February 24, 2011
February 22, 2011
February 15, 2011
Taj Mahal
Replica of Taj Mahal was built in exhibition ground during Dasara 2010, posted here is an HDR image of the same.
Taj Mahal is situated on the banks of river Yamuna in Agra and is one of the most recognizable and most beautiful buildings in the world, it stands out as a symbol of Eternal Love. Taj Mahal is also one of seven wonders of the world. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years for 20,000 workers to build this mesmerizing monument out of pure white marble collected from all over India and central Asia.
February 14, 2011
February 9, 2011
Door
These massive fallen stone door is found outside the Royal Enclosure in Hampi. One can easily miss this low lying relic as its well camouflaged well into the brown grey background. The original structure to which these massive doors were attached to is not known but one can guess from its size that these adorned the entrance of an important royal building.
Artisans who sculpted these doors have succeeded in creating the replica of wooden ornamented doors in stone. The doors are complete with door bolts and the pivot shafts at the end. Note the beveled mullions with the array of protruding lotus buds at its junctions, a typical feature of massive wooden doors. It is believed that it required an elephant to push open these door panels during its functional days.
Artisans who sculpted these doors have succeeded in creating the replica of wooden ornamented doors in stone. The doors are complete with door bolts and the pivot shafts at the end. Note the beveled mullions with the array of protruding lotus buds at its junctions, a typical feature of massive wooden doors. It is believed that it required an elephant to push open these door panels during its functional days.
February 7, 2011
Sunflowers
This is a common sight on the way to Badami from Hampi, field on either sides of the road is full of these beautiful flowers.
February 2, 2011
Lotus Mahal
My wife and I returned home yesterday from a very tiring, 5 day long trip but we enjoyed every bit of it as we love to travel. We visited Hampi (Ruins of Vijayanagar Empire), Cave temples of Badami, Patadkal group of temples and Aihole. I have loads of photos and information to share from out trip and todays post is a gist of what's to come.
Hampi is listed in UNESCO world heritage site and is famous among tourists for its monuments which dates back to 13th-15th century, its a backpackers paradise and a practical class room for history students. Very few structures were left undamaged during the siege of the city and one such building is Lotus Mahal aka Chitragani Mahal.
Lotus Mahal is an highlight in Zenana Enclosure and is one of the most photographed building in Hampi, it is symmetrically laid out, with equal projections on four sides.The archways and the balcony with the domed construction resemble a half opened lotus bud and thus gets its name Lotus Mahal.
Lotus Mahal, Hampi (HDR Image with texture)
Lotus Mahal is made out of lime mortar and brick unlike any other structures in hampi, it stands near to the middle of a high walled compound in the northeast corner of the Royal Centre. Octagonal and square watchtowers are built into the compound walls. Its built in Indo-Islamic style and is a curious mix of Hindu temple like elements and Islamic sultanate elements.
HDR Image with sepia tone, I kinda like this one, Which one do you like
The exact function of this is not surely known. some say this was a socializing area for the women folks in the royal family and some say it served as a meeting place of the emperor and his closest advisors. It is said that water used to be poured on the roof of the mahal, the pillars and the roof absorb this water and give a cooling effect, something like a AC Room.
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Skywatch / Foto Friday / Best Shot / Photostory / Scenic Sunday / My World / Shadow Shot / Blue Monday / Outdoor Wednesday / Creative Exchange
Skywatch / Foto Friday / Best Shot / Photostory / Scenic Sunday / My World / Shadow Shot / Blue Monday / Outdoor Wednesday / Creative Exchange
Spices
Road side shop in Alleppy selling spices,
Cinnamon, Cardamom & Cummin for ABC Wednesday / My world / Cloud 9 / Blue Monday / Ruby Tuesday
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