Gangaikondacholapuram

Gangaikondacholapuram

Location: Near Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Founded By: King Rajendra Chozhan
Founded In: 1020-1029 AD
Dedicated To: Lord Shiva

1-Gangaikondacholapuram Temple is situated near the Thanjavur city of Tamil Nadu. The temple was founded in the year 1020 and it took approximately nine years to fully complete the construction work. Gangaikondacholapuram Temple of Tanjore is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the Hindu Trinity of Gods. The person who can be credited with the erection of this temple is King Rajendra Chozhan, son of Raja Raja Chozhan. Rajendra built this temple to recreate his father's achievement, the Brihadeeswarar Temple of Thanjavur.

2-The time when the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple of India was built represents the golden period of the Cholas. During those years, the Cholas were engaged in the invasion of northern territories and wealth was flowing in from all directions. The vimanas of the temples have been adorned with exquisite carvings and reflect a heavy influence of the Northern styles. One can see magnificent carvings on the hard southern granite stones of the temple. The sculptures of the temple are quite characteristic of the temples constructed by the Cholas.

3-This elaboration and ornamentation, a result of contact with the Northern Chalukya kingdoms, reflects a departure from the earlier Chola and Pallava style of subtleness and simplicity. Numerous sculptures embellish the interiors of the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple of Tamil Nadu. The most impressive as well as most splendid sculptures are those of The Nataraja (Shiva in the form of a Cosmic dancer) and Coronation of King Rajendra Chozhan by Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

4-Not to be missed are the sculptures of the Dancing Lord Ganesha and the Ardhanarishwar (the man-woman manifestation of Lord Shiva). The Ardhanarishwar form of Lord Shiva represents both duality of divine energy, with its one half having masculine characters and the other being that of an ornamental female. Inside the sanctum sanctorum is a four meter high Shiva Lingam. Surrounding the sanctum are two walls, which were meant to provide a private worship area to the royal family.

5-The entrance of the sanctum sanctorum is adorned with a beautifully crafted image of Goddess Saraswati. This image reflects an influence of Chalukyas in the architecture of the temple. One also comes across the 'Suryapita' icon that signifies sun worship as well as the 'Navagrahas' (nine planets), another influence of the Chalukyan connection. The Cholas were quite known for being scrupulous record keepers. The inscribed texts in copper plates and temple walls serve as a proof of this quality.

6-The inscriptions on the walls tell stories of many conquests of the warrior king, land donated during the period, coronation of kings etc. Gangaikondacholapuram Temple has witnessed numerous wars in the past. It used to serve as a garrison and fortified cantonment of, first, the Pandyas and, later, of the British. The temple has also been the target of several lootings and pillages. However, all this could never rob Gangaikondacholapuram Temple of its architectural beauty and sculptural treasures.

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MONUMENT OF INDIA-KHAJURAHO TEMPLES

KHAJURAHO TEMPLES

Location: Madhya Pradesh
Founded By: Rulers of Chandela Empire
Founded In: Between 950 and 1050
Status: World Heritage Site

1-Khajuraho Temples are situated in a village in Madhya Pradesh, bearing the name of Khajuraho. The rural ambience and the rich cultural heritage of the village serve as the perfect backdrop to the temples, which depict the sensual pleasures enjoyed by human beings. Khajuraho temples also reflect the maturity of the people belonging to that decade. One of the most popular tourist attractions of India, the temples were constructed somewhere between 950 and 1050 AD, under the rulers of Chandel Empire.

2-Initially, the number of temples in the Khajuraho complex was eighty-five. However, with the decline of the Chandela Empire, the temples went into neglect and were damaged by the ravages of nature. They were once again discovered in the 20th century and restoration work on them was started. Presently, only twenty-temples have survived. The murals adorning the interiors of the Khajuraho temples serve as an illustration of the lifestyle and times of the Chandela rulers.

