Chattri at Shivpuri

Relaxing !

Tiger enjoying the sun in his 'cage' at Bhopal's Van Vihar.

Bird over bhopal

Bird in flight over lake at kaliasoot dam in Bhopal.

bird's nest

A birds nest on a lane towards kaliasoot dam, bhopal

Bhopal bird

Gadwell at Bhopal's Van Vihar

The Gadwall (Anas strepera) is a duck of the family Anatidae and can be seen in Bhopal’s upper lake at Van Vihar in winters. It is migratory in nature, but is seen on wetlands, which Bhopal offers. It is not as gregarious as some dabbling ducks and tends to form only small flocks. This is a fairly quiet species; the male has a hoarse whistling call, and the female has a mallard like quack.

Himachal Pradesh ki Kadai

A kadai from Himachal Pradesh at Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya is an autonomous organisation of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and is dedicated to depict the story of mankind in time and space. Set up in April, 1979, is spread in 197 acres of undulating land, in front of the Bhopal's upper lake. It has natural rock shelters with prehistoric rock paintings, going back to mesolithic period, and evidence of other ancient human habitations.

Rotary on a crossing, Bhopal

Jabalpur – the city of balancing rocks!

Jabalpur is an ancient town in central Madhya Pradesh, India. It is located on the shores of River Narmada and is known for its marble rocks. But it has many other interesting sites including its unique topography..

THE CITY is surrounded by low, rocky and barren hillocks, which geologists and archaeologists can feast upon. When you are in Jabalpur you should visit Madan Mahal, a fort built by Gond Raja Madan Shah, on a top of a rocky hill. This fort dominates the skyline and provides a panoramic view of the town and the open countryside around it. One can see numerous rock formations around Madan Mahal but the one which catches your attention is at one of the exits of the Madan Mahal, atop the mountain. It is called ‘balancing rock’. Balancing rock is an independent rock balancing itself over another rock. Wikipedia puts it as an eroded volcanic rock formation. But it is a rock formation, perfectly balanced over another rock formation, for years - a good opportunity for professional photographers to click.

A few kilometres away from Jabalpur is the Tilwara Ghats, on the banks of the Narmada. It was amongst the several spots were Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed. It houses an old Mahadev (Tilwadeshwar) temple. It is soothing to take a boat ride on the Narmada River here and the cool breeze that embraces you when the boatman takes you a bit farther is indescribable. Well, if the boatman takes you under the bridge, you see number of ‘mud nests’ beneath the bridge.

At the Ghat, you will also see boats quarrying sand and trucks quarrying mud and sand for construction and other purposes. It is a matter of concern of course. And the way Narmada is polluted here, with people taking bath, cleaning utensils, immersing flowers and scattering poly bags all over the river, the bank of the river looks a complete mess. Unless the authorities wake up immediately, the pollution level may go out of control.

Jabalpur is known for its marble rocks. The marble rocks have been captured in many movies. For example ‘Asoka’, featuring Shahrukh and Kareena Kapoor, features these marble rocks. On the bank of the river Bhedaghat, Narmada, lie these marble rocks, in all their splendour, adding name and fame to Jabalpur. On either side of the Narmada are white saccharine limestone rocks intertwined with dark green and black volcanic rocks. These marble-white pinnacles sparkle in the sunlight and cast dappled shadows on the pellucid waters – a glorious spectacle indeed! People here say that on a full moon-lit night, it is even more enticing although I did not get a chance to view it on a full moon-lit night.

The only precaution one should take here is to hire a boat for exclusive use although more money is to be spent for the purpose. Sharing the boat with others may prove risky since the boats are invariably overloaded, although they may be cheaper (it may cost just Rs 25 per head, as it did in my case). Life jackets are not provided by the boatman! It is surprising that the administration has not looked into the safety aspect. Perhaps the administration will wake up only after a disaster strikes.

Another site worth watching is the Dhuandhar water fall (’Dhuan’ is the Hindi word for smoke). It is called Dhuandhar because the water droplets rise in a concentrated mass and create an illusion of vapour. It is against this backdrop many visitors to Jabalpur get themselves photographed! No doubt, it is a great a place for dating; the evenings are great but crowded. Here you can get some local youngsters to jump into the falls for a dare; of course, it will cost you – it is Rs 100 or so! Well, a few of them have been covered by a TV serial which showcased it as a demonstration of the youngsters’ bravado!

