History of Chennai
History of Chennai
Formerly known as Madras, the city of Chennai serves as the capital of Tamil Nadu a southern state of India. The history of this metropolitan city dates back to 1st century when it was a small fishing village. But the area around the village had been economic, military and administrative importance since the first century. The area saw the rules of many kingdoms like Pallava, Chera, the Chola, Pandya and Vijayangar. Portuguese who came there in 1522 built a port named Sao Tome. In 1612 they established themselves well at Pulicat, just north of Chennai.
Francis Day of British East India Company purchased a small piece of land on the Coromandel Coast in 1639. The region was under the rule of Chennapa Nayak of Vandavasi who gave the British permission to set up a factory and warehouse for their trading reasons. After a year the British built the fort called as Fort St.George which further served as the main centre of the growing colonial rule in India. (Fort St.George is the same building which housed Assembly of Tamil Nadu state till 2010 when a new secretariat was built for the Assembly house.) Fort St. George was meantime one captured by the French only to lose it back to the British who thereafter take an extra care by fortifying the wall of fortress and by taking other pre measures to withstand the further attacks from French and other possible threats of Hyder Ali and Sultan of Mysore.
By the end of eighteenth century the British already had captured a large area around Tamil Nadu and some parts of present states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and established the Madras Presidency with Madras serving as the capital. The city witnessed large scale of development during the British rule and grew in a major naval base. With the arrival of railway this thriving city was linked to other major cities like Bombay (now Mumbai), Calcutta (Kolkata) etc. Madras (Chennai) became the only Indian city to be attacked by the Central powers during the First World War. The attack by the German light cruiser caused the destruction to shipping.
After the independence of India in Aug-1947, Madras became the capital city of Madras State which was renamed as the state of Tamil Nadu in 1969. The city also saw the violent agitation against the central government’s decision of making Hindi as the national language. It was in 1996 that the name of Madras was changed to Chennai. The city witnessed the natural disaster in 2006 when Indian Ocean Tsunami caused major destruction on the shores of Chennai killing many people.
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Best of India,
Tourist Places of Bangalore
Bangalore is one of the most important tourist destination and capital of the Karnataka state also known as the Silicon Valley of India.Often it is known as a dream place for the software engineers so it is an IT hub.The city with ultra modern infrastructure and transport facilities invites the visitors around the world.
The city was founded by the local ruler Kempe Gouda in 1831.The city has seen drastic growth in recent year due to the tourist places. Bangalore is bestowed with several parks adding to its greenery hence called the Garden City at times.
LalBagh:
It is most richly diverse Botanical gardens in South Asia.It is laid out by Haider Ali in 1740.Spread over 240 acres of Parkland.Here we can also find Glass house in which Cameron a superintendent in the 1870 had responsible for initiating work.
ISKCON Krishna temple :
It was built by the prosperous International Society of Krishna Consciousness(ISKCON) and known for glossy exterior as well plentiful decorations.It features both modern and traditional Indian architecture.
Tipu Sultans Palace:
Tipu Sultan's Palace is really famous tourist destination in Bangalore and was built toward the end of the 18th century. It is built entirely from timber.The fort is noted for its beautifully carved arches on the gate.
Bannerghatta National Park Bangalore:
The Bannerghatta National Park is situated 22 km away from the city. t is a reserve of lions, Indian tigers and many other mammals. Crocodiles, picnic corner, pets corner and serpentarium with lions safari are among the many attractions in the park.The country's first butterfly park was set up in the Bannerghatta National Park on 25th of November 2006.
Sri Sri Ravishankar Ashram:
Bangalore has spiritual destination where every evening thousands of the city's well-heeled gather for the evening lecture and satsang.Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, once a disciple of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (renowned spiritual guide of the Beatles)The Art of Living, his secular philosophy of enjoying life.
Cubbon Park Bangalore:
Park is around 2 kms From MG Road. Laid out in 1864 by Richard Sankey, The chief engineer of Mysore, and named in honor of the Commissioner, Cubbon Park extends over an area of 135-ha (334 acres).There are we can find marble statues of Queen Victoria and Edward VIII.Middle of the park a red painted,Neo-classical building known as the Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Houses a Public Library.
