Navrang India

Tomb of of Ghiyath al-Din, Delhi alamy.com

Mausoleum of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq merwynsrucksack.blogspot.com

The architectural style of the tomb of Tughlaq is close to that of the Khalji portal- Alai Darwaza- in the Qutb Minar complex. This is hardly surprising as Ghiyas was originally a Khalji slave who later became one of the governors and later a ruler. Unlike other Islamic architecture, the Tughlag tombs (1320 -1413), though built in an Indo-Islamic style look monotonous and lack subtleties. They look like big fortresses with thick wall around them and have limited embellishments and ornate features. Unlike Mogul and Lodi structures that show positive influence of Hindu temple architecture, Tughlag buildings have just basic elements of Hindu design style - eaves, balconies, railings, etc.

Mausoleum of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq,Delhi. menonsid.wordpress.com

tomb of Ghiyath ud-Din Tughluq findmessages.com

The Tughlaqabad Fort, near Delhi has the mausoleum of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq, the founder of Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate of India in 1321, as he established the fourth historic city of Delhi, which was later abandoned in 1327. His son Mohd.-Bin-Tughlaq moved the capital back to Delhi and the fort along with the mausoleum received little attention.

Zahar Khan tomb,Mausoleum of Ghiyas ud-Din Tughluq gounesco.com

Connected to the southern outpost of the fortification by an elevated causeway which is 600 ft in length, supported by 27 arches, across a former artificial lake. This continuous causeway was interrupted in 20th century portion to facilitate the Mehrauli-Badarpur road. Close to an old Pipal tree, the mausoleum complex of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq's tomb is is accessed through a high nicely built elevated red stone gateway with a flight of steps.

Tomb of of Ghiyath al-Din, Delhi. alamy.com

The mausoleum made up of a single-domed square tomb (about 8 m x8 m) with sloping walls crowned by parapets is in contrast to the walls of the fortification in terms of construction, the latter made of sturdy granite stones. The sides of the mausoleum are made with smooth red sandstone and inlaid with inscribed panels and arch borders in marble. Atop the structure is an elegant dome resting on an octagonal drum that is covered with white slabs of marble and slate.

Entrance, Tomb of Ghiyas ud-Din Tughluqen.wikipedia.org

Tughra from a scroll issued by Muhammad ibn Tughluq at Delhien.wikipedia.org

The mausoleum has three graves: The main one - central part is that of ruler Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq and the other two being, it is believed, to be those of his wife Makhdum-i-Jahanand his son and successor to the throne Muhammad bin Tughluq. Besides, there is another octagonal tomb in similar fashion with a smaller marble dome and inscribed marble and sandstone slabs over its arched doors. It is in the north-western bastion of the enclosure wall with corridors supported by pillars. We understand from the inscription over its southern entrance that this tomb is that of Zafar Khan (Makhdum-i-Jahan ?). His grave, it is said, consciously included as part of the mausoleum by Ghiyath al-Din himself. Details are not clear with respect to his family and his links with the Tughlag Dynasty.

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Ghaiasuddin Tughluq Share Your Essays

Above image: Ghiyath ud-Din Tughluq or Ghazi Malik (Ghazi means 'fighter for Islam'; he died c.1325) was the founder of the Tughluq dynasty in India, His reign over the Sultanate of Delhi was from 1320 to 1325. After founding the fortified city of Tughluqabad, close to Delhi he died under under mysterious circumstances in Feb. 1325. At Afghhanpur on his return from Bengal, the wooden pavilion used for his reception collapsed, killing him and his second son Prince Mahmud Khan. Ibn Battuta, contemporary Moroccan traveller, claimed it was a conspiracy, hatched by his vizier, Jauna Khan (Khwajah Jahan). Ibn Battuta is of the view that Tughluq belonged to the "Qarauna tribe of the Turks", who lived in the hilly region between Turkestan and Sindh; but this claim not corroborated by any other contemporary source. Firishta, based on the enquiries made at Lahore, wrote that Tughluq was a Turkish slave of the earlier emperor Balban, and that his mother came from a Jat family of India. Again there is no record to accept this claim. In 1323, Ghiyath al-Din sent his son Ulugh Khan (later Muhammad bin Tughluq) on an expedition to the Kakatiya capital Warangal. The ensuing Siege of Warangal resulted in the annexation of Warangal, and the end of the Kakatiya dynasty and the most important loot was Koh-i-Noor diamond which is now in the British Museum. He was succeeded by Muhammad bin Tughluq.

http://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-humble-tomb-of-ghiyasuddin-tughlaq.html

https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/travel/the-mystical-tomb-of-ghiyasuddin-tughlaq-in-delhi
https://www.indianetzone.com/52/tomb_ghiasud_din_tughlaq.htm

Tomb of of Ghiyath al-Din, Delhi alamy.com

Mausoleum of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq merwynsrucksack.blogspot.com

Mausoleum of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq,Delhi. menonsid.wordpress.com

tomb of Ghiyath ud-Din Tughluq findmessages.com

Zahar Khan tomb,Mausoleum of Ghiyas ud-Din Tughluq gounesco.com

Tomb of of Ghiyath al-Din, Delhi. alamy.com

Entrance, Tomb of Ghiyas ud-Din Tughluqen.wikipedia.org

Tughra from a scroll issued by Muhammad ibn Tughluq at Delhien.wikipedia.org

Tughlaqs built three main types of tombs: square, octagonal and pavilion. The last type being the simplest, consisting of a pavilion or a chhatri and it is meant for other royal and noble family members related to them. Quite interesting feature about the tomb is the sloping walls, at a 75 degree angle with the ground instead of vertical walls. This is on the model of the sloping walls of the Hindola Mahal (Swing palace) in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Inside the wallas are plain and flat. The advantage is besides arches, the sloping walls give better support to the ceiling. The tomb has a kalassa (pinnacle) on top of the white marble dome and it shows the peculiar Hindu influences.

Lots of people who visit the fort never fail to step into this fort as it is mentioned earlier, it stands apart in the fort area with red-colored stone face on all the sides.

The mausoleum has three graves: The main one - central part is that of ruler Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq and the other two being, it is believed, to be those of his wife Makhdum-i-Jahanand his son and successor to the throne Muhammad bin Tughluq. Besides, there is another octagonal tomb in similar fashion with a smaller marble dome and inscribed marble and sandstone slabs over its arched doors. It is in the north-western bastion of the enclosure wall with corridors supported by pillars. We understand from the inscription over its southern entrance that this tomb is that of Zafar Khan (Makhdum-i-Jahan ?). His grave, it is said, consciously included as part of the mausoleum by Ghiyath al-Din himself. Details are not clear with respect to his family and his links with the Tughlag Dynasty.

Tit-bits:

Ghaiasuddin Tughluq Share Your Essays

Ala'i Darwaza, Delhi, en.wikipedia.org/

Ala'i Darwaza, also known as the Gate of Alauddin) has the credit being the first Indian monument to be built using Islamic style of architecture, construction techniques and ornamentation . A World Heritage Site recognized in 1993, it forms the southern gateway of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in Qutb complex, Mehrauli, Delhi, India. This square domed gatehouse has arched entrances with a single chamber. It was built by Sultan Alauddin Khalji in 1311 and the impressive feature is it is made of red sand stones.

Alauddin Khalji, DelhiSultenate. .google.com

Alauddin Khalji and malik Kaufer, Khalji, a bisexual. en.wikipedia.org/

Alauddin Khalji (of the Khalji dynasty) (r. 1296–1316) was the second and the most powerful ruler of the Khalji dynasty that ruled the Delhi Sultanate in the Indian subcontinent. He was a good warrior and war strategist.

Alauddin Khalji, silver coins, Delhi. en.wikipedia.org/

Born as Ali Gurshasp, Alauddin was a nephew and a son-in-law of his predecessor Jalaluddin. When Jalaluddin became the Sultan of Delhi after deposing the Mamluks, Alauddin was given the position of Amir-i-Tuzuk (equivalent to master of ceremonies). Alauddin obtained the governorship of Kara in 1291 after suppressing a revolt against Jalaluddin, and the governorship of Awadh in 1296 after a profitable raid on Bhilsa. His greed led him to kill Jalaluddin, and subjugate his sons in Multan. Between 1297 and 1306, he successfully tackled the Mongol invasions from the north.

In the winter of 1302–1303, Alauddin's army marched to the Kakatiya capital Warangal to ransack it. While Alauddin' himself led another army to conquer Chittor, the capital of the Guhila kingdom ruled by Ratnasimha. The siege was a long one - roughly 8 months and at last Alauddin captured Chittor. According to his courtier Amir Khusrow, he ordered a massacre of 30,000 local Hindus after this conquest. Some later legends mention that Alauddin invaded Chittor to with a view to capturin Ratnasimha's beautiful queen Padmini. Many historians reject this story as it does not have any valid records. It is more of a conjecture than of a true story.

1870s Ala'i Darwaza, Delhi, en.wikipedia.org

His army's successful raid under Malik Kaufer on Devagiri in 1308, that was ruled by king Ramachandra, further encouraged Alauddin to plan a large scale invasion of Devagiri. In late 1309, he sent Malik Kafur to loot the Kakatiya capital Warangal. and in January 1310, the army plundered the towns and villages on his way to Warangal. In the wake of a long siege of Warangal, the Kakatiya king Prataparudra agreed to become a tributary of Alauddin, and surrendered a large amount of wealth (apparently including the Koh-i-Noor diamond) to the invaders.

Malik Kafur, upon knowing the affluence the Hoysala and Pandya kingdoms in southern India, he took yet another expedition to go on a plundering spree. With consent from the Sultan, Kafur started his march from Delhi in November 1310. At this time, in the Pandya kingdom a war of succession was on between the two brothers Veera Pandya and Sundara Pandya. The Hoysala king Ballala wanted to take advantage of this revelry in the Pandya royal family. When Kafur's army marched into his place capital Dwarasamudra after a brief war king Ballala, to save his head, negotiated a truce, agreeing to surrender his wealth and become a tributary of Alauddin.

From Dwarasamudra, Malik Kafur's raid to the Pandya kingdom was quite profitable. Both Vira Pandya and Sundara Pandya fled their capital Madurai and the Pandy rulers never became a tributary. The Delhi army's loot was a large one - lots of treasures, elephants and horses. The Delhi chronicler Ziauddin Barani described this seizure of wealth from Dwarasamudra and the Pandya kingdom as the greatest one since the Muslim capture of Delhi.

Despite being a religious fanatic, Khaliji, was, no doubt, a good administrator and for better governance, he introduced revenue reforms, market reforms (control on prices) and social reforms such as a ban on alcohol drinking, smoking of cannabis, gambling, prostitution, etc. Adultery was a taboo during his rule. Alauddin introduced serious punishments: in the case of male adulterer he will be castrated; as for female adulterer, she will be stoned to death. He had a check on the nobility to prevent rebellions against him. His revenue reforms were popular. Alauddin Khalji's taxation system has survived into the nineteenth or even the twentieth century. From now on, the land tax (kharaj or mal) became the principal form in which the peasant's surplus was expropriated by the ruling class.
— The Cambridge Economic History of India: c.1200-c.1750,
Alauddin, being a Sunni Muslim and fanatic, is reported to have destroyed several Hindu temples during their military campaigns. These temples included the ones at Bhilsa (1292), Devagiri (1295), Vijapur (1298–1310), Somnath (1299), Jhain (1301), Chidambaram (1311) and Madurai (1311). Yet another temple affected in Tamil Nadu was Srirangam in 1311 when Malik Kaufer raided this temple town. The worst one took place on 8 March 1323 under Ulagh Khan during the Panguni festival. The ''Kozhil olugu'', book on history and temple administration of Srirangam narrates this invasion as ''Panniraayiravar mudi thiruthiya mettu kalagam'' meaning story of 12000 people (Vaishnavites) beheaded by the Muslim invader. (https://nothingtopost.wordpress.com/2018/04/02/ulugh-khans-invasion-of-srirangam)..................................... ..............................

