tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267465872012-01-26T23:34:45.105+05:30Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.comBlogger1331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-8658700291640111362012-01-12T16:10:00.000+05:302012-01-12T16:18:11.596+05:30

In France the oldest man is always young, Sees operas daily, learns the tunes so long, Till foot, hand, head, keep time with every song: Each sings his part echoing from pit and box, With his hoarse voice, half harmony, half pox. - prologue of John Dryden's 1685 Albion and Albanius The rich history of French music began in 10th century with court songs and chivalrous music. From this point

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-1160326468758974772012-01-08T19:10:00.003+05:302012-01-08T19:14:58.934+05:30

Turtles have been inhabiting our planet for more than 150 million years. Star Turtle is a species of Turtle found in dry areas and scrub forest. This species is quite popular in the exotic pet trade. Star Turtles have a yellow or tan head. Females are much larger than males and have a shell which is much broader.Life span is up to 80 years.ScienceDaily (Feb. 22, 2011) — A report issued Feb. 22,

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-35826377250671283412012-01-08T11:30:00.004+05:302012-01-08T18:03:35.411+05:30

The succession of Madho Singh's five year old son Prithvi Singh on his death in 1768 was in accordance with protocol.What was unusual was that the person appointed as his regent was not his own mother, but an older and more senior queen of Madho Singh's, a woman descended from the Chandawat line (a branch of the house of Mewar); and she had a son of her own, Pritvi Singh's younger half-brother

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-32630781483055890802012-01-03T22:52:00.002+05:302012-01-04T10:46:00.279+05:30

Known as poor man's hill station, Belgaum has a pleasant weather that attracted the Europeans to establish a Cantonment in the year 1832. It is one of the 62 Cantonments in the country and the only Cantonment in the State of Karnataka. It provides the city with beautiful lung space and is a walkers' paradise. It comprises of main Cantonment and Fort area. Of the several historical monuments in

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-27817225188742412772012-01-01T21:30:00.001+05:302012-01-04T10:43:54.643+05:30

The fort at Kittur spread over an area of about 23 acres was built by Allppa Gowda SarDesai the fifth ruler of Kittur dynasty during 1660-1691 A.D. The fort built with small stone available in plenty in the surrounding region was extensively damaged by Chaplin, the British Comissioner of Deccan region.The palace in the Kittur fort popularly known as "Rani Chennamma's palace" was also constructed

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-24140575493829521692011-12-27T22:08:00.000+05:302012-01-05T22:13:35.597+05:30

"Works of art indeed are not made entirely at random from inspiration; there are almost always discoverable some methods, principles and irrevocable canonical rules. Whatever may be the originality of a work, it is connected with contemporary works; it is explained by anterior works. The author belongs to a school, the work belongs to a style"- Dr. Jaouveau-Dubreuil in Dravidian

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-5036020380890735532011-12-25T23:00:00.004+05:302011-12-27T15:07:41.263+05:30

This popular pilgrim destination is situated at the foot of the scenic hills known as Sidhachal or Ramagiri overlooking the beautiful river Malaprabha which enchances the richness of the region.A temple dedicated to Goddess Yellamma also known as Goddess Renuka, the consort of the mythical sage Sri Jamadagni and mother of Lord Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, forms the sacred crown of

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-40558869901444405352011-12-25T20:15:00.002+05:302011-12-25T20:19:09.609+05:30

Sugandavarthi, now popularly known as Saundatti was the capital of the Ratta chieftains during the period 930 A.D. to 1230 A.D. The founder of the Ratta dynasty of Saundatti in the Belgaum District is stated to have been raised to the position of a feudatory chieftain by a king named Krsna who has been identified with the Rashtrakuta emperor Krsna III (939 - 67 AD). An inscription of 1218 A.D.

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-1382157242881170392011-12-25T09:16:00.040+05:302011-12-25T13:21:38.812+05:30

Most of North Karnataka's rivers originate in the Western Ghats. The Krishna and its tributaries-the Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha and Tungabhadra-cover a length of about 700 km. Krishna's basin covers 13 districts and about 60% of Karnataka's geographical area! Rivers, elevations and rains create spectacular waterfalls in North Karnataka. Belgaum district has more than six big waterfalls, of

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-24223886869323911382011-12-24T19:59:00.029+05:302011-12-24T21:32:30.031+05:30

Karnataka, like several other states in India, has witnessed religious conflicts among Shaiva sect, Vashnava sect, Jaina and Islamic religions over the centuries. However, the Bhakti movement and the unifying forces by Sufis, mystics and ‘tattva padakAraru’ have worked ceaselessly to further communal harmony. Communal accord that prevails in almost all villages of Karnataka is an outcome of these

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-74692176126831112882011-11-13T15:00:00.002+05:302011-11-14T09:41:09.531+05:30

In Hindu temples throughout India, and most Hindu households, rituals, or pujas, are performed to the deities during which it is customary to offer a series of specific leaves and petals. Some will be carried out daily and other only on special festivals. Whilst people still perform the pujas today, it is less likely that the correct flower or leaf will be presented to the deities and they are

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-85539287863186904892011-11-09T21:42:00.001+05:302011-11-09T21:50:42.213+05:30

This Dravidian style temple at Kaivara is dedicated to lord Vishnu. The temple has four sculpted stone pillars carved with finely sculpted motifs. This constitutes the Navranga Mantapa. The outer mantapa serves the purpose of an outer hall and leads to an inner small closed mantapa and the shrine. The outer mantapa is the largest part of the temple and is the place supporting larger congregations

