Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Mesmerizing -MYSORE PALACE
A priceless national treasure and the pride of a kingdom, the Mysore Palace is the seat of the famed Wodeyars(The Royal Kings of Mysore).
A mishmash of architectural styles, the Mysore Palace resembles, in roughly equal proportions, everything from a medieval Mughal mausoleum to an opulent French chateau- and almost any form of magnificent building in between. Uninhibited grandeur is the buzzword here- and it has to be seen to be believed.
The site where today’s Mysore Palace stands was once the site for an earlier wooden palace, which burnt down in a fire during 1897. For those with a penchant for the sumptuous, this proved to be a stroke of luck- for the building that was constructed in its stead was one which goes the whole hog when it comes to sheer splendour.
Once the residence of the former Wodeyar kings of Mysore, the palace was designed by the British architect Henry Irwin (who was also the brain behind Shimla’s Viceregal Lodge). The building combines a range of architectural styles- Dravidian, Indo-Saracenic, Roman and Oriental. Towering columns, bulbous red domes, glistening marble floors, carved mahogany ceilings, ornate arches, stained glass and massive doors inlaid with ivory are all part of the show- and as much as the building itself, the regalia it houses is worth a tour.
Spread across the palace are a series of galleries which contain a vast and impressive array of memorabilia- from huge paintings to imposing sculptures, weaponry to old costumes and jewellery.
Amongst the must-sees are a bejeweled golden throne and a really quirky howdah equipped with red and green lights to enable the Maharaja to instruct the mahout to `stop’ or `go’! On Sundays, government holidays and festivals, the entire palace is illuminated with all of 50,000 light bulbs- a spectacle which is truly magnificent.
MYSORE PALACE-WHEN LIT UP
The palace complex includes twelve Hindu temples. The oldest of these was built in the 14th century, while the most recent was built in 1953.
The Stone Chariot (Garuda Chariot) at Hampi
Hampi was once the glorious capital of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire (1336-1565), which extended from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal and from the Deccan plateau to the tip of the Indian peninsula. Founded in the middle of the 14th century by two local princes, Hakka and Bukka, the Vijayanagar Empire came to be a celebrated for its might and wealth and as a showpiece of imperial magnificence.
The city was sacked, pillaged and burnt in 1565, after the combined armies of the Muslim sultanates of the Deccan defeated the Vijayanagar military and the king fled the capital.
Vijayanagar kings were patron of art and architecture as evident by the vast ruins of Hampi. Much of Vijayanagar's 26 sq. kms capital city waits to be discovered. Along the banks of the river, amidst the giant boulders, underneath the wild vegetation, there are secrets and treasures still unknown.
The destruction and pillage of Vijayanagar was so sudden and so total, that the re-creation of the city could mean many years of patient work. Some recent excavations have unearthed beautifully preserved temples, one of them underground, and the ruins of what must have been once splendid palaces and gateways.
The name is derived from Pampa, which is the old name of the Tungabhadra River on whose banks the city is built. The name "Hampi" is an anglicized version of the Kannada Hampe (derived from Pampa). Over the years, it has also been referred to as Vijayanagara and Virupakshapura (from Virupaksha, the patron deity of the Vijayanagara rulers).
One of the notable features of the Vittala Temple is the musical pillars. Each of the pillars that support the roof of the main temple is supported by a pillar representing a musical instrument, and is constructed as 7 minor pillars arranged around a main pillar. These 7 pillars, when struck, emanate the 7 notes from the representative instrument, varying in sound quality based on whether it represents a wind, string or percussion instrument.
Also to the south of Hampi is this massive rock cut idol of NarasimhaNarasimha
This is a natural cave, said to be the original home of the monkey king Sugriva.
This is a natural cave in Hampi, which is believed to be the original home of the monkey king Sugriva. Legends say that goddess Sita let fall her jewels here when carried off by the demon king Ravana and Lord Ram is said to have met Hanuman on his travels in the same place. The cave is dotted with beautiful paintings. Nearby is the Sita Sarovar, a pond.
Lotus Mahal
A palace for the queen that has, among other things, pipes with running water. A construction of the later Vijayanagara period, this structure shows Islamic influence in its arched gateways and vaulted ceilings; its construction entirely in stone is a clear deviation from conventional Vijayanagara palace and house construction that used wooden structures on stone platforms.
Elephant stables
A set of large stables, to house the ceremonial elephants of the royal household. The area in front of them was a parade ground for the elephants, and for troops. This is another structure that shows Islamic influence in its domes and arched gateways. The guards' barracks are located right next to the elephant stables.
Pushkarani
Also called the Stepped Bath, or the Queen's bath, this is a stepped Stepwells, also called bawdi or baoli , are in essence water wells in which the water can be reached by descending a set of steps.... designed for bathing. Such sunken wells were created to provide relief from daytime heat. It would have been covered when the city was occupied.
