Latest news with #Rajputs
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Discover Udaipur: 6 Must-Visit Spots For DIY Photography Tours
Udaipur enjoys the distinction of being the most picturesque city in the country because of its magnificent palaces and sprawling lakes. The city of Udaipur is often considered the fantasy of countless amateur and professional photographers. Always bustling with tourists and locally rich in culture paired with splendid natural beauty, Udaipur is the perfect combination of vibrant markets, serene lakes, and grandiose palaces. Udaipur has numerous sites to click from and here is a Remotest DIY guide to the top sites and the times of the day for popping results. 1. Lake Pichola at Sunrise At dawn, the golden rays of sun reflecting off the lake create the perfect backdrop for the City Palace and the hills nearby. Begin your photography session with capturing the splendid aesthetic beauty of Lake Pichola, taking a ferry ride can provide unique viewpoints. Capturing the grandeur of the Jag Mandir and Taj Lake Palace is also viewable from the shoreline. Quick Tips: When to Shoot: Soft light and calm waters can be best captured in the early hours of the day. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the lake's vastness. Play around with reflections to compose shots that stand out. 2. City Palace Complex in Mid-Morning The crowning structure in Udaipur is the City Palace, which showcases the Musk and Rajputs styles of architecture. It is a radiant gem when illuminated by the sun. The Place boasts of courtyards, balconies, and even a museum which allows both close and far ranging photographic captures. Also, the scenic view of Palace with Lake Pichola is mesmerising. Best Time to Shoot: Mid-morning (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) to avoid harsh shadows. Quick Tips: Pay attention to architectural details like jharokhas and so on. For steady indoor shots, always use a tripod. 3. Jagdish Temple During Golden Hour This temple is located close to the City Palace and is famous for its detailed carvings. It has strong photographic features because of its setting during the late evening when the sun is setting creating a backdrop. The temple is further enhanced during the golden hour – a great time for capturing images blocks away from the busy City Palace. Best Time to shoot: Late Afternoon (4:00 PM to 5:30 PM) during golden hour. Quick Tips: Capture the temple with tourists dressed in ethnic clothing to give a sense of scale. Capture the finer details in the carvings. 4. Saheliyon Ki Bari in the Afternoon This place is particularly famous for its visually attractive fountains, verdant pavilions, and pools of water-lilies. It is best suited for pictures in and around the majestic garden of maidens that is adored for its symmetry and layout, and ornate towers. Best Time to Shoot: Afternoon from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM for optimal lighting. Always remember: Add people into your photos for storytelling and scale. Use macro mode to capture intricate flower details. 5. Best Sunset Photograph Location: Fateh Sagar Lake If you want to capture a stunning sunset photograph, head over to Fateh Sagar Lake. The lake is a spectacle in itself, with the Aravalli Hills giving it a gold gilded look underneath the setting sun while the warm silhouettes of boats, set against a colorful sky will seal the deal. Best Time to Shoot: Sunset from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Always remember: Use a telephoto lens when shooting distant boats. Change your white balance to warm up the overall picture. 6. Ambrai Ghat Best Photograph Time: Twilight Ambrai Ghat has one of the best views of the City Palace shining bright in the night sky. It combined with the shimmering lights from Lake Pichola truly adds magic to your photography. Best Time to Shoot: Twilight to Early Night from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Always remember: Use long exposure to highlight reflections accompanied with light trails. A tripod will help you capture steady night shots. Final Thoughts Photographers of all types are guaranteed to appreciate the beauty of the city, which is why Udaipur is as charming as it is. The city is filled with breathtaking scenery, fascinating monuments, and an impressive lifestyle that will surely provide plenty of opportunities to take amazing photographs. So grab your camera and make sure to visit Udaipur using this guide for an unforgettable experience capturing India.
