The flourishing district of Rewa derives its name from the sacrosanct Rewa River (Narmada). Known to be an important agricultural hub of Madhya Pradesh, this district produces some of the finest quality maize, paddy, soybean, wheat, pulses, onion, coriander, linseed, tomato, potato, mango, guava and medicinal herbs and spices like turmeric and ashwagandha. As... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Sambhaji of Kolhapur and Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj
The brilliance of Peshwa Bajirao on the battlefield and in the Maratha Court will go down in history as the finest chapter in military stratagem and diplomacy respectively. Even his staunch critics were forced to acknowledge his astuteness and competency. This however did not deter them from intriguing with the Nizam to subdue him and depose... Continue Reading →
Sri Chintamani Narasimha Temple, Kudli, Shimoga District, Karnataka
The ancient city of Kudli at the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers is dotted with stunning temples built by the Nayakas of Keladi and the Hoysalas. This sacrosanct tirthasthala has been mentioned in the Mahabharat and Puranas as the tapobhumi of the pious Galava Rishi. According to the Hindu scriptures, Tunga River is said to be... Continue Reading →
Holelingeshwara Temple, Bankasana Village, Soraba Taluka, Shimoga District, Karnataka
The lesser - known Bankasana village in Soraba taluka at the confluence of the Dandavati River and the Varada River has been revered for its spiritual and religious potency for centuries. Known for its stunning natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, this tirthasthala has been venerated by saints, sages, yogis and tapaswis since the ancient days. ... Continue Reading →
Banarasi Kale Chane ki Ghugni
The delicious kale chane ki ghugni, originally a Bihari innovation is offered as prasad on the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami. This protein - rich dish is best enjoyed with hot puris and halwa. As this is the traditional preparation for Navaratri, it is made without onion and garlic. Kala chana (black chickpeas) is soaked overnight, washed thoroughly and pressure cooked with... Continue Reading →
Alirajpur Custard Apple
Alijrajpur district has traditionally been an important agricultural hub for maize, cotton, soybean, black gram, chilli, tomato, paddy, cauliflower and mango, sweet lime, lemon, guava, pomegranate, papaya, amla and custard apple. In fact, as small and marginal famers of this district are wholly into organic farming, food processing industries have been lining up to directly... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Peshwa Bajirao caught in the middle of political intrigues
After the humiliating defeat at Palkhed and the Mughal losses in Gujarat, Malwa and Bundelkhand, the Nizam knew that he was no match for the Peshwa‘s brilliance and military stratagem. Full of prejudice and evil machinations, he chose the cowardly approach to malign his name and dissuade the ruler at Delhi to sign a peace agreement. Deep Singh's mission... Continue Reading →
Temples of Varadamoola, Varadamoola, Sagara Taluka, Shimoga District, Karnataka
As the name suggests, this is the birth place of the Varada River, a tributary of the Tungabhadra River. Varada Nadi literally translates to the river that offers boons and this is indeed true as this river is the lifeline for countless villages in the Uttara Kannada district and surrounding areas. As per the... Continue Reading →
Rameshwara Temple, Keladi, Sagara Taluka, Shimoga District, Karnataka
Keladi, the first capital of the mighty Nayakas (who then came to be known as the Nayakas of Keladi) is dotted with glorious temples that showcase their artistic and architectural mastery. This imperial city has the famed Rameshwara Temple complex comprising of three temples that is deemed to be an outstanding example of 16th century... Continue Reading →
Banarasi Sattu ka Paratha
Sattu, often referred to as the 'poor man's protein' is hugely popular in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and the border villages across the North - East. Sattu is fibre and protein - rich flour prepared from powdered chana (Bengal gram) or other pulses or barley or jowar or wheat. It has been traditionally... Continue Reading →
Jagtial Mango
Jagtial district in Telangana state is famous for its turmeric, groundnuts, chilli, rice and mangoes. This district has earned a name both in India and outside for its excellent mango produce. Small and marginal farmers have been cultivating Benishan mango (also known locally as Banganapalle), Nuzvidu rasalu and Dusseheri for centuries and selling their mangoes in the local... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Nizam-ul-Mulk refuses to make peace with the Marathas
The agents sent by the ruler of Delhi came back with glowing reports of the Marathas and categorically declared that if the Mughals were to agree to 11 and 15 lacs for annual chauth of Gujarat and Malwa respectively, then the Marathas would not interfere with the Mughals again. Nizam-ul-Mulk, after being defeated by Peshwa... Continue Reading →
