Magic of Saree

Draping a saree is an age-old tradition for the women of Indian society. The exclusive beauty of sarees lies in its varieties of quality and design. At the initial stages, Royal patronage gave more scope for the weavers to make a specific design for their personal uses.Now the time has changed and present scenario creates a  dramatic wave for the love of saree to wear in every occasion.  I am no exception out of this boundary. Though, at my childhood, I was just keenly attentive towards my Bou who was draped a lot of sarees in the day to day affair.Gradually her influence impacted on my inner sense and later I habituated towards the collection of hand-woven silk sarees that have been available in different parts of India. Curiosity increased due to the intense love for saree and I traveled nook and corner of each state of India to get the knowledge of the history of each particular saree.Out of this Paithani Silk Saree has its own history to tell every saree lover.

Paithani silk saree first originated under the patronage of Satavahan Ruler at the time of 9th century.  Though not spread to other regions, the popularity of this saree began at the time of Mughal period.. Aurangzeb took much pain for developing this skill and placed numbers of skilled weavers at Maharastra.
Paithani is made from natural silk with precious gold and silver metal threads that gives Paithani the Midas touch.The weavers point to the special significance of living in harmony with nature and its elements
The bungee peacock motif in every sarees reprints a story of Saubhagya and that represent completeness of being women.Aswali, a motif of flowering vine in each saree credited to the Peshwa period.
Depending on design, details, and size, its take one or two years to weave a paithani saree.It holds its place as the most precious piece of heirloom that every woman possess.
Before traveling towards Western part of India, I searched a lot from different sources to get the knowledge of getting about the place where its possible to make in touch with weavers of Paithani saree. The opportunity came when I visited Shirdi. Attention moved towards a small village named Yeola just 32km distance from Shirdi. That city is situated at Nagar-Manmad road. Though not too difficult to reach there but the small village with narrow lanes of traditional houses attracts the attention of each tourist. More than one skilled weavers are ready to sell their products. Among all Soni Paithani of Yeola is much reputed for the quality and reasonable price tag of each selected saree. The proof of their popularity guaranteed by clicking so many photographs with famous Bollywood stars like Lata Mangeshkar to Dimple Kapadia.  All these were hanging in the entrance room of their shop.Losing no more time I purchased my most enthusiastic color and design of Paithani saree. Felt like a royal princess to have a piece of the royal emblem with me. Thanked skilled weavers who still maintained our tradition of cottage industry even though they are undergoing a lot of painful problems to save this age old tradition to make wonderful magic for Saree lover like me.

AN UNIQUE EXPERIENCE.......

It was the time of afternoon of hot summer and too difficult to stand at the railway station of Baleswar for moving towards Baripada by local train.Hesitation immediately came to mind not to travel by local train for almost two hours of journey. The sweetening condition made us very horrible to wait for long. Anxious mind always waits to see the good result.The same thing happened to us. The consciousness of crowds around us made a signal for the arrival of the local train that came from Bhubaneswar.Everybody hurriedly went inside the coach to occupy a comfortable seat.It was a different scene to experience with a lot of rich cultural variation in the midst of local passengers.from vegetable vendors to tribal laborers along with middle-class family groups traveled with gaiety. At the outset, the train was running very smoothly as if it was moving towards a hill station. The looks of the train seem it was perhaps a toy -train navigating towards the thrilling scenic view.The mesmerizing beauty of fauna & flora made us speechless to believe ourselves that we were at local train which was moving towards a place like Baripada. Throughout the way, one could experience the beauty of dense greenery along with typical village life. While crossing towards the Baripada a lot of changes very clearly shown. Even though a lot of trees were there but termite nest was visible in every respectable place. It was a very exceptional scene in comparison to other places. In a recent survey, endangered animals of Baripada who ate termites were extinct very quickly.So, its a matter of problem for the coming time.While thinking about all the final destination came. yes, we reached the railway station of Baripada.It was one of the earliest railway stations in Odisha.The erstwhile ruler of Baripada, Shri Purna Chandra Bhanja Deo constructed Howrah-Chennai corridor at Baripada
One of the most beautiful cities of Mayurbhanja district is known as Baripada.It was established by Bhanja Dynasty at the 15th century.The ruins of the palatial palace at Haripur about 16 km distance from the south-east from Baripada proved that how the famous dynasty ruled at Baripada.More we entered into the city eagerness increased to know more about it. The royal palace of Bhanja dynasty has converted into an educational institution. Now named as the Maharaja Purnachandra college.The architecture style of Bhanja rulers was different.The present collectorate Building, MPC  college, Krishna Chandra High School and the Library Building all are a bright example of Bhanja Architecture.

