Chittorgarh Fort (Hindi/Rajasthani: चित्तौड दुर्ग Chittorgarh Durg) is the largest fort in India and the grandest in the state of Rajasthan. It is a World Heritage Site. The fort, plainly known as Chittor, was the capital of Mewar and is today situated several kilometres south of Bhilwara. It was initially ruled by Guhilot and later by Sisodias, the Suryavanshi clans of Chattari Rajputs, from the 7th century, until it was finally abandoned in 1568 after the siege by Emperor Akbar in 1567. It sprawls majestically over a hill 180 m in height spread over an area of 280 ha above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. The fort precinct with an evocative history is studded with a series of historical palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemoration towers. These monumental ruins have inspired the imagination of tourists and writers for centuries.

The fort was sacked three times between the 15th and 16th centuries; in 1303 Allauddin Khilji defeated Rana Ratan Singh, in 1535 Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat defeated Bikramjeet Singh and in 1567 Emperor Akbar defeated Maharana Udai Singh II who left the fort and founded Udaipur. Each time the men fought bravely rushing out of the fort walls charging the enemy but lost every time. Following these defeats, Jauhar was committed thrice by more than 13,000 ladies and children of the Rajput heroes who laid their lives in battles at Chittorgarh Fort, first led by Rani Padmini wife of Rana Rattan Singh who was killed in the battle in 1303, and later by Rani Karnavati in 1537 AD.

Thus, the fort represents the quintessence of tribute to the nationalism, courage, medieval chivalry and sacrifice exhibited by the Mewar rulers of Sisodia and their kinsmen and women and children, between the 7th and 16th centuries. The rulers, their soldiers, the women folk of royalty and the commoners considered death as a better option than dishonor in the face of surrender to the foreign invading armies.

GEOGRAPHY

Chittorgarh, located in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan, 233 km from Ajmer, midway between Delhi and Mumbai on the National Highway 8 (India) in the road network of Golden Quadrilateral. Chittorgarh is situated where National Highways No. 76 & 79 intersect.

The fort rises abruptly above the surrounding plains and is spread over an area of 2.8 km2. The highest elevation at the fort is 1,075 m. It is situated on the left bank of the Berach river (a tributary of the Banas River) and is linked to the new town of Chittorgarh (known as the 'Lower Town') developed in the plains after 1568 AD when the fort was deserted in light of introduction of artillery in the 16th century, and therefore the capital was shifted to more secure Udaipur, located on the eastern flank of Aravalli hill range. Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked and sacked this fort which was but one of the 84 forts of Mewar,but the capital was shifted to Aravalli hills where heavy artillery & cavalry were not effective. A winding hill road of more than 1 km length from the new town leads to the west end main gate, called Ram Pol, of the fort. Within the fort, a circular road provides access to all the gates and monuments located within the fort walls.

The fort that once boasted of 84 water bodies has only 22 of them now. These water bodies are fed by natural catchment and rainfall, and have a combined storage of 4 billion litres that could meet the water needs of an army of 50,000. The supply could last for four years. These water bodies are in the form of ponds, wells and step wells.

HISTORY

Chittorgarh Fort is considered to be the largest fort of India in terms of area. It is stated that the fort was constructed by the Mauryans during the 7th century AD and hence derives its name after the Mauryan ruler, Chitrangada Mori, as inscribed on coins of the period. Historical records show Chittorgarh fort as the capital of Mewar for 834 years. It was established in 734 AD by Bappa Rawal, founder ruler in the hierarchy of the Sisodia rulers of Mewar. It is also said that the fort was gifted to Bappa Rawal as part of Solanki princess’s dowry in the 8th century. The fort was looted and destroyed at the hands of Emperor Akbar in 1568 AD and subsequently never resettled but only refurbished in 1905 AD. Three important battles were fought for control of the fort; in 1303, Ala-ud-din Khilji besieged the fort; in 1535, Sultan of Gujarat Bahadur Shah besieged the fort; and in 1568, Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked the fort. Not that there were only defeats at the fort. Excluding the periods of siege, the fort had always remained in possession of the Sisodias of the Guhilot (or Gehlot/Guhila) clan of Rajputs, who descended from Bappa Rawal. There were also success stories of establishment of the fort and its reconstruction after every siege, before it was finally abandoned in 1568, all of which are narrated.

Chittor is cited in the Mahabharat epic. It is said that Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers of Epic Mahabaharata fame, known for his mighty strength gave a powerful hit with his fist to the ground that resulted in water springing up to form a large reservoir. It is called Bhimlat kund, an artificial tank named after Bhima. Folk legend also mentions that Bhima started building the fort.

BAPPA RAWAL

The earliest history linked to the Bappa Rawal's fort is that of the Huna Kingdom of Sialkot (of Mihir Kula 515-540 AD) that was destroyed by Yashodharman. This was subsequently seized by a new dynasty of kshatriyas called Tak or Taxaka. According to historians, the Taxak Mori were the lords of Chittor from a very early period. After a few generations, the Guhilots supplanted them. From 725 to 735 AD, there were numerous defenders who appear to have considered the cause of Chittor their own, the Tak from Asirgarh. This race appears to have retained possession of Asirgarh for at least two centuries after this event and one of its chieftain Bappa Rawal was the most conspicuous leader in the lineage of Prithvi Raj. In the poems of Chandar he is called the "Standard, bearer, Tak of Asir."

SIEGE OF 1303

Ala ud din Khilji, Sultan of Delhi, rallied his forces against Mewar, in 1303 AD. The Chittorgarh fort was till then considered impregnable and grand, atop a natural hill. But his immediate reason for invading the fort was his obsessive desire to capture Rani Padmini, the unrivalled beautiful queen of Rana Ratan Singh and take her into his harem. The Rana, out of politeness, allowed the Khilji to view Padmini through a set of mirrors. But this viewing of Padmini further fired Khilji’s desire to possess her. After the viewing, as a gesture of courtesy, when the Rana accompanied the Sultan to the outer gate, he was treacherously captured. Khilji conveyed to the queen that the Rana would be released only if she agreed to join his harem. But the queen had other plans. She agreed to go to his camp if permitted to go in a Royal style with an entourage, in strict secrecy. Instead of her going, she sent 700 well armed soldiers disguised in litters and they rescued the Rana and took him to the fort. But Khilji chased them to the fort where a fierce battle ensued at the outer gate of the fort in which the Rajput soldiers were overpowered and the Rana was killed. Khilji won the battle on August 26, 1303. Soon thereafter, instead of surrendering to the Sultan, the royal Rajput ladies led by Rani Padmini preferred to die through the Rajput’s ultimate tragic rite of Jauhar (self immolation on a pyre). In revenge, Khilji killed thirty thousand Hindus. He entrusted the fort to his son Khizr Khan to rule and renamed the fort as 'Khizrabad'. He also showered gifts on his son by way of

a red canopy, a robe embroidered with gold and two standards one green and the other black and threw upon him rubies and emeralds.

He returned to Delhi after the fierce battle at the fort.

RANA HAMMIR & SUCCESSORS

Khizr Khan’s rule at the fort lasted till 1311 AD and due to the pressure of Rajputs he was forced to entrust power to the Sonigra chief Maldeva who held the fort for 7 years. Hammir Singh, usurped control of the fort from Maldeva by “treachery and intrigue” and Chittor once again regained its past glory. Hammir, before his death in 1364 AD, had converted Mewar into a fairly large and prosperous kingdom. The dynasty (and clan) fathered by him came to be known by the name Sisodia after the village where he was born. His son Ketra Singh succeeded him and ruled with honour and power. Ketra Singh’s son Lakha who ascended the throne in 1382 AD also won several wars. His famous grandson Rana Kumbha came to the throne in 1433 AD and by that time the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat had acquired considerable clout and were keen to usurp the powerful Mewar state.

RANA KUMBHA & CLAN

There was resurgence during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. Rana Kumbha, also known as Maharana Kumbhakarna, son of Rana Mokal, ruled Mewar between 1433 AD and 1468 AD. He is credited with building up the Mewar kingdom assiduously as a force to reckon with. He built 32 forts (84 fortresses formed the defense of Mewar) including one in his own name, called Kumbalgarh. But his end came in 1468 AD at the hands of his own son Rana Udaysimha (Uday Singh I) who assassinated him to gain the throne of Mewar. This patricide was not appreciated by the people of Mewar and consequently his brother Rana Raimal assumed the reins of power in 1473. After his death in May 1509, Sangram Singh (also known as Rana Sanga), his youngest son, became the ruler of Mewar, which brought in a new phase in the history of Mewar. Rana Sanga, with support from Medini Rai (a Rajput chief of Alwar), fought a valiant battle against Mughal emperor Babar at Khanwa in 1527. He ushered in a period of prestige to Chittor by defeating the rulers of Gujarat and also effectively interfered in the matters of Idar. He also won small areas of the Delhi territory. In the ensuing battle with Ibrahim Lodi, Rana won and acquired some districts of Malwa. He also defeated the combined might of Sultan Muzaffar of Gujarat and the Sultan of Malwa. By 1525 AD, Rana Sanga had developed Chittor and Mewar, by virtue of great intellect, valour and his sword, into a formidable military state. But in a decisive battle that was fought against Babar on March 16, 1527, the Rajput army of Rana Sanga suffered a terrible defeat and Sanga escaped to one of his fortresses. But soon thereafter in another attack on the Chanderi fort the valiant Rana Sanga died and with his death the Rajput confederacy collapsed.

SIEGE OF 1534

Bahadur Shah who came to the throne in 1526 AD as the Sultan of Gujarat besieged the Chittorgarh fort in 1534. The fort was sacked and, once again the medieval dictates of chivalry determined the outcome. Following the defeat of the Rana, it is said 13,000 Rajput women committed jauhar (self immolation on the funeral pyre) and 3,200 Rajput warriors rushed out of the fort to fight and die.

SIEGE OF 1567

The final Siege of Chittorgarh came 33 years later, in 1567, when the Mughal Emperor Akbar invaded the fort. Akbar wanted to conquer Mewar, which was being ably ruled by Rana Uday Singh II, a fine prince of Mewar. To establish himself as the supreme lord of Northern India, he wanted to capture the renowned fortress of Chittor, as a precursor to conquering the whole of India. Shakti Singh, son of the Rana who had quarreled with his father, had run away and approached Akbar when the later had camped at Dholpur preparing to attack Malwa. During one of these meetings, in August 1567, Shakti Singh came to know from a remark made in jest by emperor Akbar that he was intending to wage war against Chittor. Akbar had told Shakti Singh in jest that since his father had not submitted himself before him like other princes and chieftains of the region he would attack him. Startled by this revelation, Shakti Singh quietly rushed back to Chittor and informed his father of the impending invasion by Akbar. Akbar was furious with the departure of Shakti Singh and decided to attack Mewar to humble the arrogance of the Ranas. In September 1567, the emperor left for Chittor, and on October 20, 1567, camped in the vast plains outside the fort. In the meantime, Rana Udai Singh, on the advice of his council of advisors, decided to go away from Chittor to the hills of Udaipur. Jaimal and Patta, two brave army chieftains of Mewar, were left behind to defend the fort along with 8,000 Rajput warriors under their command. Akbar laid siege to the fortress. The Rajput army fought valiantly and Akbar himself had narrowly escaped death. In this grave situation, Akbar had prayed for divine help for achieving victory and vowed to visit the shrine of the sufi saint Khwaja at Ajmer. The battle continued till February 23, 1568. On that day Jaymal was seriously wounded but he continued to fight with support from Patta. Jayamal ordered jauhar to be performed when many beautiful princesses of Mewar and noble matrons committed self-immolation at the funeral pyre. Next day the gates of the fort were opened and Rajput soldiers rushed out bravely to fight the enemies. Jayamal and Patta who fought bravely were at last killed in action. One figure estimates that 30,000 soldiers were killed in action. Akbar immediately repaired himself to Ajmer to perform his religious vow.

