#Jauhar Place

[onedaytripin]

One Day Chittorgarh Sightseeing Trip by Private Cab

If you are planning to visit Chittorgarh, you can opt for a one day Chittorgarh sightseeing trip by private cab, which will allow you to explore the best attractions of the city at your own pace and comfort. You can book a private cab from any of the nearby cities, such as Udaipur, Jaipur, or Delhi, and enjoy a hassle-free and convenient journey. A private cab will also give you the flexibility…

[themotherofblood]

Legendary Lovers

Tywin Lannister x Reader

Tears of gold AU

A/N: I am a desi writer, so I was really excited to use some elements of my culture. My culture has a rich war ritual and wanted to include a scene of jauhar. I will still make it as suicide even though it is something much more than that’s

TW: birth, blood, murder. Mentions of suicide.

The news of Stannis Baratheon approaching King’s Landing spread out pretty quickly. More women were seen at the godswood praying for their husbands and intendeds, their sons and brothers, their fathers and wardens. While the men were away sharpening their swords, acing their aims, preparing their horses.

Lady Y/N Lannister spent most her time in her gardens. Looking out to the shore that would either bring forth a victory, or would end her life. Her hands occupied with the golden and red silks of her house, sewing a banner together for her husband. It was tradition derived from her culture, the lady of the house would sew a banner for the men at war, the banner that held the prayers of the families under the sigil. She remembered her mother sewing one during the days of rebellion. She also remembers her mother ordering for a giant pyre to be built. Should the city fall, the women of the house would not be taken but instead die with their honour in the fire.

When you were married, with you came twenty women from your city. Women that very much followed the traditions of your home, who had reached out to you about the pyres as the news of war spread. You however needed permission from your husband, you knew he wouldn’t take this well but as a woman. This was owed, he vowed to protect your honour and this is how he would do it even in his death. This is how he would protect his children. What you were asking of him becoming even more imperative, since the tales of what was done to Ellia Martel were all too familiar.

A fortnight ago, Lord Varys had crept up to your garden. Nearly scaring the life out of you as he called out your name. He presented you with a message, an unopened, sealed message which made you look up to him in confusion. All correspondences go through your husband, Vary’s simply said nothing and urged you to read. The letter came from Dorne, from your uncle’s lover; Ellaria Sand.

“The Sand Snakes await you by east shore in a fortnight, no more Dornish blood on pale hands.”

You read it over again, there was a chance that you could leave, but you weren’t a hostage. You were the wife of Tywin Lannister and you were going to die on the same ground as him, should he fall. You crumpled the parchment and handed it back to Varys. It was answer enough, you were staying in King’s Landing.

You’d sat at the dine, awaiting your husband. You’d requested to eat alone today. Just the two of you,and the King for goodness allowed it. Though if Tywin wanted to eat alone there was so stopping him. You sat out of breath after journeying back to your chamber, pressing a cool glass of water to your sweaty neck.

“You do realize the Maesters do not tell you to not walk around for entertainment.” Your husband’s voice called out from behind you. His hand leaning down to your bump and pressing a kiss to your temple before sitting down on his seat. Servants poured in to set up your table, as each item was placed you tried not to look displeased as most food this days made you sick. Tywin pushed forward the fruit bowl to you, the cool texture of melons were the only thing you could eat.

Tywin didn’t want to say it but he was terrified for you and his children. You could birth in two fortnights or three, and now he didn’t even know if the Lannisters would survive one. He watched as you bit into the watermelon, a small hum leaving you as you savoured the red fruit. “How is the banner coming along?” He asked. His wife told him of this tradition, and he would do everything possible to bring that banner back to his wife after the war.

“Nearly done, husband.” You said sipping out of your water cup. “Just a few more stitches.” You took a deep breath, not sure of how to wage the conversation you wanted to have with him. “Husband.” You paused making him look at you

“We have another war tradition. Jahaur.” You stated looking at the fruit bowl in front of you. “Should the city fall, I need your permission… to let go.” He looked at your confused, not quite understanding what you meant. “The women, we’d rather burn in a fire then be taken by Stannis, I would not impose this on the other women but my ladies and I request the flame of you, my lord.” You looked at him sternly, a look Tywin himself mastered to often hide any emotion he felt. His brows were scrunched tightly as he took in what you had just said

You facade cracked through however, a slight gloss in you eyes as you pleaded you husband to allow your death. Tywin knew that even Stannis’s army wasn’t devoid of the treacheries that men imposed on women. He couldn’t bare the thought of those men touching you. He too thought of Ellia Martell and how her child was cut out of her. He simply gave you a tight nod as approval. You looked to you maid who stood at the corner of the room, her eyes too glossed over. You nodded at her as she scurried off to make preparations. Both of you sat in silence, opting to move to lay on the couch. His hand gently rubbing your bump as you looked out to the night sky.

Days before the siege, you’d found Cersei in the royal gardens, with her youngest Tommen. He overjoyed when he saw you. His little feet running over to you before falling into a wobbly bow. “My lady.” The boy called out

“My prince.” You smiled back and lifted the boy as best you could. “Aren’t you getting bigger.” You spoke to him as you walked to his mother. Cersei never liked you, she thought it betrayed the memory of her mother, she didn’t trust you because you weren’t a Lannister.

“Your grace.” You bowed before handing her Tommen. She gave your her practiced tight lipped smile.

“I’m surprised you haven’t run yet.” She spoke as she patted the seat next to you, to sit.

“This is my home, why would I?” Cersei scoffed at that. Watching Tommen run about the garden as she looked to your belly.

“You love him?” She said almost as if she was trying to believe it herself. She looked at you for answer but you said nothing. She sported a look you couldn’t quite decipher, it was maybe of sympathy or pity. Maybe she thought you were pathetic, willing to die for a man who would never truly be yours. You let your gaze go back to Tommen, you wondered what Stannis would do to these children. You thought of what he would do to you.

That night Tywin found you in bed, wide awake staring at the canopy. The sheer curtains drawn and within it your silhouette laid perfectly still, the gentle rise and fall of your chest and the movement of your hand on your belly. He’d sworn he wouldn’t share such intimacy with anyone other than Joanna. A small part of him, as wars raged on, wished that a pierce right through his heart would send him to his beloved. Though that was a fool’s wishful thinking, to even believe he would go to the same place as his first wife. With Stannis’s army about to rain down on them in a few hours, he didn’t seem to care. He looked at you laying there, and if he could let your care consume him. He’d happily die on your marital bed. He watched as you became aware of his presence, extending your arm out and wiggling your fingers at him.

“Come to bed. Husband.” Your soft voice called out to him, his feet carried him like a siren’s song towards you, already stripped into his tunic. There you laid in a sleep dress, the white shinning like stars against your skin and while in other circumstances Tywin would have you screaming his name for looking like that. There was melancholy in the air, he saw the small frown on your face, the little shake in your fingers. You were scared and so was he. The gods had blessed him with yet another chance and here he laid as within mere hours you might be taken away from him.

He shuffled in, facing you as you moved your head to look at him. His large palm found yours that rested on your bump. “My wife, promise me” He huffs against your shoulder. “No matter what happens tomorrow, you will wait till the very end.” He didn’t need to elaborate what he meant. He wanted you to wait until Stannis was at the Red Keep to enter the pyre. A tear felt past your eye, as you looked upward to the ceiling again.

“I promise.” You smiled sadly at him. A small purr erupted a Lion jumped on the bed to lay in between the little space between you and you husband. Hearing him purr made your frown grow and bottom lip quiver, you closed your eyes to compose yourself. “Do you think they will hurt him?” You voice broke halfway.

“This is why we don’t name things, wife.” Your husband whispered as if speaking any louder would make this room ignite. His knuckles rubbing the feline’s snout. You were crying, not inconsolable, or breaking down. It was grief, anguish just silently pouring out of you. Tywin’s heart would give out from not showing it. He too felt the way you did. “Sleep, my wife.” You felt his touch lull you to sleep. In that limbo between coniousness and sleep, you could swear you heard the faintest humming from him. You couldn’t quite decipher the song but he was humming for sure.

The next morning was chaos, the court in shambles as women sewed gold in the hems of their dresses, more women showed up at the pyre. Arrows being accounted for, soldiers being head counted. Common folk being urged into the insides of the abandoned dragon pit, which now held food, clothing and milk for children. You and your husband on the other hand were wrapped in each other’s arms. Both unwilling to let go, your back to his as his arms engulfed you back into the sheets. Waiting and dreading for the knocks of your servants which rest assured came.

next chapter

[forgotten-bharat]

Maharani Durgavati

Durgavati was the daughter of King of Bundelkhand, married to Raja dalpad of Gondwana, in Madhaya Pradesh.

Soon, tragically Raja died and Queen Durgavati with her 5 year old toddler stepped up to the throne. She managed the whole kingdom exceptionally well, as recorded by Akbar’s historian. The kingdom did not suffer any major setback even after their king died.