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-73291288926435428382011-09-18T15:28:00.027+05:302012-01-08T11:59:58.066+05:30

Mansagar Lake is a 300 acre lake surrounded by the Nahargarh hills. In the past, at the location of the lake, there was a natural depression where water used to accumulate. During 1596 AD, when there was a severe famine in this region there was consequent acute shortage of water. The then ruler of Ajmer was, therefore, motivated to build a dam to store water to overcome the severe hardships

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-64874927417528968412011-09-17T18:51:00.056+05:302012-01-08T12:00:21.023+05:30

Love all and hate none.Mere talk of peace will avail you naught.Mere talk of God and religion will not take you far.Bring out all the latent powers of your beingand reveal the full magnificence of your immortal self.Be overflowing with peace and joy,and scatter them wherever you areand wherever you go.Be a blazing fire of truth,be a beauteous blossom of loveand be a soothing balm of peace.With

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-1133904437224843542011-07-24T12:31:00.049+05:302012-01-08T12:00:50.065+05:30

Fred Fawcett was a Superintendent of Police who served British government in Kozhikode. He had gone to Wayanad on an invitation from Colin MacKinzie, a planter who wanted him to join him on a hunting expedition. The planter showed him rock engraving in a cave and some very old implements which were found in his estate in 1890. They were situated on the western side of Ambukuthimala hill twelve

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-36716013999892163512011-07-24T11:40:00.006+05:302012-01-08T12:01:08.890+05:30

The hill station of Lakkidi is the gateway to the Wayanad district of Kerala. Located at an altitude of 700 meters or 2297 feet above the sea level, Lakkidi is the highest location in the Wayanad district and lies above the Thamarassery Ghat pass.The lush greenery of the hills, gorges and streams seen on both sides of the passage up the hill are sure to linger on our mind for a long time. On a

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-62464658677416756822011-06-26T17:11:00.005+05:302012-01-08T12:01:30.452+05:30

The present Wayanad district came into being on 1st November 1980 comprising of three taluks viz. Vythiri, Mananthavady and Sultan Batheri.Sultan Battery was part of Kidanganadu Village, which got its name because of the presence of Kidangans (tribes). It is also believed that this town was earlier known as "Ganapathivattom" - 'the fields of Ganapathi', owing to the Ganapati Temple situated in

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-2664642271386876142011-05-11T15:54:00.061+05:302012-01-08T12:01:50.725+05:30

Lal mandir or siddhakut Chaityalaya more popularly known as Sone ki Nasiyan was constructed by seth shri Mulchand Soni. The construction began in 1864 AD and was completed in 1895 AD.The Digambar Jain temple is dedicated to the first jain thirthankara Rishabhadeva and is one of the 22 Jain temples in Ajmer. It is regarded as one of the best Jain temples in Rajasthan after the temples of Ranakpur

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-42843450291518600972011-05-11T10:28:00.020+05:302012-01-08T12:02:23.516+05:30

Lakhs of devotees from all over the world are drawn to the dargah of Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti in 15-centuries-old city of Ajmer in Rajasthan. A few mts away, is Jama Al-tamish popularly known as Adhai-din-ka-Jhompra that does not get much attention, but is equally significant to any lover of history and architecture.Jama Al-tamish popularly known as Adhai-din-ka-Jhompra is situated in

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-44899772014104814022011-04-27T15:46:00.025+05:302012-01-08T12:02:55.346+05:30

At the check-postPonkuzhi is fast developing into a pilgrim centre and halt for travellers as the inter-State highway NH 212 cuts through the muthanga forest. The perennial Noolpuzha running through this corridor is the only source of water for a large population of elephants moving through this area for three to four months a year.Hundreds of vehicles speed through the highway linking Bangalore

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-8045462600984891332011-04-27T12:50:00.035+05:302012-01-08T12:03:39.909+05:30

Halfway down Mysore-Ooty highway, Deccan Plateau rises to meet the Western Ghat mountains and the nilgiris mountains. In the Nilgiri Biosphere (India's first and foremost biosphere reserves with a heritage, rich in flora and fauna), nestled between the two mountains, is the Bandipur National Park. Endowed with a moderate climate and diverse geographical features, the park supports a remarkable

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-25534930558170011542011-04-26T13:31:00.036+05:302012-01-08T12:04:04.811+05:30

Kabini river is formed by the confluence of Mananthavady and Panamaram rivers. Other tributaries namely: Bhavanipuzha, Karapuzha and Narasipuzha originate in the western ghats and flow through Kerala State.NEED TO USE CAUVERY WATERAgriculture is the basic occupation of the people in the Kabini, the Bhavani and the Pambar Basins. The main crop in the low elevation is paddy where as in the middle

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-31491620526834432832011-01-17T15:41:00.003+05:302012-01-08T11:59:32.502+05:30

From the early 1600s onwards, Maharanas of Mewar contributed to the development of this delightful island of summer palace on the serene waters of Lake Pichola. The construction of this water-palace was commenced during the reign of Maharana Karan Singh (1620-28AD) and was completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I (1628-52AD) after whom it is called JagMandir. View of Jag mandir palace from boatView of

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-89599129628935325772011-01-12T16:57:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:04:25.101+05:30

44 km north of Udaipur is a small village in the Aravali hills known as Haldighati. Beyond this village is the Haldighati Pass. The soft yellow soil in the pass resembles turmeric / haldi when crumbled. This gives the place its name - Haldighati. This place witnessed the famous Battle of Haldighati on June 18, 1576 between Maharana Pratap Sing of Mewar and the moghul army of Emperor Akbar of

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-30788620023747069382011-01-11T10:25:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:04:49.453+05:30

Hathee Singh temple is a very famous Shwetambar Jain temple constructed in 1848-1850AD by a rich Jain merchant Kesarisingh Hatheesing (Some sources mention the name as Maganbhai Hutheesing) at a whopping cost of Rs 10 lakh. It was designed by Premchand Salat and is dedicated to Dharmanath, the fifteenth Jina or Jain apostle.The temple is an architectural marvel built in beautiful white marble.

