Hoarding on Gwalior roads !

Hoarding as seen on Gwalior city road !

Ruins of Parmar-era found at Samasgarh !

Samasgarh near Bhopal near ratibad was known for old Jain temple but will now known for Statues and ruins of Parmar era temple which had been recently found there.  It is first time that so many remains of Parmar Era have been found near capital. Inspite of the media hype they still lie unprotected and unmarked.  If one has to go to the site one has to depend on the local people who only know that some statues which were recently in newspaper have been found in their village.

Ruins one dozen temples have been located, in which symbols of Shiva temples, Vishnu temples and other temples could be identified at the location near the old Jain temple.  The ruins suggest that these temples would be of the Parmara-era that may have been destroyed by some reason.  Historians believe that areas around the State capital were ruled by the Parmara King Bhoj and these ruins would definitely have been under his protection. Apart from Hindu, temples, ruins of Jain temples could also be easily identified.  There are two old water ponds/ well near the site.

26 years but people still suffer !

Survivors of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy and victims of the resultant water contamination staged a torchlight march today to mark 26th anniversary of one of the world's worst industrial disaster. The victims walked from Bhopal Talkies to the Union Carbide India's old killer factory at Bhopal. The marchers demanded legal action against the Bhopal factory's parent company Union Carbide Corporation (UCC), its former chairman Warren Anderson and UCC's Hong Kong subsidiary. The march was organised by five Bhopal-based organisations and at end of the rally marchers, including a large number of children, gathered around a statue in front of the abandoned factory to pay homage to the victims. (pic courtesy - A M Faruqui)

The Invincible - Gwalior fort

As per ASI site, the history of the Fort goes back to the fifth century AD or perhaps still earlier. The old name of the hill as recorded in ancient Sanskrit inscriptions is Gopagiri. It has witnessed varying fortunes of the Guptas, Hunas, the Pratiharas, the Kachhwahas, the Tomars, the Pathans, the Mughals, the English and the Marathas who have left their landmarks in the various monuments which are still preserved. The main monuments which are in the premises of this fort are :- Man Mandir, Teli-Ka-Mandir, Sas Bhau Temple, Badal Mahal, Alamgiri gate, Ganesa gate, Chaturbhuj gate, Rock-cut Jain collosi, Urwai gate, etc. 

Indiaknow site states that for over 100 years this fort has been over looking the city of Gwalior. One of the most invincible forts in India, this imposing citadel has changed many hands. It is built on a hill of sandstone and towers 100 meters from the plain.The outer wall of the fort is almost 2 miles in length and the width varies from one km's to 200 meters. The walls of the fort gives way onto the steep slopes. This fort has been a witness to many battles in the turbulent times as well as festivals in the peace time.

Ecosystem at Bhilkheria needs to be preserved

It was fascinating following yellow pansy butterfly on the small mud and sand paved way at Bhilkheria village, outskirts of Bhopal towards Raisen. The board on the main road said that there is an eco tourism spot about 2 kilometer away, something which pulled my car onto that way while I was driving onto Raisen. Though after driving 2 kilometers one reached closed gate, am not sure where they were leading to. One could hardly spot a soul who could tell or guide me how we can enter the so called eco tourism spot.

Yellow Pansy butterfly

Bird at Bhilkheria

Orange Tip butterfly on flower

Eco tourism board on main road calling on people to visit the spot

But nevertheless I enjoyed the drive and the place as it had plethora of fauna. One could site nymphalids butterflies like yellow pansy, lemon pansy, grey pansy, blue pansy, chocolate pansy and others like danidfly, common crow, orange tip, common grass yellow, common castor, lime butterfly and common emigrant. Interesting was to see common grass yellow and ‘silver forget me not’ (butterflies) puddling over mud as one moves on to the spot. The place has many farm lands as we move on and one the way to closed eco tourism spot, one is greeted by red vented bulbuls, squirrels and common emigrant butterflies.

The place has not only butterflies, but one could site many birds, dragon flies, as it had water bodies and lot of flora around. Though water bodies around the area are getting polluted but nevertheless harbors many varieties of odonates. The spot is endowed with diversity of flora, fauna, is picturesque and touchwood Bhopal builders still have not reached till their, though they are very near.  The place has an eco system which needs to be preserved, whether or not it is developed into eco tourism spot. Seeing what happened to Kerwa, a eco tourism spot in Bhopal am not an advocate for eco tourism spot, as being developed, but want eco system at Bhilkheri to be preserved.

Bhimkund, Chhattarpur district

Bhimkund is located in Chhattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.According to the local legend it is that when Pandavas were in their exile they felt thirsty 'Bhim' smashed his mace against the land and found this water body. The water is indigo blue and clear. Depth is unknown and apparently there are strong under currents. It has been filmed by Discovery Channel too. During Tsunami the 'locals' say the height of the water rose by 15feet, though still much is to be known.

