Solar cooker at Mhow

Barli Development Institute Rural Women installed SK 14 parabolic Solar Cookers in Harsola and Jamli villages of Indore district by handing over to 5 needy, desirous rural and tribal women members of Self Help Groups supported by State Bank of India.

Kite festival, Bhopal

Kite festival held on Makar Sankranti Jan 14, 2009 at Bhopal, here is pictures of kite in the air and off course the festival. (photo credit - Shehla Masood)

Spot billed ducks at Van Vihar

Spot-billed Duck (Anas poecilorhyncha), is found in the wetlands of India, which Bhopal offers.
This bird is sociable, and normally found in pairs.

Chattri at Shivpuri

Relaxing !

Tiger enjoying the sun in his 'cage' at Bhopal's Van Vihar.

Bird over bhopal

Bird in flight over lake at kaliasoot dam in Bhopal.

bird's nest

A birds nest on a lane towards kaliasoot dam, bhopal

Bhopal bird

Gadwell at Bhopal's Van Vihar

The Gadwall (Anas strepera) is a duck of the family Anatidae and can be seen in Bhopal’s upper lake at Van Vihar in winters. It is migratory in nature, but is seen on wetlands, which Bhopal offers. It is not as gregarious as some dabbling ducks and tends to form only small flocks. This is a fairly quiet species; the male has a hoarse whistling call, and the female has a mallard like quack.

Himachal Pradesh ki Kadai

A kadai from Himachal Pradesh at Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya is an autonomous organisation of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and is dedicated to depict the story of mankind in time and space. Set up in April, 1979, is spread in 197 acres of undulating land, in front of the Bhopal's upper lake. It has natural rock shelters with prehistoric rock paintings, going back to mesolithic period, and evidence of other ancient human habitations.

Rotary on a crossing, Bhopal

Jabalpur – the city of balancing rocks!

Jabalpur is an ancient town in central Madhya Pradesh, India. It is located on the shores of River Narmada and is known for its marble rocks. But it has many other interesting sites including its unique topography..

THE CITY is surrounded by low, rocky and barren hillocks, which geologists and archaeologists can feast upon. When you are in Jabalpur you should visit Madan Mahal, a fort built by Gond Raja Madan Shah, on a top of a rocky hill. This fort dominates the skyline and provides a panoramic view of the town and the open countryside around it. One can see numerous rock formations around Madan Mahal but the one which catches your attention is at one of the exits of the Madan Mahal, atop the mountain. It is called ‘balancing rock’. Balancing rock is an independent rock balancing itself over another rock. Wikipedia puts it as an eroded volcanic rock formation. But it is a rock formation, perfectly balanced over another rock formation, for years - a good opportunity for professional photographers to click.

A few kilometres away from Jabalpur is the Tilwara Ghats, on the banks of the Narmada. It was amongst the several spots were Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed. It houses an old Mahadev (Tilwadeshwar) temple. It is soothing to take a boat ride on the Narmada River here and the cool breeze that embraces you when the boatman takes you a bit farther is indescribable. Well, if the boatman takes you under the bridge, you see number of ‘mud nests’ beneath the bridge.

At the Ghat, you will also see boats quarrying sand and trucks quarrying mud and sand for construction and other purposes. It is a matter of concern of course. And the way Narmada is polluted here, with people taking bath, cleaning utensils, immersing flowers and scattering poly bags all over the river, the bank of the river looks a complete mess. Unless the authorities wake up immediately, the pollution level may go out of control.

Jabalpur is known for its marble rocks. The marble rocks have been captured in many movies. For example ‘Asoka’, featuring Shahrukh and Kareena Kapoor, features these marble rocks. On the bank of the river Bhedaghat, Narmada, lie these marble rocks, in all their splendour, adding name and fame to Jabalpur. On either side of the Narmada are white saccharine limestone rocks intertwined with dark green and black volcanic rocks. These marble-white pinnacles sparkle in the sunlight and cast dappled shadows on the pellucid waters – a glorious spectacle indeed! People here say that on a full moon-lit night, it is even more enticing although I did not get a chance to view it on a full moon-lit night.

The only precaution one should take here is to hire a boat for exclusive use although more money is to be spent for the purpose. Sharing the boat with others may prove risky since the boats are invariably overloaded, although they may be cheaper (it may cost just Rs 25 per head, as it did in my case). Life jackets are not provided by the boatman! It is surprising that the administration has not looked into the safety aspect. Perhaps the administration will wake up only after a disaster strikes.

Another site worth watching is the Dhuandhar water fall (’Dhuan’ is the Hindi word for smoke). It is called Dhuandhar because the water droplets rise in a concentrated mass and create an illusion of vapour. It is against this backdrop many visitors to Jabalpur get themselves photographed! No doubt, it is a great a place for dating; the evenings are great but crowded. Here you can get some local youngsters to jump into the falls for a dare; of course, it will cost you – it is Rs 100 or so! Well, a few of them have been covered by a TV serial which showcased it as a demonstration of the youngsters’ bravado!

Jabalpur also has a Chausat Yogini, situated atop a hill. One can have a great view of the Narmada from there and experience the nice, cool breeze which blows across. This 10th century temple has carved stone figures of deities belonging to the Kalchuri period. Tripur Sundari Temple, Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum, Pisanhari ki Madiya are some of the other places to see. The Bargi Dam across the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh is a great tourist site.

It is near Jabalpur and one can have a breathtaking view of the Narmada. But unfortunately Bargi area also has stone-crushing units that provide concrete for the construction industry of the city. These units employ child labour, since they listen, work hard and are easy to hire and fire. Rural poverty, lack of employment opportunities and illiteracy have forced many children to work in stone-crushing units. More than 300 children continue to suffer here; they work in tough conditions; the work is painful and the children need urgent attention. I immediately referred the matter to higher authorities but things don’t change easily in India; more efforts are needed here.

Anil Gulati

Heritage buildings in Bhopal need attention

Bhopal is full of heritage buildings but these suffer from neglect, be it the old artificial water way 'Rahat', Benazir Gate or Sadar Manzil. These are a part our identity that would be passed on to the next generation. Serious steps are needed.

BHOPAL, THE capital city of Madhya Pradesh has many heritage buildings and places, many of them are protected by the state and Centre, and have retained their glory. But I wish to divert attention to the places, which need help.

Rahat is an old artificial water way heritage, which was constructed in Bhopal (next to the lake at police officer mess), it is an example of old technique of drawing water. It was used to carry water from lower lake to Noorbagh, which was the garden of Nawab Jahangir Mohammed Khan Palace. There was a 20 metre high wall along the bank of lake with an open drain in the upper portion to carry water to Noorbagh. Water was carried to up to 2.5 kilometres by sheer gravitational force. Water was drawn by Persian wheel, which is no more, but Rahat that worked with the help of oxen still exists. This is an example how in earlier times one used to transport water using gravitational force to an advantage. Rahat, as it is called, is a heritage where garden exists but the water in the lake nearby stinks. If you happen to climb the stairs, you will feel hurt to see the lake getting polluted.

Another heritage monument that needs attention is Benazir Gate. It is on the backside of Benazir palace built by Shah Jahan Begum as the summer rest house in 1877. Locals here share that this was a three storeyed building but now is left with only one, rest all have turned to debris. The one storey that is left out is lying in a devastated condition with no one to care. It should have been renovated and made an important landmark of the city, but in Bhopal it lies shattered.

Sadar Manzil, a great heritage building of Bhopal presently houses office of Bhopal Municipal Corporation. This building was built in 1898 AD by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum and was converted as Durbar hall of Bhopal by her daughter, Nawab Sultanjehan Begum. The mosaic of the building is akin to Deewan-e-Khas of Red Fort in Delhi. The building from outside still looks beautiful but with Municipal Corporation office running in it, it has lost a lot of history inside the same and its glory will get eroded, unless some action is taken.

Bhopal also has a Taj Mahal, a palace built by the Begum of Bhopal. Begum Shah Jahan had built this architectural marvel as her own residence in the year 1884. The construction of the same was started in year 1871 and was completed in the year 1884. Thanks to the efforts of non governmental organisations (NGOs), media and activists, the hall of Sheesh Mahal is now being renovated by the state archaeology department. Courtyard of this Taj Mahal has Sawan Bhadon Pavilion, which is similar to the ‘Sawan Bhadon’ of Shalimar Garden in Kashmir. It has many parts intact and effort are being made to retain its original look. Efforts are on to help it regain its lost pristine glory. It is time when government bodies take notice of the above three and undertake some serious steps to preserve these.

Sanchi, a magnificent architectural expression

Sanchi is now included in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's heritage sites of the world. Emperor Asoka laid the foundation of this religious centre, a remarkable sense of Buddhist art and architecture..

RAISEN DISTRICT of Madhya Pradesh hosts one of the magnificent stupas of central India, namely the stupa of Sanchi. If one is traveling on a train from Delhi to Bhopal, the Great Stupa is visible from kilometers on a green serene hill overlooking the plain, attracting one’s immediate attention. Sanchi has remarkable specimen of Buddhist art and architecture right from the early Mauryan period ie third century BC to 12th century AD. It is now included in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) heritage sites of the world.
Sanchi, has been known as Kakanaya, Kakanava, Kakanadabota and Bota-Sriparvata in ancient times. It was Emperor Asoka who laid the foundations of a religious centre at Sanchi, he might have been fascinated by the location of the hill or because of his queen, Devi who was the daughter of a merchant of Vidisha. He erected the Great Stupa (Stupa 1) here after redistribution of mortal remains of Lord Buddha for erecting several stupas all over the country in order to spread Buddhism.

Archeological Survey of India web site state that it was in year 1818, that General Taylor saw shapeless ruin in the wilderness of Sanchi. Captain Johnson dug out the entire western portion of the stupa in 1822. Alexander Cunningham and Captain FC Maisay (1851) further excavated it in search of relic casket. However the credit for piecing together the scattered fragments of this monument goes to Sir John Marshall during 1912-1919 who was the director general of Archaeological Survey of India.

The monuments of Sanchi
Sanchi’s monuments consists of stupas, monolithic pillars, temples and monasteries and are about 50 in number. Stupas are large hemispherical domes, containing a central chamber, in which the relics of the Buddha were placed and are the most characteristic monument of Buddhist India.

Stupa 1 – This is the principal monument at Sanchi and consists of a gigantic mound of sandstone surrounded by sumptuous porticoes with stone railings. It is known for its extraordinarily rich decorative work on its four monumental gateways (southern, northern, eastern and western gateways) or torana that provide access to the stupa. They are positioned almost exactly in line with the four cardinal points, and these gateways transpose into stone the structure of the wooden gateways. The lush carvings, prodigious creations in bas relief, high relief in the round, are an iconographic treasure trove.

