"Chandni Chowk, Delhi examplifies Indian heritage- respect for all religions" by K.J.S.Chatrath

Visiting Chandni Chowk and Fatehpuri in Delhi last year on a Sunday morning, I saw the happy confluence of composite Indian culture. Religious prayer halls of different religions - Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jain and Christian, all located in a small less than a kilometre area. And respecting the presence of each other and its adherents.

A Hindu temple in Chandni Chowk

Muslim Mosque in Fathpuri

Sikh Gurudwara in Chandni Chowk.

A Jain prayer place, Chandni Chowk.

St. Stephens's Church, Fathpuri.

Shame on those who try to divide the Indian heritage on the basis of difference in religions and cultures.

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'Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad, India' by K.J.S.Chatrath

Bibi-Ka-Maqbara , Aurangabad. The Bibi-Ka-Maqbara (19°55’ N; 75°15’ E) is a beautiful mausoleum of Rabia-ul-Daurani alias Dilras Banu Begum, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb (1658-1707 A.D.). This mausoleum is believed to be constructed by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother between 1651 and 1661 A.D. An inscription found on the main entrance door mentions that this mausoleum was designed and erected by Ata-ullah, an architect and Hanspat Rai, an engineer respectively. The marble for this mausoleum was brought from mines near Jaipur. According to Tavernier, around three hundred carts laden with marbles, drawn by at least 12 oxen were seen by him during his journey from Surat to Golconda. The mausoleum draws its inspiration from the world famous Taj Mahal of Agra (constructed between 1631 and 1648 A.D.) and hence it is rightly known as the “Taj of Deccan”. The mausoleum was intended to rival the Taj Mahal, but, the decline in architecture and proportions of the structure had resulted in a poor copy of the latter. Even this decline cannot stop one appreciating the setting of the tomb complex in a garden setting with the mountain ranges behind providing as a backdrop. A huge ‘U’ shaped gap in between the hills behind provides the perfect harmony in which the mausoleum is blended. The mausoleum stands at the centre of a huge enclosure measuring approximately 458 m. N-S X 275 m. E-W. Baradaris or pillared pavilions are located at the centre of north, east and western part of the enclosure wall. The typical Mughal Char-Bagh pattern adorns the mausoleum thereby increasing its beauty and splendour through its symmetry and excellent garden layout. The high enclosure wall is crenellated with pointed arched recesses and bastions at regular intervals are provided to cut down the monotony. The recesses are divided by pilasters, crowned with small minarets.

Intricate Jaali work Bibi Ka Maqbara 640 50The mausoleum is entered through a main entrance gate on its south, which has excellent foliage designs on brass plate on wood covering from the exterior. After passing through the entrance a small tank is provided and a low profile screen wall leads to the main structure. The screened pathway has a series of fountains at its centre, which adds to further the serene atmosphere. The mausoleum is built on a high square platform with four minarets at its corners, which is approached by a flight of steps from the three sides. A mosque is found to the west of the main structure, which was a later addition caused, by Nizam of Hyderabad resulting closure of the entrance. The mausoleum is encased with marble up to the dado level. Above the dado level, it is constructed of basaltic trap up to the base of dome; the latter is again built of marble. A fine plaster covers the basaltic trap and given a fine polished finish and adorned with fine stucco decorations. The mortal remain of Rabia-ul-Daurani is placed below the ground level surrounded by an octagonal marble screen with exquisite designs, which can be approached by a descending flight of steps. The roof of this chamber that corresponds to the ground level of the mausoleum is pierced by an octagonal opening and given a low barricaded marble screen. Thus the tomb can also be viewed from the ground level also through this octagonal opening. The mausoleum is crowned by a dome pierced with trellis works and accompanying panels decorated with flower designs. Stone Jaali work Bibi Ka Maqbara 640 50The smaller mosque, a later addition, stands to the west of the mausoleum. The bays are pierced through with five cusped arches and a minaret could be noticed at each corner. According to the “Tawarikh Namah” of Ghulam Mustafa, the cost of construction of the mausoleum was Rs. 6,68,203-7 (Rupees Six Lakh, Sixty Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Three & Seven Annas) in 1651-1661 A.D. (Write up source: Archelogical Survey of India) Some useful websites: http://aurangabad.bih.nic.in/ https://www.irctc.co.in/eticketing/loginHome.jsf http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/html/maharashtratourism/default.aspx?strpage=../maharashtratourism/citiestovisits/aurangabad.html www.makemytrip.com http://www.wnyholidays.in/ - - - - -

Halebid Temple, Karnataka, India, 12th-13th century A.D.

Halebid Temple, Karnataka, India, 12th-13th century A.D.

Halebid also know as Dwarasamudra (gateway to the seas) in ancient times is in Hassan district. Halebid is approx 27 kms away from Hassan and was the capital of Hoysala Empire. It flourished as the capital of the Hoysala Dynasty for about 150 years.

Halebid (also pronounced as Hale'beedu) literally means 'the old city'. Beedu also stands for layout or a place of human habitat. The Hoysalas ruled this city for about 150 years. Then it was sacked by the armies of Malik Kafur in the early 14th century, after which it fell into a state of disrepair.

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