Bikaner

BIKANER

I love Rajasthan and its culture. In my previous job I wrote some stories on its festivals and culture, so had some idea about the state and its cities. So, when we planned our vacation, Rajasthan was my first choice.

Though Bikaner was our last destination in Rajasthan trip (after Udaipur and Jodhpur) and we were quite tiered, still our enthusiasm was not completely evaporated.

Located in northwest city of Rajasthan, Bikaner is renowned for its namkeen (snacks) and species. The majestic and well maintained Junagrah Fort is the main attraction of the city. So this fort was our first destination in Bikaner.

Entrance of the fort

There are lots of things that can be talked about this fort but the most important thing is its architecture, so lets start from there.

Architecture- Several types of architectural style are discerned in the fort complex and hence it is called a true depiction of composite culture. The earliest style is of Rajput architecture, defined by Gujarati and Mughal architectural influence reflecting the association with Mughal rulers, the second type is of semi-western architecture reflecting British influence and finally the revivalists Rajput architecture that evolved particularly during the rule of Maharaja Ganga Singh. They adopted the Mughal decorations, which reflect in the stucco, wall paintings and stone inlay works. The mosaic stone carving and lattice works reflect the Gujarati impact. The works relating to glass, lacquer and wooden ceiling, suggest various activities of the period. The confluence of Rajput, Mughal and the Gujarati architectural designs are clearly visible in Junagarh Fort, as a consequence it is one of the precious gems of Indian architecture. The Junagarh Fort has the finest lacquer work of rarity, reflecting its rich glorious past.

History-This fort was built between 1588 -1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571 - 1611 AD), a general in army of Mughal emperor, Akbar. Raja Rai Singh was a famous military leader who lived in the times of the Mughal Emperors Akbar and Jahangir. You can listen to some great stories about the history from the guide you will get here.

Palaces inside the fort

Anup Mahal- I really got stuck with its exquisitely carved walls.  It is one of the most beautiful palaces inside the fort. The shining walls have been covered in red and gold. The coloured glass inlay works on the walls look very impressive. Our guide left me behind as I got busy observing it’s beauty. And I must say it has been very well preserved.

Beautiful Anup Mahal

Badal Mahal is an extension of Anup Mahal. It has paintings of Shekhawati Dundlod chiefs paying respects to the Maharaja of Bikaner in different types of turbans. It is called Badal Mahal because the walls in this palace depict fresco paintings of the Hindu God Krishna and his consort Radha amidst the rain clouds.

Karan Mahal - It is considered as one of the most exquisite palaces built with gardens, which displays the aesthetic sensibilities of the royalty of Rajasthan. It has stained glass windows and intricately carved balconies built in stone and wood fluted columns.

Phool Mahal – It is the oldest part of the palace

Chandra Mahal has the most luxurious room in the palace, which houses gold plated deities and paintings inlaid with precious stones. It is said that the royal bedroom had mirrors strategically placed so that the Maharaja could see from his bed, any intruder entering his room.

Ganga Mahal- Built in the 20th century by Ganga Singh who reigned for 56 years from 1887 to 1943, has a large durbar hall known as the Ganga Singh Hall that houses the Museum. The museum has exhibits of war weaponry and also a World War I aeroplane (biplane), which is stated to be well maintained.

And then we moved to the Fort Meuseum.  I must say it is a very-well maintained museum. As you enter the museum, a girl awaits you with heena coup so if you are fond of heena (mehendi) then you can apply some (charges apply ofcourse). It exhibits miniature paintings, jewels, royal costumes, farmans (royal orders), portrait galleries, costumes, headgear and dresses of gods’ idols, enamelware, silver, palanquins, howdahs and war drums. Very good collection indeed.

 

After the fort, we went to the Lalgarh Palace, another architectural attraction in Bikaner. But there is nothing much to see other than the museum as a part of it has been converted into heritage hotel and other part is private residence of the royal family. So, we visited museum where camera is not allowed and then walked for the local bazaar.

The market place in the various towns I visit never seizes to amaze me as each has its own aroma and character. It is divided in sections with a vast area selling veggies and fruits, hardware section and spice section. The spice section is the most interesting one as you can smell the fresh spices in the air.

