|
Copyright © Bhopalbuzz.com |
Year
2010 |
Website
by Effects Multimedia & Design Cell, Bhopal |
| Heritages
& Tourist places nearby Bhopal |
|
| For
information on Lodging, Boarding, Taxis, Air/Rail/Bus ticket reservation,
please send us your query here. |
| 1. |
Bhojeshwar Temple (Bhojpur) |
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Bhojpur
Temple |
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Founded by the legendary Parmara King of
Dhar, Raja Bhoj (1010-1053 AD), and named after him, Bhojpur,
28 km from Bhopal, is renowned for the remains of its magnificent
Shiva temple and Cyclopean dam. Raja (King) Bhoja was, an
engineer, a warrior, a great administrator and a man of formidable
vision.
The
Paramaras were warrior nomads from the Steppes who had ridden
into the reputedly rich lands of India. The Paramara dynasty
lasted for 110 years and produced a lineage of warrior-scholars
who were as a adroit at waging wars as they were at penning
poems. But of all the heroic Paramaras who dominated Malwa,
Raja Bhoja was undoubtedly the greatest of the Huns and Chalukyas
of Kalyani, he also wrote books on astronomy, medicine, grammer,
lexiconography, religion and architecture.
After
being cured from the disease, in thanks giving, Raja Bhoja
began the construction of great Bhojeshwar temple. Constructed
in the latter part of 11th century, its great stone blocks
encompass a doorframe, which towers ten meters high and five
meters wide. Four titanic pillars, richly carved, rise to
support an incomplete dome. The high noon sun lances through
doom, illuminates a massive pedestal made of three stepped
blocks of sandstone, seven meters square.
Dominating
this platform and the great brooding temple is a magnificent
lingam (a phallic symbol, a symbol of energy, fertility and
potency) more than two meters high and over five meters in
circumference. The temple still shows the renaissance reach
of his mind. Here religion and architecture, sculpture, drama
and weired vision combine in a compelling assertion of reality.
The
temple was never completed and the earthen ramp used to raise
it to dome-level still stands. Had it been completed, it would
have had very few rivals. As it is, even with the ravages
of time, it remains one of the best examples of temple architecture
of the 11th - 13th centuries.
Also
incomplete, and with a similar stone-raising ramp, is a lain
shrine that stands close to the Bhojeshwar temple. Three figures
of the tirthankaras are contained within, one being a colossal
statue of Mahavira 20 feet high, and the other two of Parsvanath.
Rectangular in plan, this temple probably belongs to the same
period as the Bhojeshwar.
West
of Bhojpur once lay a vast lake, but nothing remains except
the ruins of the magnificent old dams by which its waters
were contained. The site was chosen with great skill, as a
natural wall of hills enclosed the whole area except for two
gaps, 100 yards and 500 yards in width respectively.
The lake was destroyed by Hoshang Shah of Malwa (1405-34),
who cut through the lesser dam, and thus, either intentionally
or in a fit of destructive passion, added an enormous area
of the highest fertility to his possessions. According to
a Gond legend, it took an army of them three months to cut
through the dam, and the lake took three years to empty, while
its bed was not, habitable for thirty years afterwards. The
climate of Malwa is said to have been considerably altered
by the removal of this vast sheet of water. |
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How
to Reach : |
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By
Air |
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Bhopal
(28 km from Bhojpur)is the nearest airport. It is connected
with daily flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Indore and Gwalior. |
| By
Rail |
: |
Bhopal,
on the Delhi-Madras and Delhi-Mumbai mainline is the most convenient
rail-head. |
| By
Road |
: |
Bhojpur
is well connected by road with Bhopal. Private cabs and buses
are readily available. |
| 2. |
Bhimbetka
Caves |
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Rock
Shelters |
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Bhimbetka, discovered couple of decade
back, groups over five hundred rock-shelters belonging to
the Neolithic age, containing paintings of men and animals
in myriad forms. Surrounded by the Northern fringe of the
Vindhyan ranges, Bhimbetka lies 46 km South of Bhopal. Here,
in vivid panoramic detail, paintings in over 500 caves depict
the life of the pre-historic cave-dwellers making the Bhimbetka
group an archaeological treasure, an invaluable chronicle
in the history of man.