The city was founded by the local ruler Kempe Gouda in 1831.The city has seen drastic growth in recent year due to the tourist places. Bangalore is bestowed with several parks adding to its greenery hence called the Garden City at times.
LalBagh:
It is most richly diverse Botanical gardens in South Asia.It is laid out by Haider Ali in 1740.Spread over 240 acres of Parkland.Here we can also find Glass house in which Cameron a superintendent in the 1870 had responsible for initiating work.
ISKCON Krishna temple :
It was built by the prosperous International Society of Krishna Consciousness(ISKCON) and known for glossy exterior as well plentiful decorations.It features both modern and traditional Indian architecture.
Tipu Sultans Palace:
Tipu Sultan's Palace is really famous tourist destination in Bangalore and was built toward the end of the 18th century. It is built entirely from timber.The fort is noted for its beautifully carved arches on the gate.
Bannerghatta National Park Bangalore:
The Bannerghatta National Park is situated 22 km away from the city. t is a reserve of lions, Indian tigers and many other mammals. Crocodiles, picnic corner, pets corner and serpentarium with lions safari are among the many attractions in the park.The country's first butterfly park was set up in the Bannerghatta National Park on 25th of November 2006.
Sri Sri Ravishankar Ashram:
Bangalore has spiritual destination where every evening thousands of the city's well-heeled gather for the evening lecture and satsang.Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, once a disciple of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (renowned spiritual guide of the Beatles)The Art of Living, his secular philosophy of enjoying life.
Cubbon Park Bangalore:
Park is around 2 kms From MG Road. Laid out in 1864 by Richard Sankey, The chief engineer of Mysore, and named in honor of the Commissioner, Cubbon Park extends over an area of 135-ha (334 acres).There are we can find marble statues of Queen Victoria and Edward VIII.Middle of the park a red painted,Neo-classical building known as the Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Houses a Public Library.
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Best of India,
"International kite festival "
"International kite festival "- Gujarat
Attractions : colorful kites of sizes and hues.
International Kite Festival is held at Ahmadabad,Gujarat.Kite festival is celebrated every year in January and it is major tourist attraction over the world.The Patang Bazaar (kite market), situated in the heart of Ahmadabad city, is open 24 hours a day during the Uttarayan week.
'Makar Sankranti' is celebrated as the kite-flying day because it shows a change of season marking the movement of the sun into the northern hemisphere means a celebration to mark the end of winter.Expert kite-makers and flyers comes from cities of India and People from all over the world display their exotic kites of various designs.Tremendous variety of kites are seen.This festival now attracts corporate world as kites provide for cost effective opportunity for branding.
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Indian Festivals,
Festivals in Mumbai
Mumbai Functions (Events)
Being a city of diverse cultures and traditions, Mumbai celebrates each festival belonging to diverse traditions in grandeur. As a part of that gesture the city celebrates Ganesha Festival, Diwali, Dassara, Gudi Padwa, Christmas, Eid, and Parsi New Year Day with great fervor. However, there are some festivals which can be clubbed as ‘events of Mumbai’ exclusively. They are Ganesha festival, Holi, Krishna Janmashtami, Christmas, and New Year celebrations.
Mumbai comes alive during the Ganesha Chaturthi festival. It is a huge cultural and religious event of the city. Ganesha Chaturthi that falls in the month of September, usually on the fourth day of the ‘Bhadrapad’ month according to Hindu calendar, is a big festival of the city. Almost every Hindu household would be installing Ganesha idols followed by huge processions and merriments. The immersion of Ganesha idol sometimes creates chaos and on the immersion day whole city would be on the streets beating drums, singing and dancing. The images of Ganesha would be immersed in the Arabian Sea.
Holi, the festival of colors that falls in the month of March would be celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mumbai. Be it old or young, men or women, rich or poor Mumbai does not bother. It is a common sight to watch people spraying colors on each other on this day. Streets would be drenched in colors. Another event would be the ‘Dahi Handi’ competitions to be held in the city during Krishna Janmashtami celebrations. Winter months would be the busiest months of the year in Mumbai. Diwali (the festival of lights), Dassera (Vijaya Dashami or the Navrathra festival as it is known), and the Christmas festival are celebrated during these months. In the month of December the city eagerly waits for the New Year Eve and various sorts of functions would be held all across the city. The place around Gate way of India would be heavily crowded with merrymakers.
