Indian Columbus

Tucked in the south-western part of Puducherry , the Botanical Garden is a refreshing blend of history, science, and natural beauty. Spread across 11 hectares in an elegant oval layout, this serene green space has been a part of the city’s landscape for centuries. While the garden was formally established by the French in 1826, references to its existence go as far back as 1740. The garden’s original purpose was rooted in research. It served as a living lab to study how various plant species adapted to Puducherry's unique climate. By 1829, the renowned French traveler Victor Jacquemont reported that 800 to 900 species were already flourishing here in an area of 7,500 square meters. A significant chapter in the garden’s story began in 1838 when eminent botanist S.G. Perottet took charge. He not only introduced rare and exotic species but also transformed the space into a living herbarium. His efforts in plant collection and landscaping gave the Botanical Garden its character an...

Located along the serene Beach Road in Puducherry, the Kargil War Memorial honors the memory of 527 Indian soldiers who gave their lives during the Kargil War. Built by the Government, the memorial serves as a powerful reminder of a conflict that, while limited in scope, profoundly influenced the nation's collective spirit and reinforced its patriotic resolve. The architecture of the memorial is understated yet deeply evocative, reflecting its solemn purpose. Four tall, rectangular stone columns with square capitals frame the structure, exuding a sense of strength and dignity. At its heart lies a central plinth, crowned by a symbolic representation of a soldier's helmet resting atop a rifle. This iconic imagery serves as a universal emblem of military sacrifice and remembrance. The design avoids excessive ornamentation, ensuring the focus remains on these meaningful elements, creating a space that invites quiet reflection and reverence. Happy travelling.

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...

Puducherry, with its blend of French and Indian cultures, is home to the French War Memorial, a poignant reminder of the region's historical ties to France. Situated on Goubert Avenue, opposite the Gandhi statue, the memorial is dedicated to the residents of French India who lost their lives during World War I (1914-1918). This solemn structure, erected in 1937 and inaugurated on April 3, 1938, by Governor Crocicchia, stands as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of these soldiers. Designed by architect Delafon, the memorial features a statue of a soldier resting on a rifle, surrounded by four stark white columns, inscribed with French inscription “Aux combattants des Indes Françaises morts pour la Patrie, 1914–1918.” It means "To the fighters of French India who died for the Fatherland". The monument also includes a bronze bas-relief depicting the arrival of Governor-General Dupleix in 1742. The bronze plaques on the memorial bear the names of those who perished, and...

In the heart of French White Town of Puducherry lies a hidden gem, a testament to centuries of history and the enduring legacy of the Capuchin order: the Cimetière des Capucins, or Capuchins Cemetery . This sacred ground, dating back to 1726, holds within its colorful confines the stories of Pondicherry's past, etched in stone and memory. Step through the gates of this ancient cemetery, and you'll find yourself surrounded by the echoes of bygone eras. Here lie the final resting places of notable figures from the 18th century, their graves adorned with weathered tombstones that whisper tales of days long past. Among the silent sentinels of the cemetery stand the graves of Governor Prosper de Chermont, Vice Governor Simon Lagrenée de Mézière, and even a 17th-century soldier named Jacques Lhyuer. Each tombstone bears witness to the passage of centuries and the stories of those who once walked the streets of Pondicherry. As you wander through the rows of graves, you'll come acr...

In the heart of New Delhi rises the majestic 42-meter-high India Gate, positioned at the convergence of crossroads. This iconic structure stands as a solemn tribute to the 74,187 Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for the British Army during World War I. It also honors the memory of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the Afghan war of 1919 along the Northwestern Frontier. Designed by Edwin Lutyens and inaugurated in 1931, India Gate's foundation stone was laid by the Duke of Connaught, in 1921. Originally known as the All-India War Memorial, this monumental arch became a symbol of India's capital, with its formal dedication coinciding with the declaration of New Delhi as the nation's capital. A poignant addition, the Amar Jawan Jyoti eternal flame, was later included post-independence to honor the soldiers who fell during the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971. Built upon a base of red Bharatpur stone, the grand arch r...

Nestled in the heart of Chennai, amid the bustling urban landscape, lies a serene and spiritually charged sanctuary – the Ramakrishna Math. This sacred institution, deeply rooted in history and devotion, beckons seekers of truth and inner peace to explore its hallowed halls and tranquil surroundings. Join me on a journey through time and spirituality as I uncover the rich history and architectural marvels of the Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. A Divine Beginning The Math owes its existence to the profound connection between Swami Vivekananda and his disciples in the city. Swami Vivekananda, after his historic appearance at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, returned to a grand reception in Chennai in 1897. It was during this period that he stayed at the Ice House, now known as Vivekanandar Illam, for nine days. Overwhelmed by the devotion of his disciples, Vivekananda agreed to their request to establish a permanent center in Chennai. He entrusted this noble task to his brother discipl...

 While exploring the enchanting city of Tirunelveli, there is one landmark that demands your attention—the Tirunelveli Town Arch. This iconic structure holds a revered place in the hearts of the city's residents, symbolizing their pride and preserving the echoes of a vibrant historical heritage. It is an unmissable sight that every resident can effortlessly guide you to, as it stands proudly as a gateway through which countless vehicles pass. On May 6, 1935, the Tirunelveli Town Arch was erected to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of British King George and Queen Mary, immortalizing Tirunelveli's illustrious past. During British rule, the esteemed DD Warren, District Collector of Tirunelveli, laid the foundation for this remarkable structure, further enhancing its historical significance. Notably, Medai Thalavai Ranganatha Mudaliyar served as the Chairman of Tirunelveli Municipality during its construction. The arch was strategically placed at the border of the then Tirunelveli T...