RETURN OF THE FORT TO MEWAR

But in 1616, Jehangir returned Chittor fort to the Rajputs, when Maharana Amar Singh was the chief of Mewar. However, the fort was not resettled though it was refurbished several centuries later in 1905 during British Raj.

PRECINCTS

The fort which is roughly in the shape of a fish has a circumference of 13 km with a maximum width of 3 km and it covers an area of 700 acres. The fort is approached through a zig zag and difficult ascent of more than 1 km from the plains, after crossing over a bridge made in limestone. The bridge spans the Gambhiri River and is supported by ten arches (one has a curved shape while the balance have pointed arches). Apart from the two tall towers, which dominate the majestic fortifications, the sprawling fort has a plethora of palaces and temples (many of them in ruins) within its precincts.

The 305 hectares component site, with a buffer zone of 427 hectares, encompasses the fortified stronghold of Chittorgarh, a spacious fort located on an isolated rocky plateau of approximately 2 km length and 155m width.

It is surrounded by a perimeter wall 4.5 kilometres long, beyond which a 45° hill slope makes it almost inaccessible to enemies. The ascent to the fort passes through seven gateways built by the Mewar ruler Rana Kumbha (1433- 1468) of the Sisodia clan. These gates are called, from the base to the hill top, the Paidal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla Pol, Laxman Pol, and Ram Pol, the final and main gate.

The fort complex comprises 65 historic built structures, among them 4 palace complexes, 19 main temples, 4 memorials and 20 functional water bodies. These can be divided into two major construction phases. The first hill fort with one main entrance was established in the 5th century and successively fortified until the 12th century. Its remains are mostly visible on the western edges of the plateau. The second, more significant defence structure was constructed in the 15th century during the reign of the Sisodia Rajputs, when the royal entrance was relocated and fortified with seven gates, and the medieval fortification wall was built on an earlier wall construction from the 13th century.

Besides the palace complex, located on the highest and most secure terrain in the west of the fort, many of the other significant structures, such as the Kumbha Shyam Temple, the Mira Bai Temple, the Adi Varah Temple, the Shringar Chauri Temple, and the Vijay Stambh memorial were constructed in this second phase. Compared to the later additions of Sisodian rulers during the 19th and 20th centuries, the predominant construction phase illustrates a comparatively pure Rajput style combined with minimal eclecticism, such as the vaulted substructures which were borrowed from Sultanate architecture. The 4.5 km walls with integrated circular enforcements are constructed from dressed stone masonry in lime mortar and rise 500m above the plain. With the help of the seven massive stone gates, partly flanked by hexagonal or octagonal towers, the access to the fort is restricted to a narrow pathway which climbs up the steep hill through successive, ever narrower defence passages. The seventh and final gate leads directly into the palace area, which integrates a variety of residential and official structures. Rana Kumbha Mahal, the palace of Rana Kumbha, is a large Rajput domestic structure and now incorporates the Kanwar Pade Ka Mahal (the palace of the heir) and the later palace of the poetess Mira Bai (1498-1546). The palace area was further expanded in later centuries, when additional structures, such as the Ratan Singh Palace (1528–31) or the Fateh Prakash, also named Badal Mahal (1885-1930), were added. Although the majority of temple structures represent the Hindu faith, most prominently the Kalikamata Temple (8th century), the Kshemankari Temple (825-850) the Kumbha Shyam Temple (1448) or the Adbuthnath Temple (15th- 16th century), the hill fort also contains Jain temples, such as Shringar Chauri (1448) and Sat Bis Devri (mid-15th century) Also the two tower memorials, Kirti Stambh (13th-14th century) and Vijay Stambha (1433-1468), are Jain monuments. They stand out with their respective heights of 24m and 37m, which ensure their visibility from most locations of the fort complex. Finally, the fort compound is home to a contemporary municipal ward of approximately 3,000 inhabitants, which is located near Ratan Singh Tank at the northern end of the property.

GATES

The fort has total seven gates (in local language, gate is called Pol), namely the Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jodla Pol, Laxman Pol and the main gate named the Ram Pol (Lord Rama's Gate). All the gateways to the fort have been built as massive stone structures with secure fortifications for military defense. The doors of the gates with pointed arches are reinforced to fend off elephants and cannon shots. The top of the gates have notched parapets for archers to shoot at the enemy army. A circular road within the fort links all the gates and provides access to the numerous monuments (ruined palaces and 130 temples) in the fort.

During the second siege, Prince Bagh Singh died at the Padan Pol in 1535 AD. Prince Jaimal of Badnore and his clansman Kalla were killed by Akbar at a location between the Bhairon Pol and Hanuman Pol in the last siege of the fort in 1567 (Kalla carried the wounded Jaimal out to fight). Chhatris, with the roof supported by corbeled arches, have been built to commemorate the spots of their sacrifice. Their statues have also been erected, at the orders of Emperor Akbar, to commemorate their valiant deaths. At each gate, cenotaphs of Jaimal (in the form of a statue of a Rajput warrior on horseback) and Patta have also been constructed. At Ram Pol, the entrance gate to the fort, a Chaatri was built in memory of the 15 year old Patta of Kelwa, who had lost his father in battle, and saw the sword yielding mother and wife on the battle field who fought valiantly and died at this gate. He led the saffron robed Rajput warriors, who all died fighting for Mewar’s honour. Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) provides entry to the eastern wall of the fort. On the right of Suraj Pol is the Darikhana or Sabha (council chamber) behind which lie a Ganesha temple and the zenana (living quarters for women). A massive water reservoir is located towards the left of Suraj Pol. There is also a peculiar gate, called the Jorla Pol (Joined Gate), which consists of two gates joined together. The upper arch of Jorla Pol is connected to the base of Lakshman Pol. It is said that this feature has not been noticed anywhere else in India. The Lokota Bari is the gate at the fort’s northern tip, while a small opening that was used to hurl criminals into the abyss is seen at the southern end.

VIJAY STAMBHA

The Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory) or Jaya Stambha, called the symbol of Chittor and a particularly bold expression of triumph, was erected by Rana Kumbha between 1458 and 1468 to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa, in 1440 AD. Built over a period of ten years, it raises 37.2 metres over a 4.4 m2 base in nine stories accessed through a narrow circular staircase of 157 steps (the interior is also carved) up to the 8th floor, from where there is good view of the plains and the new town of Chittor. The dome, which was a later addition, was damaged by lightning and repaired during the 19th century. The Stamba is now illuminated during the evenings and gives a beautiful view of Chittor from the top.

KIRTI STAMBHA

Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame) is a 22 metres high tower built on a 9.1 m base with 4.6 m at the top, is adorned with Jain sculptures on the outside and is older (probably 12th century) and smaller than the Victory Tower. Built by a Bagherwal Jain merchant Jijaji Rathod, it is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankar (revered Jain teacher). In the lowest floor of the tower, figures of the various tirthankars of the Jain pantheon are seen in special niches formed to house them. These are digambara monuments. A narrow stairway with 54 steps leads through the six storeys to the top. The top pavilion that was added in the 15th century has 12 columns.

RANA KUMBHA PALACE

At the entrance gate near the Vijaya Stamba, Rana Kumbha's palace (in ruins), the oldest monument, is located. The palace included elephant and horse stables and a temple to Lord Shiva. Maharana Udai Singh, the founder of Udaipur, was born here; the popular folk lore linked to his birth is that his maid Panna DaiPanna Dhai saved him by substituting her son in his place as a decoy, which resulted in her son getting killed by Banbir. The prince was spirited away in a fruit basket. The palace is built with plastered stone. The remarkable feature of the palace is its splendid series of canopied balconies. Entry to the palace is through Suraj Pol that leads into a courtyard. Rani Meera, the famous poetess saint, also lived in this palace. This is also the palace where Rani Padmini, consigned herself to the funeral pyre in one of the underground cellars, as an act of jauhar along with many other women. The Nau Lakha Bandar (literal meaning: nine lakh treasury) building, the royal treasury of Chittor was also located close by. Now, across from the palace is a museum and archeological office. The Singa Chowri temple is also nearby.

FATEH PRAKASH PALACE

Located near Rana Khumba palace, built by Rana Fateh Singh, the precincts have modern houses and a small museum. A school for local children (about 5,000 villagers live within the fort) is also nearby.

GAUMUKH RESERVOIR

A spring feeds the tank from a carved cow’s mouth in the cliff. This pool was the main source of water at the fort during the numerous sieges.

PADMINI´S PALACE

Padmini's Palace or Rani Padmini's Palace is a white building and a three storied structure (a 19th-century reconstruction of the original). It is located in the southern part of the fort. Chhatris (pavilions) crown the palace roofs and a water moat surrounds the palace. This style of palace became the forerunner of other palaces built in the state with the concept of Jal Mahal (palace surrounded by water). It is at this Palace where Alauddin was permitted to glimpse the mirror image of Rani Padmini, wife of Maharana Rattan Singh. It is widely believed that this glimpse of Padmini's beauty besotted him and convinced him to destroy Chittor in order to possess her. Maharana Rattan Singh was killed and Rani Padmini committed Jauhar. Rani Padmini's beauty has been compared to that of Cleopatra and her life story is an eternal legend in the history of Chittor. The bronze gates to this pavilion were removed and transported to Agra by Akbar.

OTHER SIGHTS

Close to Kirti Sthamba is the Meera Temple, or the Meerabai Temple. Rana Khumba built it in an ornate Indo–Aryan architectural style. It is associated with the mystic saint-poet Mirabai who was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and dedicated her entire life to His worship. She composed and sang lyrical bhajans called Meera Bhajans. The popular legend associated with her is that with blessings of Krishna, she survived after consuming poison sent to her by her evil brother-in-law. The larger temple in the same compound is the Kumbha Shyam Temple (Varaha Temple). The pinnacle of the temple is in pyramid shape. A picture of Meerabai praying before Krishna has now been installed in the temple.

Across from Padmini’s Palace is the Kalika Mata Temple. Originally, a Sun Temple dated to the 8th century dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) was destroyed in the 14th century. It was rebuilt as a Kali temple.

Another temple on the west side of the fort is the ancient Goddess Tulja Bhavani Temple built to worship Goddess Tulja Bhavani is considered sacred. The Tope Khana (cannon foundry) is located next to this temple in a courtyard, where a few old cannons are still seen.

JAUHAR MELA

The fort and the city of Chittorgarh host the biggest Rajput festival called the "Jauhar Mela". It takes place annually on the anniversary of one of the jauhars, but no specific name has been given to it. It is generally believed that it commemorates Padmini’s jauhar, which is most famous. This festival is held primarily to commemorate the bravery of Rajput ancestors and all three jauhars which happened at Chittorgarh Fort. A huge number of Rajputs, which include the descendants of most of the princely families, hold a procession to celebrate the Jauhar. It has also become a forum to air one's views on the current political situation in the country.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The COVID-19 pandemic has created many operational challenges for the military. However, service members, DoD civilians and military families across the globe have adapted to overcome the challenges to stay ready and support the whole-of-government response.

While many service members and DoD civilians who work at the Presidio of Monterey and Defense Language Institute are teleworking – essential employees report to work daily to carry on the mission. Employees are strictly following CDC and DoD guidance of social distancing and face coverings to protect themselves and those around them.

The health and safety of all employees, regardless if they are essential employees or teleworking, is the command’s highest priority.