MAHARAJA PURNACHANDRA COLLEGE

     LIBRARY BUILDING

Surprise to see the cleanness of the areas and the river which flows in the city is named as Budhabalang.While moving towards the market areas I saw a lot of big polythene bags were kept at the outset of the shop. To know more about it I enquired from the driver about that.Ohh, that's all puffed rice which is famous at Baripada.Yes, Mudhi-Mansha(combination of puffed rice and meat)is a local delicacy which can pamper the taste buds during the stay at Baripada.

Maa Ambika Mandir is one of the chief temple and highly revered deity in this region.Though it is in Bada-Bazar area I stubborn to visit there as soon as possible at the next early morning.
Jagganath temple of Baripada is considered very famous next to Puri temple. So, the justification was to go there as soon as possible, We went there but not so lucky to get darshan of the deity as it was afternoon time. But I observed from every corner to realize its beauty and the importance of the temple. The unique tradition of only women pulling the Ratha of Maa Shubhadra started at Baripada.

 

The simplicity attitude of the people and the beauty of the place was indeed a matter of attraction to enjoy it very honestly. I forgot to know more about Chau Dance of Baripada which is famous since long back.The simple village life along with the natural beauty create a strong bondage with the tourist which compel them to visit again and again.

 

          

The short staying time at Baripada provided us ample scope to enjoy all in a true sense.

SAFDARJUNG TOMB

Since long I heard a lot about a Heritage Site at the interaction of Aurobindo Marg and Safdarjung Road. The absolute picture came to my mind that it might be an isolated place for Lovebirds. But, my perception changed when I decided to visit that heritage place on Sunday with my hubby. Though the time was just approaching for sunset so I hurriedly entered to that historical monument.I stood silent for a moment to had a sight of the place. Perhaps it was a place for aspirants photographer who was roaming along with their camera. They all experimented to catch the view through their lens. I was also no exception from that.
Yes, the grand mausoleum of Abdul Mansur Mirza Muhammad Muqim Ali Khan better known as Safdarjung stood at the center of the garden.Due to his great statesmanship quality which brought him into a very top position during the rule of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah who gave him the title of Safdarjung.He appointed as the chief minister of Hindustan and later took the main position in Delhi court.His sudden rise in central administrative field pushed him to create a rivalry group around him.Court politics overtook him and he returned to Oudh and died in 1755 in Sultanpur near Faizabad.His able son Nawab Shujaud Daula took permission from Mughal ruler to build a tomb for his father.
A Grand Mausoleum was designed by Abyssinian. It was built in 1754 by his son  Shujaud Daula.Red and yellow colored sandstone were used.It was told that slabs from the tomb of Abdul Rahim khankhana were used in the construction of this tomb of Safdarjung.It was the last monumental tomb garden of the Mughals.
Now, it is maintained by ASI of the Indian government. No doubt a beautiful place to see the architectural style of Mughals. Lush green lawns are manicuring very neatly around the areas which attract the visitors to spare few moments with their loved ones.

