of the dense forests of Jim Corbett National Park and the Himalayas only add to the grandeur of the location !</i></div>
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<i> </i>It is my personal opinion that performing yoga at such a serene environment is the next best to performing yoga at the sandy banks of the River Ganges !</div>
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(to be continued.....)</div>
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Note - Images, unless mentioned, have been clicked by Mr Arvind Passey)</div>
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The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-21504522043877180112016-06-24T00:00:00.000+05:302016-08-01T01:37:02.801+05:30The Himalayas at Jim Corbett National Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXpA-0EgtlOd8UyOwwBZiCbriAirXdmlbBQzIBbty83bQzFwx7fPa3bC3yQLhwW_zSj5Aflh0gZOX2HN2WGLmAeRm6liyFaHRYjWDSUHEyjIGPhmMdL4U7dHfAHwspH_K1QlpdT2eltMG/s1600/13432154_793158410785409_3062867774009493604_n-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXpA-0EgtlOd8UyOwwBZiCbriAirXdmlbBQzIBbty83bQzFwx7fPa3bC3yQLhwW_zSj5Aflh0gZOX2HN2WGLmAeRm6liyFaHRYjWDSUHEyjIGPhmMdL4U7dHfAHwspH_K1QlpdT2eltMG/s640/13432154_793158410785409_3062867774009493604_n-001.jpg" width="640"></a></div>
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The densely forested Himalayas (pic clicked from Namah Resort, Dhikuli) are an integral part of the Jim Corbett National Park, which surrounds it. It is home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna apart from being home of the tiger ! It is located in the state of Uttarakhand.</div>
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The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-35227370172233608882016-05-25T08:25:00.000+05:302016-06-14T21:47:05.457+05:30Begumpuri Masjid, New Delhi (14th Cent CE)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7UALOjL4XGTJwWZKLDxbGcskxJU7eus6fIH4IBIKoFHp4c_BTuDCUYSmIboQ54KnGQoD9u7Le7QHswcfdpXRklO-D5afkHLKJoAVSJMn0k_YJHaKuGmLBUkTH-Yxol8pyccEuV3G8pzU/s1600/Close-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB7UALOjL4XGTJwWZKLDxbGcskxJU7eus6fIH4IBIKoFHp4c_BTuDCUYSmIboQ54KnGQoD9u7Le7QHswcfdpXRklO-D5afkHLKJoAVSJMn0k_YJHaKuGmLBUkTH-Yxol8pyccEuV3G8pzU/s640/Close-up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A close up of the facade in front of the main dome</div>
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Located
off Sri Aurobindo Marg, in Begumpuri Village; this heavily encroached
upon Mosque is a class apart, architecture wise. Constructed on the
orders of Jauna Khan Telangani (prime minister of Feroz Shah Tughluq and
son of Khan i Jahan Maqbul Telangani) , Begumpuri Masjid (Mosque) of
Delhi was one in the series of seven mosques constructed by him with the
others being - Jama Masjid (Ferozabad), Khirki Masjid (in Khirki
Village, opposite Select Citywalk Mall), Kalu Sarai Masjid, Kalan Masjid
(Turkman Gate of Old Delhi), Kalan Masjid (Nizamuddin) and Wakya Masjid
(Lahori Gate).</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6LWKXVMeww/V2At7ywFr1I/AAAAAAAAF9Y/ku5Lf2xKtkwP1oFF992TbEqSIejb-HfcwCLcB/s1600/Upon-Entering-the-Mosque%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6LWKXVMeww/V2At7ywFr1I/AAAAAAAAF9Y/ku5Lf2xKtkwP1oFF992TbEqSIejb-HfcwCLcB/s640/Upon-Entering-the-Mosque%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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View, upon entering the mosque<br />
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The
moment you climb up the moderately steep stairs of this mosque, you
would find yourselves in a lofty domed gateway which would lead you to
the expansive courtyard (surrounded by a 3 aisled corridor whch is
interrupted by gateway entrances and the <i>mihrab</i>) where, during its
heydays, this ruinous mosque would be full of life and would have grand
carpets spread upon its, now stony, floors and great <i>shamiana's</i> (tents)
spread overhead so that the faithful could pray at ease.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-I0z5NQF6Q/V1D6tCM94oI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/a-5KzAglLOg8YUl3XrkMY9I3k5EEas4ngCLcB/s1600/The-large-courtyard-where-at-one-time-large-tents-and-carpets-would-be-present-to-offer-the-prayers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-I0z5NQF6Q/V1D6tCM94oI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/a-5KzAglLOg8YUl3XrkMY9I3k5EEas4ngCLcB/s640/The-large-courtyard-where-at-one-time-large-tents-and-carpets-would-be-present-to-offer-the-prayers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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.The large courtyard, where at one time large tents and carpets would be present to offer the prayers</div>
