Indian Jewelry

Jewelry has always been an integral part of Indian culture. In fact, Indian lifestyle segment is incomplete without jewelry. It is being said that, history of Indian jewelry is almost 5000 years old. Indian people have always been very fond of different styles of jewellery. Metals like gold, silver and different gems and stones have clearly defined the history of Indian jewelry. Even if you look at mythological serials and movies, you will find all the characters wearing jewellery. It is a sign of importance and existence of jewelry in the history of India.

Indian jewelry is very stylish and is available in numerous of designs. India always had a great name in handicrafts of different types of gold jewellery and gems, stones etc. one can find all types of ornaments suitable for all the body parts. In ancient era, metals and crude stones were used to make necklace, anklets and rings. With the passage of time, people discovered the art of polishing gold and extracting different types of gems. Later on, gold and other precious stones were used to make rings, chains, anklets and earrings etc.

The most fascinating aspect of Indian jewelry is availability of eclectic mix of designs and styles. Different states in India have different styles of jewelry and all of them are uniquely beautiful. India has been ruled by different kingdoms and all of them have left indelible mark on the jewelry styles. For example, Rajputs gave enameled jewelry whereas Mughals were known for intricate carvings and usage of precious stones. Traditional jewelry of India will always remain in vogue. Indian jewelry is indeed a great mix of modern and traditional style.

Mount Abu

One of the most popular tourist destinations in India is picturesque place of Mount Abu. Situated in Northern state of Rajasthan, it has the distinction of being the sole hill station in the state. Rajasthan is basically a desert state and yet Mount Abu once served as the summer residence of the Rajputs and, later on as favorite place of the British. A tourist has various tempting spots to look forward to in this beautiful place. One will find several colonial mansions, bungalows and holiday lodges. Situated on the highest peak of Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, Mt Abu is extremely rich in terms of natural beauty. It is endowed with waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and lush forests. No wonder, it is also called as ‘Oasis of the Desert’. One major reason of its popularity is apart from its natural beauty, Mount Abu also has holy shrines.

A tourist really needs to take some time off while touring Mt Abu. The reason being ample numbers of tourist attractions. One of the must visit is Gaumukh temple. Apart from that, Dilwara Jain temples, Nakki Lake, sunset point, wildlife sanctuary etc are other major attractions. Dilwara temples were made during 11th to 13th century. These temples are architectural delights. Nakki Lake is very popular among tourists because of calm and soothing feel. Wonderfully located, Nakki Lake is a sheer beauty for those seeking break from hustle and bustle of life. If you are seriously seeking respite from scorching heat of this summer, Mount Abu could be best option for you.

Luxurious Trains in India

One of the most fascinating aspects for a traveler in India is luxurious trains. Quite a few numbers of luxurious trains are available for tourists to get a royal view of India. This article will provide you some information about few of the amazingly luxurious trains. Let’s begin with Golden Chariot. Provided by South Indian state Karnataka, the Golden Chariot is one of the most popular trains with tourists. Want to visit historic places, exotic wildlife, hypnotizing beauty of south India and exotic wildlife destination? Welcome aboard! This train is a sheer luxury. For a tourist, taking this 7 nights and 8 days trip will leave a world of good memories. No wonder, you will have to book the tickets well in advance.

Palace On Wheel takes the greatest honor when it comes to luxurious trains. Pride of Rajasthan, it is one of the most lavish trains in the world. Like Golden Chariot, it offers you 7 nights and 8 days trip that takes you to amazing places like forts and mountains. Train works on a fixed itinerary. The interiors of the train are sure to leave you awestruck. If you want to experience royalty and ultimate plush treatment, have this ride of a lifetime. The boarding station is Delhi and it will take to places like Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur and Jaisalmer.

Royal Orient takes you to places as enchanting and mesmerizing as exotic wildlife, sea resorts and ancient temples. It roams around the stats of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Deccan Odyssey covers the states of Goa and Maharashtra. It travels only at night so that you can have the best view possible. The staffs are extremely courteous and treatment is no less than regal. Last in the list is The Fairy Queen that takes you to places like Sariska Tiger reserve and Alwar in Rajasthan. With references from about India

Indo-Islamic Architecture

India was always a treasure trove of architectural beauties found in all the parts of the country. What had started during Indus valley civilization has continued to evolve in subsequent eras as well. Buddhist architectural style, south Indian architectural specimens and Nagara style of architecture bear testimony to the immensely impressive style of architectural variety found in different parts of the country. One of the best phases in the history of Indian architecture was medieval period that witnessed historical developments in the field of architecture. This era saw arrival of Mughals in India and wit that came several factors that completely transformed the landscape of Indian architecture. It did not overhaul the existing style of Indian architecture. It just added a layer or two and made already rich blend even more beautiful.

