Monday, 20 July 2015
Saturday, 18 July 2015
Wednesday, 15 July 2015
Friday, 10 July 2015
Thursday, 9 July 2015
Wednesday, 8 July 2015
Monday, 6 July 2015
Aurangabad Hyderabad Air Service By Month End
The Long awaited Aurangabad (IXU) - Hyderabad (HYD) air service will start operation by July end. Turbo Megha Airways, a company from South India will start this service. a trail flight arrived at Aurangabad Airport from Hyderabad on Sunday. Passengers can now travel Aurangabad to Hyderabad in just 1 hrs 20 minutes and vise versa. The company officials inspected all the facilities available at the airport. The flight will be operated daily on this route with the capacity of 72 passenger.
Saturday, 4 July 2015
Lonar
Situated on the outskirts of Loanar town in Buldhana District, the Lonar Crater was first discovered in 1823 by British officer, J.E. Alexander. It is also written about in ancient scripts like the Skanda Puran, the Padma Puran and the Aaina-i-Akbari.
Lonar is distinguished by the fact that it is the world's third largest crater. It has its genesis nearly 50,000 years ago, when a 2 million-ton meteorite impacted the earth to create a depression 1.83 kilometers in diameter and 150 meters deep.
Since that cataclysmic event, Lonar has evolved into an idyllic expanse of sky blue water amidst a sprawling emerald forest that stretches around it as far as the eye can see. Today, it attracts casual tourists as well as members of the scientific community from across the world, including research agencies like the Smithsonian Institution of Washington DC, the US Geological Survey, the Geological Society of India, and Sagar University, Jabalpur, and Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, which have conducted extensive studies about the site.
But, the scientific angle aside, this destination also has much to offer wildlife enthusiasts as it is generously endowed in both flora and fauna. The crater is home to hundreds of peafowl, chinkara and gazelles, which browse amongst the shrubs and bushes ringing the lake. Other residents include egrets, moor hens, herons, coots, white-necked storks, lapwings, grey wagtails, grebes, black droungos, green bee-eaters, tailorbirds, magpies and robins - as well as numerous species of migratory birds that often visit the place.
Lonar impresses with the richness of its natural heritage. And, like the meteorite that put it on the map, leaves a lasting impression.
Lonar is distinguished by the fact that it is the world's third largest crater. It has its genesis nearly 50,000 years ago, when a 2 million-ton meteorite impacted the earth to create a depression 1.83 kilometers in diameter and 150 meters deep.
Since that cataclysmic event, Lonar has evolved into an idyllic expanse of sky blue water amidst a sprawling emerald forest that stretches around it as far as the eye can see. Today, it attracts casual tourists as well as members of the scientific community from across the world, including research agencies like the Smithsonian Institution of Washington DC, the US Geological Survey, the Geological Society of India, and Sagar University, Jabalpur, and Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, which have conducted extensive studies about the site.
But, the scientific angle aside, this destination also has much to offer wildlife enthusiasts as it is generously endowed in both flora and fauna. The crater is home to hundreds of peafowl, chinkara and gazelles, which browse amongst the shrubs and bushes ringing the lake. Other residents include egrets, moor hens, herons, coots, white-necked storks, lapwings, grey wagtails, grebes, black droungos, green bee-eaters, tailorbirds, magpies and robins - as well as numerous species of migratory birds that often visit the place.
Lonar impresses with the richness of its natural heritage. And, like the meteorite that put it on the map, leaves a lasting impression.
Dajipur
The jungle resort of Dajipur is situated on the border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts. Surrounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, this secluded little place is completely cut-off from human habitat. Home to bison, wild deer, chital, gawa and many more spectacular wild animals and birds. Dajipur is an exciting and beautiful holiday getaway, situated 1200 metres above sea level. An excursion in the vicinity to the Gagangiri Maharaj's Math makes for a pleasant outing. This scenic resort near the backwaters of the Radhanagari Dam is highly recommended for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Fauna: Bison, Wild Deer, Chital and Gawa.