The gateways – of all the gateway all of the first century BC the earliest to be built was the one on the south, which was principal entrance which was successfully followed by north, east and west gateways. Of all toranas or gateways, the best preserved is the northern gateway which enables the visitor to have a complete idea of the appearance of all the gateways. Each gateway consists of two square pillars crowned by set of four lions, elephants or pot bodied dwarfs supporting a super structure of the three cruciform architraves with spirally rolled ends.
The entire surface of the gateways is covered with relief’s representing scenes and decorations. The subject matter of the carvings on the gateways may be broadly classified as follows:

- Scenes from Jatakas – stories of the Jatakas centre round the previous births of Gautama Buddha
- Scene from life of Gautama Buddha
- Events in the subsequent history of Buddhism
- Scene relating to the Manushi Buddhas and
- Miscellaneous scenes and decorations

Stupa 3 – Situated about 45 meters to the north east of stupa 1 is stupa 3. Though smaller in dimensions and has one gateway and its hemispherical. It is crowned by single umbrella. The importance of this stupa lies in the fact that the relics if Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, the two foremost disciples of Buddha were found by Cunningham enshrined at the centre of this dome on the level of the terrace.

Stupa 2 – Dates back to the 2nd century BC, stands at the very edge of the hill and its most striking feature is the stone balustrade that surrounds it.

Besides these stupas there are remains of other large number of others stupas on the main, they are monolithic or structural. Immediately behind stupa 3 is stupa 4, which exists in heap of loose stones without the tace of any ground balusttade. Stups no 5 to the stupa 3 is remarkable in its have an image of Budhha (in museum)

Pillars
None of the free standing pillars, which can be seen at on the main terrace is intact. The earliest one them is pillar number 10, which was erected by Ashoka near south gateway of Stupa 1. The lower part of the same now stands alone with fragments of the shaft packed inside a shed near by. This may have been one of the finest columns by virtue if its magnificent capital. The other prominent pillars are Pillar 25, with octagonal shaft south of stupa 5 probably of Sunga period; Pillar 26 which is kind of imitation of column of Ashoka stands north of pillar 25, broken and Pillar 35, or Vajrapani pillar (pillar with surmounted by the figure of Vajrapani)

Temples of Sanchi
Temple number 18 of seventh century now has nine pillars out of the 12 and pilaster with architraves over them are still intact, stands on the raised platform facing south gateway of the Stupa 1. Temple 17 situated near the north east corner of Temple 18 and standing on the low moulded basement this temple consists of flat roofed square sanctum with a portico supported m four pillars in the front is remarkable piece of Gupta architecture, noted for its structural propriety and symmetry. In addition to above monastery and temple 45 built during the period of the 7th and 11th centuries, have a more developed styles of architecture. The doorways of this construction are ornamented, with the image of Buddha in an oval Halo.

Sanchi, not only is unique in having the most perfect and well-preserved stupas but also offers a wide information and education to our past. It is about 45 kilometers from Bhopal and is about hour and half drive from Bhopal. But Sanchi lacks number of trained guides. As per media reports it has only eight licensed tourist guides but normally three to four are available rest go missing. And Sanchi with guide is real interesting, the local knowledge of stories, history and culture add a value to the visit.

Anil Gulati

Peacock at Indore

Peacock at Barli Development Institute for Rural Women - a non governmental organisation at Indore in Madhya Pradesh which is helping empower young rural and tribal women to become agents of social change. They have beautiful self sustained campus in the Indore city and is host to these peacocks.... (photo-anil)

Bhopal marks tribute to India's first war of Independence

Tribute to martyr's - Bhopal city paid homage to 1857 war of Independence, While Bharat Bhawan of Bhopal had host of programmes like music festival and painting exhibition, squares of city with statues of freedom fighters were decorated and lit with earthen lamps as a mark of respect to Great War of 1857.

Aaj ki taaza khabar !

Man reading newspaper early Saturday morning on a wooden bench in a park overseeing upper lake of Bhopal. Though interestingly ad in the newspaper which he may be reading says 'all news are missing' !!

Hum Tum !

Comic characters Hum and Tum as shown in the film Hum Tum, painted by 'DS' on a rock in the walking lane at Bhopal's upper lake . Hum Tum were comic characters which have their own animated sequences in the movie 'Hum Tum. Hum Tum was the movie which was directed by Kunal Kohli, produced by Aditya and Yash Chopra and had Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerjee playing the lead role as Karan and Rhea. The movie is about the encounters of the two main characters until they, after several years and various meetings, become friends and finally fall in love at the end of the movie. Their state of relationship is also shown in the movie in form of Hum Tum animated characters, as Karan the main lead (played by Saif) was the cartoonist in the film.

Mobile companies paint the farm fields blue...

Mobile subscribers in India are growing at fast pace and rural subscribers are major share in it, may be reason for mobile companies like Reliance to use houses in the farm field for its own advertising. Reliance is painting available places on farm field like storage houses blue on Indore - Bhopal highway to reach out to people. May be it's a 'double take' - to reach out to people travelling on highway as well as rural mobile users with its brand. In marketing terms they say Reliance wants to reach to the deep pockets to penetrate into this “bottom of pyramid” market, where lies the real cash cows. Interestingly on other hand Reliance is calling other companies to use their mobile service to advertise to rural hinterland..... ?

Bhopal's Deewan-e-khas

Sadar Manzil - a view from the gate

Sadar Manzil at present houses office of Bhopal Municipal Corporation but at one point of time this red building was Hall of Public Audience. This building was built in 1898 AD by Nawab Shahjehan Begum and was converted as Durbar hall of Bhopal by her daughter Nawab Sultanjehan Begum. The building was beautiful but now with Municipal Corporation office running in it, it is losing its glory, unless the same is removed from there.
The mosaic of this building akin to Deewan-e-Khas of Red Fort in Delhi.

Under tree's shade !

A person sleeping under the shadow of the 'Jhirni Tree', which is about 100 years old at Iqbal-e-Maidan, Sadar Manzil, Bhopal. Mentioned on the parapet under the tree is the famous couplet by Iqbal.

Seeing this pix, remembered a saying 'Every man has a different idea of what's beautiful, and it's best to take the gesture, the shadow of the branch, and let the mind create the tree'..... a point to ponder !

Sirpur lake leasing to life

SIRPUR LAKE is based on the outskirts of Indore, it was virtually dying two years back but is now leasing back to life, thanks to the efforts of an NGO ‘The Nature Volunteers’ supported by Environmental Planning & Coordination Organisation and the Municipal Corporation of Indore. As of now it attracts many migratory birds, which pass through Indore and has a great avifauna.
The Nature Volunteers (TNV) of Indore, is a volunteer group that advocates environmental issues and has been raising concern on the condition of the lake. It has been relentlessly trying to save the Sirpur Lake.

Bhalu Monde a volunteer with TNV’ says that it took an effort of many years to shake the system so that we could reach this level, where it is reviving back. But this is the start we will make sure that this lake becomes the pride of Indore, which it is. ‘Indore is a fast emerging metro, this lake is like nature’s life line for us, and indeed was important to save this’ adds another volunteer of TNV. I was at the lake recently, early morning with my D 70 camera and was impressed by the efforts put in by TNV to save this wetland. It was great to see purple moorhens, coots, cormorants, grey horn bill, whistling teals and common teals which are some of the birds there.

Sirpur Lake is a rain fed lake and about 100 years old. The Holkars, the erstwhile rulers of the Indore state, created it. It has an ideal environment for birds and hosts many insects and fishes which form food for the resident and migratory birds. It was virtually getting converted into sewage and part of its land area was illegally being occupied during summer season and slowly this lake would have died down. Now fencing has been done around the lake to save it, and a jogging track is being developed, surrounding the lake. But still, open defecation and water pollution are many of the issues, which are affecting the lake and its avifauna.

Salutation

Is she greeting us ? - a bird at Van Vihar, Bhopal

Spotted dove

The spotted dove is pigeon which has black and white chequered patch on the neck sides and buff scaling on the upper parts. Spotted Doves eat grass seeds, grains and other vegetation. They are fairly terrestrial, foraging on the ground in grasslands and cultivation. It breed all year round with nests commonly found in trees, edge of buildings or even on the ground. This photograph has been taken at jeevan vatika alongside upper lake of Bhopal

Sunrise over city of Bhopal - photograph has been clicked from kaliasoot dam.
As people do their daily (weekly walk - like me !) on the undulating lanes of kaliasoot and as Bhopal marks its second day of its carnival, sunrises over Bhopal at 5.55 am to bring a wakeful hope for its people. Sun calculator points out that Sun rise will be at 5.54 am, a minute earlier tommorrow and then it goes in accordance a minute earlier every day till April 26, 2008, except on 22nd and 23rd April wherein it will rise at 5.53 am on both the days.
blogathonindia, blogathonindia1

Hey wait - let me cross !

Peacock crossing the road in the van vihar on a Saturday morning

The Indian peacock,Pavo cristatus (Linnaeus) is national bird of India. It is most recognizable colourful, swan-sized bird, with a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye and a long, slender neck. Normally they do most of their foraging in the early morning and shortly before sunset and retreat to the shade and security of the Van Vihar for the hottest portion of the day.

The straw cap !

A man wears a straw umbrella cap which is homemade, eco friendly and offers protection from sun and the rain while he works at his job of grazing cattle in Umaria District, Madhya Pradesh, India. While as we in cities move towards Reeboks and Nike's of the world... traditional caps do retain their charm and use at least in rural India.

Sun bird ?

Am not sure probably it is a purple sun bird ? on a tree at bhopal's upper lake...enjoying the afternoon. In case you can help identify the same or share more on it, do contribute by email or add the same in comments column.. ..will duly acknowledge your support.

Virat temple at Shahdol, a specimen of Kalchuri architecture

Virateshwar temple of Lord Shiv in Sohagpur Vanganga, Shahdol. It is said that Kalchuri King Maharaja Yuvraj Deva had got it built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. to present it to the Acharya of Golkaki Math. Many Archaeologists consider this temple as the temple of Karn Deva. Temple has height of about 125 feet and provides a glimpse of Kalchuri Age architecture. The temple is place to visit when one goes to Shahdol a district with richness of natural wealth of coal and minerals.