3-Each of the temples comprises of three main compartments i.e., the entrance (ardhamandapa), the assembly hall (mandapa) and the actual sanctum (garbha griha). The temples have been divided into three groups, based on their geographical patterns, namely western, eastern and southern. The theme of the Khajuraho temples is mainly the celebration of woman and her countless moods and aspects. The temples, built of sandstone, have also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Western Group of Temples

4-The best as well as the largest group of temples in Khajuraho comprises of the Western Group. 

Kandariya Mahadeo

Kandariya Mahadeo is the largest temple in the Western group. It comprises of about 900 statues, of which the grandest idol is that of Lord Shiva, which rises to a height of 31 m. The sanctum houses the Shiva Lingam, while the main shrine has carved images of various Gods, Goddesses and apsaras (heavenly maidens). The entrance arch, pillars and ceilings are also beautifully carved. The outer walls of the transept have three horizontal panels, which depict deities of the Hindu pantheon and groups of lovers.

Chaunsat Yogini

Chaunsat Yogini is the oldest surviving temple of the western group. It was constructed in the year 900 and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Initially there were 65 cells in the temple, out of which only 35 are left. However, the image of Goddess Kali that was enshrined in the temple could not survive the travails of time. 

Chitragupta Temple

Chitragupta Temple is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. The inner sanctum of the temple has a 5 feet high image of the Sun God, who is shown riding a chariot. One can also see images depicting royal processions, group dances and other scenes of sheer luxury.

Vishwanath Temple

Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma, one of the Hindu Trinity of Gods. Lions guard the northern entrance of the temple, while the southern steps are flanked by elephants. Opposite this temple is the shrine of Nandi Bull. 

Lakshamana Temple

Lakshamana Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and houses three-headed idols of Vishnu's incarnations, Narasimha and Varaha. The rafter on the entrance shows the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva with Goddess Lakshmi. 

Matangeshwara Temple

Matangeshwara Temple is situated outside the grounds of the western group. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and enshrines an eight feet high lingam. To the south of the temple is the open air Archaeological Museum, which exhibits an amazing collection of statues and frescoes collected from the area.

Eastern Group of Temples

Parsavanath Temple

Parsavanatha Temple is the largest Jain temple of the eastern group, dedicated to Lord Parsavanath. The northern wall of the temple is adorned with sculptors that depict everyday activities, like a young girl removing a thorn from her foot. There is also the bull emblem of first Tirthankara, Adinath.

Ghantai Temple

Ghantai Temple is another Jain temple. It is known for an amazing frieze, which exhibits the 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother, along with a multi-armed Jain goddess perched on a winged Garuda. 

Adinath Temple

Adinath Temple is the last one of the three Jain temples in the eastern group. It is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara.

Hindu Temples
There are three Hindu temples in this group, namely the Brahma temple, the Vamana temple and the Javari temple. 

Southern Group
The Southern Group of temples lies at a distance of approximately 5 km from the Khajuraho village. 

Duladeo Temple
Duladeo Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands adorned with sensual images of the apsaras (heavenly maidens). 

Chaturbhuj Temple
Chaturbhuj Temple enshrines an intricately carved image of Lord Vishnu. 

Khajuraho Dance Festival
Khajuraho Dance Festival is organized here on an annual basis. It is held in the month of March and artistes from all over the country come to Khajuraho to participate in this festival.

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HISTORICAL MONUMENT 0F INDIA-Golconda Fort

HISTORICAL MONUMENT 0F INDIA-Golconda Fort

Location: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Founded By: Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah
Founded In: 16th century 

1-Golconda Fort is a magnificent monument, situated on the western periphery of the Hyderabad city. The fort was built under the patronage of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, in the year 1525. The culture as well as splendor of the Nawabs is truly reflected in the architectural style of the Golconda Fort. Since the fort was built with infallible defenses, its architecture is considered to be military in its style. In the entire history of Golconda fort, it has never been known to fall to enemy attack.