Muslim Style of Architecture of this period is also termed as the Indo-Islamic Architecture. This style was an aesthetic mix of Indian style and Islamic style. The combination of both parts made the final outcome magnificent. This period is divided into two parts of Mughal architecture and Delhi style. The former style derived its inspiration from Islamic architecture of central Asia whereas the later one was developed by rulers of Delhi.

Both cultures contributed in development of each other. The culmination witnessed in numerous designs across India is nothing but breath taking. The best examples of Indo-Islamic architecture are Fatehpur Sikri, Qutub Minar, Red Fort Delhi, Alai Darwaza, Taj Mahal, Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, Agra Fort, and Tughlaqabad Fort etc. With inputs from Interior designing.

Beauty of Indian Architecture

Indian Architecture definitely ranks as one of the best achievements of Indian civilization. The evolution of Indian architecture has taken place over the centuries. Various factors have contributed in the development of rich Indian architecture. Factors like geographical conditions and socio-economic elements have contributed tremendously in the growth and development of Indian architectural styles. The architectural specimens found in India are vast in range because of diversity found across the regions. Architecture is one of high points of rich blend of Indian civilization that includes mass of expression. Forces of history have made sure than Indian architecture has retained a semblance of continuity.

Archeologists have discovered styles of architectural specimen that are astonishing and prove that India was always a power as far as architecture is concerned. Different eras in Indian history have gifted different architectural specimens. We can look as back as Indus valley civilization where seeds of own planning were sowed. But historically speaking advent of Buddhism marked the formal arrival of Indian architecture. Numerous buildings based on amazing designs came into existence in that period. Rock cut caves at Ajantha and great Stupa at Sanchi were the foremost gifts of the Buddhist era.

Nagara style of architecture emerged in the northern India whereas central India witnessed a new period in architecture when Chandela rulers built magnificent temple compound at Khajuraho. South India almost always had Hindu rulers that paved way for south Indian style of architecture. The best examples of that period are temples at Kanchipuram and rock cut temples of Mahabalipuram. All the rulers and dynasties in south Indian contributed significantly to rich blend of Indian architecture. With inputs from Interior designer blog.

Indian Food

Indian Food like other traditional aspects of India is rich in variety. That land that represents unity in diversity offers assortment of delicious dishes. Go to any part of the country and you will find different style of foods made in entirely different way. We Indians are fond of using spices and herbs in our food. The quality and variety of cuisines varies from region to region. Numerous hotels and restaurants offering amazingly tasty foods can be found in all corners of the country. However, rice, wheat and pulses are considered as staple food inside Indian Territory. Lets take a look at traditional food found in different parts of the country.

Gujarati food is known for including vegetarian food and as far as nutritional value is concerned it scores high on that parameter. Gujaratis love to use different cooking styles and their specialty lies in offering sweet dishes. Punjabi food is very rich in terms of variety. All types of dishes are included in Punjabi foods and best part is mouth watering usage of spices in different cuisines. The most famous export of Punjabi cuisines is makke di roti and sarso ka saag.

Bengalis love to use spices in their foods. All the five major spices including seed, black cumin seed, mustard, aniseed, fenugreek seed and black cumin seed are used in balanced proportion to make Bengali food yummy. Talk about sweet or spicy flavors, Bengali foods is rich in content. Kashmiri food is a delectable mix of different cooking styles adopted over the years from Persia, central Asia and Afghanistan. Lastly south Indian foods, they are known for low calorie. Primarily rice based foods like dosa, rasam and idlis are the major ones in south Indian cuisines.

Indian Paintings

India has always been phenomenally rich in terms of art and literature. Right from the ancient times, these two classes have kept getting better. Despite all the infiltrations, attacks, change of kingdoms and what not, Indian art has continued to be shining example of amalgamation of diverse cultures. Talking about Indian arts, Indian paintings have traveled a long way in maintaining their superiority. The tradition can be traced back to ancient era with examples like Ajanta & Ellora, Buddhist palm leaf manuscripts, Jain texts, Different frescoes and schools of painting like Mughal, Deccan and Kangra.

The tradition of Indian painting has been well accentuated by ancient texts. These texts outlined fascinating color theories apart from reiterating the need of painting the doorways. Nature was the guiding force in that era and that is well manifested in cave paintings of Bagh, Ajanta and Sittanvasal. Various temples paintings can be also seen in different parts of the country.

Indian art depict themes as diverse as religion, culture, nature, kingdoms, thoughts, ideas, social condition and mythological characters among others. It’s an act of fusion that is very rich and vivid. Indian artists have always given free expression to their artistic liberty and imagination to carve out amazing pieces of art works. Different styles of Indian paintings can be categorized in;
Tanjore Paintings, Mysore Paintings, Bihar Paintings, Madhubani Paintings, Rajput Paintings, Indian folk Paintings, Warli Paintings, Kalamkari Paintings, Pattachitra Paintings, Cave Paintings of Ajanta & Ellora, Miniature Paintings, Glass Paintings, Oil Paintings.