Mumbai - the city

TAJ the luxury hotel at Mumbai is a city
 landmark. Since the time it was at the heart of
 a terrible terrorist seige, security all around it
 has been visibly fortified. (why terrorism's
 volunteers would take the same sea route to strike
 at the same target puzzles common sense, though).

Mumbai - the city

Bombay or Mumbai on western coast, has curious sounding names to denote public spaces. As you absent mindedly saunter into the zone called Kala Ghoda, a large standing sculpture of a dark horse (kala ghoda) suddenly confronts you. (presently, modern transportation gives it company).

The Month of Magic

                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 A torrid summer grudgingly makes way for the stream of gray clouds that assemble and deeply grumble and then let go. Slime of summer now washed away, the Botanical riches of earth transform into artist's palette and every hue of green teases human sight.

And thus it occurs every year, when one doubles up in prayer to Lord of Sun to be a bit benevolent and show some mercy, those dark Omens from legends show up in sky and so truly drench the Earth that a fresh cycle of life is set rolling. Be a Believer.

 

 

CHARIOTS OF WAR

Chariot of war from ancient history.

This exhibit from Mohen-jo-Daro excavations is a toy version of the real thing. The warrior/ archer would stand inside the wooden coupe on wheels and let the chariot driver rush him to strategic points from where he would rain his arrows. From Egypt to Persia to India, these chariots have a unique similarity in design.








(to view this collection you have to visit 'Indian Museum' at Kolkata.)

THE SEAT OF GREAT TEACHERS

Ruins of the ancient University of Nalanda reveal hundreds of years of building and rebuilding. The structures, though coalescing in seamless geometrical patterns, are located at a variety of levels. This platform in foreground is believed to have functioned as the Teachers' lecture seat. (He may have needed a booming voice to address hundreds of pupils in such assemblies).

NATURE'S TANGO

Nature's ecological ballet in view as one plant species has a stranglehold over the seemingly reluctant other (suitor plant had crept up three stories to meet the potted plant). 

NALANDA-RAJGIR TRAIL

Intriguing structures from ancient times punctuate the landscape in Rajgir-Nalanda region. The one here called 'Treasury' is carved into the thickly vegetated hillside. The accessible chamber is dark and empty.(could there be a fortune lying around?).

NALANDA - EVERY BRICK HERE BELONGS TO A GOLDEN AGE

Ruins of Nalanda located at Rajgir in Bihar offer a stunning spectacle. An university flourished here for over 600 years. It was dedicated to the teachings and Dhamma of the great Buddha. Buddha's statues, large and small and reliefs in stone depicting the great one in a yogic meditative posture abound.                 

AN INDIAN WEDDING - 2

Jayamala, the exchange of garlands between Groom and the Bride signifies a willing acceptance of the other as a partner for life. Their families, friends stand in testimony, and approval of the event and bring their own joys and spice to the occasion.













Kanyadaan, is a crucial component to wedding rituals popular in many regions of the land. Kanyadaan literally means 'giving away of bride/daughter'. The acceptance of the bride by her groom is seen as completed by his holding her hands. Bride here is being given away by her grand father (acting as her father's substitute).