Qila Mubarak, Patiala

Quila Mubarak is an old fort at Patiala and an outstanding example of Sikh Palace architecture in India. The Qila Mubarak was first developed as a mud fort or Kachi Garhi. Baba Ala Singh constructed the Pacca in 1763 Qila after his conquest of Sirhind.

 

From the receipts of the octroi on the merchandise passing through his territory of the G.T. road, he constructed the Qila. The present Qila is divided into two parts- one, the Qila Androon, the interior portion, was built by Ala Singh. Situated on a mound, it ascends as one moves into it. 

While the other i.e., between the Qila Androon and outer walls with the secretariat on the left and Darbar Hall on the right, was built by Maharaja Karam Singh.

The Darbar Hall is now converted into a mini museum where rare arms and armours including a sword of Nadir Shah known as 'Shikar Gah' are on display. Most precious pieces of art are the rich collection of tree-like chandeliers made of Bohemian cut-glass emitting prism like radiant splendour and sheen. 

To those interested in metallurgy and guns, a visit to the Cannon Park within the premises of the Qila Mubarak would certainly be a thrilling experience of life time. The murals inside the palaces are rare specimen of the Kangra and Rajasthan paintings.

 

 

 

Date visited: December, 2013
Informations: http://patiala.nic.in/html/history.htm

Glympse of Trieste

Trieste is a city and seaport in northeastern Italy. It is situated towards the end of a narrow strip of Italian territory lying between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia, which lies almost immediately south and east of the city. A combination of geographic and historical factors has made Trieste a city unique in its kind and a fascinating place to visit. It is a beautiful natural location as it is surrounded by the Carsic hills and the Adriatic Sea.

Grotta Gigante - Grotta Gigante, also known as Riesengrotte or as Grotta di Brisciachi, is located at 5km northeast of Trieste. At 120m high, 280m long and 65m wide, it's one of the largest and most spectacular caves that's accessible on the continent. There is even a wi-fi signal in the cave, due to scientific research that is conducted in it. 

ICTP - The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) is an international research institute that operates under a tripartite agreement between the UNESCO and IAEA. ICTP was founded in 1964 with the aim of fostering the growth of research in physical and mathematical sciences, especially in developing countries.

Miramare Castle - Miramare Castle is, a 19th-century castle on the Gulf of Trieste. It was built by Maximillian before he became emperor of Mexico. Every room has a view of the sea. The ornate wood work and incredible furnishings and details are eye arresting. The grounds surrounding the Castle offer countless species of plants and trees and are laid out in such a manner as to provide a peaceful setting that calms the spirit. 

Date visited: September, 2013
Source of informations: Wikipedia, Tripadvisor

The City of Temple - Bishnupur

Bishnupur is a town in Bankura district in West Bengal and is famous for terracotta - temples (thus known as "the city of temple") and Balucheri sarees. The town has a glorious past that is reflected in its rich architecture, music and handicrafts such as pottery and weaving. It prospered in the 17th and early 18th centuries. Ruled by a line of Hindu Rajas of the Malla dynasty, Bishnupur developed a unique form of architecture and has perhaps the most brilliant and detailed terracotta work in Eastern India that has withstood the ravages of time.

Rasmancha -  Rasmancha with its unique architectural manifestations was built by bir Hambit in c. 1600 AD. The temple stands on a raised square laterite plinth with a pyramidal superstructure, the arches of which are decorated with terracotta lotus motifs, enclose the sanctum of the shrine. During the Malla regime, all the images from the neighbouring temples were brought at the time of Ras festival and displayed in the galleries fro the public. Its parallel has not been found elsewhere in India and it may be considered as the pride of Bishnupur for its unique shape.

Large Gateway - This fine arched gateway popularly known as "pathar darwaja" is built with dressed Laterite blocks. This gateway was the northern entrance to the ancient fort of Bishnupur and Malla king Birsingha built it in the second half of the seventeenth century. It had double storied galleries flanking the central passage for accommodating troops and there were also arrows-slits for the archer and the gunman.

Shyamrai Temple - This temple, built by the Mall king Raghunath Singh in 1643 AD, is the best example in brick of the Pancharatna type i.e. five sikharas on a curved Bengal chala roof. Its terracotta panels are also noteworthy.

Temple of Madan Mohan - This temple, built by the Malla King Durjan Singh in AD 1964 is the best example in brick of this type with a single sikhara ona curved Bengal chala roof. Its terracotta panels are significant.

Lalji (or Ekaratna) Temple -  Built by Bir Singha II of Malla dynasty in AD 1658, it is one of the impressive laterite built ekaratna temples at Bishnupur and is enclosed by boundary walls. Inscriptional evidence on the southern facade states that this temple was built for Radha and Krishna. Square on plan and placed upon a raised plinth. This temple is surmounted by a single sikhara. Traces of the ornamental stucco decorations on low relief carvings can still be seen on the front wall.

Stone Chariot - Datable to c. 17th century AD, this small double storied structure stands on a low laterite plinth originally with three wheels on each side. The lower storey resembles the arched pavilion of Rasmancha, whereas the upper storey with sikhara resembles ekaratna temple of Bishnupur. This stone chariot is unique in representing typical Bishnupur temple style in miniature form with all finer details.

 

Dalmadal Canon - This canon of wrought iron popularly known as "Dalmadal", was probably the largest canon, manufactured by the Malla kings. It is 3.8 M long with a muzzlw of 29.2 cm in diameter. As per legend during the regime of king Gopal Singha lord Madan Mohan, the tutelary deity of the Malla kings was said to have used this canon against Bhaskar Rao, the commander of Maratha invades.

Date visited: November, 2012
Informations from Archaeological survey of India

Round the City of Warangal

Warangal is a district in the state of Telengana. The place carries many vestiges of ancient India and is significant for NIT Warangal, an educational institute of National repute. 

Warangal fort - This is one of the ancient forts in South India and is also one of the popular tourist attractions in Warangal. It was built in the 13th century during the Kakatiya dynasty and only the remnants of the structure exist. Archeologists say an earlier brick-walled structure was replaced with stone by Ganapatideva, a ruler of kakatiya dynasty. 

 

The Thousand Pillar Temple - This is one of the very old temples of South India that was built by the Kakatiyas. It stands out to be a masterpiece and achieved major heights in terms of architectural skills by the ancient Kakathiya Vishwakarma sthapathis. It is believed that the Thousand Pillar Temple was built by King Rudra Deva in 1163 AD. The Thousand Pillar Temple is a specimen of the Kakatiyan style of architecture of the 12th century.

Bhadrakali temple - This is one of the oldest temples of Godess Bhadrakali in South India and is located against a picturesque setting on the banks of the Bhadrakali Lake.

Diocese of Warangal - Not only Hindu-worship, the Christian community is also noticeable by the significant number of churches. The Diocese of Warangal was detached from the ecclesiastical territory of Hyderabad and was created by the Apostolic Constitution of Pius XII on Dec. 22, 1952. Bishop Alphonsus Beretta, PIME, was appointed the first bishop of Warangal, transferring him from  Hyderabad. Now the Warangal Diocese is left with the civil districts of Warangal and Karimnagar.  

Time of visit: November, 2012