Executed mainly in red and white with the occasional use
of green and yellow, with themes taken from everyday events
of eons ago, the scenes usually depict hunting, dancing,
music, horse and elephant riders, animals fighting, honey
collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masking and
household scenes. Animals such as bisons, tigers, lions,
wild boar, elephants, antelopes, dogs, lizards, crocodiles
etc. have been depicted in some caves. Popular religious
and ritual symbols also occur frequently.
Bhimbetka was first mentioned in Indian archeological records
in 1888 as a Buddhist site. Since then, more than 700 such
shelters have been identified, of which 243 are in Bhimbetka
group and 178 in Lakha Juar group. Archeological studies
revealed a continuous sequence of Stone Age cultures (from
the late Acheulian to the late Mesolithic), as also the
world’s oldest stone walls and floors. Earliest paintings
on the cave walls are believed to be of Mesolithic period.
Broad chronology of the finds has been done, but a detailed
chronology is yet to be created.
A rock, popularly called as “Zoo Rock” depicts
pictures of elephants, sambhar, bisons and deer. Paintings
on another rock show a peacock, a snake, a deer and the
sun. On another rock, two elephants with tusks are painted.
Hunting scenes with hunters carrying bows, arrows, swords
and shield also find their place. In one of the caves, a
bison has been shown in pursuit of a hunter while his two
companions stand helplessly, in another some horsemen are
seen along with some archers.
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It
is a marvel that the paintings have not faded even after thousands
of years. It is believed that these paints were made of colored
earth, vegetable dyes, roots and animal fat. Brushes were
made of pieces of fibrous plants. Over these caves the Stone
Age artists painted their hopes and fears, weaving an enchantment
that still ensnares us. These specimen, display great vitality
and narrative skill. There are scenes of domestic bliss-a
women with a child or performing household chores, and documentation
of a hunt, raid during warfare. One cannot remain immune to
the excitement that slowly builds up- a memorable moment in
time when our ancestors were taking the leap from animal to
human existence-groping cautiously to achieve social organization.
To really experience the journey back to Stone Age Man one
should move around the place gently and examine minutely the
whole surroundings because each boulder and every overhanging
rock speaks of the magical history.
Barkhera
7 km from Bhimbetka, is one of the richest open air Stone
Age sites in South Asia. There are thousands of Acheulian
tools scattered in the thick teak forest, and fields on the
other side of the road. Barkhera was a large camp site of
the final Acheulian hunter-gathers. |
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How
to Reach : |
| By
Air |
: |
Bhopal
(46 km from Bhimbetka Caves) is the nearest airport. It
is connected with daily flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Indore
and Gwalior. |
| By
Rail |
: |
Bhopal,
on the Delhi-Madras and Delhi-Mumbai mainline is the most
convenient rail-head. |
| By
Road |
: |
Bhimbetka
is well connected by road with Bhopal. Private cabs and
buses are readily available. |
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| 3. |
Sanchi
Stupas |
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'Stupa'
at Sanchi |
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The Hill of Sanchi is situated about 45 Kilometers from
Bhopal and about 9 kilometers southwest of Vidisha in Madhaya
Pradesh, India. Crowning the hilltop of Sanchi, nearly ninety
one metres in height, a group of Buddhist monuments commands
a grand view even from a distance. It is unique not only
in its having the most perfect and well-preserved ‘stupas’
(columns) but also in its offering a wide and educative
field for the study of the genesis, efflorescence and decay
of Buddhist art and architecture for a period of about thirteen
hundred years, from the third century B.C. to the twelfth
century, A.D., almost covering the whole range of Indian
Buddhism.