Jabalpur also has a Chausat Yogini, situated atop a hill. One can have a great view of the Narmada from there and experience the nice, cool breeze which blows across. This 10th century temple has carved stone figures of deities belonging to the Kalchuri period. Tripur Sundari Temple, Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum, Pisanhari ki Madiya are some of the other places to see. The Bargi Dam across the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh is a great tourist site.

It is near Jabalpur and one can have a breathtaking view of the Narmada. But unfortunately Bargi area also has stone-crushing units that provide concrete for the construction industry of the city. These units employ child labour, since they listen, work hard and are easy to hire and fire. Rural poverty, lack of employment opportunities and illiteracy have forced many children to work in stone-crushing units. More than 300 children continue to suffer here; they work in tough conditions; the work is painful and the children need urgent attention. I immediately referred the matter to higher authorities but things don’t change easily in India; more efforts are needed here.

Anil Gulati

Heritage buildings in Bhopal need attention

Bhopal is full of heritage buildings but these suffer from neglect, be it the old artificial water way 'Rahat', Benazir Gate or Sadar Manzil. These are a part our identity that would be passed on to the next generation. Serious steps are needed.

BHOPAL, THE capital city of Madhya Pradesh has many heritage buildings and places, many of them are protected by the state and Centre, and have retained their glory. But I wish to divert attention to the places, which need help.

Rahat is an old artificial water way heritage, which was constructed in Bhopal (next to the lake at police officer mess), it is an example of old technique of drawing water. It was used to carry water from lower lake to Noorbagh, which was the garden of Nawab Jahangir Mohammed Khan Palace. There was a 20 metre high wall along the bank of lake with an open drain in the upper portion to carry water to Noorbagh. Water was carried to up to 2.5 kilometres by sheer gravitational force. Water was drawn by Persian wheel, which is no more, but Rahat that worked with the help of oxen still exists. This is an example how in earlier times one used to transport water using gravitational force to an advantage. Rahat, as it is called, is a heritage where garden exists but the water in the lake nearby stinks. If you happen to climb the stairs, you will feel hurt to see the lake getting polluted.

Another heritage monument that needs attention is Benazir Gate. It is on the backside of Benazir palace built by Shah Jahan Begum as the summer rest house in 1877. Locals here share that this was a three storeyed building but now is left with only one, rest all have turned to debris. The one storey that is left out is lying in a devastated condition with no one to care. It should have been renovated and made an important landmark of the city, but in Bhopal it lies shattered.

Sadar Manzil, a great heritage building of Bhopal presently houses office of Bhopal Municipal Corporation. This building was built in 1898 AD by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum and was converted as Durbar hall of Bhopal by her daughter, Nawab Sultanjehan Begum. The mosaic of the building is akin to Deewan-e-Khas of Red Fort in Delhi. The building from outside still looks beautiful but with Municipal Corporation office running in it, it has lost a lot of history inside the same and its glory will get eroded, unless some action is taken.

Bhopal also has a Taj Mahal, a palace built by the Begum of Bhopal. Begum Shah Jahan had built this architectural marvel as her own residence in the year 1884. The construction of the same was started in year 1871 and was completed in the year 1884. Thanks to the efforts of non governmental organisations (NGOs), media and activists, the hall of Sheesh Mahal is now being renovated by the state archaeology department. Courtyard of this Taj Mahal has Sawan Bhadon Pavilion, which is similar to the ‘Sawan Bhadon’ of Shalimar Garden in Kashmir. It has many parts intact and effort are being made to retain its original look. Efforts are on to help it regain its lost pristine glory. It is time when government bodies take notice of the above three and undertake some serious steps to preserve these.

Sanchi, a magnificent architectural expression

Sanchi is now included in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's heritage sites of the world. Emperor Asoka laid the foundation of this religious centre, a remarkable sense of Buddhist art and architecture..