Gondwana was a rich kingdom, with a beautiful queen which became the target of the Mughals. They didn't wanted to simply take the kingdom under their control, the commander Asaf Khan also “wanted to touch the beauty of Gondwana”.

In 1564, Asaf Khan marched with 10,000 cavalries towards Gondwana, Rani Durgavati marched with 5,000 men to the battlefield.

She led the army well and killed about 500 enemies, she came out victorious by the end of the day, later she purposed to “surprise attack” the enemies or “Gorilla Attack” but none of the council members agreed to that.

By the next morning, Asaf Khan’s army was in a much better place and the fighting continued for 3 exhausting days. By that time only 200 of her men were left but the thought of giving up never once crossed her mind. Her bravery and courage never wavered.

During the battle, one arrow pierced her temple and another pierced her neck, causing her to lose consciousness. When she opened her eyes, the inevitable defeat was clear.

Instead of falling in the hands of men that had nothing but lust for her and would eventually throw her in Harem with other women, that previously were queens of conquered kingdoms that Mughals kept as sex slaves, she took our her dagger and killed herself to save her honor and prevent invaders from doing heinous things to her body, her martyrdom day (24 June 1564) is commemorated as “Balidan Diwas”.

The Mughal army then marched to the fort to loot it's treasure. They found staggering amount of gold pots full of gold, jewels, expensive stones etc.

When they opened a room, it was full of burnt bodies of women that commited Jauhar upon hearing the news of Rani’s defeat. These women committed Jauhar to save their honor and to prevent the Mughals from taking them as sex slaves, unfortunately 2 women were still alive, stuck behind a large wooden block that saved their lives. These two women were then taken to Akbar's court and predictably put into Harem.

[yogeshblogs]

History of Jaisalmer

The city of Jaisalmer was established by a Bhatti Rajput ruler named Raja Rawal Jaisal in roughly 1156 Promotion on the Trikut slope, mostly to move his money to a more secure spot to stay away from the encroachment of foes. Before this, the Bhatti Rajput family's capital was arranged in Lodhruva, almost 15 kilometers toward the southeast of Jaisalmer.

Like the vast majority of the narratives of Rajasthani urban communities, Jaisalmer also accompanies an incredible episode. It is said that Master Krishna, who was the head of the Yadav tribe, had anticipated that a future relative of his family would lay out an unbelievable realm on top of the Trikuta Slope sometime in the future. During the twelfth 100 years, Raja Rawal Jaisal, a relative of the Yadav family, visited Jaisalmer to look for the endowments of an attack Eesul, who educated the Maharawal concerning Ruler Krishna's expectations. On the site's recommendation, Raja Jaisal is said to have moved his capital from Lodhruva, accordingly shaping the city of Jaisalmer.

The Rise of Jaisalmer

After the Jaisalmer Post was settled on the Trikuta Slope, Raja Jaisal began forcing charges on the camel processions that went through the adjoining course. The exchanging troops, stacked with costly silks and fascinating flavors, were very course to Sind or Delhi however needed to travel straightforwardly through Jisalmer. Jaisalmer's essential area brought the city monstrous abundance for a really long time, with the two courses associating India with Egypt, Africa, Persia, and the Western countries working with exchange the district. In the interim, Jaisalmer's area likewise kept it from the attack of unfamiliar rulers.

First Siege

A huge period in the city's set of experiences started when the leaders of Jaisalmer, who were credited as 'Rawals,' participated in a nine-year-long conflict with Ala-ud-noise Khilji, a Turk Afghan ruler, during the thirteenth and the fourth 100 years. Obviously, Ala-ud-commotion Khilji was irritated with the Bhatti Rajput rulers as they had halted and stolen from one of his convoys in transit to Sind conveying an illustrious money vault. The fall of Rajputs appeared to be unmistakable following nine years of attack, which prompted the womenfolk of Jaisalmer to commit Jauhar (self-immolation), to try not to fall in that frame of mind of adversaries.

The child of Raja Jaisimha, Duda, is said to have faced intensely during the conflict however was vanquished following a hand-to-hand battle. However he passed on battling, and his relatives kept on administering Jaisalmer under another concurrence with the Mughal leaders of Delhi. They again immersed in a conflict with Head Humayun and lost, and from that point forward kept a warm relationship with the Delhi Sultanate. Afterward, Shah Jahan granted Sabala Simha the illustrious support of Jaisalmer attributable to his courageous commitment in the Clash of Peshawar.

Modern History

Jiasalmer's standing as quite a problem proceeded even in the cutting edge time. The city was the remainder of the Rajputana imperial families to ink the English 'Instrument of Understanding,' which was a forerunner to England's pilgrim rule in India. The understanding was placed following a lot of time discussion and a great deal of influence by the English foundation in India. After India's autonomy in 1947, the Rajput royals consented to an arrangement to be a piece of the liberated country.

Present Scenario

Indeed, even today, nearby minstrels, bharals, and carans sing the historical backdrop of Jaisalmer as melodies. In any case, the city lost its monetary importance after the port city of Mumbai was laid out, while it likewise lost the shipping lanes that went through Pakistan post India's freedom. As of now, Jaisalmer is viewed as a social center point of western India as well as a key vacation location.

If you are looking for trip to Jaisalmer via cab then, I recommend you the best taxi service in Jaisalmer named as Jaisalmer Taxi Service Cab. Jaisalmer Taxi Service Cab is one of India's most dependable, cost-effective, and high-quality taxi services. We offer low-cost, high-quality cab services that guarantee a pleasant journey.

[myindiacabservice11]

Places To Visit in Jodhpur

Unlike many other Indian cities, Jodhpur is not that old. The Blue City, another name of Jodhpur, sprung up like a flower in the desert in the late 15th century. The capital of the proud Rathore Rajputs, Jodhpur is also a place to gorge sumptuous food and enjoy lilting Rajasthani music and dance. 

One of the places to visit in Jodhpur is, of course, the iconic Mehrangarh Fort!

1. Mehrangarh Fort and Museum : The Pride Of Jodhpur

Your trip to the Sun City(another name for Jodhpur) won’t begin until you climb up the only hill here and enter the gates of this majestic fort. Built by Rao Jodha in the late 15th century, this castle has seen a lot of ups and downs in its chequered history.

Upon entering the massive gates of this fort, you are greeted by the palm prints of Rajput women who committed Jauhar, or self-immolation, when they were on the verge of being captured by the Muslim forces. There is a lot to see in this massive fort like palanquins, weapons, royal seats, clothes and apparels of the royalty and of course a clear and mind blowing vista of the city of Jodhpur.

If you are wondering if the list of things to do in Jodhpur begins and ends with visiting Mehrangarh, then you are dead wrong! How about checking out the Jaswant Thada, for instance?

2. Jaswant Thada: What? This Place is a Cenotaph?

You need to have a special kind of tongue for pronouncing the word, Thada. Most foreigners would have to twist his/her tongue to pronounce it, but this place is not known for its typical pronunciation; it is something else.

This beautiful building is actually a cenotaph. Built in the 19th century in the memory of a king, this place reminds one of the glorious buildings of Europe with their tall spires and magnificent arches. The name of that king was Jaswant Singh. We recommend the Jaswant Thada to be one of the best places to visit in Jodhpur, after Umaid Palace.

3. Umaid Bhawan Palace : The Palace Without ANY Concrete!

If I told you that this palace is not held together by concrete at all, you would think I have gone bonkers, right?

Ladies and gentlemen, most of the palaces in India do not use concrete at all. The Umaid Bhawan Palace, like them, is held together by interlocking big columns of sandstone. This engineering feat makes this palace quite an interesting place to visit in Jodhpur.

There is a haunting story behind the origin of this palace. It is said that a saint had cursed the ruling clan that Jodhpur would face a drought. The curse actually came true as the city faced a great famine in the 1940s. To help his subjects, the then king employed thousands of his subjects and gave them the task to build this beautiful mansion. Today, this grand building also serves as the private residence of the erstwhile royal family.

But Umaid Palace is much more than a gorgeous building; it is also one of the most expensive and luxurious hotels that the world has ever seen. Being one of the best places in Jodhpur, the Umaid Palace also holds an exquisite collection of clocks, crystals and other opulent things of the royal household.

If you want to visit these amazing places of Jodhpur and make your day at Jodhpur a memorable one then you must contact a genuine travel agency. My India Cab Service has come up with the solution. We provide the best Jodhpur Taxi Service and Taxi Service in Jodhpur. We give the best price to our customers with the ease of travelling and a pocket friendly ride. 

[mahesh2904]

Madhya Pradesh: Heart of India

Madhya Pradesh is full of rich history, a wide range of wildlife, unique flora, and delicious delicacies. It's a little gem that needs attention. Read this post to know all about who, where, and what is the heart of India. Sit down! We plan to tell you every little detail about the places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. 

Historical places to visit in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is a hub for history lovers. It was ruled by the Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Mughal empires. One can find hundreds and thousands of years old structures, stories, and cultures still intact and waiting to be explored. 

Khajuraho

Who hasn't heard of Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh? The city has many Jain and Hindu temples, which are known for their intricate sandstone carvings and sculptures. In these structures, we can witness brilliant Indo-Aryan architecture. 