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-61543605942817729782011-01-10T10:09:00.054+05:302012-01-08T12:05:16.308+05:30

Over large parts of the parched north western parts of India, nothing is more scarce and sacred than water. Water has dictated the lives, the myths and the rituals of the people of this arid and inhospitable region. Monsoon is scarce and life is possible only because the people have been harvesting rainwater since thousands of years by storing the monsoon gift in tanks / step wells. The

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-54320015826303033112011-01-07T16:58:00.021+05:302012-01-08T12:05:34.914+05:30

Sultan Ahmed Shah, the founder of Ahmedabad city constructed the mosque in 1423 A.D. in the heart of the old city. Jama masjid of Ahmadabad is classed as the best building of its kind in western Hindustan. Made by using yellow sandstones, the architecture of this mosque is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styling. This edifice was built using items from the demolished Hindu and Jain temples. The

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-68831348343783243452011-01-07T15:03:00.019+05:302012-01-08T12:05:53.821+05:30

This temple in Ahmedabad is situated in Kalupur - an area dominated by the Muslims. Relations between the temple and its neighbours have always been harmonious. In 2001, when an earthquake shook Gujarat, the Muslim neighbours cooked food and gave it to the temple authorities to distribute to earthquake victims.It was the first of the several swamy narayan temples built across the globe. A British

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-87603588282816110302010-02-02T22:42:00.009+05:302010-02-03T09:21:11.027+05:30

The discovery and the establishment of a new sea route to India around the Cape of Good Hope by Vasco da Gama, made the Portuguese realize that they need to have a permanent trading post established in India, to exploit and profit from the spice trade. When their repeated attempts to do just that along the malabar coast that was controlled by the Zamorin of Calicut proved difficult, they finally

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-81817332192631059602010-01-29T17:54:00.006+05:302010-02-03T09:26:52.054+05:30

Pre-15th century Arab and Chinese geographical texts describe various natural hazards involved in long-distance shipping. However, they did not cite any significant political or military impediments to undertaking long-distance voyages to India other than the risk from pirates.Peaceful trade had remained the norm in the Indian Ocean. Evidence left behind by chroniclers like Marco Polo, Ibn

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-15033930223049137262009-06-17T09:37:00.004+05:302009-06-17T09:55:06.474+05:30

Hieun-tsang, a Buddhist piligrim to India in the seventh century records the following about Amaravathi:"The convents are numerous, but mostly deserted and ruined. Of those preserved there are about 20, with 1,000 or so priests. They all study the law of the Great vehicle. There are a 100 Deva (Hindu) temples, and the people who frequent them are numerous and of different beliefs." Though what he

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-48729542529585203662009-06-04T15:25:00.001+05:302009-06-04T17:18:34.356+05:30

As a young girl I always dreamt of being an archaeologist some day; travel to the distant land of Machu Picchu on Llamas and find the hidden treasure or solve the mystery behind the death of Tutankhamun – the most famous Egyptian pharaoh. When these childhood ambitions surface from time to time, I keep myself content by visiting ancient monuments or places of historic importance. This year (2005)

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-49202772537775498062009-06-03T13:50:00.005+05:302009-06-04T10:06:19.123+05:30

Long ago there was a sage by name Kashyapa who was married to Diti. Their son Vajranga married Varaangi who gave birth to rakshasa Taraka. Taraka performed severe penance to please Brahma, the Creator, and obtained two boons from Him. The first boon was that there should be no one more powerful than himself. The second boon was that his death could come only from a son born to Shiva. Taraka was

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-30359720539478700422009-05-26T15:40:00.002+05:302009-05-27T10:00:14.922+05:30

Pisa was one of the greatest marine republics of Italy in the middle ages.It extended its dominion and influence from Corsica to Sardinia and to Sicily. It was master of all the Tuscan shore. The people of Pisa were very good sailors and they conquered many lands, including Jerusalem, Carthago, Ibiza, Mallorca, Africa, Belgium, Britania, Norway, Spain, Morocco, and other places. They had only one

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-76010719362594808642009-05-25T10:51:00.016+05:302012-01-08T12:29:52.337+05:30

Less than 2 months after it was declared that Tipu Sultan's throne would go under hammer in London, the quilted kurta-like silk garment, with warrior-king Tipu's bloodstains, that he wore the day he died fighting the British was found lying in a room full of old papers and discarded furniture at the palace in Srirangapatna. The researchers also found his pajamas and string in a glass case.

