Indian History

Mysore Palace / Image Credit A fine specimen of Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, Mysore Palace is a wonderful feat of engineering which makes it a huge drawcard for millions of tourists every year.  Also known as ‘Amba Palace’, the Mysore Palace was built over a period of 15 years at the beginning of the 20th century at a cost estimated at the time to be around 4 million Indian rupees. A treasure-trove of exquisite sculptures and works of art, the structure features stained glass ceilings and Italian crystal chandeliers.  This Mysore’s most enduring symbol is a testament to the pomp and grandeur of one of India's notably wealthy princely states-  Wadiyar dynasty.   Designed by an English architect, Henry Irwin, the Mysore Palace is at its exuberant best during 10-day Dusshera festival when the stunning palace is illuminated at night by thousands of bulbs. 

Sheesha Mahal,  Mehrangarh Fort / Image credit Emphatically not to be missed while you're in Jodhpur is a visit to the historic Mehrangarh Fort. This impressive fort, whose ramparts rise from a sheer-sided sandstone outcrop, houses several beautiful palaces, temples and gardens. As you enter the crenelated walls of the fort through its arched gates, it is like stepping into the medieval past.    Mehrangarh Fort / Image Credit Crowning a perpendicular cliff, the Mehrangarh Fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD , around which the city grew. Within it, the fort contains the Maharaja's palace, several temples and an extensive garden. Highlights of the fort include Moti Mahal (Pearl Hall), Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Hall), Phool Mahal (Flower Hall), Zenana Deodi where the king’s wives spent their time, Chamunda Mataji Temple and a museum.

    Mayadevi_Temple_in_Lumbini / Image credit Located in the Rupandehi District in Nepal, Lumbini is the spiritual centre of Buddhism. For Buddhists, a visit to this Buddhist site is one the most important religious and spiritual journeys of their life. The reason is not far to seek. It was in Lumbini that the Buddha, one of history’s greatest teachers, was born. Its central temple, Maya Devi Temple, is an obligatory stop on the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. Unsurprisingly this UNESCO World Heritage–listed site is a huge drawcard for the Buddhist pilgrims from around the world. Lumbini is one of the four main sacred sites of the Buddhist religion. Other three are Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar - all located in India.  Apart from the Maya Devi Temple, many monasteries and temples of various Buddhist traditions dot the town, built in their national style by foreign Buddhist communities.  Maya Devi Temple  The spiritually important Maya Devi Temple marks the exact spot where Siddhartha

                                                                                  Karla Caves / Image Credit 8 km from the hill station of Lonavala in Maharashtra, Karla is home to awe-inspiring Buddhist caves dating back to 2nd century BC. The most striking highlight of these caves is the presence of a deep apsidal chaitya hall cut in solid rock which is hailed as the largest in India. Chaitya is a sacred spot or shrine indigenous to Buddhism. Made in the first century BC, the chaitya of Karla is cut 124 feet deep into the rock. Karla cave is much developed in size and splendour when compared to other caves of that period.  The columns of the chaitya are ornately carved and each of them is set a square stepped plinth. Each of 37 pillars sports a group of horses and elephants with riders to support the roof. The Karla caves have three entrances and splendid relief panels of dampati couples with small carved gable-ends above.  The large windows let light into the hall.  How to reach Kar

                                             Corbusier boating at Sukhna Lake/ Image Source Chandigarh came into being thanks to the need of a new capital city to serve as the capital of the state of Punjab. The partition of Punjab, as a corollary to the partition of British India into the two nations of India and Pakistan in 1947, resulted in the incorporation of Lahore in Pakistan.  As no other city was considered to be fit for being the capital of Punjab, the idea of building a new city gained ground.  Chandigarh, literally meaning "the fort of Chandi", is named after Chandi Mandir, a temple of goddess Chandi, situated in the Panchkula District of the state of Haryana. The famous French architect and urban planner, Le Corbusier, was entrusted with the task of designing the city. Today Chandigarh is a union territory serving as the capital of Punjab and Haryana which was created carving out of the eastern portion of  Punjab state.