Aurangzeb seized absolute control of the throne in 1661 after murdering Dara Shikoh, instigating the execution of Shah Shuja in the hands of local rulers of Burma, executing his younger brother Murad Bakhsh in jail and imprisoning his father, Shah Jahan. Memoirs and court records graphically describe his fanaticism and deep roots in Islamic... Continue Reading →
Rajasthan is dotted with innumerable stepwells that offer a glimpse into the religious and social practices, cultural traditions and customs and art and architecture of that period. Though a fair number of these have either fallen into a state of disrepair or disuse, there is a spirited movement across the state by several heritage enthusiasts... Continue Reading →
India is the largest producer of coriander and coriander seeds in the world and exports more than 45,000 tonnes annually to Europe, UK, The Middle East, South Africa, Malaysia and others. Interestingly, the district of Guna contributes about 20 - 25 percent to the total production in India and is in great demand abroad. ... Continue Reading →
The Siddis of Janjira, Muslims of Abyssinian descent had invaded the Deccan and the western coast in the late 16th century - early 17th century forming their own colony of mercenaries formally trained by Malik Ambar in the impregnable Janjira Fort. This independent principality was under the protection of Aurangzeb and had managed to thwart... Continue Reading →
Vijay Stambha is a glorious edifice built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victories against the Muslim barbarian, Mahmud Khilji in the Battle of Sarangpur in 1437, the Battle of Mandavgad in 1440, the Battle of Mandalgarh in 1442 and the Battle of Banas in 1446. Mahmud Khilji faced the ignominy of defeat in the... Continue Reading →
It is perhaps not known to many that India is the largest producer of chillies in the world. Indian chillies are famous for their diversity, colour, unique taste and pungency level. The states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Odisha are the top chilli producers in the country with a sizeable portion of... Continue Reading →
Peshwa Bajirao had set up camp at Savli when he learned about the plans of Trimbakrao Dabhade and Gaikwad. The two had decided for an open attack on the plain of Dabhoi and Bhilapur with a force of 40 thousand while the Peshwa had managed to gather just about 25 thousand for this armed conflict. ... Continue Reading →
The Kalika Mata Temple located within the legendary Chittorgarh Fort is a 8th century edifice of immense historical importance. This is one of the many structures within the famed fort that was desecrated by the Muslim barbarian, Alauddin Khilji in the infamous Sack of Chittor in 1303. The Chittorgarh Fort was ruled by the... Continue Reading →
Burhanpur in recent times has developed a formidable reputation in the domestic and overseas market for its excellent native banana. Perhaps, the most famous fruit crop cultivated in around 25,000 hectares of land by small and marginal farmers, the humble banana has seen record production of over 17.5 lakh tonnes with a sizeable portion exported... Continue Reading →
Peshwa Bajirao and Chimaji Appa left Poona on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, 10 October 1730 on the instructions of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. They had been given a clear assignment to dissuade Trimbakrao Dabhade from aligning with Nizam-ul-Mulk and instead to return to Satara to resolve the situation. As they made their preparations and... Continue Reading →
The Kumbha Shyam Temple inside the legendary Chittorgarh Fort built in the 8th century by possibly the Guhilas of Medapata with some work put in by the mighty Paramaras and finally, renovated by Maharana Kumbha in 1448, the master builder dominates the surroundings with its grandeur, rich ornamentation and magnificent carvings and detailing. Maharana... Continue Reading →
It is perhaps not known to many that India is the world's largest producer of guava with the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar having the highest area under cultivation and average annual production. Madhya Pradesh is recognized as one of the thriving agricultural and food processing hubs of India. It is... Continue Reading →
The Baleshwara Temple reputed to have the largest Shiva Linga in the three districts of Gadag, Dharwad and Haveri is a beautiful 9th century temple built by perhaps the Western Chalukyas. This edifice built on a raised platform has a mukhamandapa, a navaranga, an antarala and a garbha griha. Interestingly, the external facades are richly embellished with... Continue Reading →