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-36216517631051019342009-04-05T11:55:00.015+05:302012-01-08T12:30:16.420+05:30

Ali Barid was the first of the Baridshahi dynasty to adopt the title of Shah. Of the many regal titles of 'Ali Barid, as given in the Rangin Mahal inscription, the last is interesting as meaning 'a messenger to empires'. The historians have described Qasim Barid, the first of the line, as a Turk of Georgia, but thrown no light on the significance of the family title 'Barid', which was retained by

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-90411009434286845332009-03-22T13:00:00.002+05:302012-01-08T12:31:49.312+05:30

The Takht Mahal or the Throne Palace was used as a durbar hall, where the installation ceremonies of the Bahmani and Barid Sultans were celebrated. This Throne Palace at the west end of the Fort is where the Bidar rulers held private audience. It has a columned hall facing north onto a rectangular court. Steps to the west of the courtyard lead to various rooms with complicated plans. Some have

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-66526822431436543562009-03-21T16:36:00.004+05:302012-01-08T12:32:14.197+05:30

"Chau” in Hindi and Persian means four directions and “bara” in Hindi means a house and in Persian, a fortified place. The Chaubara, a cylindrical 71-foot tower, stands at the junction of four roads in the centre of the town. One of the roads connects the Mahamud Gawan madarasa. It was probably built as a watchtower and also to keep the city streets under supervision.

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-72573814608800664422009-03-21T14:04:00.047+05:302012-01-08T12:32:37.892+05:30

Humayun is described as the "Nero of Deccan" because of his cruelities. In his reign of 4 years, he earned a terrible notoriousness for cruelty. Men and women suspected of rebillion were shredded down to pieces or scaled to death by boiling water or hot oil etc. He earned the title of "Zalim", the oppressor. His good and noble queen had no influence on him. He had an able minister named Mahmud

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-71043163538456943562008-01-13T19:32:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:33:10.479+05:30

The following text has been borrowed from "A History of the Highlands, and of The Highland Clans; with an extensive selection from the hitherto inedited Stuart Papers" By James Browne and is biased towards the British soldiers.July 1780: The Battle of Pollilur took place in 1780 at Pollilur near the city of Kanchipuram. It was a part of the second Anglo-Mysore war. Tippu Sultan was dispatched by

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-67045069598497735972007-12-29T23:28:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:33:47.479+05:30

I have lighted a different fire in the heart.I have brought a tale from the Deccan.I have a shining sword on my side;I am drawing it out gradually from the scabbard.I speak a subtle point about the Martyr Tipu Sultan,I fear the festival day may turn bitter,I proceed to kiss his dust,There I heard from his holy grave;If one cannot live a manly life in this worldThen to sacrifice life, like a man,

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-12130426908725912802007-12-28T20:22:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:34:13.073+05:30

Photograph, taken in the 1870s by Nicholas and Company, part of the Ramsden Collection of photographs, showing the Darya Daulat Bagh of Tipu Sultan at Srirangapattana (Seringapatam) in Karnataka state. Of the Darya Daulat Bagh (The Garden of Wealth of the Sea), also known as the summer palace of Tipu, Rev Thompson writes, "After the fall of Seringapatam, the Duke of Wellington, then Colonel

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-46984189976431530082007-12-28T12:35:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:34:52.903+05:30

Sally port where Tipu fell Water gate 1938 May 5, 1799: He was still trapped in the courtyard with a handful of faithful followers and surrounded by the British soldiers. They fought for a long time.Three horses were shot from under Tipu. He, along with four other bodyguards, killed a record 4,500 British soldiers-about fifteen British were left alive and Wellesley was thinking about

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-41384524793786922982007-12-27T10:53:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:35:36.813+05:30

A short distance from Water Gate was the Lal Mahal, one of Tipu’s palaces. The British desccribed this palace as "very handsome". It had a regal audience hall or the durbar hall with three rows of magnificient pillars supporting a roof two stories above, a library and zenana. The palace also had sophisticated underground piping. It is said that Tipu had chained four tigers near its entrance. Col

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-46602987446427345112007-12-26T16:05:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:35:59.648+05:30

Legends linked to Sriranganatha Temple======================================It is said that Cauvery is in fact Ganges flowing at the bid of Kashi Vishwanatha. There was severe draught in Dravida desha that lasted for 12 years. Parched lands, dried up water sources, people and animals perishing in large numbers moved sage Sayana who did penance on Brahmagiri mountain to please Lord Maheshwara.

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-27794235284463742832007-08-08T15:50:00.000+05:302007-08-08T21:24:45.113+05:30

The monolithic "Nandi" sculpture which is said to be the biggest monolithic Nandi in India, is synonymous with Lepakshi. It is 4.5 m high and 8.23m long.The big granite bull is on the main road, about 200 metres from the temple. It has been positioned such that it faces the shivalinga shielded by a huge serpent inside the temple. Said to be the second largest monolith in India, after Gomateswara,

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-79015554001824200722007-08-07T13:55:00.000+05:302007-08-07T13:55:45.525+05:30

After our initial plan to visit Mysore and Srirangapattana last weekend was foiled due to insistent rain in Mysore, we decided on an alternative -- Lepakshi. It is a small village in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh at a distance of 120Kms from Hebbal fly-over -- Bengalooru. Lepakshi is of immense archeological and historical importance. It houses some of India’s best temple murals.Our group

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-79874018831796610302007-07-23T19:47:00.000+05:302007-07-25T09:57:25.036+05:30

The name Darasuram is said to be a corruption of the original name Rajarajapuram, and this temple smaller than the Priya Koil and Gangaikonda Cholaeeswaram dates back to Raja Raja II's period (12th C AD). The Periya Nayaki Amman temple stands out as a separate temple because the outer walls of the temple have disappeared with the passage of time, unlike the original periya koil in Thanjavur.