India.com
07-06-2025
- General
- India.com
Discover The Stunning Blend Of Mughal And Rajput Architecture In Pune's Monuments
History and cultural legacy define Pune City while it gains recognition primarily for its Maratha roots. The Maratha architectural heritage of Pune includes an interesting narrative which shows how Mughal and Rajput design elements fused together. A special architectural fusion of Mughal and Rajput traditions manifests itself through the historical monuments which have stood silent as artifacts of cultural exchange in Pune's less famous sites. The examination of these structures lets us observe the perfect mixture of Mughal greatness with Rajput beauty across the Deccan region. Historical Context: The Confluence of Cultures The analysis requires understanding Pune's historical developments during the medieval time. Local aesthetics in the region took their form from the Maratha dominance alongside Mughal relations and Rajput political alliances. The Deccan offensive carried out by Aurangzeb led to the development of Pune into a position of power through Mughal control from 1681 through 1707. For all their resistance to Mughal control the Marathas allowed Mughal elements to remain via diplomatic activities and trade and skilled craftsmanship transfer. Due to their reputation for elaborate work and imposing fortresses the Rajputs maintained deep historical connections with multiple Indian dynasties operating in Maharashtra. Regional architecture benefited from the connections that enabled designers to implement Rajput design principles. The architectural monuments of Pune showcase integration between two heritage styles which produce both unique and unified design characteristics. Key Features of Mughal and Rajput Architecture Two notable features of Mughal and Rajput architecture serve as outlines for understanding the subsequent discussion about Pune examples. The Mughal architectural style displays symmetry through illustrious gardens while showcasing domes and minarets in addition to red sandstone and white marble and maintains perfect precision in every detail. Mughal and Rajput architecture stands out through the detailed stone carvings as well as written scripts and floral decorations that embellish their structures. Rajput Architecture manifests through its combination of defensive power and decorative beauty which appears through jharokhas, chhatris and protective fortifications as well as colorful frescoes. The public spaces in temples and palaces include stepped ponds and courtyards which were intended for shared events. These stylistic combinations lead to design creations that unite practical functionality with spiritual devotion alongside artistic elegance. Notable Examples in Pune 1. Shaniwar Wada The main identity of Shaniwar Wada stays with its Maratha power representation but it quietly shows Mughal architectural elements. Peshwa Baji Rao I constructed this fortress-palace during 1732 while keeping Mughal architectural elements in its arched gateways. A wall pattern bearing the lotus motif serves as one among several Mughal decorative features found inside the structure. The establishment contains Mughal-style public spaces through its courtyard arrangement which functioned as audience spaces. The defensive bastions at Shaniwar Wada use defense principles similar to those found in Rajput heritage sites particularly Chittorgarh fortress even without explicit Rajput inspiration. Shaniwar Wada remains a symbol of Pune's ability to integrate multiple architectural elements without losing its native heritage. 2. Lal Mahal Located in Pune, Lal Mahal displays Rajput architectural features blended surprisingly well in a simple yet elegant manner with the facade of its earlier residence serving as the home of Shivaji Maharaj. Today's restored parts of the structure display Rajput residential architectural features such as jharokhas alongside little work which exemplify the typical properties of Rajput residences. The building features elements aimed at ventilation and privacy thus adapting to the warm climate of the Deccan plateau. The palace demonstrates an effective layout that matches Rajput fort efficiency because it achieves practicality while preserving elegance. The Rajput techniques demonstrate their capability to transform according to regional requirements through these adjustments. 3. Aga Khan Palace The Indo-Saracenic monument Aga Khan Palace stands as a 1892 masterpiece of Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III which combines Mughal, Rajput and European architectural elements. The Mughal architectural features of arches and domes coordinate with Rajput roof elements such as chhatri-like structures. Elegant jaali patterns combined with geometric styles throughout the interior commemorate traditional arts. The memorial building at Aga Khan Palace provides important historical value to India's fight for independence after it functioned as the prison space where Mahatma Gandhi was detained. As an architectural masterpiece it represents unity through diverse elements which run through the cultural fiber of Pune. Conclusion: A Legacy of Harmony Through its monuments one can witness Mughal and Rajput traditions blending harmoniously in Pune. Detailed observation enables understanding of how these design approaches merge to create greater value in Pune's architectural development. The three structures represented by Shaniwar Wada, Lal Mahal and Aga Khan Palace demonstrate how Pune became a center of cultural cooperation as well as architectural innovation through their unique blending of traditions. The buildings demonstrate the historic function of Pune as a location where different ideologies and cultural aspects fused. Through this architecture we understand that art creates connections between different places while bridging historical times. Every age group from researchers to weekend travelers can experience Ahmedabad's pluralistic cultural heritage through these monuments which provide both visual beauty and historical understanding.