Chikhaldara
| Featured in the epic, the Mahabharata, this is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka in a herculean bout and then threw him into the valley. It thus came to be known as Keechakadara -- Chikhaldara is its corruption. But there's more to Chikhaldara. The sole hill resort in the Vidarbha region, it is situated at an altitude of 1118 m and has the added dimension of being the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra. It abounds in wildlife -- panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar, and even the rarely seen wild dogs. Close by is the famous Melghat Tiger Project which has 82 tigers. The scenic beauty of Chikhaldara can be enjoyed from Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, and Devi Point. Other interesting excursions include Gavilgad and Narnala Fort, the Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Tribal Museum and the Semadoh Lake. |
| Its Flora are Teak, Ain, Bamboo, Tiwas, Dhaoda, Kusum, Mahua. |
Its abound wildlife are Tiger, Leopard, Sloth bear, Wild dog, Jackal, Sambar, Indian Bison, Barking Deer, Blue Bull, Spotted Deer, Chausingha, Ratel, Flying Squirrel, Wild Boar, Langur, Rhesus Monkey, Porcupine, Pangolin, Mouse deer. |
Panchgani
Panchgani (“Panch” = 5, “Gani” = hills) which derives its name from the five hills that surround it, known for its boarding schools and its strawberry and raspberry farms.
Then you amble along the walkways thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation and delight in the secrets you stumble upon. The Krishna snakes through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines hundreds of metres below. From Table Land, a flat mountain top, you look down in wonder at the coastal plains.
The next day you're astride your faithful horse as it canters along uncharted routes through hidden lovers' lanes to Kamalgad Fort.
Panchgani derives its names from the five or 'panch' hills around it. At an altitude of 1334 m it is just 38 m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38 m translate themselves into a breathtaking 18 km approach offering heart-stopping views of the Krishna River on the one side and the coastal plains on the other. Panchagni is the quintessential residential hill station with an old world charm. This can be seen in the architecture of the British buildings, the Parsi houses and the boarding houses that have been around for a century or more. For glimpses of a vanished era, a special visit can be arranged to some of the old British and Parsi homes.
The walkways are thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation. The Krishna meanders through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines, hundreds of meters below. Table Land, a flat mountain peak majestically overlooks the coastal plains. Hours can be spent at the bazaar -- Panchgani is one of those rare places that doesn't crowd anyone yet in its own unhurried way deeply touches every visitor.
Then you amble along the walkways thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation and delight in the secrets you stumble upon. The Krishna snakes through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines hundreds of metres below. From Table Land, a flat mountain top, you look down in wonder at the coastal plains.
The next day you're astride your faithful horse as it canters along uncharted routes through hidden lovers' lanes to Kamalgad Fort.
Panchgani derives its names from the five or 'panch' hills around it. At an altitude of 1334 m it is just 38 m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38 m translate themselves into a breathtaking 18 km approach offering heart-stopping views of the Krishna River on the one side and the coastal plains on the other. Panchagni is the quintessential residential hill station with an old world charm. This can be seen in the architecture of the British buildings, the Parsi houses and the boarding houses that have been around for a century or more. For glimpses of a vanished era, a special visit can be arranged to some of the old British and Parsi homes.
The walkways are thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation. The Krishna meanders through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines, hundreds of meters below. Table Land, a flat mountain peak majestically overlooks the coastal plains. Hours can be spent at the bazaar -- Panchgani is one of those rare places that doesn't crowd anyone yet in its own unhurried way deeply touches every visitor.
Matheran
| Your toy train chugs along slowly without a care in the world. During the two hour ascent, food vendors and monkeys jump on and off as the valley glides by sedately. |
| Sprawling languidly at an altitude of 800 metres is Matheran - an undulating hilltop cloaked in green. |
