Indian Columbus

Penukonda, once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire after the fall of Hampi, is a treasure trove of architectural surprises and forgotten heritage. Amid its temples, forts, and water tanks, stands the Jamia Masjid . From a distance, the building may resemble a typical Vijayanagara-period mandapa. Indeed, it originally was. A classic hall with sturdy pillars, a simple sloping roof, and yalis (mythical lions) at the base, this mandapa was most likely part of a Shiva temple that stood within the Penukonda fort precincts. Today, that very mandapa serves as the front façade of the Jamia Masjid . An inscription found within the mosque clearly dates the mosque to 1668 CE , built by Abdul Hassan during the reign of Ali Adil Shah II of the Bijapur Sultanate .  Architecturally, the Jamia Masjid bears close resemblance to other Bijapuri mosques . Happy travelling.

Hazrat Dastagir Sahib Dargah, nestled along the modern-day Dr. Natesan Road in Mylapore locality in Chennai, holds a tale of mystical origins. Hailing from a Turkish lineage, Hazrat Dastagir Sahib was a scion of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, where he first drew breath. After traversing the length and breadth of the country, he found his resting place in Chennai. In an eerie premonition, he foretold his own passing, instructing his disciples not to perform the customary funeral prayers led by an Imam. Legend has it that, upon his passing in 1752, Hazrat Dastagir Sahib appeared in ethereal form to conduct his own funeral rites, a sight witnessed by awe-struck devotees. In 1789, the Nawab of Arcot commemorated his memory by erecting a magnificent dargah atop his sacred burial ground. Amongst the devotees who frequent this revered site, the renowned Indian cine music director, A R Rahman, finds solace in prayer. A peculiar charm of the dargah is the presence of numerous cats and kitte...

Theosophical Society:  Adyar is one of the best-kept secrets of Madras. This is one of the few sites boasting city greenery, otherwise a concrete jungle. The authorities of the Society need to be applauded for maintaining the site so well. Even during the peak summer time, the trees of the Society are in full bloom. The place is full of heritage-rich structures and has a lot of historical significance. A tranquil walk in the early morning through the beautiful pathways of the Society and resting under the giant banyan tree is a unique experience. Let us explore the history and various places of interest in the Theosophical Society. Theosophy: What does the word "Theosophy" mean? It takes more work to explain in one or two sentences. It is a broad subject. In layman's terms, I would say it is a branch of philosophy that deals with the study of divine wisdom. Theosophical Society: An occult movement originated in the 19th century in the US and was called ...

Those who know about the famous Body Guard Muneeswaran Temple of Chennai might not know about the mosque, which shares the same name, Body Guard Mosque. The BodyGuard Mosque is located in a slum area right on the banks of the Cooum River. The BodyGuard line is diagonally opposite the famous Gymkhana Club in Anna Salai. The nearest well-known location is Periyar Bridge.  The site where the Government Hospital is located today had a heritage building earlier. The British purchased the original building from the Madra family sometime in the 1750s. Since then, it served as the residence of the Governor till 1947 CE. (Later, it became MLA Hostel.) The Governor stayed in this massive residence on the other side of the Cooum River. His bodyguards lived in a lane on the banks of the river. Most of the bodyguards were Muslims. They constructed a mosque in their locality in the late 1800s. Thus, the mosque has been called the Bodyguard Mosque. The current structure of the mosque was renovat...

Wallajah Mosque, often referred to as the Big Mosque, graces the Triplicane (Tiruvallikkeni) locality of Chennai. With its rich history, it stands as one of the city's oldest and most renowned mosques. Situated along Triplicane High Road, this majestic mosque was erected in 1794 CE in loving memory of Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah, the Nawab of Arcot. Notably, the mosque's construction is a marvel, crafted entirely from granite without the use of iron or wood. Its design boasts two minarets that pay homage to Mughal architectural style. The mosque complex encompasses a spacious prayer hall, a meticulously maintained tank, and an expansive courtyard, which is nearly as vast as the mosque itself. The grand entrance steps leading to the mosque span an area nearly equivalent to the mosque's size. Within this complex lies the Durgah of Hazrat Malikum Ulma Bahrul Uloom, a venerated Muslim saint and scholar who lived approximately three centuries ago. Alongside his tomb, you...

Delhi boasts approximately 1300 monuments, yet a mere 30-40 of them attract tourist attention. Many remain hidden gems, waiting to be discovered. Today, let's unravel the mysteries surrounding one such lesser-known marvel - Jahaz Mahal, situated in the Mehrauli area of Delhi. Translated as 'ship palace,' Jahaz Mahal likely earned its name from the captivating reflection it casts on the adjacent reservoir, resembling a majestic ship. Constructed either in the 15th or early 16th century CE during the Lodi period, the identity of its builder, purpose, and historical significance remain shrouded in uncertainty. The architectural ensemble features a central rectangular courtyard, flanked by arched chambers on either side, with an eastern-facing entrance. A mihrab in the western wall suggests an original role as a private mosque. Square chhatris crown the corners, and an alluring domed pavilion adorns the gateway. Despite its historical significance, Jahaz Mahal languishes i...

Delhi, the capital city of India, is renowned for its rich collection of monuments, boasting around 1300 historical structures. While Qutb Minar stands as one of the city's prominent landmarks, I'd like to shed light on a lesser-known yet captivating monument called Rajon ki Baoli, situated in close proximity to the famous Qutb Minar. Rajon ki Baoli is among the many step wells gracing the historical Mehrauli area of Delhi and is positioned near the entrance of the Mehrauli Archaeology Park. Constructed by Daulat Khan during Sikandar Kodi's reign in 1506 CE, this step well comprises four levels, presenting a tidy and elegant structure. Often dry nowadays, the locals also refer to it as Sookhi Baoli, translating to "the dry step well." The wide staircases on either side lead to the terrace level, featuring a small mosque and a distinctive 12-pillared canopy tomb known as "barakhamba." This tomb, adorned with a round dome showcasing an inverted floral...

Delhi, India's capital, is renowned for its rich collection of monuments, boasting approximately 1300 in total. Among these, the Qutb Minar stands out as one of Delhi's most iconic structures. However, the Qutb Minar complex is home to various other historical gems. This article aims to explore these monuments, presenting them in chronological order from the oldest to the most recent. Iron Pillar Iron Pillar The imposing Iron Pillar, standing at a height of 7.2 meters, graces the courtyard of the Quwwatul-Islam mosque within the Qutb Minar complex. Most historians deduce from inscriptions that this iron marvel was crafted during the reign of Gupta Emperor Chandragupta II Vikramaditya in the 4th century CE. Legend has it that Anangpal Tomar, the Delhi ruler, transported this pillar from Vishnupada and installed it in Delhi. Even as the Slave dynasty erected the Qutb Minar, converting temple areas into a mosque, the Iron Pillar retained its place in the mosque's court...