Ayutthaya- the Ancient Capital of Thailand.................by K J S Chatrath

 

How little do we know of our neighboring countries and the impact exerted by Indian culture there. Our knowledge is generally limited to our Ayodhya in India - the birthplace of Lord Rama and we may not be aware of how powerful an impact Ayodhya has had on Thailand.

 

The Empire of Ayutthaya was a Siamese kingdom that existed in Southeast Asia from 1351 to 1767, centred around the city of Ayutthaya, in Siam, or present-day Thailand. It was considered one of the three great powers of Asia, alongside Vijayanagar of India and China, and is seen as the precursor of modern Thailand.

 

The Historic City of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom. While discussing the history of Ayutthaya, one has broadly the Ayutthaya kingdom, and Ayutthaya town in mind of, say around 1540.

 

86 kilometres north of Bangkok, once the capital of the Thai Empire, Ayutthaya was an impressive city; with three palaces and over 400 temples. The ruins that now remain, many of which have been painstakingly restored, have been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. The architecture of Ayutthaya is an interesting mix of Khmer and early Sukhothai styles. Some obelisks, called prangs, denote Khmer influence and look something like the towers of Angkor Wat. The more pointed stupas are believed to have been influenced by Sukhothai constructions.

This is an attempt to introduce Ayutthaya to Indian readers.

 

#Ayutthaya #Thailand #kjschatrath 

 

Book Available at pothi.com.

Some photos taken in Murshidabad, West Bengal, India............by K J S Chatrath

 

Visiting the Tomb & the Mosque of Aliverdi Khan & the tomb of Seraj-Ud-Dowla in Murshidabad. ..............K J S Chatrath

I  visited the tomb and the mosque of Aliverdi Khan and the tomb of Seraj-Ud-Dowla in Murshidabad, West Bengal, India. Here are a few photographs: 

 

 

Khosbagh West Bengal India............K J S Chatrath

 I visited Khushbag in 2023 and took some photographs. Khushbagh is a historic garden-cemetery located on the eastern bank of the Bhagirathi River in Murshidabad, West Bengal. It was built in the mid-18th century by Nawab Alivardi Khan, one of the most important rulers of Bengal. The name “Khushbagh” means “Garden of Happiness”.

The site is peaceful and enclosed within high brick walls. Inside, you will find the graves of several members of the Nawab family, including: Nawab Alivardi Khan; His grandson Siraj-ud-Daulah (the last independent Nawab of Bengal); Ghaseti Begum, Alivardi’s daughter and Other family members and nobles

The cemetery layout is simple: a central pathway leads to the main tombs, surrounded by lawns, trees, and old Mughal-style arches. The calm atmosphere makes it a popular stop for visitors exploring Murshidabad’s rich history.

Khushbagh is important because it connects directly to the era when Bengal was a powerful and wealthy province, before the Battle of Plassey changed the course of Indian history.  

  

Incredible work of Hoysala craftsmen 12th-13th CE, Karnataka, India.............shared by K J S Chatrath

 

 

 

Dhairali on way to Gangotri-Gomukh with LBSNAA Officer Trainees....Remembered by KJS Chatrath

 

 

Visit to Baudh Gaya by IRCTC's Mahaparinirvan Express 15 years back...................K.J.S.Chatrath

I had the good fortune of visiting Bodh Gaya about 15 years back by IRCTC’s Mahaparinirvan Express. The trip was excellently managed by IRCTC.

Bodh Gaya is a sacred town in the Indian state of Bihar. It features the Mahabodhi Temple, one of the most important and revered sites in Buddhism. This is the place where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is believed to have attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, which still grows near the temple. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The central spire rises about 55 meters, symbolizing spiritual ascent. The temple complex includes the descendant of the original Bodhi Tree, under which Buddha meditated. 

Piligrims in white were from Sri Lanka.