RAISEN DISTRICT of Madhya Pradesh hosts one of the magnificent stupas of central India, namely the stupa of Sanchi. If one is traveling on a train from Delhi to Bhopal, the Great Stupa is visible from kilometers on a green serene hill overlooking the plain, attracting one’s immediate attention. Sanchi has remarkable specimen of Buddhist art and architecture right from the early Mauryan period ie third century BC to 12th century AD. It is now included in the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) heritage sites of the world.
Sanchi, has been known as Kakanaya, Kakanava, Kakanadabota and Bota-Sriparvata in ancient times. It was Emperor Asoka who laid the foundations of a religious centre at Sanchi, he might have been fascinated by the location of the hill or because of his queen, Devi who was the daughter of a merchant of Vidisha. He erected the Great Stupa (Stupa 1) here after redistribution of mortal remains of Lord Buddha for erecting several stupas all over the country in order to spread Buddhism.

Archeological Survey of India web site state that it was in year 1818, that General Taylor saw shapeless ruin in the wilderness of Sanchi. Captain Johnson dug out the entire western portion of the stupa in 1822. Alexander Cunningham and Captain FC Maisay (1851) further excavated it in search of relic casket. However the credit for piecing together the scattered fragments of this monument goes to Sir John Marshall during 1912-1919 who was the director general of Archaeological Survey of India.

The monuments of Sanchi
Sanchi’s monuments consists of stupas, monolithic pillars, temples and monasteries and are about 50 in number. Stupas are large hemispherical domes, containing a central chamber, in which the relics of the Buddha were placed and are the most characteristic monument of Buddhist India.

Stupa 1 – This is the principal monument at Sanchi and consists of a gigantic mound of sandstone surrounded by sumptuous porticoes with stone railings. It is known for its extraordinarily rich decorative work on its four monumental gateways (southern, northern, eastern and western gateways) or torana that provide access to the stupa. They are positioned almost exactly in line with the four cardinal points, and these gateways transpose into stone the structure of the wooden gateways. The lush carvings, prodigious creations in bas relief, high relief in the round, are an iconographic treasure trove.

The gateways – of all the gateway all of the first century BC the earliest to be built was the one on the south, which was principal entrance which was successfully followed by north, east and west gateways. Of all toranas or gateways, the best preserved is the northern gateway which enables the visitor to have a complete idea of the appearance of all the gateways. Each gateway consists of two square pillars crowned by set of four lions, elephants or pot bodied dwarfs supporting a super structure of the three cruciform architraves with spirally rolled ends.
The entire surface of the gateways is covered with relief’s representing scenes and decorations. The subject matter of the carvings on the gateways may be broadly classified as follows:

- Scenes from Jatakas – stories of the Jatakas centre round the previous births of Gautama Buddha
- Scene from life of Gautama Buddha
- Events in the subsequent history of Buddhism
- Scene relating to the Manushi Buddhas and
- Miscellaneous scenes and decorations

Stupa 3 – Situated about 45 meters to the north east of stupa 1 is stupa 3. Though smaller in dimensions and has one gateway and its hemispherical. It is crowned by single umbrella. The importance of this stupa lies in the fact that the relics if Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, the two foremost disciples of Buddha were found by Cunningham enshrined at the centre of this dome on the level of the terrace.

Stupa 2 – Dates back to the 2nd century BC, stands at the very edge of the hill and its most striking feature is the stone balustrade that surrounds it.

Besides these stupas there are remains of other large number of others stupas on the main, they are monolithic or structural. Immediately behind stupa 3 is stupa 4, which exists in heap of loose stones without the tace of any ground balusttade. Stups no 5 to the stupa 3 is remarkable in its have an image of Budhha (in museum)

Pillars
None of the free standing pillars, which can be seen at on the main terrace is intact. The earliest one them is pillar number 10, which was erected by Ashoka near south gateway of Stupa 1. The lower part of the same now stands alone with fragments of the shaft packed inside a shed near by. This may have been one of the finest columns by virtue if its magnificent capital. The other prominent pillars are Pillar 25, with octagonal shaft south of stupa 5 probably of Sunga period; Pillar 26 which is kind of imitation of column of Ashoka stands north of pillar 25, broken and Pillar 35, or Vajrapani pillar (pillar with surmounted by the figure of Vajrapani)

Temples of Sanchi
Temple number 18 of seventh century now has nine pillars out of the 12 and pilaster with architraves over them are still intact, stands on the raised platform facing south gateway of the Stupa 1. Temple 17 situated near the north east corner of Temple 18 and standing on the low moulded basement this temple consists of flat roofed square sanctum with a portico supported m four pillars in the front is remarkable piece of Gupta architecture, noted for its structural propriety and symmetry. In addition to above monastery and temple 45 built during the period of the 7th and 11th centuries, have a more developed styles of architecture. The doorways of this construction are ornamented, with the image of Buddha in an oval Halo.

