Indian Columbus

Have you ever had the chance to visit Chennai? If so, did you explore the historic Fort St. George? Within the walls of this fort, there is a distinctive structure known as the Cornwallis Cupola, notable for its absence of a statue atop it. This article aims to shed light on the intriguing history of this monument. While the architectural features of the Cornwallis Cupola may not be particularly noteworthy, its historical significance is substantial. Let's delve into the basics and provide a concise overview of its history. Fort St. George Chennai, formerly known as Madras, stands as one of the earliest British settlements in India. Its foundation dates back to the year 1639 CE. In their quest for further settlements and trade opportunities, the English decided to construct a fort. This fort, built on April 23, 1640 CE, coinciding with St. George's Day, came to be known as Fort St. George. It ranks among the oldest surviving British structures in India. Within the fort...

In the realm of South India, there was once a time when the mere mention of an amusement park would conjure thoughts of VGP Golden Beach in Chennai. However, in the past 15-20 years (as of the writing of this blog in 2016 CE), a multitude of amusement and theme parks have sprung up across various towns and cities in South India. Even Chennai, in particular, has seen the emergence of numerous amusement parks. Among these is Queensland. Queensland, though, doesn't enjoy the same level of popularity as VGP Golden Beach, MGM, or Kishkinta (yes, that's indeed how it's spelled - not my error ;-)). Perhaps its location plays a significant role in this. Queensland is situated on the outskirts of Chennai, somewhere near Chembarampakkam. With proper maintenance, Queensland has the potential to become a highly acclaimed park in all of South India. It occupies an expansive area spanning around 70 acres. Regrettably, this amusement park suffers from some of the poorest maintenance prac...

The Gujarati community in Chennai has a rich history and unique traditions. Kheda, a district near Ahmedabad in Gujarat, is home to a Brahmin community known as Khedawal Gujaratis. During the early 18th century CE, a group of Khedawal Gujaratis from the Kheda district embarked on a migration to the Tamil Nadu state. The precise reasons for their migration and the exact year of this event remain shrouded in mystery, with various versions and theories circulating. It's worth noting that during this period, Thanjavur was under Maratha rule, beginning in the late 17th century CE. It's possible that, influenced by this historical context, the Gujaratis, in addition to the Marathis and Saurashtras, chose to migrate to Tamil Nadu. Intriguingly, the Khedawal Gujaratis initially settled in Thanjavur, earning them the moniker "Thanjavur Gujaratis." Subsequently, they spread to other cities in Tamil Nadu, including Trichy, Tirunelveli, and Chennai. Two women, Ramkor Bai and ...

Located in the heart of Pune, this majestic fortification stands as a testament to the glory, power, and rich cultural heritage of the Maratha Empire. Even in its ruined state, Shaniwar Wada continues to capture the imagination of history enthusiasts, travelers, and storytellers alike. The Glory of Shaniwar Wada Shaniwar Wada was constructed in 1732 under the leadership of Peshwa Bajirao I, one of the greatest military generals India has ever seen. Designed to serve as the political seat of the Peshwas, this fort witnessed the rise of Maratha power across India. Shaniwar Wada became synonymous with Pune's identity, transforming the city into a powerful capital of the Maratha Confederacy. The original plan was to construct the entire palace in stone, but an imperial decree restricted stone constructions only to kings. As a result, the Wada's lower levels were built in stone, while the upper portions were made of brick. ( For beginners: The Maratha Kings held the title of C...

Pune, the second-largest city in the Indian state of Maharashtra, has a storied history that traces its roots back to the 9th century CE. Notably, it served as the inaugural capital for the illustrious Maratha Emperor, Chhatrapati Shivaji. Pune is also revered as the cultural epicenter of Maharashtra and is home to a multitude of attractions, many of which are of religious significance. In this article, we will embark on a journey to explore Vishrambaag Wada, a heritage site nestled within the city. Before we delve into the intricate details of Vishrambaag Wada, it's essential to provide a concise overview of Maratha royal history. The Maratha Kings held the esteemed title of Chattrapati, while the Prime Ministers within the Maratha Empire were known as Peshwas. Initially, the Peshwas functioned as subordinates to the emperors, but over time, they assumed the mantle of de facto leaders, with the Chattrapatis assuming more nominal roles. Ultimately, even the Peshwas relinquis...

Pallikkaranai Wetland stands as the sole remaining wetland ecosystem within Chennai city limits, covering just 80 square kilometers today. In the past, its expanse was far greater. This marshland hosts a more diverse range of bird species than even the Vedantangal bird sanctuary. Regrettably, the count of observable bird species here diminishes with each passing year. Tragically, the wetland has suffered extensive encroachment, including the construction of an IT Park by the Government. Consequently, one is now more likely to encounter apartment complexes than the once-abundant birdlife in this wetland. Happy travelling!

Singapore, the world's only island city-state, boasts its reputation as an exceptionally traveler-friendly nation. With a plethora of captivating travel attractions, it consistently ranks as one of the most frequented destinations on the global stage. In this article, we delve into the venerable Mari Amman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. Situated within the vibrant China Town district of Singapore, Mari Amman Temple traces its origins back to 1827 CE when it was constructed by Naraina Pillai, a Tamilian visionary. Over time, the temple underwent expansions, culminating in the construction of its towering edifice at the dawn of the 20th century CE. Within the temple's inner sanctum resides Mari Amman herself, presiding as the primary deity. Additionally, the temple accommodates a pantheon of other revered deities, including Ram, Ganesh, Durga, Murugan, and Shiva. Notably, a shrine dedicated to Draupadi and her five husbands, the Pandavas, stands as a significan...