The town is divided by the state government into western, eastern, and southern parts. Khajuraho was created by the Chandel Empire between 950 and 1050 AD and once had 85 such well-decorated temples. However, over time, many of them were destroyed. Today only 22 temples remain. 

2. Sanchi rises

The Sanchi Stupa is located in Raisen and is said to have been built between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. The symbolic representation of the Buddha and his ideologies is unique and something that every traveler will appreciate in this place. 

The stupa was built by Ashoka, the greatest Mauryan king after he converted to Buddhism. It has been renovated several times. It was also built around 1912 by Sir John Marshall. The national emblem of India, known as the Ashok Chakra, is taken from the Ashok Pillar in Sanchi. 

Built after Ashoka's death, the gates have carvings depicting important Buddhist scenes such as Buddha's enlightenment, first sermon, the siege of Kushinagar, Emperor Ashoka's visit to the Bodhi tree, etc. Ashoka's Sanchi Stupa is located 120 kilometers from Bhopal. Visitors can enter from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The ticket price is INR 40 for adults and INR 600 for international tourists. The main attraction is the old statues and the four gates. 

3. Gwalior Fort

Do you want to know how kings lived in the first centuries? Visit Gwalior Fort and see for yourself. This 6th-century fort stands tall and proud on the Gopachal Hill in Gwalior. The majestic Vindhayan sandstone fort was subjected to many attacks but the strength it contained did not allow the fort to be defeated. The fort displays beautiful architecture, adorned with some breathtaking sandstone sculptures, stone sculptures, and beautiful works of art. The tall towers and blue exterior tiles give the fort a classic royal charm. A part of this fort that attracts many tourists is the Tamarind tree planted by Tansen. Legend has it that whoever eats a leaf from this tree gets a sweet voice. Other attractions of this fort include the statues of Jain Tirthankars, Gujari Mahal, Karan Mahal, Man Mandir Palace, Jauhar Kund, and Suraj Kund and to tickle your funny bones, the Saas-Bahu Temple. 

It takes about 4-5 hours to fully explore the fort. Visitors can enter from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The entry fee for an Indian adult is 75 INR and 40 INR for children. Foreigners have to spend INR 250 to enter the fort. Gwalior Fort is indeed one of the best historical places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.

4. Orchha Fort

Orchha is a less explored jewel in the state. The town was established in the Bundelkhand region by the Bundela chieftain Rudra Pratap sometime around the 16th century. The age-old fort of Orchha still stands tall on an island at the banks of Betwa.

The most popular attractions of this fort include the Jehangir Mahal and Sawan Bhadon Mahal built by Vir Singh Deo, Sheesh Mahal, Dauji ki Kothi, and Baba ki Gufa, and Hardaul ki Haveli. Do attend the light and sound show in the evening, and enlighten yourself with the history of this gorgeous fort. 

A unique thing to know about the locals of this area is that they consider Lord Rama as their king, while the Bundelas who established the town are worshipped as demigods. The best  time to visit this calm town is during winter when the sun isn’t harsh. Reaching the fort is not a tough task. The closest airport lies in Gwalior, and the railhead nearest to Orchha is in Jhansi. 

If you’re a history buff, Orchha’s forts and temples built in the 16th and 17th centuries should be on top of your list of places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. 

Religious places to visit in Madhya Pradesh

Who said Madhya Pradesh could only lure adventure-seekers and archaeologists? It is equally a treat for the elderly and the spiritual and religious souls as well. Want some internal peace? Do visit these tranquil religious places to visit in Madhya Pradesh. 

Ujjain

One of the Holiest cities of India, this place is visited by the many Hindu pilgrims. Ujjain is one of the popular tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh, there are many places to see in Ujjain and many things to do. Want to know more about Ujjain we have a dedicated blog about it to know more read our blog.

Ancient Holy City Ujjian.

2. Omkareshwar, Indore

Hindu Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga, In the city of indore banks of the river Name Narmada thousands of pilgrims visit this place to give their respect to Lord Shiva. In your tour to Madhya Pradesh this is the place to visit.

3. Gwalior

One of the most beautiful cities in Madhya Pradesh, India, Gwalior is known for its magnificent palaces, ancient temples and mediaeval forts. As the birthplace of the great musician Tansen, the city is also distinguished by its noble history and rich cultural heritage. 

You can visit and enjoy this beautiful piece of land 

Now that you are very well aware of the beautiful place to see in Madhya pradesh, India, one can enjoy and relax with your friends or family. Give yourself the break you deserve a break from your daily city chaos. For your short breaks, which are important for one, we have introduced HOURLYROOMS. It is an online hotel booking platform where users can book hotel rooms on an hourly basis. To book your short stay, visit the website at hourlyrooms.co.in or download the Hourlyrooms app. Happy Travelling.

[adveltrip]

Top 10 places to visit in India

 1) Gulmarg

According to maxima “Kashmir is heaven on earth” as said the place proves the sayings by itself. Kashmir is the most beautiful place in India without hesitation. The place is famous for its winter sports and tourist activities like; Skiing, ice- hockey, Gondola riding and Shikara. There is a town in Kashmir named Gulmarg. Where the place got the name Gulmarg which was driven by the flower “Gulmarg” where the King Yousuf Shah Chak and the queen Habba Khatoon visited the place and named the place the flower Gulmarg

2.      2)Manali

Manali was known as a Himalayan bohemian town, which is one of the most visited places in India or called the Honeymoon capital of India. It is among the most beautiful places in India where on average over 36.37 lakh tourists visit every year out of which 1.5 lakh including foreign tourists. Due to varieties of peak ranges, it attracts backpackers from all over the world. Old Manali was used as a base by all backpackers as there is a plethora of funky cafes and boho shops. It is a perfect destination for working people for workations.

3.      3) Alleppey

Kerala knows to be “God’s own country” the place justifies it truly. Kerala has beautiful mountains, Malabar Coast, the Western Ghats with large tea, spices and coconut farms, and also the culture that makes the people and place most exceptional. The most heartfelt place in Kerala is backwaters of Alleppey where you may leave a small part of your heart for the place and find your soul in peace. The boathouses of Kerala give you the most exciting experience with a cinematic view ever.

4.      4) Rishikesh

Uttarakhand is a pilgrimage place for Hindus whereas Rishikesh is a heart for devotees. Ganga Ghat creates magical glory located on the banks of river Ganga the place where lakhs of people come together to be a part of Ganga Arti which last for an hour and memories for life.

5.     5) Chittorghar

Rajasthan is a far-flung place of Maharajas which has a vast history carrying with it.  The forts of Rajasthan speak the glory of Maharajas and the pride of the nation and one of them is Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh is known for its courage and bravery, as it was the fort which was attacked thrice by various dynasties yet stood on its foot again. The place is also famous for Jauhar which was done by Rani Padmini and Rani Karnavati. Chittorgarh has several gates, towers and temples in its vicinity.

6.      6) Pangong Tso

The untouched paradise for travellers which leads to their favourite place to be visited, Leh Ladak has an interesting mix of cultures and food as it is on the border of China and its history is closely related to Tibet. One of the most visited places is Pangong Tso lake for its scenic view. Pangong Tso is reported as high altitude saline water Lake. Leh Ladak is considered one of the best 10 places in India to visit.

7.     7) Butterfly Beach

Goa, the party capital of India provides a wide range of entertainment activities like casinos, clubs and beaches. Apart from party lovers Goa also provides secret places for love birds one of them is the famous Butterfly beach the hidden gem of Goa. Where you may go and enjoy a little more privacy and soulful sea, jaw-dropping colour-changing sky, and the adorable view which will make you stay a little longer.

8.      8) Kanyakumari

Tamil Nadu has a tiny coastal town known as Kanyakumari that has bumpy scenery, with palm beaches, coconut-lined paddy fields and historical structures in the city located in the southern part of the coastal region.  Kanyakumari is also known as “Cape Comorin” or also been said as “The Land’s End”. Birhadeshwar Temple in Thanjavur was known as the richest temple in southern India

9.      9) Kaziranga

Assam is a northeastern Indian state famous for its biodiversity, historical landmarks, and tea plantations. The capital city of Assam is Guwahati, which has the famous hilltop kamakhya temple and silk bazaars. Assam is famous for its tea gardening in a world where others do provide tea but only some can compete with the quality of Assam tea. Other than the tea garden one of the famous tourist spots is Kaziranga National Park which is known for the Big Five Animals (Indian Rhinoceros, Indian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Eastern Swamp deer and wild water buffalo)

10.   10 )Taj Mahal

Agra is a must-visit Indian location which is famous for the Seventh Wonder of the World which is the Taj Mahal. A symbol of love made by the king Shahjahan the Emporer of the Mughal dynasty for his wife Mumtaz. Agra is not just known for the Taj Mahal but it offers an urban landscape filled with fantastic sites and experiences. The city is evident in its culture and surrounded architecture which includes famous inlaid marble and red sandstone building. Agra is also famous for its delicious sweets for your tastebuds specifically the pethas, from the old city.

