Indian Columbus

This is the ninth article in my series on the Kanheri Caves. In the previous installments, I introduced the caves and detailed the features of Cave No. 1 and Cave No. 2. In this article, I will begin exploring Cave No. 3. Cave No. 3, also referred to as the Chaitya Cave, faces west and lies to the north of Cave No. 2. It is the most frequently visited and extensively documented cave among the Kanheri group. This Chaitya Cave stands out as the largest and most architecturally sophisticated structure in Kanheri, closely resembling the renowned Karla Caves in style and layout. The west-facing cave opens into a spacious courtyard at the front, accessed through a gateway flanked by two low parapet walls. These walls are adorned with intricate carvings, including an animal frieze at their base and an ornamental rail pattern above. The rail pattern features circular motifs, mimicking the appearance of wooden fencing. The animal frieze depicts a variety of animals, including elephants, camels,...

Located in the heart of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, the Supertree Grove is a stunning marvel of modern engineering and ecological artistry. Inspired by the majestic trees of the rainforest, these towering structures redefine the boundaries of sustainable urban landscaping. With their intricate vertical gardens and vibrant light displays, the Supertrees captivate visitors by day and night alike. Rising up to 50 meters—equivalent to a 16-story building—the Supertrees stand as iconic sentinels of the garden. Their trunks are adorned with over 162,900 plants from more than 200 species, including bromeliads, orchids, ferns, and flowering climbers. These plants thrive in Singapore’s tropical climate, transforming the Supertrees into living walls of color and texture. The vertical planting panels are not just a visual delight but a testament to innovation. By harnessing sustainable technologies, seven of the Supertrees are equipped to harvest solar energy, while others are designed to col...

The Jawaharlal Nehru Statue in Puducherry honors India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Located on Goubert Avenue, it stands opposite the Mahatma Gandhi Statue, near the eastern end of Gandhi Thidal and in front of Bharathi Park. The statue was unveiled by Edouard Goubert on November 14, 1976, coinciding with Nehru's birth anniversary. This striking white statue is mounted on a tall pedestal, making it comparable in height to the nearby Gandhi statue. Flanked by four pillars from Gingee, the area around the statue is often filled with cultural, musical, and commercial events throughout the year. The statue depicts Nehru in a confident stance, dressed in traditional Indian attire with a Nehru cap, and holding a staff in his right hand. Happy travelling.

Tucked within the celebrated Humayun's Tomb complex in Delhi, Arab Ki Serai whispers stories from the Mughal era. Built in the 16th century, this caravanserai, a rest stop for travelers, stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural amalgamation of its time. Though much of its glory has faded, Arab Ki Serai continues to intrigue historians and visitors alike with its enigmatic origins and fascinating details. A Shelter for Pilgrims or Craftsmen? The origins of Arab Ki Serai are shrouded in debate. According to a few historians, it was commissioned in 1560 by Haji Begum, the widow of Mughal Emperor Humayun. She reportedly constructed the serai to house 300 Arab mullahs who accompanied her during her pilgrimage to Mecca. Yet, many other historians offer a different perspective, suggesting that the term "Arab" might be misleading. Instead, they propose that the serai was built for Persian craftsmen and laborers brought to India to construct Humayun's Tomb. Thi...

The iconic white Ripon Building in Chennai is a Neo-classical masterpiece completed in 1913 CE. Serving as the headquarters of the Greater Chennai Corporation for over a century, it was named after Lord Ripon, Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884, who championed local self-governance reforms. I have written in detail about this structure already. You can read the same here . George Frederick Samvel, Marquess of Ripon, K.G. (the name as inscribed on the base of the statue), served as Viceroy of India from June 8, 1880, to December 13, 1884. For context, the title "Marquess of Ripon" refers to a hereditary rank within the Peerage of the United Kingdom, a legal system of noble titles encompassing both hereditary and lifetime honors. The abbreviation "K.G." stands for Knight of the Order of the Garter, a prestigious chivalric order in Britain. One might assume that a building named after a person would naturally house their statue. However, in this case, the statue is not...

