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Kanchi Kailasanatha Temple – Part 3

By Indian Columbus - June 07, 2026

Understanding the Layout of a Pallava Masterpiece In the first article of this series, I introduced the greatness of the Kailasanatha Temple and explained why a single visit is not enough to appreciate it. In the second article, we travelled through the history of the Pallavas and saw how centuries of experimentation in temple architecture ultimately culminated in this masterpiece of Rajasimha. Before we begin examining the sculptures, inscriptions, paintings and architectural details individually, it is important to understand the overall layout of the temple. After all, the Kailasanatha Temple is not merely a collection of structures. It is a carefully conceived architectural composition where every shrine, passage, mandapa and enclosure has a purpose. The complex is spread across nearly 2 acres. Yet, the core structure of the temple occupies only about 0.4 acre. Words fall short in describing the beauty of this extraordinary temple. No wonder the builder Rajasimha called himself Aty...

Church of Christ the King – A Gothic Landmark Within Loyola College, Chennai

By Indian Columbus - May 30, 2026

When people think of Loyola College , they usually think of one of Chennai's most respected educational institutions, its sprawling green campus, distinguished alumni, and nearly century-old academic traditions. Yet hidden among the trees and historic buildings stands a structure that deserves attention in its own right, the magnificent Church of Christ the King. With its soaring 175-foot spire, pointed arches, stained-glass windows, and richly detailed façade, the church is one of the most striking examples of Gothic Revival architecture within an educational campus in Chennai. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a reminder of the Jesuit vision that shaped Loyola College from its earliest days. A Church Built Alongside the College Loyola College was founded by the Society of Jesus, popularly known as the Jesuits, in 1925. Faith and education have always gone hand in hand in Jesuit institutions, and the construction of a church formed an important part of the campu...

Loyola College, Chennai – A Landmark of Learning and Heritage

By Indian Columbus - May 29, 2026

Loyola College is one of Chennai’s most respected educational institutions. Located in Nungambakkam, the college is known for its academic reputation, green campus, historic buildings and calm atmosphere. For generations of students, Loyola has been more than a place of study. It has been a space of friendships, debates, cultural memories and personal growth. Founded in 1925 by the Society of Jesus, the college was named after Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Order. It began with a small group of students and a few courses, but over the decades grew into one of India’s leading colleges. Its contribution to education, public life, cinema, literature, journalism, politics and social service has made it an important part of Chennai’s modern history. The first thing that impresses a visitor is the campus itself. Once inside, the noise of the city slowly fades. Tall trees, broad pathways, palms and well-kept gardens create a peaceful setting. The old college buildings ris...

Humayun’s Tomb – The Monument That Changed Mughal Architecture in India

By Indian Columbus - May 24, 2026

In the heart of Delhi stands a monument that altered the course of Indian architecture. Built in the 16th century, Humayun’s Tomb was the first great garden tomb of the Indian subcontinent and among the earliest Mughal monuments to employ red sandstone on such a monumental scale. Commissioned by Haji Begum , the widow of Emperor Humayun, this mausoleum introduced ideas and design principles that would later culminate in the Taj Mahal. Though the larger complex contains several tombs, mosques, gateways, and gardens, the focus here is the main mausoleum itself: the structure that became the architectural foundation for centuries of Mughal design. The Approach and the First View The experience of Humayun’s Tomb begins long before one reaches the structure. As you walk along the central pathway of the Charbagh garden, the tomb slowly rises into view, perfectly aligned along the axis. The balance is immediate and striking. Every line appears measured, every proportion carefully controlled....

William H. Seward Statue – Madison Square Park, New York City

By Indian Columbus - May 23, 2026

In a quiet corner of Madison Square Park in Manhattan stands the commanding bronze statue of William H. Seward , a figure of immense historical stature whose legacy continues to shape the political narrative of the United States. Seated in a dignified, relaxed pose, this sculpture honors a statesman whose career spanned some of the most turbulent decades in American history. The Man Behind the Monument William Henry Seward (1801–1872) served as Governor of New York , United States Senator , and most notably, as Secretary of State under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. He was an outspoken opponent of slavery, a champion of education reform, and an early advocate of American expansionism. Seward is perhaps best remembered for orchestrating the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, a move initially mocked as “Seward’s Folly,” but now recognized as one of the most visionary land acquisitions in American history. William H. Seward Statue – Madison Square Park, New York Cit...

W. S. Gilbert Memorial, London

By Indian Columbus - May 10, 2026

While walking through London, one often comes across memorials and plaques attached to walls, bridges, and public spaces. Some are easy to miss unless one pauses and looks carefully. This memorial to W. S. Gilbert is one such work. Set against the river wall on Victoria Embankment, near Charing Cross Pier and close to Embankment Station, this is not a large freestanding monument, yet it has enough artistic beauty to make one pause and take notice. The memorial is dedicated to William Schwenck Gilbert (1836–1911) , the well-known playwright and poet. His name is shown prominently, and below it is a striking line: “Playwright & Poet. His foe was folly & his weapon wit.” That sentence itself says much about the man being remembered. It suggests someone who used humour, intelligence, and sharp observation to respond to the foolishness of the world around him. W.S. Gilbert Memorial, London At the centre of the memorial is Gilbert’s profile portrait placed within an arched re...

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