The Taj Mahal

We drove to Agra and arrived in the late afternoon.  We could go up to our hotel roof and look out at the Taj.  We decided to get up at dawn to see the Taj, however the gates only opened at 6.20 and by that time it was already light.

The south gate and view of the Taj through the gateway.

The Taj Mahal is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, after she died in giving birth to their 14th child.

The sun rises and casts a glow on the east side of the Taj.  The Taj Mahal is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture. Its recognised architectonic beauty has a rhythmic combination of solids and voids, concave and convex and light shadow; such as arches and domes further increases the aesthetic aspect. The colour combination of lush green scape reddish pathway and blue sky over it showcases the monument in ever changing tints and moods. 

The exquisite octagonal marble lattice screen encircling both cenotaphs is a piece of superb workmanship. It is highly polished and richly decorated with inlay work. The borders of the frames are inlaid with precious stones representing flowers executed with wonderful perfection. 

 

Fatehpur Sikri

After 3 days in Jaipur we set off for Agra, with a stop at Fatehpur Sikri on the way.  Built by Emperor Akbar in honour of Salim Chishti, a famous Sufi saint, the walled city of Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire for 14 years.

The city, which the English traveller Ralph Fitch considered in 1585 as 'considerably larger than London and more populous', comprised a series of palaces, public buildings and mosques, as well as living areas for the court, the army, servants of the king and for an entire population.

Diwan-i-Khas

 Diwan-i-Am, the Hall of Public Audience, is encircled by a series of porticos which are broken up by the insertion of the imperial box where Akbar, surrounded by his ministers and officers meted out justice. This box communicates directly with Daulat Khana (Imperial Palace), flanked to the north by Diwan-i-Kas (Hall of Private Audience), called the 'Jewel House', a monument known for its central plan, which comprises an extraordinary capital surmounted by a circular balcony: the 'throne'.

Jami Masjid

 The great mosque (Jama Masjid), one of the most spacious in India (165 m by 133 m) could accommodate some 10,000 faithful; it was completed in 1571-72 and according to the dedicatory inscription deserves no less respect than Mecca. It incorporates, in the centre of the court, the tomb of Shaikh Salim, an extraordinary Christian masterpiece of sculpted decoration, further embellished under the reign of Jahangir.

Jaigarh and Nahargarh Fortresses

Jaigarh "Victory Fort" contains the world's largest cannon - it has only ever been fired once (as a practice).

The fortress is high up over the Amber Fort on a ridge - with great views from the kiosks along the walls.

The Nahargarh "Tiger Fort" had beautifully painted walls and great views out over Jaipur.

We went right up onto the roof and could walk around - it was amazing.

Amber Fort

The Amber Fort was established in 1592 by Man Singh.  It's a huge complex and incredibly beautiful.

Kesar Kyari Bagh, named after the saffron flowers planted in the star shaped flower beds.

Sheesh Mahal - where the flame of a single candle is reflected in the tiny mirrors all around the room.

Jaipur

Joal and Jenny went off to Udaipur for a few days and then Lex and I flew to Jaipur to meet them.  Rajasthan is full of ancient cities with magnificent palaces and forts, colourful festivals and bazaars. We hired a taxi driver for a couple of days so we could get round to see the sights.  First up we went into Jaipur Pink City and to the  Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) followed by the City Palace which is an interesting blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds

Snake charmer by the City Palace

City Palace - the Chandra Mahal - a 7 storeyed palace

 We also went to the Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory.  It's huge and really funky - with enormous sun dials and other buildings - one of which is a sundial accurate to 20 seconds.

In the afternoon we went to the Amber Fort and then on the way back we went to a lovely peaceful garden just outside the city.

We also went to the Jal Mahal which appears to be floating on the lake.

Finally back in town again we made our way to the Albert Hall, now a museum.  We ate right on top of the old city walls near the New Gate - a dodgy looking place but very tasty food.

Joal and Jenny in Juhu

Finally - they are here - let the holidays begin!

Marja in Mumbai in March

An old Dutch friend from NIST came to visit in March.  This was a good time to revisit some places downtown such as Haji Ali's, the Gateway of India, the Taj Palace hotel and Dhobi Ghat.  It was also International Women's Day and we had a celebration at our apartment complex in which Melissa (an ASB teacher) did Bollywood Dancing.