We then took a rickshaw to visit the Bhandasar Jain Temple, which was built in the 1500's. Thus is the oldest temple in town. It has some interesting paintings inside, but lacks the outside decor and carvings of the other Jain temples that we have seen. Nevertheless, it is a good start for a walk through the old town.

As you walk through the old town, you will come across several impressive Havelis with intricate carved exteriors and beautiful old wooden doors. The most impressive ones are in Rampuria Havelis. I wish it was open so that I could go inside these royal havelis. But it was closed, so the only option left was to adore the havelis from the narrow by lanes.  Built by Balujee Chalva under instructions from Rampuria family its carvings show surprising skill. Rampuria havelis are many in number and are big in size and being located at nearly adjacent positions. Localites has that these havelis belongs to rich merchant family who used to give loans to kings.  The exterior is dominated by the jharokhas, providing the haveli with a picturesque look. The jharokhas are exquisite carvings made alive by artistic creators. A must visit place of Bikaner for sure.

Some tips (Muft Ka Gyan) for people travelling Bikaner

MUST DO-

•    The namkeens of Bikaner are a must try. You can taste from the various varieties of namken and then choose which ever you want to buy.
• 
  
•       Junagarh is a must visit not only because of its amazing architecture but also because the way it has been maintained. I was very impressed by the way it has been preserved.
• 
  
•      Walk through the by lanes and do see the Rampuria havelis

Best Season to Visit-

End of October to March

Bikaner By Rail
Bikaner of Rajasthan is directly linked by rail with major cities. Some important travel connections are from Delhi Sarai Rohilla, Jaipur, Mumbai, Calcutta, Jammu, Kalka, Ambala, Ahemadabad, Baroda, Surat, Agra, Allahabad, Kanpur, Chandigarh, Bhatinda, Jodhpur of Rajasthan etc. 

Bikaner By Air
Nal Airport is 17 Km from the city center. At present there are no commercial flights. Nearby airports are Jodhpur (254 km) of Rajasthan and Sanganer airport Jaipur (325 km) of Rajasthan.

Bikaner By Road
A wide network of bus services link Bikaner of Rajasthan with several destinations. There is Rajasthan Roadway Deluxe, Super deluxe and AC buses as well as private travels also available from the major cities to make your travel comfortable. Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe buses from Delhi (Bikaner House, Near India Gate) to Bikaner of Rajasthan. The roads are very good, and it takes around 8-9 hrs from Jaipur of Rajasthan.

With good road conditions you can also travel by private car/taxi.

•          Jodhpur- 5 hours (304 kilometres)
•          Jaisalmar- 4 and half hours (331 kilometres)
•          Jaipur- 5 and half hours (329.8 km kilometres)
•          Udaipur- 8 and half hours (479 kilometres)
•          Pushkar-5 and half hours (325 kilometres)
•          Ajmer-5 hours (297 kilometres)
•          Alwar- 6 hours (391 kilometres)

So, if you are fond of painting, history and architecture, Bikaner is a must visit!

Popular Monuments of Delhi

MONUMENTS OF DELHI- A GLIMPSE INTO THE RICH HERITAGE OF INDIA

I don’t know since when, but I have always been fascinated towards monuments. The one obvious reason that I can think of is my love for History subject though most of the students hate this subject. I love to read about kings, queen, their reign and their era. When we (me and my family) were shifted to Delhi the only excitement was that I would be able to visit all the monuments about whom I have read in books. When I came here I realized that people generally prefer malls over monuments as visiting monuments are not considered very up market. Despite this some monuments have become a hangout place for collage goers, some have become couple spots, some are tourist’s spots and some are lying lost to be noticed by us. 

Literally meaning “A statue, building, or other structure erected to commemorate a famous or notable person or event” monument surely glorify about the past grandeur. The history of Delhi is dotted with the creation of several architectural masterpieces which are now an integral part of the heritage of this great metropolis. Delhi is a place, which serves, as a testament to India’s glorious past. I would like to quote the famous poet Mirza Ghalib who wrote, “The world is the body and Delhi is its soul”.  The richness of Delhi is well reflected in the grand historical monuments through its majestic architectures.