View from the below

(Text and pictures contributed by Umasree Polepeddi)

Weaver Nest

Baya Weaver nest at Vidisha - Baya Weavers (Ploceus philippinus) build their nests attached to branches of trees. The nests are expertly weaved from long thin strands of leaf blades and the completed nest looks like an upside down flask with a downward pointing entrance chute. Within the swollen portion is the nesting area. Interestingly they say that Male baya weaver builds the nest up to the helmet stage by collecting materials and weaving the pieces together. He then gets his mate to approve the structure. Only then will the bulbous egg-chamber and the long pendulous entrance tube be completed. This final stage of building sees both adults participating.!!

Halali Dam, Vidisha & Raisen

As per book, Hydrological and water resources of India by Sharad K Jain, Pusphpendra K Agarwal and Vijay P Singh Halali dam is a rolled filled earthen dam located both in Vidisha and Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. It is constructed across Halali river a tributary of Betwa river. Halali dam is known as Samrat Ashok Sagar Project. It is 945 m long with maximum height of 29.57 m above the foundation level. Catchment area of the project is 699 sq. km of which is 25 % is hily, rest is plains. 

It is about 47 kilometers from Bhopal’s New market and towards Sanchi. The stretch of 30 kilometer is nice as it is Sanchi road but when one turns left for last 8 kilometers, it is difficult non motorable road which will take you about an hour. In rainy season the last stretch can get difficult.

The dam has a MP tourism hotel which has about 3 – 4 rooms, nice ambience, play ground for children. They say it has it has water sports, which am not sure as no one was their. Hotel charges Rs 10 as an entry fee per person ! (interesting). But the major problem is electricity - it did not had electricity for last 3 days !!. For the best view of the dam do see it from the road on the dam then the Hotel.

Environmental issues with Halali reservoir

As per environmental research journals edition of June 2006 a paper on Study of heavy metal contamination in Halali Dam water of Vidisha district near Bhopal (M.P.) India with reference to human health by S.A. Iqbal and H.C. Kataria¹ talks of most common and widespread danger, associated with Halali Dam water is contamintaion of heavy metal by sewage and other organic matters or excrements. Water of Halali reservoir is used for drinking as well as irrigational purpose, its water is polluted by man made activities e.g. sewage disposal industrial and natural contaminant mixes into water heavy metals.

Sailing pics

Bhopal, Saturday Aug 21, 2010

Inland National Sailing Championship at Bhopal

Inland National Sailing Championship is being held at Bhopal in which 21 boats are taking part. 10 races are being held under the championship. (Image courtesy : A.M. Faruqui)

Jewelled winged wonders (World environment day special)

This is photograph of Green Marsh Hawk dragonfly I had clicked at Shivpuri Tourist Village in District Shivpuri. This is also called slender Skimmer or Orthetrum Sabina. It belongs to family Libellulidae (skimmer) and is common dragonfly of gardens and fields. This dragonfly sits motionless on shrubs and dry wigs for a long time. It hunts flying insects such as flies, small butterflies and dragonflies. This World Environment Day I wanted to dedicate it to these jewelled winged wonders, hence this picture and here is more information on them.

Environment and Dragonflies

Dragonflies and damselflies are amongst the most attractive of creatures on earth, the first to have conquered the aerial domain. They collectively are called odonates, and are one of the most common insects flying over forest, fields, meadows, ponds and rivers. India is highly diverse with more than 500 known species. Odonata are one of the ancient orders of insects. It first appeared during the about 250 million years ago.

Odonates are primarily aquatic insects hence makes them a good indicator of wetland health. Madhya Pradesh wetlands support a rich odonate fauna. Odonates are integral part of wetland ecosystems and are reliable indicators of its health and important biocontrol agent of these harmful insects. In the urban areas of Thailand, larvae of the container breeding dragonfly, Granite ghost (Bradinopyga geminata) was successfully used to control Aedes mosquito, an important vector of the dengue and Chikungunya fever.

Red Shank at Guna

The redshank is a medium-sized wading bird with a longish red legs & long straight bill. It is grey-brown above and whitish below. In flight, it shows white rear edges to the wings and a white 'V-shape' up its back.