Alauddin commissioned the Alai Darwaza, that was completed in 1311 to serve as the southern gateway leading to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque built by Qutb al-Din Aibak. He also began the construction of the Alai Minar, which was intended to be twice the size of the Qutb Minar, but the project was abandoned, presumably due to his death. It was a part of his plan to extend the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque on four sides. Though he planned to build four gates, only the Alai Darwaza could be completed. The gate is made up of a single hall whose interior part measures 34.5 feet (10.5 m) and exterior part measures 56.5 feet (17.2 m). It is 60 feet (18 m) tall and the walls are 11 feet (3.4 m) thick.

Stone window, Ala'i Darwaza, Delh, en.wikipedia.org

Left:Qutbminar,the unfinished Alai Minar, Delhi en.wikipedia.org/

The structure shows bold contrasting colors of masonry, with red sandstone and white marble and this introduction later became a common feature of Indo-Islamic architecture, substituting for the poly chrome tiles used in Persia and Central Asia. yet another feature that is commonly found in the Hindu temples is the stone screens - jalli. This dome standing up to a height of 47 feet, is believed to the first one in India. The red sand stones and the marble stones inlaid on the exterior walls make this monument impressive. The other inspiring features are the extensive Arabic calligraphy on the walls of the Darwaza, horseshoe shaped arches ( for the first time such arches were used in India), pre-Turkish carvings and patterns on the facades, lattice marble windows and surface decorations - inter weaved floral tendrils

repeated with a symmetry on three doorways

Alauddin died on the night of 4 January 1316. Barani claims that according to "some people", Kafur killed him and brought his body from the Siri Place and had it buried in Alauddin's mausoleum that had already been built by the ruler.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alai_Darwaza

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alauddin_Khalji

Nandi (bull), Nandi Temple, Khajuraho India en.wikipedia.org

There are a few temples dedicated to Nandi, the vahana/ mount of lord Shiva across India. Besides being a mount, Nandi is supposedly the gatekeeper or sentinel of Shiva and Parvati. No Shiva temple is built without a Nandi. Before entering the temple you should take his permission and enter. Further, the belief has been that if a devotee has some wishes to be fulfilled by God Shiva, he should transmit them to the God through him by conveying the message to his ear.
The Nandi temple in Khajuraho is one among them. The place where the temple is located is a small village in Chhatarpur

Nandi Temple at Khajuraho en.wikipedia.org

Nandi Temple at Khajuraho, India /www.google.com

District of Madhya Pradesh, India. The Nandi temple in Khajuraho is an interesting one, here the detached Nandi pavilion forms an integral part of the architectural feature of the Visvanatha temple. The two shrines stand facing each other on a common terrace, which is accessed by lateral flights of steps, the southern steps are flanked by a pair of lions. This shrine has a big (2.2 m long and 1.8 m high) image of Nandi, facing the main deity of the Visvanatha temple. Normally, at all Shiva temples the garbagriha - sanctum where the main deity is enshrined, Nandi (bull) and the temple main entrance gate fall on the same axis preferably east- west axis. Nandi is placed facing God Shiva. At this temple, the shrine dedicated to Nandi is facing the shrine of Viswanatha. The image of Shiva (with trishulam on right shoulder and snake on left shoulder) can also be seen on outer roof and wall (along with border design). This temple was built during the reign of Chandela dynasty of Jejakabhkti ( 9th and 13th century), Bundlekhand region. The Chandelas are great builders and quite well known for their art and architecture, most notably for the temples at their original capital Khajuraho. They commissioned a number of temples, water bodies, palaces and forts at other places, including their strongholds of Ajaigarh (MP),Kalinjar (UP) and their later capital Mahoba (UP).

Map of Asia(1200 CE). Chandela kingdom in central India.pload.wikimedia.org

Nandi Temple at Khajuraho, India /www.google.com

Here the open square pavilion is supported by twelve ornate pillars. This simple, but beautiful structure is one of the monument among Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a World Heritage Site in India. This temple belongs to the western group.
Standing on a rectangular modest (chabutara), the plan of the main structure is of the shape of cross quadrate (combination of cross and rectangle). Here, the rectangle forms the sanctum and the cross edges form the four balconies (one on each side). Though the temples walls are like balcony walls and they do not cover the sanctum completely. The roof rests on the pillars (one at each corner).

The border design consists of stone carvings depicting elephant (front view with head, trunk and two legs) and human figures on both sides of the elephant. There are erotic sculpture of couples for which Khajuraho temples are famous and here they seen on the outer roof.
The Lapakshi temple, AP, Brihadeishwara temple, Thanjavur, TN. Chamundeswari Hills temple, Karnataka, Rameswaram temple, TN, Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple near Kumbakonam, TN, Yakanti maheswara temple, AP and a few more shrines have a large size stone bulls in India.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandi_Temple,_Khajuraho_India

Nandi temple, Bangalore.www.google.com

Temple interior with Nandi idol, Nandi temple, Bangalore. en.wikipedia.org

There is a Nandi temple dedicated only to Nandi (Basava in Kannada meaning bull), Lord Shiva's vahana in Basavangudi a suburb of Bangalore city. It was built 1537 during the reign of Vijayanagara by the local ruler, feudatory chief named Kempe Gowda. He was the one who founded the Bangalore city. The temple being a small one, built in Dravidian style, the Nandi in the sanctum is carved from one stone - monolithic. The gopura/ tower was built in the 20th century, however the porch appears to have Vijayanagara style.

One of the biggest Nandi idols in the world, Nandi temple, Bangalore en.wikipedia.org

The legend has it that centuries ago, Sunkenahalli, as Basavanagudi was known then, was a fertile agricultural land and mainly groundnuts crops were raised here. In the same area, there lived a wild bull that used to go on an eating spree and devoured the groundnut crops, causing heavy loss to the poor farmers. At last, the farmers became quite upset and one of them, in his anxiety to drive away the animal for good, hit the bull with a club. The adamant bull refused to budge and sat down, soon to become motionless and frozen into a stone, much to the amazement of the farmers.

Nandi temple, Bangalore. The temple entrance en.wikipedia.org

The villagers were in for more surprise as the stone bull had begun to grow in size. This being worrisome, the villagers prayed to lord Shiva and planted a trident on the bull's forehead to check the further growth. They also realized that there was some kind of divinity involved in a live-bull turning into a stone bull that kept growing. A small temple was built in the same spot dedicated to the bull to appease it. Subsequently, Kempe Gowda, the local ruler built a much bigger temple. The stone bull - 'Nandi' measuring 4.5m high and 6.5m long is believed to be one of the largest sculptured stone bulls in the world. There is a small Linga enshrined in the temple. The farmers began to offer lots of groundnuts -Kadalekayi to the bull enshrined here.

This Bull temple is now a famous venue for the famous 'Kadalekayi Parishe' (groundnut fair). Since then, the Kadalekayi Parishe has been held every year during Karthika month (November-December) and it attracts devotees from all over the state and the groundnut merchants never miss this fair. Bull temple is believed to be the source of the Vrishabhavati river. Priests say that, the spring originates at the feet of Nandi. Bull temple goes by the name of “Shri Dodda Basavanna Gudi” - abode to Nandi (bull). carved out of a single granite stone.

An interesting fact about this temple is the presence of a stone flag-mast (Dwajasthambam). Normally, the temple flag-mast is made of metal. This stone mast made out of a single block of rock is a rare one. Octagonal in shape, it stands tall in front of the temple tower. On the temple premises there are shrines dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant head God, and Lord Shiva, where a Shivalinga is present and believed to be swayambhoo or self -manifested one. As mentioned earlier, Bull temple is believed to be the source of the Vrishabhavati river.The word "nandi" means "joyful" in Sanskrit and this one is one of a kind in India and is inside the park called ''Bugle Park'' which got its name from a bugle call made atop the large rock outcrop to alert the nearby dwellers in case an enemy raid.
http://www.templeadvisor.com/temples-in-india/hindu-temples/nandi-temple
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodda_Basavana_Gudi

temple complex, at the edge of Lake Bratanali Island, Indonesia. en.wikipedia.org

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan compared to 50,000-rupiah banknote,Indonesis, wikipedia .

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, or Pura Bratan, a major Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is in the island of Bali, Indonesia. Often referred to as a floating temple, it is located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. Water temples serve the people in the entire region and there are many water temples downstream specific to each area or irrigation association (subak). A popular tourist destination for Asians, Australians and westerners, the 50.000 Indonesian Rupiah note features the Ulun Danu Temple. Owing to inflation, it is said that it is exactly what it will cost you to meet the entrance fee.
Lake Bratan is a main source of irrigation in central Bali and this temple was Built in 1633, for the main purpose of offerings ceremony to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu, as an expression of their gratitude. The 11-storey pelinggih meru, as it is called, in the complex, is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvathi. Often referred to as Bali temple on the lake because it looks like it is floating on water, when the Bratan river water rises. There is a Buddha's statue enshrined in this temple.

This amazing Balinese temple is located about 1200 metres above sea level in Lake Beratan, pretty much in the middle of Bali Lake Bratan is known as the Lake of Holy Mountain due to the fertility of this area. It has a cold tropical climate and the entire area, I am told, is full of greenery and offers a fine, quiet ambiance . You will be in peace with yourself, drawn away from the noisy, polluted urban jungle. The reasons for the popularity are temple floats when the water is full and the serene surrounding that will inspire the visitors to go into a reverie free from stressed life. Surrounded by mountains, the thick fog plays hide and seek here in certain times.

Tit-bits:

God of wisdom -Saraswati, Bali Island. /en.wikipedia.org/

Above image:A Balinese-style sculpture of the Hindu deity Saraswati installed by the Indonesian government. Though the main religion is Islam, Indonesia gives due importance to their basic culture and countess Indonesian names are liked to Sanskrit.
The National emblem of Indonesia is called Garuda Pancasila. Garuda, the carrier or vahana of Lord Vishnu, who appears in many ancient Hindu temples of ancient Indonesia. Garuda Pancasila was designed by Sultan Hamid II from Pontianak, supervised by Sukarno, and was adopted as the national emblem on 11 February 1950.

God Ganesa symbol of a university in Bali, www.google.com

Above image: One university in the island of Bali, Indonesia has Ganesha as a symbol. Bali is a Hindu majority island (>80%).

20000 rupiah Indonesian currency note with Ganesa symbol. www.google.com

According to 2010 census, Hinduism in Indonesia, is practised by about 1.7% of the total population, and by more than 83% of the population in Bali. Hinduism is one of the six official religions of Indonesia and it came to Indonesia in the 1st-century through traders, sailors, scholars and priests. A blend of pre-existing Javanese culture and Hindu ideas, gave rise to Buddhist ides after 6th century and it evolved as the Indonesian version of Hinduism which survived during the Srivijaya and Majapahit empires. Around 1400 CE, as happened in India prior to 13th century these kingdoms were raided by Muslim armies who under threats forced the natives to convert to Islam. Hinduism and Buddhist concepts vanished like the willow-the wisp from the Indonesian Islands.

It was the Sunni Muslim traders of the Shafi'i fiqh, as well as Sufi Muslim traders from India, Oman and Yemen brought Islam to Indonesia. Marco Polo, about 1297 AD referred to a new community of Moorish traders in Perlak.THe also mentioned that the earliest Islamic community lived in the midst of the Hindus of Indonesia. The 15th and 16th centuries, saw a Muslim campaign led by Sultans who attacked Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms and various communities in the Indonesian archipelago, with each Sultan trying to seize a region or island for control. Four diverse and contentious Islamic Sultanates emerged in north Sumatra (Aceh), south Sumatra, west and central Java, and in southern Borneo (Kalimantan). As it was their custom, the Sultanates declared Islam as their state religion and waged war against each other as well as the Hindus and other non-Muslim infidels

colorful Hindu rituals of Bali-one of island's attraction, wikedepia.

Presently, in this Muslim-dominated country, Hinduism was politically forced to adapt. Currently Hindu Dharma iis

A child dressed up for a festive Hindu dance in Ubud, Bali.wikipedia.

one of the five officially recognized monotheistic religions in Indonesia. Strongly rooted in Indian culture, Lord Ganesha is a mark of wealth and prosperity in Indonesia. Being a secular country, The tolerance extended to Hinduism in Indonesia is commendable and other Muslim countries around the world should follow the example of Indonesia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pura_Ulun_Danu_Bratan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism_in_Indonesia

625 CE Nagara style architecture of the Hindu temple,Bihar, en.wikipedia.org.

The ancient Mundeshwari Devi Temple (also spelled as Mundesvari) of Kaura in Kaimur district, Bihar is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Located on the Mundeshwari Hill (608 feet tall), it is believed to be one of the oldest functional Hindu temples in India. Its date of construction goes back to 635 CE as per inscriptions in the temple. But the plaque fixed by the ASI says it is 625 CE. Under the management of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1915, it is centrally a protected monument .