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-54062865645285340952007-04-30T21:58:00.000+05:302007-05-01T06:56:06.061+05:30

The Shore Temple on the Bay of Bengal was constructed in the 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman II Rajasimha (c. 690-728). It consists of two sanctuaries dedicated to Shiva. There exists a popular belief in south India that the Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram is the last of a series of seven temples, six of which have been submerged.Mahabalipuram, the famous centre of Pallava art

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-54582435396410942182007-04-30T14:44:00.000+05:302007-04-30T14:53:37.851+05:30

The monolithic temples built during the reign of King Mamalla (Narasimhavarman I) are regarded as the transition point between the rock-cut cave temples and freestanding stone temples. They were carved out from a single rock almost 1,300 years ago and have been preserved very well. The Rathas at Mahabalipuram are constructed in the style of the Buddhist viharas and chaityas. The architectural

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-6675100609870137172007-04-28T12:05:00.000+05:302007-04-28T12:38:04.496+05:30

Unfinished Vijaya GopuraMahishasuramardini cave was built in mid-seventh century. The cave has two impressive friezes at each end of its long hallway.The mythological story of Goddess Durga's fight with the demon, form the basis of this beautiful panel. Durga, the mother of the universe, is shown seated on her lion fighting the buffalo-headed demon, Mahisha.At the opposite end of the veranda, is

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-52322197974981051902007-04-25T20:39:00.000+05:302007-04-25T20:39:46.463+05:30

A little beyond Krishna's Butterball is the Varaha mandapa. Heraldic lions support the ornamental pillars. These are perhaps the earliest to display a motif that became the signature of southern architecture-the lion pilaster.Varaha mantapa is a small rock-cut hall. It has two incarnations of Vishnu-Varaha (boar) and Vamana (dwarf). Particularly noteworthy here are four panels of the famous

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-70671169489359262462007-04-22T16:15:00.000+05:302007-04-22T16:15:47.625+05:30

The name "Mamallapuram" was used as Mamalla is an honorific for the Pallava king, Narasimha Varman I in 630-668 A.D, who created the earliest of its monuments. But it is popularly known as "Mahabalipuram", or "The city of Bali", whom Lord Vishnu chastised for his pride. The history of Mahabalipuram dates back to 2000 years, and there are nearly 40 monuments of different types including an "open

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-27551431965904170432007-04-22T15:17:00.000+05:302007-04-22T15:17:25.406+05:30

Krishna's Butter Ball is a huge, spherical monolith near the Ganesha Ratha. It rests precariously on a narrow rock base and seems to defy the rules of gravity. It is fifteen feet in diameter and could have probably been the raw material for the temples around. I read somewhere that it was probably one of Krishna's pranks to leave the rock there. Wonder what Krishna could have been doing there

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-6165848778234003212007-03-10T13:55:00.000+05:302007-03-11T19:13:33.374+05:30

Mamallapura is credited with featuring some of the earliest Indian attempts at monolithic stone carving. Arjuna's penance is the world's largest "open air bas relief". This huge whale back shaped rock contains figures of Gods, demi Gods, men, beasts, birds and represents the entire creation. It narrates the tale of Arjuna's penance. Here Arjuna is shown standing on one leg to please Lord Shiva

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-47287593350154052512007-02-27T21:30:00.000+05:302007-05-01T06:51:02.971+05:30

In 1889, to honor of the centenary of the French Revolution, the French government planned an international exposition and announced a design competition for a monument to be built on the Champ-de-Mars in central Paris. Out of more than 100 designs submitted, the Centennial Committee chose Eiffel's plan of an open-lattice wrought-iron tower that would reach almost 1,000 feet above Paris and be

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-72290497413872046712007-01-02T06:38:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:36:41.040+05:30

Neither Hindu nor Muslim I sit with all on a whim Having no caste, sect or creed, I am different indeed. I am not a sinner or saint, Knowing no sin nor restraint. Bulleh tries hard to shirk The exclusive embrace of either Hindu or Turk.--Bulleh ShahBande Nawaz DargahIt is widely known, that Islam in India was spread much less by the sword than by the Sufis. After all, Sufism, with its holy men,

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-6451566266179738092007-01-01T21:19:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:37:22.320+05:30

Jumma MasjidThe Jami or Jumma Masjid located inside the old fort was built by a Moorish architect in 1367, in imitation of the great mosque in Cordova, Spain. It is an important building of the early Baihmani period built by Muhammad Shah. It has a large dome on the west side and middle-sized domes at the four corners of the mosque. Instead of having a courtyard, it has many small domes in lines

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-14825121509708295972007-01-01T20:36:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:37:56.882+05:30

Entrace To Fort An old provincial town, Gulbarga rose to prominence under the illustrious Bahmani dynasty founded by Hasan Ganga, a rebel Amir of Daulatabad who later assumed the title of Ala-ud-din Bahman Shah. The Bahmani dynasty ruled over the Deccan for nearly 200 years with Gulbarga as the Capital until 1424 and, later, Bidar. The title, Bahman Shah, is mentioned in an inscription on a

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-81157752500005043192007-01-01T16:35:00.005+05:302012-01-08T12:38:33.665+05:30

Dedicated to the Hindu saint and reformer, Basaveshwara, the temple is a popular year-round pilgrimage centre for Hindus. A chariot festival is held in his honour near the Gulbarga tank.Sharana Basaweshvara Temple Gulbarga, a historical city in Karnataka is known for its rich cultural heritage. For nearly 1500 years, Gulbarga has been prominent in the history and culture of the Deccan. Many