| The cliffs of Matheran with incredibly steep drops to the plains below offer stunning viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day and night, leave you feeling light headed. Standing at Hart Point in pitch darkness you get a breathtaking glimpse of the lights of busy Bombay. Matheran abounds in such quixotically named points. popular sites for picnics and fireside revelry. |
The old world charm of the British and Parsi home capitavtes you all the way up to the Charlotte Lake. On each trip through the main bazaar you purchase some of its attractions - care and leather articles, hats, chappals and the irresistible chikki loved by young and old alike. |
Khandala & Lonavala
| The twin hill resorts of Khandala and Lonavala have a special attraction for the Mumbai crowd seeking a convenient weekend holiday in the hills. |
| A mere 3 hours by road from Mumbai, beautifully landscaped Lonavala and Khandala are famous for their seemingly innumerable varieties of chikki. But they also offer many sites worth visiting. Trekking is a good way to get around, but having a vehicle (even a bicycle) is still better, as some points of interest are quite some distance from the main towns. |
Other attractions: Bhushi Dam, Valvan Dam, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital, Duke’s Nose, Ryewood Park, Tiger’s Leap |
Mahableshwar
| Soaring peaks, breathtaking valleys. Lush flora. Cool, crisp mountain air. This is Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra’s most popular hill station, and once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during the British Raj. | ||||
| Mahabaleshwar means ‘God of Great Power’ in Sanskrit. Indeed, the place is great and bountiful, rewarding the visitor with a mix of old-world charm, natural beauty and modernity. | ||||
| A tour of Mahabaleshwar town and the surrounding countryside would take at least a couple of days as there is much to see and experience. The town bazaar is called Malcolm Peth after the then British Governor of Bombay, Sir John Malcolm. It lies at the heart of Mahableshwar with its hotels, shops, restaurants, outlying bungalows, government offices, and jostling crowds. | ||||
| Mahabaleshwar has proper, motorable roads to every point worth visiting. So one could tour the place by car, jeep, or even horseback. There are many buildings and sites that take one back to the days of the Raj. There’s Mount Malcolm, the one-time residence of Governor Malcolm; Moraji Castle, where Mahatma Gandhi lived during 1945; and the Mahabaleshwar Club. | ||||
| As short drive from town is the beautiful Venna Lake, where one can go boating, fishing, and pony riding. Or indulge oneself at the entertainment center with its numerous food and game stalls. Near the lake, further down the road on the way to neighbouring Panchgani, are the great strawberry fields. | ||||
| Mahabaleshwar is known for its numerous sightseeing points, each providing a unique perspective of the majestic hill range. En route to Babington Point is Dhom dam, which is a good place to take a break. Or one could visit Old Mahabaleshwar and the famous Panchganga Mandir, which is said to contain the springs of five rivers: Koyna, Venna, Savitri, Gayatri and the sacred Krishna River. | ||||
| Mahableshwar is a great holiday destination throughout the year, except for the monsoon months. During the late-June to mid-September period, torrential rains virtually shutdown this hill station, so travel is not advised at this time. Mahabaleshwar has many points offering great views of flat-topped ghats, dense forests and lush green valleys. Lodwick Point, towering almost 1,240 meters above sea level, is one of the most visited Points and holds a monument in memory of General Lodwick Arthur’s Seat is well liked too for its great view of the Jor Valley. About a kilometer away lies Tiger’s Spring, and if you venture further down you’ll come to a ledge named The window – a point that’s famous for its mesmerizing view. There are many locations offering pleasant views of the plains below: Wilson Point, Carnac Point, Helen’s Point, Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Bombay Point, Falkland Point, and Kate Point are all well known There are pleasant waterfalls also worth visiting, such as Chinaman’s Falls, Dhobi Falls and Lingmala Falls, the latter being the most impressive, cascading almost 600 ft from a cliff! Another tourist attraction is the Sangam, or the confluence of the five rivers that flow over the Deccan Plateau. Mahabaleshwar is famous for its fruit products, Strawberries, honey, Jams, crushes and chikki (a sweet made from jaggery and an assortment of nuts) are a favourite buy-and so is handcrafted leather footwear. |
Ganpatipule - Clean Beach
| Ganapatipule is one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast - an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike. |
| The temple of Swayambhu (self-originated) Ganesh is much frequented by thousands every year. The God is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta (Western Sentinel God of India), and those who visit Ganapatipule, make it a point to pay their respects to this great deity. |