Built in the Nagara style of temple architecture, the temple has an an octagonal plan which is a rare one. In the Garbagriha - sanctum, there are main deities the Devi Mundeshwari and Chaturmukh (four faced) Shiva lingam. The temple tower or shikara is missing, however, a roof is built as part of renovation work. At the entrance to the temple, the door sides carry carved images of Dvarapalas (sentinels), Ganga, Yamuna and many other deities. The unique feature is there are doors or windows on four sides and small niches for the statues in the remaining four walls. There are also niches on the interior walls with bold moldings carved with vase and foliage designs.

Mundeshwari Devi Temple, Bihar .google.com/

Yet another fact of considerable interest here is in the sanctum Shiva's consort enshrined in a niche is the main deity, not withstanding the fact that the Shiva lingam is at the center. The main presiding deity is called Devi Mundeshwari and she has ten hands holding symbols riding a buffalo, attributed to Mahishasuramardini. Also present in this temple are the idols of other deities in the Hindu pantheon such as Ganesha, Surya and Vishnu.
A sad commentary is many of the stone structures are damaged beyond redemption as one can see many stone fragments strewn around the temple. The reason for the damages is not clear and temple records do not attribute the damage to Muslim invasion.
During the Ramnavami, Shivratri festivals, this temple is over crowded. So is during the main annual fair (mela) that coincides with the Navaratri festival. A fact worthy of mention is the conduct of temple rituals. Unlike other Hindu temples, here rituals and worship have been performed without a break since 108 AD. The worship of Shakti in the form of Devi Mundeshwari in the temple suggests due importance is given to tantric cult of worship, which is practiced in states like Kerala.

The Archaeological Survey of India undertook restoration work to preserve this protected monument. The works was focused on the removal of soot from the temple interior using special chemicals, repair of damaged image of deities and, importantly, cataloging and documentation of scattered fragments for later reuse. They also introduced solar powered lighting besides display of antiques and additional provision for public amenities. A sum of Rs 2 crore was earmarked for the restoration work by the Government of Bihar.

There was a proposal to develop this ancient temple on the model of Vaishnavo Devi temple of Jammu and Kashmir. Incidentally this 1900 - year old Hindu shrine is being looked after by one Azeemuddin, a Muslim, for the last many years. Historians believe this temple came up in the Shaka period that predated the Gupta period 320 AD.

Mundeshwari Devi Temple, Biharwww.google.com

The temple is on the Kaimur plateau near Son River (and Survuwara (suvara) river) and there are many archaeological relics on the Mundeshwari Hill. This temple can be reached by road from
Patna, Gaya, or Varanasi. The nearest railway station is at Mohania - Bhabua Road railway station from where the temple is 22 km by road.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mundeshwari_Temple
http://www.bihartimes.in/news08/Jan/19jan3.html

Shankaracharya temple, Srinagar, kashmir/www.google.com

Shankaracharya temple, Srinagar, kashmir. /en.wikipedia.org

''The gold put in the furnace loses its impurities and regains its original true nature. In the same way, through meditation, the mind gets rid of the impurities like delusion and attachment and attains the Reality, which is its true eternal state''...........Sri Adi Shankara

Atop the 1000-feet tall Shankaracharya Hill on the Zabarwan Range in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India is located a famous

Shiva temple called the ''Shankaracharya Temple''. It also goes by the name of Jyeshteshwara Temple; it is above the valley floor, overlooking the city of Srinagar. and the famous Dal lake. There is a memorial to the Adi Shankaracharya inside the temple and devotees come to this temple during the Amarnath Yatra.

What is so special about this temple in a place dominated by Muslims now? The great Hindu philosopher and Advaidha exponent Sri Adi Sankara from Kalady, Kerala, as part of his long padayatra across came to this place and visited this Shiva temple. Since then, it has been called Sri Shankaracharya temple. This being an ancient temple dating back to 200 BC, it is regarded as a sacred place by the Buddhists. Though this holy place of worship is an ancient one, the present structure, it is believed, was built way back in the 9th century AD, presumably before the arrival of Islam in this part of Kashmir.

Shankaracharya temple en.wikipedia.org

Memorial to Sri Sankaracharya, Sri sankaracharya temple, Srinagar,en.wikipedia.org

Above image: Temple of Jyeshteswara - Shankaracharya, built c.220 BC. The temple overlooks Dal Lake, Srinagar
Photos taken in 1868 CE by John Burke (photographer)............

Some historians are of the view that Buddhism was a major religion in this part and the present temple was a Buddhist temple. It was Sri Adi Shankaracharya who, on his visit here, converted into a Hindu temple dedicated to Sri Shiva. This being a hypothesis, the origin of this temple is a contentious issue. However, Pandit Anand Koul (1924) was of the view that the temple was originally built by a local Hindu king "Sandiman" who, ruled this part from 2629 to 2564 BC. The temple underwent some repair and modification under the ruler King Gopaditya (426–365 BC) and by King Lalitaditya (697–734 A.D.). Early Muslim rulers like Sikandar, Zain-ul-Abidin and Sheikh Ghulam Mohi-ud-din, (1841–46),never touche the temple and the two latter rulers did carry out some repair work.

Shankaracharya temple, Kashmir www.google.com

According to Kalhana, the earliest historical reference to the hill (then called Gopadri), that King Gopaditya granted the land at the foot of the hill to the Brahmins who had come from the "Araya versh." This land grant that was referred to as ''Gopa Agraharas''is now known as Gupkar. Bhuksiravatika (Buch’vore today) is yet another village granted to the Brahmins by the ruler Gopaditya. Kalhana also mentions that Jyesthesvara (Shiva Jyestharuda) shrine was built on the top of the hill around 371 BC by the same ruler.

Prior to 1800 accessing the hill top temple was a tedious one and it was the Dogra King Gulab Singh (1846-1857 AD) who built the steps to the hill from Durga Naag temple side. The Maharajah of Mysore on his visit here in 1925 had the electrical installations made at the temple. In 196, Shankaracharaya of Dwarkapeetham had the statue of Adi Shankaracharaya installed in the temple. In 1974 the Government of J&K constructed the road that goes to the TV antenna near the top of the hill.

Shivaism was a dominant sect in this part of Kashmir and the Himalayan ranges and Sri Kailashagiri provided ample opportunities. The serene atmosphere and quiet ambiance provided spiritual exhilaration. It is to be noted that the great spiritual works of Adi Shankaracharya, ''Soundarya Lahari'' was composed atop the Gopadari Hill. The union of Sri Shiva and Devi Shakti, as in Shaktism, gave rise to the Shakti-Shri Chakra, the symbol of Devi (Goddess), as Sri Yantra, as mentioned in 'Shankara Digvijay' - Life history of Shankaracharya.

www.google.com

www.google.com/

Built on a solid rock the Jyoteshware temple has a 20-foot tall octagonal base supporting a square building on top. The terrace around the square temple is accessed by a stone staircase enclosed between two walls. Access to the interior is thru the doorway across the stairway; the interior part is small and dark and circular in plan. The ceiling is supported by four octagonal columns, which surround a Basin containing a Lingam encircled by a snake.

The devotees have to climb 243 steps to reach the temple. Entrance to the hill is being guarded by army personnel due to threats from fanatics instigated by the rogue nation Pakistan controlled by the army. The temple remains open till 8 pm and cars are not allowed after 5 pm.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shankaracharya_Temple

Kashur Encyclopedia Volume one Published by Jammu & Kashmir Academy Of Art Culture and Languages, Srinagar 1986 Page 302
Sankara Digvijaya: The Traditional Life of Sri Sankaracharya

.google.com

Three youngsters shooting Inspector Simpson, Writer's bldg. Kolkata. www.google.com

Freedom fighter Dinesh Gupta. en.wikipedia.org

Tomorrow we will be celebrating our independence day with extra enthusiasm and vigor because Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh have become part of India, enjoying the same rights as other states. It is also an occasion to remember those freedom fighters and patriots who gave their lives for this hard-earned freedom. In this post you will find a brief note on the life of a young patriot Dinesh Gupta of Bengal , a revolutionary who gave his life along with two others. They murdered a high ranking IG of Prisons N.S.Simpson of British India.

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The colonial rule in the early 20th century under the Crown administration was as bad as it was under the East India company rule that first grabbed Bengal in the 1700s under Robert Clive. By this time, the Indian subcontinent that once enjoyed a strong economy slumped to a weak one because of British administration's discriminatory policies that destroyed the vast cottage and village industries, shipping and textile industries. Further, Indian natives were forced to buy the imported products such as textiles, etc at a higher price from England made from cheap raw materials imported from India. The wily British grabbed the whole of Indian subcontinent by dishonest means except the princely states which were at their mercy. Besides, their scant respect for the religious sentiments, racial discrimination and exploitation of our natural resources angered the Indians. India was forced to get involved in the WWI on the side of the British. India's war time contribution was vast. India became their cash cow with which they strengthened their economy manifold. Native Indians' frustrations, hatred for the British arrogance and dominance led them to take to violence as a means to instill fear in them to drive them out of India. Bengal and Maharastra provinces became hot beds of freedom movements. revolutionaries and freedom fighters. Their intention was to get rid of the British as early as possible so that the native people could get a chance to breathe fresh air and decide their future on their own. One such revolutionary was Dinesh Chandra Gupta of Bengal.

Writer's bilding, Kolkata where Simpson was shot at. www.google.com

Memory of martyrdom Writer's building, Kolkata

Dinesh Chandra Gupta or Dinesh Gupta (6 December 1911 -7 July 1931), a Bengali revolutionary was saddened by the oppressive British colonial rule and made up his mind to sacrifice his life to liberate India from the clutches of British hawks. With firm determination backed by guts, he had begun to figure out ways and means to achieve his goal, irrespective of the consequences. Ultimately, he became a martyr and made a mark in the pages of India's freedom movements.

Statues of Dinesh, Badal and Basu, Kolkata www.google.com

Benoy Badal Dinesh:3 Boys Who Took The Battle www.google.com

Born on 6 December 1911 in Josholong in Munshiganj District, now in Bangladesh, Dinesh Gupta, as a student in a Dhaka College, joined Bengal Volunteers. This group was organized and led by a great freedom fighter of exceptional ability Subhash Chandra Bose in 1928, at a time when Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress meeting was on. Driven by patriotic zeal and keen desire to free India, more volunteers joined this group and it became an active revolutionary association . At the outset, they wanted to get rid of those infamous British police officers whose attitude toward Indian natives was unbearable. Dinesh Gupta was in Midnapore town undergoing training with local revolutionaries in the use of firearms. Revolutionaries who imparted training to him were responsible for the assassination of three District Magistrates in succession, Douglas, Burge, and Peddy.

In Calcutta, Col NS Simpson, the Inspector General of Prisons, attained notoriety for his brutal oppression of Indian prisoners in the jails. His treatment of Indian prisoners with brute forces dismayed countless Indian leaders. The association of revolutionaries, having come to the fag end, decided to zoom in on Col NS Simpson and get him out of the way. They thought by launching an attack on the Secretariat Building - the Writers' Building in the Dalhousie Square in Kolkata and the elimination of a high British official like Simpson would strike a terror in the British official circles.

Dressed in European costume, on 8 December 1930Dinesh, along with Benoy Basu and Badal Gupta, entered the Writers' Building and shot dead Simpson. In the aftermath there ensued a brief gun fight between the youth and the police. Some other officers like Twynam, Prentice and Nelson, during the gun battle suffered injuries. At last, the police overpowered the young revolutionaries and pinned them down. The youths, as it was there intention not to be caught by the police and be hanged, decided to kill themselves. Badal Gupta took Potassium cyanide while Benoy and Dinesh, in a jiffy, shot themselves with their own revolvers. Benoy was taken to the hospital where he died on 13 December 1930. Among the trio, Dinesh survived the near-fatal injury. He was convicted by the court and sentenced to death.