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First Post
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Netflix's 'The Royals': Baroda's Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad slams Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar's show, calls it 'A Royal Ignore', netizens react
One user said, 'Its wonderful that you shed light on this, it really needed to be said.' read more Ishaan Khatter and Bhumi Pednekar's show The Royals that streamed on Netflix recently received mixed reactions from users and critics. It has now been renewed for season 2. But a recent post on the show by Baroda's Maharani Radhikaraje has gone viral. She didn't mince words and wrote a rather long note that read- 'The Royal Ignore. One would imagine the royals of India, a community abundantly chronicled, photographed, biographed, and today well-positioned in a range of arenas from politics, hospitality, to magazine covers.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Maharani added, 'Would have a better chance of surviving an on-screen portrayal such as the one in The Royals. Alas, that was not to be and such is our fate, since 1947…What began as a post-independence, politically motivated propaganda of stereotypical Rajas soaked in whiskey and profligacy and Ranis in chiffons and pearls continues to define us.' Radhikaraje continued, 'Indian royalty consists of Brahmins, Rajputs, Marathas, Sikhs and Muslims, truly representative of its diversity. India has also seen some of their finest statesmen, diplomats, wildlife conservationists, bureaucrats, army officers.' 'educationists, sportsmen, hoteliers and entrepreneurs emerge from royalty and today our palaces, forts and museums are perhaps the last few sentinels of India's undiluted, apolitical patronage and cultural history, all maintained in our personal capacity. Yet after all these decades our own country continues to view us - all 565 families and a few thousand nobility, with an odd mixture of awe, ignorance and distaste,' she noted further. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Netizens react Here are some comments that dropped: Very well said, could not have been put better. Its wonderful that you shed light on this, it really needed to be said The shoddy TV show should be called out. But respectfully, despite your eloquence and graciousness, I beg to differ on what the Royal families did for India. They were united only in their self interest, and divided in any common cause.
Indian Express
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Maharana Pratap won battle of Haldighati against Akbar': Rajasthan Deputy CM Diya Kumari at Jaipur event
Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari has said that Mewar king Maharana Pratap won the 16th Century battle of Haldighati against the forces of Mughal emperor Akbar, adding that she was instrumental in the change of plaque in Haldighati to ensure that it 'reflects the truth.' Speaking at a programme in Jaipur organised by Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Sanstha to commemorate the 485th birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap on Thursday, Kumari said: 'The plaque at Haldighati stated that Maharana Pratap lost and Akbar won the battle. In 2021, since I was an MP from there (Rajsamand) – and it is an ASI monument – we tried (to get it changed), including in Delhi with the Minister (of State) for Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal as the department was under him. The words on the plaque were changed and if you go to Haldighati today, you will read that Maharana Pratap won the battle. I would like to say that that was the biggest achievement of my tenure (as an MP).' आज वीर शिरोमणि महाराणा प्रताप जी की 485वीं जयंती के उपलक्ष में वीर शिरोमणि महाराणा प्रताप संस्था, झोटवाड़ा द्वारा आयोजित कार्यक्रम में सम्मिलित होकर गौरव की अनुभूति हुई। महाराणा प्रताप का जीवन हम सभी के लिए स्वाभिमान, साहस और मातृभूमि के प्रति समर्पण का प्रतीक है। हल्दीघाटी के… — Diya Kumari (@KumariDiya) May 29, 2025 While the comments were made Thursday, they went viral Saturday. She said that since people may not be aware, she decided to share the truth with people from the stage. 'Kyunki log bahut ulti seedhi cheezein bolte hain, sacchai batane ka sabko samay aa chuka hai. Main kum bolti hun, lekin jab bolti hun tab bahut kuch bolti hun (Because people say a lot of wrong things, the time has come to tell the truth to everyone. I speak less, but when I speak, my words mean a lot),' she said. 'We need to think; the true and correct history of Rajasthan should reach people. Not the history written by Mughals. What did the Mughals do? Divide and rule, the same thing which the Britishers did,' she said, adding that the Mughals made Rajputs fight Rajputs, Hindus fight Hindus. She said that it was unfortunate that for a long time, the political parties too pushed the same history. The ASI had changed the said plaques in 2021. In July 2021, then ASI Jodhpur circle superintendent Bipin Chandra Negi had told The Indian Express that: 'The state government had put up these plaques in Chetak Samadhi, Badshahi Bagh, Rakta Talai and Haldighati in 1975 when Indira Gandhi had visited the area. At that time, these weren't centrally protected monuments. These sites were declared as monuments of national importance in 2003 but the plaques didn't have this information. Over time, they became worn out and also had controversies about date and some other information.' He had added that he received submissions from scholars and public representatives for the removal of the plaques. 'Following this, I took cognizance of the matter. The old plaques didn't even contain the name of ASI. The Culture Ministry had also raised the issue with our headquarters,' Negi had said. The plaque at Rakta Talai, which was removed, had said: 'The fight was so deadly that the whole field was strewn with dead bodies. However, circumstances forced the Rajputs to retreat and the struggle ended at mid-day of the 21st June 1576AD.' Kumari's comments came a day after Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade claimed that several inaccuracies have been recorded in Indian history due to the early influence of British historians, including the widely cited story of the marriage of Jodha Bai and Mughal emperor Akbar. Speaking at an event in Udaipur, the governor had said that this story is a lie, instead claiming that 'There was a king named Bharmal and he got the daughter of a maid married to Akbar.'