These are considered the Top 10 places in India that one must add to their bucket list. Out of the wide list of places here are the significant Top 10 places you will enjoy right from partying to pilgrimage.

Happy Tripping…

Kyu ki Iss trip me hai Tripp

[herawell]

Nagmati and Padmavati, wives of Maharawal Ratan Singh, placing tulsi leaves in each others’ mouths and bidding farewell before committing jauhar.

Padmaavat (2018)

I’ve always found this scene unbearably wistful for some reason; Nagmati spent so much of her life being neglected by her husband and playing second fiddle to Padmavati. It’s only in this small last moment that Padmavati shows her some deference (however ceremonial), and despite being the first wife, when the women are all about to commit jauhar, it’s Padmavati they hail as a goddess. 

[unicornbitchface]

Raat ki Rani

Pairing: Henry Cavill x OFC

Background: A story set in the colonial past of India.

Beta’d by my lovely friend @madbaddic7ed​​ !

Warnings: harsh languange

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Chapter 3

The hall looked magnificent as if the ghosts of the past had brought them back to the days of glory. The chandelier was lit up, its jewels reflecting light upon every nook and corner.

The musicians played with vigor, expecting a heavy reward for their best efforts and the sweet-scented welcome of every guest added to the pomp.

Every high born around the state was to be present in the feast, and there they were, happy to make the acquaintance of the new British resident. The only glitch was that the said officer was nowhere to be seen, making the Maharaja jittery and a little annoyed.

Soon everyone would start asking questions, for how long was he supposed to distract guests with starters? With this thought, Ganga nodded at Kulwant, asking him to get an update.

*******

Late again! But the blame was on the delay with the dress they insisted to be worn. What was wrong with the old ones? Nothing when I see them!

Who in their right minds would wear these? UGH. I will have to talk to the culprits after this goddamn feast for that buffoon!

As Damini walked through the seemingly deserted halls of the palace, fixing her stubborn hair, adding a gajra and cursing the dressmaker, she did not realise that she took a wrong turn.

Distressed by her woes of fashion and etiquette that mandated her presence in that debauchery, she walked in a jiffy towards her dear friend, Ashwanth.

The gajra, long forgotten, embraced the side of the marble tile near a very special room. Only the melody of her heavy gold trinkets echoed in the air paired with a certain gift, attracting the attention of a handsome blue-eyed devil who was switching to his suits after giving the Indian kurta a chance.

The sound made him curious like the first night, and his feet dragged him to the halls. Only half dressed, shirt unbuttoned, he looked around and tried to trace the echo. All that he could concur, was a moving shadow with the curves of silk, the bells moving in sync with those voluptuous hips. Coming back to his allotted room, the only remnant of that siren laid across the floor.

The gift.

That smell.

His hand snatched the bunched flowers, as if the grounds would swallow them if he wasn’t quick enough. One whiff and he knew he needed it in his life more than the opium his friends favoured.

So, it belonged to a person after all, and by the accompanying silhouette, a woman.

His woman.

A sudden realization had his pupil dilated, as he went back to the room. She might be at the feast.

If he heard them right, everyone significant would be present in that hall, and she was the most significant.

He chuckled at his poetry, what is wrong with me, he thought. He moved around the room with swiftness but also a renewed interest, humming tunes while he applied a dash of cologne and adjusted his jacket to perfection.

He passed the mirror one last time, stopping to fix his hair. He had to look perfect for his sweet maiden. His brows furrowed, a troubling thought flashing his mind. What if she was spoken for? What if she was claimed already, her heart in someone else’s hands?

Blue eyes turned colder than a foot of ice.

Hands on the desk,

He looked at himself,

A crooked smile gracing, 

Then what?

Then,

A war like no other.

A war that would put Trojan and Mahabharata to shame.

A knock at the door tamed the raging storm in his eyes. Lord Cavill looked up, frowning at the distasteful intrusion upon his whims and fancies.

Ah, the big bad boulder.

“Come in, General! I assume you are here to escort me to the venue?”

“Khamba Ghani Cavill Saab. I heard that the British people are always on time, and yet here I find you, barely dressed for the occasion.”

A smirk laced the British resident’s face as he retorted, “Well you’re not wrong, but I happen to be the guest of honour and I may arrive whenever I may please. In fact, just for that comment, I would like to take a few more minutes before I leave.” And he turned towards his desk and picked up a recent correspondence from the Crown. 

Kulwant couldn’t help but roll his eyes, a movement instantly caught by the blue-eyed man. 

“Keep going! I will take an extra minute for each time you roll your eyes, kind sir.”

It was beyond the General’s comprehension that a man as petulant as this entitled bleached monkey, could even hold the post of a hawaldar in court, let alone be a Lord of some sort. Nevertheless, he was a guest, and of honour at that.

Thus, the loyal servant of the court stood tall and quiet while the firang made his point, albeit unnecessarily.

Once he was done having fun at the General’s expense, Cavill agreed to be escorted to the event. He reached the hall, and couldn’t believe his eyes for a minute. 

The hall looked straight out of a fairytale, and the worth of the mere jewels studded on the walls could help him buy a couple of kingdoms.

He reigns in his musings, and walks toward Maharaja Ganga Singh. 

************

“We don’t have time! Baba will decorate his court with my head! Let’s go!”

“Damu! Come on, wait! You don’t even have flowers in your hair.”

“You think I care, Ashwanth!? I can barely move in this outfit! It’s so heavy and so unnecessary! All for that invader and his honour! What can be more honourable than stealing lands you have no business with, right?”

“Damu, don’t be silly! You’re a princess, and you cannot just march into the hall like a maid! Here, let me put these roses and..Can you just.. oho! THERE.”

“That’s right! I am a princess and this is my palace! Watch me..”

The two friends kept bickering along the way. Anyone who had seen these two would mistake them for longtime lovers, and yet things remained strictly platonic, at least from Damini’s end. 

For someone with an expertise in strategising, warcraft and literature, the princess often missed the veiled looks Prince Ashwanth threw at her. How he always brought gifts, only in exchange for her ruthless company and how he bowed down to all her incessant demands, all for her pleasure.

To Ashwanth, she was the key to his future and beyond. To Damu, he was the ever constant confidant, seemingly balanced and loyal to a fault.

As they moved towards the hall, she made eye contact with her father and naturally started walking to him, just like she has been trained to, her seat to his left calling out to its rightful master. What she didn’t realise was a figure moving in the same direction.

Lost in conversation and the pull of the decorum, she collided with a commoner, which only fueled her frustration.

“Dekh ke nahi chala jata kya? Humare raste aane ki himmat kaise hui?” (Can't you see where you're going? How dare you get in my way?)

“What did you just say?! How dare you use that tone with me?

“Poore mahal mein yeh gorey deemak ke bhaanti badhte hi ja rahe hain! Ek din ka bhi chain nahi hai!”(These white people are everywhere, like pests! Give me a break)

“Damu yeh..”(Damu this is….)

“Honge apne desh mein nawab, yahaan pe inki aukaat humaare naakhoon baraabar bhi na hain! Aur aise kya ghoor rahe hain yeh, laaj lajja kuch hai inko?” (He might be a Lord in his country, but here he isn't worth my toenail! And why are you staring at me like that? Have you any shame?)

Lord Cavill fumed at this disgrace of a woman, one who dared to look him in the eye and dared to speak while addressing him directly. Although he could not understand her words, her tone and posture were enough to get her backhanded, had they not been in the presence of company.  

This unruly child must be taught a lesson.

If anyone asked Lord Cavill, a woman’s tongue is only good for two things, sewing her mouth shut and on his cock whenever he pleased. If he didn’t expect the siren of his dreams to be in attendance, he would have put her in her place. Even if he could not punish this puny, dusky troll, he still had a reputation to defend.

“You listen to me carefully woman! You are messing with the wrong man, and spewing gibberish in some primitive language is not going to save you! Do you even know who I am? You are in MY bloody court and if I please, I can rip that serpentine tongue out of that pretty little hole! So you better apologise!”

“Cavill Saab.. please.. that’s my..”

“APOLOGISE? For what? Standing on my own soil? Or comparing you to a termite? None of which are false in my eyes. So get out of my way and know your place or you know what, go cry to your incompetent Lord!”

A storm raged in their eyes, wrath of all oceans combined in his and a black blizzard stirred concurrently in hers.

“Eyes down now, foreigner. ” The Tigress growled in warning.

The entire hall was suddenly quiet at the outburst. The musicians had stopped playing, and by the look of amusement on their faces, this was not the first time Damini Bai Sa had been the centre of attention.

Ashwanth tried pulling her back, her father was shooting daggers at her, while her siblings stood with aggravated expressions, exasperated by this wild child. It was Ganga Singh, who walked towards the ruckus and roared, which broke the deadly silence that had thickly draped the occasion.

“DAMINI! Are you out of your mind?! Do you even know WHO that is? Forgive me my Lord! This is my youngest child, Rajkumari Damini Bai, and I do not know what got into her, she is nothing like this!”