Sanchi, not only is unique in having the most perfect and well-preserved stupas but also offers a wide information and education to our past. It is about 45 kilometers from Bhopal and is about hour and half drive from Bhopal. But Sanchi lacks number of trained guides. As per media reports it has only eight licensed tourist guides but normally three to four are available rest go missing. And Sanchi with guide is real interesting, the local knowledge of stories, history and culture add a value to the visit.

Anil Gulati

Peacock at Indore

Peacock at Barli Development Institute for Rural Women - a non governmental organisation at Indore in Madhya Pradesh which is helping empower young rural and tribal women to become agents of social change. They have beautiful self sustained campus in the Indore city and is host to these peacocks.... (photo-anil)

Bhopal marks tribute to India's first war of Independence

Tribute to martyr's - Bhopal city paid homage to 1857 war of Independence, While Bharat Bhawan of Bhopal had host of programmes like music festival and painting exhibition, squares of city with statues of freedom fighters were decorated and lit with earthen lamps as a mark of respect to Great War of 1857.

Aaj ki taaza khabar !

Man reading newspaper early Saturday morning on a wooden bench in a park overseeing upper lake of Bhopal. Though interestingly ad in the newspaper which he may be reading says 'all news are missing' !!

Hum Tum !

Comic characters Hum and Tum as shown in the film Hum Tum, painted by 'DS' on a rock in the walking lane at Bhopal's upper lake . Hum Tum were comic characters which have their own animated sequences in the movie 'Hum Tum. Hum Tum was the movie which was directed by Kunal Kohli, produced by Aditya and Yash Chopra and had Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerjee playing the lead role as Karan and Rhea. The movie is about the encounters of the two main characters until they, after several years and various meetings, become friends and finally fall in love at the end of the movie. Their state of relationship is also shown in the movie in form of Hum Tum animated characters, as Karan the main lead (played by Saif) was the cartoonist in the film.

Mobile companies paint the farm fields blue...

Mobile subscribers in India are growing at fast pace and rural subscribers are major share in it, may be reason for mobile companies like Reliance to use houses in the farm field for its own advertising. Reliance is painting available places on farm field like storage houses blue on Indore - Bhopal highway to reach out to people. May be it's a 'double take' - to reach out to people travelling on highway as well as rural mobile users with its brand. In marketing terms they say Reliance wants to reach to the deep pockets to penetrate into this “bottom of pyramid” market, where lies the real cash cows. Interestingly on other hand Reliance is calling other companies to use their mobile service to advertise to rural hinterland..... ?

Bhopal's Deewan-e-khas

Sadar Manzil - a view from the gate

Sadar Manzil at present houses office of Bhopal Municipal Corporation but at one point of time this red building was Hall of Public Audience. This building was built in 1898 AD by Nawab Shahjehan Begum and was converted as Durbar hall of Bhopal by her daughter Nawab Sultanjehan Begum. The building was beautiful but now with Municipal Corporation office running in it, it is losing its glory, unless the same is removed from there.
The mosaic of this building akin to Deewan-e-Khas of Red Fort in Delhi.

Under tree's shade !

A person sleeping under the shadow of the 'Jhirni Tree', which is about 100 years old at Iqbal-e-Maidan, Sadar Manzil, Bhopal. Mentioned on the parapet under the tree is the famous couplet by Iqbal.

Seeing this pix, remembered a saying 'Every man has a different idea of what's beautiful, and it's best to take the gesture, the shadow of the branch, and let the mind create the tree'..... a point to ponder !

Sirpur lake leasing to life

SIRPUR LAKE is based on the outskirts of Indore, it was virtually dying two years back but is now leasing back to life, thanks to the efforts of an NGO ‘The Nature Volunteers’ supported by Environmental Planning & Coordination Organisation and the Municipal Corporation of Indore. As of now it attracts many migratory birds, which pass through Indore and has a great avifauna.
The Nature Volunteers (TNV) of Indore, is a volunteer group that advocates environmental issues and has been raising concern on the condition of the lake. It has been relentlessly trying to save the Sirpur Lake.