2-The colossal battlements, fortresses and gateways of Golconda Fort make it one of the most defensive and impenetrable strongholds of its time. It is situated atop a jagged terrain, which is scattered with rocks and stones. The aural features of the fort also highlight the fact that the builders of that time were technically quite advanced. The waterworks seen inside as well as below the premises of the fort further stand as a testimony to the architectural skill of the Qutab Shahi rulers. The water needs of the people living in the Golconda Fort were met through a maze of clay pipes fed by Persian wheels, located below the fort. 

3-Golconda fort was initially built by the Kakatiya rulers as a mud fort, named Mangalawaram or Mankal, in the year 1143. However, the fort assumed its present shape when Quli Qutub Shah founded the kingdom of Golconda and turned it into a strong fortress. Much later, Naya Quila (an irregular rhombus with a rough pentagon) was added to the fort, on its northeastern side. The rugged terrain, the huge boulders and the eerie ambience surrounding the fort lend it a mystical charm. 

4-The walls of the Golconda Fort are approximately four miles in circumference and comprise a total of 87 semi-circular bastions inside them. Apart from that, there are eight gateways and four drawbridges forming the interiors of the fort. In the year 1687, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb invaded the fort and left it almost completely in ruins. However, one can still see some of the huge cannons mounted at a few points. Golconda Fort is basically made up of four distinct forts that have been joined together.

5-The lowest structure of the fort is its outermost enclosure, which is entered through the Fateh Darwaza or the Victory Gate, situated near the southeastern corner. The gate was so named after Emperor Aurangzeb succeeded in invading the fort and bringing it to ruins. It is known for its magnificent architecture and amazing acoustics. This fort comprises of a number of building inside its complex, including noble's mansions, bazaars, temples, mosques, soldiers' barracks, stables, etc.

6-Amongst the numerous imposing gateways of the Golconda fort, the most impressive one is the Fateh Darwaza. The darwaza, also known as victory gate, is an architectural beauty and is quite famous for its amazing acoustics. The fortresses of Golconda still house the canons that were once used by the Qutab Shahis as well as those of the Mughal forces. A canon, known as Fateh Rahbir (guide to victory), was boarded on Pethla Burj by Emperor Aurangzeb and reminds the people of his resolve to conquer Golconda.

7-One of the most magnificent as well as the most popular structures in the Golconda fort is the Balahisar Darwaza. The gateway stand adorned with statues of mythical beasts and lions, which seem to be guarding it. From Balahisar, one has to climb almost 380 uneven stone steps to reach the inner complex. The main complex of the fort is made up of a series of structures, ranging from those used for public audiences to the ones used as royal residences and halls. On the right hand side of the porch are mortuary baths.

8-These baths were meant for giving ritualistic bath to the deceased harem ladies. Then, we have the ruined Nagina Bagh, situated within an enclosed area. As you move further, you will come across offices of Akanna and Madanna, two important Hindu officials of Qutab Shah. Near the upper entrance are the ruins of Ambar Khana, along with those of Bari Baoli (step well). Then, there is a Hindu temple, belonging to the Kakatiya period and dedicated to Goddess Kali, which was carved out of a single huge boulder. 

The mosque built by Taramati and a temple, Ram Mandir, are the other important buildings situated within the Golconda fort. To reach the zenana palaces (residence of women), one has to climb down a series of narrow steps. Built on huge platforms, the palaces have been adorned with high ceilings, decorative niches, alcoves and cornices, etc. Graceful ornamentation on stucco adds to the splendor of the delicate arabesques in the roundels above the side arches.

9-The Sound and Light Show 
One of the most popular attractions of the Golconda Fort is a sound and light show, held on a daily basis, except Monday. Audio and visual effects are used to display the entire story of the Golconda Fort before the audience. The show is presented in three languages, English, Hindi and Telugu. 

10-Show Timings
Winters (November to February) - 6:30pm
Summers (March to October) - 7:00pm 
In English: Wednesday and Sunday 
In Hindi: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 
In Telugu: Thursday

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Symbols of india

Symbols of india

National Anthem

The Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, was originally composed as a Bengali song by Rabindranath Tagore. It was first sung on 27 December 1911, at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress. On 24 January, 1950, the Hindi version was adopted by the Constituent Assembly as the National Anthem of India.