Baiga, some photographs

Photographs are of baiga's tribes in their usual traditional dress at an event in Bhopal. They had performed their traditional dance 'Saila - Reena'. Baiga is one of the primitive tribes of Madhya Pradesh anFarmers here (on Indore – Bhopal highway) shared that wheat acreage had suffered this year due to sudden rainfall and drop in temperatures in last two months. Water crisis also had impacted on the crop in other districts. Framers from Astha on Indore Bhopal highway are already harvesting and collecting the wheat to sell it further. They share that acreage per biga is down this year. Though figures stated in official releases state that wheat acreage may be able to achieve the target while what farmers in Astha shared was different – may be case in MP will be different due to the impact of weather on the crops this year. They even shared that price what they are fetching is quite lower as the damaged crop gets almost half of the fixed price. d reside mainly in mandla, dindori, shahdol, anuppur and balaghat districts of MP. They live in forest areas and prefer jhoom cultivation.

Contributed by Prashant Kumar Dubey

Gharials at van vihar

Van Vihar is situated in the heart of Bhopal City. 445.21 hectare degraded hillock along with private Village land was initiated in 1980 and finally notified as a National Park in 1983. It has seven gharials and about 15 crocodiles as shared on its web site. According to the lUCN's Red list, the gharial is the most threatened of all crocodilian species. Recently this species has moved from Endangered to Critically Endangered.

Gharial or Indian gharial, is one of two surviving members of the fanily Gavialidae, a long-established group of crocodiles like reptiles with long, narrow jaws. Wikipedia says that Gharial is not a man-eater. (I dont have any experience, neither did I try ?) Despite its immense size, its thin, fragile jaws make it physically incapable of devouring any large animal, including a human being.

Sunset at Dhupgarh, Pachmari

Sun sets at Dhupgarh - The Dhupgarh Peak is at 4,429 feet [1,350 metres]), in Pachmarhi and is the Madhya Pradesh's highest point. If one is in Pachmarhi, a visit to Dhupgarh is must. This is a place to witness the morning sunrise and a spectacular sunset. I could see the sunset and it was fascinating...

I failed !

This is a photograph of Indian Purple moorhen at Sirpur lake, Indore. Though I tried but could not get the better shot........ it is a shy bird and flies away. I failed ! may be have better luck next time till then thought let me share this at the blog...

Purple moorhen is of size of a village hen. It looks beautiful purple-blue in colour with long red legs and toes. The bill is also red and the head is bald. Both the males and the females look alike. It is also called Purple Swamp-hen. Large flocks can be seen near wetlands. It’s food consists primarily of shoot and vegetable matter, but also eats insects and mollusks. It is a little unpopular with the farmers as it affects the young paddy crops...

This deer barks...

Muntjac deer or barking deer as it is commonly called can be sighted in the Kanha and Bandhavgarh national parks of Madhya Pradesh. (in pic at Kanha national park) They are called ‘barking deer’ due to their alarm call, which seems very much similar to the barking of a dog. They are also called by some as 'Kakad deer'. They can be easily distinguished from the other deer. The deer have two raised dark ridges on their forehead, which extend till their antlers. One of their unique features is that they have both, a pair of antlers as well as overgrown canines (tushes). They make use of the tushes mainly as weapons in a fight.

They are shy and prefer to live in isolation. One rarely finds them moving around in groups. The Barking deer are mostly seen inhabiting dense forests of India. Muntjac are the oldest known deer and are of great interest in evolutionary studies because of their dramatic chromosome variations and the recent discovery of several new species.

A shattered heritage

This is a photograph of Benazir gate at Bhopal. It is on the backside of Benazeer palace, a palace built by Shahajehan Beghum as the summer rest house in 1877 . Local people here share that this was a three storey building and now only has one storey, rest all has gone in debris. The one story left out too is lying in devastated condition with no one to care...

Had this been in another state or country it could have been renovated and made an important landmark of the city, but in Bhopal it lies shattered...

let's see bhopal !

In picture 'White throated kingfisher' bird at bhopal's upper lake ready to fly

White throated kingfisher, a bird with beautiful bright plummage is a breeding resident of Bhopal. It can be easily sited near upper lake, kalisoot and shahpura lake. Their flight is fast, direct and often very low over the water, hence one can see a bright blue flash as they fly by. One can sometimes hear their shrill whistle "chi-keeeee" if one is strolling around the place where they are.

Scientifically speaking it is a member of the genus 'Halcyon'. There are approximately 210 species and subspecies in this genus. As per birdlife international this species has a large range, with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 1,000,000-10,000,000 km² which means it has a large global population. Despite this water pollution still remains a threat, including at bhopal wetlands.

Rahat, an old water drawing heritage in Bhopal

Rahat is an example of old technique of drawing water. The artificial water way was constructed in Bhopal (now next to lake at police officer mess, Bhopal) to carry water from lower lake to the Noorbagh which was the garden of Nawab Jehangir Mohammed Khan Palace. There was a 20 meter high wall along the bank of lake with an open drain in the upper portion to carry water to Noorbagh. Water was carried to upto 2.5 kilometers by the force of gravitation. Water was drawn by persian wheel which is no more, but Rahat which was worked with help of oxen still exists here. This is an example how in earlier times one used to transport water using gravitational force to an advantage. 'Rahat' as it is called is a heritage where garden exists but the water in the lake nearby stinks. If you happen to climb the stairs, you will feel hurt to see the way lake is getting polluted, but probbaly authorities dont care. May be call to all of us to speak out.

Good morning bhopal !

Tiger at Van Vihar, Bhopal

It was great site to see Tiger waking up to Sunday morning sun in Bhopal. Probably wishing bhopal wala's good morning in his own style !!! (pic @ anil gulati)

Bhagoriya, a unique tribal festival

Story - Sanjay Sharma, Picture - Prakash Hatvalne

The Bhil tribals in the West Nimar region and the Jhabua belt of Madhya Pradesh organise the Bhagoria Haat a week before Holi, the festival of colours that fell on Saturday. The haat, or country fair, is special for the community because this is where young men and women look for soul mates. Bhils constitute around 22 percent of the state's 60 million population. During the festival men and women interact freely, dancing to the beats of dhols and thalis, the melody of the shehnai and bansuri amid the fragrance of tadi and mahua, two types of locally brewed liquor.

During the colourful tribal festival, which allows young people to choose their partners, boys and girls from far and near gather in large numbers. They eat, drink, dance and then elope as part of the wedding rituals. Changing times, however, have caught up with this strange ritual. While earlier they would dress up in all their tribal finery, today Bhil men wear Western-style shirts and trousers and come to the haat. The women have started applying lipstick and talc in a show of modernity. And how do they woo each other? "The boy applies 'gulal' (coloured powder) on the face of the girl and if she reciprocates then they move towards a secluded place deep inside the forest to know each other better," said Bhil youth Digraskar, who chose his life partner in one such haat.

Young men and women interested in each other also exchange betel leaf as a declaration of love.
Couples who elope according to the Bhagoria custom (bhag means to run) are then accepted by society. "A woman and a man who decide to elope come back to a tumultuous welcome and are pronounced wife and husband by their elated families," the Bhil youth said. The Bhagoria Haat, which coincides with the end of the harvest season, is also a platform to resolve old disputes. The festival assumes additional splendour if the crops have been good.

They sleep in air !

If you happen to be at Bhopal's lower lake, and Kamlapati Palace park, just have a look at the tree above and you cannot miss bats in numbers which inhabitate the trees there as of now. One could see few of the flying and hundreds of them hanging on the trees (upside down) during the day time. (In picture - a bat is flying to reach out to others who are hanging - look like sleeping upside down in air ? ) As per the staff members of the palace 'these chamgadars (bats as known locally) come in thousands here during this period and will be there till July'. Their are many stories on bats and some even consider them as bad omen, but in reality it is an helpful and important animal of the eco system. It is the only mammal which can fly.

Website on information on bats state that tropical rainforests could not survive without bats. Bats are responsible for controlling pest insect populations, pollinating flowers, and dispersing seeds. One insect-eating bat can catch 500-1000 insects in one hour! Many plants must be pollinated by bats to produce. Though there are many species of bats but for simplicity they could be categorised into two main groups of bats - the large "flying foxes" that eat fruit, and the smaller insect-eating bats. (pictures by anil)

Wish i was on the boat !

I have never been into sailing but these boats always fascinate me and probably that is the reason I enjoy taking their photographs. Wish I could be on the boats ! It is beautiful site now a days at Upper lake in Bhopal to seeing these boats cruising along the waters of lake during afternoon and sunset. Experts tell me that a sailboat's course is the direction it is heading. The skipper usually sits on the windward (upwind) side of the boat, and the sails are on the leeward (downwind, pronounced lew' ard) side. The wind direction is named for its source. A west wind comes from the west.

Bhopal upper lake has India's first National Sailing Club on its Eastern side. This club offers various options of water sports including sailing. (pic - anil gulati)

The agile mongoose

Mongoose at park on upper lake, Bhopal.

As per wikipedia, Mongoose is a member of the family Herpestidae, a family of small like carnivores. The word Mongoose is derived from the marathi word mangus. In India, Mongoose

are popularly used to fight and kill snakes particularly king cobra. They are able to do this because of their agility and cunning, and their thick coat, but typically avoid the cobra and have no particular affinity for consuming their meat. One can easily see many of them in park and bushes in the walking lane over upper lake.

The sunset

In picture sunset from Upper lake, Bhopal.

The Upper and Lower Lakes of Bhopal are kind of the pride of Bhopal, though now they are being faced by problems of pollution, detoriation of quality of water and siltation. Both these lakes are man made reservoirs. Upper Lake was created by Raja Bhoj, Dhar king in 11th century by constructing an earthen dam across the Kolans River.The Upper Lake has catchment area of 361 sq. km and water spread area of 31 sq. km. The wetland area of these lakes supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. Diverse flora provide ideal habitat in the form of food and shelter for a large number of avifauna, a delight for nature lovers. Sunset at upper lake especially in summers is thing to watch - probably that is the reason Bhopal Municipal Corporation has named one corner of the lake which has a park as 'Vardham sunset point'. One could also see Takia Island, in the picture. Takia Island is a small island on upper lake which has a mazhar of the Shah Ali Shah Rahamatulla Alliah and has religious significance.

The spotted one.....

This is picture of spotted deer at Van Vihar, the National park at Bhopal. A nervous animal, is camera shy and always alert. It is most commonly found member of the deer family in India. Spotted deer is herbivores and loves grass. Van Vihar is great habitat for them in Bhopal. It does not have any enclosures except the outer boundaries of Van Vihar, hence they can freak out. Grass and other plant species growing in Van Vihar are sufficient for these herbivores except in harsh summer when grass just dries up, they need support which probably Van Vihar staff does for them.

