Manjarabad Fort: A Vaubanesque Star-Shaped fort

Manjarabad Fort

Manjarabad fort is star-shaped fort located in Sakleshpur, Karnataka on the bank of river Hemavati at an altitude of 3240ft above sea level. Sakleshpur is also famously known as “poor man’s Ooty”. The fort was built in 1792 by Tipu Sultan the then ruler of Mysore. The fort was designed in the pattern of the military forts developed by the French architect Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban.

The fort came in useful for Tipu Sultan to keep an eye on the British army as well as the Kodagu army as they marched towards Mysore from the Sakleshpur side. It was, according to historian Srivatsa Vati, a fort to store arms and ammunition.

Why Manjarabad? The name Manjarabad comes from Kannada word ‘Manju’  which means fog or mist. During an inspection of the fort, while it was constructed, Tipu Sultan observed the fog cover. Observing this beautiful landscape Tipu Sultan named this iconic fort as Manjarabad.

Aerial view from Manjarabad Fort

The fort is unique in terms of architecture. This is single level castle having an octagonal layout with eight walls (star-shaped architecture).  This fortification style evolved during the age of gunpowder when cannon came to dominate the battlefield. The external walls of the fort have been built with granite stones and lime mortar while the interior buildings, which accommodate army barracks, armory, stores and others, have been built with fired bricks. The fort has sloping walls. It is fortified with bastions which project out from the walls and which are in the form of arrowheads, unlike the semi-circular or square shaped bastions common in other parts of the country. The fort has a parapet in brick and mortar, provided with cannon mounts and musket holes at regular intervals. From the fortification, one can get a perfect view of the Western Ghats. It is said that on a clear day, one can even see the Arabian sea.

Cross-Shaped` Water Tank

Inside the fort there a cross-shaped tank to collect rainwater to meet the drinking water requirements of the guards. All along the north-western and northern sides are arched cells which served as resting places for guards. It is also said that there is a tunnel inside the fort connecting to the Srirangapatnam fort.

Resting place for the Guards

Star fortifications were further developed in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries primarily in response to the French invasion of the Italian peninsula. The French army was equipped with new cannon and bombards that were easily able to destroy traditional fortifications built in the Middle Ages. In order to counteract the power of the new weapons, defensive walls were made lower and thicker usually, made with earth and brick, as the brick does not shatter on impact from a cannonball as stone does.

Sloping Walls of the Fort made up of brick.

Another important design modification was the bastions that characterized the new fortresses. In order to improve the defense of the fortress, covering fire had to be provided, often from multiple angles. The result was the development of star-shaped fortresses. This structure reduced the dead zones to almost zero providing better security and visibility across the fort.

Manjarabad Fort Entrance

Eagle viewpoint used for vigilance

Surveillance Tower to keep an eye on enemies

Fort Exterior walls

Aerial view of Sakleshpur from Manjarabad Fort.

How to reach

1. You can reach Sakleshpur via Buses and Trains. Look up buses on RedBus and you will find many private buses. Few trains are also available which connects the city to Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli and other cities of Karnataka. Hasan is a major nearest city well connected via buses and trains.
2. Once in the city, you can take auto-rickshaw and ask them to take you to the fort. They charge around Rs 100 for the 5 km ride.
3. The fort is located at a curve near Donigal about 6.4 km from Sakleshpur on NH48 that runs from Bangalore to Mangalore.

India Gate: A tribute to the Indian Warriors

India Gate is the popular name of the war memorial located off-centre in a large hexagonal space with roads radiating from it, designed by Lutyens is similar to European Memorial arches. It is located at the heart of New Delhi and is easily accessible by DTC buses and Metro. The Nearest Metro station is Central Secretariat. While coming out of Metro station we can see the India Gate from the Raisina Hills. In the opposite direction of India Gate, we can see the residence of the President of India. Republic Day Parade follows the Rajpath and leads to India Gate.