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Worn out Mihrab on the Qibla (west facing) Wall</div>
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If
we look at what remains of this architecturally distinct mosque, it is
the manner it has been constructed. Jauna Khan Telangani took personal
interest in the designing of the seven mosques he had commissioned and
tried to incorporate a unique feature in each of them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRk2nMpcWfcYztClL_lySBgbQKz_A0zgt4_EHSxKBrbjFmP2dVBKqqiJ_WUGFER78GR8Kxr9DlHCvkp3bn1v1KUIBQmD-W8sg7-QxYskneO4IocUIGtaainoKQ4C2TzWa6kFVJGgTq58A/s1600/View-of-the-dome-behind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRk2nMpcWfcYztClL_lySBgbQKz_A0zgt4_EHSxKBrbjFmP2dVBKqqiJ_WUGFER78GR8Kxr9DlHCvkp3bn1v1KUIBQmD-W8sg7-QxYskneO4IocUIGtaainoKQ4C2TzWa6kFVJGgTq58A/s640/View-of-the-dome-behind.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
View of the concealed dome</div>
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In
this mosque the main dome over the <i>Mihrab</i> is screened by a large wall
thus giving an initial impression (from a frontal viewpoint) that the
dome does not exist. There are narrow (and dark) stairs which can take
you to the top of this wall and the giant dome behind it !! The wall
also has a slight slant to it , something reminiscent of the Tughluq
style of architecture; and has false minars at both its ends, to
beautify as well as to strengthen the structure.</div>
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Begumpuri Masjid is a 2 aisled mosque</div>
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Shot of an aisle</div>
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The
roof of the aisles, which surround the courtyard have 2 rows of domes
which are running parallel to each other. The walls of the mosque have
arched gaps at periodic intervals, thus providing a view of the outside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOzXXi48C5LUiE_7VaWfefxkyNYx5p-759xr-QqNPHnoY7YM0dJJAX7tbGVtUwVw9-Rcdy5gNg1SLdxdD1mhMYH3gPxnFaGrxO2MrasLx96fhxKdmQ2wt0WEq0aGacOpj1-78rWRzN92a/s1600/Shot-of-the-dome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOzXXi48C5LUiE_7VaWfefxkyNYx5p-759xr-QqNPHnoY7YM0dJJAX7tbGVtUwVw9-Rcdy5gNg1SLdxdD1mhMYH3gPxnFaGrxO2MrasLx96fhxKdmQ2wt0WEq0aGacOpj1-78rWRzN92a/s640/Shot-of-the-dome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Interior of the Main Dome</div>
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The
Begumpuri Mosque, now over 600 years old, is also a classic example of
how neglect, by the concerned authorities, resulted in the mosque being
encroached upon by all sides by residential houses and squatters
creating permanent residences 'inside' the mosque. It was only after a
prolonged legal battle between ASI and those squatters the courts
ordered all the squatters to be shunted out, one by one. But, that said
even today the mosque can see the presence of anti social elements by
seeing broken bottles and litter.</div>
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Another shot of the courtyard, this time facing the entrance</div>
It
is recommended to visit the mosque during day time and preferably with
someone. If alone take the help of the guard posted at the gate or 'just
keep your eyes open'.<br />
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.......</div>
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The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-9327139020955429372016-04-08T08:31:00.000+05:302016-06-03T09:19:52.452+05:30Qutub Minar, Mehrauli, New Delhi (Const 1206-36 CE)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The
Qutub Minar was commissioned by Qutbuddin Aibak in 1206 CE and
completed by Sultan Iltutmish in 1236 CE. This minaret is believed to
have been named after Hazrat Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, a Sufi saint
of Chistiya Silsila. He was revered by Sultan Iltutmish and his
shrine/dargah is close to the Qutb Complex.</div>
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The Qutb Minar is the
tallest brick minaret in the world (at 72 metres). As per various