| Aside from its clean beach and clear waters, Ganapatipule is rich in flora, including mangroves and coconut palms. Here, you can leave the hectic world behind as you laze around on golden sands or explore the many trails that lead from the beach. Mumbai-Ganapatipule (via Mahad) is 375 kms. Pune-Ganapatipule (via Satara) is 331 kms. Kolhapur-Ganaptipule is 144 kms. Many festivals are celebrated along the Konkan Coast. Among the most significant are Gauri Ganapti and Magh Chaturthi (the fourth day of the lunar month of Magh, believed to be the birth date of Lord Ganapati). Ganapatipule offers a variety of local preparations, like ambapoli (thin pancakes of crushed and dried mango) and phanspoli (thin pancakes of dried and crushed jackfruit). Fish curries and the kokam kadi (a pink - coloured digestive drink) are also worth trying. Vegetarians can feast on simple, yet tasty, fare: dal, vegetables prepared with a coconut base and modak - a sweet (and a favourite dish of Lord Ganesh). If you're here in summer you can also relish Devgad Hapus, the most famous variety of mangoes in the world. Marleshwar, 60 km. from Ganapatiple, is famous for its Shiva temple and waterfall. Derwan, 85 km from Ganapatipule, is well known for its exhibition on Chhatrapati Shivaji. |
Haji Ali - Mumbai
Mahalaxmi Shrine - Kolapur
| This exquisitely carved temple draws millions of pilgrims from all over India and is an important spiritual center. Over the years, members of several royal families have sought the blessings of the goddess -- Mahalaxmi or Amba Bai. The temple complex has artistically sculpted structures and houses the temples of other deitiessuch as Kashi Vishweshwar, Kartikaswami, Sheshashayi, Siddhivinayak, Mahaswaraswati, Mahakali, Shree Dutta and Shree Ram. |
| In the seventh century AD, the Chalukya ruler, Karandev initiated the construction of this temple and later on in the ninth century, the Shilahara Yadavas beautified it further. The sanctum sanctorum houses the revered idol of the goddess weighing 40 kgs. The idol has not been fashioned by any human being but exists in its natural form -- a primeval monolith of uncut diamonds and precious stones. This is known as Swayambhu. |
Besides the 'Palkhi' ritual performed on every Friday, there are enthusiastic celebrations on the Hindu festivals of Chaitra Poornima and Navratri. The temple also holds music concerts wherein renowned artistes perform during festivals. This temple is located near kolhapur. |
Shirdi Sai Baba Shrine
122 kms from Nashik is the abode of one of Maharashtra's most revered saint - Sai Baba of Shirdi. Popularly known as the 'Child of God', Sai Baba preached tolerance towards all religions and the message of universal brotherhood. Sai Baba of Shirdi (28 September 1835 – 15 October 1918; resided in Shirdi), also known as Shirdi Sai Baba, was an Indian spiritual master who was and is regarded by his devotees as a saint, fakir, and satguru, according to their individual proclivities and beliefs. He was revered by both his Hindu and Muslim devotees, and during, as well as after, his life it remained uncertain if he was a Hindu or a Muslim himself. This however was of no consequence to Sai Baba himself. Sai Baba stressed the importance of surrender to the guidance of the true Satguru or Murshid, who, having gone the path to divine consciousness himself, will lead the disciple through the jungle of spiritual training.
Sai Baba remains a very popular Master, especially in India, and is worshiped by people around the world. He had no love for perishable things and his sole concern was self-realization. He taught a moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, charity, contentment, inner peace, and devotion to God and guru. He gave no distinction based on religion or caste. Sai Baba's teaching combined elements of Hinduism and Islam: he gave the Hindu name Dwarakamayi to the mosque he lived in, practiced Muslim rituals, taught using words and figures that drew from both traditions, and was buried in Shirdi. One of his well known epigrams, "Sabka Malik Ek" ("One God governs all"), is associated with Hinduism, Islam and Sufism. He also said, "Trust in me and your prayer shall be answered". He always uttered "Allah Malik ("God is King").
Every activity at Shirdi revolves around the vast temple complex dedicated to Sai Baba. Devotees start queuing up in the early hours of dawn to catch a glimpse and seek the blessings of the life-size statue of Sai Baba. Thursday is marked by special pujas and darshan of the Sai Baba statue. There are other places of interest that devotees can visit as well including Dwarkamani Mosque where the Baba meditated and slept on alternate nights. Near the mosque, in a corridor is thedhuni or eternal flame that burns day and night. Other places of importance are the Gurusthan, the Kandoba Temple, Shani Mandir, Narsimha Mandir, Changdev Maharaj Samadhi and the Sakori Ashram.
