Rajasthan The Golden Desert

APRIL-MAY 2014 | ` 150

The premiere travel and tourism magazine for Rajasthan

DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

Destination of the Month

MOUNT ABU The Abode Of Gods

REGN: RAJENG/2013/50996

Sirohi Fort The Fort With History Mystery And Ingenuity

Repertory Of Tradition Exclusive Report on Graciyas

Gifted Hands

Dr. Arun Sharma an activist poet physician who is an institution by himself many Avatars APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT 06 - encompassing

Talking With Royal Not only truly royal but is loyal to his people

D-133, Janpath Marg, Shyam Nagar, Sodala, Jaipur - 302 019 For appointment, call

+91 9983650009

Editor’s Note

April - May 2014 | Volume 1 | Issue 7 | ` 150

MOUNT ABU THE ABODE OF GODS

Publisher & Editor Abdul Naseer

editor@rtgd.in

Guest Editor Dr. Arun Sharma

Sub Editor nafeesa

N

estled in the cradle of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, Mount Abu, also known as Arbudanchal, is few billion years old. Older than the Himalayas, older than the Nilgiries, Mount Abu is the true abode of Gods.

Being the oldest, its mythology, its theology, its history, its fables, folktales, fairy tales, love tales, travelogues, its flora and fauna and indeed its tourism are the oldest in the world! So much so many species in the plant and animal world are named after Mount Abu like Rosea Abusensis.

Taking a journey into the glorious past of Mount Abu, the most recent neonate would be the just inaugurated State-of-the-art MP Hall at the NAB – PNM, Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind Mount Abu, where a Zodiac Wood too is raring to come up in near future.

The next halt would be at the inauguration of the Parikrama of this cradle of civilization by the local administration, the department of tourism, the Government of Rajasthan, the municipality of Mount Abu, and glorified by none other than the former Cerebral Solicitor General of India, Rohinton F. Nariman. It was only last year, despite the pouring rains in September 2013, Major General Moor’s cave was restored and inaugurated by all the authorities mentioned ut supra.

As we travel back in history we have Mount Abu notified as an Ecosensitive Zone in 2009 and the game of Polo revived after 75 years in 2006. It indeed was in 1823 when the British arrived at Mount Abu and the first AGG, Colonel James Todd awed by the celestial splendor of Mount Abu, prayed to God to save it from “Hobos”! It is after his arrival that contemporary tourism and great construction and development started and on the invitation of the greatest builder of Sirohi State, Maharao Kesari Singhji that kings of Rajputana began to arrive at Mount Abu - the first being the Jaipur State followed by others. It was during that period that the game of Polo was introduced at Mount Abu and it was close to that Swami Vivekananda arrived at Mount Abu in 1891.

Indeed other great saints like Guru Nanak and the Guru of Kabir Ramananda Dasji blessed Mount Abu in different era. It was here the young King Maharao Surtran defeated Akbar the Great more than once and helped Maharana Pratap to have sanctuary from the hounding eyes of Akbar..

As we travel eons in past we find Sage Ved Vyas inspiring Yudhishter to go to Mount Abu

nafeesa@rtgd.in

PRINCIPAL CORRESPONDENT Nafeesa

nafeesa@rtgd.in +91 9269136780

PHOTO COURTESY/ Paintings Dr. Arun Sharma Anaisley Pristman (For The Birds Pictures)

Harish Panchal

AD SALES & MARKETING Firoz Khan

ads@rtgd.in +91 9269136780 http://www.rtgd.in/advt.html

CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION subs@rtgd.in Tel.: +91 291-6050005-09

DESIGN AND EDITORIAL OFFICE CREST GRAPHICS Chopasni Road, Jodhpur-Rajasthan Tel.: 0291-6050005/6/7/8/9 Email: info@crestgraphics.in www.crestgraphics.in

VISIT US www.rtgd.in

ONLINE SUBSCRIPTION http://www.rtgd.in/subs.aspx

FACEBOOK UPDATES https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rajasthan-TheGolden-Desert

Rajasthan The Golden Desert is published twelve times a year by Editor & Publisher Abdul Naseer @ B-47, Jwala Vihar, Chopasni Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without prior permission is strictly prohibited. All information is correct up to the time of going to press. The publishers cannot be held liable for any changes in this respect after this date.

All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any matter published in this magazine, in part or whole, in any language or format, without the express written permission of the Publisher is strictly prohibited and will be liable for legal action.

Contd.....

03

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

REG: RAJENG/2013/50996

EDITOR’S NOTE Go ye Yudhistra to Arbud at a place where previously between the Himalayas and the Nilgiries! there was a big pit on the surface of the earth, the Ashram of Lord Vashishtha is situated on hill, which is renowned Mount Abu is steadily attaining tourism stardom, with in all the three worlds and by spending one night in the its ascendency up the tourism order! It is the charming Ashram one gets the punya of donating thousand cows in place designed to delight and astonish, the best place to charity! Thus commenced pilgrim tourism at Mount Abu have best time for all the reasons, for all the seasons. It indeed being the oldest tourism in the world! gifts heaven of enchantment, style and elegance! With It is the same place where Lord Rama with his brother exotic heights, it is an empire of hidden treasure with its Laxmana came for thier education and hence could also Parikrama, as it unfurls verdant, azure in day and indigo be termed as Alma Mater of Lord Rama, because of this blue at nights becoming an exceptional experience where it is probably the prime center of education in India where intrigue rises with every turn, revealing to intelligent traveler even Polish students were sent by Jamsahib during the salubrious glamour to make one feel alive! The Araveli Second World War to have proper English education at vibes promise service that revolves around you simply to Saint Mary’s School. Again, it pamper you, making it the most 1. What was the name of the favorite cow of is the same place where Lord iconic tourist attraction that delivers Sage Vashsihtha ?