historians this UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to have been
inspired by the Minarets of Jam, Ghazni, Bukhara e.t.c. But Historian
Ziyauddin Desai believed that the Qutb Minar is inspired by a minar in
Khwaja Siyaposh in Sistan (S-W Afghanistan).</div>
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Qutub Minar has a
total of 5 stories and it was topped by a chattri (installed by
Ferozeshah Tughluq). The lowermost, and the tallest floor has 24
flutings. The architecture of the Qutub Minar is such that from a
distance it would appear like a bundle of reeds ! Inscriptions on the
minar have been found in Perso-Arabic and Nagari Scripts which shed
light on its history and the repair works done over it.</div>
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Being so
tall in height the Qutub Minar has often been prone to lightning strikes
across the ages. It has been damaged and subsequently repaired quite a
few times across its 816 years old existence by various sultans like
Ferozeshah Tughlaq (14th Cent CE), Sultan Sikandar Lodi (1489 - 1517 CE)
and the Britishers (in early 1800's CE).</div>
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Sources -</div>
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1. Indo-Islamic Architecture by Ziyauddin Desai</div>
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2. ASI Sources (Website/Information Board)</div>
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2. Wikipedia</div>
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The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-60361747880737790742016-03-25T09:31:00.000+05:302016-06-07T14:12:37.186+05:30Article on Kumbhalgarh - Hill Fortress of Mewar (Rajasthan) (Const 15th Cent CE)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last year I had written an article over Kumbhalgarh and it was accepted by Ezine to be published on it's site. A very informative article, I would like to share it's link with you. Please got through it and let me know your views !<br>
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Just to let you know in brief Kumbhalgarh is a UNESCO world heritage site and has the longest continuous wall in India (36 kms) and the second longest wall in Asia, after the Great Wall of China ! Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Rana Kumbha (in 15th century CE) and was the birthplace of Maharana Pratap ! <br>
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Here's the link to the article - <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Rohan_Anirudh_Singh/2056412">http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Rohan_Anirudh_Singh/2056412</a><br>
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The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-8273539341636474922016-02-05T09:40:00.000+05:302016-06-14T20:43:41.207+05:30Article on The History of New Delhi - Capital of Capitals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: sans-serif;">Last year I had written an article over The History of New Delhi - Capital of Capitals' and it was accepted by Ezine to be published on it's site. A very informative article, I would like to share it's link with you. Please got through it and let me know your views !<br /><br /><br />To let you know in brief the article traces the history of the historical region of Delhi and it's rise in significance over a period of time. This article also introduces you to the various capital cities which the historians built in the historical region of Delhi !<br /><br /><br />Here's the link to the article -</span> <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Rohan_Anirudh_Singh/2056412">http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Rohan_Anirudh_Singh/2056412</a><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-6009852135770907992015-06-26T22:00:00.000+05:302016-06-07T22:21:27.816+05:30Jain Kirti Stambh, Chittaurgarh (Const 12th Cent CE), Picture of the Week #141<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAm3x_KAAsk/V1WlDwIygCI/AAAAAAAAF8k/jV41X-r8wK44vy7_FcZ-cTEqA-014ZkOACLcB/s1600/20140810_142602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fAm3x_KAAsk/V1WlDwIygCI/AAAAAAAAF8k/jV41X-r8wK44vy7_FcZ-cTEqA-014ZkOACLcB/s320/20140810_142602.jpg" width="241"></a></div>
