It is perhaps not known to many that Chhattisgarh is one of the few states in India where one can truly appreciate the natural progression of brick art and temples from the 7th to 16th - 17th centuries. This region of Central India has always been an important seat of power for successive dynasties from... Continue Reading →
Kampilya Nagar is an extraordinary heritage city dotted with Vedic Period temples and religious structures. This ancient city was coveted by successive Muslim invaders from the 10th century for its precious stones, jewels, gold and grand temples. The city owes its glorious name to the Panchala Kingdom and specifically Raja Drupad and Divya Janani Draupadi.... Continue Reading →
A little-known milk sweet that is perhaps one of the greatest finds of North India is the delicious khurchan. Traditional sweetmakers have been churning out this innovative dessert since centuries. It is unclear who created this dish first, but, locals of Khurja take pride in their version of khurchan that is deemed to be nothing short of... Continue Reading →
Balod district in Chhattisgarh has for years been a treasure trove of rare medicinal plants, spices, agricultural produce and exotic flowers. The rich plant diversity seen in this district has not been found anywhere else in Central India. This district has a sizeable tribal population who have perfected the art of living harmoniously with... Continue Reading →
With the Mughals hot on their trail and mounting pressure every day, the Marathas focussed on their primary goal to create a safe passage for Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj from Gingee and save him from a fate similar to his brother's and liberate the Maratha lands from the Mughal control. Aurangzeb was not one to... Continue Reading →
Deogarh, situated on the banks of the Betwa River is dotted with stunning temples dating back to the 5th century. Besides the world-famous Gupta Period Dashavatara Temple, there is the lesser-known Kuraiya Bir Temple seated in the dense forest close to the Varaha Temple. This east-facing temple sits majestically on a low platform and has a... Continue Reading →
Kampilya Nagar, a treasure trove of Vedic learning and literature is one of the rarest tirthasthalas of Akhanda Bharat that still has fragments of its glorious past from the ancient times. Archaeological excavations conducted over the years have unearthed forts, palaces, pottery, coins, sculptures and others belonging to various periods. Temples of the Satya Yuga, Treta... Continue Reading →
Rabri is the quintessential Indian dessert that makes it appearance in every festival and celebration across the country. Rabdi is arguably the most popular sweet in India and best enjoyed in the holy cities of Banaras and Prayagraj. The sweetmakers of both these cities still adopt the traditional methods to churn out these sinfully... Continue Reading →
Kodaikanal is known for its thriving organic farming community and excellent agricultural produce. Garlic, coffee, pepper, citrus fruits, hill banana and cotton have been grown in the lush green hilly terrain of Kodaikanal for decades. Avocado, the latest entrant has truly been the surprise package for small and marginal farmers of this region. Avocado... Continue Reading →
As the siege of Jinji dragged on languidly, Aurangzeb became increasingly exasperated with both Zulfiqar Khan and his father, Asad Khan. He bemoaned the inability of his army to overcome the guerrilla tactics of the Marathas. Zulfiqar Khan had been given two clear tasks namely to capture Gingee and Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj and so far,... Continue Reading →
A lesser-known edifice of the 7th century is the Varaha Temple located in the south-west corner of the Deogarh Fort in Lalitpur district. This temple though stunning in its own way has been overshadowed by its famous neighbour, the impressive Gupta Period Dashavatara Temple. The east-facing Varaha Temple stands on a high platform and... Continue Reading →
Farrukhabad located on the banks of the holy Ganga River is an important tirthasthala of immense religious and spiritual potency. Often referred to as Choti Kashi or Aparakashi, this sacrosanct place has been held in high esteem since the ancient times. According to the Hindu scriptures and the Mahabharat, this entire place was a dense... Continue Reading →
Prayagraj lassi, an irresistible combination of creamy goodness and delicious richness is a signature dessert of the holy city. This lassi is deemed to be on par with the legendary Banarasi lassi in terms of taste, quality and ingenuity. In fact, only a true Banarasi or Prayagrajvaasi can correctly identify the subtle differences in the preparation of... Continue Reading →
Jashpur district, tucked away in the north-eastern part of Chhattisgarh is fast becoming the most preferred destination for agritourism in Central India. This district is blessed with stunning natural beauty, exotic flowers and excellent agricultural produce. This tribal belt is dotted with many plantations growing coffee, strawberry, cashew, pear and chamomile. However, it is... Continue Reading →
Zulfiqar Khan after capturing Maharani Yesubai and young Shahu was immediately despatched to pursue Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj as he left for the Deccan. He left Aurangzeb's camp on 30 November 1689 and arrived at Gingee in June 1690 and laid siege to the fort. The siege lasted for 8 years and is probably one... Continue Reading →
The glorious period of the Chandelas marked with their engineering and architectural mastery is perhaps best experienced in Dudhai village in Lalitpur district. Historical records state that Dudhai was often referred to as the pride of the Chandelas dotted with exquisite temples, dharmashalas, maths and living quarters for the locals and the learned built by successive... Continue Reading →
Karanwas, the sacrosanct city named after Daanveer Karna has always been held in high esteem since the ancient times. This holy city located on the lower course of the divine Ganga River has been mentioned in several Hindu scriptures, commentaries and biographies of saints, yogis and tapasvis. However, this tirthasthala is best known for its strong bond... Continue Reading →
Soan papdi, the very name invokes a multitude of emotions ranging from dread to resignation to amusement to desperation. Undoubtedly, India's most hated sweet that makes its appearance in every festive season. The unwanted yet expected and convenient guest that plays musical chairs in every social and religious function. At the end of the festive... Continue Reading →
A truly unique product from the North Eastern state of Tripura is bamboo rice. This exotic immunity boosting rice launched during the pandemic by the proactive state and central government is prepared from the seeds of 30- to 40-year-old bamboo plants. According to the locals, no part of the bamboo be it the tender... Continue Reading →
The shift of the Maratha power to Gingee created serious problems for Aurangzeb. It would be difficult for his men to receive information on what was happening within the four walls of Gingee. He decided to act quickly to put down the rising Maratha power. He left his camp of Koregaon on 18 December... Continue Reading →
Lost in the rubble of the Dudhai village temple complex is the ruined Mahadeva Temple of the 11th century. This temple built on a high platform sits behind the Lesser Surang Temple. Though it is well-known that this entire temple complex along with the goshala, dharmashala and other structures were built by the Chandelas, this temple... Continue Reading →
Located in a densely wooded area by the Devatraya Ghat on the banks of the Ganga River in the ancient city of Karanwas is the extremely rare Dwadasha Jyotirlinga Temple. As the name suggests, this temple has twelve Shiva Lingas named after the sacrosanct Jyotirlingas built in one line along with the pradhana (main) temple... Continue Reading →
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