Dinesh was sent to Alipore jail where he was hanged to death on 7 July 1931. Before his sentence, from the condemned cell Dinesh wrote as many as 92 letters to his sister which were later compiled into a book 'Ami Shubhash Bolchhi'.

Soon after this incident in which all the three revolutionaries were dead for the sake of their motherland, Kanailal Bhattacharjee., another patriot and freedom fighter became a vigilante and took revenge for the hanging by killing on 27 July 1931 Mr. Gerlick, the British judge who presided over the Simpson Murder case and who sentenced Dinesh to death. At the Alipore Central jail Dinesh did not keep quiet. He translated a short story of Anton Chekhov which was published in Prabasi Magazine.

All the three youths - Benoy, Badal, and Dinesh became martyrs in Bengal and other parts of India. After independence in August 1947, Dalhousie Square was named B.B.D. Bagh - after the Benoy-Badal-Dinesh trio. Further, to honor their bravery and in memory of their attack on the writers' building, Calcutta a plate was engraved in the wall of the building's first floor.
https://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2017/11/bbd-bagh-kolkata-and-murder-of-ns.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dinesh_Gupta

https://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2018/08/murder-of-three-colonial-british.html

India's freedom struggle. www.google.com

If calm and composed Indian natives were quite infuriated over the way the British ruled India, one ought to understand the undercurrent of frustration and abomination that was running in the back of their mind. Since the East India company and later the British Crown administration used Kolkata as their base of operation, obviously, there arose a small section of dejected young Bengalis who felt India's freedom could not be achieved through peaceful means. At stake were their Bengali pride, freedom of expression and fundamental rights. Because they thought the British mistook their endurance to their misdeeds and arrogant behavior for an act of cowardice. The division of Bengal on the basis of religion by the British under the pretext of administrative efficiency was a hoax. The clarion call for 'Quit India' by great leaders like Tilak and Patel attracted lots of freedom fighters. As for patriotic young Bengali men, having no other recourse or choice, only way to achieve freedom was through violent means. They knew very well that ''violence will beget violence''. However, the acts of violence here and there against the British rule would attract the international media and the western countries and other countries as well and they would pay more attention to the explosive political situation in India. An embarrassment for the British if the Indian natives were not happy under the oppressive British rule in their own land, not to speak of exploitation of their natural resources by a foreign power, not for the benefit of India, but for the benefit of Britain.

Jallianwalla Bagh massacre 1913 India's freedom struggle. www.google.com

The district of Midnapur, now in West Bengal became a center of revolutionary activities. People's anger and frustration was so much in a span of just two years three I.C.S. British officers were murdered by the Indian patriots. The path chosen by them was not a good one as Mahatma Gandhi had been preaching Satyagraha and non-violence against the British to get freedom. It was true Gandhi's approach had a slow impact on the British administration both in India and in England. All the martyrs were young Bengalis, including a woman. Dinesh Gupta, when he was a college student in Midnapur, organized a group of revolutionaries in 1927 and the help came from this group. The disciples had to coordinate their activities with the nucleus organization in Kolkata.

India's freedom struggle. www.google.com

The activists focused their attention on the repressive and arrogant British officers and chose three among them. Their first target was
James Peddy. Though well-read, this ICS officer was a tough man and had a lousy reputation for his rude treatment of the natives. His notoriety was quite well-known and his speciality was to beat a victim as long as he could. When dealing with freedom fighters, he was a ferrous dog and his bite would be a bad and painful one. With respect to satyagrahis, never had he shown any mercy, rather he would beat them hard till they became unconsciousness. As for Indian women, there was no consideration for their gender. Without scruples, with glee, he would drag them to the middle of the street and strip them naked and leave them right there in full public view. Just imagine what sort of mental agony and torture, these women would have experienced under these circumstances. Can Collector Peddy pay for the psychological damages done to the women who wanted freedom for their land? How could they walk on the same street after this shameful incident? Indian women always give due importance to human dignity and modesty. As far as Peddy was concerned, if women' modesty was hurt, mentally they would become weak and next time they won't ever raise their voice against the Raj. Activists decided that this despicable devil - Collector James Peddy should not go unpunished.

Shashanka Dasgupta (comet), Phani Kundu, Jyoti Jeevan Ghosh and Vimal Dasgupta were chosen for the task of finishing Paddy. They got the weapons on 11 April 1931. On a couple of occasions, their scheduled plan to murder him did not happen for various reason. The last one being an exhibition event on May 7 which was to be inaugurated by Peddy.

The activists got a third chance. Taking advantage of a big playground close to Peddy's Bungalow, two of the comrades decided to go after Peddy for the 'final kill'. He was surrounded by teachers. The advantage was the interior was not well-lit, perhaps there was no power supply. A good chance was on the silver platter, a chance to escape in the dim light undetected. Around 5 pm 8 May 1931, two courageous youngsters posing as helping the Collector went close to him, whipped out the gun and fired at him in close range. Severely injured, Paddy died following day in the hospital. For the patriotic people, it was a great relief something like slaying a notorious Asura (demon), an occasion to rejoice. Both Jyoti and Vimal came out of the scene of crime secretly and safely without raising suspicion. This murder took place after Salt Satyagraha by the Congress had taken place and gained wide publicity across India and abroad. The British Raj levied tax on the cooking salt, an important item in cooking and there were wide spread protests across India. Gandhiji undertook salt Yatra to Dandi in Gujarat and broke the law by collecting salt on 6 April 1930 and later Sri C. Rajagopala Chari (Rajaji) went on a padayatra from Tiruchirapalli city, Tamil Nadu to Vedaranyam in Nagapatnam district and collected salt 28 April, 1930 along with Kamaraj Nadar, T.S.S. Rajan, Kakkan and Sardar Vedaratnam Pillai.

Soon a spate of violence took place in Midnapur district and countless British officials were scared and not happy to work in a place ridden with violent nationalists. The killing of D. E. Burge and Robert Douglas, both I.C.S. officers added a new dimension to the British administrative machinery. They tightened the security and, however, they had begun to realise that India's freedom from the British yoke was not that far off.

https://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2018/08/murder-of-three-colonial-british.html

There are many memorials in India to honor the soldiers who lost their lives in the World War I and II. Mind you, India had nothing to do with WWI and II and was drawn into the war as it was under the colonial rule. India had a fine well-trained military officers and soldiers and they fought both wars for the British. Likewise, the British, when they ruled India, built war memorials to the officers and men who were killed while on duty. The Gwalior memorial in Kolkata is an interesting one.

Gwalior Monument Kolkata google.com

Gwalior Monument along the Hoogley river, Kolkata google.com

The Gwalior Monument, Kolkata - c1912-14, an octagonal cenotaph about 60 feet high, crowned with a bronze dome cast from guns captured from the Marathas was erected in 1847 by Lord Ellenborough, the Governor-General of India. It was a grand memorial to those men who died during the Gwalior War in 1843. The memorial is also known as Ellenborough’s Folly, or The Pepperpot.

Gwalior Monument Kolkata en.wikipedia.org

Designed by Colonel H Goodwyn of the Bengal Engineers and constructed by Jessop and Company, the memorial was the brain-child of Lord Ellenborough. The base is a single storied white marble structure with a spiral staircase leading to a marble cenotaph on the upper floor from the inside. The unique feature is

Gwalior Monument along the Hoogly riverfront, Kolkata en.wikipedia.org

the top of the monument is built like a Mogul 'chhatri' or umbrella supported by 8 bronze pillars. The dome of the cenotaph is crowned with a bronze dome cast from guns captured from the Marathas. From here, one can see the Hoogly river, the Howrah Bridge and the Vidyasagar Setu. However, entry is restricted. The Kolkata Circular Railway line goes alongside the memorial between the Eden Gardens and Prinsep Ghat railway stations, and provides a view of this monument.

Gwalior campaign was a strange one. Two battles were fought on the same day, and no fighting after that, but it resulted in the death of eight hundred British soldiers and over three thousand Marathas.
Gwalior, just two hundred miles south of Delhi, had been part of the powerful Maratha Empire, which controlled the majority of India. However, the British victory in 1818 had changed the political scenario as the English company had a strong hold over most of the sub-continent. Since 1818 the city had been ruled by a British-approved maharajah, but in 1843 the ruler's death created a strange political situation and the legal heir happened to be a minor boy. When the young rajah, Jayâjî Râo Sindhia, was deposed and an anti-British government established, diplomatic attempts to redeem the situation having failed failed, Ellenborough recalled the British Resident, and sent in Gough.
Lord Ellenborough on 13 December 1843 wrote to the Maharani of Gwalior warning her that she should dismiss the regent and reduce the size of her army. The bold Maharani never responded to Ellenborough's communication. This paved the way for the Gwalior Campaign.

Gen. Sir Hugh Gough, in violation of the treaty of 1804 with Gwalior, on 29 December 1843 raided the town with 14000 men and 40 guns. The town was known for its beautiful palaces and riches, The Gwalior War at Maharajpur and the Marathas under Bhagerat Rao Scindia had 18,000 men and 100 guns. It was a pitched battle and finally the British emerged victorious. The British lost 787 men and the Marathas about 3000 men and 56 guns. On the same day at Punniar, 20 miles from Maharajpur, the left flank of Gough's troops under General Grey defeated a huge army of 12,000 Marathas and captured 40 guns.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwalior_Monument
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwalior_Campaign

Gandhiji collecting a handful of salt Dandi, April 1930google.com/

The Salt Satyagraha Memorial has come up in the coastal place at Dandi, Gujarat where Mahatma Gandhi concluded the historical salt march in April 1930 in protest against the British Raj which vehemently introduced tax on cooking salt as if they were not content with centuries of exploitation of Indians and their natural resources. No doubt this memorial, on a land of 15 acres and built at a cost of over ₹70 crore, is commendable and an ambitious one; but one is at a loss to understand why it was inaugurated in haste? The memorial work is still going on, not yet completed. The salt-making unit is not working.

Dandi, Salt Satyagraha Memorial www.google.com

The inauguration of the memorial took place in January 2019 by the PM Narendra Modi when the work was on. Consequent of its hasty inauguration, countless people including those involved in the project were saddened as the the civil work was shoddy. The good news is since its inception the number of visitors is on the increase, sometimes reaching 30,000 on weekends. Surprisingly, a regular visitor to this memorial is one Ramesh Asmar, grandson of a Gandhian who participated in the salt march. He still keeps the China clay jar in which his grandfather brought back salt.

New York Times 6 April, 1930. google.com

There are many features that attract the attention of the visitors.

01. There are 24 narrative murals depicting the important interactions that Gandhi had at the 24 halts in the march. Made of clay and cast in silicon-bronze, the murals were the creation of a team of talented sculptors from Hyderabad’s Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University. To make the terrain etc look real, the sculptors travelled the original route taken by the patriots.

02. Among the murals one mural gets the attention of the visitors. It tells us how the laborers were hired to carry lights so that the marchers could find the path ahead. In another mural we learn how teenage students were sent ahead on bicycles to get valid information for the marchers. They were called ‘arun tukdi’.

Salt march March- Apr. 1930. Sathyagrahis who accompanied gandhiji. google.com/

03. At the end in a big area stand tall life-size statues of the 80 marchers who accompanied Gandhiji and who were subject to lathi- charge, etc. They were sculpted by 40 artists from India, Austria, Bulgaria, Burma, Japan, Sri Lanka, Tibet, U.K. and the U.S. “Some statues were created by master sculptors to give a broad idea of how the marchers should look,

04. The main attraction is Gandhiji's statue. His statue was made by well-known sculptor Sadashiv Sathe. The statue is 5 -meter tall , overlooking a lake. It is between two 40-meter tall giant pillars that hold up a heavy 2-ton illuminated glass cube., symbolic of a single salt crystal.

Dandi. two tall pillars carrying salt crystal with lancer light..google.com

05. As for the the V-shaped pillars, they symbolize Gandhi’s hands. After sundown, the salt crystal comes alive with laser lights.


salt march memorial, dandi tree shaped solar panels..google.com	.