Our service members and DoD civilians are committed to mission success and remain trained and ready to defend the nation.

Photo by Joseph Kumzak, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs

At Planet Woman Health Centre we are committed to helping incorporate fitness into your life. We are a women's only gym catering to all levels of fitness in a friendly, comfortable & safe environment. The facilities hosts a 2,000 square foot sprung hardwood floor for group fitness, steam room, Internet access, massage chair & child minding to name a few. Located on the second floor of the Garden City Plaza, you'll enjoy the view from the outdoor patio or simply stay inside to enjoy the natural lighting. Group fitness classes, including Yoga & Pilates, are part of all memberships.

Personal trainers are onsite to answer your questions or work with you more closely on individual goals.

Our focus is on fitness in a non intimidating setting. We are confident that women of all shapes & sizes will feel completely comfortable. Our friendly & knowledgeable staff will take the time to ensure that you maximize you workouts & fitness regime, whatever they may be.

Nazi Deputy Mayor Ernst Kurt Lisso with family committed suicide to avoid capture by US troops

More Historical Media and Info

Chittorgarh Fort (Hindi/Rajasthani: चित्तौड दुर्ग Chittorgarh Durg) is the largest fort in India and the grandest in the state of Rajasthan. It is a World Heritage Site. The fort, plainly known as Chittor, was the capital of Mewar and is today situated several kilometres south of Bhilwara. It was initially ruled by Guhilot and later by Sisodias, the Suryavanshi clans of Chattari Rajputs, from the 7th century, until it was finally abandoned in 1568 after the siege by Emperor Akbar in 1567. It sprawls majestically over a hill 180 m in height spread over an area of 280 ha above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. The fort precinct with an evocative history is studded with a series of historical palaces, gates, temples and two prominent commemoration towers. These monumental ruins have inspired the imagination of tourists and writers for centuries.

The fort was sacked three times between the 15th and 16th centuries; in 1303 Allauddin Khilji defeated Rana Ratan Singh, in 1535 Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat defeated Bikramjeet Singh and in 1567 Emperor Akbar defeated Maharana Udai Singh II who left the fort and founded Udaipur. Each time the men fought bravely rushing out of the fort walls charging the enemy but lost every time. Following these defeats, Jauhar was committed thrice by more than 13,000 ladies and children of the Rajput heroes who laid their lives in battles at Chittorgarh Fort, first led by Rani Padmini wife of Rana Rattan Singh who was killed in the battle in 1303, and later by Rani Karnavati in 1537 AD.

Thus, the fort represents the quintessence of tribute to the nationalism, courage, medieval chivalry and sacrifice exhibited by the Mewar rulers of Sisodia and their kinsmen and women and children, between the 7th and 16th centuries. The rulers, their soldiers, the women folk of royalty and the commoners considered death as a better option than dishonor in the face of surrender to the foreign invading armies.

GEOGRAPHY

Chittorgarh, located in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan, 233 km from Ajmer, midway between Delhi and Mumbai on the National Highway 8 (India) in the road network of Golden Quadrilateral. Chittorgarh is situated where National Highways No. 76 & 79 intersect.

The fort rises abruptly above the surrounding plains and is spread over an area of 2.8 km2. The highest elevation at the fort is 1,075 m. It is situated on the left bank of the Berach river (a tributary of the Banas River) and is linked to the new town of Chittorgarh (known as the 'Lower Town') developed in the plains after 1568 AD when the fort was deserted in light of introduction of artillery in the 16th century, and therefore the capital was shifted to more secure Udaipur, located on the eastern flank of Aravalli hill range. Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked and sacked this fort which was but one of the 84 forts of Mewar,but the capital was shifted to Aravalli hills where heavy artillery & cavalry were not effective. A winding hill road of more than 1 km length from the new town leads to the west end main gate, called Ram Pol, of the fort. Within the fort, a circular road provides access to all the gates and monuments located within the fort walls.

The fort that once boasted of 84 water bodies has only 22 of them now. These water bodies are fed by natural catchment and rainfall, and have a combined storage of 4 billion litres that could meet the water needs of an army of 50,000. The supply could last for four years. These water bodies are in the form of ponds, wells and step wells.

HISTORY

Chittorgarh Fort is considered to be the largest fort of India in terms of area. It is stated that the fort was constructed by the Mauryans during the 7th century AD and hence derives its name after the Mauryan ruler, Chitrangada Mori, as inscribed on coins of the period. Historical records show Chittorgarh fort as the capital of Mewar for 834 years. It was established in 734 AD by Bappa Rawal, founder ruler in the hierarchy of the Sisodia rulers of Mewar. It is also said that the fort was gifted to Bappa Rawal as part of Solanki princess’s dowry in the 8th century. The fort was looted and destroyed at the hands of Emperor Akbar in 1568 AD and subsequently never resettled but only refurbished in 1905 AD. Three important battles were fought for control of the fort; in 1303, Ala-ud-din Khilji besieged the fort; in 1535, Sultan of Gujarat Bahadur Shah besieged the fort; and in 1568, Mughal Emperor Akbar attacked the fort. Not that there were only defeats at the fort. Excluding the periods of siege, the fort had always remained in possession of the Sisodias of the Guhilot (or Gehlot/Guhila) clan of Rajputs, who descended from Bappa Rawal. There were also success stories of establishment of the fort and its reconstruction after every siege, before it was finally abandoned in 1568, all of which are narrated.

Chittor is cited in the Mahabharat epic. It is said that Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers of Epic Mahabaharata fame, known for his mighty strength gave a powerful hit with his fist to the ground that resulted in water springing up to form a large reservoir. It is called Bhimlat kund, an artificial tank named after Bhima. Folk legend also mentions that Bhima started building the fort.

BAPPA RAWAL

The earliest history linked to the Bappa Rawal's fort is that of the Huna Kingdom of Sialkot (of Mihir Kula 515-540 AD) that was destroyed by Yashodharman. This was subsequently seized by a new dynasty of kshatriyas called Tak or Taxaka. According to historians, the Taxak Mori were the lords of Chittor from a very early period. After a few generations, the Guhilots supplanted them. From 725 to 735 AD, there were numerous defenders who appear to have considered the cause of Chittor their own, the Tak from Asirgarh. This race appears to have retained possession of Asirgarh for at least two centuries after this event and one of its chieftain Bappa Rawal was the most conspicuous leader in the lineage of Prithvi Raj. In the poems of Chandar he is called the "Standard, bearer, Tak of Asir."

SIEGE OF 1303

Ala ud din Khilji, Sultan of Delhi, rallied his forces against Mewar, in 1303 AD. The Chittorgarh fort was till then considered impregnable and grand, atop a natural hill. But his immediate reason for invading the fort was his obsessive desire to capture Rani Padmini, the unrivalled beautiful queen of Rana Ratan Singh and take her into his harem. The Rana, out of politeness, allowed the Khilji to view Padmini through a set of mirrors. But this viewing of Padmini further fired Khilji’s desire to possess her. After the viewing, as a gesture of courtesy, when the Rana accompanied the Sultan to the outer gate, he was treacherously captured. Khilji conveyed to the queen that the Rana would be released only if she agreed to join his harem. But the queen had other plans. She agreed to go to his camp if permitted to go in a Royal style with an entourage, in strict secrecy. Instead of her going, she sent 700 well armed soldiers disguised in litters and they rescued the Rana and took him to the fort. But Khilji chased them to the fort where a fierce battle ensued at the outer gate of the fort in which the Rajput soldiers were overpowered and the Rana was killed. Khilji won the battle on August 26, 1303. Soon thereafter, instead of surrendering to the Sultan, the royal Rajput ladies led by Rani Padmini preferred to die through the Rajput’s ultimate tragic rite of Jauhar (self immolation on a pyre). In revenge, Khilji killed thirty thousand Hindus. He entrusted the fort to his son Khizr Khan to rule and renamed the fort as 'Khizrabad'. He also showered gifts on his son by way of

a red canopy, a robe embroidered with gold and two standards one green and the other black and threw upon him rubies and emeralds.

He returned to Delhi after the fierce battle at the fort.

RANA HAMMIR & SUCCESSORS

Khizr Khan’s rule at the fort lasted till 1311 AD and due to the pressure of Rajputs he was forced to entrust power to the Sonigra chief Maldeva who held the fort for 7 years. Hammir Singh, usurped control of the fort from Maldeva by “treachery and intrigue” and Chittor once again regained its past glory. Hammir, before his death in 1364 AD, had converted Mewar into a fairly large and prosperous kingdom. The dynasty (and clan) fathered by him came to be known by the name Sisodia after the village where he was born. His son Ketra Singh succeeded him and ruled with honour and power. Ketra Singh’s son Lakha who ascended the throne in 1382 AD also won several wars. His famous grandson Rana Kumbha came to the throne in 1433 AD and by that time the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat had acquired considerable clout and were keen to usurp the powerful Mewar state.

RANA KUMBHA & CLAN

There was resurgence during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. Rana Kumbha, also known as Maharana Kumbhakarna, son of Rana Mokal, ruled Mewar between 1433 AD and 1468 AD. He is credited with building up the Mewar kingdom assiduously as a force to reckon with. He built 32 forts (84 fortresses formed the defense of Mewar) including one in his own name, called Kumbalgarh. But his end came in 1468 AD at the hands of his own son Rana Udaysimha (Uday Singh I) who assassinated him to gain the throne of Mewar. This patricide was not appreciated by the people of Mewar and consequently his brother Rana Raimal assumed the reins of power in 1473. After his death in May 1509, Sangram Singh (also known as Rana Sanga), his youngest son, became the ruler of Mewar, which brought in a new phase in the history of Mewar. Rana Sanga, with support from Medini Rai (a Rajput chief of Alwar), fought a valiant battle against Mughal emperor Babar at Khanwa in 1527. He ushered in a period of prestige to Chittor by defeating the rulers of Gujarat and also effectively interfered in the matters of Idar. He also won small areas of the Delhi territory. In the ensuing battle with Ibrahim Lodi, Rana won and acquired some districts of Malwa. He also defeated the combined might of Sultan Muzaffar of Gujarat and the Sultan of Malwa. By 1525 AD, Rana Sanga had developed Chittor and Mewar, by virtue of great intellect, valour and his sword, into a formidable military state. But in a decisive battle that was fought against Babar on March 16, 1527, the Rajput army of Rana Sanga suffered a terrible defeat and Sanga escaped to one of his fortresses. But soon thereafter in another attack on the Chanderi fort the valiant Rana Sanga died and with his death the Rajput confederacy collapsed.

SIEGE OF 1534

Bahadur Shah who came to the throne in 1526 AD as the Sultan of Gujarat besieged the Chittorgarh fort in 1534. The fort was sacked and, once again the medieval dictates of chivalry determined the outcome. Following the defeat of the Rana, it is said 13,000 Rajput women committed jauhar (self immolation on the funeral pyre) and 3,200 Rajput warriors rushed out of the fort to fight and die.