Rajpath Leading to India Gate from Rashtrapati Bhawan

India Gate

The arch stands 42m high and is made up of Red Bharatpur Stone. The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921. The arch commemorates the 70000 Indian Soldiers who had given the sacrifice of their lives in the First World War for British Army. The memorial bears more than 13500 names of British and Indian Army officers killed in North-Western Frontier in the Afghan war in 1919. After laying the foundation stone of the War memorial in 1921, the rail-line was shifted to run along the Yamuna River and the New Delhi Railway Station was opened in 1926. The arch is having a large stone with pine cones on both sides. As per Roman mythology, these pines are the symbols of death and regeneration. The cornice is inscribed with the Imperial suns. The dates MCMXIV (1914 left) and MCMXIX (1919 right) are inscribed on both sides of the arch. The shallow domed bowl at the top is intended to be filled with burning oil on special occasions which is rarely performed nowadays. 

Pine Cones at India Gate

Below the word INDIA, message inscribed in capital letters at India Gate:

"TO THE DEAD OF THE INDIAN ARMIES WHO FELL HONOURED IN FRANCE AND FLANDERS MESOPOTAMIA AND PERSIA EAST AFRICA GALLIPOLI AND ELSEWHERE IN THE NEAR AND THE FAR-EAST AND  IN SACRED MEMORY ALSO OF THOSE WHOSE NAMES ARE RECORDED AND WHO FELL IN INDIA OR THE NORTH-WEST FRONTIER AND DURING THE THIRD AFGHAN WAR"

The message inscribed on India Gate

Night View of Pine Cones

Amar Jawan Jyoti

In 1931, the monument was dedicated to the nation by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Below the arches, Amar Jawan Jyoti, the `flame of the eternal warrior` was erected as a tribute to Indian Soldiers bravery and sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The eternal flame burns day and night giving tribute to the soldiers who lay down their lives to save their nation from enemies. The structure is consisting of black marble plinth, with the reversed rifle, capped by war helmet, bound by four urns, each with the permanent light (Jyoti) from (CNG) flames. Amar Jawan Jyoti is manned round the clock by soldiers drawn from the three services of the Indian armed forces. Wreaths are placed at the Amar Jawan Jyoti on 26 January, by the Prime Minister of India, and Chiefs of Armed Forces; on Vijay Diwas, and on Infantry Day.

Canopy at India Gate

East of this memorial there is a canopy which is placed in the centre of the hexagon. The canopy was designed by Lutyens as a memorial to George V, who died in 1936. It used to hold the statue of George V till 1968. After which it has been removed to Coronation Park, North Delhi. There has been a debate about placing a statue of Mahatma Gandhi under this canopy to its demolition. But it is still visible from a distance and is adding beauty to India gate.

Earlier in the British era, the area around India gate was famous as 'Princess Park'. In Jul 2014, Government has announced plans to construct a National War Memorial around the canopy and a National War Museum in adjoining Princess Park. This is one of the famous, popular and most visited places in Delhi, irrespective of age groups. One can see hordes of people moving around the brightly lit area and on the lawns on summer evenings. A large expanse of lush green lawns around this arch is a popular picnic spot. The Republic Day The parade starts from Rashtrapati Bhavan and passes around the India Gate. We can see people flying kites, enjoying evening walks, gossiping. The lawn of India Gate has one of the famous boat clubs. Flood Lighting in the evening adds to its beauty.

Flags of three section of Indian Forces at Amar Jawan Jyoti

Flags from Canopy Side

India Gate at Night Flood Lighting

India Gate at Night

India Gate

India Gate Architecture

India Gate at Night

Reflection of India Gate on the side water pools

India Gate

Rishikesh : The land of Gods

Generally in summers temperature in India shoots up to 40 degree Celsius. Every one prefers to visit hill stations or the Himalayas to get rid of scorching heat. One of the famous places to visit in summer is Rishikesh, located at foot hills of Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India.

Himalaya Outdoors, Rishikesh

One can reach to Rishikesh from Delhi by air, train, bus or cab. Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport which is 35 km from Rishikesh. By Road it takes approx. 6-7 hours from New Delhi.

Rishikesh is connected to the most of the cities by NH58. The route passes over Meerut, one of the places having great importance in Indian history where Sepoy mutiny started in 1857. One can enjoy the greenery on the road side. The road finally enters Uttarakhand. On the way we can see IIT Roorkee, one of the prestigious Indian education institute, Haridwar, the pious place and “Har ki Pauri Ghat”.

Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh is full of adventures.  The wonderful things one can experience are River rafting, Bungee jumping, Giant Swing, Flying fox, Kayaking , Rock climbing, Rappelling and many more. For Bungee Jumping, Giant Swing and flying fox one has to visit “The Jumpin Heights – ‘India’s first extreme adventure zone’.  For more details log on to: http://www.jumpinheights.com.

One can experience air at very high speed of 140-160 Kmph while flying as Flying fox.  After having adventurous task adventurers can relax themselves in the camps and enjoy the night camping.  The camps can be booked on-line or at the venue based on availability at varying price depending on facilities available.

Generally the packages varies from 1500 INR to 3000 INR and includes River rafting and meal charges. It is very amazing to see river Ganga flowing in between the mountains of Himalayas breaking the silence of surroundings.

Camps at the Bank of Ganges

River Rafting at The Ganges, Rishikesh

A weekend is good enough to enjoy Rishikesh. It is better to reach Rishikesh early in the morning book the camps and have light breakfast before heading towards Jumpin Heights. After adventurous activities one can return back to camp and relax in chilling fresh water of the Ganges. In evening one can enjoy Volleyball, beautiful scenery and bonfire with light evening snacks.

Next day morning it is better to leave early for river rafting after having light breakfast, the most amazing activities that one must experience at Rishikesh. The raft passes through some of the most exciting rapids like Major 1, Major 2, major 3, Sweet Sixteen, Three Blind Mice, etc. in river Ganga. One can try Body surfing and Cliff jumping while doing rafting. Generally it takes 3-4 hours and  can vary up to 6 hours. On the way to return one can visit Ram Jhoola, Laxman jhoola, Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

River Rafting, The Ganges, Rishikesh

River rafting

Beach Volleyball

Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Shivalik, Rishikesh

The Ganges passing through Himalayas, Vyasi, Rishikesh 

Rafting team 

Rishikesh

Lotus Temple: The Baha'i House of Worship

Baha’i house of worship well known as Lotus temple is located in New Delhi. The temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Bhai’s house of worship built around the world. It is one of the prominent attractions of the city.

Bahai Temple

 

The structure is made up of pure white marble. It was designed by the Iranian Architect Fariborz Sahba. He chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. The temple is open to all regardless of religion, or any other distinction. 

There is no clergy in this temple and the service consists of prayers and readings of selections from Baha’i scriptures and religious texts of the other faiths of the world in any language. Readings and prayers can be set to music by choirs but no musical instrument can be played inside the temple. No sermons can be delivered and there can be no ritualistic ceremonies practiced. Prayers.Prayers can be offered in between 10 am. to 12 pm. in the day and 3 pm to 5 pm. in the evening.

Cluster of three petals

Abdu’l-Baha, the son of the founder of the religion specified nine side circular shapes to be the essential architectural character of the Baha’i house of Temple. The roots of religion are clearly visible in the architecture of this building. The meaningful and powerful symbols which can be seen in the buildings and in their ornamentation, and even in the settings, in which they have been placed, draw their inspiration from the religious convictions of the people, convictions which form an integral part of the Indian way of life. We can discover the symbolic meanings which the forms, the colours, and the statue in the temple convey. 

The design of the temple manifests the Baha’i faith and reveals the simplicity, clarity and freshness of this new revelation. Moreover it also signifies there is a single religion of the God. The architecture of the Indian temple is inspired from the sacred flower of the Indians, the Lotus. Lotus has been the fairest flower as per Indian taste and has enjoyed unparalleled popularity throughout the length and breadth of the country. 

The temple is composed of 27 free standing marble clad “petals” arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The nine doors of the Lotus temples open into the central Hall which is capable of folding up to 2500 people. The building is made up of white marble from Penteli Mountain, Greece. There are nine ponds and a garden surrounding this temple. The temple was constructed by ECC group of Larsen and Turbo Limited. It was completed on 13 November 1986 and opened for visitors on 24 December, 1986. We can get more information about the temple from the information centre.

Close look of the petals of Bhai Temple

Lotus temple at Night

Lotus temple

Lotus temple

 For more information about the Architecture visit: http://www.bahaihouseofworship.in/jewel-in-the-lotus