Renu and Revati Bai snickered at this comment and tried to hide their glee when they could see their father’s plan failing. No way will Lord Cavill bed this wild boar! They were preparing themselves for saving the kingdom, all the while reaping the seeds of pleasure from it.

“Damu, this is Lord Cavill himself. What is wrong with you, my child? Apologise, right now!”

“I would rather do Jauhar..” (light a pyre)

“DAMI..”

“It’s alright, Mr. Singh! I cannot expect common courtesy from uncultured brats like her. It just saddens me that you bear this burden on your shoulders! She certainly must have brought tremendous shame to the title of a Princess!”

Damini was about to give him a piece of her mind when Ashwanth pulled her back and gave her a solid glare.

Lord Cavill continued, “ Forgive me, but Maan Singh and your daughters seem like true blue-blooded beings. Has she been adopted from the streets?” His condescending tone should have had all the swords in the realm drawn up, but the language barrier and a father’s resolution to shove his daughter at him, saved the British neck.

Damini could not tolerate the insult and charged at him, “ Oh this is it! You goddamn plague sore! I will..” but was blocked by Ashwanth who was done watching her embarrass the Rajputana pride like a common whore.

“THAT IS ENOUGH DAMINI! Go take a seat!” The Maharaja ordered. But when she moved to her designated seat, her father grabbed her by the arm and lashed out with gritted teeth, “Sit with the guests. That seat belongs to your Master now. And don’t you dare embarrass me further. You are to serve him, and make sure he is left wanting for nothing. Nothing.”

Tears threatened to fall as the Tigress straightened her back, the princess coming to the fore, taking her position in the room, finding her place in the oppressive hierarchy.

Cavill watched her change her stance, a subtle nod to whatever her father threatened her with and for a second, he was impressed by the precise mutation. That is when he noticed the princess for the first time. Not so bad for a desert kingdom, blooming in all the right places. 

Back home, feisty women were his speciality, and he would often tame the likes of this woman, ploughing through their virgin lands.

His eyes wandered to her navel, as she walked to the guy who took her away earlier. Must be fucking her, and not enough at that! If she were in the right bed, she would be blissed out and her tongue tired. He could see her under him, screaming for an entirely different reason.

As the lust awoke, the mere thought of breaking this ballsy female had blood rushing to his groin, steeling his resolve as well as his cock. He had never bedded a princess, and was primed to claim her body for one night.

If that man could have her, she was fair game to all.

He strode towards the prize, steps decisive and eyes frigid. That is when he heard her voice, lowered but not discouraged by any means.

“Ashwanth, they let him take my seat, MY seat! And how could he say that about my lineage!? It was my seat!”

Ashwanth patiently replied, “ Don’t create a scene Damu, a chair does not define your position in the house, neither does some outsider! And can you please stop talking in English? You know how our people feel about it!”

Damini was feeling suffocated and needed to take a breath, but her luck soured the moment she felt thick fingers grabbing her arm, and felt his breath at the nape of her neck.

“You don’t need to get so riled up, princess. You know you can always sit on my lap like the little bitch you are.”

Damini looked at him with such fire in her eyes that it would have put Hestia to shame.

"Take. Your. Hands. Off. Me."

Taken aback, Cavill's grip loosened and she jerked out of his grasp with a rippling force. Much to the astonishment of the onlookers, she turned on her heel and stormed off.

The pride of her tears matched with the stride of the Tigress, refusing to fall before anyone.

***********************

Hindi Terms:

Khamba Ghani: Rajasthani salutation and a way to say hello. 

Firang: A derogatory term used for Europeans/ Colonisers, loosely translating to outsider.

Saab: Sir

Maharaja: King

Gajra: A traditional weave of scented flowers used as hair accessory by women.

Chapter 2

Tags:

@madbaddic7ed @henrythickcavill @toomanyfandomsshreya @inana999 @maximumninjavoid @mistress-of-ward

[ala-mhinyan]

VII :: Nonagenarian

The Coeurl aren’t a people meant to last.

It’s clear to any that run into them; any that truly take a keen eye to their lifestyle. Their rituals seat them as sacrifices to the very eikons they worship; beholden with power not their own and sent glistening with a ferocity most men wouldn’t dare temper with. For a people richly cultivated with history and culture, they seem more beast than man at times--a people to fear more than to know. To those who see through city eyes, for men who cannot see beneath the surface; they are nothing more than savagery with a penchant to hunt the impossibly dangerous.

Nothing more than solar flares. Burn bright, burn fast, burn hot. Then fizzle out.

Those who see their daily lives and their struggles know that the Coeurl are a people borne of hardship and prayer; an intricately immaculate culture as deep as the core of this star, this hundreds upon thousands of different facets in something as easy as everyday life. So much that goes unseen for those that choose not to see, so many gestures and unspoken phrases that would mean scriptures in an encyclopedia of knowledge if only one paid attention. Their pride is their fuel, their devotion their blood. A people of immense sacrifice; a people who would martyr themselves to give the generations past and future an unquenchable flame that burned hotter than any other to preside on this star.

A people of blood, mystery and impeccable beauty--both surface and soul-deep.

This inalienable oath is the reason they are not meant to last--for good things can never last forever and despite how the world may perceive them, they stand at a balance between life and death that only they can shoulder.

The price for the drip feed of godhood.

.::.

There is but one among them that has transcended the rote of time; one who has witnessed what many would only cite to be calamities--one who has been through Jauhar--one who witnessed the Garlean empire in its prime and the revolution of their country. One who Sees, Hears and Feels with all of their being.

Her name whispered among their people, too soft to catch the wind and carry but felt in the tremor of the sand beneath their feet. Too many who would forgo her in fear of what her presence and words mean, who make up stories of what did and would happen to her if one would find themselves in her presence.

C’arha was one among the fearless, sure steps carrying her along a well-worn path through the caves toward an isolated cavern busting at the seams with plant life that surely could not grow with no sunlight. The tickle of leaf and petal was familiar as she journeyed along the path that steadily grew tighter and smaller until one would have to crouch to make their way through the overabundant foliage. She did so without terror, without hesitation; into the very heart of the curse her tribe swore her to stay away from.

And when she emerged from the smallest opening, her bright green eyes settled on an elderly woman sitting in a comfortable rocking chair; basking in sunlight from the cracked portion of the cave that hung overhead. A smile pulled on the young woman’s lips and she approached easily, slinging the stuffed bag from over her shoulders onto the ground near the older woman.

<“C’aarya.”>

The elderly woman turned slowly, round ears tweaking just a moment too slow--though the smile on her drooping features brought sunlight to the Seeker’s soul. She was in a good mood today. <“Arha…”> A whisper-soft voice of age, wonder and magic. C’arha bobbed her head in a nod and knelt in front of the woman, gently touching the top of her foot and running that hand over her hair in a sweeping arch. Only then did she look up into familiar green eyes, a warmth settling into her bones to know another that was the same as her.

<“I brought you fresh fruit and stew. I have a bunch of salted meats and grains that will be good for you to make your porridges with, as well as a couple of pre-made meals.”> C’arha pulled the bag over, untying the lead and widening the opening so she could show the older woman the bounty she’d brought with her. C’aarya smiled fiercely, her long tail giving a distinct flick at the very tip only. 

<”You are kind to me, young one. I’m grateful.”>

C’arha nodded, gathering the bag and pulling it off to the side where a kitchen had been crafted for the elderly woman; her own stove, cupboards and an ice box that C’arha had fashioned together out of hard clay, brick, palm fronds and ice clusters. It did well to keep C’aarya well taken care of, so the runt didn’t seem to mind. Once the food was put away, she made her way back to the elderly woman’s side--settling down on a seat cushion she’d pulled from the pile of cushions nearby.

<”You are well today.”> C’arha made a gesture toward her head, index finger curling and then moving outward. <”Coherent. How do you feel?”>

The elderly woman let her head tip back, her smile never leaving those lips. <”Well, better than I have in a long, long while. It’s even better to be seeing your face.”>

<”I do not fear you, C’aarya. I have no reason to push you away back into this corridor and never visit you, it is cruel.”> Her lips turned up in a brief snarl, one that faded when the older woman waved her hand dismissively.

<”They fear the unknown. You cannot fear what you are, Arha. That is why you come here.”>

C’arha felt her ears press down, letting out a quiet sigh--leaning forward to rest her face against the older woman’s thigh. It was warm and homey--something she only felt when she laid against C’ohna. This woman was not family to her, none that she knew, but her imprisonment had burned a special place in C’arha and their visits had grown more frequent after C’sah’s betrayal.

As far as she was aware, no one else visited the woman but C’tolemy.