Bhalu Monde a volunteer with TNV’ says that it took an effort of many years to shake the system so that we could reach this level, where it is reviving back. But this is the start we will make sure that this lake becomes the pride of Indore, which it is. ‘Indore is a fast emerging metro, this lake is like nature’s life line for us, and indeed was important to save this’ adds another volunteer of TNV. I was at the lake recently, early morning with my D 70 camera and was impressed by the efforts put in by TNV to save this wetland. It was great to see purple moorhens, coots, cormorants, grey horn bill, whistling teals and common teals which are some of the birds there.

Sirpur Lake is a rain fed lake and about 100 years old. The Holkars, the erstwhile rulers of the Indore state, created it. It has an ideal environment for birds and hosts many insects and fishes which form food for the resident and migratory birds. It was virtually getting converted into sewage and part of its land area was illegally being occupied during summer season and slowly this lake would have died down. Now fencing has been done around the lake to save it, and a jogging track is being developed, surrounding the lake. But still, open defecation and water pollution are many of the issues, which are affecting the lake and its avifauna.

Salutation

Is she greeting us ? - a bird at Van Vihar, Bhopal

Spotted dove

The spotted dove is pigeon which has black and white chequered patch on the neck sides and buff scaling on the upper parts. Spotted Doves eat grass seeds, grains and other vegetation. They are fairly terrestrial, foraging on the ground in grasslands and cultivation. It breed all year round with nests commonly found in trees, edge of buildings or even on the ground. This photograph has been taken at jeevan vatika alongside upper lake of Bhopal

Sunrise at Bhopal

Sunrise over city of Bhopal - photograph has been clicked from kaliasoot dam.
As people do their daily (weekly walk - like me !) on the undulating lanes of kaliasoot and as Bhopal marks its second day of its carnival, sunrises over Bhopal at 5.55 am to bring a wakeful hope for its people. Sun calculator points out that Sun rise will be at 5.54 am, a minute earlier tommorrow and then it goes in accordance a minute earlier every day till April 26, 2008, except on 22nd and 23rd April wherein it will rise at 5.53 am on both the days.
blogathonindia, blogathonindia1

Hey wait - let me cross !

Peacock crossing the road in the van vihar on a Saturday morning

The Indian peacock,Pavo cristatus (Linnaeus) is national bird of India. It is most recognizable colourful, swan-sized bird, with a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye and a long, slender neck. Normally they do most of their foraging in the early morning and shortly before sunset and retreat to the shade and security of the Van Vihar for the hottest portion of the day.

The straw cap !

A man wears a straw umbrella cap which is homemade, eco friendly and offers protection from sun and the rain while he works at his job of grazing cattle in Umaria District, Madhya Pradesh, India. While as we in cities move towards Reeboks and Nike's of the world... traditional caps do retain their charm and use at least in rural India.

Sun bird ?

Am not sure probably it is a purple sun bird ? on a tree at bhopal's upper lake...enjoying the afternoon. In case you can help identify the same or share more on it, do contribute by email or add the same in comments column.. ..will duly acknowledge your support.

Virat temple at Shahdol, a specimen of Kalchuri architecture

Virateshwar temple of Lord Shiv in Sohagpur Vanganga, Shahdol. It is said that Kalchuri King Maharaja Yuvraj Deva had got it built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. to present it to the Acharya of Golkaki Math. Many Archaeologists consider this temple as the temple of Karn Deva. Temple has height of about 125 feet and provides a glimpse of Kalchuri Age architecture. The temple is place to visit when one goes to Shahdol a district with richness of natural wealth of coal and minerals.

Baiga, some photographs

Photographs are of baiga's tribes in their usual traditional dress at an event in Bhopal. They had performed their traditional dance 'Saila - Reena'. Baiga is one of the primitive tribes of Madhya Pradesh anFarmers here (on Indore – Bhopal highway) shared that wheat acreage had suffered this year due to sudden rainfall and drop in temperatures in last two months. Water crisis also had impacted on the crop in other districts. Framers from Astha on Indore Bhopal highway are already harvesting and collecting the wheat to sell it further. They share that acreage per biga is down this year. Though figures stated in official releases state that wheat acreage may be able to achieve the target while what farmers in Astha shared was different – may be case in MP will be different due to the impact of weather on the crops this year. They even shared that price what they are fetching is quite lower as the damaged crop gets almost half of the fixed price. d reside mainly in mandla, dindori, shahdol, anuppur and balaghat districts of MP. They live in forest areas and prefer jhoom cultivation.