Teli Ka Mandir

It is 9th centre edifice and an architectural splendor in the premises of Gwalior Fort. An amalgam of temples of north and south India and it is the tallest and most impressive temple in the fort with the height of about 100 feet. Figures of river goddesses, amorous couples, coiled serpents, and a flying Garuda are abound in the temple complex (pic- anil)

25.06 lakh tonne wheat procured from MP

Government agencies have procured 152.55 lakh tonne wheat during the current rabi marketing season so far against the arrival of 163.67 lakh tonne wheat in the mandis in major wheat growing States. As per the data received from the Department of Food and Public Distribution, it represents an increase of 13.61 lakh tonne over the procurement on 20th April last year. Wheat procurement was to the tune of 138.93 lakh tonne wheat was purchased on this date in the last marketing season. With 75.16 lakh tonne, Punjab is the largest contributor followed by Haryana, 53.15 lakh tonne, Madhya Pradesh, 25.06 lakh tonne, Uttar Pradesh, 4.2 lakh tonne, Rajasthan, 3.34 lakh tonne and Gujarat, 1.9 lakh tonne.

Gwalior newspapers readers to get more choices

Newspaper ad-boards outside railway station of Gwalior

Newspapers readers of Gwalior have more choices and city will get more written in media. April 15, 2010 Gwalior saw launch of one more Hindi newspaper Patrika. Gwalior Edition of Patrika, Rajasthan Patrika group of newspaper was officially launched. The launch has heated up media scene in Gwalior  which is primarily hindi news market. Patrika already has edition in Bhopal. Indore, Jabalpur and now in Gwalior, another major city of MP. Prior to the launch Gwalior saw some intensive outdoor campaign by Patrika. One saw hoardings of Patrika, auto’s with Patrika’s flex behind the auto and ‘no parking boards’ outside houses in the colonies of Gwalior. Dainik Bhaskar the leading daily of MP also used outdoor campaign in the city to increase its visibility. Nai Dunia another leading daily in Gwalior has brought in ‘Nayika Awards’ in Gwalior. ‘Nayika awards’ are recognition to women of the city in various categories like politics, social work, sports etc. Votes of people select those who get recognition. It was a hit in Indore , where it just had its second year  announcements and did well in Bhopal in its  first year. Gwalior media scene will be getting more interesting as hopefully by July they will have another newspaper named as Parivar Today which is being brought by Parivar Dairy Group. Gwalior's has about 15 dailies including Dainik Bhaskar, Raj Express, Nai Dunia, Swadesh, People's Samachar, Dainik Jagran, Navbharat etc, few evening newspapers and now Patrika.

Yeh Titlyian bhopal ki !

I am hungry !

Village Dev Guradia, Nemawar Road, Indore District

 Elephant goes in for wheat from a vehicle standing  nearby at a crossing. He tried again but failed !

Images courtesy - Janak Palta  - 'Barli didi'

World's tallest Kadam tree at Shivpuri

Neolamarckia cadamba, commonly called Kadam is an evergreen, tropical tree. Though grown as an ornamental, and for low-grade timber and paper. There exist some traditional uses as a medicine. The caterpillars of the Commander (Limenitis procris), a brush-footed butterfly, utilize this species as a foodplant. The picture is from Shivpuri in the lawns of Scinida's Chattri. It is said it is the tallest one in the world.

George Castle, Shivpuri

George castle at Madhav National Park, Shivpuri. It was built in 1911 by the Scindia ruler Jivaji Rao Scindia within the National Park at its highest point. It was built for an overnight halt for King George V of the United Kingdom so that he can shoot tiger. He was passing that way during his visit to India. It so happened that King could shoot a tiger on the way itself and did not stop at Madhav National Park. 

But Castle remain and it gives you a view of park, Shivpuri and journey of water wherein it says that one can see three interlinked lakes in the forest terrain. This point is right next to the George Castle. The lakes are Jadhav Sagar, Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar. Though I could only see one lake as other were dry.

Images from Bhagoria festival

Images courtesy : Gagan Nayar

Bhagoria Haat Festival is organized in the district of West Nimar and Jhabua. Bhagoria Haat Festival has an agricultural significance attached to as it coincides with the end of harvesting. Many do relate it as a festival where young ones are allowed to choose their partners. Colour of haat has changed in the years gone by...

Bhimbetika Paintings

The sprawling caves of Bhimbetka (2405’N and 76045’E) are located about 45 km northeast of Bhopal, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh. Situated along the Bhopal-Hoshangabad highway, these caves bear proximity to the Bhiyapura village in Raisen district. The northern fringes of the ancient Vindhyachal ranges are home to the extraordinary rock shelters and paintings, its awesome rocks fortifying the ancient treasure within. Ensconced amidst lush greenery in dense forests, and rocky terrain and craggy cliffs, with the lofty rocks guarding the ancient premises, the caves of Bhimbetka present a breathtaking view even from as far as Obaidullaganj, a small town in the vicinity of Bhimbetka.