Ancient Market place -Vijaynagar empire(HAMPI)
The Vijayanagara ruins are listed as the Group of Monuments at Hampi as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Elephants of Mysore Dasara
The Dasara Festival celebrated in the city of Mysore is of legendary magnificence and splendor. It is a celebration that has continued from the grandeur of the days of the Wodeyar kings. These days, in the democratic India, there are no kings (only king's relatives), but the show goes on. The elephants are an integral part of the celebration, and here is a brief introduction to the elephants of Mysore Dasara.
The participation of elephants is central to the Dasara festivities at Mysore. The stories of Dasara elephants itself is a matter of great fascination for the local population. The participant elephants over the years, and especially the maitre-d-procession (or the lead elephant, last ones named Biligiriranga, Rajendra, Drona, and Balarama) have become part of history and folk legends.
Most of these Dasara-elephants were caught by the elephant trainers via the Khedda operation (see: Khedda System). During the Wodeyar rule, the elephants thus caught were inspected in an open field for strength, personality, and character. The walking styles, weaknesses to seduction, the facial charisma were some of the factors considered for selection. Then the chosen elephants were trained for the festival. It is said that the king himself would overlook the training.
Elephant Biligiriranga
Biligiriranga was majestic beast, about ten feet in height. The king Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar was very fond of this bull and would personally mingle with the elephant during Dasara. After the festivities, Biligiriranga would return to the forest and live there till the next Dasara. According to the forest officials, he was a virile bull and was responsible for increase in the elephant population in the area. There is no doubt that Biligiriranga increased the glory of the festival in Mysore. It is said that he was loyal and obedient to his trainer (mahut) till his death.
Elephant Rajendra
Rajendra was caught in the year 1971, and was the last to serve the Wodeyar dynasty. Soon after Indira Gandhi annulled all royalty in India, instead of the king, an idol of Goddess Chamundi was paraded during the procession, so Rajendra also had to adjust to the changing times moving from royal patronage to that of a public government.
Rajendra was a soft bull. He was easily influenced by presence of cow elephants. His trainers felt that Rajendra never found true love and sought for a soul-mate till his demise.
Elephant Drona
Drona was named after Dronacharya, the great guru of Mahabharata. In the epic, Dronacharya is a priest, but he was so mature and intelligent that he taught warfare for a livelihood! The elephant Drona was named so because of his amazing ability to learn and correct himself. When the ambari (the golden platform carrying the idol, a.k.a. howdah) shifted left or right during the procession, Drona could move his muscles selectively and stabilize the weight!
His trainers were very surprised because they had not trained Drona in this skill. Drona also practiced energy conservation techniques (he would walk slow early in the procession to conserve energy), and rigid eating habits (he was very particular about his diet, and always ate in solitude). Drona led a durable family life with his two wives Kokila and Shanti.
One day Drona went grazing in a village of Balle and pulled down a trunk of a tree to eat the leaves. The falling trunk also brought down a high-tension power cable and instantly electrocuted the celebrated bull. Drona was mourned in the state just like any other celebrity.
Elephant Arjuna
It is a common practice to groom a descendant to the lead elephant even when the lead elephant is alive. Arjuna was the elephant thus trained to succeed Drona. One day Arjuna went to bathe in a river with his buddy Bahadur and Bahadur's trainer Annayya. While crossing a road, the elephants were startled by a vehicle and in the chaos that ensued, the rider Annayya fell down to the ground, only to be stamped on the his head by Arjuna. He was crushed to death.
People opined that an elephant that had killed a man was unfit to carry the religious duties of Dasara. So Arjuna, while being as capable as Drona, never got to be the bearer of the prestige. These days he helps the forest officials trace poachers in the Bandipur National forest. The tragedy has has no apparent impact on him, but the people are not accepting him.
Elephant Balarama
After the Arjuna was voted out of Dasara lineup, Balarama, a bull of about forty years of age, who was captured in a forest near Somavarpet has been tapped for the festival. While he lacks the charisma of Drona and Arjuna, it is said that he is a dependable elephant. He is said to be an introvert, and had to be provided special training so he can withstand the firing of canons that occurs during the festival.
Other Elephants
Altogether thirteen elephants participated in the festival. Each one of them has to go through a rigid conditioning. At least two of them have to be female. The chief elephant is followed by a row of five elephants. There is one elephant dedicated to pull the chariot containing Karnataka police band. There are a lot of stories about the companion elephants as well.
Some anecdotes:
A bull elephant Bharat is being groomed as an alternative to Balarama. He still is a youngster. He has good height and gracious walk, but lacks the sophistication. In a couple of years, he will be ready.
Gajendra is an expert in elephant fighting. They still use him to capture other wild elephants. One day they were chasing a wild elephant in the forest, but Gajendra gave up the chase at one particular spot. When people gathered, they discovered a man fallen unconscious at the spot. Gajendra had let go of wild elephant, but had saved a man.
All the elephants arrive for the festival in huge trucks, but Arjuna refused any kind of ride. Hence he has to walk all the way from forest to Mysore.