Raigarh Fort
| Raigarh was Shivaji’s capital, the hill fort where he was crowned (1674 AD) and where he died (1680 AD). Strategically situated on an irregular wedge-shaped mass of rock, detached from the main body of Sahyadri Mountains by a deep valley and inaccessible from three sides, Raigarh is 210 kms south of Mumbai and 27 kms north of Mahad. The fort’s 5.12 sq kms hill-top plateau has three main points Hirakani in the west, Takamak in the north and Bhavani in the east. There is only one pathway to Raigarh, probably in keeping with Shiviaji’s strategy “the fort’s approach should be easy for friends and impossible for foes”. A motorable road leads to Chit Darwaja, about 2 kms from Pachad, the village at the base, where lies the Samadhi of Jijabai, Shivaji’s mother. A long climb from Pachad takes one to the Mahadarwaza, flanked by two massive bastions and a high curtain wall. |
| The top plateau is covered with a large number of remains of buildings and reservoirs. Behind the Ganga Sagar reservoir are two high towers, in Muslim style. Behind the towers is the Balekilla or citadel, entered by the Palakhi-darwaza. On way to the right are remains of chambers of women of Royal families and on the left those of the Darbar of Shivaji. On a low mound in the centre is the site of Shivaji’s throne. Further north is the two-row market place, the Jagadishwar temple in an enclosure and the Samadhi of shivaji, and also that of his favourite dog, Waghya. |
The history of Raigarh, earlier known as Rairi, is obscure. In the 12th century Rairi was a seat of the Shirke-Palegar family. After changing several hands, it was captured by Shivaji from Chandrarao More in 1656 AD. Shivaji chose Rairi for his capital and renamed it as Raigarh. The gigantic construction work was entrusted to Abaji Sondeve and Hiroji Indulkar. In its heyday Raigarh had more than 300 houses, and structures. After Shivaji, the fort remained in the hands of Sambhaji till 1689 AD, when it was captured by the Mughals. Reverted to the Marathas in 1735 AD, Raigarh was surrendered to the British in 1818 AD. |
Murud - Janjira Fort
| Situated on a rock of oval shape near the port town of Murud, 165 kms south of Mumbai, Janjira is one of the strongest marine forts of India (the word ‘Janjira’ is a corruption of the Arabic word Jazira for island). The forts is approached by sailboats from Rajapuri jetty. The main gate of the fort faces Rajapuri on the shore and can be seen only when one is quite close to it. It has a small postern gate towards the open sea for escape. The fort has 19 rounded bastions, still intact. There are many canons of native and European make rusting on the bastions. Now in ruins, the fort in its heyday had all necessary facilities, e.g., palaces, quarters for officers, mosque, a big fresh water tank, etc. On the outer wall flanking the main gate, there is a sculpture depicting a tiger-like beast clasping elephants in its claws. This sculpture, its meaning difficult to interpret, appears on many fort-gates of Maharashtra. |
Originally the fort was small wooden structure built by a Koli chief in the late 15th century. It was captured by Pir Khan, a general of Nizamshah of Ahmednagar. Later the fort was strengthened by Malik Ambar, the Abyssinian Siddi regent of Ahmednagar kings. From then onward Siddis became independent, owing allegiance to Adilshah and the Mughals as dictated by the times. Despite their repeated attempts, the Portuguese, the British and the Marathas failed to subdue the Siddi power. Shivaji’s all attempts to capture Janjira fort failed due to one reason or the other. When Sambhaji also failed, he built another island fort, known as Kansa or Padmadurg, just 9kms north of Janjira. The Janjira state came to an end after 1947. The palace of the Nawabs of Janjira at Murud is still in good shape. |
Daultabad Fort
| Devagiri (Daultabad of the later period), 11 kms north-west of Aurangabad, is a famous for its formidable hill fort. The fort is situated on an isolated cone-shaped hill rising abruptly from the plain to the height of about 190 meters. The fortification constitutes of three concentric lines of defensive walls with large number of bastions. The noteworthy features of the fort are the moat, the scarp and the subterranean passage, all hewn of solid rock. The upper outlet of the passage was filled with an iron grating, on which a large fire could be used to prevent the progress of the enemy. The Chand Minar, the Chini Mahal and the Baradari are the important structures within the fort. |
| The Chand Minar, about 63 meters in height, was erected by Alauddin Bahman Shah in 1435 AD to conquest of Daulatabad. Opposite the Minar is the Jumma masjid. Close to it, there is a large masonry tank. The Chini Mahal at the end of the lower for is the place where Abdul Hasan Tana Shah, the last king Golconda, was confined by Aurangzeb in 1687 AD. Nearby is a round bastion topped with a huge canon with ram’s head, called Kila Shikan or Fort breaker. The Baradari, octagonal in shape, stands near the summit of the fort. The principal bastion at the summit also carries a large canon. |
| Though the city of Devagiri was founded in 1187 AD by the Yadava king Bhillan V, the fort was constructed during the reign of Singhana II (1210-46 AD). It was captured by Ala-ud-Din Kalji in 12 94 AD, marking the first Muslim invasion of the Deccan. Finally in 1318 AD, Malik Kafur killed last Yadava Raja, Harapal. Then in 1327 AD, Muhammed-bin-Tughluq sought to make it his capital, by transferring the entire population of Delhi and changing the name from Devagiri to Daulatabad. Then it was in the possession of the Bhamanis till 1526 AD. The fort remained in Mughal control till Aurangzeb’s death in 1707 AD., when it passed on to the Nizam of Hyderabad. The famous Ellora Caves are just 16 kms away from Devagiri-Daulatabad. |
Elephanta Cave
The Elephanta Caves (natively known as Gharapurichi Leni) are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbor, 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves—the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. The Hindu caves contain Rock Cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
The rock cut architecture of the caves has been dated to between the 5th and 8th centuries, although the identity of the original builders is still a subject of debate. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. All the caves were also originally painted in the past, but now only traces remain.
