Kameshwar Mahadev located in the sacrosanct Kaman village also known as Adi Vrindavan is one of the four important Shivalayas on the Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra. Along with Bhuteshwar Mahadev in Mathura, Gopeshwar Mahadev in Vrindavan and Chakleshwar Mahadev in Govardhan, Kameshwar Mahadev is deemed to be the fourth guardian of the Braj Dham. According to... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Maharana Pratap and The Battle of Haldighati
The Rana of Mewar, head of the illustrious Sisodia Rajput lineage refused to become a vassal of the Mughals. Akbar had captured his capital Chittorgarh after a bloody siege in 1568 and occupied the eastern part of his kingdom but Maharana Pratap eluded him. Akbar sent Raja Man Singh I, heir to the Kachhwaha... Continue Reading →
Achalgarh Fort, Achalgarh Village, Mount Abu, Rajasthan
One of the most interesting forts of Rajasthan is the lesser-known Achalgarh Fort nestled high in the Aravalli Range. This magnificent fort sits atop a hill in the picturesque village of Achalgarh, a few kilometres away from the famous Dilwara Temples. The Achalgarh Fort complex situated in an eco-sensitive zone is steeped in history, religion... Continue Reading →
Meenakaari – An Ancient Indian Jewellery Tradition
The word ‘meenakaari’ is derived from the Persian word mina or minoo, which means ‘heaven or paradise’ and kaari means “to do” and together it means to put or place paradise in an object. The history of meenakaari can be traced back to the Sassanid period in Persia where a few notes have been made... Continue Reading →
Jantar Mantar at Jaipur – An Astronomical Observation Site
Jantar Mantar literally means “instruments for measuring the heavens” and indeed, what an outstanding testimony of the scientific and technical conceptions of time and space it is! Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is the largest, best preserved, fully functional and most complete of the five observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and boasts... Continue Reading →
Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Nawalgarh – Rich Grandeur and Splendour of the Rajput era
Nawalgarh, considered to be one of the most modern towns of Shekhawati in Rajasthan is famous for its frescoes and havelis and is also the motherland of some of the great business families of India. A walk around Nawalgarh will give you a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy merchants, the staggering wealth seen... Continue Reading →
Sheesh Mahal of Amber Fort – Stars in the Day!
Sheesh Mahal or the Mirror Palace in the Amber Fort in Jaipur as it is known is an outstanding example of innovation, illusion, craftsmanship, detailing, architecture, art and construction technique so progressive for the 16th century that it leaves one gasping with awe and shock on first glimpse. Locals and history books say that... Continue Reading →
Bikaner – A Street Food Paradise
Bikaner is a land of staggering wealth, beauty, music, culture and food so unique that it will surely send you to a heavenly world for a few hours at least! Bikaner, situated in the middle of the Thar desert is a princely state since about the 15th century. What is quite remarkable is the staunch... Continue Reading →