Elliot's Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach, is a natural urban beach situated in the affluent Besant Nagar neighborhood of Chennai. Its name pays tribute to Edward Elliot, a prominent figure during Colonial India who held the positions of Chief Magistrate and Superintendent of Police in the Madras Presidency. During the colonial era, Elliot's Beach was primarily accessible to white people. However, in present times, it has evolved into a significant cultural landmark in Chennai, drawing in thousands of visitors each day. A notable highlight of the beach is the KAJ Schmidt Memorial. KAJ Schmidt, a brave Dutch sailor, found himself on the beach one day and witnessed an English girl venturing into the water. When she encountered difficulties, Schmidt fearlessly came to her rescue, sacrificing his own life in the process. Surprisingly, the English girl, whom Schmidt had saved, carried on with her life as if nothing had transpired, attending a party the very next evening. In r...

"White Mughals", "The Last Mughal", "The Anarchy"....well, you know whom I am talking about - William Dalrymple, the famous Scottish historian who has made Delhi his home. If I say that Madras has a memorial for one of his ancestors, will you believe it? Sounds interesting? Read it further... Tucked away beside the Kathipara Flyover, a white-washed dome-like structure lies hidden. Hardly anyone visits or values this historic place. The cenotaph was erected for Lt. Col. Samuel Dalrymple of the Madras Artillery by his fellow officers. Arrived in 1790, he served more than 30 years in the army. He died on 12th May 1821 at the age of 49. He was buried in St. George's Cathedral Cemetery.  Covered with a dome on the top, all four corners are supported by broad pillars. The middle portion of each side is supported by two circular pillars additionally. An urn-like finial is installed inside the memorial. A black-colored inscription stone provides the details of...

It was probably due to Kamala Harris, the US Vice President-elect, having the Indian origin, there arose an interest to discover the Indian connections of Joe Biden, the US President-elect. Ever since his victory was declared, the interest has grown multi-fold. It all started when Joe Biden claimed in 2013 that he descended from George Biden, a captain of East India Company. Later, in 2015, he mentioned that there were five people in Mumbai having "Biden" as their surnames. Who was this George Biden? Do we have any record of him? To my knowledge, no record has been discovered yet. What was the basis for Joe Biden's claim? We don't know. However, interestingly, there was a Biden who lived in Chennai. It was Christopher Biden, who served as a Captain in the East India Company. He lived in Madras (Chennai) for 19 years and died on 25th February 1858, at the age of 68. St. George's Cathedral of Chennai has a memorial plaque for him. Also, he was buried in the church c...

In 1971, there was a war between India and Pakistan. The war ultimately resulted in the liberation of East Pakistan and the formation of a new country, Bangladesh. The sinking of Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi by the Indian Navy is considered as the high light of the war. It happened in Visakhapatnam port. To commemorate this victory, the Victory at Sea Memorial was built in 1996. The memorial is dedicated to the Indian Navy and its sailors. It is located on RK Beach Road. Happy travelling.

Has this been documented already? I am not sure. At least, I have never heard before. I stumbled upon this memorial tablet during my visit to St. George's Cathedral.  Robert William d'Escourt Ashe , popularly known as Ashe Durai, served as District Collector under the British Raj. Born in Ireland on 23rd November 1872 CE, Ashe came to India in 1895. He took charge as the District Collector and Magistrate of Tirunelveli District in 1908. Ashe played a significant role in the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company's closure, which was run by the freedom fighter V.O. Chidambaram Pillai. He was also responsible for imposing sedition charges against V.O.C and Subramanya Siva . He also gave a shooting order against the freedom fighters who protested against the national leaders' conviction. Irked by Ashe's actions, an organization called Bharata Matha Sangam came up with plans to kill prominent British leaders. Vaanchinathan , a 25-year-old person from Senkottai, was a membe...

The memorial for the famous and veteran Tamil cine actor, Sivaji Ganesan, is located on Durgabai Deshmukh Road in Adyar, Chennai. Although the memorial is spread over 28,300 sq feet of massive area, almost three fourth of the area is open space and is used for parking facilities. The memorial merely has a hall with the statue of Sivaji Ganesan in the center, surrounded by around one hundred photographs on all sides of the wall. The bronze statue of the actor was initially erected on Marina Beach Road. As it was blocking the traffic, there were controversies over the statue. It was moved to this memorial, which was built in 2017. Most of the photographs displayed here are easily available in the public domain. None of them is a rare or unseen photograph. Many of the important cinemas of the actor and some of the memorable moments in his life are not depicted. It appears as if the pictures were selected and arranged in haste. Hardly ten people visit this memorial every day...

Kalaiyar Kovil, situated in the Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu, India, is a quaint town renowned for its significant Lord Shiva temple. The town derives its name from this temple and is consequently known as Kalaiyar Kovil. Notably, this temple holds the distinguished position of being the 10th among the Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams, a compilation of 276 of the most revered Lord Shiva temples in the Pandya region. Highlights: Sambandhar and Sundarar  have revered the temple in their verses in Devaram.  Arunagirinathar  has revered Murugan in this temple in his verses in Tiruppugal. There are three main shrines of Shiv Linga in this temple. But only one Shiv Linga (Kaleeswarar) has been mentioned in the Devaram verses. God  -  Kaleeswara, Somesar and Sundaresar  Goddess  - Swarnavalli, Soundara Nayaki and Meenakshi  Teerth  (Holy water) -  Gaja Pushkarini (Anai Medu) is the main Teerth; there are other Teerthas too su...