SIEGE OF 1567

The final Siege of Chittorgarh came 33 years later, in 1567, when the Mughal Emperor Akbar invaded the fort. Akbar wanted to conquer Mewar, which was being ably ruled by Rana Uday Singh II, a fine prince of Mewar. To establish himself as the supreme lord of Northern India, he wanted to capture the renowned fortress of Chittor, as a precursor to conquering the whole of India. Shakti Singh, son of the Rana who had quarreled with his father, had run away and approached Akbar when the later had camped at Dholpur preparing to attack Malwa. During one of these meetings, in August 1567, Shakti Singh came to know from a remark made in jest by emperor Akbar that he was intending to wage war against Chittor. Akbar had told Shakti Singh in jest that since his father had not submitted himself before him like other princes and chieftains of the region he would attack him. Startled by this revelation, Shakti Singh quietly rushed back to Chittor and informed his father of the impending invasion by Akbar. Akbar was furious with the departure of Shakti Singh and decided to attack Mewar to humble the arrogance of the Ranas. In September 1567, the emperor left for Chittor, and on October 20, 1567, camped in the vast plains outside the fort. In the meantime, Rana Udai Singh, on the advice of his council of advisors, decided to go away from Chittor to the hills of Udaipur. Jaimal and Patta, two brave army chieftains of Mewar, were left behind to defend the fort along with 8,000 Rajput warriors under their command. Akbar laid siege to the fortress. The Rajput army fought valiantly and Akbar himself had narrowly escaped death. In this grave situation, Akbar had prayed for divine help for achieving victory and vowed to visit the shrine of the sufi saint Khwaja at Ajmer. The battle continued till February 23, 1568. On that day Jaymal was seriously wounded but he continued to fight with support from Patta. Jayamal ordered jauhar to be performed when many beautiful princesses of Mewar and noble matrons committed self-immolation at the funeral pyre. Next day the gates of the fort were opened and Rajput soldiers rushed out bravely to fight the enemies. Jayamal and Patta who fought bravely were at last killed in action. One figure estimates that 30,000 soldiers were killed in action. Akbar immediately repaired himself to Ajmer to perform his religious vow.

RETURN OF THE FORT TO MEWAR

But in 1616, Jehangir returned Chittor fort to the Rajputs, when Maharana Amar Singh was the chief of Mewar. However, the fort was not resettled though it was refurbished several centuries later in 1905 during British Raj.

PRECINCTS

The fort which is roughly in the shape of a fish has a circumference of 13 km with a maximum width of 3 km and it covers an area of 700 acres. The fort is approached through a zig zag and difficult ascent of more than 1 km from the plains, after crossing over a bridge made in limestone. The bridge spans the Gambhiri River and is supported by ten arches (one has a curved shape while the balance have pointed arches). Apart from the two tall towers, which dominate the majestic fortifications, the sprawling fort has a plethora of palaces and temples (many of them in ruins) within its precincts.

The 305 hectares component site, with a buffer zone of 427 hectares, encompasses the fortified stronghold of Chittorgarh, a spacious fort located on an isolated rocky plateau of approximately 2 km length and 155m width.

It is surrounded by a perimeter wall 4.5 kilometres long, beyond which a 45° hill slope makes it almost inaccessible to enemies. The ascent to the fort passes through seven gateways built by the Mewar ruler Rana Kumbha (1433- 1468) of the Sisodia clan. These gates are called, from the base to the hill top, the Paidal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla Pol, Laxman Pol, and Ram Pol, the final and main gate.

The fort complex comprises 65 historic built structures, among them 4 palace complexes, 19 main temples, 4 memorials and 20 functional water bodies. These can be divided into two major construction phases. The first hill fort with one main entrance was established in the 5th century and successively fortified until the 12th century. Its remains are mostly visible on the western edges of the plateau. The second, more significant defence structure was constructed in the 15th century during the reign of the Sisodia Rajputs, when the royal entrance was relocated and fortified with seven gates, and the medieval fortification wall was built on an earlier wall construction from the 13th century.

Besides the palace complex, located on the highest and most secure terrain in the west of the fort, many of the other significant structures, such as the Kumbha Shyam Temple, the Mira Bai Temple, the Adi Varah Temple, the Shringar Chauri Temple, and the Vijay Stambh memorial were constructed in this second phase. Compared to the later additions of Sisodian rulers during the 19th and 20th centuries, the predominant construction phase illustrates a comparatively pure Rajput style combined with minimal eclecticism, such as the vaulted substructures which were borrowed from Sultanate architecture. The 4.5 km walls with integrated circular enforcements are constructed from dressed stone masonry in lime mortar and rise 500m above the plain. With the help of the seven massive stone gates, partly flanked by hexagonal or octagonal towers, the access to the fort is restricted to a narrow pathway which climbs up the steep hill through successive, ever narrower defence passages. The seventh and final gate leads directly into the palace area, which integrates a variety of residential and official structures. Rana Kumbha Mahal, the palace of Rana Kumbha, is a large Rajput domestic structure and now incorporates the Kanwar Pade Ka Mahal (the palace of the heir) and the later palace of the poetess Mira Bai (1498-1546). The palace area was further expanded in later centuries, when additional structures, such as the Ratan Singh Palace (1528–31) or the Fateh Prakash, also named Badal Mahal (1885-1930), were added. Although the majority of temple structures represent the Hindu faith, most prominently the Kalikamata Temple (8th century), the Kshemankari Temple (825-850) the Kumbha Shyam Temple (1448) or the Adbuthnath Temple (15th- 16th century), the hill fort also contains Jain temples, such as Shringar Chauri (1448) and Sat Bis Devri (mid-15th century) Also the two tower memorials, Kirti Stambh (13th-14th century) and Vijay Stambha (1433-1468), are Jain monuments. They stand out with their respective heights of 24m and 37m, which ensure their visibility from most locations of the fort complex. Finally, the fort compound is home to a contemporary municipal ward of approximately 3,000 inhabitants, which is located near Ratan Singh Tank at the northern end of the property.

GATES

The fort has total seven gates (in local language, gate is called Pol), namely the Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jodla Pol, Laxman Pol and the main gate named the Ram Pol (Lord Rama's Gate). All the gateways to the fort have been built as massive stone structures with secure fortifications for military defense. The doors of the gates with pointed arches are reinforced to fend off elephants and cannon shots. The top of the gates have notched parapets for archers to shoot at the enemy army. A circular road within the fort links all the gates and provides access to the numerous monuments (ruined palaces and 130 temples) in the fort.

During the second siege, Prince Bagh Singh died at the Padan Pol in 1535 AD. Prince Jaimal of Badnore and his clansman Kalla were killed by Akbar at a location between the Bhairon Pol and Hanuman Pol in the last siege of the fort in 1567 (Kalla carried the wounded Jaimal out to fight). Chhatris, with the roof supported by corbeled arches, have been built to commemorate the spots of their sacrifice. Their statues have also been erected, at the orders of Emperor Akbar, to commemorate their valiant deaths. At each gate, cenotaphs of Jaimal (in the form of a statue of a Rajput warrior on horseback) and Patta have also been constructed. At Ram Pol, the entrance gate to the fort, a Chaatri was built in memory of the 15 year old Patta of Kelwa, who had lost his father in battle, and saw the sword yielding mother and wife on the battle field who fought valiantly and died at this gate. He led the saffron robed Rajput warriors, who all died fighting for Mewar’s honour. Suraj Pol (Sun Gate) provides entry to the eastern wall of the fort. On the right of Suraj Pol is the Darikhana or Sabha (council chamber) behind which lie a Ganesha temple and the zenana (living quarters for women). A massive water reservoir is located towards the left of Suraj Pol. There is also a peculiar gate, called the Jorla Pol (Joined Gate), which consists of two gates joined together. The upper arch of Jorla Pol is connected to the base of Lakshman Pol. It is said that this feature has not been noticed anywhere else in India. The Lokota Bari is the gate at the fort’s northern tip, while a small opening that was used to hurl criminals into the abyss is seen at the southern end.

VIJAY STAMBHA

The Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory) or Jaya Stambha, called the symbol of Chittor and a particularly bold expression of triumph, was erected by Rana Kumbha between 1458 and 1468 to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa, in 1440 AD. Built over a period of ten years, it raises 37.2 metres over a 4.4 m2 base in nine stories accessed through a narrow circular staircase of 157 steps (the interior is also carved) up to the 8th floor, from where there is good view of the plains and the new town of Chittor. The dome, which was a later addition, was damaged by lightning and repaired during the 19th century. The Stamba is now illuminated during the evenings and gives a beautiful view of Chittor from the top.

KIRTI STAMBHA

Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame) is a 22 metres high tower built on a 9.1 m base with 4.6 m at the top, is adorned with Jain sculptures on the outside and is older (probably 12th century) and smaller than the Victory Tower. Built by a Bagherwal Jain merchant Jijaji Rathod, it is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankar (revered Jain teacher). In the lowest floor of the tower, figures of the various tirthankars of the Jain pantheon are seen in special niches formed to house them. These are digambara monuments. A narrow stairway with 54 steps leads through the six storeys to the top. The top pavilion that was added in the 15th century has 12 columns.

RANA KUMBHA PALACE

At the entrance gate near the Vijaya Stamba, Rana Kumbha's palace (in ruins), the oldest monument, is located. The palace included elephant and horse stables and a temple to Lord Shiva. Maharana Udai Singh, the founder of Udaipur, was born here; the popular folk lore linked to his birth is that his maid Panna DaiPanna Dhai saved him by substituting her son in his place as a decoy, which resulted in her son getting killed by Banbir. The prince was spirited away in a fruit basket. The palace is built with plastered stone. The remarkable feature of the palace is its splendid series of canopied balconies. Entry to the palace is through Suraj Pol that leads into a courtyard. Rani Meera, the famous poetess saint, also lived in this palace. This is also the palace where Rani Padmini, consigned herself to the funeral pyre in one of the underground cellars, as an act of jauhar along with many other women. The Nau Lakha Bandar (literal meaning: nine lakh treasury) building, the royal treasury of Chittor was also located close by. Now, across from the palace is a museum and archeological office. The Singa Chowri temple is also nearby.

FATEH PRAKASH PALACE

Located near Rana Khumba palace, built by Rana Fateh Singh, the precincts have modern houses and a small museum. A school for local children (about 5,000 villagers live within the fort) is also nearby.

GAUMUKH RESERVOIR

A spring feeds the tank from a carved cow’s mouth in the cliff. This pool was the main source of water at the fort during the numerous sieges.

PADMINI´S PALACE

Padmini's Palace or Rani Padmini's Palace is a white building and a three storied structure (a 19th-century reconstruction of the original). It is located in the southern part of the fort. Chhatris (pavilions) crown the palace roofs and a water moat surrounds the palace. This style of palace became the forerunner of other palaces built in the state with the concept of Jal Mahal (palace surrounded by water). It is at this Palace where Alauddin was permitted to glimpse the mirror image of Rani Padmini, wife of Maharana Rattan Singh. It is widely believed that this glimpse of Padmini's beauty besotted him and convinced him to destroy Chittor in order to possess her. Maharana Rattan Singh was killed and Rani Padmini committed Jauhar. Rani Padmini's beauty has been compared to that of Cleopatra and her life story is an eternal legend in the history of Chittor. The bronze gates to this pavilion were removed and transported to Agra by Akbar.

OTHER SIGHTS

Close to Kirti Sthamba is the Meera Temple, or the Meerabai Temple. Rana Khumba built it in an ornate Indo–Aryan architectural style. It is associated with the mystic saint-poet Mirabai who was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and dedicated her entire life to His worship. She composed and sang lyrical bhajans called Meera Bhajans. The popular legend associated with her is that with blessings of Krishna, she survived after consuming poison sent to her by her evil brother-in-law. The larger temple in the same compound is the Kumbha Shyam Temple (Varaha Temple). The pinnacle of the temple is in pyramid shape. A picture of Meerabai praying before Krishna has now been installed in the temple.

Across from Padmini’s Palace is the Kalika Mata Temple. Originally, a Sun Temple dated to the 8th century dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) was destroyed in the 14th century. It was rebuilt as a Kali temple.

Another temple on the west side of the fort is the ancient Goddess Tulja Bhavani Temple built to worship Goddess Tulja Bhavani is considered sacred. The Tope Khana (cannon foundry) is located next to this temple in a courtyard, where a few old cannons are still seen.