06. The pathway is uniquely decorated with 40 solar trees with 12 panels, reflecting the ethos of self-sufficiency in power generation. Here, the solar panels are shaped like tress, giving an inspiring ambiance.

07. IIT- Powai, Bombay’s electrical engineering staff and students were involved in this unique and thought-provoking solar project.
The solar panels sustain the entire memorial and even generate 25% surplus electricity.

08. Kirti Trivedi, former professor from IIT’s Industrial Design Centre made a sizable contributions to the design. The job was given to the team in 2011. The light pyramid, the salt cube, the lake, the main Gandhi statue, the sculptures of the 80 marchers, and the 24 murals - all these were designed by him to give a modern touch to an historic event that took place in 1930.

Any visitor to this salt memorial, having some knowledge of Indian independence movement, will go nostalgic - to relive colonial history. The salt padayatra/March was an arduous one, it happened in the hot summer time - a long stretch of 241 mile journey through semi- arid terrain to the coastal town of Dandi. On March 12, 1930, Gandhi set out along with 80 satyagrahis, unmindful of button-wielding police force who wanted to stop them. Being defiant as he was, Gandhiji concluded the 24-day march in Dandi village, and on April 6, picked up a handful of salt, thus breaking the salt law. The simple act became a sensational news across the world and the foundation of the empire had developed more cracks, by then. The British realized that India's freedom was not far off.

In Southern India C. Rajagoplachari (Rajaji; later he became the first Gov. General of India and CM of Madras state) repeated the same act and undertook padayatra toward the end of April 1930 from Tiruchirapalli city to coastal village of Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu. He collected a handful of salts along with great leaders like Kamaraj Nadar, Kakkan, Sardar Vedaratnam pillai and others. The British collector of Tanjore (Thanjavur) announced severe punishment to those who would provide the marchers with food, etc. The salt march was a great success because the natives refused to cooperate with the British. Janitor refused to clean the toilet and laundrymen refused to wash the white men's clothing, etc. The Englishmen were in the soup.
https://www.thehindu.com/society/nearly-90-years-after-the-dandi-march-a-new-memorial-attracts-thousands/article26675661.ece


worldbestmagic.in

. Netaji in Singapore .scoopwhoop.com

1943. On this day "Provisional Government of free India" was established in Singapore under the leadership of Netaji.

Subhash Bose after resignation from the post of Congress president.
scoopwhoop.com

Gandhi and kasturi Bai www.scoopwhoop.com/

Pictures from the 1947-1948 Indo-Pak war fought over Kashmir scoopwhoop.com

India’s first Republic Day parade in 1950.scoopwhoop.com

*****
Below here I have reproduced an article on India's freedom
posted on15th August, 1947 by one Matt Boughton:

15th August 1947 - India gains independence from the UK
"We need to be the change we wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

''Yesterday we looked at the end of the Second World War, and one of the major and rather immediate after-effects of that was the dissolution of the European Empires and their strange, anachronistic grip on Asian and African territories. There was no greater representation of this anywhere in the world than Britain's ownership of India which had stretched back nearly two centuries, seen as "the jewel in the crown", the British quite unashamedly casting themselves as a necessary "civilising" force on this vast, alien subcontinent. Britain's presence in India had shaped how they saw themselves as a nation and in an age of Empire there was very little opposition to what would now seem an incredibly bizarre situation, an enormous and polar opposite land ruled by a country which would fit in its pocket. In the 20th century the status quo began to seem more and more ridiculous, before the crescendo of two world wars, a shifting global balance of power, a new socialist British government and an inspirational Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi resulted in a resigned exit.

Europeans had established trading posts in India from the great explorations of the late 15th century onwards, with Britain arriving there in 1612 and attempting to edge out the Dutch and Portuguese presence which was already well-established. The French muscled in too but in the early 18th century the decline of the Mughal Empire which had ruled much of India since Genghis Khan presented an opportunity to seize significant power in the area. From 1757 onwards the East India Company asserted their control over the area region by region until by 1835 the British ruled enough of India to demand English be taught in schools and beginning a modernisation of traditional Hindu values such as the caste system, child marriage and the highly controversial practice of "sati" in which a recently widowed woman would throw herself on her husband's funeral pyre. While the abandonment of some of this might have been welcomed by many, other more benign social customs were also suppressed and some became increasingly indignant of British power. However a rebellion in northern and central India in 1857 backfired, as the British government took control of the East India Company and effectively subsumed the country into its Empire. Now there was an official Secretary of State for India in the British Cabinet and a Governor-General (or Viceroy) sent in to keep order. In 1876, their rule was so established that Queen Victoria became Empress of India.

And so began the British Raj, extending over pretty much the entirety of present day India, Pakistan, Burma and Bangladesh, excluding Goa which would remain Portuguese into the 1960s and Pondicherry which remained French until the 1950s. Over the next few decades, opposition to British rule was rather muted within India, any objections largely lodged over the extent to which Indians should have a hand in government, with very few advocating independence, or "swaraj" as Gandhi would later call it. By 1907 a radical group had emerged with the ideal of overthrowing the Raj, though they were vastly outnumbered by the moderates who simply wanted reform and any momentum it had seemed to fade. However, the First World War would change everything, Britain surprised to find India completely supportive of its fight against Germany, throwing men and resources behind the war effort. In the end, 1.3 million Indian soldiers would stand with the British Army but as the conflict dragged on, Indian nationalists began to feel they deserved some kind of reward once it was all over, and the extremists and moderates pulled together in a united front. The British were quick to realise what was happening and agreed to "gradual development of self-governing institutions" which became a power-sharing "diarchy" in 1919. This might have placated nationalists but the Amritsar Massacre in April that same year, in which the British military opened fire on a group of demonstrators, killing somewhere between 379 and 1,500 people (depending on whether you believe the British or Indian estimates), severely dented any hope for the diarchy, particularly when its instigator Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer was hailed as a hero back home.

Enter Mahatma Gandhi, fresh from the civil rights fight for Indians in South Africa, returning home in 1915 with a new understanding of the power of non-violent civil disobedience in order to bring change. This vision was crucial because it allowed millions of normal Indians to become sympathetic to the cause, transforming a minority view into an almost national one. Gandhi urged a programme of "non-cooperation" which took in boycotts of British imports, educational institutions and law courts, resignation of Indians from government and, most importantly, refusal to pay taxes. It didn't last long because in 1922 an angry mob burned down a Raj police station in Chauri Chaura, killing 23 policeman, disgusting Gandhi and forcing him to abandon the programme for the sake of his non-violent ideals. He was subsequently put in prison for 2 years but in the meantime he had inspired so many in India that a new peaceful nationalist movement prospered without him. In 1928 the Congress demanded India be granted dominion status by the end of the decade or a second programme of non-cooperation would be launched. This did not transpire and so the Congress switched its aims to full independence, Gandhi re-appearing to lead the new resistance, embarking on his famous 250-mile march in the spring of 1930 and spearheading the various civil disobedience episodes of the early 1930s.

Ironically the real gift to Indian independence would be world war, again. India were "announced" as joining the war by the British Viceroy, at which point the political parties rebelled, resigning from local government, though at the same time over 2 and a half million Indians joined the volunteer army on behalf of the British. Gandhi sought to calm the civil disobedience movement during the war, adamant that real freedom could not be reached through a total collapse of British power. As in the First World War, they again expected something in return for their support but by 1942 they had failed to reach any agreement with the British government and so launched the "Quit India Movement". This called for a new programme of civil disobedience, though the timing was questionable with the Japanese army knocking at India's door. So the British panicked, imprisoning Gandhi (yet again) and the Congress leaders, banning the party entirely. Then as the war finally came to a close 3 years later, the political landscape back in the motherland was radically altered.

Clement Attlee's socialist Labour government had little interest in Empire, especially given their precarious post-war financial situation and a promise to deliver sweeping new welfare and healthcare reforms within the UK. India was restless and Britain had neither the appetite nor the resources to quell that spirit, the British people exhausted from decades of foreign conflict. A series of mutinies within the Royal Indian Navy in 1946 made the matter a priority and the government announced that they would award independence no later than June 1948, a date brought forward by the new Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, as agitation between the Hindu and Muslim factions began to rapidly increase. Religious barriers became a real issue in the lead-up to independence, the nationalist leaders in India agreeing on a partition of the country, appalling Gandhi and many others who were vehemently opposed. The Hindu and Sikh areas became "India" while the Muslim areas would become "Pakistan", the historical reality finally realised on 14th (Pakistan) and 15th (India) August 1947. 3 years later India had a constitution, enshrining a sovereign, secular and democratic republic which has survived, and though its economy was slow at first, that would all change by the 1990s. Real poverty still exists though and tensions with Pakistan continue to this day, with 4 wars erupting between the two in the period between independence and 1999. In fact while the religious dispute might seem alien to many in the West, their nuclear rivalry has been a real cause for global concern. As a new nation though, its sustained democracy has been impressive.

Gandhi remained disgusted by the partition, having envisioned religious unity, and indeed half a million were killed on the border areas when riots broke out on the stroke of independence, many desperately trying to switch sides. Gandhi wouldn't live to see the two nations forge ahead as he was assassinated by a Hindu nationalist in January 1948. A nation mourned, with 2 million lining the 5-mile funeral route, and it could be said that in death he had finally managed to link the new state with the wider Indian people and highlighted the dangers of religion being in any way linked to the constitution''.

"You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."
........ Mahatma Gandhi
Posted 15th August by Matt Boughton
http://thisdaythen.blogspot.com/2012/08/15th-august-1947-india-gains.html

Black Hole Tragedy,Kolkata. survivor John Z. Holwell. noisebreak.com

The casualty of Calcutta's Black Hole incident (1756) that took place when the English company was just a trader in Bengal, has been a subject of discussion for a long time. The general consensus among the well-known historians has been that it was purposely hyped up by the English company that was involved in a number of illegal trade activities in Bengal, frequently breaking trade treaty with the ruler and not paying customs duty to his administration. Besides the company, there were many illegal private English traders operating in that area and not paying taxes and the English officials were making money on the sidelines. This appaling situation angered the Nawab. This tragedy became a fodder for the English company to get sympathy from the British public and a chance to expand their mercantile activities manifold in Bengal of course, using army power.

.Black Hole memorial built by Holwell, Calcutta.oldindianphotos.in

http://noisebreak.com

For the Nawab of Bengal, an independent ruler, the presence of the East India Company in his land was irksome one - some thing like letting the poisonous Black widow spider crawl on his body. Besides non payment of customs duty taxes that caused heavy loses to the Nawab's treasury, an open abuse of special grants made by the then Mogul ruler in Delhi, the English company without his written consent, began the fortification of Fort William, Calcutta, thus enhancing their military prowess. On top of it, the English company became mischievous and gave asylum to the offending officers in the Nawab's administration. This galling act by the English irritated the Nawab to such an extend he decided to wage a war against the English company as they failed to correct the mistakes. With a huge army, countless elephants and numerous cannons, Siraj overcame the resistances in the city and finally captured Calcutta in June 1756. After a two-day siege of Ft.William the Bengal army seized it. Roger Drake, the administrator of the fort could not hang in there and finally on June 19 fled to a nearby place called Phalta, leaving behind a number of Angelo Indian soldiers and civilians under the command of John Zephaniah Holwell, who happened to a senior administrator with no training in military.

Black Hole memorial now in St.John's graveyard, Kolkata .en.wikipedia.org

On the evening of 20th June Holwell and others surrendered to the Nawab's army who herded them into a small room measuring 14 feet by 6 feet with two small windows for ventilation. The prisoners were now under the custody of a local commander. Mind you Nawab Siraj -ud-daulah was not aware that the British prisoners were crammed in a dungeon on the premises of Ft. William. In fact this dungeon was once a guard room of the old Ft. William. After the incident, the room was not there as new spacious and safe Ft. William came up later in the same place.

A fenced display of the Black Hole of Calcutta. (1908),en. wikipedia.org

It seemed there was a sort of communication gap between the Nawab's soldiers and the commander who unintentionally left captives in the overcrowded dungeon to suffer all through the grueling night. A big unintentional mistake made by the Nawab's army cost the Nawab dearly. It was to become a famous tragedy in the history of British Empire on which many books were written. Following day, it resulted in the death of 123 people out of 142 (according to Holwell). Cause of death: mainly due to suffocation, heat and possibly stampede. The cell which was already known as the Black Hole before this unfortunate incident in 1756 later became popular across the world as a symbol of 'torture and punishment of prisoners' in a dungeon. Holwell himself wrote that out of 146 only 23 survived. His account of the Black Hole had a very limited impact on his contemporaries, media and the people in 1758.


