A mirror of Indian history: 2015

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Jahangir Mahal of Orchha

Orchha was founded in 16th century AD by the Bundela Rajput chief, Rudra Pratap Singh, who became the first King of Orchha, (1501-1531) and also built the Fort of Orchha.

Jahangir Mahal in Orchha, located at a distance of about 18 km from Jhansi is one of the most admired and impressionable palaces. Situated in the fort complex of the Tikamgarh district of Orchha, this 17th century monument was built by the King Vir Singh Deo in honour of the Mughal prince, Jahangir.
The King of Bundela, Maharaja Vir Singh was an ally of Prince Salem (later known as Emperor Jahangir) long before they became rulers. The eldest son of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Prince Salem, had a difference in opinion with his father. It was his weakness in the matter of the heart and especially his alliance with Anarkali, which riled Akbar to no end. Abul Fazl, one of the Navratnas (Nine Jewels) of Akbar’s court, thrived on this rift between father and son and suggested that Akbar disown Prince Salem as an heir to the throne. After learning of this, Prince Salem revolted against his father and Akbar decided to send Abul Fazl to fight the rebellion.

Abul Fazl began a march to meet Salem’s army in Agra, but to get there he had to first cross the empire of King Vir Singh. On learning of the approach of the army, Vir Singh decided to help his friend and gathered his men to fight against the Mughal troops, conquering and defeating them in 1602. Vir Singh chopped off Abul Fazl’s head and presented it to Prince Salem as a sign of his loyalty and friendship. Three years later when Akbar died and Prince Salem, who came to be known as Emperor Jahangir decided to return the favour and gave the whole Bundelkhand region to Vir Singh. Jahangir also came to attend Vir Singh’s coronation to the throne, and to honour this visit, Vir Singh had the Jahangir Mahal built, to receive the emperor when he came to visit him.

Jahangir Mahal of Orchha

In Orchha, the Jahangir Mahal is built on a rectangular base and is relieved by a circular tower at each corner surmounted by a dome, while two lines of graceful balconies supported on brackets mark the central storeys. The roof is crowned by eight large fluted domes, with smaller domes between them, connected by an ornamental balustrade.

Beautiful hanging balconies of Jahangir Mahal of Orchha

The Jahangir Mahal is considered to be a singularly beautiful specimen of Mughal architecture. Jahangir Mahal, overlooking the Betwa River is a three storied structure, built in the Indo-Islamic architectural style, with over 100 rooms, and several courtyards, hanging balconies, porches and domes. The entrance facing the east is an elaborate and traditional gateway with the front walls lined with turquoise tiles. There are two stone elephants with hanging bells on the sides of the entrance, which in earlier times used to mark the entrance of the King and the palace has several windows and airy balconies making the palace very open and airy.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Chhatris of Orchha

Orchha, the capital of the mighty Bundela Rajput kings, spells history almost in every part of the city. The monuments here retain the historic touch to give tourists an insight into its rich past. The location of the city in itself is picturesque with hills and lush greenery around making it picture perfect.

In Orchha, Chhatris were constructed in the past to glorify the contributions of the rulers of the mighty Bundelkhand dynasty. The Chhatris also are symbols of the rich cultural heritage and grandeur of the past. The 14 Chhatris constructed besides River Betwa reflect the amazing architectural skills of the craftsman.

Chhatris of Orchha

Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian architecture. Chhatris are commonly used to depict the elements of pride and honor in the Jat, Maratha and Rajput architecture. They are widely used, in palaces, in forts, or to demarcate funerary sites. Originating in Rajasthani architecture where they were memorials for kings and royalty, they were later adapted as a standard feature in all buildings in Maratha ruled states, Rajasthan, and most importantly in Mughal architecture. They are today seen on its finest monuments, Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Chhatris are basic element of Hindu as well as Mughal architecture. The term "chhatri" means umbrella or canopy.

Wednesday, October 07, 2015

Chaturbhuj Temple of Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha in Madhya Pradesh attracts thousands of visitors every year because of its beautiful architectural style. The exterior walls of the Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha is designed with various religious symbols while the interiors are plain and simple that offers you the divine solace. The congregation hall where the devotees gather to offer prayers are criss-cross in shape. Spires have been built above the sanctuary of the Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha at Madhya Pradesh.

Chaturbhuj Temple view fron Raj Mahal's Window

Chaturbhuj Temple of Madhya Pradesh is the finest venue for one to go and seek the divine solace. The environment of the temple is very peaceful and calm. The temple is spacious enough to accommodate a large crowd and is lighted throughout the day with the sunlight. It is also said that Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha resembles a lot to the Kushak Mahal in Chanderi.

Chaturbhuj Temple, Side view

The original story behind the name of Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha is that when Lord Rama's idol which was at the Rani Niwas, the private residence of Maharani Gansh Kunwar who was the wife of Raja Madhukar, rejected to move to the temple, an idol of Lord Vishnu with four arms was kept in the temple and this is how the temple came to be known as Chaturbhuj Temple.