JAUHAR MELA

The fort and the city of Chittorgarh host the biggest Rajput festival called the "Jauhar Mela". It takes place annually on the anniversary of one of the jauhars, but no specific name has been given to it. It is generally believed that it commemorates Padmini’s jauhar, which is most famous. This festival is held primarily to commemorate the bravery of Rajput ancestors and all three jauhars which happened at Chittorgarh Fort. A huge number of Rajputs, which include the descendants of most of the princely families, hold a procession to celebrate the Jauhar. It has also become a forum to air one's views on the current political situation in the country.

Today, 21 June 2016, Trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) sentenced Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo to 18 years of imprisonment. On 21 March 2016, the Chamber had found Mr Bemba guilty beyond reasonable doubt as a military commander responsible for two counts of crimes against humanity (murder and rape) and three counts of war crimes (murder, rape, and pillaging) committed in the Central African Republic between October 2002 and March 2003. ICC Trial Chamber III is composed of Presiding Judge Sylvia Steiner (Brazil), Judge Joyce Aluoch (Kenya) and Judge Kuniko Ozaki (Japan).

Pictured here: Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo in the ICC courtroom during the delivery of his sentence on 21 June 2016. © ICC-CPI

9789380914244, 978-9380914244 Love is all about flowers, gifts, movie nights, first kiss and then many more. Or is it? Then what about one sided love...

Being friends in spite of knowing your true feelings...

The incapability to read eyes...

Don't frustration, pain and loneliness lie on the other side of love?

Meet Akash, an over achiever, who aims to conquer it all but is unable to love.

Kasam, a girl beyond his reach.

Though destiny keeps bringing them together, their world seldom collides.

When he was a nave geek, she was the Style Diva.

And now when he is a corporate junkie, where faces are masked. She is a professional motivator, who sees even beyond the faces.

Two people.

Single love story revisited three times.

Four proposals.

A ten year journey of finding and losing love.

Countless moments of serendipity.

Yet not a single moment of confession.

He lived all his life fighting love...

Will he ever fight for love?

About The Author

Smita Kaushik became author by chance and is now pursuing it by choice. Her first novel Lets Get Committed not only created waves among the young generation but also pitched some notes with others as well. Though her forte lies in romance with hint of comedy, she sometimes tries to lay hands on philosophy. An ex-DPSite, she did her graduation from KIIT University and is currently based in Hyderabad. Always a creativity inclined person, she has excelled in different art forms like contemporary, madhubani & warli and has won many national level art competitions. For fun she likes to watch rom-com and read novels.

The Philharmonie de Paris © Ateliers Jean Nouvel In January 2015, the Philharmonie de Paris is committed to the revival of the musical life. The architectural project of Jean Nouvel, which includes a large room with 2 400 seats, five rehearsal rooms, an educational center and a temporary exhibition space will complement all existing spaces of the City of Music designed by Christian de Portzamparc (both 250 concert halls and 1,900 seats, the Library and the Museum of Music). The complex will replace the existing organization to host a unifying project, led by a unified institution.A new concert program Such educational ambitions call musical programming principles equally innovative. This is why the Philharmonie de Paris multiplies proposals weekends: participatory family concerts, shows for young audiences, impromptu musical moments, multidisciplinary projects ... While some are involved in choirs demonstrations or performances combining professional and lovers, others enjoy musical awakening formulas family or musical workshops for children during the concerts. A tradition of excellence During the week, the public finds himself in familiar territory with the exception evenings proposed by the Orchestre de Paris. The Ensemble Intercontemporain continues its journey through the creation of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, while the new associates orchestras (Chamber Orchestra of Paris, the National Orchestra of de-France Island and Les Arts Florissants) share directories vision of early music, baroque, classical and romantic. At these concerts adds complementary programming carried by other French formations (Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Lille National Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France) and international (London Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Philharmonic, Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam, New York Philharmonic, Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra) and devoted to contemporary music, jazz and world music.

Virtual Philharmonie The digital development is another major focus of the project. Such as citedelamusiquelive.tv foreshadows the digital device Philharmonie de Paris will see concerts, interviews with artists, lectures, documentaries on musical instruments, teaching tools for teachers and students, information about careers in music, listening guides, musicological concepts ...An architectural and urban project The building designed by Jean Nouvel embodies this ambition to combine various streams. In the large room, immersed in the heart of exceptional acoustics, listeners around the orchestra in a closeness and intimacy that few concert halls are entitled. Outside, walkers roam this "mineral relief" that is "observatory of the urban landscape." At night, the illumination, visible from the ring road, listed as a starry constellation, a chart on which read off the big names in the music that resonate in his heart.

Une nouvelle offre de concerts De telles ambitions pédagogiques appellent des principes de programmation musicale tout aussi novateurs. C’est pourquoi la Philharmonie de Paris multiplie les propositions en week-ends : concerts participatifs en famille, spectacles pour le jeune public, moments musicaux impromptus, projets pluridisciplinaires… Tandis que les uns participent à des manifestations chorales ou à des représentations associant professionnels et amateurs, les autres profitent de formules d’éveil musical en famille ou d’ateliers musicaux organisés pour les enfants durant les concerts.Une tradition d’excellence En semaine, le public se retrouve en terrain connu avec les soirées d’exception proposées par l’Orchestre de Paris. L’Ensemble intercontemporain poursuit son cheminement à travers la création des XXe et XXIe siècles, tandis que les nouveaux orchestres associés (l’Orchestre de Chambre de Paris, l’Orchestre National d’Île-de-France et les Arts Florissants) partagent leur vision des répertoires de la musique ancienne, baroque, classique et romantique. À ces concerts s’ajoute une programmation complémentaire portée par d’autres formations françaises (Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Orchestre National de Lille, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France) et internationales (London Symphony Orchestra, Berliner Philharmoniker, Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam, New York Philharmonic, Orchestre du Théâtre Mariinsky) ou consacrée aux musiques actuelles, au jazz et aux musiques du monde.

La Philharmonie virtuelle Le développement numérique constitue l’autre axe majeur du projet. Tel que le préfigure citedelamusiquelive.tv, le dispositif numérique de la Philharmonie de Paris permettra de consulter des concerts, des entretiens avec les artistes, des conférences, des documentaires sur la facture instrumentale, des outils pédagogiques pour les enseignants et les élèves, des informations sur les métiers de la musique, des guides d’écoute, des notions musicologiques…Un projet architectural et urbanistique Le bâtiment conçu par Jean Nouvel incarne cette ambition de conjuguer des flux variés. Dans la grande salle, immergés au cœur d’une acoustique exceptionnelle, les auditeurs entourent l’orchestre dans un rapport de proximité et d’intimité dont peu de salles de concerts peuvent se prévaloir. À l’extérieur, les promeneurs arpentent ce « relief minéral » qui se fait « observatoire du paysage urbain ». La nuit, la mise en lumière, visible depuis le boulevard périphérique, figure comme une constellation étoilée, une carte du ciel sur laquelle se lisent au loin les grands noms de la musique qui résonnent en son cœur.

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The COVID-19 pandemic has created many operational challenges for the military. However, service members, DoD civilians and military families across the globe have adapted to overcome the challenges to stay ready and support the whole-of-government response.

While many service members and DoD civilians who work at the Presidio of Monterey and Defense Language Institute are teleworking – essential employees report to work daily to carry on the mission. Employees are strictly following CDC and DoD guidance of social distancing and face coverings to protect themselves and those around them.

The health and safety of all employees, regardless if they are essential employees or teleworking, is the command’s highest priority.

Our service members and DoD civilians are committed to mission success and remain trained and ready to defend the nation.

Photo by Joseph Kumzak, Presidio of Monterey Public Affairs

On 7 March 2014, Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC), ruling in the majority, with Judge Christine Van den Wyngaert dissenting, rendered its judgment in the case The Prosecutor v. Germain Katanga. The Chamber was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of Germain Katanga’s guilt as an accessory, within the meaning of article 25(3)(d) of the ICC’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute, to one crime against humanity (murder) and four war crimes (murder, attacking a civilian population, destruction of property and pillaging) committed on 24 February 2003 during the attack on the village of Bogoro, in the Ituri district of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Decisions on sentencing and victim reparations will be rendered later. The Prosecutor and the Defence may appeal the judgment within 30 days.

So excited that these two women we photographed at their commitment ceremony 2 years ago in Temecula can be legally MARRIED now. Yay, Supreme Court!!

L/L 2nd Team vs Accrington amateurs 10/11/12

Estonia: President Toomas Hendrik Ilves

“Estonia is committed to promoting women’s rights and gender equality on a national as well as on a global level. As one of the founders, Estonia has supported UN Women financially since its creation and we are committed to continue to do so. In order to contribute to the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration, Estonia commits to work actively towards reducing the gender pay gap in Estonia, preventing and reducing violence against women in the world, and continuing to promote women’s rights and gender equality at the global level…More specifically, Estonia is preparing its first action plan for gender equality policies with the aim to promote equal economic independence, balanced participation at all levels of decision-making and management, and to tackle the negative impact of gender stereotypes. The action plan will continue to reduce the gender pay gap, to make necessary resources available for gender mainstreaming, to guarantee efficient legal protection against gender-based discrimination, and to support institutional capacity to reduce gender inequality. Estonia [will improve] services for victims of violence, including gender-based violence... Estonia has taken upon itself to concentrate on women’s human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women also in development cooperation.”

World leaders convene at the United Nations on 27 September 2015 for the “Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: A Commitment to Action” to personally commit to ending discrimination against women by 2030 and announce concrete and measurable actions to kick-start rapid change in their countries.

Read More: www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2015/9/press-release-glob...

Read every country's committment from the event: beijing20.unwomen.org/en/step-it-up/commitments

Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown

Committed To Memory: A History of Johnstown in Objects

Heritage Discovery Center, Johnstown PA 2016

Johnstown Area Heritage Association (JAHA)

Emmeline declared herself a committed suffragist – a campaigner for women’s right to vote – when she was just fourteen. She went on to dedicate her life to the cause.

She fought tirelessly for the poor and oppressed, believing that society could only progress if women had an equal voice with men. In 1903 she formed the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and began a peaceful campaign for the vote.

The motto of the WSPU was ‘Deeds not words’ and, in the face of continued opposition, the suffragettes became more militant. They were condemned by many for marching, heckling, setting fires and throwing stones, but it kept their campaign in the news. It took until 1928 for women over 21 to be given the right to vote. Tragically, Emmeline died three weeks before the law was passed.

Emmeline asked her fellow suffragettes to halt their militant campaigning when the First World War broke out in 1914. In the face of such danger, she felt they should put their energies into the war effort instead.

She urged all men to volunteer, and for women to ‘keep the country going, to get in the harvest, to carry on the industries’ in their absence.

Emmeline’s eldest daughter Christabel, also a committed suffragette, agreed with her mother. By contrast, her two youngest daughters, Adela and Sylvia, were passionate pacifists. This caused a terrible rift between the women that never healed.

Brompton Cemetery, Fulham Road, London

As part of the Administration’s priority of making America safe through energy independence, the BLM is committed to supporting improved transmission and pipline development that stabilizes the grid and otherwise strengthens America’s energy infrastructure – all while encouraging environmentally responsible development of energy and minerals.

One such project is the Vantage to Pomona Transmission Line. A regional planning study in 2007 showed that the addition of a Vantage to Pomona Heights 230 kilovolt transmission line would ensure continued reliable and efficient service to the Yakima Valley.

The new transmission line will run from Pacific Power’s existing Pomona Heights Substation east of Selah, Washington, in Yakima County to the Bonneville Power Administration’s existing Vantage Substation east of Wanapum Dam in Grant County, Washington.