Krishna came and planted the contentment! Redefining the art of See Answer on Page 57 Sindhu Vat the only Banyan tree hospitality make some legend just with thorn, which was destroyed better that is Arbudanchal promise by the inimical elements in 1989. Indeed it was here that that is Mount Abu life! the four fire-born Rajput clans took birth from the sacred With kaleidoscope of all genres of hotels to fit all tastes fire of Havana, performed by Sage Vashishtha. and pockets right from heritage bonanza to star wonders, Mount Abu is the holiest of the holy destination on it is truly a heaven for all classes of visitors, right from earth is also the address of Pindarak Teertha, visited by revelers to pilgrim and leisure travelers and others. It the Pandavas where probably the tradition of Shardharites is well connected by roads and trains from all over the began, and also the home of Adhar Devi and the world country and the nearby airports are Udaipur, Ahmadabad famous love lake Nakki, the Achaleshwar Mahadev, the and Jodhpur! There could not be a better destination Achal Garh Fort and indeed the poems in marble the for meeting oneself and soaking in the peace of selfDelwara Temples together with the Shankar Math and the indulgence in long walks on the trails and in the cozy lap of head quarters of Brahmakumaries! The modern wonders Morpheus! are like the observatories and the tropho-scatter at the pinnacle of Mount Abu nearly 5, 500 feet above sea Dr. Arun Sharma level Guru Shikhar – the master’s peak the highest point (Guest Editor)

04

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

EDITOR’S NOTE

editor’s note

I

am tremendously buoyant to present this edition Of ‘Rajasthan the Golden Desert’ in the hands of our prized patrons. The destination for this issue is Mount Abu, a conundrum, a brain teaser to all of us in our editorial war room! On the very onset my humble, reverential indebtedness goes to His highness Maharajdhiraj Maharao Shri Raghuvir Singhji Sahib of Sirohi, a scholar par-excellence, for his sterling elucidation of Mount Abu. I would fail in my duty if I do not appropriately acknowledge the contribution by Arun Sharma, an institution by himself in Mount Abu! No amount of gratitude would suffice for his most passionate, pleasant support for this mystic edition! With élan, he has removed all our misconceptions about Mount Abu and has presented Mount Abu in its glorious best as truly ‘The Abode of Gods’!

He is conspicuous virtually across the issue in various avatars! A very personal admiration goes to all the hospitable property owners in Mount Abu, who so munificently, offered all help, particularly their valuable time.

Wish you great traveling! Aloha!

Abdul Naseer – Editor

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

05

April - May 2014

What’s inside

16

COVER STORY

Mount Abu- The Abode of Gods All that you ever wanted to know about the petite hill resort - Mount Abu

46 FEATURE

GRACIYAS

Repertory Of Tradition

30 INTERVIEW

Dr Arun Sharma

34

TANAY

The Man For Moleucular Culinary Art

More reason to holiday in Abu!ı

Maharajdhiraj Maharao Raghuvirsinghji Sahib

In-conversation with

18 THE ROAD THAT LEADS TO MOUNT PICCADILLY PLAZA

5 CLIQUEY CURIOS

1

Fox Nut (Tal Makhana in Hindi)

0 THE FOOD FOR GODS 4

HOTEL HILLOCK

36 THE GUESTGEBER

14

NEWS - DOMESTIC

Plans To Make RAJASTHAN A Major Tourism Hub – Chief Minister

T

o attract both domestic and foreign tourists, the state agencies would act as facilitator for tourism sector and ensure participation of private players,” said Vasundhara Raje, Chief Minister, Rajasthan.

The Chief Minister, who was addressing a meeting of tourism department in Jaipur, insisted on improving the infrastructure facilities to support expansion of tourism

IATO elects new committee

A

round 262 members voted during the elections to bring in a new committee. The new Executive Committee members include Sarabjit Singh as Senior Vice President, Rajeev Kohli as Vice President, Pronab Sarkar as the Secretary, Amaresh Tiwari as the Treasurer and Ravi Gusain as the Joint Secretary.

Delhi Airport to have zero diversions

A

ccording to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), all stakeholders including India Meteorological Department (IMD), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), it is decided that various key recommendations on making Delhi a zero-diversionary airport should be implemented before October.

activities. In the meeting, it was also suggested that publicity should be done through social media, websites, informatio n technology and other such mediums.

The Chief Minister said that a detailed and extensive map will be prepared spotting different gates, pathways, chopars and other monumental locations of the Walled City of Jaipur.

AAI plans to install full-body scanners

A

ccording to AAi sources they have received two full-body scanners from GE Corp of the US, which we are going to install at two airports on a trial basis. These scanners which work on a millimeter-wave technology, do not compromise with the privacy of a passenger. They said that, we want to gauge the acceptability level of passengers before installing them across all airports.

Art Exhibit “Different Strokes” held at Jaipur

T

he Art Gallery at Civil Services Officers Institute ( CSOI) New Delhi opened Art Exhibit “Different Strokes ” on 28th Feb 2014 show casing brilliant and vibrant 60 artworks of artist bureaucrat Ms Kiran Soni Gupta. The exhibition continued till 16th March 2014 . The show was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Ajit Seth, Cabinet Secretary amidst a huge gathering of senior civil servants, artists, art lovers, gallery owners, connoisseurs and bureaucrats.

Amongst those present were Shymal Sarkar, Secretary Ministry of Personnel, K K Chakravarthy Chairman Lalit Kala Academy, Mrs Bulbul Sen,

08

Ex Chief Commissioner of Income tax, Mrs Rupika Chawla, Pradeep Kumar and many other bureaucrats and senior artists.

Seth while appreciating the role of bureaucrats and creativity emphasized the need to have greater empathy and sympathy in life and to never forget to appreciate the immediate environment. He said the capacity to appreciate art and beauty while performing ones professional responsibilities does speak for itself. He highly appreciated Kiran’s work said that they do reflect her inner self and Rajasthan. He wished that her art will give important direction to In-

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

dian Contemporary Art. The art exhibit “ Different Strokes” was a collection of 60 of her artworks that captures the images of Rajasthan in abstraction drawing an onlooker to the beauty and colors of the desert state and people.