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Modern Indian flavours: Laal maas to tandoori
India's culinary tradition, a diverse and deeply rooted mosaic of regional flavors, is undergoing a transformation. As chefs reinterpret classics and diners grow more adventurous, a new language of Indian cuisine is emerging—one that bridges heritage with innovation, memory with technique, and spice with subtlety. From fiery Laal Maas to experimental tandoori creations with avocado mousse or truffle oil, Indian food is no longer confined to the rigid borders of tradition. The evolution of tradition Laal Maas, a quintessential Rajasthani dish, symbolizes the fiery and bold essence of Indian regional cooking. Made with mutton, red chillies, and ghee, it's a dish steeped in history—believed to have originated in royal kitchens to cater to the meat-loving Rajputs. Its aggressive heat and rustic depth once defined it as unapproachable for the untrained palate. But in today's upscale restaurants, Laal Maas is being reinvented: it may arrive slow-cooked for 12 hours, served with saffron-infused millet khichdi or pearl onions caramelized in jaggery. What's changing is not just the presentation or pairing, but the philosophy. Today's Indian chefs are less interested in merely preserving recipes. They are keen on translating tradition into a contemporary experience. The result is not fusion, but evolution. Global techniques, local ingredients This new wave of culinary innovation is built on the backbone of traditional knowledge, but it draws techniques from around the world. Sous-vide goat curry, deconstructed samosas, or tandoori broccoli with parmesan shavings are examples of how Indian cuisine is integrating modern gastronomy. Tandoor: From heat to art The tandoor, once a backyard or dhaba staple, has been reborn in restaurant kitchens as a tool of creative expression. Traditionally used for meats and breads, the tandoor is now applied to fruits, cheeses, and even desserts. Take, for example, tandoori pineapple carpaccio served with smoked yogurt and black salt caramel—a dish that plays with the charred sweetness of the fruit and the creaminess of dairy in unexpected ways. Or tandoori brie stuffed kulchas paired with tomato-thyme chutney. This shift repositions tandoor from a rustic cooking method to a fine-tuned instrument of flavor design. Even vegetarian dishes—long overshadowed in discussions of Indian meat curries—are finding bold new identities through tandoori techniques. Tandoori beetroot, lotus stem, and okra are not just substitutions but stars in their own right, proving that innovation is not about imitation, but reinterpretation. The Diners Have Changed Too This renaissance in Indian cuisine is also consumer-driven. Today's diners, especially the urban, millennial, and Gen Z crowd, are curious and informed. They want food with stories, experiences that resonate, and meals that reflect identity—both individual and cultural. Menus now often come with annotations, listing the origins of ingredients or explaining the historical significance of a dish. This educative approach has fostered a deeper appreciation for regional cuisines that were once underrepresented—such as Naga pork, Goan cafreal, or Himachali dham. Instagram has also played its part—plating is more artistic, colors more vivid, and flavors more layered to appeal to a visual and sensory audience. A Language Beyond Borders As Indian cuisine is redefined, it's also finding new expressions globally. London, New York, Dubai, and Melbourne have seen a rise in restaurants that offer 'New Indian' menus. These are not diasporic comfort-food joints but avant-garde spaces that present Indian food as an evolving artform. Indian chefs are no longer cultural ambassadors—they are innovators shaping global culinary conversations. In essence, Indian cuisine today is not losing its soul. It's speaking a new dialect—rooted in memory, expressed with modernity. From Laal Maas to modern tandoori marvels, from village kitchens to Michelin-starred plates, the journey is not about dilution, but discovery. This new language of Indian food doesn't rewrite the past—it builds upon it, one plate at a time. (Vikas Deep Rathour, culinary Manager The Imperia by Dhaba)