Pacific Power expects construction to take place in early to mid-2018, and for the project to be in service in early 2019.

As the lead federal agency in the development of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement, the BLM analyzed the effects of the proposed transmission line on public health and safety, cultural resources and traditional cultural properties, agricultural operations and property values, military training operation, and wildlife.

After reviewing comments from cooperating agencies, affected tribes, and interested members of the public, the BLM identified the New Northern Route Alternative as the Agency preferred alternative in its Record of Decision, and authorized a right-of-way grant to be issued to Pacific Power to construct, operate, and maintain the transmission line on approximately 4-miles of BLM-managed public land.

Relative to other alternatives analyzed, this alternative has fewer resource impacts because of its shorter overall length, its distance from known occupied Greater Sage-Grouse use areas, and the fact that it is co-located with other existing transmission facilities.

In its entirety, the New Northern Route Alternative is about 40 miles long and is located primarily on federal land. It mostly paralleling Pacific Power’s existing Pomona-Wanapum 230 kV transmission line, and crosses the Army’s Joint Base Lewis-McChord Yakima Training Center on its north side for over 60 percent of its total length.

For more information head on over to: www.blm.gov/oregon-washington

PHOTOS BY :

ABDALRHEM ALARJAN

El-Funoun Palestinian Popular Dance Troupe was established in 1979 by a small number of enthusiastic, talented and committed artists. Since then, El-Funoun has been throned as the lead Palestinian dance company. In Palestine, as well as among Palestinians in exile, El-Funoun has achieved an unprecedented popular recognition; in fact, quite a few of the Troupe’s songs and dances have become household tunes.

Since its inception, El-Funoun has aimed at expressing the spirit of Arab-Palestinian folklore and contemporary culture through unique combinations of traditional and stylized dance and music. The Troupe’s repertoire comprises folkloric dance forms, called “dabke”, in addition to more elaborate choreographed forms that embody El-Funoun’s own unique vision of Palestinian dance.

El-Funoun is widely recognized as the cultural entity that has played the most significant role in reviving and reinvigorating Palestinian dance and music folklore. This accomplishment is particularly important, since it effectively countered the systematic attempts by the Israeli occupation to suppress the Palestinian national identity through banning or expropriating any forms of Palestinian cultural expression.

El-Funoun is composed of seventy-five dancers, singers, musicians and support personnel. It is an independent, non-profit organization that is virtually entirely volunteer-based. The members are therefore motivated by the vision of the Troupe more than by any other factor. This not only keeps the Troupe’s administrative cost quite low, but also ensures a strong sense of belonging to and ownership of the group. This resolve, coupled with a driving commitment to artistic excellence and an authentic Palestinian vision have all afforded El-Funoun its current leadership status.

In Palestine, the Troupe holds an impressive track record of over one thousand performances since 1979, including its very well attended performances in Palestine International Festivals of 1992 through 1999. Moreover, El-Funoun has participated in the following:

US Tour (15 cities) in 1986

US Tour (20 cities) in 1991

Jerash International Festival, Jordan in 1994

Jerusalem Festival, United Arab Emirates in 1995

Raatvick International Folklore Festival, Sweden in 1996

Babylon International Festival, Iraq in 1996

Expo 98 Lisbon in Portugal 98

US Tour (5 cities) in 1999

France Tour (5 festivals) in 1999

Egyptian Opera House, Cairo in 1999

Lebanon Tour (5 performances) 2000

Expo 2000 Hannover in Germany 2000

United Arab Emirates in 2001

Egyptian Opera House, Cairo in 2003

Ribat Festival, Morocco in ‏2004‏‏

Rhythm Diversity, Malta in 2004

Corpi Sensibili Festival, Italy in 2005

Busra International Festival, Syria in 2005

Bahrain International Music Festival, Bahrain in 2005

US Tour (3 cities) in 2005

US Tour (4 cities) in 2006

UK, London in 2007

St. Plolten, Austria 2007

Vienna, Austria 2007

Berlin, Germany 2008

Vlaardingen, Holland 2008

Syria, Damascus 2008

The 15th Al Qurain Cultural Festival, Kuwait 2008

El-Funoun played a key role in establishing the Popular Art Centre, a community organization committed to raising awareness about the arts, and opening opportunities for community members to participate in artistic activity and expression. The Centre offers classes in traditional dance, ballet, jazz, music, puppets and drama, in addition to a host of other programs. Through the Centre, El-Funoun’s message has propagated to many schools, organizations and localities.

El-Funoun has won several commendation certificates and awards, most prominent among which is the Palestine Award for Popular Folklore 1997, the highest honour award given in this field by the Palestinian Authority. In addition, El-Funoun's dance film "Emotional Rescue" directed by the German Director Helena Waldmann, won a special prize as part of Al-Jazeera film festival 2006.

El-Funoun believes in building cultural bridges with the world, both to have a healthy exchange of experience, ideas and techniques and to present the long-suppressed Palestinian culture before other nations.

تأسست فرقة الفنون الشعبية الفلسطينية عام 1979 بجهود حفنة من الفنانين والفنانات المتحمسين والواعدين.

منذ ذلك الحين، توجت "الفنون" كرائدة للرقص الشعبي الفلسطيني، حاصدة في مسيرتها العديد من الجوائز الأولى وشهادات التقدير المميزة من مهرجانات محلية ودولية. لقد حققت "الفنون" بين الفلسطينيين في الوطن كما في الشتات شعبية لم يسبق لها مثيل، حيث تحولت أغاني ورقصات الفرقة لأنغام يشدوها الفلسطينيون أو يرقصونها في مختلف أماكن تواجدهم.

منذ ولادتها، حرصت الفنون على الجمع بين الأصالة والمعاصرة من خلال مزيج من الرقص المستوحى من الفلكلور والرقص المستحدث، الخاص بالفرقة. فجاءت أعمال الفرقة معبرة عن روح التراث الشعبي وعن ثقافتنا الحاضرة. يحوي سجلّ الفرقة أنماط الرقص التراثي (الدبكة) بالإضافة إلى أشكال متنوعة من الرقص، تعكس في تصميمها رؤية الفرقة الخاصة للرقص الفلسطيني المعاصر.

أنجزت الفرقة ثمانية أعمال فنية في تاريخها الحافل: "لوحات فلكلورية"، "وادي التفاح"، "مشعل"، "أفراح فلسطينية"، "مرج بن عامر"، "طله ورا طله"، "زغاريد"، و"حيفا بيروت، وما بعد..."، بالإضافة لبعض الرقصات التجريبية التي تسبق كل عمل فني جديد لتحديد مساره.

لعبت الفنون الدور الأبرز بين المؤسسات الثقافية في إحياء التراث الموسيقي والراقص للشعب العربي الفلسطيني. وقد كان هذا الإنجاز، ولا يزال، مصدر فخر للفرقة إذ أنها من خلال هذا الدور شاركت في التصدي للمحاولات المنهجية من قبل الاحتلال الإسرائيلي لقمع الشخصية الثقافية الفلسطينية ولمصادرة رموز الهوية الفلسطينية.

منذ البداية، سعت الفرقة في أعمالها إلى غرس روح التراث والفن الفلسطيني في قلوب الناشئة، فشكلت فرقة "براعم" للفتية والفتيات، لرفد الفرقة الأم براقصين/ات جدد ولضمان استمرار المسيرة.

فرقة الفنون جسم فني مستقل، غير ربحي، يعتمد بالأساس على جهود متطوعيه ومتطوعاته الذين يبلغ عددهم ما يقارب الخمسين، بين راقص/ة ومغني/ة وإداري/ة. وتعتبر الرؤيا والفلسفة والأهداف التي تقوم عليها الفرقة هي عناصر الجذب الرئيسية لعضوية الفرقة، مما يعزز الشعور بالانتماء لدى الأعضاء فيرفع منسوب عطائهم وإبداعهم. أعطت هذه العناصر مجتمعة، بالإضافة إلى التزام الفرقة الراسخ بتقديم فن فلسطيني مميز، أصيل، وجميل، الفنون موقعها الحالي في المقدمة.

يحفل تاريخ الفرقة بأكثر من ألف عرض منذ 1979 في مدن وقرى ومخيمات فلسطين. أبرز عروض الفرقة كانت في مهرجان فلسطين الدولي من 1992 حتى 1999. أما في العالم، فقد شاركت الفنون في التالي:

جولة الولايات المتحدة الأولى (15 مدينة)، 1986

جولة الولايات المتحدة الثانية (20 مدينة)، 1991

جولة بريطانيا وفرنسا (جوقة الغناء)، 1992

مهرجان جرش الدولي، الأردن، 1994

مهرجان "من أجلك يا قدس"، الإمارات العربية المتحدة، 1995

مهرجان ريتفيك الدولي للفلكلور، السويد، 1996

مهرجان بابل الدولي، العراق، 1996

إكسبو 98، البرتغال 1998

جولة الولايات المتحدة الثالثة (5 مدن)، 1998

جولة فرنسا ( خمسة مهرجانات فلكلورية)، 1999

دار الأوبرا – القاهرة، 1999

جولة لبنان - (خمسة عروض)، 2000

إكسبو 2000، هانوفر، ألمانيا

الإمارات العربية المتحدة (ثلاثة مدن)، 2001

دار الأوبرا- مسرح الجمهورية-القاهرة، 2003

مهرجان الرباط، مسرح محمد الخامس، المغرب، 2004

فاليتا، مالطا، 2004

إيطاليا،(اودبنة، بولونيا)، 2005

مهرجان بصرى الدولي، سوريا، 2005

مهرجان الموسيقى العربية،البحرين،2005

جولة الولايات المتحدة، (3 مدن)، 2005

جولة الولايات المتحدة، (4 مدن)، 2006

لندن، بريطانيا، 2007

سانت بولتن ، النمسا 2007

فينا، النمسا 2007

برلين، المانيا 2008

فلاردينجن، هولندا 2008

سوريا، دمشق 2008

مهرجان القرين الخامس عشر، الكويت 2008

لعبت فرقة الفنون الدور المحوري في تأسيس مركز الفن الشعبي، وهو مؤسسة تهدف لرفع الوعي الثقافي والفني في المجتمع ولإتاحة الفرص للمشاركة في النشاطات الفنية وفي أشكال التعبير الفني المبدع.

حاز فيلم "إنقاذ عاطفي" للفنون مع المخرجة الألمانية هيلينا ولدمان على جائزة خاصة من مهرجان الجزيرة الدولي للإنتاج التلفزيوني الثاني " لتفرده بالشكل الفني المتميز في تعبيره عن معاناة الشعب الفلسطيني" قطر 2006.

حازت فرقة الفنون على جائزة فلسطين للتراث الشعبي لعام 97 عن عملها " زغاريد".

تؤمن فرقة الفنون في بناء جسور ثقافية مع العالم، لتعزيز الحوار الحضاري ، ولتبادل الخبرات والأفكار والتقنية الفنية وكذلك لتمثيل الفن الفلسطيني في الخارج رغم محاولات العزل والحصار.

too late to change his mind now!

BLM is committed to protecting plant and animal fossils on our public lands. We have carefully reviewed the findings and recommendations in the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite Paleontological Assessment, which confirmed there was minor damage to some dinosaur footprints, primarily north of the main interpretive site. To ensure this does not happen again, we will follow the recommendations in the assessment, seek public input, and work with the paleontology community as we collectively move forward on constructing boardwalks at the interpretive site. The maintenance and restoration of these interpretive walkways are necessary to properly protect and manage the paleontological resources at this important site.