The main cave (Cave 1, or the Great Cave) was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese rule began in 1534, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was renovated in the 1970's after years of neglect, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork. It is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The island has two groups of caves in the rock-cut architectural style. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. All caves were painted in the past, but only traces remain. The larger group of caves, which consists of five caves on the western hill of the island, is well known for its Hindu sculptures. The primary cave, numbered as Cave 1, is about 1 mile (1.6 km) up a hillside, facing the ocean. It is a rock-cut temple complex that covers an area of 60,000 square feet (5,600 m2), and consists of a main chamber, two lateral chambers, courtyards, and subsidiary shrines. It is 39 meters (128 ft) deep from the front entrance to the back. The temple complex is the abode of Shiva, depicted in widely celebrated carvings which reveal his several forms and acts.
On the eastern part of the island, on the Stupa Hill, there is a small group of caves that house Buddhist monuments. This hill is named after the religious Stupa monument that they display. One of the two caves is incomplete, while the other contains a Stupa made in brick.
Regular excursions to
Elephanta start every day from the Gateway of India by Ferry.
Ellora Cave
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The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the
vertical face of an escarpment, are 26 km north of Aurangabad. Extending in a
linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas or halls of
worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jain temples.
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Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th
century AD, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (Cave 29).The most
imposing excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the
largest monolithic structure in the world. Interestingly, Ellora, unlike the
site of Ajanta, was never 'rediscovered'. Known as Verul in ancient times, it
has continuously attracted pilgrims through the centuries to the present day.
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Ellora has been designed as a World Heritage Site, to be
preserved as an artistic legacy that will continue to inspire and enrich the
lives of generations to come.
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Ajanta Cave
Ajanta and Ellora are the pride of Maharashtra. The rock-cut
caves of both these sites are world famous and illustrate the degree of skill
and artistry that Indian craftsmen had achieved several hundred years ago.
Ajanta dates from 100 B.C. while Ellora is younger by some 600 years. The
village of Ajanta is in the Sahyadri hills, about 99 kms. From Aurangabad; a
few miles away in a mammoth horseshoe-formed rock, are 30 caves overlooking a
gorge, `each forming a room in the hill and some with inner rooms. Al these
have been carved out of solid rock with little more than a hammer and chisel
and the faith and inspiration of Buddhism. Here, for the Buddhist monks, the
artisans excavated Chaityas (chapels) for prayer and Viharas (monasteries)
where they lived and taught. Many of the caves have the most exquisite
detailed carvings on the walls, pillars and entrances as well as magnificent
wall paintings.
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These caves were discovered early in the 19th century quite by
chance by a party of British Officers on manoeuvres. Today the paintings and
sculptures on Buddha’s life, belonging to the more mellow and ritualistic
Mahayana Buddhism period, are world famous. Copies of them were shown in the
Crystal Palace exhibition in London in 1866. These were destroyed in a fire
there. Further copies were published soon afterwards and four volumes of
reproductions were brought out in 1933 by Ghulam Yazdani, the Director of
Archaeology of the then Hyderabad State. Ajanta has formed an epicentre of
interest for those who appreciate and are eager to know more about Indian
history and art.
It is a protected monument
under the Archaeological Survey of India and has been listed in the World
Heritage list of monuments.The 30 caves of Ajanta were created over a span of
some 600 years.
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Heras Institute of Indian History and Culture
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Named after Founder Henry
Heras, the Heras Institute Museum holds valuable and interesting artifacts not only from India but also from West Asia. Perhaps the only
institution in India to possess Mesopotamian cylindrical seals of various
periods, the museum is the realization of Henry Heras dedicated work over
three decades. The section on Indian culture has an impressive
collection of Ghandara sculptures depicting scenes and events from the life
of the Buddha and the Bodhisattva besides a prized panel representing
Amrapali, the well-known courtesan of Vaishali, donating a mango-grove to
Buddha. There are representative images and statues of major religious
groups like the Shaivite, Vaishnavite, Jain, Buddhist and Hindu ritual
vessels and Nepali artifacts.
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Other sections in the
Museum are: Miniature paintings - there is a profusely illustrated manuscript
of Madhumalati, an exquisite piece of Kotah art of 1771 A.D., Indian
Christian Art, rare book and map collections; terracotta from the
Graeco-Parthian period, Indus Valley scripts, seals that range from the 3rd
millennium B. C. to the Assyrian period. The museum is attached to the
Heras Institute of Indian History and Culture, and is open to research
students and scholars.