The foundation of the great religious establishment at Sanchi
destined to have a glorious career as an important centre
of Buddhism for many centuries to come, was probably laid
by the great Maurya emperor Asoka (circa 273-236 B.C.),
when he built a stupa and erected a monolithic pillar here.
By its quietude and seclusion ensuring a proper atmosphere
for meditation, combined with its proximity to the rich
and populous city of Vidisha, Sanchi fulfilled all the conditions
required for an ideal Buddhist monastic life.
After a prolonged period of stagnation and lassitude under
the Kashtrapas, there was a revival of sculptural activity
at Sanchi during the reign of the Guptas, who, after conquering
the Kshatrapas (circa A.D. 400), provided peace and prosperity
essential for the growth of artistic pursuits.
The Gupta period, which ushered in a new epoch in the history
of Indian temple-architecture, saw at Sanchi as well as
resuscitation of structural activity. In Temple 17 which
has withstood the ravages of time, we find one of the earliest
Gupta temples noted for their well-balanced proportion,
restraint in ornamentation and elegance.
After the glorious days of the Guptas centrifugal forces
became once more rampant. And then came the shock of the
Hana invasions, which resulted in the seizure of a large
part of western and central India by that tribe. But that
occupation was short lived, to be shattered by Yasodharman's
victory over their chief Mihirakula in the first half of
the sixth century.
On the ashes of the Gupta empire rose a number of small
kingdoms, none of which was powerful enough to bring any
large part of India under its aegis, till Harshavardhana
(AD 606-647) achieved some sort of political unity in northern
India. His espousal of the cause of Buddhism brought a fresh
lease of life to that religion. The vestiges of the seventh
and eighth centuries, which saw at Sanchi the building of
several monasteries and temples, reveal a prosperous condition
of the Buddhist community at the place. The number of the
images of Buddha made during the period was fairly considerable,
executed in late Gupta tradition, they, however, lack the
charm and grace of their prototypes and are almost lifeless
and mechanical.
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It
is not known how the end came to the Buddhist establishment
at Sanchi. We do not know if the Buddhists deserted the place
or gradually lost their vital forces to maintain their individuality
thus succumbing to the all absorbing force of Brahmanism,
which was one of the potent causes of the extinction of Buddhism
in the land of its birth.
From the fourteenth century
onwards, Sanchi was left deserted and unnoticed, till in
the year 1818 General Taylor brought it to public attention
by discovering its ruins, of which he found Supas 1, 2 and
3 intact. The great interest which this discovery created
accounts to a large extent for the immense damages suffered
by the monuments at the hands of amateur archaeologists
and treasure-hunters. In 1822, Captain Johnson, Assistant
Political Agent in Bhopal, opened up Stupa-1 from top to
bottom on one side, thus leaving a great breach which resulted
in the collapse of the West Gateway and a part of the enclosing
balustrade. Stupa 2 was also partially destroyed. Alexander
Cunningham, together with Captain F. C. Maisey, excavated
Stupas 2 and 3 in 1851 and found relic caskets within. They
also sank a shaft at the centre of Stupa-1, which, however,
failed to yield any relies. These operations coupled with
the depredations of villagers and the growth of vegetation,
brought havoc to the stupas. The pillar of Asoka was broken
into pieces by a local ‘zamindar’ to
be utilized as a sugarcane press.
The question of repairs
and preservation was not considered till 1881, when Major
Cole took up the work in earnest and succeeded, in the course
of the next three years, in clearing off vegetation, filling
in the breach in the dome of Stupa-1, setting up its fallen
West and South Gateways and a part of its railing and restoring
the gateway in front of Stupa V. The other monuments, however,
were left uncared for and no attempt was made to expose
the structures lying buried under debris. This work was
later on undertaken creditably by Sir John Marshall, Director
General of Archaeology in India, who, between the years
1912 and 1919, brought the monuments to their present condition.
