In the eminently watchable movie The Mummy, dashing adventurers Rick (Brendan Fraser) and Evelyn (Rachel Weisz) go in search of the mythical Egyptian City of the Dead, Hamunaptra. They journey across the arid Sahara, reaching the location, but they still cannot locate the town. "It is here," reassures Rick, even as the posse waits in... Continue Reading →
Airavateswara’s Whisper: Chola Artistry in Granite
The Airavateswara Temple in Darasuram, the final stop in my journey through the three UNESCO Great Living Chola Temples, left an indelible mark on my soul. Having earlier marveled at the grandeur of the Periya Koil in Tanjavur and the Brihadeesvara Temple in Gangai Konda Cholapuram, I found Darasuram to be a distinct yet equally... Continue Reading →
Climbing the Steps of Time: Sithannavasal’s Jain Heritage
Sithannavasal was not on my list when I started out from Mysore. My plan had been to spend as much time as possible in the three Chola Temples at Tanjavur. Mira wanted to spend time at the farm with her grandparents. Neha was travelling for business. I realised I had 4 days to myself. Usually,... Continue Reading →
From Grandeur to Apathy: The Decline of Indian Architecture
The decline of Indian architecture over recent centuries demands scrutiny. Bangalore, for instance, is plagued by uninspired, poorly executed buildings crammed into chaotic urban landscapes. Even well-funded government projects in prime locations often result in contractor-driven monstrosities. The recently opened Terminal 2 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport shows glimmers of ambition with its vaulted ceilings,... Continue Reading →
Guardians of Time: Reflections at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Rajendra Cholan’s 11th-century masterpiece. Its stone guardians and shadowed sanctum evoke a millennium’s weight, humbling all who enter. This temple, woven of stone and time, endures eternally.
You must be logged in to post a comment.