Indian Columbus

After the majestic city of Hampi fell into ruins following the Battle of Talikota in 1565 CE, the Vijayanagara Empire needed a new administrative seat. It was then that Penukonda , nestled amidst the arid hills of present-day Andhra Pradesh, rose to prominence as the second capital of the empire under Sri Krishnadevaraya . But Penukonda was not just a seat of administration. It was a formidable citadel, a stronghold that stood its ground long after Hampi’s temples fell silent. The fort here was known for its solid defence architecture; walls that whispered stories of loyalty, resistance, and eventual surrender. A Capital That Changed Hands Following the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, Penukonda didn’t fade into oblivion. Instead, it became a coveted strategic prize. It was first captured by the Sultan of Golconda , then taken over briefly by the Mysore kingdom , and eventually, after the fall of Tipu Sultan , came under the control of the British . Even with the passage of c...

Did you know that in the small village of Kanipakam , located in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, there exists a temple where the deity is believed to grow in size? This is the Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple , more popularly called the Kanipakam Ganesha Temple . Photo courtesy: Wiki Commons Origin and Legends It is believed that the temple was originally constructed in the early 11th century CE by Kulotunga Chola I and later expanded by the Vijayanagara kings in the 14th or 15th century. But the temple’s true significance lies in its fascinating legends. Nearly a thousand years ago, three brothers lived near the present temple site. Each of them suffered from a physical disability; one was blind, another was deaf, and the third was mute. They survived by cultivating a small patch of land. One day, while they were drawing water from a well, the water ran dry. One brother climbed down to deepen the well and struck a stone with his spade. To his astonishment, blood began t...

I have been documenting the Kanheri Caves through a series of detailed articles. In earlier parts, I explored the architectural layout and sculptural grandeur of Cave No. 3, covering its majestic entrance, the imposing pillars within the Chaitya hall, colossal Buddha images, donor couple sculptures, extensive sculptural panels along the verandah walls, the central stupa, lion-crowned pillars, votive stupas, some of the earliest Buddha figures and started explaining the inscriptions found in the site. This is the 15th article in the series. In this part, I continue focusing on the inscriptions found in and around Cave No. 3, which add another layer of depth to our understanding of the site’s history, patronage, and Buddhist affiliations. Inscription 6  This inscription is engraved on a  small bas-relief stupa  located on the  right side wall outside the verandah  of  Chaitya Cave No. 3 . The votive stupa itself is modest in scale and carved directly on the r...

I have been documenting the Kanheri Caves through a series of detailed articles. In earlier parts, I explored the architectural layout and sculptural grandeur of Cave No. 3—covering its majestic entrance, the imposing pillars within the Chaitya hall, colossal Buddha images, donor couple sculptures, extensive sculptural panels along the verandah walls, the central stupa, lion-crowned pillars, votive stupas, and some of the earliest Buddha figures found in the site. This is the 14th article in the series. In this part, I begin focusing on the inscriptions found in and around Cave No. 3, which add another layer of depth to our understanding of the site’s history, patronage, and Buddhist affiliations. Inscription No. 1 This large and prominently carved inscription is found on the right-hand gatepost of the Chaitya, as viewed by an approaching visitor. Characters : Brahmi script, 2nd century CE Language : Prakrit Content :  The inscription is significant on many levels. It records t...

In my earlier installments, I explored the architectural layout and sculptural richness of Cave No. 3 at Kanheri, including its entrance features, massive interior pillars, colossal Buddha images, donor couples, and numerous sculptural panels adorning the verandah walls. In this article, I continue my exploration of Cave No. 3 by stepping into the inner hall, where unfinished stonework, votive stupas, and one of the earliest depictions of the Buddha in western India await our attention. As previously discussed, Cave No. 3, also known as the Chaitya Cave, faces west and houses a spacious apsidal prayer hall. The hall comprises a central nave and two side aisles, supported by a total of 34 stone pillars . Several of these pillars remain unfinished, suggesting that work was left incomplete, possibly due to changes in patronage or shifting priorities. The twelve pillars near the hall’s entrance, six on each side, are stylistically refined, featuring a tiered base, octagonal shaft, cushio...

Central Park in New York pays tribute to a select group of literary greats through its beautifully crafted monuments, particularly along the Literary Walk in The Mall. Among these is the statue of Robert Burns , the national poet of Scotland, whose verses continue to resonate with readers around the world. The statue was installed in 1880 and was sculpted by Sir John Steell , the same artist responsible for the nearby statue of Walter Scott. Steell’s work brings out the romantic intensity and rustic charm associated with Burns, capturing the poet’s deep emotional connection to nature and the Scottish countryside. The Statue of Robert Bruns - Central Park, New York Robert Burns is depicted seated on a rustic boulder , with a quill in his right hand and a notebook or journal in his left. His head is slightly turned, and his eyes gaze forward in quiet contemplation, as though in search of poetic inspiration. His garments — a long coat and knee-length breeches — are sculpted with rich d...

Central Park in New York is dotted with monuments celebrating renowned figures from literature, politics, and the arts. One such statue, often overlooked but of great historical and literary significance, is that of Sir Walter Scott , the celebrated Scottish novelist and poet. This statue is located on the Literary Walk , a section of the Mall within Central Park. It stands among a distinguished company of literary greats, including Shakespeare and Robert Burns. Walter Scott Statue – Central Park, New York Sculpted by John Steell , a prominent Scottish sculptor, the statue was installed in 1872 , making it one of the earlier additions to the park’s sculptural heritage. The statue depicts Sir Walter Scott in a seated pose, with a calm, thoughtful expression. Draped in a cloak, he holds a quill in one hand and a book in the other, reflecting his deep connection with writing. The folds of his garment, draped classically over his shoulders and knees, are deeply incised, giving texture a...

In the heart of Singapore’s iconic Gardens by the Bay , away from the buzz of the Supertree Grove and the conservatories, lies a tranquil oasis that captivates with its calm waters, verdant surroundings, and thoughtful design,  Dragonfly Lake . Spanning across this serene waterbody is the elegantly arched Dragonfly Bridge , connecting different sections of the Gardens while offering some of the most picturesque views in the area. Dragonfly Lake A Lake That Blends Beauty and Sustainability Dragonfly Lake is not just a scenic element in the Gardens; it plays an essential ecological role in the park’s design. As one of the two major lakes in Gardens by the Bay (the other being Kingfisher Lake), it functions as part of the park’s sustainable water management system . Rainwater is collected, filtered through aquatic plants, and used for irrigation throughout the gardens. The lake is named after the dragonflies that frequent this wetland environment, attracted by the native flora and...

Along the scenic Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore, an extraordinary art installation invites visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with one of the most urgent conversations of our time -wildlife conservation. Titled “Love the Last March,” this monumental sculpture series is more than a visual delight; it is a global call to action. Love the Last March - Singapore A Powerful Procession in Bronze Unveiled in May 2023 to mark World Endangered Species Day , Love the Last March was created by renowned sculptors Gillie and Marc Schattner . This expansive bronze installation stretches across 192 meters , making it the longest sculpture in the world . It features 45 life-sized endangered animals marching in unison—symbolically “taking a stand” to remind humanity of what we are on the verge of losing. The procession includes a range of species from across continents— African elephants, Sumatran orangutans, Bengal tigers, snow leopards, cheetahs, pangolins , and many more. Each animal i...