“He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. Only God, or a woman, can wear it with impunity.”, reads the curse of Koh-i-Noor. Clap inside the portico under the dome at the entrance of the fort and the sound will reach the person who is sitting in a…
Category: Art and Architecture
Rendezvous with Gods in Somanathapura
Somanathapura is a small town, some 35 kms. away from Mysore. The town is famous for the Chennakesava Temple (Kesava orKeshava temple). These temples were built by Soma, a Dandanayaka (commander) in 1268 CE under Hoysala Empire King Narasimha III. That was the time when the Hoysalas were the major power in South India. Read more about Somanathapura temples…
Art Abound: National Gallery of Modern Art, Delhi
‘Bride’s Toilet’ paints a beautiful picture of married and single women, celebrating the precious moments of life in simple ways. ‘Brahamacharis’ is a masterpiece illustrating how diversity exists in similarity. If you look in the eyes of the dark guy (at the left) of the painting, you feel he is looking at you back. Like he knows, you are trying to fathom the mystery of the painting, but won’t be able to do it unless he gives away the secrets. Try it!
This weekend, go visit – National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi
The tales of a bygone era – Hampi Diaries, II
After our tour to Elephant Stable, Lotus Palace & Vittala temple, we proceeded towards the rest of the amazing monolithic structures of the marvellous village, Hampi. Have you visited ruins before? If yes, you must be familiar with the goosebumps one gets when you watch the broken walls, dismantled bricks of high buildings & long, glaring cracks…
The tales of a bygone era – Hampi Diaries, I
Like many of us, I grew up despising History Lessons. The long narratives of valiant battles & mercurial dynasties bored me. The odd dates with prime numbers, between which wars were fought, drained me. The long, difficult to pronounce – names of Emperors & Kings, sapped my energy. Little did I know that I will grow up to…
Unknown, Untouched & Uncanny -Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kanyakumari
However, when the capital shifted from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram; the palace was deserted. The halls that were lit once were now dark. The music that was sung here once, existed only in the memories now.
Where History Sings & the Gods dance – Badami Caves, Karnataka
Badmai cave temples, located in the Bagalkot district in northern part of Karnataka, India – are a phenomenal example of architecture in rock-cut art. Formerly known as Vataapi Badami, the caves were built around the time of Chalukya dynasty, who ruled Karnataka from 6th to 8th century. Badami Caves are a monolithic structure with four major…
Life on weekends- Home 