It's a water day !!

In picture birds enjoying in water at a park near upper lake. Well they are celebrating Rangpanchmi in their own way !!!. As summer moves in this part of India birds and other animals were also seen hiding in for shelter or near wetlands that too are drying up in Bhopal.

Bhopal marks Rangpanchmi

On the fifth day after Holi, in Madhya Pradesh "Rangpanchmi," is celebrated which marks end of festivities involving colours. People apply colour on each other and enjoy the day as summer moves in central India. Being a state holiday state offices in the capital city of Bhopal were closed. Shops in Bhopal were closed during the day but some will open up by evening. For some like nationalised banks, media offices, and central government offices it was working day as it was a state holiday not at the centre.

Youngsters had fun and enjoyed the festivity. For some it is an opportunity to have bhang or beer. For many who do not prefer colour and but had a holiday were seen at places like upper lake or were at home. Bhopal police was in full colour to prevent any untoward incident event and had put both personnel and barricades at many important points in the city. Though some policewala could cough up some extra bucks from younsters driving cars at a high speed or either without licence.

Chidyatol, Raisen

This is a picture of a water body in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. It is popularly known as Chidyatol. It is near Bhopal and is place to go for many especially during monsoons.Research work is underway recently on such bodies and structure in the same region.

Recuitment ad !

Recruitment ad - reaching out to right people is crucial hence choice of media becomes vital in recruitment ads. Well one needs to be creative as the placement of advertisement should entice people for job.

An ad for support staff in medical center in the Mandla district written by a chalk piece was displayed on a bin placed right at the footsteps of the staircase in Narmada ghats, Mandla. May be right placement to make sure that many read this ad, off course was free of cost but very much gender insensitive !

The first holi wish !

Juvenile common Iora at kaliasoot forest area wishing citizens of bhopal - happy holi with her beautiful voice!!

It's summer time !

As temperature soars in Bhopal, one can see road side shops selling caps coming up. This marks arrival of summer in Bhopal. With Bhopali's two wheeler not preferring helmets ; caps do sell in numbers here. It helps in preventing, blocking sunlight from the eyes. Caps starting from Rupee twenty onwards in various combinations are available on these shops. Though temperature is soaring but sales still have not, shop owners say it will do after holi. Earthen pots with and without taps which help to keep drinking water cool could also be seen at the road side shops in bhopal.

Museum of man celebrates its foundation day

Indira Gandhi Manav Sangrahalaya (Museum of Man) Bhopal is illuminated as it celebrates its 32nd foundation day. A two event on March 19 & 20, 2008 had many cultural events, musical programmes, and special exhibitions to commemorate the same.

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya is an autonomous organisation of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and is dedicated to depict the story of mankind in time and space. Set up in April, 1979, is spread in 197 acres of undulating land, in front of the Bhopal's upper lake. It has natural rock shelters with prehistoric rock paintings, going back to mesolithic period, and evidence of other ancient human habitations

Scaring the crow away !

Scarecrows are an integral part of the rural landscape. Made of stick, hays and clothes, with a cap or turban as headgear, these contraptions have been in use for centuries. Farmers need to adapt constantly to keep the birds away.

THE WORD ‘scarecrow’ literally means ‘which scares away crows’, hence the name scarecrow. Traditional scarecrows remain the best; it’s economical, affordable and an integral part of our rural life.

If you’re traversing across various part of Madhya Pradesh or that matter rural India, you could encounter variety of scarecrow in the fields with sown in rabi crop. Scarecrows are kind of an essential part of the rural landscape. Though with reeling water crisis many districts of the state of Madhya Pradesh are witnessing drought hence may not be having crops but if fields are sown, and / or crops are there you will find scarecrows.

Gardeners’ Dictionary defines scarecrow as a crude image or effigy of a person—often entertainingly dressed—that is set up in a farm field or garden to scare crows and other birds away from food plants. These are used to prevent crows and birds to feed on recently cast seed or fresh crops, and also to prevent them to flock over the fields.

Normally farmers use old clothes and straw to create a menacing looking figure that they hope would frighten crows away from the freshly planted crops. Scarecrows date back several centuries in India and across the globe. Answer.com describes that the earliest known written fact about scarecrow’s are from the year 1592. One of the oldest designs of bird scare is the scarecrow is in the shape of a human figure, which is used till date. It also has different forms and some are real creative.

In Madhya Pradesh too one might notice its different forms. Some use painted earthen pot with a human face and place it upside down on the wooden pole; others may have human figure with a traditional turban on its head or may have a cap if they intend to give it a modern look! They say crows and birds adapt get adapted to the designs, hence one needs to innovate its shape and designs and even use number of scarecrows in the fields. Sizes vary depending on the field size. Normally they use clothes that are bright so that it is visible from a distance.

Though many question effectiveness of these scarecrows to frighten away the birds. But, with technology coming in options like flexible bird netting, motion sensor combined with a sprinkler system and reflective PET film ribbons are some of the available options but for many of us, like me, traditional scarecrows would remain the best. These are economical, affordable and are part of our rural life. Scarecrows are known throughout the world, although they called different names in some counties.

In Scotland, for example, a scarecrow is called a tattie bogle while in Sommerset, England scarecrows are commonly referred to as Mommets. While one is talking of scarecrows it is necessary to mention ‘klopotec,’ which is a wooden mechanical device on a high wooden pole, resembling a windmill. It is used as a scarecrow in wine growing landscapes of Slovenia, Austria and Croatia.

Anil Gulati

Bole Chudiyan !

Colurful glass bangles (chudiyan) on sale in the recently held Bhopal mela. Available from as cheap as Rupees five for a dozen to fifty or even more but still were a fast sell - an appeal for visiting girls and ladies !. Various types of bangles were available this time varying anything made of glass to metal to lac and even plastic. The rareness of a color and its unique value mattered when it came to its price tag.

Bagh prints – herbal touch, tribal creativity

‘Bagh prints’ are trendy, cool and comfortable cloth material and off course if you visit MP you should buy Bagh prints. An array of products are now available made from Bagh printed fabric - be it ladies suits, sarees, dress material, dupatta, bed-covers, pillow covers etc. one can find all. Bagh prints have unique hand block printing, printed using vegetable dyes. The fabric used originally was cotton, but now saw tassar, crepe, and silk are being used with excellent results. Bagh layouts are dramatic with use of black and red alternately on a white background. Production process is painstaking and manual. Though the techniques and designs are age old but the prints retain its contemporary appeal. Bagh prints derive its name from a small tribal town in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. Bagh's proximity to the river was an important reason for its choice as flowing river water is vital to the process of printing. The black colour is prepared with ferrous sulphate mixed with tamarind seed powder and glue which is cooked in water and stored for use. Each sari takes a minimum of three weeks to complete after the design is printed. During his period it is washed at last three times and sent to the bhatti or oven at least twice. Two persons stand knee deep in water to wash the fabric so that superfluous colour is removed. The fabric / sari are boiled in a cauldron of water on a bhatti with regulated heat for the colour to emerge.

Bhopal haat, the handicraft- handloom place in Bhopal which now is trendy, normally has a bagh print counter whenever there is any festival or event. Plans are their to set up a permanent counter not only of Bagh but also of Maheshwari prints in the same place, keeping in view of the demand.

Lesser Whistling Duck in Bhopal

Lesser whistling ducks (whistling teals) at Bhopal's van vihar. For more info on lesser whistling ducks please scroll down and have a look at Whistling away from camera !

Phadke studio, Dhar

Dhar, a district of state of Madhya Pradesh hosts a studio which not only has a history but offers learning and has many interesting sculptures lying in a closet. Phadke studio was established by Raghunath Krishna Phadke, an artist and sculpturist who came to Dhar in the year 1933 from Mumbai on a call from the Dhar King. Later on he established his studio in Dhar in Khanderao Tekri, which now is called ‘Phadke Studio’. He was awarded Padma Shri by Government of India in the year 1961 for his contribution in field of arts. In the year 1971 he was awarded Doctorate in Arts. Statues made by him are established at Dhar, Indore, Dewas, Ujjain and Mumbai. Presently several statues made by him and his successors (in pic) are lying in the closet of the studio, which now is in dismal condition. Dr Phadke died in year 1972.(blog welcomes more information on the studio)

In flight stork

Lesser Adjutant Stork in a flight over kalisoot dam lake in Bhopal. Lesser adjutant stork is a large stork bird whose upper body and wings are black, but the belly and undertail are white. It feeds on reptiles, frogs and fish and can be sighted near wetlands.

Red vented bulbul at van vihar,bhopal

Red-vented Bulbul is a member of the bulbul family. It is common Indian bird, vivacious, widely distributed in India and can be easily sighted in Bhopal. A highly adaptive species and can be found in both cities and in deep forests. Red-vented Bulbul is about 20cm in length, with a long tail. This dark and crested medium sized bird has black head and throat and red under the tail coverts. Red-vented Bulbuls feed on fruit, nectar and insects.

Wikipedia states that The Red-vented Bulbul is incapable of synthesizing vitamin C. It shares this feature with a very limited number of other animals, among which are certain fruit bats and primates (including humans) as well as the guniea pig.
(pic @ anil, van vihar, bhopal)

Bhopal Gate

Bhopal gate ((martyr's memorial), Bhopal.

'Golden Shower' in Bhopal

‘Golden Shower Tree’ (Botanical name - Cassia fistula) Bhopal. The tree flowers every year during middle of March, giving Bhopal lanes a yellow lustre. This flowering plant belongs to the family Fabaceae. It also popularly known as Amaltas and Laburnum.It is an ornamental plant but many of its parts have medicinal properties. (pic @ anil gulati, place - arera colony, bhopal)

In Ayurvedic system, the seeds are recognized as antibilious, carminative, and laxative while the root is used for curing burning sensations, leprosy and skin diseases. Leaves of the tree is used for treating malaria, rheumatism, and ulcers.

Dhuandhar falls in Jabalpur

The Narmada river, while making its way through the marble rocks river plunges through a narrow rock in Jabalpur giving it a powerful roar and smoking cascade. It is called Dhuandhar falls and the plunge is powerful, roar is audible from a far distance. The fall and the breaking of the volume of water at the crest present an awesome spectacle.

Statue of liberty in Guna !