<”I don’t understand, elder. I still cannot understand. I don’t know if I’m blinded by emotions too deep to crawl out of or if I’m just too lost--but I still cannot seem to understand. Misery haunts my every shadow and my personal life is unraveling in ways I can do nothing about. How did you stay at peace--through all of this? You carry the same curse in your blood that I do and yet you’ve outlived so many… So much so that even your own blood cower at the possibilities. How did you not succumb to the pain of it all…?”>

The elderly woman listened carefully, long tail picking up a stuttering sway while she hummed a bit to herself. <”Let me ask you something Arha… Do you hate what you’ve been given? This affliction?”>

C’arha cocked her head, little ears wriggling just a little. <”I… Do you not hate it? It is a curse…”>

C’aarya shook her head, smiling to herself. <”By its definition, yes it's a curse. But does it feel like a curse to you?”>

The younger woman frowned sharply, <”I am punished with pain and suffered to silence for holding back the emotions that hurt me in favor of keeping another’s joy. How is that not a curse?”>

Wise, vibrant green eyes shift aside and peer at C’arha as though she were looking through a mirror to her younger self--bemused at the similarities. Of course she would feel this way. <”Are your emotions a curse, Arha? Is feeling and being felt--seeing and being seen--wanting and being wanted--a curse?”>

C’arha recoiled at those words, her face screwing up in frustration and part-way fear. No… The answer to all of this couldn’t be that misguidedly simple, not for such a complex disease that had robbed her of years of her life already… Surely, to reverse this, it was not just as simple to…

<”That cannot possibly be true.”>

<”Believe in that which cannot be disproven. If you doubt me then attempt it yourself--I have not lived this long just because I’ve had an easier life than you, Arha. I was also far less stubborn about the truths of my life.”>

<”It is not being stubborn about my life! It is knowing--”>

<”That at the crux of your being you are hurting, confused and lost. Why, I will never understand, you feel that is wrong of you? I cannot say. Why you are ashamed to be this--to be you? That is what is killing you, not this curse.”>

That froze C’arha in place, stunned to silence--very quickly veering from frustrated so depressed and right back to anger. No--it couldn’t be… But… could it? The younger woman sighed in defeat and slumped against C’aarya’s robbed thighs once more, hooking an arm loosely about the woman’s ankle as if that would get her closer to the truth.

<”...How did you get to that point? Of acceptance?”>

<”Mm…”> A moment of pause, the sing-song of her hum wafting about the space. <”It took time, that it did. Time and understanding of myself, my person-hood and my feelings. You must allow yourself the will, the right, the ability to feel and not to be ashamed of those feelings. The more you suppress it, the deeper you hurt. You wouldn’t believe how lighter you are when you welcome yourself home instead of running from yourself all the time.”>

C’arha sighed aloud once more, turning her head to bury her face into soft--warm fabric. All she could think of were what felt like the hundreds of times her Xaelic brother had sat her down and about begged her to trust him and be open with him about her feelings. Had told her that a burden shared was a burden lighter--had promised that all would be well if she just trusted.

How foolish she was to believe that trusting hadn’t meant trusting herself as well.

<”I’m an idiot,”> Came the despondent mutter.

C’aarya’s sweet laughter filled the space, the wisdom and warmth in the moment doing much to soothe C’arha’s frazzled nature to tears--swept up in herself with the old woman present to watch over her.

<”We are all foolish at least once in our lives. It is wisdom to learn from that foolishness.”>

<”And if I never learn?”>

<”You will, we all learn someday.”>

[notfromanotherworld]

While “Padmaavat” became a liberal cause célèbre for free speech, it is a movie steeped in patriarchy, parochialism and prejudice. In particular, I watched the last 30 minutes of the movie in absolute horror. In the climax scene, the queen leads thousands of women into Jauhar, or suicide, as Rajput women set themselves on fire rather than subject themselves to rape and captivity by the lustful Muslim invaders. (Padmavati is revered even today in Rajasthan for spearheading the Jauhar.)

I have never seen a mass suicide look this pretty on screen. The movie’s director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, known for his baroque cinematic extravaganzas, orchestrated a scene with the women — their pink dupattas fluttering in the desert air with operatic synchronicity — walking in elegant slow motion into the flames. Among them were a pregnant woman and a small girl. Yet the film was asking us to applaud this moment; I felt my disquiet morphing into disgust. This was misogyny dressed up in diamonds and drama.

The subliminal message — in a country where one woman is raped every 20 minutes — is that an “honorable” death is preferable to sexual violence, a message that only reaffirms the shameful stigma attached to victims and survivors of such crimes. It reminded me of a woman I met a few years ago. She was fighting to get justice for her daughter, a young woman who had been murdered by a man who had also tried to rape her. The mother believed that her daughter had been killed because she fought for her “honor.” I mean no judgment on the naturally distraught mother, but we just have to stop implying that rape equals dishonor.

Yes, the practice of Jauhar by Rajput women to protect their “honor” is a historical accuracy, as was the wider practice of Sati — the burning of widows. But are we to apply 13th-century notions of chastity and courage to the 21st century, especially in the absence of authentic accounts by the women themselves? If so, why does Indian law firmly outlaw these repugnant practices? And since “Padmaavat’s” climax is distinctly celebratory about women who choose death over rape or abuse, why did the filmmakers place an opening disclaimer that they did not support Sati or Jauhar in any way? A filmmaker has every right to chronicle the customs of a particular era, but how that ritual is presented is critical. Bhansali could have presented the fact of Jauhar without dressing it up in ribbons and bows...

Ironically, the actor who plays Padmavati, Deepika Padukone, says the film “celebrates women power.” Indeed, she has shown steely courage in how she handled the threats. In demanding to be paid more than her male counterparts in the film, she has also led a public battle to bridge the gender gap. But by claiming that the film celebrates female power, she is being disingenuous. In a film supposedly built around the queen’s valor, she hardly has any substantive lines or even much to do. The defining trait of her character is that of sacrifice, which recycles another lazy old trope: women as long-suffering, sacrificial beings, who suppress their individualism for the greater good. Why should we be lauding that trait in modern India?

- “‘Padmaavat’ is pure misogyny dressed up in diamonds and drama” by Barkha Dutt

[latibule-found]

THE MAPPILA REBELLION(1921)

Some call it as a fight for freedom others call it as a genocide. I have tried to be as factual as I can and I have left it to the readers to interpret it.

The Mappila rebellion started as a resistance against the British Colonial rule, feudal system and in favour of the Khilafat Movement in the Malabar. The Khilafat Movement also known as the Indian Muslim Movement was a pan-islamist political protest campaign led by Shaukat Ali, Maulana Mohammed Ali Jauhar, Hakim Ajmal Khan and Abdul Kalam Azad to restore the Caliph of the ottoman caliphate (Leader of the Sunni Muslims). A large number of leaders started to spread awareness and develop participation on the behalf of the Caliphate. The movement was supported by Gandhi and other Indian Nationalist Leaders as they were both fighting a common enemy the British. Some historians say that the khilafat movement aimed at establishing a Islamic State in the Malabar thus they were both fighting a common enemy but had different goals.

Background of the rebellion

The Malabar agricultural system was historically based on a hierarchy of privileges, rights based on birth(jenmis). The jenmis consisting mainly of Namboothris (Brahmins) and Nair chieftains were the highest in hierarchy. The Jenmis could provide a grant of kanan (piece of land) to a kannakkaran in return for a fixed share of the crops produced. A Jenmi would have a large number of Kanakkarans under him. The verumpattakaran (kannakarans) generally thiyya and mapilla classes cultivated the land and were also part proprietors. They were given a simple lease for one year. They were entitled to one third or half of the produce. The Jenmis could not evict the tenants under him unless they were unable to pay the prescribed rent.

Mysorean Invasion of Malabar (1766-1792)

Haider Ali invaded the Malabar region and took over the region. During this invasion the jenmis were driven out and they fled neighbouring states. The tenants and Nair army men who could not escape were forcibly converted to Islam. Having driven the Jenmis out a new system of land revenue was introduced with the government share on the basis of the actual produce from the land. The rule of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan created a sense of security among the Muslims.

Within 5 years the British took over Malabar and defeated Tipu sultan. This allowed the jenmis to return to their homes and regain their lands with the help of the British government and its courts. The British introduced several western juridical concepts such as private property rights. These were unknown to the people in the Malabar. This gave the jenmis the right to evict the tenants as they please, as conditions worsened the rents rose to as high as 75% to 80% of the net produce. This caused great resentment amongst the Muslims, the sense of security they felt during the rule of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan was no more. They once again felt helpless at the hands of the jenmis, as the resentment grew it resulted in a long series of violent outbreaks beginning in 1836. This almost always included the murder of the Hindus.

Timeline of events

28 April 1920- The Malabar Rebellion was introduced into the district of Malabar by a resolution by the Malabar district council at Manjeri.

30 March 1921- There was a meeting held by Musaliyar of Vayakkad and a second meeting at the Pannur Mosque, there was some friction in between the Mappilas and the Nairs and Tiyyas who resented the Khilafat movement. The Mappilas attacked the place of worship of the Hindu Adhigari of the village.