The complete song consists of five stanzas. The national anthem is the 1st.

The playing time of the full version of the National Anthem is approximately 52 seconds. A short version, consisting of first and last lines of the stanza (playing time approximately 20 seconds), is also played on certain occasions.

National Emblem 

The National Emblem of India is a replica of the Lion Capital, erected by Emperor Ashoka, at Sarnath (near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh), way back in the third century BC, to mark the spot where Buddha first proclaimed his gospel of peace. The National emblem is thus symbolic of contemporary India 's reaffirmation of its ancient commitment to universal peace and goodwill.

The four lions (one hidden from view) - symbolizing power, courage and confidence - rest on a circular abacus. The abacus is girded by four smaller animals, who are guardians of the four directions: the lion of the north, the horse of the south, the elephant of the east, and the bull of the west. The abacus rests on a lotus in full bloom, exemplifying the fountainhead of life and creative inspiration. The motto 'Satyameva Jayate', inscribed below the emblem in Devanagari script, means 'truth alone triumphs'.

National Animal

India 's national animal, the Royal Bengal Tiger, Panthera Tigris (Linnaeus), is the Indian variety of the eight races of the species. This magnificient carnivorous feline quadruped, known for its' grace, strength and power, is today, alas, an endangered species, having been remorselessly hunted for its thick tawny yellow striped fur coat. To check the dwindling population of tigers in India 'Project Tiger' was launched in April 1973. So far, 25 tiger reserves have been established in the country under this project.

National Bird

The Indian peacock, Pavo cristatus (Linnaeus), is the national bird of India . A colourful, swan-sized bird, it has a white patch under the eye, a long slender neck, and striking plumage. The male of the species is more colourful than the female, with a glistening blue breast and neck and a spectacular bronze-green train of around 200 elongated feathers. The female is brownish, slightly smaller than the male, and lacks the train. The elaborate courtship dance of the male, fanning out the tail and preening its feathers, is a gorgeous sight.

The peacock is widely found in the Indian sub-continent, wild, and also domesticated in villages. They were once bred for food but are now protected from being hunted, by the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. These birds do not sound as beautiful as they look - they have a harsh call.

National Flower

The Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), or water lily, is the National Flower of India. Prized for its' serene beauty, this aquatic plant has broad floating leaves and bright fragrant flowers that grow only in shallow waters. In India , the lotus is considered to be a sacred flower, occupying a unique position in the art and mythology of ancient India , having much folklore and religious mythology woven around it.

National Tree

The Banyan tree, Ficus bengalensis, whose branches root like new trees thereby spreading out over a large area, is India 's National tree. Because of its' longevity and this replicating characteristic, the banyan tree is considered immortal and is an integral part of the myths and legends of India . Even today, the banyan tree is the focal point of village life and the village council meets under the shade of this tree.

National Fruit

The mango, fruit of the Mangifera Indica tree, is India 's National Fruit. A rich source of Vitamins A, C and D, the mango is eaten ripe or used raw for pickles. Over 100 varieties of mangoes are cultivated in India , and each part of the country has its' favourite. Mangoes have been cultivated in India from time immemorial. The poet Kalidasa sang its' praises, the Greek conqueror Alexander savored its taste, as did the Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang. Mughal Emperor Akbar planted 100,000 mango trees in Lakhi Bagh in Darbhanga.

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Monuments of India-CHARMINAR

Monuments of India-CHARMINAR

India is renowned throughout the world for its exquisite architectural beauty and heritage. There are a large number of monuments in the country, which showcase not only its architectural legacy, but also its history and culture. All the monuments in India have an aura of mystery, intrigue and romance surrounding them. Right from forts to palaces to memorials to tombs to temples to churches, the country has it all.