If you are passing through Guna, a district in state of Madhya Pradesh you may encounter and get attracted to replica of New York City's Statue of Liberty - a universal symbol of political freedom and democracy. One can see the same in Royal Homes complex on Guna road in the Guna district. Though the photograph shown was taken sometime earlier, as of now statue is bit damaged.(pic @anil gulati)

Some more interesting facts about Guna

Guna, is a district in north-eastern Madhya Pradesh. The district is home to the heritage citadel Bajrangarh fort, though now it is lying in depilated state. It is also had religious places such as Bishbji and Jain shrines besides a few other interesting places. Though it's not on a tourism map, neither many people know much about it, except in political circles. Guna was once famous for saris from Chanderi block of the district which recently became part of the newly formed district Ashok Nagar. The information superhighway (web world) reveals that Guna was also the birthplace of one Vijay Kumar Patodi, a mathematician who died at the young age of 31 but attained fame for his papers.

Gohar Mahal, a reminiscent of architectural expression in Bhopal

Gohar Mahal an architectural expression built by Bhopal’s first Begum still retains its ‘historical’ touch. On the edge of ‘VIP’ road over upper lake of Bhopal, presently known for its fairs, festivals held by Department of handlooms and handicrafts for displaying artifacts produced by the artists from the state and across India is buzz place for bhopalis.

The palace was built in 1820 by Qudisiya Begum, the first woman ruler of Bhopal. She ascended the throne of the erstwhile princely state in 1819, after her husband’s death, and then onwards political power rested with the Begums of Bhopal.

The Mahal must have been a marvel, which one can visualize from its restored building and the ruminants. In picture is ceiling of one of its hall overseeing the lake which was restored. Remains of paintings and the intricate woodwork in the mahal reflect its architecture marvel. The Mahal is a magnificent fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Parts of wall used outside the hall used to put light the earthen lamps still retains some original gloss of the paint which used to shine and lighten up the light of earthen lamps. One can also see motif of two fishes facing each other on the walls of palace.

(Picture - Side view Gohar Mahal, @ anil gulati)

Flame of the Forest

The red palash flowers bloom in Bhopal

Palash (botanical name - Butea monosperma and frondosa ) is also sometimes called as ‘The Flame of the Forest’ - when large group of such trees are in flower it seems that the forest is on fire hence the name. The flowers, are scentless and consists of five petals comprising one standard, two smaller wings and a very curved beak-shaped keel. The Palash here is also associated with Holi as flowering happens near holi. For ones who wish to play herbal holi its flowers are boiled and the colour obtained is used to play Holi. Medically dried flowers are used as a diuretic. The gum obtained from the tree is called Bengal Kino. It contains tannin and is used in the treatment of diarrhoea. The seeds have anti-helminthic properties and are used in the treatment of worms. The flower is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

The black winged stilt at Bhopal’s upper lake

Seen in the picture is Black Winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) at the edge of upper lake nearing Van Vihar. As seen in picture it is black and white in colour with long orange-red legs and a straight black bill. It has black on the back of the neck, a white collar and a red iris. It is normally found in temperate and tropical shallow wetlands. It usually breeds in freshwater, including lake edge, marshes, swamps, river-beds and flooded fields, also found in coastal salt marshes. They can be easily seen on Bhopal’s wetlands like edges of Bhopal's lakes, van vihar etc.

Black-winged Stilts feed mainly on aquatic insects. They rarely swim for food (unlike the Banded Stilt), preferring instead to wade in shallow water, and seize prey on or near the surface. Occasionally, birds plunge their heads below the surface to catch sub-aquatic prey.

'Balancing rock' in Jabalpur

On the way back from Madan Mahal, a fort build by Gond Raja Madan Shah, on a top of rocky hill in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh one can see this rock formation.Madan Mahal fort in Jabalpur dominates the skyline and provides a panoramic view of the town and the country side around it.

One can see numerous rock formations around Madan Mahal but one which attracts attention at an exit if Madan Mahal at the mountain is ‘Balancing rock’ (pic @anil gulati). Balancing rock is an independent rock balancing over another rock, wikipedia calls it as an eroded volcanic rock formation.

Jabalpur, an ancient city in the central part of the state is located on the shores of river Narmada, and is known for famous Marble Rocks, but also has many other interesting sites including its unique topography. The city is surrounded by low, rocky, and barren hillocks and is a pleasure for many Geologist and Archeologists.

Beautiful and graceful at Bhopal's park

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. ~Rabindranath Tagore


Picture - The brush footed butterfly at ‘Jiwan vatika’ park near Van Vihar, on the upper lake, Bhopal.(pic @ anil gulati)

A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera. Butterflies feed primarily on nectar from flowers. Some also derive nourishment from pollen, tree sap, rotting fruit, dung, and dissolved minerals in wet sand or dirt. Butterflies exhibit polymorphism, mimicry and aposematism. Butterflies are important economically as one of the major agents of pollination. In addition, a number of species are pests, because they can damage domestic crops and trees.

India's diverse and varied fauna includes rich heritage of butterflies and moths. It has more than 1000 species of butterflies. Bhopal capital city of Madhya Pradesh hosts not only large number of birds including migratory which frequent this city especially during winter but also is abode of variety of butterflies and insects.

Splendours of Udaygiri

Caves of Udaygiri, which means Mount Sunrise, are one of the several groups of ancient monuments situated in the Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh, in India. These are the gems of a golden era and the remains of our past splendour.(pic@anil gulati)



INSCRIPTION MENTIONED in the caves in Vidisha indicate that these are of the reign of Chandragupta II (382-401AD), meaning the caves date back to 4th - 5th century AD. The caves in Vidisha are testimony of the zeal for excellence of the artisans of the period. These caves possess all the distinctive features that gave Gupta art its unique vitality, vigour and richness of expression.

Situated in Sunpura and Udaygiri villages of Vidisha district, these are group of twenty rock-cut caves sanctuaries carved from a sandstone hill. The architecture and the sculpture, and decorative feature of these caves give them a unique perspective. The caves are numbered probably according to the sequence in which they were excavated, beginning with Cave one. Out of the twenty caves of Udaygiri number one, two, three, four, six, seven, 16, 17, 19 show distinct features of architectural value. Cave number one is a rock-cut cave with structural portico in front of pillars having capitals in vase and foliage design. Caves number one, three, four are plain rock-cut cells with sculptures of Dvarapalas, Vishnu, Ganesha and Sapta Matrikas on the exterior of number four, rock-cut image of Skanda on number two and a linga with face in number four.

From sculptural point of view, cave number five in these caves is important because of the famous Varha incarnation scene contained in it. It is also referred by some as ‘Varha Gupha’. Lord Varha is in human form with head of boar, shown lifting up the earth out of waters. The scene is attended by the gods, sages and the river goddesses. Cave number nine - 12 have enshrined image of Lord Vishnu and are contemporaneous with Lord Vishnu’s figure of cave number six. Cave number 13 has a large rock-cut sculpture of Lord Sheshashayi Vishnu. Containing this colossal statue, this open cave is twelve feet long.

As we go to other caves four, six, and 19, we observe that the shrines become larger and more ornate and cells appear more spacious and the simple porch assumes in cave number 19 the appearance of pillared hall. A stage in process is seen in cave number four, known as Bina cave. Cave number 20 has four sculptures, two each on both sides of the entrance to the main shrine. Inscriptions indicate Jain sculptures in the cave.

It is also the decorative features of the doorstep in the caves, which adds significance to their relative antiquity amongst themselves and as compared with the structural examples. The caves in Vidisha could be referred to as the gems of a golden era and the remains of our past splendour, worth a visit to the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Contributed by Anil Gulati

Kanha calling !

Kanha, national park in the state of Madhya Pradesh has diverse variety of mammals and bird life. Lot of hype surrounds on viewing Tiger at this park but Kanha is also a great deer park. It has four variety of deers i.e. spotted deer, sambar, basingha and barking deer.

In picture (@ anil gulati) is seen a young Sambar deer in Mukki range of Kanha National Park in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor) is the largest among Indian deer and is common in forested hillsides (preferably near cultivation), woodland and open scrub, and dense forest up to 2500 m altitude. Literature says that sense of smell and hearing are accurate but power of sight is only reasonable. They move silently in the dense jungle despite their size and also swims well. Grass, leaves and various kinds of wild fruits form the diet.

Fish Aquarium of Bhopal needs a facelift !

Fish aquarium of Bhopal hosts 66 varieties of fishes including ornamental and fresh water types need am urgent facelift. Though it is a pleasure to see the little fishes and their activities in the small aquariums, but may be this whole aquarium could be made more attractive to visitors. The aquarium in Bhopal come into existence on 31st May, 1977 and is located at the prime location in Bhopal, next to Raj Bhavan in about an acre of land.

This double storey fish house is built in ‘fish like structure’. The upper portion has about 4o different kinds of ornamental fishes like Golden Shark, paradise blue, Rosy Barb, Oranda Gold, Golden Plata, Albino Oscar, Shubenkin Gold, Platty Tetra, Albino Tiger Shark, Golden Gormi, and Black Moor. The lower storey hosts 26 big aquariums for fishes brought from state and national lakes, rivers and ponds. Among the ones which could be seen are Rohu, Katla, Mirgal, , Collet, Ticto, Pencil-Fira and Bam fish.

But the lower portion smells and the individual aquariums are poorly maintained. Two of these aquariums don’t even have any fish in them. Interestingly there is no leaflet available at the aquarium to give more information to the visitors. Neither any personnel of the aquarium knows details on fishes and nor is willing to guide. The standard reply is that ‘please see the information boards installed’ which have very limited information. The hall meant to sell fishes is also lying closed. Such a prime resource at Bhopal could have being one of the ‘attractive places to visit’ is lying hardy used.

Orchha's grandeur in stone !

Orchha is a town in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh which has had grandeur captured in stone, frozen in time. It is a rich legacy to the ages. In this medieval city, the hand of time has rested lightly and the palaces and temples built by its Bundela rulers in the 16th and 17th centuries retain much of their pristine perfection.

One of the Orchha's exquisite palace, and must see there is Jehangir Mahal, (in pix @anil gulati). It was built by Raja Bir Singh Deo as a monumental welcome present for the Mughal emperor Jehangir when he paid a state visit in the 17th century. Entered through an ornate ceremonial gateway, the east-facing facade is encrusted with turquoise tiles. Two stone elephants flank the stairway, holding bells in their trunks to announce the arrival of the Raja. Three storeys of elegant hanging balconies, terraces, apartments and onion domes are piled around a central courtyard. This palace, however, is sort of more airy and lighted since it has countless windows and pierced stone screens looking out over the skyline to the west, and a sea of treetops and ruined temples in the other direction.

Whistling away from camera !

Whistling teals fly away seeing men and the camera at kalisoot dam lake, early morning in Bhopal, capital city of Madhya Pradesh, India (Pix @ : Anil Gulati)

Details on whistling teal - The Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica, also known as Indian Whistling Duck, is a small whistling duck and is also called as the Lesser Whistling Teal.