Raghurajpur, the heritage village of India

It was the time of spring when season awaited for blooming of flowers around us. Too suitable climate to visit a place of our choice.  I decided to move towards Raghurajpur just 14 km distance from puri. After crossing the Chandanpur our vehicle turned towards a narrow muddy road. I enchanted with the sight scenery of village life. Barely half an hour later we stopped at the entrance of the so-called heritage village. Hoarding of village name distinctly displayed so that no tourist could get any confusion. The moment I came into contact with local people to inquire about the address of Guru Maguni Das residence, immediately few shopkeepers invited us to have a look at their crafts.I moved to the village which has only two streets with 120 houses.Each house is decorated with beautiful hand painted by traditional paintings of Odisha. The craftsmen were continuously focussed on their paintings on Pattachitra. I just went along with a local young chap who took charge to give us a guide for roaming in the village.our visit to so many houses made us quite thrilling to see their talents of paintings. They usually used organic colors for their paintings.What I saw was full of surprise and stunning.All of them are mastercrafts on Tussar paintings, Palm Leaf engravings, Paper mache, Toys, and masks. .Interactions with them provided very effectively to know about the principles of their artwork.we moved at a house where three to four boys aged between 7 to 13 years were sleeping on the benches. We chatted with the owner of that house. Its the center of Gotipua Odissi Nrutya Parishad.It was founded by Padmashree Award winner Guru Maguni Dash.As per the plea from our side they arranged to perform Gotipua Dance along with a rythemic flow of Mridala and Harmonium.For a moment we spellbound after seeing the body movement and presentation of the young kids.Its the same village where famous Odisha dancers Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra made his name very distinctive in the field of Gotipua dance as well as Odishi dance internationally.  The style and design of Pattachitra attracted me in such a depth that I forgot myself for a moment and I involved myself to capture the best in my camera. The free flow of simple village life along with their exceptional artistic talent creates a place of distinct from others. So, ASI has declared  Raghurajpur as a Heritage  Crafts Village. My long awaited wish fulfilled after going through that beautiful village of Odisha. A place of great interest for every tourist.

Athara Nala (Eighteen passages)

On my last visit to Odisha on the month of February 2017, I planned to go to Puri for the darshan of Lord Jagganath. Though I always make a point to visit there for the sensible attachment with the culture of odisha. Just before the entrance of Puri, we have to cross a bridge that always a matter of attraction for me. I requested my driver to wait just at the side of the road near the bridge so that I could take a snap .I counted the arches type of passages that was 18 in total number. I astonished to see the architectural style of Odisha. Indeed, It was a medieval odishan architecture made by  Bhanudeb of the Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century on the river Muthiya. Almost all tourist who visit Puri they all enjoy the beauty of this Bridge known as Atharnala or  Bridge of 18th passages. Its a wonderful adjoining linkage with Puri. Besides a tourist attraction, Atharanala is a bridge of religious sentiment for the people of Odisha.

Great Fort of Tughalaqs...

While crossing the Badarpur -Mehrauli road my attention rest on the giant wall but never get an opportunity to  visit inside. Always curious to know in details about the story that laid behind the most haunted fort of  Muslim period of India.All of sudden one day as per planning I got an offer to go inside the fort. It was the foggy and cold winter day of Christmas.  I reached as per scheduled time . And I progressed gradually to explore in details about Tughalaqabad Fort.

The founder of Tughlaq Dynasty was Ghiasuddin Tughlaq. Later it was subsequently carried by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq and Firozshah Tughlaq.
Questions a rised in my mind after going through the massive wall of fort that was completed by Ghiasuddin.  Why did he took so difficult task for making such a wall around his fort? Though Ghiasuddin was not at all an emperor rather he was a competent commandant under Mubbarak Khilji, the last emperor of Khilji dynasty.As North Western areas were always threatened by the mongols so it required strong protection .Gajji Mallick effectively dealt with this . One day Gajji Mallick  and Mubbarack Khilji   were riding through a hilly terrain. All of sudden Mallick requested Khilji emperor to build a grand palace there. But, he told him , when you would be a king then built as per your wish on that particular area. Then , luck played a twist game Gajji Mallick got an opportunity to establish himself as a ruler of Delhi and named himself as Ghiasuddin Tughlaq. He established himself as a founder of Tughlaq dynasty on 1321AD .Then, within 2 years of his coronation on the throne of new Tughlaq Dynasty he built all.The.fifth most important city grew at the history of Delhi.
First of all , it was important to know more about the giant wall of the fort. It was so high because to protect from the dangerous threatening from the daunting mongols. Three layers of loop wholes were there to defend the enemies. The surface of walls were not smooth and it was basically very sloppy.Thick of the wall was 10meters., height was 30 meters.