August 20 1921- This day can be considered as a turning point, the Hindu Muslim tensions had reached its peak( the police, the Hindus and the British government were seen as accomplices by the Muslim population of the Malabar, any act of the police could have threatened the status quo between the Hindu and Muslims). The police attempted to arrest Vadakevtil Muhammed alleging that he had stolen the pistol of a Hindu. 2000 Mappilas gathered and foiled this attempt of the police. At night 16 miles from Manjeri in Nilambur. A police constable and Mr Rowley, Lieutenant Johnston and 9 others were killed.

21 August 1921- The police arrested a number of Khilafat volunteers and seized the records at the Mambaran Mosque in Tirurangad. This led to rumours that the police had desecrated the mosque. A large number of Mappilas attacked the police station. The police opened fire and this triggered furious reactions among the Mappilas

The Mappila Rebellion Begins

22 August 1921- the public officers were targeted and killed.

24 August 1921-Variyam Kunnath Kunhahammed Haji made inflammatory speeches at Manjeri. The situation in the Malabar was extremely sensitive and this might have been enough to light the flames of passion in the already frustrated Mappilas. This speech is one of the most significant moments leading to the rebellion.

25 August 1921- A retired police officer is murdered and his head was paraded on a spear and was left on the common ground till 30th August.

The rebels attacked police stations, government treasuries and entered courts and registry offices destroying all records. They took over the seats of the judges and declared “Swaraj”.

Reactions and accounts of the rebellion.

B. R. Ambedkar:

“The blood-curdling atrocities committed by the Mappilas in Malabar against the Hindus were indescribable. All over Southern India, a wave of horrified feeling had spread among the Hindus of every shade of opinion, which was intensified when certain Khilafat leaders were so misguided as to pass resolutions of congratulations to the Mappilas on the brave fight they were conducting for the sake of religion". Any person could have said that this was too heavy a price for Hindu-Muslim unity. But Mr. Gandhi was so much obsessed by the necessity of establishing Hindu-Muslim unity that he was prepared to make light of the doings of the Mappilas and the Khilafats who were congratulating them. He spoke of the Mappilas as the "brave God-fearing Mappilas who were fighting for what they consider as religion and in a manner which they consider as religious ".

(Many historians have blamed Gandhi for justifying the violence. The man who stood for non- violence seemed to be supporting violence for Hindu Muslim unity which was clearly a myth in the Malabar. Gandhi could have taken steps to stop this calamity but was a mute spectator)

Annie Beasant 

“Mr. Gandhi…can he not feel a little sympathy for thousands of women left with only rags, driven from home, for little children born of the flying mothers on roads in refugee camps? The misery is beyond description. Girl wives, pretty and sweet, with eyes half blind with weeping, distraught with terror; women who have seen their husbands hacked to pieces before their eye, in the way “Mappilas consider as religious”; old women tottering, whose faces become written with anguish and who cry at a gentle touch…men who have lost all, hopeless, crushed, desperate…Can you conceive of a more ghastly and inhuman crime than the murders of babies and pregnant women?…

A pregnant woman carrying 7 months was cut through the abdomen by a rebel and she was seen lying dead on the way with the dead child projecting out of the womb…

Another: a baby of six months was snatched away from the breast of his own mother and cut into two pieces… Are these rebels human beings or monsters?

A respectable Nair Lady at Melatur was stripped naked by the rebels in the presence of her husband and brothers, who were made to stand close by with their hands tied behind. When they shut their eyes in abhorrence, they were compelled at the point of sword to open their eyes and witness the rape committed by the brute in their presence.”

The Rani of Nilambur in a petition to Lady Reading:

“Many wells and tanks filled up with the mutilated, but often only half dead bodies of our nearest and dearest ones who refused to abandon the faith of our fathers

Pregnant women cut to pieces and left on the roadsides and in the jungles, with the unborn babe protruding from the mangled corpse.

Innocent and helpless children torn from our arms and done to death before our eyes and of our husbands and fathers tortured, flayed and burnt alive.

Places of worship desecrated and destroyed and of the images of the deity shamefully insulted by putting the entrails of slaughtered cows where flower garlands used to lie or else smashed to pieces.

Wholesale looting of hard-earned wealth of generations reducing many who were formerly rich and prosperous to publicly beg for a piece or two in the streets of Calicut, to buy salt or chilly or betel-leaf - rice being mercifully provided by the various relief agencies.”

A genocide or paroxysm of ferocity and frustration trapped in the Mappilas or a fight for freedom by the downtrodden. Its for you to decide.

[toebeanappreciato]

Chittorgarh Fort is regarded as the symbol of Rajput chivalry

Chittorgarh Fort is viewed as the image of Rajput valor, opposition and valiance. The fortress is arranged 175 kilometer toward the east of Udaipur and is accepted to be named after the individual who assembled it, Chitrangada Mori. The popular Chittorgarh fortress, which is one of the biggest in India, is arranged on a 180 meter high slope that ascents from the banks of waterway Berach. The fortification is known for its seven doors in particular Padan Gate, Ganesh Gate, Hanuman Gate, Bhairon Gate, Jodla Gate, Lakshman Gate and the fundamental entryway which is named after Lord Ram. The Chittorgarh stronghold houses numerous royal residences, similar to the Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, the Tower of Victory and Rani Padmini's Palace. Every one of these structures are critical for their Rajput engineering highlights. There are additionally numerous sanctuaries inside the post. A tremendous complex of Jain sanctuaries are a significant fascination. Chittorgarh post, alongside other slope strongholds of Rajasthan was pronounced as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

In antiquated India, where the post is right now present was known as Chitrakut. Because of the ancientness of this fortification, there are no reasonable confirmations supporting the starting point of the fortress. There is in any case, a lot of speculations that are still exposed to discusses. The most widely recognized hypothesis expresses that Chitrangada Mori, a nearby Maurya ruler manufactured the stronghold. A water body which was arranged close to the fortification is said to have been made by the incredible legend of Mahabharata, Bhima. The legend has it that Bhima once hit the ground energetically, which offered ascend to a gigantic store. Bhimlat Kund, a counterfeit tank close to the post, was the place the incredible repository once sat, it is said.

Because of the stronghold's glorious appearance, numerous rulers in the past have attempted to catch it, trying to make it their own. Bappa Rawal of the Guhila administration was probably the most punctual ruler to have caught the fortification effectively. It is said that the stronghold was caught by him around 730 AD, in the wake of vanquishing the Moris, to whom the fortification once had a place. Another variant of the story expresses that Bappa Rawal didn't catch the fortification from the Moris however from the Arabs, who had caught it from the Moris, even before the appearance of Bappa Rawal. It is said that Bappa Rawal was essential for the military drove by Nagabhata I of the Gurjara Pratihara line. It is accepted that this military was strong enough to overcome the acclaimed troops of Arab, who were viewed as imperious on a war zone in those days. Another legend has it that the fortification was given as a feature of endowment to Bappa Rawal by the Moris, when they gave the hand of one of their princesses in union with Bappa Rawal.

The Conquest of Alauddin Khilji

The fortress stayed with the leaders of the Guhila tradition for a significant stretch of time until 1303, when the leader of Delhi Sultanate Alauddin Khilji chose to catch it. He assumed control over the responsibility for fortress from King Ratnasimha after an attack that went on for around eight months. This victory is related with slaughter and gore the same number of accept that Alauddin Khilji requested the execution of in excess of 30,000 Hindus in the wake of catching the post. Another well known legend expresses that the fortification was caught by Khilji trying to drive Padmini, the sovereign of Ratnasimha, into an extra conjugal relationship. This thought process of Khiljiis said to have brought about the mass self-immolation (jauhar) of Chittorgarh ladies, driven by Queen Padmini. A couple of years after the fact, Alauddin Khilji gave the post to his child Khizr Khan, who had it until 1311 AD.

Incapable to withstand the persistent influence by the Rajputs, Khizr Khan surrendered the post to the Sonigra boss Maldeva. This ruler held the ownership of the post for the following seven years before Hammir Singh of the Mewar administration chose to grab it away from him. Hammir then thought of an arrangement to beguile Maldeva lastly figured out how to catch the stronghold. Hammir Singh is credited with transforming the Mewar administration into a military machine. Consequently, the relatives of Hammir appreciated the extravagances offered by the fortification for quite a long time. One such renowned relative of Hammir who went to the seat in 1433 AD was Rana Kumbha. In spite of the fact that the Mewar line thrived into a more grounded military power under the rule of Rana, plans to catch the stronghold by different rulers were going all out. Startlingly, his passing was brought about by his own child Rana Udaysimha, who killed his dad to climb the seat. This was maybe the start of the finish of the renowned Mewar line. On March 16 1527, one of the relatives of Rana Udaysimha was crushed in a fight by Babar and the Mewar line became more vulnerable. Utilizing this as a chance, Bahadur Shah of Muzaffarid tradition attacked the stronghold in 1535. By and by, there were loss of lives through slaughter and jauhar

In 1567, Emperor Akbar, who needed to catch the entire of India, focused on the popular Chittorgarh fortress. During this time, the spot was being governed by Rana Uday Singh II of the Mewar line. Akbar had an enormous armed force and consequently the majority of the leaders of India were tolerating rout even before evaluating Akbar's solid armed force on the combat zone. Hardly any valiant lords like Rana of Mewar had demonstrated protection from Akbar's requests. This prompted a war between the Mughal sovereign and the multitude of Mewar. After a shocking fight which went on for quite a long time, Akbar crushed Rana Uday Singh II's military and assumed control over the responsibility for and with it the fortress. The fortification at that point stayed with the Mughals for an extensive stretch of time.