 Let’s start with the most visited monuments, the most visited places of Delhi-

Whenever we talk about monuments of Delhi, the first things that come to anyone’s mind is Red fort or Lal Qila– one of the most potent symbols of Delhi. It was the political center of the Mughal dynasty. Emperor Shahjahan built the Red Fort or Lal Qila in 1648. Ahmed Lahwari, the chief architect of the Taj Mahal, designed this massive Fort.

Republic Day parade on 26th January is the most colourful of the city's festivals events and also the biggest crowd-puller. Hundreds of thousands people line the route from Rajpath to the Red Fort to watch the pageant of solders, camel crops, armoured regiments, brass bands, folk dancers, school children, war veterans and elaborate floats representing the cultural diversity of India.

And if you enter this majestic fort through the Lahori Gate, it would take you to a vaulted arcade known as the Chatta Chowk which is now famous by the name of Meena Bazaar. A little inside, you can see the Indian War Memorial Museum. Red Fort comprises of some beautiful buildings inside its precincts such as the Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Rang Mahal and Moti Masjid, to name a few.

And just less than a mile to the west of Red Fort lies the largest mosque of India, The Jama Masjid. Completed in 1656 under the reign of Shahjahan, This magnificent mosque was designed by Ustad Khalil. It too is extremely popular with tourists. And I think the best time to visit it is during Eid and Ramadan when special prayers are held here.

Qutub Minar located in the southern part of the city is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic architecture. 234 feet high, it was completed during the reign of Iltutmish in 1200 AD. Today, it has emerged as a center for number of cultural activities organized in the capital city. Iconic to Delhi’s rich and diverse past this monument serve as a perfect backdrop for these events.

To further add up to the beauty of these monuments many sound and light programs are being organized regularly in evenings that tells the stories of royal prince and princess of the royal times.

Every year Qutb Festival is organized in the month of November. And it is quite an experience to enjoy the music symphony with the backdrop of this amazing monument.

The tomb of Humayun who was the second Mughal Emperor of India is the earliest existing specimen of the Mughal architecture and exemplifies the formative stage of its structural style. It was built by his widow, Biga Beghum, 14 years after his death; it was a tribute by a wife to a husband. And a very few people know that it is considered to be the precursor of the 'Taj Mahal' as far as the architectural structure is concerned.

It is built in the area of Nizamuddin Auliya’s dargah and that is why it was considered lucky to be buried in its vicinity. It was later used for the burial of various members of the ruling family and contains some 150 graves. It has aptly been described as the necropolis of the Mughal dynasty. The serenity and calmness of the place further exemplifies its beauty. Built over acres of lush green land and surrounded by fountains this complex is home to a well-manicured garden, a beautiful mosque and several other tombs.

This post will be incomplete if I won’t write about Old Fort, one of Delhi’s most visited monuments. Built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541, it has survived the ravages of time. Old Fort at Delhi is a perfect example of Lodi style of architecture in Delhi.

Centuries have past and modern developments have given a complete new look to the city. With the passage of time few monuments are lying lost to be noticed by us. Read my next post to know about the lost monuments of Delhi.

FILM REVIEW OF DHOBI GHAT

There are a number of Hindi films made on a metro city and its life, some explore the monotony of daily life, some relationships and some focus on hardships required to cope up with the pace of the city. The directorial debut of Kiran Rao- “Dhobi Ghat” released in January 2010 received mixed reactions from people. Even though the film got extreme reaction of being loved by some and disliked by some, the movie definitely made a mark and showed that Bollywood is not just limited to song and dance.

 Interwoven with the hustle and bustle of the dream city Mumbai, Dhobi Ghat presents the story of four individuals. The 95-minute film portrayed the city of dreams Mumbai in a complete new light.

The characterization of all the protagonists- Arun, Munna, Shai and Yasmin is very well done. And though the four protagonists are starkly different, all of them are entwined with each other in some way. The loneliness of Yasmin whose video diary narrates her day-to-day routine, the aspiration of Munna to become an actor, a washer man in day and rat killer in night, the inquisitiveness of photographer Shai and the restlessness of artist Arun is very well portrayed in the movie.

Cinematographer Tushar Kanti has done a splendid job. And all the shots of the film just look like moving painting of the canvas and successfully depict the Mumbai city.

Beautifully composed shots aided by an evocative background score fit very well with the varied moods, from melancholy to delight. The background score is definitely one of the many reasons that swayed the cinema lovers to fall in love with the film.