Habitat: still freshwater lakes, with plentiful vegetation, where this duck feeds on seeds and other vegetation. It may be seen often perching on trees near water bodies, giving rise to the alternate name Tree Duck.

Taj Mahal in Bhopal ?

Heard of it - Taj Mahal in Bhopal. Yes this gem exists in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. Bhopal has a Tal Mahal which is a palace built by Begum of Bhopal. Begum Shah Jahan had built this architectural marvel for her own residential purpose in year 1884. The construction of the same was started in year1871 and was completed in year 1884. The board outside the monument by the Director archeology, archives and museum states that about Rupees thirty lakhs were spend then to build this palace. Entry gate of this palace has six floors and is named as ‘Laododar’ gate. It’s this entry gives a motor vehicle or 12 horse motor baghi easy entry to the palace and the space makes it possible to easily turn. The palace has 120 rooms and 8 big halls. It has Sheesh mahal which was decorated with inlay pattern and coloured glasses. The hall of Sheesh mahal is now being renovated by the state archaeology department. In fact one of the official at the site shares when this palace was found and renovation started after more than 150 truckloads of debris was removed to make it possible to start the work.

The hall which has been renovated looks beautiful(in picture). The inlays and colored glasses make the gateways and hall beautiful. The efforts have been done to keep the original gold polish on the pillars. But that is just one hall. It will take many years to refurbish the whole palace but when it happens it will be the one of most important heritage of the city. In the courtyard of Taj Mahal it has Sawan Bhadon pavilion which is similar to ‘Sawan Bado’ of Shalimar Garden in Kashmir, It has many parts intact and effort is being made to give its original look. Arches, decorated, pillars, bastion in this palace made this as a composite amalgamation of islamic and rajput architectural styles, hoping to regain its lost pristine glory.

Contributed by anil gulati

Birds at Shahpura Lake

bhopal birds - Black cormorant at Shahpura Lake in Bhopal

Noah's ark

Noah's ark at Bhopal's upper lake

Untitled paintings at Bharat Bhawan

A painting exhibition titled as Rangdarshini is 'on' at Bharat Bhawan. It displays untitled work by many artists along with some beautiful ceramic works which attracts one's attention....

Bhopal mela gets thousand on weekend, but overall numbers drop this year !

Bhopal mela is an annual affair in Bhopal, which offers a galaxy of products on sale. Be it bangles, key chains to electronic goods, Chinese toys, crockery, almirahs, household furniture, two wheelers Bhopal mela offers the same. This annual mela is held in winters around December – January and is for about forty days. Thousand throng the mela in the weekend which just passed by. There used to be a time when people of Bhopal and nearby areas used to wait for this mela but with number of avenues which have come up in recent times, the momentum has dropped. But Companies still offer special discounts on the various products for the mela. There used to be some exemption of commercial taxes on the products at the mela which was missing this time. The response at mela has been less this year then which it used to draw earlier. Many businessmen participating in the said, for a garment seller from Rajasthan, added that response has been half than that was last year, for a bangle dealer the response has been mediocre. The sudden drop in temperature in Bhopal especially during evenings has taken its toll on mela’s attendance. The number of people visiting at night used to increase but may be due to chill in the air, this has not happened at scale it used to be. Some people might have also got attracted to other happening mela’s in the town.

The mela as its wholesome is more than just sales of products, and gives it the rustic flavour it always had. It has events particularly in evening to attract visitors, games, many typical mela shows i.e. horror shows, car driving in a ‘well’, big spiral wheel, eateries. I met an interesting machine which not only provides you your weight, but also astrologic predictions by weighing you !! all in one machine and that just for two rupee isnt it great !

Anil Gulati

Bijna a unique exhibition of fans at Bhopal

More than three hundred fifty ‘hand used fans’ from different parts of India and overseas are on a display in exhibition at Ravindra Bhawan in Bhopal. These are fans which are rotated by hand to bring in breeze of air. The exhibition is titled as ‘Bijna’ which literary means ‘fan’. This is part of the five-day festival of tribal and folk, performing arts in on occasion of Republic Day in the State capital of Madhya Pradesh. As a part of the celebration an exhibition is normally organized of some traditional object which has had many transformations is put on display. Last time it was sandook (lit meaning - a box) this time it is Bijna.

The specially erected display hall in the grounds of the Ravindra Bhawan had an elegant display of kites at the entrance giving it an exquisite look. The fans in display look like frames in mirror but are used in an arrangement giving it the right needed ambience and the look, except the ones which are kept in display boxes in locks.

Fans of different types, styles and manufactured by different kinds of materials from different parts of India and overseas are on display. Time immemorial fans have been used by us be an ordinary peasant, or the king some or other form of fan was used. Not alone in kings palace, kings offices, by communities and at religious place, we had fans. Being a tropical country fans have been essential part of our lives and but not much talked about. For many of us though with advent of electricity these may have gone out of fashion and only adorn walls as antique but still many use them both in urban and rural parts of India. They are quit handy especially when the innovations like electricity fail !!. They are used in religious ceremonies, places and still hold values in our lives.

The fans on display were the one which are made from fibre, cloth, peacock’s feathers, bamboo sticks, paper and all f them some kind of handle to rotate the same. Be it simple handle or fans which were installed at ceilings and rotated by help of a rope which was hanged till the ground. The designs, paintings and pattern of the fans are unique to the place of its origin and also portray its use.

Anil Gulati

Tamil Nadu paintings in Bhopal

Anil Gulati


Bhopal’s Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalya (or the 'National Museum of Man'), gallery walls adorn unique Tanjore paintings and Kolam paintings in its small hall for last few months. Though limited in number but still are interesting collections which are displayed there. It has Tanjore paintings from Tamil Nadu which is known for its traditional ornate paintings. This unique art form has its origin in South India. The portrayal of figures in these paintings is breathtakingly brilliant. The website on Tanjore paintings do state that these paintings in earlier time were embedded with real diamonds, rubies and other precious stones. But now pure gold foils and semi precious stones are used to adorn the paintings. In the hall at Bhopal one can see paintings of Lord Krishna sitting on chair, Lord Vishnu and its ten incarnations, Lord Ganesha, painting of Mahabharta war, and few others. The creation of this painting involves a lot of dedication and several stages of meticulous work of art, which reflects when you see them. Hall also has few Kolam paintings. Kolam refers to decorative artwork drawn on the floor in front of houses and in ‘Puja’ rooms and is considered as an important form of artistic expression in India. The original Tamil Kolam merely consists of white dots around which the intertwined lines are drawn, but now colours are also used. Kolam paintings are time old cultural tradition in Southern part of India. Another small gallery adjoining the Tamil Nadu paintings is ‘Tana - bana’ i..e ‘The wrap and wreft’ which displays some handloom fabrics, pictures of various tribes in their traditional dresses and off course the simple yet attractive weaving spindles. Both these galleries are worth a visit, when one visits Manav Sanghralaya in Bhopal.

The winner at Rose show in Bhopal

Egret at Van Vihar

Bollywood blog from Bhopal

www.filmindiantvnews.blogspot.comm - A Bollywood blog from dil se ! - Bhopal, capital city of Madhya Pradesh - heart of India. Watch out this blog for film reviews, bollywood news, views, and Indian TV news.

Varaha at Udaygiri Caves, Vidisha

Udaygiri caves are a group of rock-cut cave sanctuaries carved into a sandstone hill that stands sentinel-like on the horizon. An inscription in one of these states that it was produced during the region of Chandragupta II (382-401 AD), thus dating these caves to 4th-5th century AD. Twenty caves in Udaygiri have distinctive features that provides a look into Gupta period art and architecture.

The picture is from cave number 5 which depicts Varaha, the incarnation of Vishnu, rescuing the Earth Goddess (Bhu Devi, also called Prithvi) from the engulfing Ocean. Varaha lifts Bhu Devi on his massive shoulder, his foot subduing a naga who folds his hands in submission and adoration, while gods and sages surround Varaha in recognition of the miracle. A circular lotus flower appears above the god's head. (Picture by Anil Gulati)

A display of tribal musical instruments of Madhya Pradesh

It was an exhibition for music lovers and a learning experience for others like me wherein about ninety tribal instruments used by various tribes in the state of Madhya Pradesh were on display. Many of them may be at verge of extinction in today’s world of electrophone instruments. The exhibition titled as ‘Adirag’ was held at Bharat Bhawan from December 27 – 29, 2007 which was organized by Tribal Department of the State of Madhya Pradesh. Musical instruments from the districts of Balaghat, Chindwara, Dindori, Hoshangabad, Dhar, Dindori, Betul, Mandla and Khargone were on display. In addition to instruments photographs of various tribal musical instruments could also be seen. Instruments like Chikara, a string instrument, which has three strings (two horse hair & one steel) and is used by Gond tribes was on display from Dindori district. Instrument like Turra used by Baiga tribes, Tutuna, which has a unique sound effect produced by pressing and releasing the cane after plucking the string, Gudum used by Gond, Baiga and Dholia tribes, Ghunguroo and Mandar were on display. In addition to it various forms of Dhol, Dholki and Dholaks used by tribes like Bhils, Gond were simply fascinating. Nagara which has two pieces, the smaller one the female placed on the right & the bigger one the male placed on the left, played by Baiga and Gond tribes placed at the entrance of the exhibition attracted attention of many who were visiting the exhibition. In this display one thing which was missing and could be looked at was a small info- leaflet on the instruments probably could have contributed in spreading and retaining information about them before they fade away to few lines in the books of tribal history. But an effort of the department, well appreciated by the visitors, media and needs to be replicated.

Contributed by Anil Gulati

The Kingfisher at Bhopal's Van Vihar

Kingfisher bird at Bhopal's van vihar, the National park in capital of Madhya Pradesh.

Kingfisher bird live in both woodland wetland habitats. Kingfishers that live near water hunt small fish diving. They also ea crayfish and insects. They are able to see well both in air and under water. To do this, their eyes have evolved an egg-shaped lens able to focus in the two different environments.

(Pic by anil gulati)

Madhya Pradesh fisheries federation nets ISO certificate

Madhya Pradesh Fisheries Federation (MPFF) has bagged the country's first ISO certificate for fisheries, awarded by Surewin Quality Certification, Minister of State for Fisheries Moti Kashyap said. 'The federation has been assessed and found to be in conformance to the requirements of the quality management standard,' the minister said in an official statement here Thursday.