I have been extensively documenting the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, delving into its remarkable architecture, layout, iconography, deities, inscriptions, festivals, waterbodies, and other notable aspects. In this episode, I would like to briefly introduce some significant books written about the temple. Several important works focus on this sacred site, among which the Venuvana Purana and the Tirunelveli Sthala Purana hold a prominent place. Venuvanam , one of the names for Tirunelveli, is celebrated in the Venuvana Purana , a 16th-century work authored by Niramba Azhagiya Desikar. In the 19th century, Kavirasa Nellaiyappan composed another version of the Venuvana Purana , consisting of 6,892 verses in the virutham style. This version was published in 1869. The Tirunelveli Sthala Purana was first authored by Nellaiyappa Kavirayar in the 19th century. He translated this work from Sanskrit into Tamil verses. Later, in 1910, Alagarsami Pillai simplified it i...

The Broadway Theatre, located at 1681 Broadway in Midtown Manhattan, stands as one of New York City's most cherished theatrical landmarks.  The Broadway Theatre is one of the few Broadway theaters that is physically on Broadway. ( For beginners, Broadway refers to a theater genre encompassing theatrical performances staged in 41 professional theaters, each with a seating capacity of 500 or more. These theaters are located in the Theater District and Lincoln Center along Broadway, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.) Originally opened in 1924 as B.S. Moss’s Colony Theatre, it began its journey as a movie palace before transitioning to a Broadway stage in 1930. This year (2024), the theater celebrates its centennial, marking 100 years of artistic excellence and rich history. Its prime location at Broadway and 53rd Street continues to make it a centerpiece of the bustling theater district. Designed by the renowned architect Eugene De Rosa, the Broadway Theatre is a masterpiece of Art...

Situated amidst the vibrant surroundings of Coventry’s historic Spon Street is another striking example of the city’s medieval architectural heritage. This half-timbered building, dating back to the 15th century originally and restored in the original style during 1970-71, tells a tale of resilience and adaptation, standing as a testament to the city’s rich history and commitment to preservation. Once part of a bustling medieval Coventry, this building showcases the craftsmanship and practicality of its era. The exposed timber framework, with its vertical and diagonal beams, creates a charming geometric pattern, typical of Tudor-style architecture. These beams are complemented by the whitewashed panels between them, creating a visual contrast that catches the eye of every passerby. The building’s jettying feature—where the upper floor projects over the ground floor—is a hallmark of medieval design. This technique not only expanded the living space above but also provided some protectio...

Located in the serene hills of Munnar, the Kannan Devan Hills Plantation (KDHP) Tea Museum stands as a tribute to the rich history and evolution of tea cultivation in Kerala. Opened on April 1, 2004, this museum not only preserves the legacy of the tea industry but also educates visitors about its intricate processes, cultural significance, and the dedication of those who built it. Set amidst the sprawling tea estates of Munnar, which trace their origins back to the 1880s, the museum provides an enriching experience for tea enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers alike. The museum showcases a fascinating collection of antique tea-processing machinery, offering insights into the technological advancements of the tea industry. From traditional rollers and dryers to early grinders, these exhibits illustrate how tea production evolved over the decades, bridging the gap between manual labor and modern technology. Step into the past through a remarkable collection of photographs an...

This is the eighth article in my series on the Kanheri Caves. In earlier installments, I provided a general introduction to the caves before focusing on Cave No. 1. Adjacent to it, on the northern side, is Cave No. 2, a notable west-facing excavation. This cave houses a vihara and three stupas, each in a separate chamber, resembling detached chaityas. So far, I have explored various aspects of Cave No. 2. The third article discussed the first stupa, while the fourth covered the second stupa and the sculptures on the left wall of the third stupa. The fifth and sixth articles examined the sculptures on the right and middle walls of the third stupa, respectively. In the seventh installment, I analyzed the inscriptions found in Cave No. 2. This concluding article focuses on the sculptures of the vihara, after which we will move on to the next cave. The vihara's outer walls feature three bas-relief niches on either side of its two entrances. The first niche, located to the viewer’s left...