Apart from these religious events (functions) the city gears up for some cultural events. Banganga Festival would be held in month of January. This is a festival of music to be held in the ambience of Banganga Tank in Walkeshwar for music lovers. On 18th and 19th of February (every year) the MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism) would organize Elephanta Festival in the ambience of Elephanta caves. Artists, dancers and singers from all across the nation would be invited for the function to perform. These are the major events in Mumbai. There would be regular drama shows at the Prithvi theatre, art and craft exhibitions, theatre workshops, book exhibitions, and what not! Kala Ghoda Festival is one such event for art lovers that would be held near J.J. art gallery every year in between January and February.
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Best of India,
Culture in Mumbai
At present Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city. It is an amalgamation of Hindu, Muslim, Parsi, Christian, Konkani, and the Portuguese cultures. The native inhabitants are the Kolis belonging to the fisheries community. As we go through the history of Mumbai we witness the influx of various cultures (foreign or regional) through various reigns. Mumbai attracted Parsis, Bhandaris, the Christians, and the Muslims. Thus Mumbai has become an epicenter for varieties of traditions. However, the folk of Mumbai would be pleased call themselves as Mumbaikars. The city is a conglomeration of diverse cultures, both traditional and modern.
The official language of Mumbai is Marathi; English, Hindi, Konkani, Urdu, Parsi are the other languages spoken. Their favorite drink is tea. Mumbai offers various blends of food, however, an average Mumbaikar would prefer to have snacks like Panipuri, Vada Pav, and Pav Bhaji. Iranian Cafes are much popular joints here. Mumbai offers food from Rajastan, Gujarat, Karnataka, TamilNadu, Bengal, and also from Kerala.
Mumbai has been catering seekers of art and music since the ages. As the influx of diverse cultures kept growing due to various reasons, the city has been witnessing the fusion of diverse cultural activities including art/music and dance. Mumbai attracts budding actors and actresses, painters, singers and performers. The city hosts many centers for art/music/ dance/ drama and Bollywood movies have been alluring talents from various parts of the country. We get to hear Pop, Indi Pop, Jazz, classical, semi-classical and Bollywood songs in Mumbai. However, the regional favorite has been Lavani dance and the songs sung by the Koli community do enthrall the Mumbaikars even today. Mumbai hosts the Bombay Chamber of Orchestra (established in 1962), the Symphony Orchestra of India (2006), and the National center for Performing arts.
Mumbai has been the place where the Indian movies were originated for the first time in India. The city hosts the famous R.K Studio (founded by Raj Kapur), and also the Rajkamal studio founded by V.Shantaram. Mumbai has cherished many stage artists and hosts many theatres. The Prithvi Theatre situated in Juhu is one among those theatres having worldwide recognition. The architecture of the city is mixture of European and Indian styles. The Victoria Terminus and Bombay University are two examples for the Gothic revival style. Apart from that we would also notice the structures built in indo-islamic style, and in Indo Saracenic style.
It is the city of Hindi cinemas, theatre movements, Dabbawalas, and of skyscrapers. An average day of a Mumbaikar would start at four in the early morning and ends at midnight. Mumbaikars have adapted themselves to a fast paced lifestyle.
The official language of Mumbai is Marathi; English, Hindi, Konkani, Urdu, Parsi are the other languages spoken. Their favorite drink is tea. Mumbai offers various blends of food, however, an average Mumbaikar would prefer to have snacks like Panipuri, Vada Pav, and Pav Bhaji. Iranian Cafes are much popular joints here. Mumbai offers food from Rajastan, Gujarat, Karnataka, TamilNadu, Bengal, and also from Kerala.