As a whole, the film leaves us moved as its protagonists bond together as they journey through longing, loneliness, loss and love.

The Most Wonderful Time of My Life

I wrote this long time back (February' 2010), but I was scared that people will make fun of me, but now I don't care so just thought of posting it!

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF MY LIFE…….

The first time I laid eyes on her, I knew I was in love. As I climbed down after my evening Nemaz (pray) in my parking and approached the staircase my eyes met with sparkling green eyes. There she was, a beautiful cute kitten hiding under the staircase. That was the day I met my adorable cat.

My relationship with Meaow as I named her has always been intense. Initially we thought how we will keep this beautiful creature in a flat so we thought we will gift her to someone. But her beauty has awe stucked me and my sister so we changed the plan and decided to keep her. The first day she came with me to my place she was scared and shivering. I kept her in my lap and soon she slept. We were made to be together. And on that first night, she woke up in middle of the night and went to the book shelf cuddled herself there and slept again. Once she got adjusted to her new home, she was ready to play. Playing with thread, rope or anything hanging was her hobby. Her best game was playing with our small teddy, as I throw the toy from bed she would jump on it and bring it back to me and so on. She loved sleeping whenever she wants, she just cuddle herself in circular way and doze off. Whether she is playing, sleeping, walking in the narrow balcony boundary, or peeping from the balcony with us she was such a delight to watch.

I remember how she used to sit in the sun, with his nose between two bars of balcony, looking out so peacefully, often falling asleep. She used to come by my side sit in my lap and start licking herself as if she is so dirty and while doing so she used to lick my hands also.

Her gait, magical paws and twinkling eyes everything was just adorable and me and my sister were deeply in love with her. And she turned out to be he most pampered cat of the world.

Meaow was a cuddly cat. She loved showing affection. Whenever I used to return from my college she used to come running and I picked her like a baby on my shoulders and kiss her. My mother used to hate this because she thinks that kissing a cat is not hygienic but how can anyone resist such beautiful and affectionate cat from kissing.

When I’d be taking a bath, she would be sitting outside the bathroom door, waiting for me.. Many lovely winter afternoons, we’d sit in the balcony together; She would sit in her typical blue chair playing with me. After dinner when I used to do some work on my pc she used to sit on the mouse pad or the keyboard suggesting that I should retire for the sleep with her. My sister always wanted that meaow sleeps with her but she would wait for me so that she can sleep on my arm.

She was very gender biased so I used to call her feminist also, as whenever my brother or male friends used to visit my place she used to hide herself under the bed or behind the refrigerator. And as soon as they leave she used to come out of her confinement and run herself against my legs, one of her ways to show affection.

My cat didn’t even think she was a cat. She thought she was one of us, and she was. At family get together she would sit in the middle of the guests (that should be girls and ladies only) I remember carrying her like a baby around the house, and showing her sights from the balcony. In my lap she felt safe, and I felt loved.

She used to wag her tail when my sister would forcibly kiss her or wake her from sleep. Opening mumy’s sewing box was one of her fascination. She would silently take of one role of thread from the box and play with her thinking it is her mouse. Her everything was special.

A part of me has gone with you. You’ve taken my heart with you. Thank you for coming into our lives and teaching us how to love. You made me a better person. You will always be in my heart, giving me strength all my life. I know you are in a happy place now, and I can’t wait to be with again. I love u my Meaow!!

Films

Cocktail- not a new tale!

The best sentence to describe this film is- ‘old story in a new package’. I won't say this film is not worth watching, but it cannot be watched more than once. Claiming to be out-of-the-box/ coming-of-the-age film it failed on various grounds. 

The first and most important thing about the film is that it simply reinforced the fact that an Indian man cannot fall in love with woman who goes to bar and cannot keep her house clean. The first half of the film has a feel good factor- depicting fun and friendship among the three protagonists. 

There are many plots that unspool halfway through, leaving us with a random sequence of events. The changes-of-heart is not justified (and never explained) where Veronica falls in love with Gautam and Gautam falls in love with Meera. Audience keeps guessing why Gautam fall in love with Meera, it simply reinforce the stereotypical fact that a bad flirtatious guy will fall in love only with a seedhi-sadhi girl woman (Meera). In fact, the girl is worth being loved only if she keeps things in place, cook food and are loved by typical Aunties. 

