Archive for the 'History' Category
Travel India Jabalpur
Author: Binoy Gupta
Land of the romantic Marble Rocks
and Kipling’s Jungle Book
When you think of a romantic cruise amongst marble rocks, think of Jabalpur.
And when you think of Snooker, think of Jabalpur again, because snooker was invented here.
Jabalpur is located almost in the centre of India.
It is the first district in India which obtained the ISO-9001 certificate.
This has come into force from April 1, 2007.
The present city dates from the nineteenth century and has wide and well planned roads.
Jabalpur is famous for beautiful formations of Marble Rocks (Bhedaghat) through which flows the holy Narmada River.
read comments (123)Travel India Bhimbetka Caves
Author: Binoy Gupta
Earliest Human Settlements in India
The Bhimbetka Caves, or Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, (also known as ‘Bhim Baithaka’ meaning Bhim’s seat), located at the southern edge of the Vindhyachal Hills, 45 km south of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, contain 15,000 year old Stone Age rock paintings – the earliest evidences of human life in India.The rock paintings, which are in remarkably good condition even today, take us on a journey into time and tell us about the lifestyle of our ancestors over a period spanning thousands of years.
Mythology
According to mythology, when the five Pandavas were banished from their kingdom, they came and stayed here in these caves. They even built a palace at Lakhajuhar made out of lac.
Bhima used the massive rocks for sitting. This is why the place is also called ‘Bhim Baithaka’. Read the rest of this entry »
Travel India Jaisalmer
Author: Binoy Gupta
The Golden City
Where would you go if you wanted to see sand, desert and sand dunes in India?
It is crowned by a fort, which contains the palace buildings and beautiful Jain temples.
Many of the houses and temples are beautifully sculpted.
History
According to legend, Lord Krishna told Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom on top of Trikuta Hill.
Travel India Leh – I
Author: Binoy Gupta
Enigmatic land of Sand and Snow
Ladakh is unique.
It is unlike any other place in the world.
It really belongs to a bye gone era forgotten by time itself. Ladakh is the enigmatic land of sand and snow.
You can see snow covered mountains and sand dunes in the same place – at heights exceeding 11,500 feet (3,520 metres).
You can ride on long haired two humped camels or watch highly endangered birds and animals.
You can amble through ancient monasteries dramatically perched on high mountains and join the monks in their daily prayers or explore the mysterious corridors of old palaces.
You can indulge yourself in white water rafting or trek through the enchanting wilderness for a couple of days or more. Read the rest of this entry »
Travel India Kali Mirch
Author: Binoy Gupta
Spices of India – My Favourite Spice
My favourite spice is Kali Mirch.
I love to sprinkle a little powdered Kali Mirch on my buttered toast every morning.
And my wife uses it in a number of dishes.
You can see Kali Mirch plants in Spice Plantations, Coconut Plantations and Areca Nut Plantations throughout Kerala (South India), Karnataka and Goa.
The Name
The English name for Kali Mirch is Black Pepper.
The word Pepper is derived from the Sanskrit name Pippali or Pippalii.
This became Péperi in Greek and Piper in Latin.
Read the rest of this entry »
Travel India Kolhapur
Author: Binoy Gupta
Shakti Peeth of Mahalakshmi and
the Gateway to Karnataka and Goa
Kolhapur is famous for its Mahalakshmi Temple which devout Hindus believe will fulfill all their wishes.
There are plenty of places to see around. And, you can stay in a real lake side palace without making a big hole in your pocket.
Travel India Chidambaram
Author: Binoy Gupta
Unique Temple of the Formless Shiva
I have visited Chidambaram several times for three reasons.
· To meander through the Mangrove Forests of Pichavaram to the beach beyond.
· To visit, attend or give lectures at the Annamalai University.
· And to visit the Chidambaram Temple.
Travel India Dwarka
Author: Binoy Gupta
The Real Atlantis
The western most of Adi Shankaracharya’s Four Dhams
Some time ago, my mother wanted me to take her to Dwarka, the last of the Four Dhams of Adi Shankaracharya (we had already visited the other three).
The fact is she loved to travel. I also love to travel.
And there were many other places to see around Dwarka. So we landed in Dwarka.
The story of Atlantis flashed through my mind.
The Lost Isle of Atlantis
Travel India – Mundgod – Mini Tibet of India
Author: Binoy Gupta
You will be surprised there is a mini Tibet in a remote part of India. Read about it.
Mini Tibet of India
Ever heard of the Mini Tibet of India?
No. I am not talking about Dharamshala, the head quarters of His Highness, the Hon’ble Dalai Lama, the political and spritual leader of the Tibetans. I am talking about Mundgod.
Mundgod was a non descript panchayat town in the State of Karnataka in India. Today, is the repository of Tibetan life and culture. It showcases the life style and ambitions of the Tibetan refugees and reflects the gradual transformation of a traditional society into modernity. It has rightfully earned the name ‘Mini Tibet’.
Read the rest of this entry »
Travel India Murud Janjira – the invincible fort
Author: Binoy Gupta
Murud Janjira
Murud is a beautiful fishing village on the western coast of India – about 5 hours drive from Bombay (Mumbai). Since it has a municipality, water supply, schools and hospitals, you could even term it a small town.
It has a beautiful beach ideal for swimming, bathing and water sports. The beach is fringed with swaying coconut trees, a variety of palm trees and casuarinas. Unfortunately, the only water sport presently available is boating, sailing and deep sea fishing.
Murud is historically important because it was the capital of the Janjira State (area – 842 sq. kms.). The Nawabs of Janjira ruled the area around from here. The Janjira Fort is located 2 kms. into the sea – about 6 kms. from Murud.
Read the rest of this entry »