His work entailed a large-scale clearance of jungle, excavation
and thorough conservation of the edifices, which included
the complete dismantling and rebuilding of the southwest
quadrant of Stupa 1, setting up of its balustrades and erection
of the crowning members, reconstruction of the dome, balustrade
and crowning members of Stupa 3, resetting of the out-of-plumb
pillars of Temple 18 repairs to the perilously decayed Temple
45, rebuilding of the retaining wall between the main terrace
and Eastern Area, re-roofing and repairs of Temples 17,
31 and 32 and provision of an effective drainage. The site
was next turfed and planted with trees and flowering creepers.
A small museum was also built to house the loose antiquities
found in the course of these operations.
In
1936, Mohammad Hamid excavated the ruins on the hill-slope
between Stupas 1 and 2 and brought to light the well-preserved
shell of a monastery. Since then, though no excavation has
been done, the monuments have received persistent attention
and have been saved for posterity.
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| How
to Reach : |
| By
Air |
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Bhopal
(45 km from Sanchi) is the nearest airport. It is connected
with daily flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Indore and Gwalior. |
| By
Rail |
: |
Bhopal,
on the Delhi-Madras and Delhi-Mumbai mainline is the most
convenient rail-head. |
| By
Road |
: |
Sanchi
is well connected by road with Bhopal. Private cabs and
buses are readily available. |
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| 4. |
Udaigiri
Caves |
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Udaigiri
Caves |
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The city of Vidisha is 54 Kilometers from Bhopal. About
five Kilometers from Vidisha is Udaigiri. These are a group
of rock-cut caves 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 reign
of Chandragupta II (382-401 AD), thus dating these caves
to 4th - 5th century AD. Many still have carvings, sculptures,
and inscriptions in Pali language. A huge image of Lord
Vishnu in his boar incarnation adorns cave 5. The King Chandragupta
II apparently had cave 7 cut out for his personal use. On
the top of the hill lie the ruins of a 6th century Gupta
temple.
Cave No. 20 has idols of Bhagwan Parsvanath of 10th century
AD and Idol of Bhagwan Adinath. About half a Kilometer from
this place there is an ancient Jain temple where one could
see idol of Bhagwan Suparsvanath in standing posture.
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Udaygiri
is word of Sanskrit language meaning – Sunrise Hills.
The Udaygiri caves possess all the distinctive features that
gave Gupta art its unique vitality, vigour and richness of
expression; the beautifully moulded capitals, the treatment
of the intercolumniation, the design of the entrance way and
the system of continuing the architrave as a stringcourse
around the structures.
The caves have been numbered
probably according to the sequence in which they were excavated,
beginning with Cave 1, which has a frontage adapted out
of a natural ledge of rock, thus forming both the root of
the cave and its portico. The row of four pillars bear the
‘vase and foliage’ pattern of which the eminent
art historian Percy Brown so eloquently says: “the
Gupta capital typifies a renewal of faith, the water nourishing
the plant trailing from its brim, and allegory which has
produced vase and flower motif, one of the most graceful
forms in Indian architecture”.
The
shrines are progressively more spacious and ornate. Cave
No.9 is remarkable for its large ceiling and massive, 8
feet high pillars, its long portico and pillared hall. Throughout,
there is evidence that the master craftsmen of Besnagar
practised their art with skill and artistry under the Guptas.
Four centuries later. In Cave No. 5 a massive carving depicts
Lord Vishnu in his Varaha avatar, aloft one tusk. Yet another
stupendous sculpture is of the reclining Vishnu. Taken as
a whole, this group is a rich representation of the vitality
and strength of Gupta art and architecture.
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| How
to Reach : |
| By
Air |
: |
Bhopal
(59 km from Udaigiri) is the nearest airport. It is connected
with daily flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Indore and Gwalior. |
| By
Rail |
: |
Bhopal,
on the Delhi-Madras and Delhi-Mumbai mainline is the most
convenient rail-head. |
| By
Road |
: |
Udaigiri
is well connected by road with Vidisha & Bhopal. Private
cabs and buses are readily available. |
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| 5. |
Mandu |
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Fort
at Mandu |
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Mandu is a celebration in stone, of life and joy, of the
love of the poet-prince Baz Bahadur for his beautiful consort,
Rani Roopmati. The balladeers of Malwa still sing of the
romance of these royal lovers, and high up on the crest
of a hill, Roopmati's Pavilion still gazes down at Baz Bahadur's
Palace, a magnificent expression of Afghan architecture.
