The fertile land of Fatehpur district has been a renowned centre for learning, knowledge, art and architecture since the Vedic Period. This region is dotted with a fair number of temples built in different periods that survived the savagery of Muslim invaders particularly Aurangzeb. Tucked away in the historically significant Dhamna Khurd village is... Continue Reading →
Tenduli village, a rather small and quiet village in Fatehpur district is a treasure trove of Gupta period temples. This village, perhaps not known to many is of great antiquity and has some of the finest examples of the earliest brick temples along the Rind River. The Baba Chatrubhuj Temple (Chaturbhuj Baba) also referred... Continue Reading →
Shiva Mandapika Temple, an early example of Shaiva Siddhanta in Central India is located in the historical city of Mahua, formerly known as Madhumati. This 7th century temple known locally as Small Siva Temple is the oldest surviving temple of this village. The temple stands on a low platform and is built as a... Continue Reading →
A little-known architectural gem built towards the end of the 7th century is the ancient Shiva Temple located in the historically important Mahua village in Shivpuri district. Mahua, formerly known as Madhumati as per a Ranod inscription has many temples (though now in ruins) of great antiquity. There is very little information available about... Continue Reading →
One of the lesser-known architectural masterpieces of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty is the Maladevi Temple located on the eastern edge of a steep slope overlooking the Manosarovar Talab in Gyaraspur. As this late 9th century temple is hardly a kilometre away from Hindola Torana, one can question if these two temples though built at different times... Continue Reading →
Since the ancient times, Vidisha has been written about as a city of unparalleled art, architecture, literature, culture, opulence, riches and knowledge. The influence of the earliest dynasties that ruled over north and central India is seen in the remnants of sculptures, temples, halls and other structures across Vidisha. One of the lesser-known dynasties... Continue Reading →
If ever awards for stupidity were to be handed out, it is highly likely that Aurangzeb would confer one for himself and award the rest to his incompetent descendants. By the end of his reign, Aurangzeb who had waged war with the Marathas for twenty-five years and had only pyrrhic victories to his credit undid... Continue Reading →
The capture of the hill forts of Purandar, Kalyan and Bhiwandi and the death, ruin and defection of feudatories like the Mores of Javli and the Sawants of Wadi respectively effected by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his able aides brought the crippling Bijapur kingdom to its knees. The construction of the new hill fort of... Continue Reading →
An interesting fort complex built during the glory days of Bengal relegated to obscurity is the Kurumbera Fort which is at a little distance from Kharagpur. Kurumbera Fort which derives its name from kurum which means stone and bera which means fence and collectively means an area fenced by stone in the local language is located in the historically... Continue Reading →
One of the most exquisite weaves in cotton and silk is found in the Bengal heartland of Shantipur - Phulia. Called as Shantipuri, this centuries-old tant (traditional Bengali saree) derives its name from Shantipur in Nadia district. The ancient handloom industry in Shantipur has been mentioned in manuscripts glorifying the life of Advaita Acharya as... Continue Reading →
A rare type of tall coconut variety with immense historical, religious and commercial importance known locally as Eathamozhy or Eathamozhi tall coconut thrives in Kanyakumari district. The unique morphological traits found in this variety are of a superior genetic constitution and it is unsurprising that there is great demand for the seedlings of Eathamozhy tall... Continue Reading →
Along with the wily Chanakya, Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty built one of the largest empires in Akanda Bharat. He abdicated the throne in favour of his son Bindusara who was equal to the task. Bindusara not only consolidated the control over the empire but also extended it further south. Travellers' documentation and... Continue Reading →
One of the best-preserved brick temple complexes of the 9th - 10th century is found in the sleepy village of Nibiya Khera in Bhadwara. Though no inscription has been found, it is likely that the Gurjara - Pratihara dynasty who ruled over a large part of Northern India built this temple. This temple complex... Continue Reading →
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