The highlights of the exhibit were the masterpieces of contemporary artworks in abstract form made by artist Kiran Soni Gupta. These abstracts are largely based on live patterns of rural Rajasthan. They have been done predominantly in oils on Canvas but some of her amazing water colors and acrylics also are there.

NEWS - INTERNATIONAL

Starwood plans 100 hotels in India by 2015

T

he company’s regional director of sales for South Asia, Dhananjay S. Saliankar, told visitors to the Starwood Expo in Delhi on 23 April that the US hotel company is planning to expand across the country, but with a focus on the country’s emerging second tier cities.

The group currently operates 41 properties under various brands.

In addition, Starwood is expanding its support structure in India, with a new sales office set to open in Ahmedabad next month. The group will continue to drive growth from Delhi and Mumbai, while more business would be generated from new areas like Gujarat and Kolkata.

Westin Mumbai Garden City

Flight MH370 missing

A

fter taking off from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at 12:41 a.m. on March 8, Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 — with 239 passengers and crew on board — headed for Beijing, China, due to land at 6:30 a.m. However, a little after 1:00 it disappeared, sparking an international search operation that remained ongoing at press time.

Inspections of various debris fields spotted by satellite have turned up no remnants of the plane or its contents. On March 24, the Malaysian prime minister announced that evidence showed the plane must have gone down in the Indian Ocean, with total loss of life.

Arabian Travel Market 2014

A

rabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals from across the globe. ATM attracts high level decision-makers and buyers representing every aspect of the leisure travel industry.

Arabian Hotel Investment Conference

W

elcome to AHIC 2014, we hope you can join us in celebrating our 10th year!

AHIC has proven to be the Middle East’s annual meeting place for the region’s most senior hotel investors, developers, operators and advisors.

It is the annual conference that connects business leaders from international and local markets to do deals accross the region.

TTF Event Calender 2014 TTF is India’s leading travel trade show network. Started in 1989, TTF covers nine top domestic and outbound tourism markets of India – Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Surat and Pune. Below are the dates for upcoming events.

• TTF Guwahati • TTF Kolkata • TTF Hyderabad • TTF Ahmedabad • TTF Surat • TTF Mumbai • TTF Pune

-

27/06/2014 to 29/06/2014

-

04/07/2014 to 06/07/2014

-

11/07/2014 to 13/07/2014

-

22/08/2014 to 24/08/2014

-

29/08/2014 to 31/08/2014

-

05/09/2014 to 07/09/2014

-

12/09/2014 to 14/09/2014

Appointments

D

r SRINIVASAN DWARAKANATH has been appointed as the India CEO for Airbus.

Dwaraka will be responsible for setting Dr Srinivasan Dwarakanath up Airbus’ industrial footprint in the region including the Airbus Engineering Centre India (AECI) and Airbus Training India (ATI) both located in Bengaluru.

CHARLES CHAMPION, EVP for Airbus Engineering and member of the Airbus Executive Committee is appointed as the Chairman for Airbus India.

A

SEEM KAPOOR has been appointed as the Area Director of North India for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Under the new role, Kapoor willAseem Kapoor supervise Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, Hyatt Regency Delhi, Hyatt Ahmedabad, Hyatt Amritsar and Hyatt Regency Ludhiana. In May 2013, he was appointed as the General Manager at Hyatt Regency Delhi, while the added responsibility of Area Director will come into effect from 2014.

C

ARLOS TARRERO has been named as the new general manager of Phulay Bay, A RitzCarlton Reserve in Krabi. The move marks a promotion for Tarrero, who has been director of operations at the luxury resort since June 2012. He has previously worked in Spain, the UK and Indonesia.

R

ICK ALLEN has joined Etihad Airways as senior vice president of operations. With more than 30 years’ experience, Allen is a fully-qualified pilot and holds a licence for the Boeing 777 aircraft. He arrives at Etihad from Air Canada, where he served as managing director of flight operations.

P

etra Roach has been appointed interim president and CEO at the Barbados Tourism Authority. Roach will take up the new role on Friday having been vice president of marketing and sales in the UK for the past 12 years. She is also a fellow of the ITT; a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and sits on the CTO board.

Courtesy: http://www.traveldailymedia.com

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

09

HISTORY OF RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan

The Golden Desert Rajasthan Between C.AD 1500 – AD 1600

RAJASTHAN – the name needs no introduction. Popularly known as the ‘Land of the Kings’ all over the world, it has a rich and colourful history making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India  Continued from issue 5 His body was carried back to Mandalgarh, where it was cremated beside a rivulet, and a memorial chhatri built at the site.

Meanwhile, following Babur’s victory at Khanua, which had strengthened his position in the Agra-Delhi area, Babur continued to further consolidate his position. Bayana came back into Mughal hands. Babur was successful in capturing the fortresses of Dholpur and Cwalior, among oth-

10

ers, besides annexing portions of Hasan Khan Mewati’s Alwar-Mewat tracts, and the conquest of Chanderi in Malwa. According to C.N. Sharma, “So far as the expansion of Mughal power was concerned the consequences of the battle of Khanua were immense...Nevertheless, the battle, as far as the Rajput powers were concerned, was not so destructive as the battle of Tarain between Prithviraja HI and Muizuddin Chori. Though it weakened the power of the kingdom of Mewar and lowered its general

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

prestige, it did not destroy the grip of the Sisodias over their kingdom, nor did it affect the social and economic conditions of life in the state”.

Rana Sanga is described as having been “...of middle stature, but of great muscular strength; fair in complexion, with unusually large eyes...He exhibited at his death but the ragments of a warrior: one eye was lost in the broil with his brother [Prithviraj]; an arm in an action with the Lodi king of Dehli [sic], and he was a cripple owing to a limb being

HISTORY OF RAJASTHAN broken by a cannon-ball in another; while he counted eighty wounds from the sword or the lance on various parts of his body He was celebrated for energetic enterprise, of which his capture of Mozuffur [sic], king of Malwa, in his own capital, is a celebrated instance; and his successful storm of the almost impregnable Rinthumbor [sic], though ably defended by the imperial general Alt, gained him great renown”.

