TRAVELS, STORIES AND MORE
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| Arambol beach |
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| Petroglyphs of Usgalimal on the Banks of River Kushavati |
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In 1986, 7 Goan Churches and Convents were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since they "are outstanding examples of an architectural ensemble which illustrates the work of missionaries in Asia" - Source: UNESCO website (clockwise on the Map) 1. Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria 2. Church of Cajetan 3. SE Cathedral 4. Church and Convent St. Francis of Assisi 5. Basilica of Bom Jesus 6. St Augustine Tower (remains of St. Augustine Church) 7. Church of Our Lady of the Rosary |
8300 BCE, Upper
Palaeolithic to Mesolithic age
1200 BCE, Iron Age:
Between 322 and 185 BCE Mauryans ruled over this part of India. Mauryans were great patrons of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and the Ajivikas. Archeological excavations have brought into prominence many Buddhist caves, and Jain and Hindu temples all across Goa.
Between, 50 BCE, mid-1st century BCE and 250 CE Early 3rd
century CE (approx.), the Satavahanas ruled over Goa. The Satavahanas developed maritime trade with Coastal European countries. European-turned-Buddhists moved to India. Greco-Buddhist art and architecture thrived during this period.
Around the 4th century AD, the Bhojas took hold of Goa. They were patrons of Buddhism and Greco-Buddhist art and architecture.
Medieval period:
From the 10th to 14th century CE Kadambas ruled over Goa. They introduced the Kannada language to Goa
Between 1347 and 1518 Bahamani Sultanate took over Goa. They brought Muslim influence to Goa.
Between 1336 and 1646 Vijaynagar Empire brought back southern influence.
Between 1489 and 1510 Adil Shah of Bijapur Sultanate made a second capital at Velha Goa (Old Goa)
In 1510, Vasco Da Gama landed in Calicut, eventually arrived at Goa, and established 450-year rule of the Portuguese in Goa. The Portuguese introduced Christianity To Goa. They built many Churches and Convents with Roman and catholic influence.
In 1961 Indian Army annexed Goa into Indian territory and created the Union territory of, Goa, Daman, Diu
In 1987 Goa gained recognition as an Independent state post the Konkan agitation.
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| As of 2023, there are 14 forts and remains of forts in Goa (marked in Yellow). Only Aguada Fort is included among the 21 historical heritage of national importance (The other 20 historical heritage of national importance are marked in Cyan. 14 of these are located in Old Goa,7 of which are UNESCO heritage sites) |
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| Heritage Sites of National Importance in Velha Goa (Old Goa) |
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| There are 51 heritage sites that are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India marked in blue, yellow, and cyan |
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| St Augustine Tower |
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| The Aguada fort |
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| The Lamgau Caves |
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| The Surla Mosque |
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| The Mangueshi Temple |
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| The Shantadurga Temple |
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| The Beach Cottage we stayed at for Rs. 400 a day |
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| Current list of existing, buried, or destroyed Baolis As per the last survey done by the Archeological Survey of India, there were 32 step-wells in Delhi, of which only 16 are existing today. Originally, there were at least 100 'Baolis' across Delhi as per old journals and books written by historians but there is no confirmed/official documentation of the same |
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| The Lahorheri Stepwell, A16th century step-well was built by the Lodhi Dynasty A typical design of a stepwell There is a main deeper well connected to the confined underground aquifer which supplies water to the tank. The well water was used for drinking. The tank water was used for bathing and washing |
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| Agrasen ki Baoli, A 14th-century step-well was built by King Agrasen. |
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| Rajon ki Baoli (left) is a 16th-century stepwell built by Sikandar Lodi. Gandhak (sulfur) ki Baoli (right) is a 13th-century stepwell built by Sultan Iltutmish. This well was fed by a sulfur spring with curative properties |
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| Feroz Shah Kotla Baoli is a 14th-century step-well, built by Ruler Firoz Shah Tughlaq. This is one of the differently designed Baolis in Delhi. Unlike the linear Baolis, this one was designed in a circular form and it was completely covered. The roof was destroyed over time and Baoli is inaccessible to visitors due to accidents at the site in recent years. |
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| Built by Ghiyassuddin Tughlaq in the 14th Century the Tughlaqabad Fort step-wells were also different in design. These wells were squarish in structure with side access. About 14 wells were supposedly constructed in the fort of which only two remain. The east Baoli is closed to the public due to its dilapidated condition. |
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The Lal Qila Baoli was probably built by the Tughlaq Dynasty in the 14th century or earlier. It was reconstructed or renovated by the Lodis considering the workmanship it currently has and was later renovated again by the Mughals during the construction of the Red Fort. |
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The Nizammudin Dargah Baoli (left) was built in the 14th century by Ghiyassuddin Tughlaq. The Baoli is in use and is fed by some 7 underground springs. The Arab Sarai Baoli (right) was built in the 17th century by Emperor Jehangir |
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The Qutub Sahib Baoli (left) is a 13th-century step-well built by Sultan Iltutmish. The Pir Ghalib or Hindu Rao Hospital Baoli (right) is a 14th-century step-well built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq. Both are in the process of revival. They were in a horrible state as can be seen. |
Day 1: Drive to Rajgir
Chandigarh is the only city in India that is a Union Territory, and the Capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana. Curiosity led me to research the topic, of why was Chandigarh made the capital of two states. There are many articles on it, here's mine.
Before partition, the state of Punjab included the states of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana and Lahore was its capital. After the India-Pakistan partition in 1947, Punjab was divided into West Punjab and East Punjab. West Punjab went to Pakistan and East Pakistan went to India.
Why was Punjab divided in 1947?
Punjab like Bengal had a slightly higher majority of Muslims than Hindus (about 53%: 47%). Muslim League demanded both Bengal and Punjab be given to Pakistan considering the majority. Congress contested that the majority was too insignificant. Eventually, it was decided, that Both Bengal and Punjab will be divided. Both partitions led to tragic massacres and are marked as the darkest history of India.
Why was Punjab not divided after partition?
After partition, the first Prime Minister of independent India, J. Nehru, decided not to divide Punjab, since the 1947 partition had already seen a lot of bloodshed and displacement considering there was a religious divide (Sikhs vs Hindus) as well other than the language divide (Punjabi vs Pahari vs Hindi).
Creation of Chandigarh
Since Lahore went to Pakistan, a new capital was needed. It was the first planned city of Independent India. The city was designed by Swiss-French Architect Le Corbusier.
Why was Punjab divided in 1966?
Due to political pressure, and the Sikh agitation for a separate state, Prime Minister I. Gandhi acceded to the proposal of a division. New states of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were created. Himachal opted for Shimla as its capital. However, Punjab and Haryana contested for Chandigarh. A plebiscite was held and Chandigarh got voted as Hindi speaking majority. Punjab contested the results. Eventually, PM I. Gandhi gave Chandigarh the status of a Union Territory and granted it special status as the capital of two states.
During PM R. Gandhi's term, in 1985 the Longowal Accord was signed which among other conditions, stated Chandigarh would be given to Punjab in exchange for Hindi-speaking cities and villages to Haryana. Soon after Longowall was assassinated, unrest and terrorism engulfed the then-political scene in India. The exchange finally never took place and the status of Chandigarh remains the same to date.
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| Source: https://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/india/prepartitionmap.htm |