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The Jain Kirti Stambh is the other 'stambh' or tower standing inside the Chittaurgarh Fort. Constructed in the late 13th century this tower was raised, not to commemorate victory in battle (like the Vijay Stambh was) but to honour Jain Tirthankara Adinatha. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Architecturally speaking, the Jain Kirti Stambh, is 24.5 mts tall and has six stories in it. As visible in the picture the tower is built on a platform.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;">This 'stambha' is relatively shorter and older than the Vijay Stambh (of Chittaurgarh Fort) and currently stands tilted ! The Jain Kirti Stambh stands right next to a Jain Temple.</span><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"> </span></div>
The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-20646114089640478702015-05-29T08:16:00.000+05:302016-06-03T08:39:45.459+05:30Chittorgarh Junction Railway Station (Est. 1881 C.E.) - Picture of the Week #137<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CM_3hIP0rzs/V1D0wrAymrI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/N9gJKilrhnk98bgNVW0YWynWNo2528IZwCLcB/s1600/20140810_153150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CM_3hIP0rzs/V1D0wrAymrI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/N9gJKilrhnk98bgNVW0YWynWNo2528IZwCLcB/s640/20140810_153150.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Chittorgarh
Junction Railway Station is the main railway station of Chittorgarh
City. It connects the town with major cities in North and West India.
The trains here run on Broad Gauge tracks.</div>
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The Chittorgarh City
(which was established next to the Chittorgarh Fort, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site) was linked with railways in the late 19th century as a
part of Rajputana - Malwa Railway. This railway station is one of the
major transit points for travelers and tourists to visit the legendary
fort.</div>
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One of the most important links in the railway network of
this region was the Chittorgarh - Udaipur Railway Link. It was opened in
1898 C.E. Even today this link is the best and most economical way to
reach Udaipur. Udaipur is the 456 year old capital of erstwhile Mewar
Princely State in Rajasthan and also a tourist paradise.</div>
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The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-37376005133359435592015-05-22T09:48:00.000+05:302016-06-03T09:54:22.207+05:30Gaumukh Kund, Chittorgarh - Picture of the Week #136<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx_Z5YVVJ2E/V1EGT9V_KQI/AAAAAAAAF6M/Q5K81pFoO6o17DAgGKMJTeU8hckOX1a2gCLcB/s1600/Gaumukh-Chittorgarh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx_Z5YVVJ2E/V1EGT9V_KQI/AAAAAAAAF6M/Q5K81pFoO6o17DAgGKMJTeU8hckOX1a2gCLcB/s640/Gaumukh-Chittorgarh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Gaumukh Kund of Chittorgarh (<em>Kund</em>
means a Reservoir) is a pool of water whose source is a natural spring.
This reservoir is revered by Hindus. The Gaumukh Kund had been the
source of water for the citizens of Chittorgarh during the numerous
seiges it faced. Devotees are permitted to feed the fishes in the water
here.</div>
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Some of the most famous sieges faced by Chittorgarh included -</div>
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1. The Siege of 1303 (where Mewar was pitted against Sultan Alauddin Khalji)<br /> 2. The Siege of 1535 (where Mewar was pitted against Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat)</div>
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2. The Siege of 1567 (where Mewar was pitted against Mughal Emperor Akbar)</div>
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The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-89549554898323702422015-05-15T09:59:00.000+05:302016-06-03T10:01:09.468+05:30Chand Baori, Abhaneri (Const 8th-9th Cent CE) - Picture of the Week #135<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dblwipU7wo/V1EHgH3uk7I/AAAAAAAAF6Y/c4R1tY_-BZovyxvPfVch99z7Nc-0Yq2fwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20140914_152623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dblwipU7wo/V1EHgH3uk7I/AAAAAAAAF6Y/c4R1tY_-BZovyxvPfVch99z7Nc-0Yq2fwCLcB/s640/IMG_20140914_152623.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The
Chand Baori is one of the oldest and deepest step wells in Rajasthan
and India, in particular. It is also known as 'Abhaneri Chand Bawdi'.