Mumbai has been catering seekers of art and music since the ages. As the influx of diverse cultures kept growing due to various reasons, the city has been witnessing the fusion of diverse cultural activities including art/music and dance. Mumbai attracts budding actors and actresses, painters, singers and performers. The city hosts many centers for art/music/ dance/ drama and Bollywood movies have been alluring talents from various parts of the country. We get to hear Pop, Indi Pop, Jazz, classical, semi-classical and Bollywood songs in Mumbai. However, the regional favorite has been Lavani dance and the songs sung by the Koli community do enthrall the Mumbaikars even today. Mumbai hosts the Bombay Chamber of Orchestra (established in 1962), the Symphony Orchestra of India (2006), and the National center for Performing arts.
Mumbai has been the place where the Indian movies were originated for the first time in India. The city hosts the famous R.K Studio (founded by Raj Kapur), and also the Rajkamal studio founded by V.Shantaram. Mumbai has cherished many stage artists and hosts many theatres. The Prithvi Theatre situated in Juhu is one among those theatres having worldwide recognition. The architecture of the city is mixture of European and Indian styles. The Victoria Terminus and Bombay University are two examples for the Gothic revival style. Apart from that we would also notice the structures built in indo-islamic style, and in Indo Saracenic style.
It is the city of Hindi cinemas, theatre movements, Dabbawalas, and of skyscrapers. An average day of a Mumbaikar would start at four in the early morning and ends at midnight. Mumbaikars have adapted themselves to a fast paced lifestyle.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
History of Mumbai
Mumbai History
The history of Mumbai dates back to the Stone Age. Historians claim that the Kolis were the earliest inhabitants of this city. The present area of the city was earlier a cluster of seven islands (Mazgaon, Isle of Mumbai, Worli, Parel, Mahim, Colaba, and Old woman’s Land) on the western coast of India. Later, in 1784, all the islands were linked through causeways built under the Hornby Vellard project. The cluster was a part of the Ashokan (Mauryan) Empire. Later the city passed through the hands of many Hindu rulers such as the Satavahanas, Mauryas of Konkan, Kalachuris, Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas, and the Silharas. The famous Elephanta caves and the Vajreshwari caves were built between 6th and 8th centuries. In the 13th century during the reign of Bhimdev many settlers (Palshis, Pachkalshis, Bhandaris and vadvals) were brought to the city. King Bhimdev seems to have introduced many fruit trees and coconut trees.
The islands came under the rule of the Gujarat Muslims during the 13th and the 14th centuries. One of the monuments built during this period was the Haji Ali Durga on an islet in Worli. The last emperor of the Gujarat Sultanate happens to be Bahadur Shah. He gave up the ownership of Mumbai islands to the Portuguese in 1534 by signing the Treaty of Bassein. Later in the Portuguese rule many inhabitants were converted to Catholicism by the Portuguese. The Portuguese helped to establish an important trade route into the Indian Territory via Mumbai. In 1661, the Portuguese Princess Catherine married the King of England (Charles II). Mumbai was given to Charles II as a token of dowry. From then onwards the city fell into the hands of the British. In 1668 rule of Mumbai was transferred to the East India Company from the hands of Charles II. In the middle of the 16th century itself the Parsis started migrating to Mumbai to evade Islamic proselytization. By the end of the 18th century Mumbai had sheltered many settlers from various other parts of the world.
The company rule faced many internal attacks from the Dutch and the Maratha rulers. However it was successful in establishing Mumbai as a major trade center (for spices, salt, rice, ivory and cloth) next to Surat. By the end of the 18th century the British completely took over Mumbai by the native rulers. William Hornby the Governor of Mumbai (in 1782) undertook the mission to conjoin all the islands through causeways. The British introduced railway lines in India, and the first of such an attempt was done between Bombay (Victoria Terminus) to Thane in the year 1853. The Gateway of India was built in 1911 to commemorate the arrival of the British King George the 5th.
Later in the pre independence movement Mumbai had been the epicenter of many events. The first session of Indian nation Congress was held in Mumbai (1885). Following the boycott of the Rowlatt pact, and the Non cooperation movement the city witnessed rigorous protest to the British rule. Mumbai witnessed many calamites like the Plague epidemic and famine. The British ruled for more than 200 years over Mumbai. The last troupe of the British battalion went back in the year 1948. After independence the city was reorganized according to linguistic divisions by the Indian Government. Now, it has been recognized as a metropolitan city comprising of various cultures. It is a major center for art, culture, and trade.