Before his death, Sanga had apportioned off a part of his kingdom in favour of two of his younger sons, Vikramaditya and Udai, by allotting them the fort of Ranthambore and zjagir of around fifty to sixty lakhs.

This move is commonly attributed to the urgings of the mother of these two princes. Queen Kamawati from help for gaining the Mewar throne for Bundi’s ruling family who was Sanher own sons. ga’s favourite.Karnawati apparently Meanwhile, relations between Rana sought to ensure the property-rights Ratan Singh and the Rao of Bundi, of her own sons in the event of SanSurajmal, had continued to deterioga’s death and the succession of a rate. The Mewari chroniclers blame step-son to the Mewar throne. (Sanga Surajmal for contemplating mischief is said to have had twenty-eight against the Rana, and for inciting the wives, and seventeen sons - some of widoweB Queen Karnawati to act as whom had predeceased their fathen). she did. In turn, the Bundi chroniclers As the princes Vikram and Udai were assert that the Mewar ruler wished minors at the time, Queen Karnawati, to kill Surajmal of Bundi, and in 1531 and her brother, Rao Surajmal Hada took the opportunity presented durof Bundi, were entrusted the guardiing a hunting expedition to murderanship of the two princes.

In 1528, following the death of 2. Whom did Rishi Ved Vyas advise to go to Sanga, his elder son, Ratan Singh Arbudnachal ie present MountAbu? (r. 1528-1531), became the new ruler of Mewar. Sanga’s widow See Answer on Page 57 and Ratan Singh’s step-mother, Karnawati, had established herself at Ranthambore along with her two ously attack Surajmal. The grievously sons by now, as Rana Ratan Singh had injured Surajmal retaliated by plungconfirmed his half-brother Vikram ing his own dagger into Ratan Singh, in the possession of Ranthambore and mortally wounding him. Neither as his allocated jagir. Karnawati had Ratan Singh of Mewar nor Surajmal of taken with her the golden crown and Bundi survived their injuries. jewelled belt acquired by Rana Sanga On the premature death of Ratan from the Sultan of Malwa. Ratan Singh, the throne of Mewar devolved Singh now asked Karnawati to return upon his half-brother Vikramaditya to Chittor with his half-brothers, the (r. 1531-1536), who stood next in line princes Vikram and Udai, along with among Sanga’s heirs. Local tradition these trophies. However, Karnawati and folklore hold that the arrogant was reluctant to bring her sons back and uncouth -Vikram’ or ‘Bikramajeet to Chittor in the conditions that then (as he is variously referred to) was toexisted there. There is even a sugges- tally oblivious to his responsibilities. tion that she tried to obtain external They provide an image of a man blind

While that was the state of affairs at Chittor, Gujarat’s Sultan Bahadur Shah, despatched an army to invade Mewar in 1532

to the external dangers which threatened the kingdom; preferring the company of sycophants and the like.

Tod has noted that this ruler possessed “...all the turbulence, without the redeeming qualities of character, which endeared his brother to his subjects; he was insolent, passionate, and vindictive, and utterly regardless of that respect which his proud nobles rigidly exacted. Instead of appearing at their head, he passed his time amongst wrestlers and prize-fighters, on whom and a multitude of paeks, or foot soldiers, he lavished, those gifts and that approbation, to which the aristocratic Rajpoot arrogated exclusive right”. He is said to have enjoyed deliberately insulting old courtiers and nobles, as a result of which many loyal kinsmen and Mewari nobles left the capital and retired to their fiefholdings and jagir lands.

While that was the state of affairs at Chittor, Gujarat’s Sultan Bahadur Shah, despatched an army to invade Mewar in 1532. Realising the seriousness of the situation, the QueenMother Karnawati sent Rana Vikramaditya away to Bundi. A settlement was reached with Bahadur Shah, and he was offered handsome gifts and money so that the siege would be lifted. Thereupon, Bahadur Shah went back to Gujarat.

The danger was not over, though. In 1534, Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat once again besieged Chittor The queen-mother of Mewar made a stirring call to arms for the defence of the ancestral fort of Chittor. The appeal rallied nobles and ordinary soldiers alike under the banner of the Sisodias - all committed to fight to the death, if need be, for the defence and honour of Mewar. Even those who had been forced to leave Mewar, or were otherwise disgruntled or descended from Mewar exiles responded to the call in a tradition common to other warriorclans of Rajasthan. Among those who came were “... the heir of Soorajmul [Rawat Bagh Singh], abandoning his new capital of Deola [Deoliya] .. -in defence of the abode of his fathers

Welcome Tour Operators

Place your best tour package ad here and get maximum response.

For details, contact:

+91 9269136780 or email: ads@rtgd.in

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

11

HISTORY OF RAJASTHAN

Panna sought the immediate assistance of a loyal servant, who smuggled her charge out of the fort secretly hidden in a large fruitbasket, and covered with leaves ‘The son of Boondi,’ with a brave Udai, was sent away to his Bundi band of five hundred Haras, also uncle for safety, while Queen-Mother came; as did the Sonigurra and Deora Karnawati and the other women perRaos ofjhalore and Aboo, with many formed ritual prayers and prepared auxiliaries from all parts of Rajwarra . for immolation, and the men donned Tradition holds that the Queenrobes of kesariya, signifying their Mother Karnawati also asked for aid intent to give up their lives on the from Emperor Humayun, whom she battlefield. addressed as her brother, and to Rana Vikramaditya was not present whom she sent a rakbi - a symbolic within the fort to lead the men for bracelet or band of thread that a the final battle. However, it was tradisister ties onto her brother’s right tionally believed, as Tod reminds us, wrist, in anticipation and acknowlthat Chittor’s guardian-deity required edgement of the protection offered the fort to be defended by one who by a brother. Emperor Humayun was bore the emblems of royalty. As such, at the time fighting the forces of Sher Shah Suri in Bengal, on a 3. Amoung the following four who did not ome to Mount Abu – Guru Nank, Kabir’s Guru Ramanand different front, far from Mewar.