 

India has monuments belonging to each and every religion- Hindu, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity and Jewish. Each monument has some story or legend attached to it, which makes it much more attractive to the visitors. Infact, Indian monuments truly reflect the country's rich and glorious past. The monuments of India, cutting across all ages, take us to myriad cultures, traditions and way of life. Anyone coming to India on a vacation must make sure to visit its famous monuments.In this edition im going to introduce you some of most attractive historical monuments of india..

1-CHARMINAR

Location: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh 
Founded By: Sultan Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah
Founded In: 1591-1612
Best Time to Visit: June to March
Timings: 9:00 to 5:00 (Monday to Saturday)

Charminar is a huge and magnificent edifice, situated amidst the crowded old city of Hyderabad. Sultan Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah got the structure made, as a commemoration of the eradication of plague, soon after he shifted his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad. The construction work on this historical monument was started in the year 1591 and got completed by 1612. There are four gracefully carved minarets adorning the monument and it is from these minarets that it got its name as the Charminar, meaning 'four' (char) 'pillars' (minars).

Charminar is a masterpiece of Qutub Shahi architecture and stands surrounded by colorful shops of Lad Bazaar (Choodi Bazaar). The monument has been built upon four grand arches, which face the four different directions. Charminar of Hyderabad has four tall minarets and a mosque on its top floor. These slender minarets and their spiral staircases add to the splendor of the monument, which is square in its shape and is adorned with stucco ornamentation. The mosque has 45 covered prayer spaces as well as some open spaces for praying.

Charminar is popularly known as 'The Arc de triomphe of the East'. Each side of the monument measures 20 m and each edge has a pointed high minaret. The four minarets rise to a height of 48.7 m above the ground and can be seen even miles away from the monument. There are four stories in each minaret, which look like delicately carved rings around it. All the sides of the Charminar open into a plaza through giant arches. Each arch is 11 m in width and rises approximately 20 m to the pinnacle.

There is a clock in each of the arches, which were installed in the year 1889. Charminar comprises of two galleries within its complex, one over another. The terrace is surrounded by a stone balcony and is vaulted underneath, making it appear like a dome. The fluted minarets of Charminar have been built into the main edifice and have winding steps inside them. These steps lead to the upper floor, which provides a breathtaking view of the entire city. Charminar looks exceptionally beautiful at night, when it is completely illuminated.

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history of indian national flag

National Flag

Tricolor 

1-The Indian national flag is a horizontal tricolor with deep saffron on the top (representing courage, sacrifice and the spirit of renunciation), white in the middle (standing for purity and truth) and dark green at the bottom (for faith and fertility).

2-The ratio of the width to the length of the flag is two is to three. In the centre of the white band, there is a wheel in navy blue to indicate the Dharma Chakra - the wheel of law in the Sarnath Lion Capital. It has 24 spokes.

History 

3-In the early l9Oos, Madame Bhikaiji Cama and her group of exiled revolutionaries hoisted a flag in Paris , symbolizing the Indian people's aspiration to nationhood. This is widely accepted as the first flag in the Indian freedom movement, though some historians believe the "first" flag was actually unfurled at the Parsi Bagan Square in Calcutta on August 7, 1906.

4- The Paris banner had a red band with a white lotus flower and seven stars to denote the Milky Way; a yellow band with Vande Mataram inscribed in deep blue Devanagri script; a green band with a sun on the left and a crescent-and-star symbol on the right, both in white.

5-Nine years later, during the Home Rule Movement, Dr Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak presented yet another flag; this one had five alternating horizontal stripes of red and green, a Union Jack in the left top corner reflecting the demand of the day that India be given dominion status within the British Empire, the Milky Way in the centre, and a crescent-and-star in the right top corner. The rising tide of nationalism quickly made the flag unacceptable.

6-In 1921, during the session of the All-India Congress Committee at Bezwada (now Vijayawada), a student from Masulipatnam's National College presented Mahatma Gandhi with a flag of red and green, the colours representing the two major Indian communities, the Hindus and the Muslims. Gandhi suggested the addition of a white stripe to symbolize the rest of India 's communities, and a charkha (spinning wheel) to symbolize the masses of India.