It became clear to Peshwa Bajirao and Chimaji Appa that the strong chiefs who espoused the Peshwa's leadership would affect the prospects of Nizam-ul-Mulk as their territory was intermixed with his. The Nizam began to use powerful artillery to crush them into submission to protect his interests. By the end of 1730, the Peshwa and Chimaji Appa began... Continue Reading →
Amargol or Ambaragola as referred to in the inscriptions found was once a part of the Kampana of Unakal - 30 of Halasige - 12000 (Halasi was the secondary capital of the Kadambas of Banavasi). Unfortunately, not only have a sizeable number of inscriptions gone missing but a fair number of temples have been looted,... Continue Reading →
Kusli is a traditional sweet prepared in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for Teej. Commonly known as gujiya, this deep - fried sweet is prepared from desi ghee, spices, desiccated coconut, dried fruits and nuts, homemade khova and maida. Maida and desi ghee are mixed in a large bowl till the mixture reaches the right consistency (should be... Continue Reading →
It is perhaps not known to many that India is the second largest producer of garlic in the world with the state of Madhya Pradesh contributing a staggering 62 percent of the total production in the country. It is estimated that Madhya Pradesh recorded over 2 million metric tonnes production in 2022 alone. Madhya... Continue Reading →
Khanderao Dabhade, appointed as Senapati by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj on 11 January 1717 had once been a competent leader. However, he was greatly overshadowed by the dashing Peshwa Bajirao who had proved his mettle more than once. The Peshwa on his part continued to serve the Chhatrapati assiduously by raising independent armies to secure the boundaries and lead expeditions... Continue Reading →
The lesser - known Lakshmaneshwara Temple located in the older part of Laxmeshwar was perhaps built by Maharaja Indra III of the Rashtrakutas of Malkhed in 917 CE as per an inscription. Another inscription found refers to a grant made by Maharaja Sankama of the Kalachuris of Kalyani in 1179 in favour of Trilochana Pandita... Continue Reading →
Lakshmeshwar (Laxmeshwar) referred to as Vishnupalli in the ancient days, Purikara in the Dwapura Yuga and Puligere or Purigere or Porigere or Pulikaranagara as per inscriptions has traditionally been an important seat of learning, literature, art and architecture. Said to be the capital city of the Badami Chalukyas (in the 7th century), this sacred kshetra was... Continue Reading →
A traditional summer dish of Rewa that is eaten either as a snack or with hot rice and vegetables or chapati is aam panna bagja. Locals use native mangoes and spices to prepare this age - old dish. In a large kadai or frying pan, red chillies, cumin seeds and coriander seeds are dry roasted till they become... Continue Reading →
The evil machinations of Sambhaji of Kolhapur were revealed for one and all to see when Udaji Chavan sent agents to murder Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj when he was out hunting. Shahu Raje immediately set aside his friendly disposition towards his cousin and instructed Trimbakrao Dabhade to lead the army to march into Sambhaji's territory. ... Continue Reading →
The lesser - known Shri Shanteshwara Temple in the sleepy village of Tilavalli exudes an incredibly rare architectural harmony of the Western Chalukyas and Seunas. Built in the 13th century (1237 CE) during the reign of the mighty Maharaja Singhana II of the Seunas by Kalideva Thakkura, this temple incorporates the best features of the... Continue Reading →
Kudli, often referred to as Dakshina Kashi is situated at the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers. This sacrosanct kshetra is dotted with stunning temples from the time of the Kadambas of Banavasi. Successive dynasties like the Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas of Malkhed, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Seunas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagara Empire and the Nayakas of Keladi left... Continue Reading →
Rewa, a former princely state is famous for its contribution in the 1857 First War of Independence that saw many nationalists lose their life, diverse agricultural produce and natural resources and Bagheli cuisine that derives its name from the Baghelkhand region of which Rewa is a part. Their most iconic dish that is also... Continue Reading →
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