The certificate recognises the effective measures adopted by the federation for the welfare of fishermen and was a positive outcome of transparency, good performance and welfare programmes, Kashyap said. MPFF Managing Director Kanchan Jain said it was the first such certificate given to an Indian cooperative working for fishermen's welfare.

'The federation has this year introduced an innovative scheme called Jaldeep to provide basic facilities such as education and health to fisher folk living on small islands and isolated areas. It conducted a survey to identify such beneficiaries,' said Jain.

Another noteworthy achievement of the federation, she said, was the credibility and prestige it earned among international funding agencies due to the initiatives taken by it. These included improving efficiency, constantly increasing fish production and undertaking welfare measures for fish farmers in the state. 'It is also for the first time that the fishermen who suffered losses last year due to heavy rains have been given compensation,' she said.

Source - IndiaPRwire

Brand your shop, a new buzz word in rural marketing !

‘Branding’ a buzz word used by multinationals or Indian biggies but is practiced by many including by retail shopowners in Madhya Pradesh. Shopkeepers in Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh use ‘the so called branding techniques’ to creatively name their shops. They may not be undertaking ‘marketing research’ or using ‘advertising agencies’ but it is their local painter and their own creativity which brings in the midas touch.

Barber shops in Budni and Babai area of Hoshangbabad have named themselves as hair styler’s or hair care centre or men parlors. Particular examples are ‘Fine hair stylers’ and ‘Narmada hair art’ in budni area of the district. Others call themselves as ‘men parlour’ or ‘hair care centres’ or ‘hair saloons’. Though the service provide are hair cutting, hair setting, hair dyeing, and head message, which is more than just cutting, hence the justification. Bollywood and cricket have its influence here and one can find posters from both the sectors in their shops. Not to left behind are the paan shops in the district which have taken away the word ‘shop’ and replaced it with ‘paan palace’ or ‘paan centre’. ‘Friend paan centre’ owner in the district shares that ‘I am actually friend of my clients, they come to my paan centre, share their thoughts, we debate on issues and in all this they also smoke a puff or buy paan, hence the name. This may sound bit interesting but fact is that both paan chewing and smoking is harmful and are cancerous, and should be discouraged, which he too agrees. But in terms of ‘marketing’ all them are creatively branding their shops to gain by attracting more customers and ‘position’ themselves as different then the others, well that is what is taught at B - schools which none of them have been !

The Holy Narmada, Hoshangabad

(Photo of the holy Narmada river from pitching Ghat in district Hoshangabad.)

यह मेरा घर, यह तेरा घर !

Large cormorants at Van Vihar, in Bhopal on December 2, 2007. (Pic courtesy - anil gulati)

Death of tiger in Bhopal’s Van Vihar raises concern

Gautam, a five year old male tiger died at Van Vihar, national park in Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh. This is not the first death this year. Deaths of these ‘big cats’ have being happening at regular intervals since October 2006

GAUTAM, A five year old male tiger died at Van Vihar, national park in Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh. This is not the first death this year. If we look at the figures, two tigers and one white tiger have died this year in Van Vihar. Particularly disturbing is the fact that deaths of these ‘big cats’ have being happening at regular intervals since October 2006. A total of six ‘big cats’ have died here. This includes two white tigers, one tigress, two tigers and one lion.

Post-mortem report conducted on Gautam’s body, which was shared with the media, states that the death could have been due to some parasitic disease namely ‘Bebesia’. This raises questions regarding the safety of other animals particularly tigers, lions and panthers in Van Vihar. The question is whether it can spread across to them? Though as a precautionary measure, blood samples of other carnivorous animals of the park has been sent for testing. But is that enough?

Van Vihar is the pride of Bhopal and is home to a number of animals, including white tiger, panther, lion and tigers. But these deaths have raised concern in the state among wild life experts, media and animal lovers. There is a need to take steps to prevent these deaths. Some wild life experts feel that there is a need for wildlife health centre in the state and also create greater awareness within the state regarding wildlife.

Gautam’s death has once again brought this discussion to the forefront. But let us hope that some positive steps are taken in this regard, lest we forget Gautam’s death. We may not get a second chance.

Anil

State museum in Bhopal, a showcase of cultural prosperity

by Anil Gulati
Source -www.merinews.com

The state museum of Madhya Pradesh has an impressive collection of artifacts illustrating rich cultural history of the state. Sixteen galleries exhibit collection of sculptures, archival and excavated materials collected from different parts of state.


IF YOU are planning to visit Bhopal, you should not miss a chance to visit the state museum of Madhya Pradesh. The museum is a splendid collection of artifacts illustrating rich cultural history of the state. Bhopal, the capital of MP, hosts the state museum that is located in the Shymala hill. The museum exhibits some old and the best pieces reflecting art and culture richness of the state.

The museum has sixteen galleries displaying unique showcase from pre-historic tools of lower Paleolithic period to stamps and autographs used in previous years in the state. The state museum was established in year 1964 and it was shifted to a new building at the end of year 2005 for better display of the exhibits. The museum, actually based on archaeological relics, also exhibits antiques such as sculptures, paintings, objects of arts, crafts, coins, bronze images, archival and excavated material from different parts of diverse state of Madhya Pradesh. The beautiful and rare exhibits of statues like Narwar in Shivpuri, sixteen feet long treaty of Burhanpur of year 1804, statues of Lord Shiva and many others will keep bringing you back to museum again and again. In the first hall of the museum, titled as master pieces of Madhya Pradesh, you can find some of its best sculpture pieces like sculptor of Yakshi of 2nd century BC, acquired from Satna, and statue of Buddha of 2nd century AD, acquired from Gwarighat, Jabalpur.

The Narvarha of 9–10th century AD, acquired from Mansaur, was not in India. Recently, it was brought back to the museum. Similarly, ‘Birth of Krishna’ that dates back to 11th century AD was also bought recently to the museum. Some interesting exhibits acquired from lower Paleolithic period are on display in its fossil section. In sculpture gallery, one can find sculptures of Ganesha, Shiva, Uma–Maheswar, Vishnu etc. These sculpture were collected from different places of state.

You can find a valuable collection of different editions of stamps of Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Badwani, Orcha and Datia state. In the musical instrument section, you can see the well-preserved instruments such as Israj and Rudra Veena. You will notice cannons of 18th century AD acquired from Indore, guns of Holkar period in the weapon section and coins dated back to British and Moghul period in its coin section.

In the excavation section, the water conservation and water reuse systems are just gleaming to watch. One can imagine how beautifully the communities in early years used to conserve and recycle water.

In the inscription gallery, the museum exhibits inscriptions on stone, copper plates found in state, prominent citations, grants issued by Pratihar and Parmar rulers and interesting six line inscription referring to building construction in Chanderi, Guna (now Chanderi is in newly formed Ashok Nagar district). In the section of royal collection ornate art objects, you can find several interesting things such as inkpot of 18-19th century AD and pen stand of 20th century AD also. One can say after visiting the state museum that this is really a splendid collection of artifacts illustrating the rich cultural history of the state.

Salman Khan on a wall clock!

Moved by his idol, Salman Khan, Kirori Mal got Salman moving on the wall. That’s the ingenuity of a barber in a dusty village in Madhya Pradesh.

DHARDA GANESH is a village in the Shivpuri district of the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is more than an hour’s drive from main district headquarter or Shivpuri urban and one has to navigate many bumpy roads and stretches which hardly have roads. The village looks like a typical village in the state of Madhya Pradesh with a cluster of mud huts, roofed with thatch or earthen tiles, narrow paths full of mud and water (if it rains) which leads to the outside world. Probably time had a little effect on these villages.

I happened to visit this village on some work. But it was interesting visit for me as I had an opportunity to visit the shop of Kirori Mal. Kirori Mal is a barber. His shop is just at the entrance of the village, outside the Panchayat Bhawan. It was a makeshift shop, a few inches above the ground. One had to climb to enter it.

Probably he seems to be a huge fan of Bollywood. The walls of his shop were lacquered with the photographs of all the well-known actresses. May be it was an added attraction to his shop for the clients who came for a haircut or for shave and sometimes had to wait for their turn. He was a self-confessed fan of Salman Khan. But I was bit puzzled as I could not see Salman Khan on the walls so got bit inquisitive. I dared ask him where is Salman Khan? He looked into my eyes and then pointed his finger towards his wall clock, which was hanging on the wall of his shop.

There was the Khan, captured in the wall clock! Actually he had a cut out of Salman Khan and had replaced it with second’s needle in the clock. Instead of ‘seconds’ needle, it was Salman’s photograph cut in shape of it. It was quite an interesting way to use a photograph of his idol.

So it was Salman Khan on the move that too every second! Not only Bollywood actress but also moving Salman attracted the young clients of the village to visit his shop every now and then.

By Anil Gulati
Source - www.merinews.com

Biko-magic spreading its wings in Bhopal

Biking has become a passion among the youth across the nation, and Bhopal is no different. Young guys flock the roads of Bhopal on weekends, riding their bikes at high speeds.

BIKING IS BECOMING popular in Bhopal these days, especially with young ones. Branded jackets, shoes, mobiles, and smart bikes are fast becoming an integral part of their way of life. Bhopal has many youngsters who perform heroic acts on bikes and get the due media attention. Bhopal has many, who do all kinds of stuff on these bikes, be it standing on the bike, zipping around, driving on front or back wheels, and all those things, which the bike inventors must have not even thought about. They probably made this vehicle to transport people!

Thanks to the available roads in Bhopal, and media attention, this keeps them going. They are like local heroes, motivating many other young ones to take risk to compete with them. Nobody stresses upon helmets and precautions, for that matter helmets are only compulsory in the rulebooks, not on the roads.

They have more incentives now. In August, Bhopal had Moto Soccer, a football match between two teams, namely Indian bikers and Biker boys, in which these men played soccer with bikes. Indian Bikers team defeated Bikers Boys to win the Mayor Trophy Moto Soccer event. The winner of the match was decided by penalty shoot out. Thankfully, the match was played with drivers wearing helmets.

Occasionally, one can notice a cavalcade of bikers on roads of Bhopal. Tens of bikes are often seen zipping around the roads of Bhopal on weekend evenings, replicating Pune bikers’ Sunday shows. All this sounds good, but catch is that one needs to undertake the ‘so-called’ heroic acts with due precaution and care with minimum risk, which is not there as of now. And finally, the petroleum conservation guys should also reach out to these young ones and tell them about the value of non-renewable resources.

Contributed by Anil Gulati

MP’s may have its own 'Palace on Wheels' !!