Unevenly stone were placed with lime mortar to stand that wall. Though fort had 52 gates , now only 13 gates remains to get inside the fort.  The existence of Hathi Gate, Dhobi& Dhoban Gate, Andheri Gate, Chakhlakhan Gate are  prominently giving ideas  regarding the lost gates of bygone eras.The sky high walls , double story bastions made it more specific in the 14th century.
My curiosity increased by the time I reached at a Baoli. Water reservoir was an important part of the Tughlaq dynasty.I watched at least 7 to 8 tanks within the citadel areas.These were all stepwell to reserve water.

While moving forward a great  reservoir came in front of me. The staircase  upto the lowering portion  of well was  built very strongly. It was very huge and surprisingly not completed. That was the point for which tussle started between a Sufi Saint Hajrat Nizamuddin and Tughlaq ruler Ghiasuddin.  Story began like this. When Ghiasuddin started to dig a stepwell or boali then at the same time Sufi saint also decided to dig a pond near his own meditation areas. While the king wanted all laborers to do his work within the fort then nobody's had that power to disobey the order of the king. Ultimately, laborers decided to continue work for saint in the night shift. Even this activities enraged to king and thats why he stopped to supply the oil after the dusk time so that the labourers could not continue their work at dark night. Soon, Sufi Auliya used his supreme power for giving light and by that way his work continued. That activities of Holy Man did not give solace to Ghiasuddin.  He totally stopped all the workers and gave order to continue work only for him. And, then He left to west bengal  . Ghiasuddin again told his followers that once he would reach at Delhi then he could find the rest of the matter. Immediately, Sufi Saint marked his voice -'Delhi is yet far'. Delhi abhi bahut dur hai......Then ultimately Auliya cursed to the emperor Ghiasuddin-YA RAHE HISSAR, YA BASSEY GUJJAR....MAY THE FORT REMAIN UNOCCUPIED OR ELSE MAY HERDSMEN LIVE...Later, Ghiasuddin never reached upto the gate of Delhi. His son Muhammad bin Tughlaq had arranged a great stage to welcome his father. When Ghiasuddin went towards the central stage, the stage collapsed immediately. He died within 4 years of his rule and he never reached Delhi. It was said that , it was a plan to kill Ghiasuddin so that Muhammad bin tughlaq could fulfill his dream to ascend the throne of Tughlaq dynasty.He also could not stay there for longer time. He made an another fort at Adilabad for himself. It was told that the curse of Saint ultimately fell on their dynasty. The great fort was abandoned at 1327 AD.
I did not resist my temptation to move eastern side of the fort. Though it was difficult to walk within the hilly terrain and thorny bushes. I saw only massive ruins throughout the forts. Few animals were grazing there.

I saw a numbers of granaries that were built under the surface.Ibanbatuta, the Morrocan Traveller , who stayed at Delhi for 4 years. He vividly explained all about the life of people and  Tughalaqabad.  It was a matter of astonishment to see such a.huge granaries that royal dynasty made for the storage of crops.Even , it was explained that huge amount of grains were drained from the graneries at the time of Balban.

I moved forward and reached an open ground towards the north . A series of courtyards were there. Though all were in ruins stage now still we can imagine from that ruins how big palaces were there. The existence of great gateways gave an idea of the entrance gate of royal members upto the fort.Diwan-i-am &  Diwan-i -khas were two most important features of palaces.
Absolutely crazy to cover all other points of fort I reached to glance the dongeons of fort. It were very specifically built at the time of Tughlaq ruler. Historian Sams Siraj mentioned that  once a man did not find his way for 3days to come out. The purpose of making such dongeons were  the store house of royal belongings.

Then , the great Jahanuma Tower , from there one can see the view around the Tughalaqabad from higher point.

The remains of grand palace, gigantic towers, double story bastons, , splendid mosque within the premises of Great Fort of Ghiasuddin  who built it with great dream and high ambition did not stay for long rather it was cursed  and still in the same abandoned place since 14th century regardless of many changes in the Medieval History of India. He left an unending spirit of courage and great statesmanship in the page of History to learn more.
It was indeed a mesmerising experince to explore the most haunted fort of delhi.....Great Tughalaqabad Fort.