Before BLM resumes construction, we will draft a supplemental environmental assessment that will include review from a paleontologist and analyze alternative access routes and building materials. We will seek public comment for 30 days on the draft and anticipate a decision in summer 2022.

17 AUG 12

I said today was going to be the day that I went out and I committed to that. I have been avoiding the overwhelming heat all summer long but I miss my photowalks. It's such a huge calming influence on me, just being able to move about the world with my camera. So I woke up at 5am, no big deal considering I tried to go to bed at 230am and couldn't so basically rolled along in the bed until 5am. I wanted to catch the park at dawn hours because a)its friggin' hot and b) this is the last weekend for the kiddos of the world to be school free, so I knew it would be packed today.

I wasn't as impressed with this walk. Last time at dawn I caught so much stuff, but this go round I really had to search. It was so muggy out that my camera lens kept fogging up which was kind of annoying. Yet again I have the uncanny ability of being at the wrong place/wrong time. I was strolling along the back paths snapping some birds when I came across the local construction man (whom I originally thought was homeless b/c a lot of homeless make camp in the park), but there he was in all his glory taking a piss. Talk about awkward moment...do I turn back, do I go forward...I mean we made eye contact (shudder). I did what any respectable person would do, I pretended the whole thing didn't happen and walked quickly in the other direction. At least this guy had the majority of his clothes on. My last adventure included the insane man sitting in the middle of the intersection with no clothes at all.

Oh boy...I have to really bring up this next point, and maybe others can relate, but it is really annoying when people scream out to me, HEY TAKE MY PICTURE!!!! This happens to me on such a frequent basis, that its worth mentioning. Example, this morning, its like 6:30am, its only me in the park, a few runners, and the waking homeless, and here comes the parks and rec lawn guy cracking through the calm silence of the dawn hours screaming for me to take his picture. I was nestled in between some steps on a low crouch on a manual setting trying to get a shot of this brownish white pigeon amongst the hundreds of other gray pigeons. I've got one eye closed, looking through the viewfinder, trying to concentrate on the manual manipulation of the lens...but no, now I have to stop and address some rando yelling about a picture. So I look up, do the smile and nod thing hoping he'd just go away, but no, he keeps asking for a picture. Finally I aim my camera on him and take some fuzzy unfocused thing. Does he give me an email address to send it to him, no, of course not, so this was clearly a waste of my time because what am I going to do with the image? Rather then leave me alone now that I'd obliged, he says, are you in school, what are you taking these photos for, and then he says the most random thing ever...he says, well, you know, when you make it big and make it on BET you'll remember me right. I thought, I don't know if you know this sir, but this is a camera, as in takes photos, as in when is the last time you saw a photographer on BET making it big? And why BET of all things...that's an entire network. I am a photographer at 6:30am in the morning taking pictures of pigeons for gosh sakes, what about that says shooting straight to stardom to you??? So I just kind of nodded and went back to trying to focus on the birds when he starts up the loudest freakin' lawn mower ever and scares the birds away. Seriously dude? Seriously?

I think the guys need to explain this one, because it only ever seems to be guys that approach and scream about wanting photos that they apparently have no intention of ever actually receiving. I have tried to be nice in the past and oblige people and in one case I did meet a homeless man wanting a picture because he said quite poetically that this is his lot in life, a life destined to be on the streets and he wanted someone to remember him. I thought wow, definitely taking this photo, but for others I'm just kind of like get away from me ESPECIALLY when I'm with clients...those are the worst. I'm talking my assistant has the reflectors up, we're working to get a pose right, and here comes someone yelling about a photo.

In other news, this is my favorite shot of the day. I'd had enough of ducks and pigeons and went across the street to work on my 6 angles assignment, as in take a photo of one thing from at least six different POV's or angles. You can cross under this statue and as I did and came out of the other side to shoot some shots with something in the foreground, this guy came running through and did the whole Rocky thing. At first I thought it was like a funny thing, but he was like so serious about it. I kept watching him as he ran up the steps and circled the statue and did the little dance of triumph. Then he just sat down underneath it and snapped a couple of pictures. This guy was for sure a serious runner because I'd seen him run full 5 mile laps around the park while I was taking photos. Because I didn't really want him in the shot, I decided to walk around the statue and found myself in lizardville. Out from under the bushes hundreds of lizards were just darting back and fourth. It was the freakiest thing. I'm not big on the bug/insect/creepy crawly things fear as long as they don't touch me. Once something is on me, I turn into serious girl mode, though I'm not a screamer. I actually thought about that the other day...I've never truly screamed a day in my life. Even on things like roller coasters, I could never muster up any juice to get one out. People have done the run up and scare on me, and I just jump but never scream. I thought, maybe I should go to the woods somewhere and let one out.

And finally in the funniest comment ever news, I was watching this guys response video to something in the news and in the video he goes on a quiet rant, but uses a LOT of profanity in the video. So the first youtube comment was this long paragraph about how intelligence is equated with being able to use speech that is not of the four letter variety. The author of the video simply wrote: ummmmm f__k you, and thank you for watching!

The city has committed R685m to the stadium, but it needs to find a further R365m to cover rising costs.

Most of the funding has come from the national government, at R2,9bn, but the city needs to allocate a further R188m to the project. The provincial government, which has committed R212m, needs to allocate a further R105m.

My view this evening not as spectacular as yesterday with the high clouds but nice enough to get my cam out

The Province has committed to work with the District of West Kelowna to find permanent solutions for flood mitigation on McDougall Creek to help protect homeowners and road access, and also to help prevent the localized flood threat from extending upstream.

Learn more: www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/07/funding-committed-to-mcdou...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jWZ9lO2Bac

I’ll be honest with you I hate war in all it’s forms -Physical, psychological, spiritual…. emotional… environmental I hate war…And I hate having to struggle. I honestly do Because I wish I had been born into a world when this is not necessary. This context of struggle and being a warrior and being a struggler Has been forced on me by opression otherwise I would have been a sculptor or a gardener Carpenter - you know, I would be free to be so much more…I guess being part of me or part of who I am, a part of what I do Is being a warrior, a reluctant warrior, a reluctant struggler But… I do it because I am committed to life We can’t avoid it. We can’t run away from it Because to do that is to be subservient… to devils, Subservient to evil and so that the only way to live on this planet with any human dignity at the moment is to struggle

Comprometida con la vida (Assata Shakur)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jWZ9lO2Bac

Voy a ser honesto contigo,odio la guerra en toda su formas:

física, psicológica, espiritual … emocional … ambiental

odio la guerra …y no me gusta tener que luchar, honestamente, lo hago porque me gustaría haber vivido en un mundo en el que fuera innecesaria.Este contexto de luchar y de ser una guerrera y ser una luchadora a la que me he visto obligada por la opresión.(De lo contrario, sería una escultora o una jardinera o una carpintera…ya sabes, me gustaría tener la libertad para ser mucho más) supongo que una parte de mí o una parte de lo que soy, una parte de lo que hago es ser una guerrera…una guerrera reacia a guerrear, una luchadora reacia a luchar, pero… lo hago porque estoy comprometida con la vida.

No podemos evitarlo, no podemos huir de ello porque para hacer eso es necesario ser un cobarde, porque para hacer eso hay que estar al servicio de … los demonios, los subordinados al mal…así que la única manera de vivir en este planeta con un poco de dignidad en este momento es luchando.

90 x 70 cm on canvas

90 x 70 cm sobre lienzo

She committed suicide four years later after a rough break up with Rex Harrison. That factoid adds a certain wistfulness to her faraway look here.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carole_Landis

Committed to Safety

(New York, 24 March 2017)—UN Member States today committed to ensure women’s full and equal participation and leadership in the economy, as well as women’s right to work and rights at work, as a vital step to achieving sustainable development. This strong pledge to women’s economic empowerment came at the closing of the 61st session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW61), the two-week meeting that concluded today.

The Agreed Conclusions from the UN’s largest gathering on gender equality, women’s empowerment and women’s rights highlight barriers that women face, such as unequal working conditions, women’s over-representation in the informal economy, gender stereotypes and social norms that reinforce women’s concentration in certain sectors, such as health and social sectors, and the uneven share of unpaid care work that women do.

Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown

Read More: www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2017/3/press-release-un-c...

St Baldricks Brevard at The Avenue Viera by commercial photographer Rich Johnson of Spectacle Photo. Dedicated to the St. Baldrick's Foundation Events on the Space Coast of FL and raising awareness for Childhood Cancer. The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives.

Today, 4 February 2021, the Trial Chamber IX of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) found Dominic Ongwen guilty for a total of 61 comprising crimes against humanity and war crimes, committed in Northern Uganda between 1 July 2002 and 31 December 2005. The verdict may be appealed by either party to the proceedings within 30 days after the notification of the Judgment.

Just goes to show that the Harley and tattoos don't mean he is a rebel. He was such a quiet man, just out on a ride with a bunch of mates.

You and Your Health

Tell Me the Truth, Doctor

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MDT on Monday, July 1, 2013

(Tickets Required) Recognizing the astonishing amount of misinformation that many important health decisions are based upon, Dr. Richard Besser is committed to delivering the truth. He isn't afraid to challenge the status quo or the interests within the health care industry to provide the knowledge you need to take control of your health.

Richard Besser Ezekiel Emanuel

Limelight Hotel

Once we committed to leaving this top seam open for venting i had to climb the 16' ladder inside and trim the seam allowance around the edge. The ladder didn't get me quite close enough so we had to turn the fan off and let the thing partially deflate. I was kind of concerned that the plastic would knock me off the ladder, or knock the whole ladder over. It was oddly fun having a giant plastic bag deflate and blow air all around me, but i kept thinking of plastic bag suffocation. A common theme throughout the project on some level.

Sarah Lowe got a grant and called me up to help her plan and build Ice Age. This 25' tall inflatable sculpture was built in Berkeley Repertory Theatre's scene shop over the course of two weeks. It was transported to the site in the bed of a pickup truck. At the site was the first time we were able to fully inflate the piece. It was on display for one day only and ultimately was recycled. Poof!

Materials:

Visqueen brand plastic tarps

Irons

Wax paper

Fan

Photo by Mike Lowell

The Baymont Inn & Suites is committed to providing you with top notch lodging at amazing prices. Beautiful rooms. Beautiful prices. For beautiful people like you. Start your visit to Des Moines the right way by checking into the Baymont Inn and Suites of Des Moines! Your stay is welcomed by an immaculate lobby for you and your guests, followed by exceptional customer service by our hosts. Post check-in, you may be interested in relaxing at the wonderful indoor pool that also features a great hot tub and fitness facility. Towels are always made available for you and your guests located inside the pool area!

Within the vicinity, there are several restaurants for you to enjoy. Iowa Beef Steakhouse is only a half mile from the hotel. This restaurant was voted #1 for the Finest Steak House In Des Moines in 2005. The other restaurants near the hotel are: Bonanza Buffet, Plaza Mexico, Country Kitchen, and Village Inn.

Venues such as the Civic Center, Hoyt Sherman Auditorium, Wells Fargo Arena, and Des Moines playhouse are all within 7 miles of this hotel. You can view all upcoming events by going to www.eventful.com!!!