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-35670978313784428752007-01-01T16:17:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:39:46.543+05:30

Gumbaz Museum It was 8:30AM and we had spent sufficient time at the Gumbaz. We had to only visit the museum and that was to open at 10:00AM. We had sufficient time to eat our breakfast. After eating the dinner at our hotel restaurant the previous evening we were sure we didn't want to eat there again. I remembered from my previous visit to the Gumbaz that there was a small canteen in the premises

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-49125872874366280442006-12-31T22:41:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:40:36.961+05:30

Gol Gumbaz is the tomb of Mohammad Adil Shah. Besides the tomb of Mohammad Adil Shah, it also has the tombs of his younger wife Arus Bibi, grandson, his mistress Rambha, his daughter and his senior wife. The mausoleum was constructed during Mohammad Adil Shah's rule (1626-56). The dome second only to Pantheon in Rome has a diameter of 124.5 ft.Tombs of grandson of Mohammad Adil Shah, Mohammad's

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-86122015582106219102006-12-30T16:57:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:41:20.910+05:30

Second tallest idol of Shiva in IndiaThis 85 feet cement and steel idol at Rambapur village 3Kms from City of Bijapur on the Ukkali road was unveiled on Feb 26th 2006 -- the auspicious day of Shivarathri. Sculptors from Shimoga toiled for 13 months to create the idol based on the design provided by the civil engineers from Bangalore.Idol of ShivaLinga A small idol of Shivalinga is installed

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-13557082311088832582006-12-30T15:13:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:42:00.052+05:30

Jumma MasjidThe mosque is known as "Jumma Masjid" because the Khutba is recited here on Jumma ie. Friday.crescent proclaims the Adil Shahi's dynasty's Turkish originNotice the arabasque pattern in stucco on the second arch from left This was the first mosque to be constructed in the Adil Shahi kingdom. Ali Adil Shah I began the construction in 1576 using the booty gained by defeating the

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-26037915427135448872006-12-29T12:35:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:42:30.896+05:30

Mehtar MahalBeautifully decorated balconyMunir Khan (I can't seem to recall the name of our Tongawallah. I guess that is what I overheard when V asked the name of the Tongawallah. But then I could be wrong.) took us to Mehtar Mahal and told us to see the monument from outside as this structure is a gateway to the mosque. As usual women might not be allowed to enter this place of worship.

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-12607137584606062772006-12-28T08:10:00.002+05:302012-01-08T12:43:10.953+05:30

Built in the year 1687 Jod Gumbad is also known as "Abdul Razak Darga". There are twin-domed memorial structures to two traitors, the father and son who helped the Moghul Aurangzeb defeat Sikandar, the young Adil Shahi ruler on the throne. Text borrowed from http://www.bijapur.nic.in/tour.html I am not really sure why the people built a memorial to traitors. I haven't found further information

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-49142142861839808862006-12-27T20:52:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:44:00.854+05:30

Bahamani empire broke-up into five kingdoms and Bijapur was one of them. Yousuf AdilShah was crowned the king of the new Adil Shahi kingdom. The new kingdom rose to great heights in the middle of the 16th C under Ali Adil Shah, the grandson of Yousuf AdilShah, who brought down the mighty Vijayanagar empire in 1565. Soon after he undertook ambitious building projects in his capital that included

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-40255168758868607242006-12-27T17:56:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:44:47.291+05:30

Ibrahim Rauza entombs the mortal remains of Ibrahim Adil Shah II -- the greatest of the Adil Shahi rulers. After several years of deligent work, the mausoleum was completed in 1626 just in time for the departed soul to rest here till eternity. Eight years later the remains of his wife Taj Sultana were also burried here. An inscription on the north door reads "Heaven stood astonished at this

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-75958280860482522802006-12-27T14:31:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:45:16.965+05:30

The kingdoms of the Bahamanis (1348-1527 C.E.) and the Adilshahis (1489-1686 C.E.) in the north of Karnataka and the interregnum of Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan(1761-1799 C.E.) in Mysore were the main Islamic kingdoms in Karnataka.Bijapur thrived alongside the Mughal glory in the north. Masjids (mosques) big and small appeared in the newly conquered territories as if to match those built by the

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-31738120355963705362006-12-27T09:55:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:45:44.462+05:30

Malik-e Maidan ("monarch of the plains" or "Lord of the Battlefield") set up by Muhammad Adil Shah is a huge cannon located on the top of the tower. It is said to be the largest weapon in medieval times. The great Muzzle has been fashioned into the shape of a lion or a dragon with open jaws, and between the sharp curved fangs is a small elephant on both sides of the muzzle. The small ears have

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-12609696727253145052006-12-26T23:30:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:46:13.619+05:30

Inscription on the Burj wallWe had visited the Asar Mahal and Bara Kaman earlier in the day and were now visiting the Burj. The tongawallah stood waiting for us with his horse at the entrance of the Burj while we climbed the stairs to the top of the watch tower.Also known as Hyder Burj, this 80ft tower was built by Hyder Khan, general in the service of Ali Adil Shah I and Ibrahim II in 1584.

