Cultural Heritage – West
Ajanta Caves
Not far from Jalgaon city of Maharashtra is the stupendous Ajanta Caves famous for its illustration of Gautam Buddha’s life through the striking paintings and sculptures on its walls. The caves were carved out from the heart of the rocks way back in the 2nd century BC-AD and is said to have been discovered in AD 1819. The 30 large caves have attracted people from various parts of the globe for its unique Buddha and Bodhisattvas painting and sculptural themes. Here is your chance to explore the masterpieces of revolutionary Buddhist religious art.
Ellora Caves
Meticulously carved out of mountainsides the resplendent Ellora Caves is the ostentation of ancient architecture. The Charnadari Hill in the Deccan houses the 34 temples and monasteries that have lived on for centuries revealing stories of the glorious past of India . There are 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain caves thus making Ellora a vast canvas showcasing varied art forms. The unison of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cultures in these caves illustrate the bonhomie amongst various castes and creeds in Ancient India. All the caves display robust earthiness. The adept craftsmanship comes alive in the Tin Tala (or Cave 12) and the Kailasa Temple (or Cave 16).
Elephanta Caves
Far from the roaring city scapes of Mumbai is the small and cozy Elephanta island known for its ingenious rock cut temples that date back to the 5th century. It is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai and can be accessed by a motorboat or a ferry that ply at regular intervals. The Portugese named the island after the Elephant statue at the landing area and is a favourite haunt of pilgrims, photographers and historians from varied parts of India and the globe. The island houses temples of Lord Shiva spreading over 60000 square feet which was created through a meticulous process of rock removal. The rock sculptures and carvings lead you throughout the temple as the Shiva story unveils. The most charismatic aspect of the entire temple is the massive 20-feet high image of the three-headed Shiva (know as the Trimuti) that captures everyone’s fancy. The Shiva Trimurti sculpture is so enticing and inspirational that the MTDC decided to sport it as their logo. The temple is the perfect ostentation of a rich Indian art form that is redundant in this new age. The age-old sense of aesthetics and temple architecture are evident in the gigantic hallways, pillars and embellishments. When in Mumbai take a cab to the magnificent Gateway of India and step into a ferry as you race through the waters of the Sea of Oman just to discover a temple that has many stories to say!
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
From the chaotic hustle-bustle and mundane urban landscape soars the majestic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus). It’s the busiest railway station in Mumbai catering to 6.1 million commuters on a daily basis. The station was named Victoria Terminus in honour of the reigning Queen Victoria and is better known to Mumbaites as VT. The Stations edifice displays a homogenous juxtaposition of Indian and Venetian Gothic style of architecture and is a perfect example of advanced structural and technical solutions, which till date inspire many. The VT station was built over 10 years starting in 1878 by British architect F W Stevens with the help of Indian craftsmen. The architect has cleverly designed and crafted every detail in the structure – the stone dome, turrets, or even the pointed arches. The next time you visit Mumbai do visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to witness the 19 th century railway architectural marvel.all for your eyes.
Churches and Convents of Goa
Goa is not all about its beaches. The real Goa is in its less-popular interiors where you could discover its rich and true cultural heritage. The influence of 450 years of Portuguese rule is evident in Goan life. Goa Velha or Old Goa was once the Portuguese empires capital and has the finest most comprehensive group churches and cathedrals built during 16 th to 17 th century AD . Though aged by time, the churches and cathedrals still have an undying charm that attracts tourists and pilgrims from various parts of the globe.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus
The world-renowned church is known for housing the mausoleum of Saint Francis Xavier. The intricate designs and finely carved embellishments are matchless and are a perfect display of Renaissance architecture at its best. Every aspect of the church is well-thought – from the confession box to the exquisitely carved stone doorway. Sculptor Giovanni Batista Foggini designed the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, which is the main attraction. The church construction begun in 1594 and went on till 1689.
Se Cathedral
Everything at Se Cathedral is large. The Se Cathedral has the largest altar and the largest bell. It took 80 long years to build it. And, the Se Cathedral is the largest church in Asia . The Portugese wanted a grand, plush church that promulgated the wealth, power and prosperity of its empire. With 15 altars, 8 chapels, huge pillars,
Church of Lady of Rosary
Royally perched on the Holy Hill is the Church of Lady of Rosary. One of the oldest churches in Goa it was built in 1544 and took 6 years to complete. The Manueline style of architecture dominates the church interiors along with Gothic elements. It was here that St. Francis Xavier taught Catechism and spread the word of Christianity. The main attraction is the glorious feast in the month of November.
The Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, and Church of St. Augustine are the other churches that are a must see when in Goa.
Come and discover the pious side of Goa !
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
A recent addition to the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is a must see if you ever visit India . The pious Park is a site of worship and pilgrimage for Hindu believers who flock it from varied parts of India and the world. The Park takes you back in time as you walk through the edifices and unexcavated landscape that houses the 16th century capital of the state of Gujarat, a fortress perched on a hill, various palaces, religious buildings, ingenious water retaining installations and various other abandoned constructions from the 8th to the 14th centuries. But the main attraction of the Park is the Kalikamata Temple , which is the most magnificent part of the entire city. Mehmud Begda had built this glorious city, which was a juxtaposition of varied cultural influences some of which have disappeared in time.
Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka
Right at the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. Bhimbetka reflects a long interaction between people and the landscape, as demonstrated in the finesse of the craftsmen and the vast canvas used to create this piece of rock art.
The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the twenty-one villages adjacent to the site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings. The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka was first mentioned in Indian archaeological records in 1888 as a Buddhist site-based on information gathered from local adivasis. It was V. S. Wakankar and a team of archaeologists that discovered these prehistoric Rock Shelters in 1957. You can see paintings of elephants, sambhar, bisons, deer, peacock, a snake, a deer, and the sun. And even paintings of hunters carrying bows, arrows, swords and shield adorn the walls. It is the perfect showcase of Petroglyphs at their best. It is a marvel that the paintings have not faded even after thousands of years. As work goes on 700 such shelters have been identified presently, of which 243 are in Bhimbetka group and 178 in Lakha Juar group.
You can access the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka just 45 km south of Bhopal.
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