Indian Columbus

This is the 17th article in my series on the Kanheri Caves . In the earlier parts, I explored the architectural layout and sculptural grandeur of Cave No. 1, 2, 3 and 4, covering their majestic entrances, imposing pillars, colossal Buddha images, donor couple sculptures, extensive sculptural panels along the verandah walls, stupas, lion crowned pillars, votive stupas, some of the earliest Buddha figures, and much more. In this part, I now move slightly northward from Cave No. 4 to cover Cave No. 5. Cave No. 5 is not a cave in the usual sense. What we see here are two water cisterns carved into the rock. Close to these cisterns are two damaged niches, each showing a Buddha seated with pendant legs. Though weathered, the posture is still recognizable, and the hands are arranged in Vyakhyana mudra. An inscription is found above these cisterns, adding historical depth to what otherwise appears to be a simple functional excavation. For the benefit of beginners:   Vyakhyana mudra is a ...

This is Part 2 of my series on the magnificent and exceptional Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram . In the previous article, I stood before the temple and wondered where to begin. Before we step into its architecture, sculptures, or inscriptions, it is only right that we first understand the hands that created it. Who built this temple? It was the Pallavas. But the Kailasanathar Temple did not appear suddenly. It is the result of centuries of evolution, an idea that slowly took shape, matured, and finally reached perfection. The Pallavas – A Dynasty That Shaped the South The Pallava dynasty ruled from around the 3rd century CE to the 9th century CE, governing a significant part of South India with Kanchipuram as their capital. They were not just rulers. They were builders, patrons, thinkers, and visionaries who played a defining role in shaping the cultural and architectural identity of Tamil Nadu. Like many Indian dynasties, the Pallavas too traced their origins to divine ...

S. Satyamurti (1887–1943) occupies a prominent place in India’s freedom movement, particularly in the political history of Madras Presidency. A senior leader of the Indian National Congress, Satyamurti was known for his powerful oratory, administrative acumen, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles. He played a key role in strengthening the Congress organization in South India and was instrumental in bringing many young leaders into the movement, including K. Kamaraj, who later became one of Tamil Nadu’s most influential Chief Ministers. PC - Shiva Arunaachalam Born in Thirumayam in present-day Tamil Nadu, Satyamurti pursued law and quickly emerged as a respected advocate before dedicating himself fully to the freedom struggle. He served as the President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and was also elected as the Mayor of Madras in 1939. During his tenure, he initiated important civic projects, including efforts related to water supply, most notably the Poondi reserv...

The Humayun’s Tomb Complex in Delhi is not just the resting place of a Mughal emperor; it is a vast, architecturally rich necropolis that includes a series of monumental gateways, tombs of nobility, mosques, and enclosures that span a century of Indo-Islamic evolution. Commissioned in the 1560s by Haji Begum , Humayun’s widow, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas , this site was the first garden-tomb of the Indian subcontinent. While the centerpiece is undoubtedly Humayun’s Tomb , the journey through its complex introduces us to forgotten courtiers, Persian artisans, and the architectural experiments that culminated in the Taj Mahal. Let us walk through the complex in the order a visitor would experience it,  starting from the West Gate and concluding at the emperor's tomb . 🚪 West Gate – The Main Entrance 📍 First stop for any visitor As you enter the complex, you pass through the West Gate , a high-arched Mughal structure built of red sandstone and white marble. Its two-sto...

In the heart of Manhattan, at Madison Square Park, stands a dignified granite obelisk that pays tribute to a hero whose memory continues to be honored more than a century later. This is the Ducit Amor Patriae monument, a Latin phrase meaning “Love of country leads me,” engraved prominently at its base, a phrase that captures the spirit of the man it commemorates. A Memorial to William Jenkins Worth The monument is a memorial to Major General William Jenkins Worth (1794–1849), a prominent figure in American military history. Worth served with distinction during the War of 1812 and later played key roles in the Second Seminole War and the Mexican-American War. He rose through the ranks due to his leadership and bravery and became a national hero by the time of his death. Ducit Amor Patriae Monument Architectural Style and Design The memorial is one of the few monuments in New York City that doubles as a mausoleum. Beneath this soaring 51-foot granite obelisk lie the remains of Gen...

London is full of things that people see every day but rarely stop to notice. Among them are the city’s red post boxes. They are familiar, functional, and so woven into the streetscape that many pass by them without a thought. Yet some of them carry small but telling signs of age, and this pillar box near Edgware Underground Station is one such example. At first glance, it looks like part of ordinary London life, standing on a busy pavement with traffic moving past, shops lit up nearby, and the evening city stretching around it. But a closer look shows details that place it within an earlier period of British public life. A George VI Pillar Box at Edgware Most striking is the royal cypher GR beneath the crown. The letters stand for Georgius Rex , identifying the box with the reign of King George VI . That immediately gives it historical interest. London does have a number of old post boxes from different reigns, so this is not a unique survival. But it is still a pleasing reminder t...