Photograph of the replica of Holwell Monument -1905, Calcutta. noisebreak.com

Holwell Monument, Calcutta. alamy.com

Holwell, who survived the Black Hole tragedy was the main eye- witness and his written account on the number of causality was taken as authentic record by some British media and authorities. Holwell went ahead and erected a tablet, at his own expense, on the spot to commemorate the victims. However, this tablet fell into ruins later and became a hang out for the vagabonds and hobos.Lord Valentia, a visitor to Calcutta in1803, wrote,''The Black Hole is now part of a godown or warehouse; it was filled with goods and I could not see it.''Commerce gained an upper hand and not the commemoration of victims!! The Black Hole made a dramatic reappearance when Thomas Babington Macaulay in 1840 described it as a great crime memorable for its 'singular atrocity'!!

For the East India company it was a great opportunity to justify their skirmishes with the local Nawab. The dungeon was portrayed as the first chamber of horrors in Bengal, an objective proof Indian ignominy and pretext and justification of conquest and violence. However, conscientious historians considered Holwell's account of the tragedy as over-exaggerated bordering on travesty of truth. He became a stooge in the hands of the English company who encouraged him to paint the ruler in the bad light which would provide them justification to their activities against the Nawab. One could see diabolism in the vilification of Nawab Siraj. The crux of the matter is it possible to herd 150 people in a small room in Ft William? Was there any proof that the Nawab himself had ordered the local army commander to put all the 150 white people in the same small room with poor ventilation and leave them right there so that they could face slow death due to suffocation?

Ramesh Chandra Mazumdar, historian is of the opinion Holwell's account on the number of casualty in the 'Black Hole' incident is not a reliable one. Stanley Wolpert, historian of good repute contended that Nawab Siraj had no idea about the imprisonment of English people in the dungeon in Ft. William. Nor had he ordered his men to confine them in the prison. On purpose, the English company victimized him and made him a scapegoat with view to relegating their atrocities to the background. In a study by Prof. Brijen Gupta in 1959 pointed out that the incident did occur and only 21 people survived the ordeal in the dungeon in 1756 and the rest about 43 faced painful death.

The question may arise about the 15 meter tall obelisk to commemorate the victims of the Black Hole that came up later between Writer's building and GPO (close to Ladigi)in Kolkata. In fact, it was Lord Curzon who in the beginning of the 20th century, restored the crumbling Holwell Monument as there was no other Black Hole tragedy memorial in honor of the victims. However, in the later years in July 1940 this memorial was shifted to a much safer place in the graveyard of St. John's church. During that period India's independence activities peaked and it was suspected that the Black Hole memorial would be pulled down by the highly spirited freedom fighters.

As far as the number of casualty of 1756 Black Hole incident is concerned, it was more of a conjecture to hoodwink the British public by the dishonest EIC than of a true presentation of the truth.. There are no valid reports to support Holwell's account. Deposition given by eyewitness can not be always true. Some times, it may be misleading. In this case, Holwell, on purpose bungled the facts to confound the public. British historians realized that that if Holwell's written account were true, that small room was not good enough to stake all 143 victims horizontally. Though myth repeated several times may impact the society, it can not become a historical fact. Because of this myth Black hole incident had earned a permanent niche in British India history. Truth will never lie hidden for a long time and one day it may wiggle out and get exposed. Historians now realized Nawab Siraj was a victim of EIC 's wrong campaign and finally faced death after the Battle of Plassey at the instigation of Robert Clive and James watts.
https://www.tutorialathome.in/history/holwell-monument-memorable-monuments

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Hole_of_Calcutta
https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/myth-of-empire-the-story-about-the-black-hole-of-calcutta-refuses-to-die/cid/1025320

Memorial, Calcutta. Colesworthy Grant /noisebreak.com

Located close to the Writer's Building in Kolkata, West Bengal towards St. Andrews church, in the busy part of the administrative district, there is a small colonial monument dedicated to a man called Colesworthy Grant who was instrumental in establishing the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Indeed, he did a pioneering work in the area of animal rights and their welfare way back in the early period under the English company. Presently, the society being the largest of its kind in the world is functioning across the globe. As far as India was concerned, it was the efforts of Colesworthy Grant that made this society a popular one. The monument is so small, one might miss it if one walks past on the sidewalk.

According to the plaque on the monument, it came into being in 1881 in memory of Colesworthy Grant, a worthy man whose main preoccupation was of defending and protecting animal rights. His crusade against cruelty to animals began to create a lasting awareness among the people and at one stage achieved considerable success in the early decades of the 19th century. Thanks to the efforts of Colonel Richard Martin, an Irish politician, who took the matter before the legislature and and finally the act in 1822 was passed - one of the early acts of animal rights legislation. Richard Martin took one step forward and founded the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1824. Presently, the society being the largest of its kind in the world is functioning across the globe. As far as India was concerned, it was the efforts of Colesworthy Grant that made this society a popular one

Hastings diamond. .langantiques.com

James Pinspep1799-1840, Orientalist. .revolvy.com/

According to biographer Pyarichand Mitra, who happened to be Grant's colleague, he was of both Scottish and Irish decent and landed in Calcutta in 1832 at the age of nineteen. The purpose was to join his elder brother who had a business in Kolkuta, making clocks and designing mathematical instruments. We have no record regarding his contribution towards clock-making, however, from the media articles on him we learn that he was a good portrait artist and made a mark in his chosen line of work. One surprising fact is, he never learned the art work from somebody and he was a self-taught artist and got the handle on the nuances of it the hard way .

john marshman, English jourlalist and historian 1794-1877.revolvy.com

William Carey, British Missionary.revolvy.com

Grant's works were mainly focused on the popular personalities of Kolkata and many periodicals/magazine, etc like the Indian Review, Calcutta Review, Calcutta Christian Observer and the India Sporting Review published his works. The quality of his work done with sincere efforts was excellent and won him laurels. He ended up with a total of 169 such sketches over a period of 12 years, starting from 1838. He specialized in lithographic portraits.
Among his sketches the following may be worthy of mention: The sketch of of James Prinsep, who did pioneering work on the great Emperor Ashoka and the Ashokan edicts. Many of his sketches of famous personalities of the 19th century survived today. and are famous now. In the colonial period, the ethnological study of the native castes and professional classes gained importance and Grant was in his full flow when he sketched them under the title of ''Oriental Heads''. The present generation of Indians, from his vivid pictures and writings, may get a glimpse of how the natives of previous centuries wore tradition dress according to their castes, professions, etc.

Grant's sketch revolvy.com

Grant's sketch Armenian Church, Rangoon. chasingchinthes.com

Grant travelled many parts of the subcontinent and never failed to draw picture of what he saw. He went to Rangoon (Yangoon) in Myanmar and to an Indigo factory in Nadia, West Bengal. In addition, he also covered the life of Angelo Indians and their lives in Kolkatta and from the letters he wrote to his mother in England, we understand how much he loved Calcutta (Kolkata), the capital of East India Company that ran the proxy government for the British Crown.

Grant's sketch invaluable.com

Realizing the need for a mechanical institution and and training in drawings, he founded a Mechanical Institution in 1839 in the city with a view to imparting specialized training in these areas. Being an artist of good repute, he taught drawing to the prospective students. As ill-luck would have it, the institution run by grant and his brother fell apart midway for various reasons. However, the famous Bengal Engineering College (now the Indian Institute of Engineering, Science, and Technology, Shibpur) and the Government Art College had their roots in Grant's early institution.

Founded in Kolkata in 1857 in the year of the great rebellion against the British, the Bengal Engineering was functioning on the premises of the popular Presidency College due to lack of space and this college has a touch of Grant's legacy. Here, he was a teacher of drawing in the Civil Engineering Department, and he held this post till his death in 1880. The memorial plague of Grant in the auditorium of the Bengal Engineering College (IISER), Shibpur bears testimony to his reputation and the esteem he earned while he was teaching there .

Grant's artistic ability was of immense help to yet another institution in Kolkata and, at the invitation of Dr. F.J. Mouat, Grant was actively involved in the preparation of a unique project - compilation of the bilingual anatomical atlas in English and Hindi. Colesworthy Grant sketched anatomical drawings for teaching human anatomy in the Calcutta Medical College. His sketches were so fine, it helped the medical fraternity understand the various delicate parts of the human body.

Mitra recalls Grants crusading work in protecting animal rights. In those days traveling and transportation of goods were a major hurdle, the people and the government depended on animals in particular, bulls, horses and camels in the desert areas to transport construction materials, mercantile goods, etc, besides riding carts pulled by horses and oxen. When transporting heavy loads of goods on them, they were forced to work for several hours, pushing them beyond their physical limit. There was none ''to plead for the alleviation of their suffering''.

Grant's sustained efforts to protect the welfare of the animals finally bore fruits leading to the formation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ on 4th October 1861. The objectives of the Calcutta branch was to create consciousness against cruelty to animals through publications and by reaching out to the educational institutions. The Society's continuous campaign was instrumental in introducing two legislation for animal rights, Act V and Act XV, “for prosecuting individuals guilty of inhumanity to animals.” The hospital founded by the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, continues to function in Calcutta, taking care of the sick animals.

Colesworthy Grant' name will remain etched in the Indian history of animal welfare for ever. He was the one who made the people across the globe understand that ''working animals'' are part of our society and their rights to live with dignity and welfare are as important to us as those of our fellow humans.
https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/west-bengal/in-memoriam/cid/126066
http://www.chasingchinthes.com/the-armenian-church-in-rangoon/
http://noisebreak.com/memorials-monuments-colonial-calcutta-colesworthy-grant-memorial/
https://www.google.com/search?q=Colesworthy+Grant&safe=active&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjso_yyn

Warren Hastings Gov. Gen. Ft. William, India www.langantiques.com

Above image: Warren Hastings (6 December 1732 -22 August 1818), an English statesman, was the first Governor of the Presidency of Fort William (Bengal), the head of the Supreme Council of Bengal, and thereby the first de facto Governor-General of India from 1774 to 1785. He was replaced by General Charles Cornwallis, the Earl Cornwallis; In 1787, he was accused of corruption and impeached in the House of Commons for crimes and misdemeanors during his time in India, especially for the alleged judicial killing of Maharajah Nandakumar but after a long trial, he was acquitted in 1795. He was made a 'Privy Counselor' in 1814. The house sat for a total of 148 days over a period of seven years during the investigation. The House of Lords finally made its decision on 24 April 1795, acquitting him on all charges.(https://en.wikipedia.org) ...........................................................

World famous diamonds never fail to have their own fascinating history which may be replete with all kinds of exciting events embodying romance, tragedy and wired adventures. As these expensive diamonds are symbolic of man's arrogance and opulence, people normally take keen interest in the weird stories related to the stones. None of them acquired a peculiar sensationalism as the Hastings diamond did. Its association with Gov.Gen. Warren Hastings and his trial of financial irregularities had a ripple effect in the newspapers. It was a fodder for the caricaturists who had spun various funny caricatures involving the ruler of England and Hastings. No doubt, these cartoons kept a large section of English people agog. For the first time, people and the media realized the power of caricature and their impact on the public who wanted a break from the routine, dry newspaper reports. Since the royalty was involved in this case, it generated additional interest. The lampooning of the English ruler and the consequent laughter burst at the seams. The English public had a jolly good time out of this unexpected development in the royal palace.

en.wikipedia.org

Above image: George III (George William Frederick; 4 June 1738 – 29 January 1820) was King of Great Britain and King of Ireland from 25 October 1760 until the union of the two countries on 1 January 1801; after which he was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until his death in 1820. He was the third British monarch of the House of Hanover, but unlike his two predecessors, he was born in Great Britain, spoke English as his first language, and never visited Hanover...................................... (https://en.wikipedia.org)
Have you ever heard of Hastings Diamond? Does the name sound weird? We have heard about many famous diamonds looted from India and the curses they carry and the purported tragedies they left behind in the course of their journey from one family to another. To many of you like me the Hastings diamond may sound strange. You may feel compelled to conclude that it was worn by none other than Warren Hastings himself who took charge of East India Company after the exit of Robert Clive, the man who was responsible for annexing Bengal in the 18th century Bengal in the 17th century. Warren Hastings was a good administrator and liked India very much.