This magnificent stepwell was constructed by King Chandra of Nikumbha
dynasty around 8th-9th Cent. C.E.</div>
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This
stepwell is 19.5 mts deep and has around 3500 steps ! This ancient step
well was religiously and spiritually related to the nearby Harshat Mata
Temple. A devotee visiting Harshat Mata Temple was first supposed to
perform ablutions here and then go to the temple.</div>
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The sight and pattern of Chand Baori's 1200 years old steps leave a powerful impression on the mind and heart of a visitor !</div>
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Sources -<br /> 1. ASI Info Board on site at Chand Baori in Abhaneri<br /> 2. Wikipedia</div>
The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-72754967119028625182015-05-08T21:30:00.000+05:302016-06-06T21:30:36.399+05:30Harshat Mata Temple Abhaneri (Const 8th-9th Cent CE) - Picture of the Week #134<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbSAqFBYiec/V1Wdz2KrpnI/AAAAAAAAF6w/zw7lG9LsPRYkJV3C43uJPHi8pDfuNIDogCLcB/s1600/IMG_20140914_154142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbSAqFBYiec/V1Wdz2KrpnI/AAAAAAAAF6w/zw7lG9LsPRYkJV3C43uJPHi8pDfuNIDogCLcB/s640/IMG_20140914_154142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Harshat
Mata Temple Abhaneri was constructed in 8th-9th century C.E. It is
dedicated to Harshat Mata (Goddess of Joy and Happiness). It is located
in Abhaneri village in Rajasthan.</div>
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The
Harshat Mata temple was constructed by King Chandra of Nikumbha
Dynasty. It was constructed in Mahameru style of architecture. This
temple was demolished in the 10th century CE. As per the temple keeper
the King of Jaipur got the temple reconstructed in the 18th Cent CE.</div>
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The
iconic Chand Baori step well is closely related to the temple. A
devotee was supposed to perform ablutions at the Chand Baori before
going to this temple.</div>
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Information Sources -</div>
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1. Information Board on site.</div>
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2. Wikipedia</div>
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3. The Temple Keeper of Harshat Mata Temple</div>
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The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1814077732052116305.post-68927689060384123202015-05-01T21:32:00.000+05:302016-06-06T21:33:37.002+05:30Palace Entrance of Bhangarh Fort (Const 1573 CE) - Picture of the Week - #133<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PzBGcQwPkoI/V1WegcmHKxI/AAAAAAAAF68/MbQ7GK4Nb1M34QZycYLpZe3n_8nIJcgPwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20140914_095100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PzBGcQwPkoI/V1WegcmHKxI/AAAAAAAAF68/MbQ7GK4Nb1M34QZycYLpZe3n_8nIJcgPwCLcB/s640/IMG_20140914_095100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bhangarh
Fort was constructed by King Bhagwant Das for his son Madho Singh
(younger son of the illustrious Man Singh I). This fort cum township was
abandoned in the year 1783 CE. Bhangarh is believed to be one of the
most haunted places in India.</div>
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On
an architectural note this township has been observed, by
archaeologists, to be very well planned. There are separate sections in
the city for residential areas, markets e.t.c. The streets are well
lined as well.</div>
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Madho
Singh, the individual for whom this town was built, was a royal prince
and a soldier. He participated in the Battle of Haldighati (against
Maharana Pratap) and led the vanguard of the Mughal forces of Akbar
(which were being commandeered by his brother Man Singh).</div>
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The Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11016070506439254728noreply@blogger.com0