http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:33:53 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://s2.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.png http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/31/images-of-village-india/ http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/31/images-of-village-india/#comments Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:27:23 +0000 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/?p=2957 ]]> http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/31/images-of-village-india/feed/ 2 arvindpadmanabhan A line of palms stands tall among lush paddy fields fed by the river Krishna. Andhra Pradesh. Cowdung cakes slapped to village walls to dry will become kitchen fuel. Andhra Pradesh. Village mud houses have entrances and porches decorated with traditional designs. Andhra Pradesh. Kneading long strips of rubbery material that these guys claim is jaggery. Munginapudi, Andhra Pradesh. Villages where electricity is a luxury, the humble oil lamp fills in. Muliyaguda, Andhra Pradesh. A traditional millstone in one of the tribal villages. Muliyaguda, Andhra Pradesh. Village women bring water from a well. Muliyaguda, Andhra Pradesh. A village vendor walks for miles to the market. Mukhalingam, Andhra Pradesh. Hop on to a passing truck and hold on for a bumpy ride through places where public transportation is scarce. Buddhist Corridor, Orissa. Earthy colours applied to village houses of mud finishing are an inspiration for modern city architects. Khiching, Orissa. Stretches of endless green fields on a long morning walk. Jashipur, Orissa. Typical timber and stone constructions of the region display a jettied first level. Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh. This ashram hut constructed at the direction of Mahatma Gandhi uses traditional material at minimal expense. Sewagram, Maharashtra. Tea pickers walk to their estates in the morning. Mirik, West Bengal. Haystack is stored on the roof and is accessed by a ladder. Gondhla, Himachal Pradesh. High achievers on a notice board at a village school. Gondhla, Himachal Pradesh. Home-made butter being dished out in spoonfuls by the old lady. Gondhal, Himachal Pradesh. A plinth few inches high grace house entrances and may be used for sitting out. Sonagiri, Madhya Pradesh. A common scene in many villages across India. Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh. Fresh golden harvest catch the light on a bright afternoon. Alchi, Jammu & Kashmir. Where public transport is infrequent and buses are crowded, anything will do. NH1D, Jammu & Kashmir. Worli painting exhibited at the Maanav Sanghralaya tell a lot about the ways of village people. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Coconut husks tied to tree trunks with coir ropes make for steps to the tree crown. Parassinikadavu, Kerala. Bullock-drawn carts are a common form of village transport. Dholavira, Gujarat. A typical house door with faded colours. Dholavira, Gujarat. A village temple in this case is nothing more than a thatched shed. Achankulam, Tamil Nadu. Worli village stands in stark contrast to the skyscrapers in the distance. Mumbai, Maharashtra. Mud bricks laid out to dry in the sun are cheaper than cement bricks. Barsoor, Chhattisgarh. Cock-fighting in a woodland clearing draws the crowds one evening. Sargipal, Chhattisgarh. A temporary thatched structure at a mela is inspired by traditional village constructions. Rajim, Chhattisgarh. A village cart. Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Fisherman wading through shallow waters with their cross-poled nets. Raipur, Chhattisgarh. School children go home in a pedalled cart. Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh. These wall decorations are probably inspired by cave paintings found near the village. Isko, Jharkhand. An entrance verandah is covered in a lattice of painted woodwork. Swamimalai, Tamil Nadu. Village men push cycles loaded with coal from a mine near their village. Pankhri Barwadi, Jharkhand. A machine for threshing. Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Cowdung cakes left to dry eventually leave their marks on the rocks. Nagarjuni Hills, Bihar. Thorny plants delimit field boundaries as well as protect them from stray cattle. Nagarjuni Hills, Bihar. A village still. Nagarjuni Hills, Bihar. Horse-drawn tongas transport pilgrims around the many sights in town. Rajgir, Bihar. Harvesting potatoes on a bright sunny day. Nalanda, Bihar. A clay-mud model in the verandah of a house. Nalanda, Bihar. A roof tiled with semi-cylinders in dovetail manner. Vaishali, Bihar. In these parts, cowdung is shaped into wedges and left to dry in stacks. Vaishali, Bihar. The traditional Indian charpoy being strung with fresh coir ropes. Govardhan, Uttar Pradesh. Some villages have a grand entrance thanks to historic ruins. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh. The bunga, or tractor, is often used by villagers for local transport. Abhaneri, Rajasthan. Heating up water on a traditional iron stove with burning coal. Bundi, Rajasthan. A potter busy spinning at his workshop. Nathdwara, Rajasthan. The earthen pot is an important and useful item in village India. Fatehpur, Rajasthan. A farmer makes his way to his fields. Doraha, Punjab. Houses made of bamboo splits are reinforced with layers of mud. Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh. Village women return from wooded slopes on the far hills. Dhirang, Arunachal Pradesh. Hand-weaving is an important activity for women in North-Eastern India. Dhirang, Arunachal Pradesh. Workers uproot saplings from paddy nurseries. Syntu Ksiar, Meghalaya. This fish trap is example of cane or bamboo implements common all over North-Eastern India. Syntu Ksiar, Meghalaya. Traditional Nagas villages sport impressive gateways. Kohima, Nagaland. A Naga tribal dressed in a colourful shawl walks home after a Sunday morning church service. Orangkong, Nagaland. Split bamboo built in this manner stand in for walls or garden fences. Lumding, Assam. A house with beautiful woodwork stands on stone bases. Harsil, Uttarakhand. http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/101-images-of-hindu-art-and-architecture/ http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/101-images-of-hindu-art-and-architecture/#comments Mon, 28 Mar 2011 03:27:34 +0000 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/?p=2467 ]]> http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/101-images-of-hindu-art-and-architecture/feed/ 2 arvindpadmanabhan Carved out of a single rock in the courtyard of Veerabhadra Temple. Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh. Temples of the Lakshmi Narayan complex are built close to one another as a cluster. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Lord Shiva seated amidst his admirers as depicted on one of many ceiling paintings. Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh. Jewellery and ornamented apparel have always been high points of Indian sculptural art. Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh. Claimed to be the largest Nandi in the world, this comes to us from the Vijayanagar Period. Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh. A common colour scheme in South Indian temple towns marking temple boundaries. Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh. This sculpture of Vishnu is an excellent example of supreme Pala art. National Museum, Delhi. Nandi in the far north has a stylistic form of its own. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Capitals of this mandapa show unending varieties of inverted lotus motifs. Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh. A Naga becomes a decorative form to a spout that drains holy offerings from the inner sanctum. Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh. Bronze sculptures as these are used in temple processions. Mukhalingam, Andhra Pradesh. Shikara of a ruined temple shows imperfection in the restoration process. Mukhalingam, Andhra Pradesh. Stone wonders of the Lingaraja Temple complex. Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. A multi-tiered aedicule flanked by rising naga devatas. Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. At the Parasurameshwara Temple, this emaciated body and shrivelled breasts suggest Chamundeshwari. Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. A unique torana arch leading to the Mukteshwar Temple. Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. At the famous Sun Temple, the magnificent pyramidal jagamohan must have once been dwarfed by the main shikara which is today missing. Konark, Orissa. One of many chariot wheels that are the finest expressions of Indian temple art. Konark, Orissa. Jagannath Puri is a form of worship popular all over Orissa. Udayagiri, Orissa. Stone slabs as these are common for deity and hero worship. Naggar, Himachal Pradesh. Woodcarving at the Tripura Sundari Temple. Naggar, Himachal Pradesh. A pillar shows three common motifs of Hindu temple art - purna kumbha, half lotus medallion and kirtimukha. Alampur, Andhra Pradesh. The Hidimba Devi Temple set within a forest clearing is in distinct pagoda style. Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Superb work of miniature reliefs on a mandapa pillar. Hanamkonda, Andhra Pradesh. Once part of a ceiling, this kirtimukha in sharp relief is just one of many wonders of Kakatiya art. Warangal, Andhra Pradesh. Beheaded sculptures of deities line the corridor circling the main temple at the Chausath Yogini Temple. Bheraghat, Madhya Pradesh. Temples built by the Chandelas show towering shikaras, projected balconies and mandapas with beautiful canopies. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The grandest of these temples have projected balconies and towering shikaras packed with reliefs. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Perhaps a symbol of the Chandela rulers, this lion rears over a half-man, half-woman warrior. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The Kandariya Mahadeo Temple is the architecturally most impressive. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The simplicity of this shikara gives it an impressive perspective. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Not a typical temple, the Chaturbhuj Temple borrows partly from Hindu palace architecture. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. Anantasheyana fills a section of the ceiling at the Laxminarayana Temple. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. These magnificent cenotaphs are today a favourite haunt for vultures. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. The opulent interiors of the Saas-Bahu Temple. Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The tale of Gajendra moksha. Deogarh, Madhya Pradesh. The most famous masterpiece of Indian art comes from the Gupta Period. Deogarh, Madhya Pradesh. High relief cut into solid rock depicts the Varaha avatar. Udaygiri, Madhya Pradesh. Damsels adorn the entrance to the inner sanctum. Bhojpur, Madhya Pradesh. This cenotaph has a pyramidal tower, a mandapa, a sanctum and a corridor running around it. Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Apsidal form seen in this Keralan temple is perhaps inspired by the great Durga Temple of Aihole. Madhur, Kerala. Tanks have always been an important element of temple architecture. Modhera, Gujarat. Symmetry and beauty of this domical ceiling are breathtaking. Modhera, Gujarat. Kalki avatar is sculpted to a level of almost perfection at the Rani-ki-Vav. Patan, Gujarat. The famous Rani-ki-Vav stepwell is packed with reliefs of the highest art. Patan, Gujarat. A grand cenotaph packed with exquisite reliefs catches the evening light. Bhuj, Gujarat. On a cenotaph, a dancer is caught in the act of tying her anklets; or is it untying? Bhuj, Gujarat. There are plenty of temples in India that survive in stark ruins. Kera, Gujarat. At the Koodal Manikyam Temple, this structure called the kootambalam is a place of dance rituals dedicated to the gods. Irinjalakuda, Kerala. Elephants are often gracefully retired from hard labour by becoming participants of temple rituals. Irinjalakuda, Kerala. Keralan temples usually have sloping roofs, projected gables and hundreds of oil lamps on their walls. Kodungallur, Kerala. Wooden lattice work nailed with oil lamps on temple walls is a universal feature in Keralan temples. Thiruvanchikkulam, Kerala. The shikara of the Ghrishneshwar Temple is stylistically unique but in its pyramidal form resembles at best the famous gopuram of Tanjavur. Ellora, Maharashtra. The wonder of Ellora is largely due to the Kailasa Temple carved out of solid rock. Ellora, Maharashtra. Mythical creatures named yalis colourfully decorate a temple entrance. Suchindram, Tamil Nadu. Snake workship is prevalent all over India but here an entire town derives its name from the main temple. Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. A temple door has miniature sculptural reliefs in painted wood. Thiruchendur, Tamil Nadu. Rock-cut relief of the Hindu Trinity in one of the caves. Ellora, Maharashtra. Brightly painted vehicles for carrying temple idols during street processions. Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The famous perspective of the longest temple corridor in the country. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. Sandstone sculptures of Ganesha protected from neglect and vandalism. Barsoor, Chhattisgarh. A superb sculpture of Trivikrama. Rajim, Chhattisgarh. Masterpieces of pillar art from the Vijayanagar Period. Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. The spectacular gopuram is one of the largest in the world. Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. The shikara of this temple is unique in its packing of tiny shikaras. Bhoramdeo, Chhattisgarh. This massive vimana is an engineering marvel of the Cholas. Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Ancient Tamil script document some of the history associated with the Big Temple. Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Balustrades carved out as an elephant at the Big Temple. Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Lakshmana Temple shows wonderful precision in which a single articulation spans many bricks. Sirpur, Chhattisgarh. Lingotbhavar is a recurring image in Chola temple art. The wall shows faded paintings on religious themes. Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu. A typical South Indian temple gopuram at the Sarangapani Temple is packed with colourful details. Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. A crowning ceremony performed by Lord Shiva himself. Gangaikondacholapuram, Tamil Nadu. Old cenotaphs stand right next to the main Buddhist temple. Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Temple carts are often masterpieces of wood sculpture and carpentry. Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Mouldings rise in neat lines from the base of a shikara. Gaya, Bihar. The Shiva linga is often said to represent the phallus and at the Vishnupad Temple it is depicted quite literally. Gaya, Bihar. Lingas are carved on the rocks on the way to the temple on the hill. Barabar Hills, Bihar. Brahma Kund is an important place of Hindu pilgrimage and holy cleansing. Rajgir, Bihar. Temples were built in many spaces, outer and inner, with gopuras over gateways connecting them. Gingee, Tamil Nadu. A composite pillar consists of slender columns joined to central supports. Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Supreme Pallava art is apparent in the majestic manner in which these lion pillars stand. Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. A temple by the banks of the Ganges leans dangerously. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The locality around famous temples are often crowded, colourful and lively. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Krishna lifting the mountain on which this temple stands. Govardhan, Uttar Pradesh. One of many grand cenotaphs stand almost like airy palaces. Govardhan, Uttar Pradesh. Remains of an once grand temple stand in the courtyard with their spectacular reliefs. Abhaneri, Rajasthan. With chhatris, chhajjas, stellate form and trabeate pillared mandapa, this is typical Hindu architecture. Bundi, Rajasthan. Packed running reliefs at the base of temples are typical of Hindu art. Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. The typical rekha nagara shikara over the sanctum and vesara shikara over the mandapa are typical of North Indian temple architecture. Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. The serpentine torana arch, here seen at the Sas-Bahu Temple, is one of the highlights of Indian art. Eklingji, Rajasthan. At the Surya Temple, the temple architects aimed to awe the visitor by packing the outer walls with reliefs. Ranakpur, Rajasthan. This aedicule with an elaborate canopy depicts Narasimha avatar. Osiyan, Rajasthan. The sanctum of an Assamese temple at the Kalashetra is quite unique. Guwahati, Assam. The shikara of the Kamakhya Temple is neither the typical South Indian nor North Indian in style. Guwahati, Assam. Almost in the middle of nowhere, Ganesha sits on a rock. Tezpur, Assam. The shikaras here may claim antiquity but they are clearly not. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Stone shikaras rise simply over the sanctum and only a few suggest a collapsed mukhamandapa. Baijnath, Uttarakhand. Shikaras rise together in a packed temple complex. Jageshwar, Uttarakhand. The sukhanasi is prominent and so are the wooden canopies designed to protect the shikara from winter snowfall. Dandeshwar, Uttarakhand. Bells are an essential part of worship in Indian temples. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Rock-cut temples come complete with a tank cut into the bedrock. Masroor, Himachal Pradesh. http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/25/images-of-jain-india/ http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/25/images-of-jain-india/#comments Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:14:32 +0000 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/?p=2463 ]]> http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/25/images-of-jain-india/feed/ 0 arvindpadmanabhan Pilgrims offer morning prayers at one of many Jain temples. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Lord Mahavira is depicted by the lion symbol. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The shikara rises from a base of packed reliefs and sculptures. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Temple shikaras rise on the rocky heights of this famous hill of pilgrimage. Sonagiri, Madhya Pradesh. Tirthankaras smoothly sculpted emerge seamlessly out of chiselled caves at Kandargiri. Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. Flags flutter over shikaras at the Choubeesee Mandir. Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. A stone dwarapalak guards the entrance to a Jain temple. Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Ancient temples stand almost abandoned. Pavagadh, Gujarat. An interesting relief on one of the Jain temples. Pavagadh, Gujarat. Temple walls in ruins are spoilt further by modern graffiti. Pavagadh, Gujarat. A modern tower turns golden at sunset in front of the Hathee Singh Jain Temple. Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The spectacular Hathee Singh Jain Temple is even more so on the inside. Ahmedabad, Gujarat. For a price agreed by weight of the person, pilgrims can be carried up the hill to the temples. Mt Girnar, Gujarat. The feet of Jain tirthankaras are worshipped on the way up the hill to the main temple complex. Palitana, Gujarat. The exuberance of Jain architecture is obvious in this temple. Palitana, Gujarat. The temple complex is packed with details. Palitana, Gujarat. A typical temple has a central dome, three domed entrance porches and a shikara over the sanctum. Palitana, Gujarat. Temples in their hundreds pack the hill which in itself is fortified. Palitana, Gujarat. Serpentine arches are beautiful elements of many Jain temple entrances. Palitana, Gujarat. Entrance to a Jain cave at sunset. Ellora, Maharashtra. Superbly sculpted pillars in one of the Jain caves. Ellora, Maharashtra. Misunderstood as Lord Indra, Matanga sits enthroned in a niche in one of the Jain caves. Ellora, Maharashtra. A Jain tirthankara survives within brick ruins of a monastery. Rajgir, Bihar. Superb stone mouldings at the base of a temple. Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. A temple shikara rises gracefully from its base, something seen in Hindu temples of Khajuraho as well. Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. The Jain stambha stands near a temple with beautiful reliefs. Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. A Jain temple at the top of a hill. Eklingji, Rajasthan. Superb reliefs pack the walls of a temple. Ranakpur, Rajasthan. The Chaumukh Temple is the supreme achievement of Jain art and architecture in entire India. Ranakpur, Rajasthan. Shikaras at the entrance of a Jain temple. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/churches-of-india/ http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/churches-of-india/#comments Fri, 18 Mar 2011 05:27:24 +0000 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/?p=2861 ]]> http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/18/churches-of-india/feed/ 0 arvindpadmanabhan St James Church at Kashmiri Gate is one of the oldest. Delhi. St Andrews Church, apparently one of the main churches of town, is definitely in need of a facelift. Darjeeling, West Bengal. The wooden rafters of a gabled porch at the Immaculate Conception Church. Darjeeling, West Bengal. Beautifully restored stone coffering at the Chapel of St Catherine. Old Goa, Goa. The facade of Chapel of St Catherine built by Afonso de Albuquerque. Old Goa, Goa. The Church of St Francis of Assisi wears a dilapidated look due to many monsoons. Old Goa, Goa. Paintings adorn parts of interiors at the Church of St Francis of Assisi. Old Goa, Goa. The plain interiors of St Catherine Cathedral from the 17th century. Old Goa, Goa. Basilica of Bom Jesus contains the embalmed body of St Francis Xavier. Old Goa, Goa. Corner rounded towers gives Church of Our Lady of the Rosary appearance of a fortress. Old Goa, Goa. Old azulejos decorate parts of ruined walls at the Augustinian Monastery. Old Goa, Goa. Sixteen century Augustinian Monastery survives in the ruins of its tower. Old Goa, Goa. One of countless old churches in Goa has a striking entrance door. Old Goa, Goa. The grand facade of St Cajetan Church. Old Goa, Goa. Interiors at St Cajetan Church is one of the best kept in all of Portuguese Goa. Old Goa, Goa. The steps leading up to the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception are essential to this photogenic makeup. Panaji, Goa. Pretty facade of a church in South Goa. Chandor, Goa. Syrian Christians have their churches in town. Thrissur, Kerala. Order and symmetry at the Lourdes Cathedral. Thrissur, Kerala. At the Lourdes Cathedral, a beautiful spire and a dome at the crossing are coloured by the setting sun. Thrissur, Kerala. Facade of Our Lady of Dolores just after sunset. Thrissur, Kerala. Angels and saints at the altar at Our Lady of Dolores. Thrissur, Kerala. With decorated Christian crosses, a low ceiling and semi-circular arches, this Syrian church comes out as unique. Thrissur, Kerala. The spectacular Bell Tower to the left is the highlight of Our Lady of Dolores. Thrissur, Kerala. A Christian Cross welcomes visitors at Our Lady of Life Church. Mattancherry, Kerala. Somewhat plain interiors of the Our Lady of Life Church. Mattancherry, Kerala. Hand-operated period fans at the St Francis Church. Fort Kochi, Kerala. Beautiful facade of the Santa Cruz Basilica. Fort Kochi, Kerala. Kerala is home to churches all over the state as this one on the way from Ernakulam to Ettumanoor. Kerala. The churches of Kerala, unlike those of Goa, are beautifully maintained and the St Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral is an example of such care. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The long metal pole to the right carries the Christian Cross at the top but really is derived from traditional dwajastambhas of Hindu temples. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The Neo-Gothic building of St Lourdes Church. Trichy, Kerala. The Presbyterian Church of India is perhaps the prettiest church in entire India. Shillong, Meghalaya. Evening light at a service at the Ao Baptist Church. Kohima, Nagaland. The Ao Baptist Church ingeniously imports traditional Naga architecture. Kohima, Nagaland. Local cultures have evolved Christian symbols to long-held beliefs. Kohima, Nagaland. Catholic Cathedral is another example clever application of traditional Naga architecture. Kohima, Nagaland. Modern churches of the North-East have interesting architectural designs. Mokokchung, Nagaland. As this Baptist Church shows, even isolated villages have a church. Marepkong, Nagland. Stone Methodist Church seen on an overcast day. Almora, Uttarakhand. http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/10/indian-forts-and-palaces/ http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/10/indian-forts-and-palaces/#comments Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:58:37 +0000 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/?p=2465 ]]> http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/03/10/indian-forts-and-palaces/feed/ 0 arvindpadmanabhan The facade is imposing even from a distance. Red Fort, Delhi. In Mughal times, these pools and channels would have cooled the palaces. Red Fort, Delhi. The Mauryan pillar standing high among the ruins of Tughlaq dynasty. Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi. History is written on the stones of this gateway. Purana Qila, Delhi. Lights come on at sunset at the Bahu Fort. Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir. Amar Mahal is not the typical Indian palace and its architecture betrays European influence. Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir. A tower at the intersection of modern roads catches the setting sun. Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Arch netting and perspectives in a palace building inside the fort. Golconda, Andhra Pradesh. Newly excavated ruins of perhaps an old palace. Gaur, West Bengal. One of many surviving gateways of the Kakatiyas. Warangal, Andhra Pradesh. The tall castle of stone and timber. Gondhla, Himachal Pradesh. A colourful gateway to palace grounds. Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. Perhaps a place of prayer and offering at the capital of ancient Sikkim. Rabadense, Sikkim. Ram Raja Temple was originally a palace. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. Jehangir Mahal, built specifically for a visit by the Mughal emperor. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. Raja Mahal has a certain simplicity and austerity about it. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. The palace of the famous Jhansi-ki-Rani. Jhansi, Madhya Pradesh. The old palace of Leh stands high on a hill in the background. Leh, Jammu & Kashmir. Beautiful stone jali screens are decorative elements in many Indian palaces. Datia, Madhya Pradesh. A wonderful abandoned palace with emphasis on symmetry. Datia, Madhya Pradesh. The palaces stand beautifully above rocky foundations and fort walls. Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Peacock brackets are one of the wonders of these palaces. Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. A rare peek at palace interiors at the Jai Vilas Palace of the Scindias. Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Monasteries of the Himalayan region are often imposing in scale to rival any palace. Hemis, Jammu & Kashmir. A palace under restoration. Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. Ruins of buildings inside the fort. Raisen, Madhya Pradesh. The empty Hindola Mahal offers a perspective of its pointed arches. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Ruined gateways. Champaner, Gujarat. Stones standing in arches without use of mortar. Pavagadh, Gujarat. The Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery has a palatial appearance. Vadodara, Gujarat. A solitary peacock stands on crumbling fort walls on a rainy day. Chapora, Goa. The old fort walls are covered with a fine layer of moss. Bekal, Kerala. School children walk past a backdrop of ruined palaces with superb jharokhas. Bhuj, Gujarat. Entrance through the gateway at the fort. Junagadh, Gujarat. The Shaktan Thampuran Palace is today a modest museum. Thrissur, Kerala. The exotic Portuguese gateway at the old fort. Daman, Daman & Diu. The palace is unimpressive on the outside but has superb wall murals on the inside. Mattancherry, Kerala. The facade of Napier Museum in Indo-Sarcenic architecture looks almost a palace. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The iron gates are prepared for an attack anytime. Pune, Maharashtra. The fort at Worli survives in sparse elements where villagers dry their clothes. Mumbai, Maharashtra. Wonderful stucco work of an obviously restored palace. Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The merchant houses of Chettinad region are as good as palaces. Kanadukathan, Tamil Nadu. An old granary with three storage spaces on the inside. Gingee, Tamil Nadu. Remains of old horse stables. Gingee, Tamil Nadu. Some of the buildings lining the ghats of the Ganges are like palaces. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The gateway into the fort across the Ganges from Varanasi. Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh. Bastion and fort ramparts. Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. Courtyards and terraces in white marble. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Inlay of marble and semi-precious stones in one of the palaces. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Spectacular serpentine brackets. Fatehpuri Sikri, Uttar Pradesh. The famous Hawa Mahal from the inside. Jaipur, Rajasthan. Palaces in Indian architecture have lots of open spaces, terraces, balconies and windows. Amber, Rajasthan. Details of mirror and glasswork pack the walls and ceiling. Amber, Rajasthan. Visitors strolling through marble corridors. Amber, Rajasthan. Wall paintings are common decorations in palaces. Bundi, Rajasthan. Remains of a hunting lodge are today a favourite haunt of monkeys. Bundi, Rajasthan. Pilgrims visit a temple while fort walls tower high. Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. An airy terrace high up at the City Palace gives open views of the entire city. Udaipur, Rajasthan. A beautifully decorated entrance leading into the fort. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The havelis of Jaisalmer have no match in all of India. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. A silver howdah on display in one of the visitor galleries. Mehrangarh, Rajasthan. The Jal Mahal, once surrounded by water, stands today in a drier landscape. Narnaul, Haryana. Remains of a fort on a hill. Agroha, Haryana. The massive bastions at the entrance into the fort. Bathinda, Punjab. The fort here has been closed for visitors for sometime now. Faridkot, Punjab. Old palace buildings are today used by government offices. Kapurtala, Punjab. One of many palace pavilions in the famous Mughal gardens. Pinjore, Haryana. The bastions at the fort are impressive. Patiala, Punjab. Within the old fort are unique stone sculptures of a lost dynasty. Dimapur, Nagaland. The old fort stands amidst spectacular greenery. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/02/26/images-of-buddhist-india/ http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/02/26/images-of-buddhist-india/#comments Sat, 26 Feb 2011 17:37:52 +0000 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/?p=2461 ]]> http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/02/26/images-of-buddhist-india/feed/ 2 arvindpadmanabhan The once great stupa survives only by its wide base. Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. A modern statue of the Buddha takes shape. Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. Rock-cut caves lead into many meditation chambers on multiple levels. Undavalli, Andhra Pradesh. Ruins of an old brick stupa showing recent restoration. Ghantasala, Andhra Pradesh. The serpent cave prepares to devour the visitor. Udayagiri, Orissa. Even Hindus pay homage to the Buddha at the Peace Pagoda. Dhauli, Orissa. Superbly decorated door jambs amidst monastic ruins. Buddhist Corridor, Orissa. Grand old ruins in the middle of rural green countryside. Buddhist Corridor, Orissa. Stupas in typical style of the Himalayan regions. Gangtok, Sikkim. A Buddhist temple built out of stone. Rabangla, Sikkim. A monk waits for offerings. Leh, Jammu & Kashmir. Painted stucco on mud-plastered walls at the monastery. Thiksey, Jammu & Kashmir. The grand monastery and temple complex. Hemis, Jammu & Kashmir. Chortens dot the open landspace in the company of mountain ranges. Shey, Jammu & Kashmir. Sunset puts one of the majestic gateways into silhouette. Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. Up to about 1st century AD the Buddha was worshipped through symbols including the Wheel of Dharma. Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. Brick and stone ruins spread among the famous stupas. Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. The Great Stupa with its beautiful stone palisade and gateways. Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh. A brightly painted prayer wheel catches the morning sun. Lamayuru, Jammu & Kashmir. Stupas near the temple on a bright day. Lamayuru, Jammu & Kashmir. The monasteries of Ladakh are a world apart. Lamayuru, Jammu & Kashmir. The universal Buddhist mantra carved in stone. Lamayuru, Jammu & Kashmir. Pillars sculpted out of sheer rock at one of the caves. Bagh, Madhya Pradesh. Rock-cut caves need modern support to keep them standing. Junagadh, Gujarat. An Ashokan inscription preserved under a shelter records codes of morality. Junagadh, Gujarat. The capital bears striking resemblance to protome capitals of ancient Persepolis. Bedsa, Maharashtra. The stupa at the far end of the chaitya hall. Bedsa, Maharashtra. A magnificent facade to one of the caves. Nashik, Maharashtra. A modern meditation hall with a high central skylight. Nashik, Maharashtra. Details of a cave facade. Ajanta, Maharashtra. Chemically cleaned and preserved paintings at a cave entrance. Ajanta, Maharashtra. The caves at Ajanta line a horseshoe-shaped rocky ridge. Ajanta, Maharashtra. Rock-cut pillars betray work in progress and never to be completed. Ellora, Maharashtra. Chaitya arches, elephants and ribbed bell capitals. Bedsa, Maharashtra. A photography enthusiast tries out his skills at the cave entrance. Bedsa, Maharashtra. Monastic cells in their restored brick ruins. Sirpur, Chhattisgarh. More than life-sized stone Buddha in meditation. Sirpur, Chhattisgarh. A votive stupa packed with Boddhisatvas in miniatures. Ithkori, Jharkhand. A lotus opens up to another morning and bows to the temple. Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Pilgrims from all over the world pray before the sacred Bodhi tree. Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Offerings of marigolds, chrysanthemums and irises. Bodh Gaya, Bihar. One of the oldest Buddhist caves in the country. Barabar Hills, Bihar. Ancient script on stones of Mauryan polish document history. Nagarjuni Hills, Bihar. The bamboo groves where the Buddha often stayed and the tank where he bathed. Rajgir, Bihar. The Shanti Stupa built with Japanese initiative. Rajgir, Bihar. The hallowed ground of Gridhrakuta Hill where the Buddha delivered many sermons. Rajgir, Bihar. Temple No. 3, the grandest of all ruins in the complex. Nalanda, Bihar. An Ashoka Pillar with its Lion Capital amidst ruins of votive stupas in brick. Vaishali, Bihar. Beautiful mouldings adorn brick ruins. Vaishali, Bihar. Ruins of the Chaukhandi Stupa catch the morning sun. Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. Head of the Buddha is being decorated with gold leaves. Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. Dhamekh Stupa is an important place of Buddhist pilgrimage. Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. Buddhist chaitya arch inspires a gateway facing Pakisthani border. Hussainiwala, Punjab. Drums and their pleated cloths catch the sun at the Pemayangzte Monastery. Pelling, Sikkim. Buddhist wall paintings of northeastern India reflect Tibetan influence. Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh. Monks wait for the early dinner as the mist rolls in. Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh. Local people use stones to count their rounds around Buddhist temples. Dhirang, Arunachal Pradesh. Wall painting in the temple. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Door knockers with colourfully braided cloths. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Rain comes down and mist rolls in near the monastery. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/the-indian-bazaar/ http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/the-indian-bazaar/#comments Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:41:23 +0000 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/?p=2459 ]]> http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/the-indian-bazaar/feed/ 4 arvindpadmanabhan Posters of the Dalai Lama on sale along with Tibetan mandalas. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Avant garde painted pottery at Dilli Haat at Netaji Subash Place. New Delhi. Morning breakfast hot and fresh from the stove. Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir. Cookies and pastries in glass jars at the beach. Puri, Orissa. Printed cotton in infinite colours and designs. Puri, Orissa. Handwoven Kullu shalls in colourful traditional patterns. Naggar, Himachal Pradesh. Morning flower market awash with colour by the Hooghly at Howrah. Kolkata, West Bengal. Dried ferns which if placed in water will turn green and pretty. Naggar, Himachal Pradesh. A boy transports freshly baked cakes. Alampur, Andhra Pradesh. Silk and cotton sarees on display. Shantiniketan, West Bengal. Earthy colours and typical style of a Madhubani painting. Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh. A man sharps a knife as children look for the sparks. Gangtok, Sikkim. Something to tempt any foreign tourist. Keylong, Himachal Pradesh. Colours of rangoli. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. The seasonal sale of woollen wear on the Manali-Leh Road happens only in summer. Sarchu, Himachal Pradesh. Handmade noodles are stacked in plastic wraps. Leh, Jammu and Kashmir. Wooden masks and prayer wheels on display. Leh, Jammu and Kashmir. Footwear made of wool and sheepskin. Leh, Jammu and Kashmir. A Tibetan market actually sells an equal share of Indian stuff. Leh, Jammu and Kashmir. It is the season of fresh and ripe apricots. Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir. A fine arts gallery displays its collection on sale. North Goa. Halwas are a delicacy of the region and come in variety of colours and taste. Calicut, Kerala. Rice, pulses and spices on sale in a large warehouse. Calicut, Kerala. A pair of wooden clogs for the pilgrim catches morning light. Guruvayur, Kerala. Silk bordered sarees, dhotis and dresses. Guruvayur, Kerala. Christian idols for sale at a workshop. Thrissur, Kerala. Waiting for the arrival of fresh catch. Diu, Daman and Diu. Colourful spices bottled neatly near old warehouses. Mattancherry, Kerala. Painted wooden decor to tempt any tourist. Mattancherry, Kerala. A glimpse of the wonders of the seas. Fort Cochin, Kerala. An evening sale of garlands and wreaths. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Thomas Hardy takes his place among the gods. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Clay Ganeshas on sale on the day of Ganesh Chaturti. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. One of many colourful stalls at a typical Indian religious mela. Rajim, Chhattisgarh. Neem sticks stand in for toothbrushes in most Indian villages. Madhubani, Bihar. Tea in all its variety and grading. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Objects of worship pack a small shop floor to ceiling on the way to the Kasi Vishwanath Temple. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Handmade wooden clogs for the pilgrim finished right by the road. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Morning flower market. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Full dental services and no appointments required. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. If there were no women, the world would be less colourful. Jaipur, Rajasthan. Traditional shoes in dazzling designs and colours. Jaipur, Rajasthan. Incised woodblocks for quick application of mehndi. Jaipur, Rajasthan. Traditional puppets make the bazaar a colourful place. Jaipur, Rajasthan. Sweets on sale as offerings for the Lord. Nathdwara, Rajasthan. Paintings and drawings on sale on the way to the City Palace. Udaipur, Rajasthan. Care for your name in the smallest scale? Mt Abu, Rajasthan. Wooden toys and boxes on sale. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. A painted pot lies in a heap among the plain ones. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Cane chairs and stools exhibit expert craftsmanship. Ajmer, Rajasthan. A busy market scene. Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. A pot-pourri of items on sale at a bazaar. Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh. Fresh greens would tempt any lazy cook to hit the kitchen. Dhirang, Arunachal Pradesh. Small beetles, rich in protein, are commonly eaten by tribals. Haflong, Assam. Rain shades as these are used by workers in paddy fields. Jowai, Meghalaya. Dogs, a delicacy in these parts, bundled up in gunny sacks wait their fate. Dimapur, Nagaland. A vendor offers clean empty cans for pilgrims to take home the Ganges. Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Freshly picked apples from orchards just down the slope on the way to Gangotri. Uttarakhand. A village tea stall with an accompaniment of cakes and cookies. Baijnath, Uttarakhand. Roasted corn at the market place. Nainital, Uttarakhand. http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/02/04/erotic-india-in-50-images/ http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/02/04/erotic-india-in-50-images/#comments Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:20:00 +0000 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/?p=2364 ]]> http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/02/04/erotic-india-in-50-images/feed/ 2 arvindpadmanabhan Erotic couple in the bottom panel. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Couples making love in different ways. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Standing couples within the Lingaraga Temple complex. Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. Couples at the Sun Temple. Konark, Orissa. A bejewelled woman with attendants. The Buddhist Corridor, Orissa. A loving detail at one of the Nava Bhramma temples. Alampur, Andhra Pradesh. Line of dancers in high relief of Kakatiya ruins. Warangal, Andhra Pradesh. Voluptuous females in red sandstone at the palace gateway. Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. Erotic couples and damsels pack the walls of a temple. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. A common theme of a woman bathing. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Naked dancers and musicians in a sheltered niche. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Almost alive and breathing. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Dancers and musicians create mood for lovers. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Erotic couples and damsels pack the walls of a temple. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Damsels and couples decorate a Jain temple. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. A couple in embrace. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. Woman pulling the beard of a sage comes with its erotic suggestion. Modhera, Gujarat. A relief superb in every detail at the Rani-ki-Vav. Patan, Gujarat. A couple on the outer walls of inner shrine of Kailasha Temple. Ellora, Maharashtra. A couple in embrace and kissing. Ellora, Maharashtra. Lord Shiva and Parvati in their abode while Ravana shakes Mt Kailash. Ellora, Maharashtra. A couple surrounded by intricate details including a squirrel. Rajim, Chhattisgarh. Dancers and a musician playing the veena. Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. Erotic scenes pack the walls of the main temple. Bhoramdeo, Chhattisgarh. Erotic miniature reliefs at the Mandwa Mahal lack the finesse of Khajuraho. Bhoramdeo, Chhattisgarh. Dancer frozen in a classical pose. Darasuram, Tamil Nadu. Woman admiring herself in a mirror. Darasuram, Tamil Nadu. A married man flirts with a mistress just around the corner at the Ramaswamy Temple. Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. A busty female dressed wonderfully holds a lotus bud. Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. Eroticism of the gods. Gangaikondacholapuram, Tamil Nadu. Woman holds a creeper while a parrot looks on. Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Salabhanjika is a common female form even from the time of Emperor Ashoka. Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Relief on a mandapa pillar that faces the Ekambaranathar Temple. Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Woman flanks a doorway into the temple. Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. Pillar relief catches the morning light. Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. Pillar relief in the Kamakshi Ambal Temple. Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. A royal couple look at each other. Abhaneri, Rajasthan. A couple sit under an elaborate canopy. Abhaneri, Rajasthan. A royal couple look at each other. Abhaneri, Rajasthan. Colourful wall painting suggests woman pining for her lover. Bundi, Rajasthan. Waiting for her lover with only birds and animals for company. Bundi, Rajasthan. Serpent king and queen with Ganesha in the canopy above. Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. Woman picking thorn and woman looking into a mirror are two common erotic themes. Eklingji, Rajasthan. Lord Shiva and Parvati in their formal embrace. Eklingji, Rajasthan. Voluptuous damsels pack the walls of a temple. Ranakpur, Rajasthan. Old wooden window shutters painted with couples in love. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Faded wall painting, one of many in the region. Shekhawati Region, Rajasthan. The eternal love theme of Radha and Krishna on a painted wall. Shekhawati Region, Rajasthan. Central panel shows couple making love in different ways at the Nanda Devi Temple. Almora, Uttarakhand. A couple with a sealed kiss on weathered rock-cut art. Masroor, Himachal Pradesh. http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/01/08/101-monuments-of-islamic-india/ http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/01/08/101-monuments-of-islamic-india/#comments Sat, 08 Jan 2011 13:08:52 +0000 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/?p=2169 ]]> http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2011/01/08/101-monuments-of-islamic-india/feed/ 3 arvindpadmanabhan Restored domes of the Kabuli Masjid by Babur. Panipat, Haryana. Chatta chowk modelled on Persian markets. Red Fort, Delhi. Superb parchin kari (marble stone inlay) at the Diwan-i-Khas. Red Fort, Delhi. Marble floor in the prayer hall. Juma Masjid, Delhi. The hour of prayer. Juma Masjid, Delhi. The magnificent 13m high Ashokan Pillar in Tughlaqi settings. Firoz Shah Kotla, Delhi. The octogonal Sher Mandal where Humayun fell down the stairs and died. Purana Qila, Delhi. One of many entrance gates in spectacular ruins. Purana Qila, Delhi. Beautiful Qila-i-Kohna Masjid. Purana Qila, Delhi. Decorations in the Qila-i-Kohna Masjid. Purana Qila, Delhi. Sixteenth century Sabz Burj right in the center of a roundabout. Delhi. With numerous chhatris, the Tomb of Isa Khan is in typical Afghan style. Delhi. Jali wraps one of many tombs at the mausoleum of Humayun. Delhi. Sweeping green lawns surround the Tomb of Humayun. Delhi. Early 16th Jamali Kamali Masjid. Mehrauli, Delhi. Rajon-ki-Baoli from the Lodi Period - stepwell that is today completely dry. Mehrauli, Delhi. The Tomb of Adham Khan is architecturally quite unique. Mehrauli, Delhi. Alai Darwaza is packed with details, the finest monument of Alauddin Khalji. Delhi. Qutb Minar - a synthesis of Afghan design and local craftsmanship. Delhi. A beautiful minaret of the mosque at Golconda Fort. Golconda, Andhra Pradesh. The Tomb of Fath Khan follows vernacular do-chala hut. Gaur, West Bengal. Superb brick moulding on the facade of Qadam Rasul Masjid. Gaur, West Bengal. Stone-brick structure built by Firoz Shah. Gaur, West Bengal. Domes dominate this Indo-Sarcenic building of the High Court. Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. The Char Minar built by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Chandeliers hang covered in the Mecca Masjid. Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Glazed bricks on Gumti Gate at the eastern entrance to the citadel. Gaur, West Bengal. Chamkan Masjid from the 15th century. Gaur, West Bengal. Stunning jalis at the Tomb of Mohammed Ghaus. Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Mughal architecture at its best at the tomb of Mohammed Ghaus. Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Domes and finials catch the afternoon sun at the Jama Masjid. Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. Badal Mahal Gate - one of the finest medieval gateways. Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. Carvings at the base of a pillar at the Taj-ul-Masjid. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The simple yet majestic 15th century Jama Masjid. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. White marble mausoleum of Hoshang Shah predates the Taj Mahal by 200 years. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Stunning and lofty design at the Ashrafi Mahal. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. A framed view among the ruins. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. The eccentric but lovely Jahaz Mahal. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Decorative water channels draining into a pool at the Jahaz Mahal. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. Shahr-ki-Masjid displays its domes and minarets. Champaner, Gujarat. The drum of a missing dome and its wealth of rich carvings at Jama Masjid. Champaner, Gujarat. The cenotaph facing the Kevda Masjid. Champaner, Gujarat. A mihrab at the mosque next to Dada Harir Vav. Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The influence of local architecture on the Khizar Juma Masjid. Kasargod, Kerala. Timber and tiled construction of the Juma Masjid. Kuttichira, Kerala. The famous dargah in the morning sun. Kera, Gujarat. Muslim tombs at the dargah. Kera, Gujarat. A tower rises up in style. Junagadh, Gujarat. A skyline of finials, domes and turrets from the Mahabat Maqbara. Junagadh, Gujarat. Mughal architecture in its final decline at the Bibi-ka-Maqbara. Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Metal craftsmanship on a door at the Bibi-ka-Maqbara. Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The simple Jama Masjid at Sakchi. Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Interplay of light and shade at Bari Dargah. Bihar-Sharif, Bihar. The tomb reflected in the quiet morning waters of a lake. Maner-Sharif, Bihar. The grand and fitting tomb of Sheh Shah Suri. Sasaram, Bihar. Sixteenth century stone bridge across the river Gomti. Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. Double-arched massive gateway leading into the Jama Masjid built by the Sharqi Dynasty. Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. Turkish baths set within the Shahi Qila. Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. Tomb of Haji Iqbal with its nine decorated domes. Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh. Tomb of Shuja-ud-Daula seen at the golden hour of sunset. Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh. The Mausoleum of Mushirzadi. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Bara Imambara at its monumental best. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Jama Masjid at the Bara Imambara. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Monumental Rumi Darwaza from the 18th century. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The beauty of arches near the Chotti Imambara. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Details on the facade of Chotti Imambara. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Corbelled support in the squinches in the Tomb of Makhdum Jahania. Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh. Beautiful stone inlays and marble jalis at Mausoleum of Itimad-ud-Daula. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Colourful glazed tiles decorate the facade of Chini-ka-Rauza. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The long ramp into the fort. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The black throne of Jehangir at the Diwan-i-Khas of Agra Fort. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Akbari architecture at Agra Fort is Indo-Islamic in style. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The south gateway of the Taj Mahal seen on a bright Sunday afternoon. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The Taj Mahal seen from an arch. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. One of four minarets of the Taj casts its shadow over the beautiful mosque. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Reliefs in red sandstone on a dado in the Taj Mahal complex. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The unique gateway leading to the Tomb of Akbar. Sikandara, Uttar Pradesh. The Mausoleum of Akbar is a rare one without a dome. Sikandara, Uttar Pradesh. Rich decorations on the way to the Tomb of Akbar. Sikandara, Uttar Pradesh. Chini khana decorations at the Mausoleum of Akbar. Sikandara, Uttar Pradesh. A typical takhtgah tomb seen in the Tomb of Marian. Sikandara, Uttar Pradesh. Chhatris line the parapets on the Jama Masjid. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Military architecture from the Mughal Period. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The famous Panch Mahal is a building without walls. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh. These harem buildings of Akbar are wrongly named as the Palace of Jodha Bai. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh. The majestic Buland Darwaza with its turrets and chhatris. Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh. Marble pavilions built by Shah Jahan face the Ana Sagar Lake. Ajmer, Rajasthan. Painted details and arch netting in the water palace. Narnaul, Haryana. The Moorish mosque, one of its kind in India. Kapurtala, Punjab. One of two mausoleums in town. Nakodar, Punjab. Glazed tiles decorate this mausoleum. Nakodar, Punjab. The beautiful gateway at the serai. Nurmahal, Punjab. Peeping into the mosque at the serai. Doraha, Punjab. Marble corridor at the dargah. Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. Lost glory and dried up channels in Aam-Khas Bagh. Sirhind, Punjab. Floral pools in Aam-Khas Bagh for cooling off in the heat of summers. Sirhind, Punjab. One of the better maintained Mughal gardens of India. Pinjore, Haryana. A domeless kiosk in white marble at the Baradari Garden. Sangrur, Punjab. Restored rooms of the serai from the Mughal Period. Sambhu, Punjab. The beautiful Tomb of Sheikh Chaheli at Thanesar. Kurukshetra, Haryana. A mosque that appears grander and larger than it really is. Nainital, Uttarakhand. http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2010/12/24/101-travel-portraits/ http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2010/12/24/101-travel-portraits/#comments Fri, 24 Dec 2010 12:40:28 +0000 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/?p=2081 ]]> http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2010/12/24/101-travel-portraits/feed/ 3 arvindpadmanabhan Caretaker of the Sunehri Masjid near the Red Fort. Delhi. The weaver among his woollen shawls. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Tribal woman with child. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Tribal rolling tobacco. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh. Tribal women. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh. Rajasthani folk singers perform to an audience. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Metal artists in their studio. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. Girl selling neem twigs as tooth brushes. Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Brahmin selling pots of rice and daal. Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. Lifeguard at the beach. Puri, Orissa. Vendor offers his sweets. Puri, Orissa. Waiting for work. Kolkata, West Bengal. Leisure on the streets. Kolkata, West Bengal. Himachali beauty. Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Anyone for ride on a yak? Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Tourist poses in Himachali traditional dress. Manali, Himachal Pradesh. A normal day at work. Gaur, West Bengal. Mango pickers. Gaur, West Bengal. Chaat served up at a road block. Towards Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh. Army jawans pose at a road block. Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh. Tea picker. Mirik, West Bengal. Old man on his morning walk. Gondhla, Himachal Pradesh. Sitting down for lunch. Darcha, Himachal Pradesh. Woman poses in her Lahaul frock. Jispa, Himachal Pradesh. Monk filling the hours on a long journey. Keylong-Leh Road, Himachal Pradesh. Selling a creamy pot of butter. Leh, Jammu & Kashmir. Ladakhi hairstyle still in fashion among the older folks. Leh, Jammu & Kashmir. Two girls. Leh, Jammu & Kashmir. The security guard at the Jai Vilas Palace. Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. A woman of old world Ladakh. Lamayuru, Jammu & Kashmir. Boy monks huddle together. Lamayuru, Jammu & Kashmir. Mother and daughter return from harvest. Mulbekh, Jammu & Kashmir. Wheat sausages for sale. Kargil, Jammu & Kashmir. Getting ready for the high season of kite-flying. Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Goan woman selling bananas. Panaji, Goa. Returning home after a long day of work in the fields. Dholavira, Gujarat. Radhas and Krishnas take to the streets on Krishna Janmashtami. Thrissur, Kerala. Jain monk returning from the temples on the hill. Palitana, Gujarat. Waiting for fresh fish. Daman, Daman & Diu. Colourful display of temptations. Ajanta, Maharashtra. Luck may come your way. Thiruvanathapuram, Kerala. A day at the office for these fishermen. Kovalam, Kerala. The pineapple seller tempts on a hot day. Kovalam, Kerala. Father with his children in their village. Visapur, Maharashtra. Making clay idols for Ganesh Chaturti. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu. Tour guide into the caves. Kotumsar, Chhattisgarh. Old lady in her grand mansion. Chettinad, Tamil Nadu. Ready for an evening of cock-fighting. Sargipal, Chhattisgarh. A holy man poses at the annual mela. Rajim, Chhattisgarh. Local boys display proudly their Ganesha for the season. Srirangam, Tamil Nadu. Coming home from school. Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh. Washing the buffalos in Dimna Lake. Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Transporting wood fuel by train. Ranchi, Jharkhand. Fresh tobacco cut and rolled to order. Hazaribag, Jharkhand. Selling roasted corn kernels. Swamimalai, Tamil Nadu. Coal is money for these workers. Pankhri Barwadi, Jharkhand. School starts with a prayer. Itkhori, Jharkhand. A resident priest. Ithkori, Jharkhand. A monk giving a discourse on Buddhism. Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Threshing with modern machines. Bodh Gaya, Bihar. Anyone for a cup of tea? Barabar Hills, Bihar. Tonga-wallahs shodding their horses. Rajgir, Bihar. A woodcutter preparing his gutka. Rajgir, Bihar. Shopping for colourful threads. Sasaram, Bihar. Paan-wallah tempts with fresh ingredients and his ancient art. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. An early morning catch in the Ganges. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Sun rises on the linga by the Ganges. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Gadgets and colours for holi. Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh. For a earful of advice from a parrot. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Morning flower market. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Boys playing marbles at the Bara Imambara. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Local boys pose at the Chini ka Rauza. Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Priest reciting holy verses. Govardhan, Uttar Pradesh. A blessed soul living in Brajbhoomi. Govardhan, Uttar Pradesh. Making a wire-wrapped hukka pot. Abhaneri, Rajasthan. Villagers riding on a tractor. Abhaneri, Rajasthan. The rich and the poor. Jaipur, Rajasthan. Smoking tobaccos. Jaipur, Rajasthan. An evening in the park. Jaipur, Rajasthan. Villagers wait for their cups of tea. Bundi, Rajasthan. Security guard poses at a monument. Bundi, Rajasthan. Workers make bangles at their workshop. Bundi, Rajasthan. A normal day at the temple. Nathdwara, Rajasthan. Woman sells water. Ranakpur, Rajasthan. Indian security guard at the Pakisthan border. Hussainiwala, Punjab. Pilgrims walk around the holy tank at a gurudwara. Tarn Taran, Punjab. Boys pose in the sun after a bath. Doraha, Punjab. Scene at a dharamshala. Kurukshetra, Haryana. A durrie weaver. Panipat, Haryana. Boy monks play in their monastic courtyard. Rabangla, Sikkim. A deserving rest in the sun. Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh. Out looking for firewood for the day. Haflong, Assam. A fishing enthusiast shows off his catch. Syntu Ksiar, Meghalaya. Keeping together their focus before a dance. Longleng, Nagaland. Making a bamboo thatched fence. Lumding, Assam. Plants for sale at the train station. Guwahati, Assam. A game of dice on a cold day. Harsil, Uttarakhand. Local woman returning home from work. Harsil, Uttarakhand. Girl offers fresh flowers at a temple. Dandeshwar, Uttarakhand. Anyone for a large tumbler of tea? Dandeshwar, Uttarakhand. An old forest guard pauses on the slopes for a second. Jageshwar, Uttarakhand. http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2010/12/11/top-ten-moments/ http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2010/12/11/top-ten-moments/#comments Sat, 11 Dec 2010 06:23:36 +0000 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/?p=1914 ]]> http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2010/12/11/top-ten-moments/feed/ 0 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2010/12/11/my-journeys-across-india/ http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2010/12/11/my-journeys-across-india/#comments Sat, 11 Dec 2010 04:41:31 +0000 arvindpadmanabhan http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/?p=1892 ]]> http://indianjourneys.wordpress.com/2010/12/11/my-journeys-across-india/feed/ 2 arvindpadmanabhan