Contributed by Prashant Kumar Dubey

Gharials at van vihar

Van Vihar is situated in the heart of Bhopal City. 445.21 hectare degraded hillock along with private Village land was initiated in 1980 and finally notified as a National Park in 1983. It has seven gharials and about 15 crocodiles as shared on its web site. According to the lUCN's Red list, the gharial is the most threatened of all crocodilian species. Recently this species has moved from Endangered to Critically Endangered.

Gharial or Indian gharial, is one of two surviving members of the fanily Gavialidae, a long-established group of crocodiles like reptiles with long, narrow jaws. Wikipedia says that Gharial is not a man-eater. (I dont have any experience, neither did I try ?) Despite its immense size, its thin, fragile jaws make it physically incapable of devouring any large animal, including a human being.

Sunset at Dhupgarh, Pachmari

Sun sets at Dhupgarh - The Dhupgarh Peak is at 4,429 feet [1,350 metres]), in Pachmarhi and is the Madhya Pradesh's highest point. If one is in Pachmarhi, a visit to Dhupgarh is must. This is a place to witness the morning sunrise and a spectacular sunset. I could see the sunset and it was fascinating...

I failed !

This is a photograph of Indian Purple moorhen at Sirpur lake, Indore. Though I tried but could not get the better shot........ it is a shy bird and flies away. I failed ! may be have better luck next time till then thought let me share this at the blog...

Purple moorhen is of size of a village hen. It looks beautiful purple-blue in colour with long red legs and toes. The bill is also red and the head is bald. Both the males and the females look alike. It is also called Purple Swamp-hen. Large flocks can be seen near wetlands. It’s food consists primarily of shoot and vegetable matter, but also eats insects and mollusks. It is a little unpopular with the farmers as it affects the young paddy crops...

This deer barks...

Muntjac deer or barking deer as it is commonly called can be sighted in the Kanha and Bandhavgarh national parks of Madhya Pradesh. (in pic at Kanha national park) They are called ‘barking deer’ due to their alarm call, which seems very much similar to the barking of a dog. They are also called by some as 'Kakad deer'. They can be easily distinguished from the other deer. The deer have two raised dark ridges on their forehead, which extend till their antlers. One of their unique features is that they have both, a pair of antlers as well as overgrown canines (tushes). They make use of the tushes mainly as weapons in a fight.

They are shy and prefer to live in isolation. One rarely finds them moving around in groups. The Barking deer are mostly seen inhabiting dense forests of India. Muntjac are the oldest known deer and are of great interest in evolutionary studies because of their dramatic chromosome variations and the recent discovery of several new species.

A shattered heritage

This is a photograph of Benazir gate at Bhopal. It is on the backside of Benazeer palace, a palace built by Shahajehan Beghum as the summer rest house in 1877 . Local people here share that this was a three storey building and now only has one storey, rest all has gone in debris. The one story left out too is lying in devastated condition with no one to care...

Had this been in another state or country it could have been renovated and made an important landmark of the city, but in Bhopal it lies shattered...

let's see bhopal !

In picture 'White throated kingfisher' bird at bhopal's upper lake ready to fly

White throated kingfisher, a bird with beautiful bright plummage is a breeding resident of Bhopal. It can be easily sited near upper lake, kalisoot and shahpura lake. Their flight is fast, direct and often very low over the water, hence one can see a bright blue flash as they fly by. One can sometimes hear their shrill whistle "chi-keeeee" if one is strolling around the place where they are.

Scientifically speaking it is a member of the genus 'Halcyon'. There are approximately 210 species and subspecies in this genus. As per birdlife international this species has a large range, with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 1,000,000-10,000,000 km² which means it has a large global population. Despite this water pollution still remains a threat, including at bhopal wetlands.

Rahat, an old water drawing heritage in Bhopal

Rahat is an example of old technique of drawing water. The artificial water way was constructed in Bhopal (now next to lake at police officer mess, Bhopal) to carry water from lower lake to the Noorbagh which was the garden of Nawab Jehangir Mohammed Khan Palace. There was a 20 meter high wall along the bank of lake with an open drain in the upper portion to carry water to Noorbagh. Water was carried to upto 2.5 kilometers by the force of gravitation. Water was drawn by persian wheel which is no more, but Rahat which was worked with help of oxen still exists here. This is an example how in earlier times one used to transport water using gravitational force to an advantage. 'Rahat' as it is called is a heritage where garden exists but the water in the lake nearby stinks. If you happen to climb the stairs, you will feel hurt to see the way lake is getting polluted, but probbaly authorities dont care. May be call to all of us to speak out.