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-57730181375176435772006-12-26T18:57:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:46:42.340+05:30

Bara Kaman is the unfinished mausoleum of Ali Adil Shah. He lost his life in a conspiracy and the monument remained unfinished. "Bara Kaman" translates to "12 arches". We hired a "guide"... (he wasn't really a guide... we just paid 20Rs to the security guard who agreed to tell us the history of the monument) and he told us a fascinating fable :). There is no evidence on the internet and if it

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-85100876943486842832006-12-26T14:46:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:47:28.878+05:30

Asar Mahal also known as Asar-E-Sharif was constructed by Mohammad Adil Shah in 1646. It was built to serve as a 'hall of justice'Entrance to Asar MahalThree tanks grace the Mahal. The central square tank, 15 feet in depth is fed by conduits from Begum tank. Two smaller and less deeper tanks are on either sides of the central large one.Asar Mahal Asar Mahal courtyardV in Asar Mahal courtyardIt

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-61753770751918698212006-12-17T15:57:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:48:05.577+05:30

The Jungfraujoch is one of Switzerland's most attractive excursion destinations and vantage points. It has also proved to be an excellent location for a wide variety of research projects. The high altitude, clear air and easy access by mountain railway are ideal conditions for a wide range of scientific work. Astronomers, geologists, physicists, meteorologists and hydrologists - they all make an

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-38703822980045764012006-12-10T22:45:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:48:33.526+05:30

Kleine Scheidegg means "minor watershed". This pass lies between the mountains Eiger and Lauberhorn and connects Grindelwald with Lauterbrunnen. The watershed lies between the catchment areas of the Weiss (white) Lütschine river in the Lauterbrunnen valley and the Schwarze (Black) Lütschine flowing through the Grindelwald valley. The different sediments from each valley gives the waters their

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-76740507899952692942006-12-10T20:00:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:49:01.630+05:30

Needless to say, our delayed start from Interlaken further delayed our trip to Jungfraujoch. Trains leave from the Grindelwald station to the "top of Europe" at regular intervals and the intervals are sufficiently large :(. We arrived at Grindelwald a little later than we had planned and we missed the connecting train to Jungfrau. We spent a few minutes more than an hour at the station waiting

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-48508767232857402502006-12-10T12:23:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:49:31.764+05:30

The mountains surrounding Grindelwald had been considered threatening and inhospitable forces of nature (teeming with dragons, gnomes and spectres) for centuries. It experienced an unexpected surge of popularity in the 1800s. This was brought about by the writers and artists of the time, who, with little actual alteration of that age-old image, suddenly made the Alps seem wildly romantic. When

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-86999870486217754162006-12-10T10:11:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:50:04.995+05:30

790Kms away from office and not having to wake up early to cook and pack lunch to office? That sounds like heaven :). Sure! I did wake up early, but only to enjoy my morning walk in the pristine town. We (me and M) met in the hostel lobby to go on our morning walk. The hostel was serving free breakfast and since it was quite early in the day, there weren't many people in the dining hall. It

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-57928702944255104122006-12-04T06:57:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:51:37.766+05:30

Romans took over Interlaken from the Celts in 58BC. They gave it the Latin name "Interlacus" meaning "between the lakes". The Germans took over Switzerland and the Alemanni tribe moved into the valley in 260AD. The name was mutated to "Inderlappen". The Franks ruled the country during the 6th C, but they had little effect on the German language and culture in the valley.In 1133, Augustinian monks

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-35324249370186646332006-11-27T10:50:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:52:01.522+05:30

We took the train from Bern to Interlaken. Since we took the Standard train, we missed out on the souvenir keychains that are given on the tourist trains. Never mind... we traveled for a much lesser price.The train made its way through the beautiful little towns Brienz, Thun, Spiez, Lauterbrunnen to reach Interlaken OST. We rode in the standard car as the panoramic cars are quite expensive. The

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-11278920962226787182006-11-25T20:55:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:52:40.981+05:30

We took the train from Geneva airport to Bern -- the capital of Switzerland. We rented a locker in the railway station for 8CHF and stored our baggage. We took the tourist map and set out on foot towards the center of the city. I was excited! I was finally in the country that I always aspired to visit. Switzerland to me was always synonymous with snow capped mountains and chill wind. But there

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-48880574221635039582006-11-20T10:35:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:53:08.585+05:30

Our tickets read, "Destination Geneva -- 18th June 2005, Heathrow Terminal 4 -- Departure time 6:50 AM"I took the bus 140 at 5:10AM, from Harrow bus station stop, to Heathrow airport central. I reached the airport at 5:55AM. I walked to terminal 3 to take the Heathrow express to terminal 4. On reaching Terminal 3, I realised that the Heathrow express would only run from 6:15 AM. OOPS! That wasn't

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-50381223172842858422006-11-20T08:28:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:53:46.763+05:30

I had seen Switzerland in many of our Bollywood movies and I dreamed of going there some day. I mentioned to M that I would be going to Switzerland for three days during the long weekend in June 2005. He was excited but reluctant to join me as he thought we had to apply for a special visa to visit Switzerland. Indians holding work permit for United Kingdom that is valid for more than six months

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-21578357839645952252006-11-05T20:50:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:56:13.512+05:30

The first chapel on the site was recorded in 1224. On March 11th, 1421, Matthäus Ensinger a master builder from Strasbourg started the construction of St. Vincent cathedral, using the greenish local sandstone. Work continued until the mid 16th C according to his original plans. Most of the church's treasures were destroyed in 1528. But some notable pieces such as the portal sculpture, choir

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-79202654353322382092006-11-04T11:46:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:57:00.838+05:30

This 600 year old astronomical clock has a big dial on the outside that measures the 24 hours of the day. The star pointer gives the month and date. The darkest panels at the back indicate the time of sunrise and sunset while another point shows the sign of the zodiac. The moon pointer shows what stage the moon is at (full moon, new moon, crescent etc). The simpler mechanism of the clock was