Design of the Fort

The fortification, when seen from above, looks generally like a fish. Spread over a territory of 700 sections of land, the boundary of the post alone covers a zone of 13 kilometers. There are seven gigantic doors, protecting all the passages. The fundamental door is called as Ram Gate. The stronghold has 65 structures including sanctuaries, royal residences, remembrances and water bodies. There are two conspicuous pinnacles inside the premises of the fortification in particular Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory) and Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame).

Vijay Stambha was worked by Rana Kumbha in 1448 to praise his triumph over Mahmud Shah I Khalji. The pinnacle is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The sections in the highest aspect of the pinnacle contain a definite ancestry of the leaders of Chittor and their deeds. The fifth floor of the pinnacle contains the names of the draftsman, Sutradhar Jaita, and his three children who helped him manufacture the pinnacle. The momentous strict pluralism and resistance rehearsed by the Rajputs is obviously noticeable in the triumph tower. The Jain Goddess Padmavati sits at the highest story, while the third story and the eighth story have the word Allah cut in Arabic

Kirti Stambha was raised by Bagherwal Jain in the twelfth century to respect Adinath, the primary Jain tirthankar. It was worked during the rule of Rawal Kumar Singh (c. 1179-1191). The pinnacle is 22 meter high.

[marshmallow--3]

"But there was little evidence of [Sertraline] reducing depressive symptoms, such as poor concentration, low mood and lack of enjoyment after six weeks - and only marginal improvements (13%) after 12 weeks."

" "They [antidepressants] work, just in a different way than we had expected," he said. "

If antidepressants aren't helping depression, as I've been feeling for the past two years, then they don't work as antidepressants. They help anxiety, as they did with me, but it doesn't even touch depression. Overall, I daresay I'm in a worse place than I was when I was diagnosed. I have good days, but ultimately, depression overshadows my entire personality. And the meds that have been given to me, when scientists have no clue how they even work, actually make me feel worse after taking them.

Rename them to antianxieties.

"Dr Sameer Jauhar, honorary consultant psychiatrist from King's College London, said the trial's positive findings probably reflected why GPs prescribe antidepressants.

But he said they were not relevant to people with major depression."

(Hi, major depression sufferer. So I've been right this whole time.)

[theresidentnews]

Sweater and Jeans: Michael Koras

Jacket, T-shirt, Pants and Sneakers: Valentino

Sweater: Calvin Klein

What lead you to pursue a career in acting? Did you have an “aha” moment when you realized that this is what you wanted to do, or was your desire to act present from the start?

Storytelling. Using it as a medium to illustrate new ideas/places was super powerful to me as a kid and I’ve always been drawn to it. Initially, I wanted to direct. My mother encouraged me to take film classes as a teenager. That’s when I popped in front of the camera on a friend’s short. It was a moment I haven’t forgotten. I was instantly hooked. I also found a responsibility and purpose within in. When I was growing up, people of color often didn’t see characters who looked like us in films and TV, and neither did our families, even though a big part of narrative engagement is imagining yourself in the protagonist’s shoes. But when we watch our reality reflected on TV or in film, our potential becomes limitless. The ability to tell your own story and to be heard is the very thing that moves our culture forward. That is how we can ultimately escape those limited and often inaccurate portrayals minted in the stone age and surpass them.

You’ve played a lot of unique characters throughout your career. Would you say that you bring a piece of yourself to every role you play?  Is there a character with whom you have most identified with, or one that you found most challenging to relate to? 

I try to bring some of myself to the roles I play. I think to be authentic to an experience we’ve not encountered ourselves, pulling from the world around us is key. There are two characters in particular that stand out for me. Hassan Kadam in THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY was a role that didn’t come with the resistance for a person of color to play the protagonist. The story is about a young chef who immigrates to France from India after his mother dies. I think the film encourages folks to go beyond their limits. Hassan was quiet and introverted — not qualities I can readily related to, but the story inspired as well as pushed me. In 90210, I played a character suffering from a terminal illness. Raj was a simple but real portrayal of a young Indian-American guy in California. The response to character was profound. Here was an Indian teenager included in an iconic American brand without typical stereotypes. He wanted to live his last days fearlessly.

Shirt: MSGM

What attracts you most to a role? 

The character and his point of view on the events happening around him. If the role challenges me to think differently or it scares the shit out of me, I’m in. 

A lot of people would consider your breakout role to be The 100 Foot Journey. Was there a definitive moment in your career when you thought, “Yes, I’ve made it”?

I knew it was a big deal, a life changing ride. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Steven Spielberg, Juliet Blake and Oprah Winfrey and everyone at Dreamworks / HARPO put it together. They really supported the film. But that feeling of “I’ve made it” can’t be taken literally. I think making it means something different to everyone. For me, making it might just be the ability to contribute to our business in a way that pushes those in power to think differently; to be courageous storytellers. I think to do that we have to keep making our own stuff, we work together, we unionize. We show folks that our stories have real value and make money. I think making it is the ability to pursue exactly that. The Hundred-Foot Journey opened that door for me.

You’re currently a part of The Resident. What’s it like working on a medical drama? What’s the biggest difference between this character and those who you’ve played in the past?

I was attracted to the role because Devon had a huge journey to embark on. In a series, it’s exciting to play a character that has somewhere to go — a blank canvas in some ways. He starts off as a resident right out of med school. The sky’s the limit for this dude. It may not seem revolutionary for me to play an Indian-American doctor. It might seem ordinary, but that’s exactly why it’s important. Devon is what the American dream looks like, to me. He’s from an immigrant family, graduates top of his class with hopes to heal people and change lives. To me, Devon stands out from other roles because he is so carved into the culture of today’s America — an Indian doctor. Children of immigrant parents occupy medicine in a big way. I want Devon to represent a piece of that. He is sometimes a hero, he’s fallible, he’s impulsive, he’s cocky and when he gets it wrong, people die. The stakes are huge.

Anytime there’s a cab driver on screen, it’s imperative he be played by a South-Asian. But most of America’s TV Doctors are actually non-Indian, and I realized that’s not what a modern American hospital or medical school looks like. In the US, South-Asian doctors outnumber cardiac ICUs and overwhelm medical schools. People say, “what’s wrong with stereotypes? In real life, there’s truth to these stereotypes, and don’t you want the world to feel real on TV?” It is true that some of the leaders in medicine like Atul Gawande, Siddartha Mukerjhee, Sandeep Jauhar are all Indian. So to move the needle, this idea must extend to our heroes as well. That is the only way this works. Yes, Devon is brown and he won’t be hovering in the background without a perspective.

Sweater, Shirt and Pants: Valentino

Coat: Michael Kors

Coat: Michael Kors , Glasses: Timberland

Sweater: Michael Kors, Shoes: Valentino

You’ve recently gotten into directing. Is this something you’ve always wanted to do, or a more recent ambition? 

Always. Directing Fifteen Years Later was a passion I’ve wanted to exercise for a while. It was one of the most awesome experiences I’ve had. Acting and directing at the same time is wild. I loved all of it and tried to be aware of which hat to wear when. I wanted to craft a story from start to finish. This one in particular I could speak to since it was personal for me. The story is based on real events from friends and an experience I had over 15 years ago. It talks about bias and violence in a post-9/11 era. Racially motivated crime towards people of South Asian, Sikh, Arab and Muslim has seen an undeniable resurgence since 45’s presidency. Terlok Singh, a Sikh deli owner from New Jersey, was recently stabbed to death at his store. According to Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, Senior Religion Fellow for the Sikh Coalition, this was the third attack on a Sikh in the last three weeks of the incident.

My hope is that Fifteen Years Later can shine a light on communities who face this type of profiling and violence. It is a look at an epidemic holding our communities under fire. We partnered with Vigilant Love, 18MillionRising, and White People 4 Black Lives and hosted a panel in LA. It sparked a discussion about race, identity, policing and our law enforcement.

You recently had a son! Congratulations! What is it like being a dad? Does this give you a new perspective for future roles? 

100% It is a profound relationship. Children teach us more about ourselves than we could ever know. You reflect, discover, prioritize, problem solve and ultimately learn how to quiet the noise and be present. As a new dad, you’re learning about things you’d otherwise know nothing about. It’s impossible to get too comfortable because the minute you think you have it down, an inevitable curve ball hits you in the face! It’s also why representation is so important. We want our youth to feel embedded in our culture. We want them to feel visible and given our sociopolitical landscape it’s more important now than ever. My hope for him is that he exercises compassion and gratitude, that he understands the difference between strength and weakness, and that he respects the voice of other people.