Under Mughal rule, Mandu was a pleasure resort, its lakes
and palaces the scenes of splendid and extravagant festivities
and the glory of Mandu lives on, in legends and songs, chronicled
for posterity.
Mandu is situated in the central Indian state of Madhya
Pradesh. It is around 283 Kilometers away from the capital
city Bhopal.
Perched along the Vindhya ranges at an altitude of 2,000
feet, Mandu, with its natural defenses, was originally the
fort capital of the Parmar rulers of Malwa. Towards the
end of the 13th century, it came under the sway of the Sultans
of Malwa, the first of whom named it Shadiabad - 'City of
Joy'. And indeed the pervading spirit of Mandu was of gaiety;
and its rulers built exquisite palaces like the Jahaaz and
Hindola Mahals, ornamental canals, baths and pavilions,
as graceful and refined as those times of peace and plenty.
Each of Mandu's structures is an architectural gem; some
are outstanding like the massive Jami Masjid and Hoshang
Shah's tomb, which provided inspiration to the master builders
of the Taj Mahal centuries later.
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PLACES
TO VISIT
The Darwazas
The 45 km parapet of walls that encircle Mandu are punctuated
by 12 gateways. Most notable of these is Delhi Darwaza,
the main entrance to the fortress city, for which the approach
is through a series of gateways well fortified with walled
enclosures and strengthened by bastions such as the Alamgir
and Bhangi Darwaza, through which the present road passes.
Rampol Darwaza, Jehangir Gate and Tarapur Gate are some
of the other main gateways.
Jahaz Mahal
This 120 mt long "ship palace" built between the
two artificial lakes, Munj Talao and Kapur Talao is an elegant
two storeyed palace. Probably it was built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din-Khilji
for his large harem. With its open pavilions, balconies
overhanging the water and open terrace, Jahaz Mahal is an
imaginative recreation in stone of a royal pleasure craft.
Viewed on moonlit nights from the adjoining Taveli Mahal,
the silhouette of the building, with the tiny domes and
turrets of the pavilion gracefully perched on the terrace,
presents an unforgettable spectacle.
Hindola Mahal
An audience hall, also belonging to Ghiyas-ud-din's
reign, it derives its name of "swinging palace"
from its sloping sidewalls. Superb and innovative techniques
are also evident in its ornamental facade, delicate trellis
work in sand-stone and beautifully moulded columns.
To the West of Hindola Mahal
there are several unidentified buildings which still bear
traces of their past grandeur. Amidst these is an elaborately
constructed well called Champa Baoli which is connected
with underground vaulted rooms where arrangements for cold
and hot water were made.
Hoshang Shah's Tomb
India's first
marble edifice, it is one of the most refined examples of
Afghan architecture. Its unique features are the magnificently
proportioned dome, marble lattice work of remarkable delicacy
and porticoed courts and towers to mark the four corners
of the rectangle. Shah Jehan sent four of his great architects
to study the design of and draw inspiration from the Tomb.
Among them was Ustad Hamid, who was also associated with
the construction of Taj Mahal.
Jami Masjid
Inspired by the great mosque of Damascus, the Jami
Masjid was conceived on a grand scale, with a high plinth
and a huge domed porch projecting in the centre, the background
dominated by similar imposing domes with the intervening
space filled up by innumerable domes. One is struck by the
huge proportions and the stern simplicity of its construction.
The great court of the mosque is enclosed on all sides by
huge colonnades with a rich and pleasing variety in the
arrangement of arches, pillars, number of bays, and in the
rows of domes above.
Rewa Kund
A reservoir, built by Baz Bahadur with an aqueduct
to provide Roopmati's palace with water. Today, the pool
is revered as a sacred spot.