Madhya Pradesh Government is planning to launch "Malwa Odyssey", a luxury train on the lines of "Palace on Wheels" in Rajasthan, linking its tourist destinations with Bhopal. A suggestion in this regard was first made by the Indian Heritage Hotels Association which has submitted a detailed report to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan last week on ways to boost tourism in the state. While these proposals were being made Indian Heritage Hotel Association (IHHA) have also urged Madhya Pradesh government to strengthen state's basic infrastructure to develop it as a tourism hub. Though Madhya Pradesh has tremendous potential in heritage tourism and as it develops into tourism hub it needs to improve its basic infrastructure, including roads, air connectivity and electricity.

Madhya Pradesh to set up heritage hotels

BHOPAL: A chain of heritage hotels will be established in Madhya Pradesh for giving boost to tourism in the state which boasts of numerous forts, palaces and ancient monuments.

"Forts, palaces and sites of erstwhile kingdoms have been identified by the State Tourism Development Corporation for establishing heritage hotels," Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said here on Sunday.

Addressing the general body meeting of the Indian Heritage Hotel Association, he said "Besides three world heritage monuments a large number of places of archaeological and historical importance are strewn across the state and efforts will be made to attract investment at these places."

He said apart from sites of historical importance, sanctuaries, national parks and places of natural beauty in the state, the heritage hotels will be an added attraction for tourists.

Referring to Bhopal, which is also known as the city of lakes, Chouhan said efforts will also be made to promote the state capital as a major tourist spot.

Airports at Bhopal and Indore will be upgraded to international standards, he said.

Sprawling Madhya Pradesh beckons Bollywood

Sanjay Sharma, IANS

Bhopal, Aug 30 (IANS) With Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan promising Bollywood a red carpet in Madhya Pradesh, the film and entertainment industry has started showing interest in the state. While actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha wants to open a film city with studios - like in Mumbai - somewhere near the state capital here, TV czarina Ekta Kapoor is willing to start an acting university in Gwalior.

Gwalior is also the first choice of former Miss World and actress Sushmita Sen, who wants land to install the sets of her own production 'Jhansi Ki Rani' there. 'The government has decided to provide land to Shatrughan Sinha for his project in Bagroda village near Bhopal. The actor has also seen the land and approved it and things are expected to be finalised soon,' an official said. At an interactive meet with industrialists in Mumbai Aug 10, Chief Minister Chouhan said provisions had been made for facilitating the entry of a film city, besides other units related to the entertainment world. 'Madhya Pradesh, which has abundant natural beauty, has immense possibilities for producing films. The government would provide full support in this regard. Land and other facilities would be provided at concessional rates for setting up a film industry and training institutes,' Chouhan told the meet. Earlier, during Sinha's visit to the state Aug 7, Chouhan had announced that his government was considering setting up a film city in the state.


He gave this assurance at a special function held in Khandwa to honour actor-turned-politician Sinha with the Kishore Kumar Samman. He said a film city would provide a platform to budding artists. 'Encouraged by the chief minister's assurance, TV producer Ekta Kapoor has also made up her mind to open a university in Gwalior which would impart a bachelor's degree and master's degree courses in acting and other fields related to cinema. These would include theatre, advanced cinema and studio editing,' a source said. Kapoor has asked for 30 acres of land in two phases for setting up the university and even had talks with Special Area Development Authority (SADA) chairman Jai Singh in this regard. The government of Madhya Pradesh - one of India's largest states - had constituted SADA for the development of Gwalior. 'Kapoor has talked to me and I have asked her to send a detailed proposal. We have enough land to provide for constructive works. Let the proposal come,' Jai Singh told IANS on phone.

Sushmita Sen's company Tantra has also approached SADA for three acres of land to put up the sets of 'Jhansi Ki Rani'. She also wants to open a studio at least for three years. 'We have invited the actress to come and look for the suitable site and she has agreed', said Jai Singh.

UP to launch a combined tourism circuit with MP

Uttar Pradesh is planning to launch combined circuits jointly with neighbouring Madhya Pradesh to attract tourists. There is a plan to launch combined circuits with MP, said an official from UP Tourism Corporation which will be a viable plan for the two states to combine their resources to attract tourists. It will be tried by a joint tourist circuit which includes Taj Mahal, Gwalior, Orcha etc."

New circuits which would be developed included the Buddhist circuit, Avadh circuit, Brij, Bundelkhand and Vindyachal-Varanasi circuit. UP tourism plans to treble its investment from Rs 13 crore to Rs 40 crore to develop new circuits.

MP gives 50% discount on tour packages before Sep 30

The Madhya Pradesh tourism department has given a 50 per cent discount to tourists visiting the state before September 30.

Talking to mediapersons here today at Kolkatta, MPTD executive director G S Chahal said the department runs a network of 44 accommodation units with a total bed capacity of 1500 at over 30 different locations. Mr Chahal said about one crore people visit the state every year of which 60 per cent are pilgrims and about 10 per cent are from West Bengal.

''Keeping in mind the spurt in number of tourists we have started a direct Kingfisher flight from Kolkata to Indore and will soon start one from Bhopal,'' Mr Chahal said. Welcoming the people to the 'land of tigers', Mr Chahal said the state has some nine national parks and 11 sanctuaries, of them the Kanha National park is famous for having the largest number of tigers in India.''Pench is another place full of wild life that had inspired Rudyard Kipling to pen down his famous 'Jungle Book' and its most lovable character 'Mowgli'.

It also offers some of the exotic world heritage destinations like Khajuraho, Bhimbhetka, Gwalior and Mandu, an ancient medieval city, also know as 'City of Joy', he said. Besides, the state has some of the holiest places for piligrims like Amarkantak, Omkareshwar and Mahareswar.

He also offered film makers, the state's vast rough sites to make 'good' thriller movies.

A 'Taj Mahal' In Ruins

Sanjay Sharma
The Taj Mahal in Agra might have made it to the seven new wonders of the world but another architectural gem by the same name, built by Begum Shah Jahan of Bhopal in 1874, is in danger of being erased from the heritage map of Madhya Pradesh.

Though very different from the celebrated monument in Agra, this one was built by Begum Shah Jahan for the purpose of living in Bhopal, which was the only Muslim state to be ruled by four women monarchs in succession.

The complex, once called the 'Raj Mahal', has elaborate stone-pillared arches, with the ceilings having iron rings where coloured glass lamps used to be hung at one time.

'When the British Resident called on Shah Jahan Begum, he was so impressed with its architecture that he looked around with admiration and remarked that this splendid palace should be known as the 'Taj Mahal'. After all, it is the creation of Shah Jahan Begum. Thereafter, the Raj Mahal was renamed Taj Mahal,' recalls an old timer.

Today large parts of the heritage complex have collapsed. Its ceiling near the entrance has buckled and the huge garden with a complex of palaces and covered walkways have disintegrated.

As a result, one can easily see narrow bricks peering out from wherever the plaster has peeled off or the walls have caved in.

But it is said that the palace was once beautiful, as the Begum - ruler of the erstwhile princely state of Bhopal for two terms (1844-60 and 1868-1901) - was quite passionate about architecture like her namesake Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

She not only built the Taj Mahal here for herself but also got a mini city called Shahjahanabad developed.

The grand palace, which was home to Begum Shah Jahan and built as part of her ambitious construction of the Shahjehanabad suburb, has a huge gate with its menacing spikes still intact.

Born in Islamnagar near the city of Bhopal, the begum was known as a lady of learning and piety. She was credited with the authorship of several books in Urdu.

She also made sizable donations towards the building of a mosque at Woking, Surrey, in Britain and contributed generously towards the founding of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh, which developed into the Aligarh Muslim University.

Though much of Bhopal's architecture is said to bear the Mughal, French, British, Rajasthani, Persian, Arabic and Islamic designs, the ruins of Taj Mahal distinctly reflect Islamic architecture.

Observes conservation architect Meera Das, who studied the palace in great detail in her capacity as regional convener of the conservation group INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) : 'The Taj Mahal had a long courtyard with a fountain structure constructed in carved red stone. This exquisite fountain structure - the Sawan Bhadon Sahan - is the attraction of this large complex.'

According to Das, the palace was a mixture of Islamic and Hindu architectural elements with cusped arches, massive gateways, screen windows at upper levels, extensive mouldings, decorative plasterwork and squat homes with 'jharokhas'.

'The detailing on the inner courtyard facades seemed to have a colonial influence. The entrance dome of the Taj Mahal was so large that a 12-horse buggy (cart) could turn under it with ease. The begum would alight from the coach here as she observed purdah,' says Das in a booklet on Bhopal's architecture.

While most of the flooring has been coarsely cemented over, blue-painted Jaipuri tiles are still visible in a few spots. One can well imagine how beautiful it would all have looked with the coloured glass lamps, terracotta painted walls and floors with blue tiles.

The begum also initiated the construction at Bhopal of Taj-ul-Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India.

The begum married Baqi Muhammad Khan, a nobleman of Bhopal and became his third wife in 1855. Four years after Muhammad Khan's death in 1867, Shah Jahan married Sadiq Hasan Khan of Bareilly in the then United Provinces.

After India's independence, a few members of the royal family lived at the Taj Mahal. But since they had no money for repairs, gradually they all moved away and the palace now lies in ruins.

'My FM' and 'Big FM' in Indore now

Last week saw the launch of My FM and Big FM airwaves in the city of Indore in Madhya Pradesh. This is My FM’s third radio station in the state, while it’s the second one for Big FM radio.

Synergy Media Entertainment Ltd (SMEL), a fully owned company of the Bhaskar Group owns the ‘My FM’ brand and had previously launched the station in the cities of Bhopal and Gwalior in the state. The launch in Indore marked rocking performance by the Indi-pop band Euphoria, and the unveiling of the station’s new logo.

The launch was supported by 360-degree promotions comprising outdoor events, hoardings, fliers, etc. The launch was also supported by the group newspaper Dainik Bhaskar, which covered the pre-launch activities extensively.

The Adlabs-owned Big FM’s launch in the city marked the launch of the network’s second station in Madhya Pradesh. With this launch in the city, the station will also cover the adjoining areas of Dewas, Mhow, Pithampur, Sanwer, Depalpur, Manpur in the 40 square kilometre aerial distance.

New Welcome heritage property at Pachmari

Welcomheritage launched its 52nd property 'Golf View Retreat'. The retreat is situated at Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, at the state's hill station. Spread over four acres, WelcomHeritage Golf Retreat has 15 air-conditioned suites decorated with period furniture and live fire places, LCD television, tea and coffee makers and mini bars. The baths are fitted with shower closets, whirlpools and steam enclosures. The Retreat also has a jogging track, an open-air restaurant, with a live kitchen serving barbeque vegetarian cuisine.