Bhimbetka is a natural art gallery and an archaeological treasure. The rock paintings have numerous layers belonging to various epochs of time, ranging from the Upper Palaeolithic, Mesolithic Age to the protohistoric, early historic and medieval periods. The most ancient scenes here believed to be commonly belonging to the Mesolithic Age. These magnificent paintings can be seen even on the ceiling of the rock shelters located at daunting heights.  The cover of the dense forest and vegetation protected these rocks painting from being lost to the vagaries of nature. Executed mainly in red and white, with the occasional use of green and yellow with themes taken from the everyday events of eons ago, the scenes usually depict hunting, dancing, horse and elephant riders, animal fights, honey collection, decoration of bodies, disguises, masks and different type of animals etc. It depicts the detail of social life during the long period of time, when man used to frequent these rock shelters.

Animals such as bison, tiger, rhinoceros, wild boar, elephants, monkeys, antelopes, lizards, peacocks etc. have been abundantly depicted in the rock shelters. Popular religious and ritual symbols also occur frequently. The colours used by the cave dwellers were prepared by combining manganese, hematite, soft red stone and wooden charcoal. Perhaps, animal fat and extracts of leaves were also used in the mixture.

The rock art of Bhimbetka has been classified into various groups on the basis of the style and subject. The superimposition of paintings shows that the same canvas was used by different people at different times. The drawings and paintings can be classified under seven different periods.(Text credit - ASI web site)

Mahal's of Islamnagar

Islamnagar is a village known for the palace of Bhopal's Afghan rulers built by Dost Mohammed Khan. Gardens surround the palace and the pavilion. It is near Bhopal on Berasia Road. Formal gardens surround the palace and pavilion. Most important of the monuments at Islam nagar include Chaman Mahal, Rani Mahal and Gond Mahal. The palaces here depict an amalgamation of the Rajput, Mughal and Malwa styles of architecture

CHAMAN MAHAL

Sardar Dost Mohammad Khan built this palace in 1715 A.D. He was an Afghan soldier of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and was the founder of Bhopal State. This palace is surrounded by an enclosure wall and has two entrances. A Sheesh Mahal with twelve doors is situated near the entrance. A Charbagh pattern garden in Mughal style is situated in the centre of this palace. Facing the garden is a red sandstone platform having a stone latticed screen around it. Arches decorated with floral motifs, pillared baradari, as well as rooms with open courtyard can be seen in front of it. Dost Mohammed Khan is said to have conducted his official business in the baradari. To the north a hammam is built in Mughal style. There is one dressing room in it. The main room can be approached through galleries, where water tanks are constructed on three sides. A copper plate is fixed at the base of one water tank beneath which a furnace is constructed for providing hot water. The second floor of the palace is flat roofed, which has two chhatris on either sides. The architecture of this palace is a mixed form of later Mughal, Rajput and Malwa styles. It has been built by using red sand stone, kakaiya bricks and lime. The style of the dome is particularly distinctive of the monuments of early Bhopal Rulers.

RANI MAHAL

This palace was constructed by Dost Mohammad khan in the year 1720 to serve as a residence of his queens. Shades of the Rajput, Mughal and the Malwa styles of architecture are evident here.

Nature's heart !

On a valentine day ! A leaf on a plant in Kaliasoot area of Bhopal. Browm spots may be pointing out to pollution which this nature's heart is getting exposed to in Hindustan ka dil now a days !

Raisen fort

One gets attracted to the sprawling Raisen fort as seen in picture from the highway. It is one kilometer from the main highway but road is un-motorable. To make it worse there are big stones in the lane towards the fort, which make sure that one cannot drive even if you want to try !. One has to then climb staircase which leads to this fort which includes temples, palaces, a large water reservoir and some 40 wells.

If one looks at the official web site of Raisen district, in 'places to see' on the site this fort even does not feature may be that that is the reason there is no focus on maintaining this fort, a fort which gave district its name !.

Sunrise as seen from Indore - Bhopal highway !

Peacock in Kanha National Park

Peacock in Kanha national park. Kanha,a national park and a Tiger Reserve is situated in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh. It was was created on 1 June, 1955 by special law. Today it stretches over an area of 940 km² in the two districts and still has range of flora and fauna which it offers, and attracts lots of tourists during winters.

Khajuraho dance festival

Pic courtesy A M Faruqui

February 1 - 7, 2010. The Festival of Dances is a unique celebration of the best of Indian classical dance, in a spectacular floodlit temple setting in Khajuraho, Central India.

India's talented dancers performing different styles of dance - Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri and many more perform here. It is a platform for dancers, the festival and is organised by the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation. It draws audience of dance lovers from all over the world.

Lokrang at Bhopal

25th year of Lokrang - Lokrang Samaroh is organized every year in the month of January in Bhopal started today. This five day festival is based on the rich tribal and folk tradition of India.