"Great King Sized Jacuzzi Suite"

Jackie W. - Past Guest

"Best Continental Breakfast"

Past Guest

Amenities

•Complimentary HOT deluxe breakfast

•Complimentary USA Today

•Complimentary Wireless Internet

•Free Local Calls

•Business Services - Fax, Print, Email

•ATM

•Vending Machine

•Indoor Pool

•Hot Tub

•Exercise Room

•In Room Microwave

•In Room Refrigerator

•In Room Hairdryer

•In Room Iron and Board

•In Room Coffee Pot

•Large Work Desks

•Cable Television With Premium Channels

Meeting Facilities

•Two Large Meeting Facilities

•Meeting Room Can Accommodate 130 People

•On Site Catering Service/Garden Courtyard/Hospitality Room Available/Audio & Visual Equipment Included

Check out the beautiful jacuzzi suites while you are here! These are for 21 and up. Anyone under 21 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

Baymont Inn presents eight different Jacuzzi Suites for guest enjoyment. During Valentine's weekend, the suites start to book from December. The guest may choose from 8 different styles. As of March 2009, the following styles are available:

•Luxury

•Japanese

•Canopy Bed

•Floral

Each suite features a 2-person hot tub with power jets. You will also find in-room amenities such as coffee pot, iron, microwave, refrigerator, and hairdryer! In the morning, please enjoy complimentary hot breakfast served from 6-9 am. We look forward to meeting you!

4685 Northeast 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50313

Phone (515) 265-4777

Fax (515) 262-7469

On 7 March 2014, Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC), ruling in the majority, with Judge Christine Van den Wyngaert dissenting, rendered its judgment in the case The Prosecutor v. Germain Katanga. The Chamber was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of Germain Katanga’s guilt as an accessory, within the meaning of article 25(3)(d) of the ICC’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute, to one crime against humanity (murder) and four war crimes (murder, attacking a civilian population, destruction of property and pillaging) committed on 24 February 2003 during the attack on the village of Bogoro, in the Ituri district of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Decisions on sentencing and victim reparations will be rendered later. The Prosecutor and the Defence may appeal the judgment within 30 days.

The Province has committed to work with the District of West Kelowna to find permanent solutions for flood mitigation on McDougall Creek to help protect homeowners and road access, and also to help prevent the localized flood threat from extending upstream.

Learn more: www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/07/funding-committed-to-mcdou...

Along with Hon Afghan Health Minister Ahmad Jawad Usmani inaugurated new Oxygen production plant provided by Pakistan to Jinnah Hospital, Kabul. Pakistan committed to help Afghanistan in development projects - 29 November, 2020

I committed to documenting all installations by #backtothestreet that I encountered. Some in more detail than other. Almost every photo in those frames is a memorable street photo.

Without having read the artist's statement, just judging by his handle and his installations, I would say is releasing his art back to the very streets that inspired it, provided a canvas for his creations. His installations appear both to say "thank-you" to the streets and "open your eyes!" to the passersby. I consider them second order art. And sometimes it goes to the fourth order and beyond. See another one of his installations defaced and selectively restored.

The Province has committed to work with the District of West Kelowna to find permanent solutions for flood mitigation on McDougall Creek to help protect homeowners and road access, and also to help prevent the localized flood threat from extending upstream.

Learn more: www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/07/funding-committed-to-mcdou...

On 7 March 2014, Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court (ICC), ruling in the majority, with Judge Christine Van den Wyngaert dissenting, rendered its judgment in the case The Prosecutor v. Germain Katanga. The Chamber was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt of Germain Katanga’s guilt as an accessory, within the meaning of article 25(3)(d) of the ICC’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute, to one crime against humanity (murder) and four war crimes (murder, attacking a civilian population, destruction of property and pillaging) committed on 24 February 2003 during the attack on the village of Bogoro, in the Ituri district of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Decisions on sentencing and victim reparations will be rendered later. The Prosecutor and the Defence may appeal the judgment within 30 days.

At the beginning of the Vietnam War, there was little interest in a dedicated counterinsurgency (COIN) aircraft. The USAF was too committed to an all-jet, nuclear-capable force, while the US Army was satisfied with its helicopter fleet; the Navy concentrated on its carriers, and while the Marines were mildly interested, they lacked funding.

Vietnam was to change that. Horrendous losses among US Army UH-1s was to lead to a rethinking of helicopter doctrine, and pointed up the lack of a dedicated COIN aircraft. The USAF found itself depending on World War II-era A-26K Invaders, former US Navy A-1 Skyraiders, and converted trainers like the T-28 Trojan. The USAF also found itself in the market for a better forward air control (FAC) aircraft, due to the high loss rate of its O-1 Birddogs and O-2 Skymasters. Finally, the US Navy needed something to better cover its Mobile River Force units in the Mekong Delta, which could not always depend on USAF air support. In 1963, all three services issued a requirement for a new light design capable of performing as both a COIN and FAC aircraft. North American's NA-300 was selected in 1964 and designated OV-10A Bronco.

The OV-10 design drew heavily on independent research done at the China Lake research establishment, which in turn was inspired by the World War II P-38 Lightning fighter. The P-38 used a central "gondola" fuselage to concentrate all of its firepower along the centerline, which made for better accuracy; the OV-10 would do the same. As in the P-38, the engines were contained in twin booms that stretched back to the tail. The Bronco's four machine gun armament was placed in sponsons on either side of the fuselage, while ordnance was carried beneath the sponsons. To satisfy the USAF's requirements for a FAC aircraft, the two-man crew flew underneath a large, spacious canopy that gave them superb visibility. Because the Marines wanted an aircraft that could carry a Recon team, the fuselage was extended and, if the rear seat was removed, five paratroopers could be squeezed into the back, or two stretchers.

When the OV-10 arrived in Vietnam in 1968, there was a fear that the Bronco would be the jack of all trades and master of none. In fact, it proved to be excellent in all of its roles. As a FAC, it was a huge improvement over the slower O-1 and O-2; as a COIN aircraft, it was also a good aircraft, though it could not carry the same amount of ordnance as an A-1. The Navy equipped one squadron with OV-10As as VAL-4--nicknamed the "Black Ponies" for their dark green camouflage--and these were used extensively over the Mekong Delta. There were problems with the design: the airframe was actually too heavy for the engines, which left it underpowered, and ditching was invariably fatal for the pilot, as his seat tended to hurl forward into the instrument panel. Nonetheless, the Bronco turned in a sterling performance in Southeast Asia.

Though the Navy transferred its surviving Black Ponies to the Marines after the end of American involvement in Vietnam, the USAF and Marines would keep theirs for the next 20 years. For the 1970s and 1980s, the OV-10 replaced all other FAC designs in USAF service, aside from a handful of OA-37B Dragonfly squadrons. The Marines also kept their OV-10s and further refined the design by adding all-weather capability in the long-nosed OV-10D variant.

By the First Gulf War in 1991, the OV-10 was starting to show its age. The USAF began retiring its fleet even before Desert Storm; the Bronco was considered to be too slow to survive a modern air defense environment. Though the Marines used some of their OV-10Ds, the loss of two aircraft also led the USMC to retire their Broncos after war's end. Both services chose jets as replacements--the USAF with modified OA-10A Thunderbolt IIs, and the Marines with two-seat all-weather F/A-18Ds.

OV-10s were also a mild export success, going to seven other countries, mainly in the COIN role. Most have since been retired in favor of newer designs, though the Philippines still has a large and active OV-10 force. The type enjoyed a brief renaissance in 2015 when two former Marine OV-10Ds were taken up by the USAF for use against ISIS forces in Iraq, to see if the design was still viable. Though the OV-10s performed well, the USAF is not likely to put it back into production. 360 were built, and at least 25 are on display in museums aside from the aircraft that are still operational.

After the USAF retired its OV-10 fleet in 1991, the Bureau of Land Management obtained seven of them for use as fire scouts. The job of these OV-10s was to look for fires in areas under high fire danger, and to lead water-bombers in to the target area--essentially, the same job as World War II-era pathfinders and modern FAC aircraft, except that the bombers drop water instead of bombs. The BLM kept their OV-10s until 1999, when a lack of spare parts forced their retirement. The BLM also kept the 1970s-era light gray overall finish of their former USAF Broncos, with high-visibility orange panels on the tailplane and BLM colors on the wingtips.

This particular aircraft, N646, was formerly 68-3825, a USAF OV-10 that had flown in Vietnam. It was donated to the BLM in 1992 and nicknamed "City of Fairbanks"; after it was retired in 1999, CalFire used it as a spares source for its Bronco fleet. Luckily N646/68-3825 escaped the scrapper's torch: in 2006, it was donated to and restored by the Fort Worth Aviation Museum, where it remains today.

This model was originally built by my dad for the Poletto Collection, but in 2014, I donated it to the Great Falls Model Railroad Club so it could be displayed on their colossal model railway display at the Montana State Fairgrounds.

The Province has committed to work with the District of West Kelowna to find permanent solutions for flood mitigation on McDougall Creek to help protect homeowners and road access, and also to help prevent the localized flood threat from extending upstream.

Learn more: www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/07/funding-committed-to-mcdou...

Today, 4 February 2021, the Trial Chamber IX of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) found Dominic Ongwen guilty for a total of 61 comprising crimes against humanity and war crimes, committed in Northern Uganda between 1 July 2002 and 31 December 2005. The verdict may be appealed by either party to the proceedings within 30 days after the notification of the Judgment.

"Britain Says It’s Committed to Sale of Lloyds Stake" by CHAD BRAY via NYT t.co/ehZFKjhHf2 (via Twitter twitter.com/felipemassone/status/732581795233927169)

Committed and caring female doctor gives a smiling senior woman a hug

Portrait of a man at the London 2010 Tattoo convention.

During the day, we had to shoot fast and flexible, so for the lighting I used a speedlight held by an assistant, triggered with a pocketwizard, trying to balance the flash and what little ambient light there was.

John & Tina Reid | Travel Portfolio | Photography Blog

Committed to St. Peter, the parish chapel of Mont-Saint-Michel replaced an old haven which could perhaps date prior to the introduction of the cult of St. Michael.

Constructed upon footings which probably date to the 11th century, the structure had been increased and also elevated in the 2nd half of the Fifteenth century. The odd 16th century addition is actually on a barrel vault constructed over a street.

At the conclusion of the Nineteenth century, once the abbey was secularised, the chapel grew to become the aim of the pilgrimages. The refurbishment of the church devoted to the Archangel St. Michael which includes a sculpture of him in silver that was solemnly crowned within 1877, carries witness to the vigour of the cult of St. Michael in the circumstance of restored patriotism that came to be after the conflict of 1870. The numerous exotics put up on the walls are often of army origins, within homage to the patron saint of the military. The gonfalons provided by the brotherhoods of the loyal additionally demonstrate the popular personality of the pilgrimages.

Every one of these items more or less overshadow the handful of leftover old elements, particularly the actual 13th Century baptismal fonts, the 15th Century sculpture of the Madonna and Child, yet another 16th Century sculpture of St. Anne as well as an 18th Century crucifix. Centre of parish lifestyle within Mont Saint Michel, the chapel appears adjacent to the little township cemetery. Mere Poulard is buried right here and the inscription on her burial place says, “Here rest Victor and Anne Poulard, faithful husband and wife and excellent innkeepers. May the Lord receive them as they have always received their visitors.” [montstmichel.co.uk]

One of my favourite frogs, the Northern leopard frog. Sadly these frogs are endangered in British Columbia. I'm proud to say that @vanaqua is part of the Northern Leopard Frog Recovery Team, a group of organizations committed to saving this species from extinction. As part of this group, we breed these frogs and release tadpoles into the wild to boost population numbers; we also maintain an assurance population on-site. #joblove #realactivists #vanaqualife #frog #endangered #leopardfrog #fuji #fujifilm #fujixt10 #myfujifilm

I committed the unpardonable sin yesterday. After Breanne and I took some photos I accidentally deleted them from the card. I've never done that before, not once. When I realized what I had done I could feel the tears well up. So first thing this morning I sat down and confessed to Breanne my transgression and promised to do better. And even though jumping is hard on a 23 year old body (cough) she agreed to let me retake them :)

Committed to Safety