Good morning bhopal !

Tiger at Van Vihar, Bhopal

It was great site to see Tiger waking up to Sunday morning sun in Bhopal. Probably wishing bhopal wala's good morning in his own style !!! (pic @ anil gulati)

Bhagoriya, a unique tribal festival

Story - Sanjay Sharma, Picture - Prakash Hatvalne

The Bhil tribals in the West Nimar region and the Jhabua belt of Madhya Pradesh organise the Bhagoria Haat a week before Holi, the festival of colours that fell on Saturday. The haat, or country fair, is special for the community because this is where young men and women look for soul mates. Bhils constitute around 22 percent of the state's 60 million population. During the festival men and women interact freely, dancing to the beats of dhols and thalis, the melody of the shehnai and bansuri amid the fragrance of tadi and mahua, two types of locally brewed liquor.

During the colourful tribal festival, which allows young people to choose their partners, boys and girls from far and near gather in large numbers. They eat, drink, dance and then elope as part of the wedding rituals. Changing times, however, have caught up with this strange ritual. While earlier they would dress up in all their tribal finery, today Bhil men wear Western-style shirts and trousers and come to the haat. The women have started applying lipstick and talc in a show of modernity. And how do they woo each other? "The boy applies 'gulal' (coloured powder) on the face of the girl and if she reciprocates then they move towards a secluded place deep inside the forest to know each other better," said Bhil youth Digraskar, who chose his life partner in one such haat.

Young men and women interested in each other also exchange betel leaf as a declaration of love.
Couples who elope according to the Bhagoria custom (bhag means to run) are then accepted by society. "A woman and a man who decide to elope come back to a tumultuous welcome and are pronounced wife and husband by their elated families," the Bhil youth said. The Bhagoria Haat, which coincides with the end of the harvest season, is also a platform to resolve old disputes. The festival assumes additional splendour if the crops have been good.

They sleep in air !

If you happen to be at Bhopal's lower lake, and Kamlapati Palace park, just have a look at the tree above and you cannot miss bats in numbers which inhabitate the trees there as of now. One could see few of the flying and hundreds of them hanging on the trees (upside down) during the day time. (In picture - a bat is flying to reach out to others who are hanging - look like sleeping upside down in air ? ) As per the staff members of the palace 'these chamgadars (bats as known locally) come in thousands here during this period and will be there till July'. Their are many stories on bats and some even consider them as bad omen, but in reality it is an helpful and important animal of the eco system. It is the only mammal which can fly.

Website on information on bats state that tropical rainforests could not survive without bats. Bats are responsible for controlling pest insect populations, pollinating flowers, and dispersing seeds. One insect-eating bat can catch 500-1000 insects in one hour! Many plants must be pollinated by bats to produce. Though there are many species of bats but for simplicity they could be categorised into two main groups of bats - the large "flying foxes" that eat fruit, and the smaller insect-eating bats. (pictures by anil)

Wish i was on the boat !

I have never been into sailing but these boats always fascinate me and probably that is the reason I enjoy taking their photographs. Wish I could be on the boats ! It is beautiful site now a days at Upper lake in Bhopal to seeing these boats cruising along the waters of lake during afternoon and sunset. Experts tell me that a sailboat's course is the direction it is heading. The skipper usually sits on the windward (upwind) side of the boat, and the sails are on the leeward (downwind, pronounced lew' ard) side. The wind direction is named for its source. A west wind comes from the west.

Bhopal upper lake has India's first National Sailing Club on its Eastern side. This club offers various options of water sports including sailing. (pic - anil gulati)

The agile mongoose

Mongoose at park on upper lake, Bhopal.

As per wikipedia, Mongoose is a member of the family Herpestidae, a family of small like carnivores. The word Mongoose is derived from the marathi word mangus. In India, Mongoose

are popularly used to fight and kill snakes particularly king cobra. They are able to do this because of their agility and cunning, and their thick coat, but typically avoid the cobra and have no particular affinity for consuming their meat. One can easily see many of them in park and bushes in the walking lane over upper lake.