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Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Ever since the dawn of
civilization, man has been acquainted with the ways of nature. He
learnt to understand and adapt these things to his day-to-day life. The
religious and cultural impact of this knowledge could be seen in his
day-to-day implements. Indian culture has assimilated these forms of
nature - trees, birds, animals, sky, earth, fire, water, sea - in the course
of its evolution and this becomes increasingly evident from our arts, crafts,
languages and religious rites. These works of Indian artisians and
craftsmen inspired Dinkar Kelkar to put to put together single-handedly, a
collection of artifacts and antiquities that would be the envy of any museum
anywhere in the world. The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum.
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The origins of the museum
go back to the early part of this century, to Dinkar Kelkar's childhood
interest in history. During his school days, mathematics was not his
cup of tea, but poetry certainly was not for him the romantic themes that
most poets of his age pursued, but rather, historical poetry. "I
was a lone traveler. in my free time I used to read historical books",
he wrote.
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During his holidays,
Kelkar attempted to make contact with several families with houses that were
centuries old. The traditional artifacts in their houses fascinated
him, and over the years, he began to acquire these objects d'art arranged
them in a room in his own, to give it a historical ambiance. That room
was the beginning of the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Muesum.
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As time went by his
collection grew. By now he was a young married man, with a 'jumble' of
ancient artifacts. Then, suddenly, he was struck by domestic
tragedy. He lost his only son, Raja that loss became the turning point
of his life. He lost interest in everything else and single mindedly pursued
the acquisition of objects d'art. He named the museum after his son and
his memory spurred him on his quest for the past. What started as a
hobby raged into a passion.
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He traveled across the
country in search of art. There are more than, 25,000 exhibits in the
museums. There are glass statuettes, lamps, palanquins, carved artifacts, tinware, ladles, combs, bowls, stones, hukkas, spittoons, locks,
musical instruments, leather dolls, miniature paintings, paintings on glass,
intricately carved wooden doors of ancient dwellings and temples, hanging oil
lamps, hundreds of nut-crackers. A clay figurine from a fair. A
carved settee from and old Parsi home. A toy horse from a ruined palace
nursery. The list is endless. Each bit of treasure was
scrutinized with microscopic intensity as Kelkar decided whether it would
form part of his one man show. All these objects are divided between 12
rooms that are classified according to the age to which it belongs. The
Mastani Mahal is regarded as a masterpiece among the exhibits.
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The museum devotes considerable space to an old Indian habit:
the chewing of paan or the betel leaf. The exhibits reflect the
elegance of craftsmanship as well as the vivid imagination of the
artist. There are, for instance, mango-shaped lime boxes, surrounded by
a row of bird and animal figures, heart-shaped and elephant-shaped betel
boxes with wheels attached to them.
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But perhaps the most fascinating in this paan section is the
array of nut-crackers used to slice areca nuts.
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The museum has about 400
nut-crackers, almost 80 per cent of which originated in Maharashtra and the
rest, from Gujarat, South India and Rajasthan. Most of them are made
from brass, and some from silver.
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Some of them are erotic
by design. There is for instance, one in the form of an amorous couple,
in which the partners come together when the nut is sliced, and the handles
come together and are separated when parted so that the nut can be inserted
for slicing. Another one looks like a mother hugging her child from one
side and a couple in embrace on the reverse. Besides, there are
numerous other ornamentation on the nut-crackers including those of
peacocks, parrots, swans, horses, rams and dragons. Kelkar has also
recreated an entire set of a Gujarati courtyard in one of the sections. A new attraction is a section on dolls made of leather.
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Lamps form an important
part of the museum. There is a huge lamp that is a depiction of the
sun-god. At the bottom layer are the chariot and the sun-god. At
the bottom layer are the chariot and the sungod's four wives performing
'arati'. Keklar's work has been acclaimed by lovers of art from far and
wide. He has generously donated his life-time work to the Government of
Maharashtra which has formed a trust to run it. The artifacts are
exhibited by rotation. As Kelkar says, "I have lit an everlasting
incense stick. I want people to enjoy the perfume". And,
sure enough every person who has been to the Museum has gone back with the
feeling of having experienced an intense, pro-found flavor of the past.
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sangrahalaya Formerly Prince of Wales Museum of Western India
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As you walk down the Gateway of India towards Flora Fountain,
you'll be greeted by the unmistakable hustle and bustle of Bombay. You'll also see an imposing dome-shaped structure. The Prince of Wales
Museum. Spend a few hours inside the portals of the structure and
you'll witness centuries of art and architecture unfolds its magic in a
kaleidoscopic display of colours and images.