Dasji, Swami Vivekanand, Rabindronath Tagore?

As such, he was not in a position See Answer on Page 57 to render immediate assistance to Mewar, though he did arrive in Mewar later, and the tale of how the defenders once again took “... a Mughal emperor responded to his recourse to the expedient of crownRajput sister’s rakhi is now part of ing a king, as a sacrifice to the dignity the folklore of modem India. of the protecting deity of Cheetore.

Despite the odds, the warriors of Bagh-ji, prince of Deola, courted the Mewar put up a prolonged and valinsignia of destruction; the banner iant resistance. Rana Vikram was not of Mewar floated over him, and the present at Chittor. Tod has recorded golden sun from its sable field never the manner in which the Bundi shone more refulgent than when the prince, Arjun, and five hundred of changi was raised amidst the shouts his kin were killed; how “Rao Doorga, of her defenders over the head of the with the Chondawut chieftains Sutto son of Soorajmul”. and Doodo and their vassals bravely defended the breach and repelled many assaults”; and how, setting “an example of courageous devotion, the queen-mother Jawahir Bae, of Rahtore [sic] race, clad in armour, headed a sally in which she was slain”.

Eventually the artillery charge of Rumi Khan carried the field for Gujarat. Faced with an impossible situation, Chittor once again took the decision in March 1535 for the awesome finality of thejauhar and accompanying ‘shaka for yet another time in its history. The infant prince,

With the Rajputs once again in possession of Chittor, Rana Vikram returned from Bundi to re-occupy the throne

12

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

Karnawati then led the other women36 and children into the flames without hesitation; just as she had, according to some versions, previously led troops against the fort’s besiegers. (A AD 1535 copper-plate refers to the jaubur by Rani Karnawati and the others). With the flames of the jaubar pyre still reflected in their eyes, the male defenders of Chittor mounted their horses and unsheathed their swords and lances.

Thus girt, they sallied forth from the ancient fort of Chittor, under the command of Bagh Singh, and joined battle one final time to fall fighting to the last.

The fort came into the hands of Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat on March 8, 1535. However, the sultan of Gujarat could not consolidate his hold, for soon afterwards, Mughal troops arrived, forcing Bahadur Shah to make a prudent withdrawal from the fort of Chittor.Tod has lauded Humayun for having “...amply redeemed his pledge, expelled the foe from Chittore, took Mandoo by assault, and, as some revenge for her king’s aiding the king of Cuzzerat, he sent for the Rana Bikramajeet, whom, following their own notions of investiture, he girt with a sword in the captured citadel of his foe”37. However, C.N. Sharma found no evidence to support Humayun having visited Chittor before June 1536, and holds that”.. .theRajputs had occupied Chitor [sic] as soon as Bahadur Shah’s back was turned”.

With the Rajputs once again in possession of Chittor, Rana Vikram returned from Bundi to re-occupy the throne. However, the Rana once again failed to live up the expectations of his subjects. His various follies compelled the nobles to invite the exiled Banbeer to Chittor.

Banbeer was a son of Sanga’s dead

HISTORY OF RAJASTHAN brother, the valiant Prithviraj by one mediate assistance of a loyal servant, of his non-Rajput concubines, and who smuggled her charge out of the like other offspring of such unions, fort secretly hidden in a large fruitheld a certain status and recognibasket, and covered with leaves. In tion. (Actually ‘concubine’ falls short order to deceive Banbeer and gain of a suitable definition of terms like time for the prince to be carried to ‘pardayat’, ‘paswan, etc. used for non-Rajput wives’ of Rajput 4. In which year did the Dewra Chauhans win Mount Abu from the Parmars? chiefs and rulers). According to some versions, it was Rana See Answer on Page 57 Vikramaditya who called Banbeer to his court, and subsequently placed the fullest of confidence in safety the wet-nurse then placed her him. Banbeer, in his turn, waited for own sleeping son in the bed of the a suitable opportunity, and in 1536 royal prince. murdered the Rana and staked his The deception succeeded more title to the throne of Mewar. than the loyal nurse could have barThere was, however, an obstacle to gained for. Scarcely had the substiBanbeer’s claims to the honours of tution been effected, when Banbeer Mewar – namely Prince Udai Singh, entered the chamber. Enquiring after the youngest son of Rana Sanga, and Prince Udai Singh, he beheld the after his brother Vikram, the rightful young boy asleep in the royal bed. heir to the gaddi of Mewar. Banbeer There was no stopping his murderresolved to remove this obstacle as ous intentions. Banbeer’s sword soon as possible, and, sword in hand, immediately despatched the sleeping made his way to the chamber of the unfortunate boy before the eyes of prince to perform the deed in person- the loyal Panna. She could not reveal Within the inner palace, the danger the truth, for that would endanger became known to the young prince’s her charge and undo all that she had wet-nurse, Panna. but there was not done to ensure the prince’s safety. much time to send for outside help.

“The little victim to fidelity”, Tod Acting quickly, Panna sought the imtells us, “was burnt amidst the tears

of the rawula [palace], the inconsolable household of their late sovereign, who supposed that their grief was given to the last pledge of the illustrious Sanga. The nurse (Dhae) was a Rajpootanee [sic] of the Kheechee [sic] tribe...Having consecrated with her tears the ashes other child, she hastened after that she had preserved...39”. Udai Singh’s small party travelled in secret,’ via the circuitous route of Deola, Dungarpur, Idar, and the valleys and tracts of the Aravalli hills, till they reached Kumbhalgarh.

Tod tells us that the infant Udai Singh was placed in the care of the governor of Kumbhalmer (Kumbhalgarh), a Jain called Assa Sah, to be brought up incognito until such time as he was old enough tc, take the throne of Mewar, and there he remained for at least seven years, until his identity became known to all, at which all the chiefs and nobles rallied to acknowledge him as their rightful master.