Chaturbhuj Temple,Front view

Chaturbhuj Temple, inner view

Tuesday, September 08, 2015

Vishwa Hindi Sammelan 2015... Invitation to Dr (Miss) Sharad Singh

Vishwa Hindi Sammelan 2015... Invitation to Dr (Miss) Sharad Singh

Monday, September 07, 2015

राष्ट्रवादी व्यक्तित्व: दीनदयाल उपाध्याय .... अनुत्तरित प्रश्न

‘चन्द्रचूड़ आयोग’ भी पं. दीनदयाल उपाध्याय की हत्या के वास्तविक कारणों की तह तक नहीं पहुंच सका।

निःसंदेह कुछ प्रश्नों का उत्तर नहीं मिल सका.... उन्हीं प्रश्नों को मैंने अपनी किताब में उठाया है ....

Rashtravadi Vyaktitva : Deen Dayal Upadhyay...A Book By Dr Sharad Singh, Page 133

Rashtravadi Vyaktitva : Deen Dayal Upadhyay...A Book By Dr Sharad Singh

Monday, August 17, 2015

Traveler Dr (Miss) Sharad Singh at Bhuteshwar temple, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India..... भूतेश्वर मंदिर, सागर, मध्यप्रदेश, भारत

Traveler Dr (Miss) Sharad Singh at Bhuteswar Temple, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India

मूल भूतेश्वर मंदिर 400 वर्ष पुराना है। कहा जाता है कि 400 वर्ष पूर्व सागर शहर में बड़ा बाजार क्षेत्र में रहने वाले एक शिवभक्त परिवार मुखिया को रात में भगवान शिव ने स्वप्न में दर्शन दे कर एक निश्चित स्थान पर खुदाई करने का निर्देश दिया। सुबह होने पर उस परिवार ने उस जगह खुदाई की जहां उन्हें भगवान शिव की एक "पिंडी" मिली। उस स्थान पर एक मंदिर बनवाया गया जो भूतेश्वर मंदिर के नाम से विख्यात हुआ। यहाँ पर पत्थर "पाली" भाषा में एक शिलालेख भी मिला था जो अब पुरातत्व विभाग के संरक्षण में है।

Traveler Dr (Miss) Sharad Singh at Bhuteswar Temple, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India

बसंत पंचमी, शिवरात्रि और श्रावण के महीने में भगवान शिव का अभिषेक किया जाता हैं। शिवरात्रि पर भगवान शिव-पार्वती के विवाह का आयोजन भी किया जाता है।

God Bhuteshwar Mahadev : Traveler Dr (Miss) Sharad Singh at Bhuteswar Temple, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India

God Bhuteshwar Mahadev : Traveler Dr (Miss) Sharad Singh at Bhuteswar Temple, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India

God Mahadev Shiv : Traveler Dr (Miss) Sharad Singh at Bhuteswar Temple, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India

Godess Harsiddhi : Traveler Dr (Miss) Sharad Singh at Bhuteswar Temple, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India

God & Godess Shiv Parvati : Traveler Dr (Miss) Sharad Singh at Bhuteswar Temple, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India

The history of Bhuteshwar temple of Sagar Madhya Pradesh is about 400 years old. The temple was built before 400 year. According to a popular narrative, Lord Shiva appeared in the dream of a family-chief to dig directed at a certain location. They excavated and found a "Pindi" of Lord Shiv. They were build a temple. Wich is famous as Bhuteshwar Temple.

An inscription on the stone also was found in Pali language in the same place which is now in the custody of the Department of Archaeology.

Few more templs is also situated in the premises as Shiv temple", Godess Annapurna temple", Godess Harsiddhi temple etc.

Friday, July 31, 2015

Premchand made a history in Hindi Literature by his Stories and Novels....

Story Writer Premchand

Munshi Premchand, a Hindustani literature (Upanyas Samrat) and Indian writer (novel writer, story writer and dramatist), was born in the year 1880 at 31^st of July in the Lamhi village (near Varanasi). He is the famous writer of the early 20^th century.

Bust of Story Writer Premchand

He got died at 8^th of October in 1936 by serving the people with his great writings. The birth name of him is Dhanpat Rai Srivastav and pen name is Nawab Rai. He wrote his all writings with his pen name. Finally his name becomes changed to the Munshi Premchand. His first name Munshi is an honorary prefix given by his lovers in the society because of his quality and effective writings. As a Hindi writer he wrote approximately dozen novels, 250 short stories, numerous essays and translations (he translated a number of foreign literary works into the Hindi language).

Village Monument of Story Writer Premchand

He made a history in Hindi Literature by his Stories and Novels.

Read his Hindi story "Thakur ka kuaa" ... http://samkalinkathayatra.blogspot.in/2015/07/blog-post.html