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In my previous post I showed you the rocks that were natural gifts to the southwestern coast of India. This is one of the reliefs that now adorn one of the rocks! These carvings were completed between the 5th and 8th centuries AD. The area is home to the biggest relief collection in the world and has another distinction.
Take a close look for those who have been in Cambodia. You will be struck by how much the carvings look like those at Angkor Wat. It is believed that this site in India was the source of inspiration for the masterpieces that adorn the area of Siem Reap.
I don't always show hotel rooms, but I am in awe of how ancient buildings are restored. The hotel companies that have occupied this four hundred year old palace have maintained the charm that was once created.
Our road trip has taken us in the city of Madurai which is known as the City of Nectar. It is said that drops of nectar fell from the coils of Shiva's hair onto the city. This is the Sri Meenakshi Temple which dates back to the 1st Century AD. Much of the temple was restored and added to in the 16th and 17th century. The temple was dedicated to the consort of Shiva.
The history of India is so ancient and so complicated. The workmanship found on the well preserved temples always is always remarkable. Such a beautiful building deserves and art gallery frame!
Adding one more image of what it is like staying at the City Palace in Udaipur. The wall murals around every corner were fascinating and new world comforts were a joy too.
The stone relief works in Asia are truly a wonderous sight. Such intricate designs and beauty. I resemble this young lady when I feast my eyes on such workmanship! I don't want to leave. I want to continue to stay and appreciate their beauty for just one more minute.
This statue outside of the Gandhi Museum in Madurai India seems to also represent today's struggles all over the world. The burdens are great when a few great men step up and try to free the oppressed and to show the way to a kinder world where freedom rather than tyranny rules the world.
I was struck by the lack of sharp defined features on this statue. It is as if it represents many men! Such a humble way to depict the man who fought against the might of a empire.
The Siddhesvara Temple is located in Haveri, Karnataka state, India. It is a renowned temple famous for its sculptures of Hindu deities. Built in the 11th or 12th century, it is unique among other temples in the area because it faces west, making it an architectural wonder.
Although it is currently a Shaiva temple dedicated to God Shiva, its original faith or sect and deity of consecration remain uncertain. Nevertheless, the temple's historical significance and cultural value are undeniable.
The temple is considered an ornate example of 12th-century Western Chalukyan art and is well known for the many loose sculptures of Hindu deities that exist in it. However, inscriptional evidence would suggest that the initial consecration of the temple was in the late 11th century.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding its origins, the Siddhesvara Temple is a significant part of the local and regional cultural identity. Visitors come from all over India and the world to marvel at its impressive sculptures and unique architecture.
The temple's western orientation is particularly fascinating, as it deviates from the standard in Chalukyan constructions. This unique feature makes it stand out not only from other temples in the area but also from other Hindu temples in India.
The Siddhesvara Temple is an important cultural and religious site for Hindus, as well as a popular tourist destination. The intricate carvings, beautiful sculptures, and stunning architecture are a testament to the skill and creativity of the craftsmen who built it.
As the civilisation evolved, religion and temples and other religious centres acted as focal point of societies around the world. India is no exception.
Many large temples in ancient and mediaeval India acted as learning centres. Religion was instrumental in laying ethics for the society, gave art, craft, sculpture, music, performing arts and linguistics a huge boost.
Tarakeswara Temple located in a small dusty town of Hangal, even today is centre for various societal activities.
When I visited this ancient temple, a group of women from around the locality were having their regular meeting. I was told that they exchange information, practice music and even exchange recipes while they meet under the roofs of this ancient temple.
#Temple #templeArchitecture #India #Hinduism #Religion #Faith #Belief #People #Culture #Architecture #Arecheaology #Sculpture #Customs #Travel #WanderLust #Wanderings #Monuments #HistoryOfIndia #MonumentsOfIndia #Ancient #History #Medieval #Heritage #arts #crafts #music #linguistics #classical_dance
Have you been to India? Oh such a complex land to navigate! Nothing quite prepares you for experience, not even years of traveling in Asia.
Its sights and sounds, mingled with the aroma of exotic spices can overwhelm the visitor. History of the land is complicated by signs of a colonial past that was overthrown by a non- violent force. Many of the majestic architectural masterpieces remain and have been restored. This past joins with many other periods when others of another religion ruled the land and created their own masterpieces. Even the most passionate historian can be overcome with facts and details.
One must add the conflict between religions that seem to be ever present and ever changing: Islam vs. Hinduism. Wars were fought. Many were persecuted. Two nations emerged from one. Though many Muslims moved to Pakistan, many still remain in India. There always seems to be an undercurrent of mistrust.
So as a visitor, one must not only navigate through the past to understand the India of today, but also come to grips with clogged streets of vehicles with horns blasting away, the ever present dust in the air, and the sights of the every day struggles of the outcasts of society.
Who is who? What is poverty? Who is happy? Who is poor? What Hindu god is this? Did a Hindu or Muslim man or a British man build this building?
As much as I had difficulty with some of the arrangements of my first trip, I must applaud the man who sat in his tiny office surrounded by men on phones in front of their computers. He gave me a comprehensive itinerary that took me to places I would never have booked myself.
This is an image of the prayer area of the famous Jana Masjid mosque in Delhi. It was built in the 1650’s from beautiful red sandstone and marble. I will allow you to try to answer the questions I posed above.