(Continue in next issue) Author: Rima Hooja “A History Of Rajasthan”

KHAAS BAGH WELL APPOINTED SUITES DELUXE ROOMS BUDGET ROOMS LUSH GREEN LAWNS MULTICUISINE RESTAURANT An Ideal Location For Corporate Events, Theme Parties, Fashion Shows, Product Launches, Entertainment Shows, Exhibitions, Films Shootings And Above All ROYAL WEDDINGS

For further information and booking please contact:

KHAAS BAGH HERITAGE HOTEL

Opp. Police Line, Ratanada, Jodhpur -342006 (Rajasthan) India Tel.: +91-291-2514513 Cell: +91-9309235001/2/3 E-mail:-prestigeraj@gmail.com / khaasbaghjodhpur@gmail.com Website: www.khaasbaghjodhpur.com

ROYAL TALK

Royal Talk Maharajdhiraj Maharao

Raghuvirsinghji Sahib  RTGD

H

is Highness Maharajdhiraj Maharao Shri Raghuvir Singhji Sahib of the erstwhile State of Sirohi is not only truly royal but is loyal to his people, to his land and to his history. He carries the royal DNA of the Devda Chowhans whose forefathers ruled the State of Sirohi with valour, compassion and justice setting benchmarks of eco-protection till date. He is a descendent of Maharajdhiraj Maharao Surtran, probably the first ever who not only defeated Akbar the Great more than once and sheltered the Lion of Rajputana, Maharana Pratap, from the moghul emperor, but blew the bugle of true revolution for the freedom movement against the moghuls together with the Maharana Pratap.

He has a royal heart that brims with the milk of kindness for his subjects, albeit he no more officially rules over them physically in democratic India, but he never fails to attend to their problems and difficulties with filial prompt commitment and attention. A teetotaler and vegetarian this brave, religious descendent of the Devda Chowhans with quintessential knowledge of history and theology and great command on politics and aesthetics is a scholar par excellence. People who know him

never tire to heap the sobriquet of ‘Ambulant Encyclopedia’ of history, mystery, theology, mythology and indeed everything aesthetics on him.

A very intelligent soul with wisdom of sages; his proximity people seek with passion.

An indefatigable, humble and compassionate, apolitical man who has great political reach; this he uses for the benefit of all the needy and the deprived. As a king should be, he truly is friend of the paupers and the monarchs, the rulers and the ruled and he uses all his energy to help one and all and to glorify his nation, his people and his history on every worthy platform.

He is a legendary orator

“H H Sirohi, addressing historians congregated at the Golden Jubilee of Rajasthan History Congress”

14

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

whose oration flows like rippling river with authentic facts and figures!

People crave to listen to him rapturously when he effortlessly discourses on his subjects and they indeed get lost in the magic of his mellifluous voice.

SPECIAL COVERAGE

ONIOMANIA  RTGD

PICCADILLY PLAZA

B

efore independence Mount Abu was mostly a laid back town skirting to the definition of rather sleepy resort. With hotels countable on fingers, there was not much for entrepreneurship or employment except government services – both state and central and the peace camp of Army with handful of public and government schools. And then came a refugee from Pakistan and soon he changed the horizon of entrepreneurship! He opened the Pandora box of Curio Business in Mount Abu, which indeed is the second biggest commercial activity in Mount Abu after hotel business. Sardar Surendra Singh Gujaral came from Pakistan with the granite grit to succeed. The

Pitamaha of Curio trade in Mount Abu would bring foot ware from Agra and make a garland of the same and would sell the same roaming on the lanes and the bylanes of this petite hill resort.

It is now a fairy tale story beginning with his shop and culminating into opening of the state of the art outlet Piccadilly Plaza on the lake road

opposite the Polo Ground - the mini mall of choicest choices – a spot on arty arcade of very cliquey curios! It loudly announces its presence as an avant-garde heaven for the discerning collectors who want to carry away something rather very select from Mount Abu - a treasured experience of oniomania! In air-condition comfort purchasing has a new definition. One could drop dead shopping here, yet heart’s desire would be demanding more from the sim-sim called Piccadilly Plaza!

Artifacts, raiment and what not, collected from all over the country are available under one roof with efficient staff to attend to needs of any and every astute shopper! Exclusivity and quality are the hall marks of all the products at Piccadilly Plaza – Aladdin’s magical Piazza and outlet that could be from Washington, LA or Paris or Rome or as a matter of fact from 79TH. Avenue New York or Bond Street London and even from Hong Kong, Seoul or Tokyo!

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

15

DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

Major General Moor’s Cave Just last year in pouring rains in September 2013 Major General Moor’s cave was restored after 113 years. The officer, who had seen bloody actions in Persian war, was at his literary best when he visited Mount Abu nearly 111 years ago in the middle of January 1902 when posted as the commanding officer of Bombay Light Cavalry.

In 21st century rightly, the cave that is better known as Moor Cave, was hunted out on sketchy information of an octogenarian hotel enterpreur lat JD Agarwal in 2006.

Achal Garh A temple more than 2500 years old. It is the only place on earth where the great toe of Lord Shiva is worshiped, that is estimated to be going to the centre of the earth.

It is the proud possessor of the glory of rich mythology, theology, folklore and even history.

16

Nakki Lake – It is the largest manmade lake at the height of 11, 00 meters in India then on the other hand it is romantically called the love lake of Mount Abu; at the same time it is the sacred lake for the proud Garacia tribe.

Delwara Jain Temple Famous Jain temples, are situated at Delwara village about 2½ Km’s from the beautiful city of Mt. Abu. The temples are carved in marble, the design and accuracy of workmanship is unbelievable. The temple dates back to 11th and 12th century A.D. Delwara temples are a composite cluster of 5 temples.