Baz Bahadur's Palace
Built by Baz Bahadur in the early 16th century,
the palace's unique features are its spacious courtyards
surrounded by halls and high terraces which afford a superb
view of the surrounding countryside.
Rani Roopmati's
Pavilion
The pavilion was originally built as an army observation
post. From its hilltop perch, this graceful structure with
its two pavilions was a retreat of the lovely queen, from
where she could see Baz Bahadur's palace and the Narmada
flowing through the Nimar plains far below.
Nilkanth
This sacred Shiva shrine is sited in a magnificent
setting, at the very edge of a steep gorge. In its tree-
shaded courtyard, a sacred pond is fed by a stream, and
pilgrims still gather to worship here.
Nilkanth Mahal
Belonging to the Mughal era and close to the Nilkanth
shrine, this palace was constructed by the Mughal governor,
Shah Badgah Khan for Emperor Akbar's Hindu wife. On the
walls here are some inscriptions of the time of Akbar referring
to the futility of earthly pomp and glory.
Hathi
Mahal, Darya Khan's Tomb, Dai ka Mahal, Dai ki Chhotti Behan
Ka Mahal, Malik Mughit's Mosque and Jali Mahal are some of
the other fascinating monuments. There is also the Echo Point,
the 'Delphic Oracle' of Mandu. A shout from here reverberates
far below and is heard clearly back. The Lohani Caves and
Temple Ruins, not far from the royal enclave area also merit
a visit due to their association with Mandu's history and
monuments. Sunset Point, in front of the caves affords a panoramic
view of the surrounding countryside. |
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| BEST
TIME TO VISIT
Mandu enjoys an extreme climate.
The best season to visit this place is during the monsoon,
that is, from July to September. While other places in Madhya
Pradesh and most of the north and peninsular India are closed
for tourism during monsoon, Mandu is more of a monsoon resort
than anything else. The natural surroundings are in full bloom
during this time.
PLACES AROUND MANDU
Bagh
Caves is around 50 km off Mandu on the road between Indore
and Vadodra in Gujarat. These Buddhist caves date from AD
400 to 700 and were in a poor condition until few years back
when the restoration work began. There are some government
guesthouses and dak bungalows nearby.
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| How
to Reach : |
| By
Air |
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Indore
(150 km from Mandu) is the nearest airport. It is connected
with daily flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bhopal and Gwalior. |
| By
Rail |
: |
Indore,
on the Delhi-Mumbai mainline is the most convenient rail-head. |
| By
Road |
: |
Mandu
is well connected by road with Indore & Bhopal. Private
cabs and buses are readily available. |
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| 6. |
Cities
of Attraction near Bhopal |
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One
can visit : |
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Pachmarhi
is Madhya Pradesh's most verdant jewel, a place where nature
has found exquisite expression in myriad enchanting ways.
Green shades embrace the mountains, and everywhere is heard
the gentle murmur of flowing water. Bridle paths lead into
tranquil forest glades, groves of wild bamboo and jamun, dense
Saal forests and delicate bamboo thickets.
Complementing the magnificence of nature are the works of
man, Pachmarhi is also an archaeological treasure-house. In
cave shelters in the Mahadeo Hills is an astonishing richness
in rock paintings. Most of these have been placed in the period
500-800 AD, but the earliest paintings are an estimated 10,000
years old.
The
year was 1857 when Captain James Forsyth of the Bengal Lancers
was galloping hard up the Satpura ranges. He chanced upon
this saucer-shaped valley and recommended its development
as a sanatorium. Churches and cemetries bring back memories
of the colonial past of Pachmarhi which has managed to escape
reckless plunder suffered by other hill stations of India.
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In
the Satpura Range of Central India, the Pachmari Hills is
a region rich with caves, gorges, rock shelters, and lush
vegetation. Many of the sandstone rock shelters across this
area have been decorated along the ceilings and walls with
paintings depicting a wide range of subjects. The tradition
of rock painting extends as far back as the Mesolithic (ca.