The Hastings Diamond is not as famous as those of sparkling diamonds such as Kohinoor, Orlov, Nassak, Arcot, etc. It is a large. brilliant Golconda diamond, weighing 101 carats. Named after the British Governor General of India, Warren Hastings (1732-1818), it was given to King George III on 14 June 1786, as a gift of

Mir Nizam Ali Khan en.wikipedia.org/wiki

Mir Nizam Ali Khan, the ruler of Hyderabad, Deccan. Hastings was the Gov.Gen. from 1773 to 1784.

At that time when this impressive diamond was given to the king, Hastings was on trial facing charges of corruption and financial irregularities in the ESI operations in India. The impeachment of Hastings was in the advanced stage at the trial in London. With a view to getting out of this tangled trial proceedings, Hastings was anxious to secure the favour of king George III; This made him agree to act as a courier of this valuable diamond from the Indian ruler. He did nothing to deny the general idea that the diamond was his personal gift to the King, rather than the Nizam’s.

Acquittal came about after a pretty long deliberations, arguments, counter arguments by the House of Lords and the committee. The proceedings against Hasting assumed sensationalism in the English media when the charges of his indictment were read, the twenty counts took Edmund Burke two full days to read it. Though wiggled out of the financial irregularities, the story of the presentation of the diamond to the king became public. This unexpected publicity bonanza that was a special bonus to the scoop-hungry British media, put Hastings in a bind. It was construed in the press that the gift of diamond by Hastings was meant to get a favorable verdict. Put it simply, this diamond and other lesser diamonds were the purchase price of Hastings' acquittal It interesting to note that one observer of the trial, a man called Horace Wimpole, commented that “Innocence does not pave his way with diamonds. The favorable verdict ricocheted in the press, resulting in a plethora of caricatures, showing the King as “The Great Stone Eater”, and ridiculing the King for his greed. The English king got a bad rap for no fault of his. So was Warren Hastings whose preoccupation with his trial failed to reveal the name of the person who gifted the stone. One caricature showing Hastings wheeling the king to market in a burrow saying '' What a man buys, he may sell again''. In another, the king was shown as kneeling with his mouth wide open, Hastings throwing diamonds into it!! Hastings messed with the king's name so badly that the ruler became the subject of the most scathing political satire of his time in cartoons and songs. The lampooning of the royal head kept the British readership very busy - a fun to get respite from stressed life.

Hastings Diamond and king George III langantiques.com

Above image: George III was a popular subject of public ridicule. Here, the monarch is depicted sitting in latrine when Hearing is throwing diamond stones into his mouth.........................................

A couple of years earlier, England lost the American colonies and as the British monarch had been turned into a bozo in the matter of diamond handed over by Hastings, now he had to swallow yet another public embarrassment.'

Streeter in his book The Great Diamonds of the World quotes Thomas Wright from his Caricature History of the Georges this ballad that was written in “honor” of the occasion:

''I'll sing you a song of a diamond so fine,
That eon in the Crown of our Monarch will shine;
Of its size and its value the whole country rings,
By Hastings bestowed on the best of all kings.
Derry down…...........

From India this jewel was lately brought o’er,
Though sunk in the sea, it was found on the shore,
And just in the nick to St. James’s it got,
Conveyed in a bag by the brave Major Scott,
Derry down'' ….................................

''Madam Schwellenberg peep’d thro’ the door at a chink,
And tipped on the diamond a sly German wink,
As much as to say, “Can we ever be cruel
To him who has sent us so glorious a jewel?”
Derry down…............................

Now God save the queen! While the people I teach,
How the king may grow rich, while the Commons impeach,
Then let nabobs go plunder and rob as they will,
And throw in their diamonds as grist to his mill.
Derry down…''

As of today, the whereabouts of this diamond is not known. Some jewellery historians speculate that the round brilliant cut diamond Tiara in the Westminster is the Hastings Diamond. But, it weighs less than 30 carats, it is likely that Tiara is not the right candidate,
https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=869&dat=19160921&id=6I0KAAAAIBAJ&sjid
https://www.langantiques.com/university/hastings-diamond/

Chhattisgar: BhoramdeoTemple, flickr.com/

Bhoramdeo Temple, Chhattisgarh en.wikipedia.org

Among the important temples of Chhattisgarh state the Bhoramdeo temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is an interesting one. Famous for erotic sculptures it is located in the mountainous region and the Bhoramdeo temple complex has four temples. Among them, the earliest one is a brick temple. The main temple here is the Bhoramdeo temple that has fine architecture. Unlike earliest brick temples here, this one is made of hard stones This temple has fine mid-blowing architectural features that include erotic sculptures whose distinct style of presentation is similar to those in the Khajuraho temple and the Konarak Sun Temple in Odisha. Hence, this temple is tagged as the "Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh". The Bhoramdeao temple complex is in the midst of a wooded area at the foot of the Maikal range of hills in the Daksina Kosala region, 18 km from Kawardha town, Chhattisgarh state. Nearest major city is Raipur.

BhoramdeoTemple /en.wikipedia.org

Above image: A freeze of an external face of the temple with images of gods and erotic sculptures from 'Kama Sutra'...... .......................

Dating back to the Kalachuri period (10th-12th centuries), the sculptures and architectural style that were dominant in Central India in west Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan were called Chedi or Haihaya (Heyheya) (northern branch). They have close similarity with those sculptures found in nearby archeological sites such as Janjgir, Kalachuri, Narayanpur and Ratanpur sites. The early temples were made of bricks during the rule of Pandus and they have close affinity with those built in Kharod, Palari, Rajim and Sirpur in the state.

Chhattisgar: BhoramdeoTemple www.dreamstime.com

Built by Laxman Dev Rai & Gopal Dev of Faninagvansh Dynasty, the temple complex is heart-throbbing poetry in stone", and the credit goes to Nagwanshi Kings. These rulers, who ruled the southern Koshal region (part of Chhattisgarh), practiced tantrism. The temple is dated between the 7th and 12th centuries. The name Bhoramdeo owes its origin to the ''Gond Tribals'' of the area who worshiped Lord Shiva as Bhoramdeo.

Main tower with open "half shelters" facing south BhoramdeoTemple/en.wikipedia.org

The temple complex has a colorful arch and near-by a sculpted image of Nandi (the bull), the vahana of Shiva, From this entrance there is a well laid out esplanade which leads to the temple complex which is on the banks of a lake.

The stone-made Bhoramdeo temple, is dated back to the 11th century and is older than the Khajuraho Group of temples. Its architecture is stunningly beautiful. One could see on the outer wall small carved images in profusion built in a typical architectural style called the Gurur type. It is just owe-inspiring and this style is different from the north Indian Nagara style of architecture. Its structural uniqueness and elegance lies in the receding rows or tiers placed successively upwards in the top part of the temple tower.
A large platform or plinth that is built to height of 5 feet (1.5 m ) forms the first stage. The platform has many sculptures of Hindu deities carved on the exterior faces. The temple constructed on this platform measures 60 feet (18 m) x 40 feet (12 m) and is of conventional Hindu temple, comprising a mandapa (hall), followed by an antral or passage leading to the Garbhagriha or sanctum (9 feet x9 feet ) where a Shiva Linga, is enshrined. The mandapa, square in plan is supported by four main central pillars, apart from the peripheral pillars. All the three enclosures are linked by passageways.

On the exterior and interior walls of the temple are found the bass reliefs in the entablature part of elephants, mythical figures and sensuous sculptures. The sensuous carved figures on the exterior walls represent the nuances of Kama Sutra and the erotic postures. It is to be noted that they reflect on the then prevailing social, cultural, architectural and religious ethos in the region and there was nothing to be ashamed of. These sculptures are nicely crafted in three tiers on the exterior face of the temple up to the pinnacle and are housed in niches. It is a meticulous job well done by the sculptors of those days. As for the sculpted images arranged in rows on the outer faces of the main tower, they vary in size from 1 foot to 1.5 ft to 2 ft in descending order from the top of the tower to its lower end. The base of the main tower is wide enough to provide stability to the main tower.

The lowest tier of the exterior walls is embellished with sculptures of lions and elephants. Here, the sculptures are made of black and ochre stones (black stone is used to carve pantheon gods while Ochre stone is used for other sculptures). The entrance doors are flanked by images of mythological figures, which are 1 or 2 ft in height. An interesting feature is on the southern face of the shikara or tower where the Ganesha image has six arms and well turned up trunk. There are some interesting images of gods. one being Shiva Linga, with a hooded serpent; the other one is a stone slab of Vishnu and Lakshmî mounted on Garuda with a king offering prayers.

The Istaliq temple or the temple built with dried or burnt clay bricks is close to the main Bharamdeo temple. Built between 2nd and 3rd centuries this temple is in ruins, and the sanctum has no doors without an entrance hall or mantap. The tower above the sanctum terminates in the middle

In the temple complex there is an open-air museum that has a large collection of archaeological features unearthed from the area; they are dated to 2nd and 3rd centuries. Of particular interest is display of Sati pillars, which have unique architectural motif in which couples are carved in squatting amorous postures called the "alingana-mudra".
A recently built Hanuman temple painted in red colour is also seen on one side of the courtyard. A draped Kal Bhairava sculpture is also seen in the complex at its exit end.

Cherki Mahal, the last temple in the complex, is in a thickly wooded area . It has a nicely decorated entrance and a sanctum with a lotus decoration in the roof.

Madwa Mahal, dedicated to God Shiva is located about a kilometer away from the main temple. The west facing temple is built like a marriage hall or pandal (fabricated structure), known in local parlance as "Madwa". It is believed to have been built in memory of of the wedding of Nagwanshi king Ramachandra Dev and Haihawanshi Queen Raj Kumari Ambika Devi that took place in 1349. The temple has an impressive Shiva Linga erected over 16 pillars.

The outer walls of this temple have 54 well-carved explicit erotic images in various postures as explained in the ''Kama Sutra''. As mentioned earlier, it is a reflection of the prevalence of the tantric culture during the rule of the Nagawanshi kings.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhoramdeo_Temple
https://www.thrillophilia.com/temples-in-chhattisgarh

Sree Rama Varma coll. of music and performing arts, Thrissur, Kerala Music School en.wikipedia.org

Sree Rama Varma Music School in Thrissur city in Kerala, India is also known as S.R.V. Music School and has the credit of being the first ever music school of Kerala state. Upgraded in 2016 as a music college with the name of S.R.V. (Sree Rama Varma) Govt. College Of Music And Performing Arts, it was established on
19 July 1910 by Rama Varma XV, Maharajah of Cochin. Earlier, the purpose of this school was to train women of Cochin Royal Family in Indian classical music with special reference to Carnatic music with talented music teachers. When taken over by the government, it came under the Government Model Girls’ Higher Secondary School. In July 2010, the school celebrated its anniversary.

Several years ago, the Kerala government had a plan to close down this school citing that there are better facilities for higher studies of music elsewhere in the state than here. In 2012, it faced near closure. The arbitrary decision taken by the government invited large protests from social activists, politicians, music director of Malayalam films besides a number of musicians, art-cultural-social activists. The strike/darna was held under the leadership of Prof. K.B.Unnithan with support from Vidhyadharan Master, the famous music director of Malayalam films. The students and patrons of the school played no less role in the strike against the termination of this old music school. A memorandum was submitted to CM Oommen Chandy regarding SRV music school termination.

Later, as usual the government put the memorandum in the back burner and did not take any step to continue the music school. Subsequently several memoranda were are submitted to the members of Kerala State Assembly, including chief minister Oommen Chandy, education minister P. K. Abdu Rabb, and other ministers of Kerala, members of Parliament. One Sathish Kalathil, the trust chairman worked hard to keep the music school alive. After sustained efforts, this issue of upgrading the school as a college, was discussed in the Assemblyand the Education Minister had promised to look into this matter. Finally, a commission was appointed by the government under the direction of
Prof. M. Balasubrahmanyam. Based on the report by the commission, the termination of S.R.V Music School was withdrawn and the school was upgraded as a music college.