DELWARA TEMPLES CONSTITUTE OF 5 TEMPLES 1. Vimal Vasahi (Shri Adinathji temple) 2. Luna Vasahi (Shri Neminathji temple) 3. Pithalhar (Shri Rishabh Deoji temple) 4. Khartar Vasahi (Shri Parshavnathji temple) 5. Mahaveer Swami (Shri Mahaveer Swamiji temple) All these shrines belong to different centuries.

The first two are build wholly of white marble, they have got exuberant carvings and ornamentation work on the walls, doors, pillars, mandaps, torans, ceilings etc..

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

Trevor Tank

This reservoir was constructed in 1897 A. D. by H. H. Maharajdhiraj Maharao Kesari Singhji Bahadur of Sirohi as a memorial to his friend Col. G. H. Trevor, who was the agent to the Governor General of India. It was built by him for the pleasure of the rulers of long-gone days, to indulge into the thrills of wild life for themselves and for their esteemed guests. In the venture, the Sloth Bear in particular and other animals at large, in which the Leopard takes the pride of place, are being taken care of with greater attention

Adhar Devi Temple Situated in a cave, The Adhar Devi Temple is one of the popular religious themed tourist destinations in the Mount Abu region. It is situated three kilometers north of the main town of Mount Abu. The Adhar Devi Temple can be reached by climbing up 365 stairs carved into the mountain. The temple itself is located inside a rocky cleave and is reached by crawling through a small opening into the cave.

Shankar Math Shankar Math, one of the latest tourist attractions, is a magnificent monolith Shiva Linga, of pink stone made 25 years back in tranquil ambience with an eco- friendly abbey, headed by His Holiness, the Very Rev. Swami Maheshanandji Giri.

Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple

A temple more than 2500 years old. It is the only place on earth where the great toe of Lord Shiva is worshiped, that is estimated to be going to the centre of the earth. It is the proud possessor of the glory of rich mythology, theology, folklore and even history.

TOAD ROCK TOAD ROCK The mascot of Mount Abu, that is how lovingly the Toad Rock could be pithily portrayed!

Perched over a hill, directly overlooking the love lake Nakki, it is one of the most frequented point in the itinerary of all visitors, more so of those from overseas.

Apart from being an exciting climb for the mountaineers, it is an appetizing site for those who seek to picnic with a difference.

Dr. Arun Painting by

Sharma

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

17

DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

t n u o M o T s d a e L t a h T d a o R The  ARUN SHARMA

I

n 1822, Col Todd, first British to set foot in Mount Abu, would have never thought that his rediscovery of Mount Abu would make it one of the most favoured destinations both for tourism and pilgrimage.

Undeniably, he did caution to save these beautiful ranges from vandalism, more so, the area taken up by the British on lease from the then ruler of Sirohi State, Kesari Singh Maharaj. The salubrious, invigorating, verdant environs of Mount Abu was found to be so conducive that by 1850 the British thought it most appropriate to make Mount Abu a recuperation destination for their ailing soldiers.

With time, they constructed the present road to Mount Abu, now known as ‘Old Cart Road’.

In those old days, no one would have ever thought that the dusty road on which only a bullock cart plied once a day would have heavy vehicular traf-

I nee

d your help

to s

more have taken place in current years. Permission to shoot marble poems of Delwara, possibility of golf and aquarium near Nakki Lake along with an adventurous ropeway from Honeymoon Point to Anaadra promise to make a memorable Deepawali for visitors. The most up-to date addition is ‘bikes on hire’.

The hottest feature has added a new class of tourism in Mount Abu, the ‘youth tourism’. Young souls from pinches the road users. But the all over Gujarat arrive by train or able planners of Mount Abu are bus and then hire bikes before dextrously maintaining a balance setting off to this mountains. Suin develkant from opment Rajkot was 5. Who built the Achal Garh Fort? and the all excited, demands “This is of local fantastic!

See Answer on Page 57 fragile Before eco-system. Many new features this, the exorbitant cost of travels are being added to make Mount discouraged us from coming to Abu an attractive destination for Mount Abu. Now the story is difall classes of visitors.In recent ferent. We just wait for an excuse years, innumerable activities have to be here and then it is all about made Mount Abu a destination ‘taming the mountains on bikes’.” of choice. Revival of polo, regular True, the bikers have added a programmes of Spic Macay, arnew dimension to ‘youth tourism’ rival of Mount Abu’s own theatre in Mount Abu and mercifully the group, innumerable environmennumber is swelling by the day! tal activities by PFA and much

NAB Music Makers Abu’s Band of the Visually Challenged

O

me... ve

a

fic 24x7 throughout the year.

By1935 when Sanghi Motors started their once a day service, even the thought of round the clock traffic on this deserted road was a distant dream.

Today, even after widening of the roads, space constraint still

ver the years, hundreds of blind children have come out of the institutional and are doing respectable jobs, using the skills they learnt here. But, one lasting impression that the NAB P.N. Merwanji Rehabilitation Centre for the visually chanllenged in Mount Abu leaves their impact on music.

The centre offers Lodging and boarding and all other relevant facilities to 40 children at a time, half of them from BPL families. That the visually challenged are uncannily gifted with music prowess is well known. Taking cue, the centre initiated special efforts to provide facilities to promote music. First, an advanced electronic keyboard was gifted by D.R. Mehta, Ex Chairman of SEBI and with that more instruments, the centre went ahead to create songs on environment and human values.

18

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

Attractions • Major General Moor’s Cave • Toad Rock • Nakki Lake • Adhar Devi • Shankar Math • DNSD Auditorium and ACCSL Munch • Trevor Tank • Guru Shikhar • Achal Garh • Polo Pavilion Masterpiece • Tiger Path • Gaumukh • Salim Ali Point the Ornithologist’s • The people’s haute couture

BON VIVANT VICTUAL ABUNDANT

 ARUN SHARMA

talents and techniques of the present and of the future elevating to a new he defining element of Mount level so when it came to this part of the Abu’s dining scene is its story, we felt On the Rocks demanded endlessness—of range and certain things blown out to, so we could ambition and new openings—plus nail the theme. I mean, it’s a movie set. a style that eludes easy summation. It is The whole thing is a completed story. nothing short of forays in cultural tourism There is Shikhibo mirroring a benign with lavish blessings of Pomona for its demeanour touching moment’s experiKaraundas, Juicy petite mangos, Mulberry, ence - Mount Abu’smoveable feast. It is Grapes, unapologetically Peaches, expensive, avant6.