However, I think Deepika has done justice with her role, Saif Ali Khan’s acting looks exaggerated and forced in lots of places and Diana definitely needs a lot of improvement.  

The sequence which I personally liked in terms of depiction is where these three friends/ lovers are in disc and suddenly Veronica realises she is not required, not wanted, not loved. And the play of lights and introspection of the character is well-shown. Her loneliness, need of companionship is depicted well.  

But as a whole, the film failed to depict anything new. The music is peppy, lively and gelled well with the film. As a whole I would just sum up to say- ‘old story in a new package’.

FILMS...FILMS AND FILMS

FILMS...FILMS AND FILMS

Being a student of Mass Communication, I have always loved and cherished watching and discussing movies. Although there are number of film carnivals all across the city, I have not been able to go to any of the film festivals for quite a while. One fine day, while browsing through the online deal's website –www.snapdeal.com, I came across a film festival called- Taj Enlighten Film Society. I bought the deal in the blink of an eye specially because it was applicable for weekends too. 

Sitting in office with just a few clicks, I became a member of this film society. I did not even have to take the trouble of standing in queue for buying the ticket. And here I am, a part of a world class film festival - a window to the wonderful cinema extravaganza.

Through this deal, I have been able to rekindle my passion for movies. It gave me a chance to get associated with the wonderful world of cinema. The festival has provided me with the exposure to some great films. And the most interesting part of this festival is that it showcases films of different genre. 

I got the chance to watch Majid Majidi’s film- "Children of Heaven". The movie offers an insight into a strand of Iranian life.  I have special love for films made on and for children.  Obviously, I fell in love instantly with this outstanding film. I have seen- "The Color of Paradise", so I had already tasted the magic of Majid Majidi's style of film making. No wonder, as soon as I got to know that this film is being screened, I knew how to make the best use of my Snapdeal voucher.

Another classic film that I saw through this wonderful fiesta was- "Rear Window" which depicts voyeurism (the act of observing the lives of others) exceptionally well.  It is said that we all have some element of voyeur in us. And it is actually right as going to a movie is nothing more than opening a window into the lives of others (fictional or real). Therefore, it's not a surprise that the film industry has examined this aspect of the human experience, time and again. Movies about voyeurism come in all varieties - everything from serious studies to light, exploitative fare.  And one of the most engrossing studies of voyeurism is Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window. The film is universally regarded as a classic and a strong cadre of critics, scholars and fans (including myself) consider this to be the director's best feature.

The third in the list was a complete different genre of film and one of the greatest classic of Hindi Cinema - Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam. Directed and produced by two maverick geniuses- Abrar Alvi and Guru Dutt, it is a brilliant depiction of neglected and mistreated wife trou servant's perspective. Definitely a must watch for all cinema lovers. The striking beauty of Meena Kumari combined with her extraordinary performance is definitely one of the many reasons that gives it the status of a classic.

The fourth was "The Roman Holiday". Being a fan of Gregory Peck, I was all the more excited to see this film. A sweet and romantic classic story that is definitely worth watching.  Being an Indian, I cannot deny that I love romantic films (along with many other genre of cinema), so I fell in love with this film right away. The performances of- Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn are simply amazing. One thing is for sure, that I can watch this film again and again. 

These are some of the world class classic films that I have seen through this festival. Snapdeal.com is not new to me and neither are its deals. I have availed lots of deals from this website but I always thought that it is all about salon, spa, fine dining and other services. But now I have realized there is more to it than I assumed. 

BREAK FREE

BREAK FREE

I want to break free

And flee

Live without restrictions

And circumscription

Live the way I want to live

Where I want to live

Where I am not suppose to explain myself

Live with the loved once just by myself

Wish I could run away

Like a sway

Get away from exasperation

To fulfil my aspiration

Life

HOPING TO LIVE

Hoping to live

Living for hope

For unlimited dreams

Though distant it seams

Hundreds of days

Just passing with rays

But with each passing day

Dream looks like mirage sway

One thing is sure

No matter where ever time takes me to

I will live by my dream

And the long lived freedom

I look so strong

But they are all wrong

I am feeble and weak

Not able to speak

Though the thoughts are intact

And there is debauched impact

Still hoping to live

Living to hope