The sunset

In picture sunset from Upper lake, Bhopal.

The Upper and Lower Lakes of Bhopal are kind of the pride of Bhopal, though now they are being faced by problems of pollution, detoriation of quality of water and siltation. Both these lakes are man made reservoirs. Upper Lake was created by Raja Bhoj, Dhar king in 11th century by constructing an earthen dam across the Kolans River.The Upper Lake has catchment area of 361 sq. km and water spread area of 31 sq. km. The wetland area of these lakes supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. Diverse flora provide ideal habitat in the form of food and shelter for a large number of avifauna, a delight for nature lovers. Sunset at upper lake especially in summers is thing to watch - probably that is the reason Bhopal Municipal Corporation has named one corner of the lake which has a park as 'Vardham sunset point'. One could also see Takia Island, in the picture. Takia Island is a small island on upper lake which has a mazhar of the Shah Ali Shah Rahamatulla Alliah and has religious significance.

The spotted one.....

This is picture of spotted deer at Van Vihar, the National park at Bhopal. A nervous animal, is camera shy and always alert. It is most commonly found member of the deer family in India. Spotted deer is herbivores and loves grass. Van Vihar is great habitat for them in Bhopal. It does not have any enclosures except the outer boundaries of Van Vihar, hence they can freak out. Grass and other plant species growing in Van Vihar are sufficient for these herbivores except in harsh summer when grass just dries up, they need support which probably Van Vihar staff does for them.

It's a water day !!

In picture birds enjoying in water at a park near upper lake. Well they are celebrating Rangpanchmi in their own way !!!. As summer moves in this part of India birds and other animals were also seen hiding in for shelter or near wetlands that too are drying up in Bhopal.

Bhopal marks Rangpanchmi

On the fifth day after Holi, in Madhya Pradesh "Rangpanchmi," is celebrated which marks end of festivities involving colours. People apply colour on each other and enjoy the day as summer moves in central India. Being a state holiday state offices in the capital city of Bhopal were closed. Shops in Bhopal were closed during the day but some will open up by evening. For some like nationalised banks, media offices, and central government offices it was working day as it was a state holiday not at the centre.

Youngsters had fun and enjoyed the festivity. For some it is an opportunity to have bhang or beer. For many who do not prefer colour and but had a holiday were seen at places like upper lake or were at home. Bhopal police was in full colour to prevent any untoward incident event and had put both personnel and barricades at many important points in the city. Though some policewala could cough up some extra bucks from younsters driving cars at a high speed or either without licence.

Chidyatol, Raisen

This is a picture of a water body in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. It is popularly known as Chidyatol. It is near Bhopal and is place to go for many especially during monsoons.Research work is underway recently on such bodies and structure in the same region.

Recuitment ad !

Recruitment ad - reaching out to right people is crucial hence choice of media becomes vital in recruitment ads. Well one needs to be creative as the placement of advertisement should entice people for job.

An ad for support staff in medical center in the Mandla district written by a chalk piece was displayed on a bin placed right at the footsteps of the staircase in Narmada ghats, Mandla. May be right placement to make sure that many read this ad, off course was free of cost but very much gender insensitive !

The first holi wish !

Juvenile common Iora at kaliasoot forest area wishing citizens of bhopal - happy holi with her beautiful voice!!

It's summer time !

As temperature soars in Bhopal, one can see road side shops selling caps coming up. This marks arrival of summer in Bhopal. With Bhopali's two wheeler not preferring helmets ; caps do sell in numbers here. It helps in preventing, blocking sunlight from the eyes. Caps starting from Rupee twenty onwards in various combinations are available on these shops. Though temperature is soaring but sales still have not, shop owners say it will do after holi. Earthen pots with and without taps which help to keep drinking water cool could also be seen at the road side shops in bhopal.

Museum of man celebrates its foundation day

Indira Gandhi Manav Sangrahalaya (Museum of Man) Bhopal is illuminated as it celebrates its 32nd foundation day. A two event on March 19 & 20, 2008 had many cultural events, musical programmes, and special exhibitions to commemorate the same.

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya is an autonomous organisation of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and is dedicated to depict the story of mankind in time and space. Set up in April, 1979, is spread in 197 acres of undulating land, in front of the Bhopal's upper lake. It has natural rock shelters with prehistoric rock paintings, going back to mesolithic period, and evidence of other ancient human habitations