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-66100217352914416342006-11-01T22:31:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:57:39.832+05:30

Today, Switzerland is considered a safe money haven as the Swiss financial sector is now home to 35% of the world's private and institutional funds at an estimated value of 3 trillion Swiss francs (CHF). This country is a magnet for international money as it beholds a long tradition of stability that is reflected in a sound banking system and currency. The Swiss franc is considered one of the

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-447614320171792752006-10-30T07:57:00.001+05:302012-01-08T12:58:54.678+05:30

According to legend, late in the 12th century, the Duke of Zahringen sent his hunters into the woods and promised to name the city after the first animal that was brought to him. The bear was the first to be slain and since the 15th century the bear has served as the city's mascot. Duke Berthold V of Zähringen founded the city on the River Aare in 1191 and allegedly named it after a bear (Bär in

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Augustiner BräuSalzburg, is home to one of Europe's most famous beer destinations: Augustiner Bräu. For centuries, monastic orders like the Augustinians preserved the ancient art of beer making. The monks were craft brewers in the literal sense: they relied on scientific principles, and paid strict attention to quality. Some of Europe's finest beers have their origins in monasteries. The

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The Pferdeschwemmen -- Horse well, was built by Fischer Van Erlach (who is aso responsible for the Trinity Church) along with the front façade of the royal stables in 1693. The centre of the well is decorated by a statue named "Der Rossebändiger" -- "horse tamers", the work of Michael Bernhard Mandl. It was formerly located in an oval basin axial to the portal of the royal stables. A palace

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[The narration of Mozart's death has been borrowed from http://www.music-with-ease.com/mozart.html]Mozart expired penniless, and almost neglected, and was laid to rest in a nameless grave, not one soul whom he had known in life standing by to see the coffin lowered. The records of musical history tell of no deathbed scene which leaves so deep an impression as that of Mozart. He had been

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The Dreifaltigkeitskirche or "Trinity Church" is located on the right side of the river Salzach. It was built between 1694 and 1702 by Fischer Von Erlach by the order of Prince Archibishop Johan Ernst Von Thun to house a seminar for young men in training to become priests.Like the other churches built by Von Erlach, this church also has a central dome, a plaful façade and two towers that make it

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Archbishop Leopold Count Firmian built Leopoldskron palace in Rococo style, as a residence for his family in 1731. The Baroque palace is located on the banks of a lake on the outskirts of the city. Firmiani family sold the estate in 1837 and since then it has changed owners many times. King of Bavaria too owned it at one time. Max Reinhardt, founder of the Salzburg festival, bought it in 1918. It

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Let's start at the very beginningA very good place to startWhen you read you begin with A-B-CWhen you sing you begin with do-re-miDo-re-mi, do-re-miThe first three notes just happen to beDo-re-mi, do-re-miMaria:Do-re-mi-fa-so-la-tispoken Let's see if I can make it easyDoe, a deer, a female deerRay, a drop of golden sunMe, a name I call myselfFar, a long, long way to runSew, a needle pulling

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Built 900 years ago, this fortress once served as a prison and also as a miliary post. It was built by Price Archbishop Eberhard in 1077. Initially it was built of wood and served for the protection of Imperial troops of the Holy Roman Empire. During the struggle for power between Pope Gregor VII and Emperor Henry IV, Prince Archbishop Eberhard decided to stand by the Pope.Prince Archbishop

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It has been more than a year since I traveled to Austria and my grey cells don't seem to be good at retaining a large amount of information :)... I have forgotten how exactly I traveled to Schönbrunn or what tram I took... I am sure a lot of you would now be saying "YAHOO!!! Thank God . She doesn't remember too much. So that should spare us from reading all the details of the travel :)"... but...

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I took the tram to Strassenbahn like the kind man at the Weshbahnof tourist information desk had suggested. I requested the driver to inform me when we arrive at Belvedere. After riding on the tram for a while he announced that we had arrived at Belvedere. I thanked the driver and got off the tram.The palace looked beautiful from far. But I couldn't enter the palace as it was closed to visitors.

Casyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17417999129737666468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26746587.post-29391234403410725902006-10-15T22:43:00.001+05:302012-01-08T13:12:14.384+05:30

Rathaus Plast was an amazing building and I could spend a couple of hours marvelling at the building. But I had to see lot more places yet. So I walked up the road for a little distance to see if there were any more architectural wonders. I saw this beautiful statue at the square. I neither remeber the name of the sqare, nor do I know the name of this pillar. It looked simply too beautiful to not

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I walked along the Burg Ring and realised that there were just too many museums and I simply didn't have enough time on hand to visit them. So I just decided to stroll alongside :) the museums and then familiarise myself with the names of at least a few and then tell people when I go back home "Ah... the Kunsthistorisches Museum?? I know that museum. I've been to Vienna. " :) But then I realised

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I went back to the same information desk at westbahnhof station and saw the same man who had helped me earlier. He looked surprised to see me. He probably thought I was still wandering in the station and was lost in the maze :).... I said"Hello there. It’s me again. I need your help again."I spread the map on his table and pointed to the three circles and told him"I would like to go to all these

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I reached the hostel at 12:30PM. The receptionist told me that my room would be ready only by 2:00 PM. So I asked her if I could store my luggage in the locker room and then come back later in the evening and check in. She was more than happy to get rid of me :) and so she agreed to give me the locker key for a deposit of 10 Euros. I stored my luggage, freshened up, had my lunch (I had taken

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