Located within the iconic Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, the Cloud Forest is a mesmerizing conservatory that offers a glimpse into the magical, misty worlds of high-altitude tropical forests. A journey here is a walk through lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and captivating digital art installations, making it a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and explorers alike. As you step into the Cloud Forest, you’re greeted by the gentle roar of a 35-meter waterfall , one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls. The mist-filled air carries the fresh, earthy aroma of water and foliage, instantly transporting you to the cool, moist climates of tropical mountain regions. This ambiance mimics the natural conditions found in cloud forests, typically located at elevations of 2,000 to 3,500 meters in regions across Southeast Asia, Tropical America, and Africa. The centerpiece of the Cloud Forest is a towering vertical garden known as the Cloud Mountain , accessible via a series of windin...

The Dr. Ambedkar Mani Mandapam, situated on the iconic Beach Road in Puducherry, stands as a solemn tribute to one of India’s most influential leaders, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This memorial, constructed by the Puducherry Government, was inaugurated on April 14, 2022, coinciding with Dr. Ambedkar's birth anniversary, a date celebrated nationwide to honor his enduring legacy. At the heart of the mandapam lies a golden statue of Dr. Ambedkar, symbolizing his towering contributions to India as the chief architect of the Constitution and a relentless advocate for social justice.  Adding to the cultural and spiritual depth of the memorial is an icon of Buddha, displayed on the front side of the structure. This placement reflects Ambedkar’s deep association with Buddhism, a philosophy he embraced and propagated as a path towards liberation from social inequalities. The interior walls of the Mani Mandapam are adorned with photographs depicting pivotal moments from Dr. Ambedkar’s life. These vis...

Amid the grandeur of Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, where history whispers through its intricately carved walls and lush landscapes, lies a hidden jewel that often escapes the gaze of hurried visitors. Tucked on the western side of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bu Halima’s Garden and Tomb stand as silent witnesses to a forgotten chapter of the Mughal era. A Gateway to History As you step into the Humayun’s Tomb Complex, the first thing you encounter is the rectangular enclosure of Bu Halima’s Garden. With its neatly trimmed greenery and broad pathways, this serene space is often overshadowed by the towering magnificence of Humayun’s tomb itself. Yet, it holds its own charm, inviting the curious to explore its subtle mysteries. The garden with a beautiful entrance is simple, almost minimalist compared to the elaborate Mughal gardens nearby. However, it serves a critical purpose as the gateway to Humayun’s Tomb. Beyond the tranquil pathways lies a structure steeped in early Mughal architect...

Located on the lawn of the iconic Ripon Building in Chennai, the white marble statue of Diwan Bahadur Sir Pitti Theagaraya Chetty stands out as a tribute to his pivotal role in the city's civic administration. Sir Theagaraya Chetty (1852–1925) was a trailblazer in urban governance and the co-founder of the Justice Party, which influenced the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. His reforms in municipal administration, particularly in improving infrastructure and public services, have left a lasting legacy in Madras. The statue commemorates his contributions. Crafted by the renowned sculptor Nagappan , the statue was unveiled by Sir George Fredrick Stanley , the Governor of Madras, on October 31, 1931 . The statue depicts Sir Theagaraya Chetty in a dignified stance, clad in traditional Indian attire— a long coat and a turban—symbolizing his cultural identity. In his left hand, he holds a rolled document, representing his significant role in legislation and public administration. His ...

I have been extensively documenting the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, focusing on its intricate architecture, layout, iconography, deities, inscriptions, festivals and other notable aspects. In this episode, I will provide list of holy waterbodies. Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar temple has 32 teerthams (holy waterbodies). Only 13 of them are located within the temple premises. Few of them are river ghats and ponds; the rest are holy wells. 1)  Sindhu Poondurai Teertham : Located about 3 kms from the temple; it's a bath ghat of Tampraparani; it's part of current Junction locality. Read my article  here . 2)  Pottramarai Teertham : Found in the northeast corner within the Kantimati Ammai Temple complex. Shiva is manifested as holy water here. Read my article about this waterbody  here . 3)  Kari Uru Mariya Teertham : Situated in the western prakara (circumambulatory corridor) of Kantimati shrine. Click  here  to know more about the ...