9000–3000 B.C.) into the early medieval historic period.
Images of vegetation and animals indigenous to this region
of South Asia are among the most commonly portrayed, indicating
the importance of these resources to the earliest hunter-gatherer
occupants of the shelters. Game animals such as bulls, bison,
elephants, and wild boar are depicted along with images of
lizards, fish, scorpions and birds, such as peacocks. Humans
are typically represented as hunters using spears, sticks,
and bows and arrows. Female human figures are only occasionally
shown in the earliest paintings, though they appear more frequently
in later images. The pigments used to create the paintings
were derived from naturally occurring materials such as hematite,
iron oxide, and kaolin. Variations in color were achieved
by mixing the darker pigments with white kaolin (ground limestone).
While the majority of paintings in the Pachmari Hills are
from historic periods, the earliest Mesolithic depictions
provide visually rich and compelling images of the natural
environment and some aspects of Mesolithic life. |
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Pachmari
is 200 Kilometers from Bhopal and is a hill station. A worth
place to visit. Its hill tops gives a pleasant & soothing
peace of mind. A 3 day stay at Pachmari is adequate to explore
its natural assets. Private cabs & buses are readily available
from Bhopal to reach Pachmari. |
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Over
the years the city of Indore has welcomed people from all
castes, creed, color. People from all corners of the country
particularly Kerala who have migrated & settled in the
heart of M.P. for their livelihood , education or just for
its peaceful culture.
The people are highly social & progressive which is why
all cultures from south, north, east & west have mingled
in the life of Indorians. Indore reflects the true spirit
of Unity in Diversity. The mixed culture can be invariably
seen in the typical food habits ranging from South Indian
'Idli-Dosa' , 'Vada-Sambhar' to 'Dal-Bafla' typical Malwa
Food. Indore is known for its wide variety of "Namkeens'',
Gujrati & Chineese food restaurant, Bengali sweets. |
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Indore is known as "The Commercial Capital" of the
state of Madhya Pradesh. Trade & Commerce at Indore has
a close resemblence with Mumbai. Being well connected to Mumbai
by Rail/Road/Air every business, trend be it new fashion,
technology or just the business culture, comes in very fast
to Indore. Hence sometimes also called "Mini-Bombay".
Apart from having big shops & showrooms of all the national
& international brands (Company outlets), a big cloth
market industry has flourished at Indore. Indore is also known
for its leather toys and Maheshwari & Chanderi are some
very interesting ornate sarees and brocades to offer. There
is a lot of zari work coming out of Madhya Pradesh, and the
Maheshwari sarees have particularly gained in popularity of
late. Besides the fabrics, there is a variety of local carving
crafts to choose from.
Just a four hour drive from Bhopal, one can avail private
cabs, buses or train to reach Indore. |
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The
pilgrimage town of Ujjain is about 56 kilometers from Indore.
It traces its origin to the very dawn of Indian history. Hindu
astronomy, astrology and geography have Ujjain as the base
for calculations which is the "Greenwich" of Hindu
astronomers and astrologers. Situated on the bank of river
Kshipra, it is one of the oldest holy cities
of India. It is place of one of the Kumbh Melas.
It was the capital of the Avanti Nagari of Raja Bhoj and poet
Kalidasa. It had become a great centre for learning during
the rule of the great legendary king Vikramaditya. The temple
of Mahakaleshwar is of the prime interest.
Bhartrihari caves, Sandipani (Shri Krishna's Guru) Ashram,
ancient observatory are some of the places to visit.
Ujjain is also considered as a 'tirtha' and it is
more famous for the temple of Mahakala. The Siva-linga enshrined
in this temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India.
Built by Maharaja Jaisingh-I of Jaipur in 1733, the old observatory
known as Jantar Mantar, has giant masonry astronomical instruments.
The exquisite woodwork in some of the traditional houses is
something unique to Ujjain.
It is just five hours drive from Bhopal. Private cabs and
buses are readily available. Ujjain is well connected by rail
with Bhopal. |
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