VISIT THE JUMBO SAVARI DURING DASARA
The Dasara Festival celebrated in the city of Mysore is of legendary magnificence and splendor. It is a celebration that has continued from the grandeur of the days of the Wodeyar kings. These days, in the democratic India, there are no kings (only king's relatives), but the show goes on. The elephants are an integral part of the celebration, and here is a brief introduction to the elephants of Mysore Dasara.
The participation of elephants is central to the Dasara festivities at Mysore. The stories of Dasara elephants itself is a matter of great fascination for the local population. The participant elephants over the years, and especially the maitre-d-procession (or the lead elephant, last ones named Biligiriranga, Rajendra, Drona, and Balarama) have become part of history and folk legends.
Most of these Dasara-elephants were caught by the elephant trainers via the Khedda operation (see: Khedda System). During the Wodeyar rule, the elephants thus caught were inspected in an open field for strength, personality, and character. The walking styles, weaknesses to seduction, the facial charisma were some of the factors considered for selection. Then the chosen elephants were trained for the festival. It is said that the king himself would overlook the training.
Elephant Biligiriranga
Biligiriranga was majestic beast, about ten feet in height. The king Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar was very fond of this bull and would personally mingle with the elephant during Dasara. After the festivities, Biligiriranga would return to the forest and live there till the next Dasara. According to the forest officials, he was a virile bull and was responsible for increase in the elephant population in the area. There is no doubt that Biligiriranga increased the glory of the festival in Mysore. It is said that he was loyal and obedient to his trainer (mahut) till his death.
Elephant Rajendra
Rajendra was caught in the year 1971, and was the last to serve the Wodeyar dynasty. Soon after Indira Gandhi annulled all royalty in India, instead of the king, an idol of Goddess Chamundi was paraded during the procession, so Rajendra also had to adjust to the changing times moving from royal patronage to that of a public government.
Rajendra was a soft bull. He was easily influenced by presence of cow elephants. His trainers felt that Rajendra never found true love and sought for a soul-mate till his demise.
Elephant Drona
Drona was named after Dronacharya, the great guru of Mahabharata. In the epic, Dronacharya is a priest, but he was so mature and intelligent that he taught warfare for a livelihood! The elephant Drona was named so because of his amazing ability to learn and correct himself. When the ambari (the golden platform carrying the idol, a.k.a. howdah) shifted left or right during the procession, Drona could move his muscles selectively and stabilize the weight!
His trainers were very surprised because they had not trained Drona in this skill. Drona also practiced energy conservation techniques (he would walk slow early in the procession to conserve energy), and rigid eating habits (he was very particular about his diet, and always ate in solitude). Drona led a durable family life with his two wives Kokila and Shanti.
One day Drona went grazing in a village of Balle and pulled down a trunk of a tree to eat the leaves. The falling trunk also brought down a high-tension power cable and instantly electrocuted the celebrated bull. Drona was mourned in the state just like any other celebrity.
Elephant Arjuna
It is a common practice to groom a descendant to the lead elephant even when the lead elephant is alive. Arjuna was the elephant thus trained to succeed Drona. One day Arjuna went to bathe in a river with his buddy Bahadur and Bahadur's trainer Annayya. While crossing a road, the elephants were startled by a vehicle and in the chaos that ensued, the rider Annayya fell down to the ground, only to be stamped on the his head by Arjuna. He was crushed to death.
People opined that an elephant that had killed a man was unfit to carry the religious duties of Dasara. So Arjuna, while being as capable as Drona, never got to be the bearer of the prestige. These days he helps the forest officials trace poachers in the Bandipur National forest. The tragedy has has no apparent impact on him, but the people are not accepting him.
Elephant Balarama
After the Arjuna was voted out of Dasara lineup, Balarama, a bull of about forty years of age, who was captured in a forest near Somavarpet has been tapped for the festival. While he lacks the charisma of Drona and Arjuna, it is said that he is a dependable elephant. He is said to be an introvert, and had to be provided special training so he can withstand the firing of canons that occurs during the festival.
Other Elephants
Altogether thirteen elephants participated in the festival. Each one of them has to go through a rigid conditioning. At least two of them have to be female. The chief elephant is followed by a row of five elephants. There is one elephant dedicated to pull the chariot containing Karnataka police band. There are a lot of stories about the companion elephants as well.
Some anecdotes:
A bull elephant Bharat is being groomed as an alternative to Balarama. He still is a youngster. He has good height and gracious walk, but lacks the sophistication. In a couple of years, he will be ready.
Gajendra is an expert in elephant fighting. They still use him to capture other wild elephants. One day they were chasing a wild elephant in the forest, but Gajendra gave up the chase at one particular spot. When people gathered, they discovered a man fallen unconscious at the spot. Gajendra had let go of wild elephant, but had saved a man.
All the elephants arrive for the festival in huge trucks, but Arjuna refused any kind of ride. Hence he has to walk all the way from forest to Mysore.
VISIT THE JUMBO SAVARI DURING DASARA
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