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This solid structure of basalt stone, with a big dome,
surrounded by beautifully laid gardens is built on a spot of land known as
the 'crescent site', because of its shape. Situated near the University
Building to its West and the Gateway of India to its South, the museum is
visited by more than a million people every year. The history of the
museum goes back to 1901, when Mr. Henry Cousens succeeded in persuading the
government to shift its military offices from the Town Hall and assemble
there the collection of antiquities gathered by him. Various institutes like
the Bombay Natural History Society, the Anthropological Society, the Victoria
and Albert Museum and the J. J. J. School of Art also exhibited their
collections.
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The museum movement received a fillip in 1905 when the people of
Bombay decided to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales by setting up
a museum.
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The process of collection of objects in a museum is a gradual
one. However, the Prince of Wales Museum was particularly lucky in its
earlier stages. The acquisition in 1915 of the collections of Sir
Purushottam Mavji, the munificent gift in 1921 by Sir Ratan Tata, and in 1933
by Sir Dorab Tata of their valuable art collection form the nucleus of the
museum's art section. The transfer of sculptures and coins of the
defunct Poona Museum, the collections of the Bombay branch of the Royal
Asiatic Society consisting of valuable sculptures and epigrams, and the
co-operation between the Board of Trustee and the Bombay Natural History
Society, helped in setting up the archaeological and natural history
sections.
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The emphasis has been primarily on the development of Indian
paintings, sculpture and decorative art, and this includes some of the finest
examples of ivory carving, woodwork, metal work and textiles. The
architecture of the Prince of Wales Museum can be broadly described as a
British interpretation of the Mughal period. The structure forms a long
rectangle of three storeys, raised in the centre to accommodate the entrance
porch. Above the central arched entrance rises a huge dome, tiled in
white and blue flecks, supported on a lotus - petal base. Around the
dome is an array of pinnacles, each topped by a miniature dome. Indian
motifs like the brackets and protruding caves are combined with so-called
Islamic arches and tiny domes. The whole museum complex is situated in
a garden of palm trees and formal flower beds.
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The museum's collection of Indian miniature paintings represent
all the facets of painting from illustrated palm leaf manuscripts of the 11th
/ 12th centuries to the early 19th century 'pahari' paintings. The main
schools of Indian paintings viz. Mughal, Rajasthani, Pahari and Deccani are
well represented. The collection is specially rich in the paintings of
the Sultanate period. The collections of sculptures, though modest, are
some of the finest of the Chalukyan period. The terracotta figures from
Mirpurkhas is Sind of the early 5th century show the classical face of Gupta
art, and the sculptures of the Rashtrakuta period from Elephanta are replete
with strength and noble modeling unknown elsewhere.
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Similarly, the ivories of the Gupta period are unique. The
minuteness of the details and nobility of the figures are typical of the
Gupta period.
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Amongst its decorative are sections are textiles, ivories,
Mughal jades, silver, gold and artistic metal ware. There is also a rich
collection of European paintings, Chinese and Japanese porcelain, ivory and
jade artifacts.
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To facilitate the study of art, history and archaeology, the
museum has started a research institute affiliated to the University of Bombay.
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The museum's natural history section is a well-maintained
showcase of Indian wildlife. The use of habitat group cases and
dioramas have added a charm to the systematic presentation. Diagrams
and charts make the presentation instructional. Of particular interest
are the cases of flamingo colonies, Indian hornbill, Indian bison, and the
tiger. The Prince of Wales Museum has always aimed at being a center of
education and not merely a showplace. Its various projects amply
demonstrate its intention to serve the people. The museum is a vital
link between the past and the present and an important center of culture and
education.
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RBI's Monetary Museum
The Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) is the central bank of the India. As the central bank, it is also
the custodian of the country's monetary heritage. To document and
preserve India's monetary history for the posterity and as a part of the Reserve
Bank's education and outreach programme for the common man, especially
the students, the Reserve Bank has conceived the Monetary Museum.
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Mural: Explaining
the evolution Of Money
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 The first of its kind in India, the Reserve Bank's Monetary
Museum was inaugurated in 2004 by India's President, Dr. A P J Abdul
Kalam. The Museum attempts to demystify money as it evolved from
The Museum also has a
screen for trading in foreign exchange with live quotes on foreign exchange,
commodities and share prices. Visitors can not only see how exchange
rates of various currencies change but can also take imaginary positions in
currency, sell or buy and make or lose money!
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