This is the City Palace which is located on Lake Pichola and is one of the buildings you saw from a far in the last photo. It is massive and has a myriad number of courtyards, charming murals, terraces, and museums. There is a delightful heritage hotel on the sight also which used to be a guest house for the palace. Staying there is a wonderful experience and this shot is from my first visit to India.
The palace complex was begun in 1559 and is constructed of marble and granite. The man-made, Lake Pichola was created in 1362. The castle complex is the largest in Rajasthan.
A reminder that all of my images are copyrighted and are not for your use in any way unless you contact me. Thank you for dropping by. I greatly appreciate your visits and comments.
Looking towards the Sheesh Gumbad Monument in Lodhi Gardens in Delhi. Framed by some other nearby monument ruins.
This lovely lady who I saw by the ruins in Mahabalipuram graciously agreed to pose for me! I think that she was one of the on site caretakers. I have seen women doing the same type of work through out Asia. There was some mention of age and she said that she doesn't remember how old she is and and we all laughed! Such a joyful encounter!
Around every corner there were traces of the heyday of Jaimalmer. I thought that this was the best place to find that perfect little something to buy to remember Rajasthan. The city with its narrow winding ancient streets had the charm that I had expected. It is wonderful to not be disappointed after travelling so many miles to see place.
A reminder that all of my images are copyrighted and are not for your use in any way unless you contact me. Thank you for dropping by. I greatly appreciate your visits and comments.
The city and fort area of Jaisalmer are a trip back in time. The area's importance dates back to the 11th century when the city and the fort linked the exotic countries of the world together in trade. Roaming around the small streets where handicrafts and musicians are found was more than magical. I saw traces of India, Central Asia, Egypt, Africa, Persia and Arabia around every corner.
While we are in this part of India and Rajashan, I am switching back and forth between the desert and the city to vary the scenery a little for you.
A reminder that all of my images are copyrighted and are not for your use in any way unless you contact me. Thank you for dropping by. I greatly appreciate your visits and comments.
On my first trip to India, I saw this mural on the grounds of the City Palace in Udaipur and thought how perfectly it depicted how the royalty and wealthy lived many centuries ago. One sees many charming scenes like this in the art of India.
A reminder that all of my images are copyrighted and are not for your use in any way unless you contact me. Thank you for dropping by. I greatly appreciate your visits and comments.
The Red Fort which is a prominent sight in old Delhi was built in 1648 by the Mughal emperors. The emperors used the fort as a residence.It is made from red sandstone and is still used by the leaders of modern India as a place to address the city and the nation. The fort is an UNESCO World heritage site.
A reminder that all of my images are copyrighted and are not for your use in any way unless you contact me.
A champa tree in the courtyard of the Veerabhadraswamy temple urges you to sit and relax among the beautiful pillars which tell many tales.
Sikhs Of Nanak ! That is what Sikhs were known as. Nanak realized that too much potential and human energy is getting wasted in inter religious feud and cast system. He took Muslims , Hindu, Lower cast untouchable Hindus as his follower ; whoever believed that God is one and human are equal in his court was welcome to his faith. Mughals beheaded few Sikh gurus and their children but failed to stop the juggernaut of Sikhism.
Islamic Invaders came to India from the North-Western direction ; obviously on their way to Delhi they used to plunder Punjab the land of Sikhs, first. Pujabis ( including Muslim, Hindu & Sikh )used to desert villages and took to jungle ; Islamic invaders beheaded and raped more Muslims than Hindu or sikh ; when the invading army used to retreat from Delhi with loads of Loot , slaves and captives ; willy Sikhs used to follow them and pounce upon them at night to make their load much lighter. Gradually they started being respected through out India as the savior of Indians.
Every Sikh is addressed as Sardar ( means Chief / Headman ) which means every one is guided by himself , apart from Guru they do not follow any one. Give him his horse, Kirpan or Machine Gun and leave him on his own to fight ; each one will take an army, head on. The willy wolves of East India Company knew it well and used them against the last Mughal to take over Delhi.
Today , you can find a Sikh at every corner of the globe. Hard nose businessmen, valiant fighter, superb sportsmen above all a fun loving race. Present PM of India is a Sikh. When you come closer to this community you have to wonder Wah Guru ! What a race you have created !
"A Picture History of India" is a richly illustrated history book that was originally published in Britain by the Oxford University Press as part of the Oxford picture histories. I love the elephant illustration on the cover.
I normally don't do black and white, but when I saw this photo in post processing, I wanted something similar to my history textbooks in school all those years ago... Nostalgia.
The Treaty of Bassein was signed by Sultan Bahadur of Gujarat and the Kingdom of Portugal on 23 December 1534 while on board the galleon São Mateus. Based on the terms of the agreement, the Portuguese Empire gained control of the city of Bassein, as well as its territories, islands, and seas.
the place passed from the Portuguese to the English in 1661 as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza, and became a major trade center - making this the treaty's most important long-range result.
Bassein was the Portuguese northern capital from the time of their 16th century treaty with the Sultan, until the Marathas, under Chimaji Appa, captured it in 1739. The fort also played a strategic role in the First Anglo-Maratha War.
courtesy : Wikipedia.
Expected to watch Large on Black.
Love built on beauty, soon as beauty, dies.
Beauty built on Love, as ever as Love, glows forever!
Symbol of Love - Taj Mahal gleaming in the soft dusk light on a cold winter day!
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