Thousand Years of Glory I was in the presence of a thousand years of glory. From nov 4 to 8 I travelled through these thousand years of classical creativity. Thats my idea of celebrating Diwali with family & friends. Badami: the capital of Chalukyas-best known among them being Satyashraya Pulkeshi,second,one who defeated Emperor Harsha in the naval war in river Narmada. Cave art & rock sculpture of Badami is simply out of this world. So is the Agastya lake. Then Aihole the original 6th century capital of Chalukyas,now a neglected unclean village but temples monuments chaityas are mark of a greatness of a bygone era. The oldest 6th century Marathi inscription also is found at Aihole. It substantiates Marathis claim to be declared a classical language. Then Pattadakal with another heavenly world heritage site of ancient temple architecture. Finally worlds greatest city in 15th & 16th centuries: Vijayanagar now known as Hampi,brutally destroyed by Bahamani sultans after the defeat of Vijayanagar in the fatal battle of Talikot in 1565. Vijayanagar ruler Ramraya had left this capital city unprotected as he was confident of victory over the combines forces of all 5 Bahamani kingdoms. And Vijayanagar was winning the battle until Ramraya himself was killed, his head was displayed on a spear, there was a general rout, sultans spared nothing,saved nothing,respected nothing. Vijayanagar was being destroyed for next 6 months. The End. End of about 250 years of greatness, in one stroke. This alongwith Rana Prataps defeat in the battle of Haldighati in 1578 is Indias darkest hour, before the blazing dawn called Shivaji Maharaj. Glimpses of that great millennium when Bharatiya creativity was manifesting in all walks of life, when Shaiva,Vaishnav,Bouddha & Jaina temples could peacefully & respectfully coexist in the same campus,adding to each others beauty. This when we believe & work for the beginning of another great creative flourishing Bharatiya millennium.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Nov 2013 19:47:53 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015