SRV coll. of music and perf. arts, Thrissur, keralaen.wikipedia.org

The school offers the Senior Music Certificate course. A pass in the SSLC examination or its equivalent is a must for admission. are eligible for the course. The syllabus for the Certificate Course is on par with that of the B.A. Music course. Certificate holders are eligible for the appointment as a teacher in government schools. Thousands of alumni of this school are working in various schools, etc across Kerala. As for college courses, four courses are being offered here with only 10 students for each course. The college is affiliated to Calicut University.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sree_Rama_Varma_Music_School
"Thrissur music school celebrates centenary". The Hindu. 5 February 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2018.

"Music show for school upgradation". The Hindu. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
"Prof.M.Balasubrahmanyan, The Special Officer". Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 25 April 2015.

Kerala Klamandalam,Thrissure www.trawell.in/

In India, many states have performing arts and culture native to their places and, no doubt, they capture the ethos of the region, the impact of religion and long-cherished traditions. It is imperative that such native arts such as Bharata Natyam of Tamil Nadu, Kathakili of Kerala, Odisi of Odisha (Orissa), etc need to be preserved and passed on to the next generation of people. This is done with care so that these art forms won't fade out over a period of time. In South India Kalashetra in Adyar, Chennai and Kalamandalam in Thrissur, Kerala play a major role offering courses in Indian performing arts and preserving them for posterity.

As for Kerala's Kalamandalam, a deemed to be University of Art and Culture run by the Government of India, it is in a small town Cheruthuruthy close to Thrissur city. Located on the banks of the Bharathapuzha (river) in the midst of a serene ambiance, it is a major center for learning Indian performing arts, with particular reference to those developed in the Southern states of India. Special emphasis is given to art forms native to Kerala.

During the colonial time under the Raj the three major classical dance performing arts of Kerala such as Kathakali, Kudiyattam and Mohiniyattam were, in the early part of 20th century and a bit before that, facing near extinction, almost in the final phases of disappearance. Part of the reason was, the colonial regulations had a hold on the society across India because Indian freedom struggles had begun to peak. But for the efforts of some like - minded people who realized the ethos of native performing arts was under threat, they would have become a forgotten chapter in Indian history.

Kerala Klamandalam,Thrissur collegedunia.com

Kerala Klamandalam,Thrissur .alamy.com/

It was at this most crucial time in 1927 Vallathol Narayana Menon and Mukunda Raja made serious efforts and formed a society called ''Kerala Kalamandalam''. At the outset, the main hurdles were financial constrains and additional support from the local community. Their dedication to get donations for the society from the public and through conduct of lottery bore them fruits. With enough funds, Kerala Kalamandalam was inaugurated in November 1930 at Kunnamkulam, Kakkad. It was later shifted to Cheruthuruthy, just south of Shoranur in 1933. Thanks to the munificence of the Maharajah of Cochin who donated land and a building. The first to come up was the dance department and they introduced Mohiniyattom that needed revival.

Functioning under the Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Kerala, Kalamandalam is a grant-in-aid institution and in 2007, it was accorded the status of 'Deemed University for Art and Culture' by the Government of India. In 2010, University Grants Commission ( UGC of India) accorded 'A' category status for Kerala Kalamandalam, thus it became the only deemed university in Kerala state with the prestigious status.

Being a unique institution of good repute, Kerala Kalamandalam attracted PMs like Nehru (1955) for the silver Jubilee function, Indira Gandhi (1980) and V. P. Singh in 1990. Manmohan Singh was the fourth Prime Minister to visit this institution in September 2012.

What is special about Kerala Klamandalam and what performing arts does it offer? The main focus is on India's traditional classical dances and theater forms, in particular, those native to Kerala - like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kudiyattam, Thullal, Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Nangiar Koothu, besides the traditional orchestra called Panchavadyam. This hollowed institution also imparts training in native percussion instruments like chenda, maddalam and mizhavu.

Kerala Klamandalam,Thrissure youtube.com

The most impressive aspect of Kalamandalam is strict adherence to traditional methods of teaching that was common across India centuries ago. The ''gurukula sampradayam'', which is an ancient Indian educational system based on residential tutelage. The Gurukula Sampradaya provides a unique opportunity for the students to interact closely with the teacher (Guru). This way there develops a close rapport between the teacher and the students who learn things in a relaxed atmosphere and exchange ideas/concepts without any reservation or inhibition. It is an ancient tradition of residential schooling where students stayed with the teachers. The first vice chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam was K G Paulose (2007) and the last chairman of Kerala kalamandalam was O N V Kurup. Present vice chancellor is T K Narayanan.

Kerala Klamandalam: Koothambalam (theater) flickr.com

This institution, with a view to giving fillips to the performing arts, honors reputed performers with awards. Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar who was the Guru of K.J. Yesudas, well-known classical and play-back singer in films was the first recipient of its Suvarna Mudra (gold medal). Later Natyacharya Mani Madhava Chakyar was the recipient of the first Fellowship. The institution also gives away the annual Kalamandalam award.

Tit-bits:
A gurukula or gurukulam (Sanskritic word: ) was a type of residential education system in ancient India with 'shishya' ('students' or 'disciples') living near or with the guru, in the same house/premises. The guru-shishya tradition is believed to be a sacred one in Hinduism and is followed in other religious groups in India, such as Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. The word gurukula is a combination of the Sanskrit words guru ('teacher' or

Gurukula siddhagurukulam.in/

'master') and kula ('family' or 'home'). Before the British colonial rule, they served as South Asia's primary educational system. The term is also used today to refer to residential monasteries or schools operated by modern gurus. The proper plural of the term is gurukulam, though gurukulas and gurukuls are also used in English and some other Western languages.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerala_Kalamandalam

Roppkund Skeletal lake, Uttrakhand, India uttarakhandsanskriti.com

Roppkund Skeletal lake, Uttrakhand, India,en.wikipedia.org.

There are many mysterious places world over and countless people with inquisitive mind go after them either to appreciate or unravel the mystery and in their pursuit, they gain knowledge as well as immense pleasure. The skeletal lake in the higher reaches of the Himalayas above 16000 feet from the mean sea level is a fascinating one because, it has layers of riddle with respect to the presence of human skeletons. Some scientific explanations are available about the mystery

Located at an altitude of 16,470 feet (5,020 m) in the Himalayan region of Uttrakhand state, the Roopkund glacial lake is a popular hiking destination and attracts lots of tourists. Often called 'Mystery Lake', that contains lots of human skeletons, it lies in the lap of Trishul massif surrounded by rock fragments, glaciers and snow-clad mountains.

An interesting feature of this lake that has gained the attention of many anthropologists world over is the presence of hundreds of ancient human skeletons in the lake which has a depth of two meters. They are visible at its bottom when the snow melts every year. That will be for just one month. The general consensus has been that the skeletons belong to a group of people who were killed in a sudden, violent hailstorm in the 9th century. However, the mystery of Skeleton Lake remains a riddle as of today though various explanations are given as to their occurrence in this part that is not fit for human habitation. It was in 1942, for the first time, skeletons were rediscovered by Nanda Devi game reserve ranger Hari Kishan Madhwal. It is said that though their presence had been known since the late 19th century, the British rulers were under the impression that the skeletons represented casualties of a hidden Japanese invasion force. Later it became known that the Roopkund skeletons were very much older than expected and Japanese invasion theory was ruled out.

Roppkund skeletal lake, indiatoday.in

Wooden artifacts, iron spearheads, leather slippers, and rings were also found along with the skeletons. The National Geographic magazine team that retrieved about 30 skeletons, surprisingly found flesh still attached to some of them.. This light preservation of flesh was due to extreme cold condition prevailing here. DNA analysis done at the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad found out that 70 percent of them had shown close link with Iran, while the rest belonged to the local population. It means the Iranian group came here for permanent settlement and the local people acted as porters.

Roopkund glacial lake, Uttarkhand state adventurenation.com

Close to roopkund area, Uttrakhund, India adventurenation.com

The origin of human skeleton in the glacial lake is a contentious issue. But why the genetically unrelated men and women travelled to this god-forsaken area and ended up in the skeleton lake? How they died and what made them come to the upper reaches of the Himalayan mountain, is still a mystery that has no acceptable answer.

Roppkund skeletal lake, Uttrakhand indiatoday.in

According to the local legend, the King of Kanauj, Raja Jasdhaval, with his pregnant wife, Rani Balampa, and his entourage while on their pilgrimage to Nana Devi shrine, were caught in a heavy and in the aftermath they died near the glacial lake - Roopkund Lake. Radiocarbon dating done in the past found that the remains are from very different periods. All of the remains with South Asian ancestry were dated to around 800 BCE., while the other skeletal remains analyzed were dated to around 1800 BCE. “These findings refute previous suggestions that the skeletons of Roopkund Lake were deposited in a ''single catastrophic event,” the scientists explain, in Nature Communications. Harney et al in 2018 took up Genome-wide DNA study and concluded that that there are two different distinct groups - one group has south Asian ancestry of 9th century and other has link with enigmatic east Mediterranean people, dating back to 200 years. There is also a third group mainly from India. These people were apparently neither Hindus nor pilgrims. The death occurred in multiple periods; atleast two episodes separated by 1000 years as per the above study.

As for the common cause of death, the studies of skeletons suggest blows to the back of the head caused by round objects about the size of a cricket ball falling from above. As mentioned above, the researchers concluded that the victims were caught unawares in a sudden hailstorm from which there was no escape for them.

Tit-bits:
01. Roopkund is a tourist and high mountain hiking destination in the district of Chamoli, Uttakhand state.

02'. Nanda Devi Raj jat takes place here every year and lots of people come here and worship Nanda Devi.

03. The Skeletal lake is a glacial lake and melts once a year and the duration is short- just one month.

04. In the last one decade or so, this lake has become a popular destination for people seeking outdoor adventure.

05. As lots of people flock here during the glacial melt, many of them, out of curiosity, carry away the skeletons as a sort of souvenir.

06. Along with the district administration of Chamoli headed by a Magistrate and collector, the state govt has a plan to develop the area as an Eco-tourism destination in an effort to protect the skeletons.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roopkund

https://www.adventurenation.com/blog/roopkund-trek-a-journey-to-an-unusual-skeleton-lake-that-remained-frozen-in-past/

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/india-skeleton-lake-contains-bones-mysterious-european-migrants

Delhi's impressive monument - the Mausoleum of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq

Delhi's impressive monument - the Mausoleum of Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq

Ala'i Dharwaza (Alauddin's gate), Delhi - first tall dome built in India - a UNESCO world heritage site

Interesting Nandi (bull) temple in Khajuraho, India

Nandi temple, Bangalore - one of the largest monolithic stone bulls in the world!!

Inspiring ''Pura Ulun Danu Beratan'', Lord Shiva's temple in Bali Island, Indonesia

The Mundeshwari Devi Temple, Bihar - one of the oldest Hindu temples in India!!

The Shankaracharya temple (c.220, BC dedicated to God Shiva), Srinagar, Kashmir

Patriot Dinesh Gupta who along with two others shot dead IG Simpson, Kolkata - British India

Murder of British Collector James Peddy, Midnapur, Bengal - Why was he killed by the revolutionaries?

The Gwalior Monument, Kolkata - a legacy of Angelo-Maratha war - early colonial rule

''Salt Satyagraha Memorial'', Dandi, Gujarat - legacy of Indian freedom struggle in the British Raj

India's Independence Day, 2019

The myth of Holwell's ''Black Hole'' tragedy memorial, Kolkata and the number of casualties

Colesworthy Grant's Memorial, Calcutta - first Colonial animal activist and crusader

The Hastings Diamond, gift from the Nizam of Hyderabad, Deccan.India to King George III

Mind-boggling Bhoramdeo temple, Chhattisgarh state - well-known for erotic sculptures

S.R.V. Music School, Thrissur first music school in Kerala survived closure

Kerala Kalamandalam, an institution of great repute that keeps Indian performing arts and dance forms alive

Roopkund lake and the mysterios tumbling human skeletons, Uttrakhand state, India