7-The tricolour, officially adopted as the national emblem by the Congress at its 1931 Karachi session presided over by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, held no communal undertones. The flag had a band of deep saffron to symbolize courage and sacrifice, a band of white imprinted with a blue charkha for truth, and a band of dark green for faith and chivalry. On July 22, 1947, three weeks before Independence , the Constituent Assembly adopted the tricolour as India 's National Flag, but replaced the charkha with the Asoka Chakra, which appears on the abacus of the Lion Pillar at Sarnath.

The Flag Code

7-In 1950, to guard the national flag against desecration, Parliament included a section in The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, forbidding its use in any trade mark or design unless permitted by the Central Government.

8-Later in 1971 it passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, stipulating three years' imprisonment or fine, or both, for anyone who, in public view, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples on or otherwise brings the National Flag into contempt.

On 26th January 2002, the flag code was changed drastically.

9- Earlier, the flag was allowed to be flown daily only from important public buildings such as the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Supreme Court, border posts, and official residences of the President and Vice-President, governors and lieutenant governors.

10-Now, apart from basic rules to follow while flying the flags, all other restrictions have been removed, and Indians can fly the tricolor over their homes, offices and factories on any day.

Rules of Use

11-The Flag should be hoisted at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It may be displayed after sunset only on very special occasions. It should be raised briskly and lowered slowly and ceremoniously. No other flag or bunting should fly above the tricolour and none beside it, except for the UN flag and other national flags, which may be hung to the left. No flowers, garlands or emblems may be placed on the flagmast, nor any other flag flown on the same pole.

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MUSLIM NATIONALIST MOVEMENT

MUSLIM NATIONALIST MOVEMENT

1. Sir Sayyid was born in 1817 in Delhi. His father was an officer in the court of Muguals. He felt that the relations of the Muslims with the British should be improved and therefore he brought out a paper with the title of the ‘Loyal Muhammadans of India. He also inspired the Muslims to adopt the Western education and the Western mode of scientific thinking. He brought out an Urdu Paper with the title of ‘Tahaib-al-Akhlaq. In 1875 he found the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh, which later grew into the Aligarh Muslim University in 1920. He opposed Polygamy, Purdah. William Graham wrote in the biography of Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan. He also founded the ‘Patritotic Association’ with the assistance of Raja Shivprasad of Banaras. Another organization by the name Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental Defence Association too was set up by him. He opposed it by calling it a Hindu organization.

2. Deoband Movement was founded by Maulanna Hussan Ahmad and Moulana Abul kalam Azad was associated with it. represented by Mohammad Qasim Nanautavi (1832-1880) and Rashid Ahamd Gangohi (1828-1916). Found the ‘Dar-ul-Ullema’ madarsa at Deoband,

b) Wahabi Movement started by Shah Walliullah. Sayid Ahmad Khan found Aligarh Movement Ahmadia movement by Mirza gulamAhmad .Arhar movement by Mula Mohammad Ali in 19110.

  3. Muslim League: The meeting of a Muslim delegation under the leadership of Aga Khan with Viceroys of India, Lord Minot at Shimla in October 1906 was very significant. Demands were for a separate electorate, more representations in the Legislative Assembly and government services the establishment of a Muslim University and provisions for Muslims representation in the Viceroy’s Council. Muslims leaders gathered at a meeting presided over by Nawab Wakar-ul-Mulk on 30 December 1906 at the invitation of the Nawab Salim Ullah Khan of Dacca. The All Indian Muslim League was the result of this conference. The Constitution of the League was prepared in 1907 at Karachi. Aga Khan became the President of the Muslim League. The objectives behind the formation of the Muslim League were to create a sense of loyalty among the Muslims towards the British Government, to safeguards the political and other rights of the Muslims, to represent the aspirations and sentiments of the Muslims interest and to appoint Sir Aga Kahn as the permanent President of the League,-first session at Amristar. League also supported the partition of Bengal.Nawab Salimullah of Dacca and Nawab Moshin ul Mulk were others who were involved in formation of League.

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