PlushPages

Men can do cooking too, peacefully!

2008-01-10T01:13:00.000+05:30

Women Cooking on the Roadside

2008-01-10T00:55:00.000+05:30

Vegetable Vendor

2008-01-10T00:47:00.000+05:30

A vendor selling fresh locally grown vegetables under the Banyan Tree on the Main Square in front of Jami Masjid, Mandu.

The Love Affair

2008-01-09T23:54:00.000+05:30

This parrot couple perched high on the stone wall of the Jahaz Mahal at Mandu reminds me of the eternal love story of Roopmati and Baz Bahadur. I was nothing less than awe struck to see the two birds as I could imagine they were the souls of the two still alive somewhere within Mandu and their love story has not ended even after 500 years .

Rani Roopmati Pavillion

2008-01-09T23:17:00.000+05:30

Rani Roopmati's Pavallion was built as an army observation post. It served a more romantic purpose as Roopmati's retreat. This pavillion is situated on a hilltop from where the queen could gaze at her paramour Baz Bahadur's palace, and also at the Narmada flowing by, below.She would not break her fast each day till she worshipped the river Narmada, such was her faith in the holy river that she was abandoned by her husband Raja Maan, who could not fulfil her wish of bringing Narmada river to his palace.The Rani used to cover a long distance daily to this Pavillion to be able to see Narmada and begin her daily chores.

A Diiferent Side of the Jami Masjid

2008-01-09T23:06:00.000+05:30

The Swimming Pool within Jahaz Mahal

2008-01-09T01:49:00.000+05:30

The Lotus shaped pool partially visible in this picture on the top right corner was the swimming pool on the first floor and an exact replica of it lies beneath on the ground level of the Jahaz Mahal. The Spiral structure which is the focus of this picture, shows the water purifying system of the period. Water coming from Kapur Lake through pipes used to gush into these spirals and due to the circular motion, used to slow down leaving behind the impurities and letting only the clearer water flow into the pool.This spiral system has a form composed by two integrated snakes.Now isn't this an architectural marvel of the period?

The Jami Masjid

2008-01-09T01:09:00.000+05:30

Visit The Great Courtyard, marked by the rows of pillars and small domes on three sides. This building is made entirely with pink sandstone and the construction commenced during the reign of Hoshang Shah and took three generations to complete. It is said to be inspired by the Great Mosque at Damascus. The front most area shown in this picture is the Qibla or the Prayer Area which is surmounted by the 3 larger domes.Inside this lie treasures of mixed architecture, for an example, I would quote a lotus(holy flower of the hindus) with a Crescent Moon(Symbol of Islam).This is just one of the small features of a mixed and converted architecture here telling the short stories of conquerors and the lost battles.

The Hindola Mahal

2008-01-09T00:51:00.000+05:30

Do you notice the angle that this building makes with the ground. It isnt that usual 90 degrees. This is why it is called the Hindola Mahal(hindola in gujarati means a "jhoola" or a "swing") which is why this palace is also referred to as the Swinging Palace. It was the deewane-aam of the Raja who along with his subordinates used to enjoy events here. But unlike other palaces, where the women were never allowed to view the shows uncovered, this palace was planned in a way, such that the Raja faces the Rani, and the subordinates face the Raja, so that they cannot see the Rani at all.

The Magic of Mandu

2008-01-09T00:32:00.000+05:30

A view of the Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace) which is called so because of its structure which resembles a ship since it is flanked by water bodies on three sides and when you're on the upper level, it seems like you are floating amidst the sea.This palace was built by Ghiyas-ud-din, son of Mohammed Shah, for his harem. According to the legends, this harem was home to 16,000 maidens which he used to seize during battles.

A Child's Play

2007-12-16T01:28:00.000+05:30

In the midst of Wadhwan, a taluka in Surendranagar Distt. lies the Wadhwan Fort where this young girl plays with her own toys, stones, twigs, dust and wind.And you can still feel the genuineness of the smile that rests on her face.

Adulterated Again!

2007-12-09T03:35:00.001+05:30

This beautiful structure located somewhere within Central Hyderabad wasn't spared as well. But one mustn't forget noticing how the colour composition of the board mildly blends with that of the building's, creating a not-so-stark difference.

Jam Packed !!!

2007-12-09T01:08:00.000+05:30

A view of the Traffic Congestion ... The line that you see here, continues for a quite a length...This is just the beginning, walk till you are walked over!

Only Bilboards in the Night...

2007-12-09T00:29:00.001+05:30

The night skyline has no stars and moon to offer in a city...just some bilboards and hoardings... Next Please!

The Beginning of MG Road...

2007-12-09T00:17:00.000+05:30

Here stands this captivating building of Vijaya Bank and may I take your attention towards the mascot bathed in red light standing a little bent at the heightest point...

Bangalore in Full Bloom

2007-12-09T00:00:00.000+05:30

Another version of the blooming beauty...

Bangalore in its Full Bloom

2007-12-08T22:56:00.000+05:30

Such a lovely sight these flowering trees offer...and you have to see it in real..You drive through the passage and on both sides stand these welcoming trees...in full bloom and the bright but mild pink hue just sets the mood right.

The Elephant safari...

2007-12-07T23:45:00.000+05:30

Feelin' like a queen...

Junk Shop Jew Town

2007-09-04T22:08:00.000+05:30

Sifting through an old street in an old town in an old shop, lonely and troubled.

Shadows of Light

2007-09-04T22:01:00.000+05:30

Despair's the path of life I walk,T he shadows in which I dwell A goal I seek with all my heart Escape from any hell. Fear and terror bar my way, And darkness blinds my sight, But all these things will flee before The shadow of a light. The journey's rife with sorrow... pain... At times it's hard to cope... But I'll endure... search deeper still... Where burns the flame of hope "http://www.shadowoflight.virgilanti.com/poetry.htm"

Maya

2007-09-04T22:00:00.000+05:30

Maya is the name of a small eating joint/restaurant in the heart of Shimla, right behind the Church.

The Green Fresh Ones

2007-09-04T21:57:00.000+05:30

Notice the textures, notice the youthfulness, you will still find a kind of staleness here...

Chanewala

2007-09-04T21:55:00.000+05:30

In the Junk food and cola age, the chanewala faces a business bandh.

Kussowlie

2007-09-04T21:53:00.000+05:30

Few people know 'Kasauli' used to be Kussowlie...Take a sneak peek!

Pinjore Gardens

2007-09-04T21:48:00.000+05:30

The charm still continues, the glory refusing to fade...

The Pink Side of Cochin

2007-09-04T21:46:00.000+05:30

Springy Summery Shades of Pinks Reds and Maroons...

Remember Bangalore

2007-09-04T21:40:00.000+05:30

With all its flaws, the city still excites me as much...

The Old and Wilted

2007-09-04T21:39:00.000+05:30

As they say, old is gold...and even if its not, its still an object of adoration...

The Train

2007-09-04T21:37:00.000+05:30

Awaiting the Train with Crowds Around, Eyes impatient...

Toying the Train

2007-09-04T21:35:00.000+05:30

Toy Train from Shimla to Kalka...One powerpacked Trip

2006-10-04T14:32:00.000+05:30

This July, I fell in love...

2006-10-04T14:19:00.000+05:30

Print-Ads for 4ac

#3

2006-10-04T14:05:00.000+05:30

Branding for my silver jewellery brand 4ac

#2

2006-10-04T13:45:00.000+05:30

Moodboard for my jewellery collection A.head

#1

2006-09-28T17:22:00.000+05:30

"Selph-Potrait" Images Courtsey: www.corbis.com