Chandragutti Fort, Chandragutti Village, Soraba Taluka, Shimoga District, Karnataka
The imposing fort of Chandragutti built on the edge of a cliff using the locally available Chandragutti kallu was once the stronghold of the Kadambas of Banavasi, the Vijayanagara Empire, a chieftain named Bachanna, the Nayakas of Keladi, the Marathas and finally generals serving Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The fort is strategically located in... Continue Reading →
Chandragutti Renukamba Temple, Chandragutti Village, Soraba Taluka, Shimoga District, Karnataka
Chandragutti, a thickly wooded area situated at the base of a steep hill of the same same was once controlled by the Kadambas of Banavasi, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Nayakas of Keladi, the Marathas (under Parshuram Bhau) and finally Dhondia Wagh (in service of Tipu Sultan). Known as Chandraguptapura or Chandraguttipura or Chandraguttipete or Guttidurga... Continue Reading →
Banarasi Tamatar Bonda
Tamatar bonda, a rainy season snack is sold mainly by small shops near the Banaras Hindu University. Best enjoyed with a piping hot cup of adrak chai, this delicious snack is hugely popular among locals. A couple of medium - sized potatoes are boiled, peeled, mashed and allowed to cool. Paneer is also added... Continue Reading →
Tandur Red Gram
Tandur, situated on the banks of the Kagna River has recently received the coveted Geographical Indication Tag (GI Tag) for its outstanding red gram. This region is dotted with dal mills and is famous for its pigeon pea. Red gram is an important agricultural crop in Telangana with more than 3.43 lakh hectares of land... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: The Mughals want peace with the Marathas
The decisive victories over the Mughals in Malwa, Bundelkhand and Gujarat in 1729 created quite a consternation in the heart of the ruler of Delhi. Though Nizam-ul-Mulk was checked to some extent in Palkhed, he continued to cause trouble for the Marathas in the Deccan. The death of Giridhar Bahadur and the defeat of Muhammad... Continue Reading →
Tripurantakeshwara Temple, Balligavi, Shikaripura Taluka, Shimoga District, Karnataka
The Tripurantaka Temple (also known as Tripurantakeshwara Temple) situated in the north - east part of Balligavi is an outstanding example of sculptural beauty of the 11th century. The temple was commissioned by Maharaja Someshwara II of the Western Chalukyas in 1070 CE with additions made by the Hoysalas. This temple has two east... Continue Reading →
Panchalinga Temple, Balligavi, Shikaripura Taluka, Shimoga District, Karnataka
Balligami, a city of immense spiritual, religious and literary importance was ruled by the pious Satavahanas, Chutu dynasty, Kadambas, Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas of Malkhed, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Seunas, Hoysalas and finally, the Vijayanagara Empire. The Kalachuris overthrew the Kalyani Chalukyas in 1156 CE and erected marvellous edifices that are unmatched in the beauty of their... Continue Reading →
Banarasi Palangtod
One of the most fascinating winter sweets of Kashi is the centuries - old palangtod that literally translates to bed breaker! Though the name makes one laugh out loud, its taste will definitely leave you speechless. Known to be an expensive sweet because of the time, effort and labour involved, this sweet has been given the... Continue Reading →
Nizamabad Turmeric
It is perhaps not known to many that India is the world's largest producer of turmeric with the state of Telangana ranking first in area under cultivation and production. The turmeric belt of Telangana comprises of the districts of Nizamabad, Nirmal and Jagtial. It is estimated that over 50,000 hectares of land are under... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Battle of Bundelkhand
The invasion of Malwa by Peshwa Bajirao and Chimaji Appa on the advice of Sawai Jai Singh opened up new avenues for the Marathas and the Rajputs who were dissatisfied with the Mughals. The Bundelas in particular had been friendly with the Marathas for a long time and adopted their approach to fight for their independence.... Continue Reading →
Someshwara Temple, Bandalike, Shikaripura Taluka, Shimoga District, Karnataka
The lesser - known Someshwara Temple in Bandalike, the ancient capital of Nagarakhanda Seventy region of the Kadambas has one of the finest friezes depicting episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharat. The carved screens are on either side of the entrance doorway extending from the ground to the lintel level. What is most remarkable about the... Continue Reading →
Banarasi Khajur (Thekua)
Thekua or khajur as it is known in Uttar Pradesh is a traditional deep - fried sweet offered as prasad during Chhath Puja, Saraswati Puja and Navaratri. Though the dish originated in Bihar, it is now hugely popular in Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Thekua is made from wheat, jaggery or sugar, desi ghee, spices and nuts. It has a... Continue Reading →