The city had witnessed communal riots during the British period. Even after independence the city has become vulnerable to various sorts of illegal activities including terrorist activities. The well established Mumbai mafia has a story of its own. The city has witnessed a series of bomb blasts starting from 1993. In 2006 there was yet another serial bomb blast event occurred followed by a terrorist attack on the famous Taj hotel opposite the Gateway of India in the year 2008. Yet, the city has shown tremendous potentials to sail through all these calamities.
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Best of India,
Culture of Chennai
Chennai which boasts of having a distant culture is regarded as the gateway to south Indian culture. Though the city has grown in to a cosmopolitan it has not distanced itself from its rich culture and tradition. Rather it became the patron of its traditional music, dance and other art forms. Chennai is known for its warm hospitality. People of Chennai are seen showering hospitality on their guests who in turn are seen flattered. Early rising and doing religious rites is the common for the people of Chennai. People usually visit the temples on Friday.
Pongal, the most important festival of Chennai is celebrated with great fervor along with whole of south India. Chennai also celebrates other festival like Deepawali, Eid etc. When it comes to dressing Chennai still prefers to their traditional attires. Young girls are seen wearing the half sari of Pavada. Definition of fashions is quite different here. If someone wears Salwar-Kamieez or jeans she or he is called fashionable.
Chennai is very passionate about its traditional forms of dance and music. Come December and Chennai host the five week long music festival. The extravaganza of music and dance show is one of the world’s largest cultural events. Chennai is famous for its classical dance, the Bharatanatyam which also enjoys the status of official dance of Tamil Nadu.
Over the years the city of Chennai has grown in to cosmopolitan metropolis with people of different faiths and different region of the country coming in large number to live here. Tamil is the native language of the city but use of English language has been increased for the past some years.
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Indian Festivals,
Sonari Mahal
Soneri Mahal is located within Dr.Babasaheb Amebedkar Marathwada University Campus at Aurangabad and is on the way to Aurangabad caves.
Soneri Mahal built in the 17th century by Pahadsing a Orchha Chieftainis.At the entrance we arrive at a lush green lawn divided by an rectangular water reservoir that leads us to the golden building of palace.
The paintings in the Mahal were once painted of gold and so the name Sunheri Mahal.Now this historic monument is converted into museum.
Every year Ellora-Ajanta festival is held here since 2002 and it is organized by the Divisional Commissioner Aurangabad in association with MTDC.The festival has been graced by the most illustrated Indian international artists.
Bibi-Ka-Maqbara replica of Taj Mahal is situated near Soneri mahal.
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Pilgrimage,
Fairs and Festivals of Bangalore
Though the city of Bangalore has developed into a cosmopolitan city and has been influenced by the influx of large number of migrants not just from other parts of India but from other countries as well, it celebrates its several traditional festivals with great enthusiasm. Along with the major festivals of India like Depawali, Dussera, Christmas and Eid-ul-fitr, there are some regional and traditional festival of Bangalore celebrated with much pomp and show.
Among them is the festival of Ugadi celebrated in the month of March- April. The festival marks the beginning of New Year. The day of festival is sacred one as it is believed that on this day Lord Brahma created the universe. The people also consider this day to be an auspicious one to start new venture.
Karaga is another prominent festival celebrated in Bangalore with much fanfare. Karaga is the name given to clay pots which are carried by the devotees on their heads in the religious procession. Devotes have to balance while carrying the pots. The event serves to be the testing time of devotees’ devotional strength. The festival which is celebrated by mainly Tigala community comes in the month of March- April. Kadalekaye Parishe and Varamahalakshami are other important festivals celebrated in the city of Bangalore.
Habba is another important cultural event in Bangalore. Habba literally means ‘festival’ in Kannada. Celebrated in various part of the city of Bangalore, this one week long event attracts thousands of tourists and many artists. Celebration of the festival includes dance, music, street theatre, film panorama and sport competitions like golf tournament, pulling race, vintage car rally etc.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,