Name the king who defeated Akbar the Great Jamuns and garde, personified more than once? indeed Fig!!

Blanca, an impresIt’s a food sively eclectic See Answer on Page 57 vinyl selection! For culture that authentic mountain experience Mowgli celebrates a self-consciously genreVan is Mount Abu on a platter, Mount referential throwback like rainbow of Abu reinvented elegant Repose - serene restaurants that conjures great collecretreat a night life to live nights! Multive global imaginations simultaneously elegant, comfortable and unpretentious. berry Restaurant a fine dining in comfort like a sublime spa coaxing for culinary The food nods to that same history, but explorations and palate titillation! take its culinary cues from the great

T

More Reason To Holiday In Abu!ı

M

ount Abu: A couple of “ecotourism” sites have been developed here in Mount Abu by the local forest department, in line with various developmental works being undertaken here, one of which is in Aarna village and the other off Gaumukh Hanumanji Road.

The former is truly a novel idea of a hut built on a mango tree. The very thought of a night spent at this so called ‘Tarzan Hut’ would make any nature lover get goose pimples, according to forest department officials. At a nominal price, one can sit through the entire night with possibilities of exciting wild animal sightings, The second, a camping site with a difference, built very

close to mother nature, is a place which makes even Mount Abu look like a place of great hustle-bustle. It is facilitated with tents at a nominal cost, but with a strict warning that any form of pollution will be severely penalized.

District forest officer Laxman Parmar and his team have also arisen to this developmental work. The results of their efforts can be seen not only in the many anicuts constructed all over the hills and valleys, but also in the creation of this much needed facility of “ecotourism”.

Yellow Eyed Babbler Chrysomma Sinense Hypoleucum

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

19

DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

20

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

21

DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

Eco Tourism

Picks Up Steam At

T

ourism has flourished in Mount Abu. From leisure tourism, pilgrim tourism, adventure tourism and even business and education tourism, every thing has received a good response. However, there was a visible absence of eco tourism. It was this column that first informed readers about the development of eco tourism sites in Mount Abu by the Mount Abu forest department, piloted by the able and visionary DFO Parmar with his dynamic team.

Mount Abu

Soon after the news appeared, visitors began to trickle in. Interestingly, the first visitor, particularly for this genre of tourism, was from abroad. He came after reading this column. Now the trend is picking up.

Various locations like Sun Rise point at Kapoor Sagar at Achalqarh, Tarzan Huts at Aarna and also Gaumukh Hanumanji sites are attracting visitors in hordes, particularly students from Gujarat and other places. The other day, girls from Bhavnagar were taken by surprise by the Tarzan Hut at Gaumukh

Hanumanji site. It was like a contest to enter the Hut by all the girls, They were awed by the entire ambience of the beautiful, serene site, Their guide Dr Bharat Pandit said, “I have never seen such commitment for the welfare and promotion of eco tourism.”

The girls said in unison, “The site has inspired us and we will try to contribute to the cause of environmental destruction in our own way, We will plant trees all our life and request others to do so.” That probably was the preeminent distillate of the whole exercise.

Angora: The Woolly Benefactor

W

inter is the time to muse, sunbath, sip hot beverages and cuddle up in the softness of woollens.

This winter there will be an unusual benefactor coming to Mount Abu which will provide its cuddly tenderness, with fiscal warmth, by providing employment to local tribals, Lokrajputs and other small formers.

The benefactor is none other than the ‘Angora rabbit’. In many tribal and backward areas this messiah is blazing a new trail in the field of self employment and has been picked up as a cottage industry by small and marginal farmers. The Yellow Wagtail Motacilla Flava smallest unit

22

Swiss and Finnish, to name a few. that a farmer can start with is 10 does Angoras are docile but should be hanand two bucks. Angora wool is very dled carefully because they are prone fine with a mean diameter of 11 mm in to hairballs, they should be groomed comparison to 21.5 mm of sheep wool every other day. Grooming is necesand contains a higher percentage of sary to prevent the fibre from matting pure wool and better insulation. and felting on the rabbit. A condition Angora is reared for its wool, meat, called ‘wool block’ is common in angora pelts, and as pets by small-scale prorabbits and should be treated quickly. ducers. This industry is picking up in Sometimes they are shorn in the sumthe country. The wool production is mer as the long done in hilly ar7. Where Maharana Pratap was sheltered in fur can cause eas of Himachal Mount Abu? the rabbits to Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu overheat.

See Answer on Page 57 There are & Kashmir and plans to setup lately in Sikkim a cooperative in the village of Orian in and Arunachal Pradesh and as a broiler industry in areas of temperate and sub- Mt Abu, to help local tribals, Lokrajputs tropical climate in West Bengal, Assam, and small farmers earn good money.

Divisional Commissioner of Jodhpur Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. For wool purDivision, Kiran Soni Gupta, has taken pose, a number of Angora strains are this profitable project under her wing, as Mount Abu has been found to be rather available and the best among them are conducive for ‘Angora’ breeding.

French, Russian and German Angora.

Wool production from Angora rabbit is only 40 tonnes a year out of which Himachal Pradesh accounts for more than half.

The Angora rabbit is one of the oldest types of domestic rabbit, originating in Ankara, Turkey, along with the Angora cat and Angora goat. The rabbits were popular pets with French royalty in the mid-1700s. They first appeared in the US in the early1900s.

There are many individual breeds of Angora rabbits, including French, German, Giant, English, Satin, Chinese,

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

TRAILS MOUNT ABU THE WALKER’S PARADISE

I

f you want to fall in love with Mt Abu with pristine blue skies and wild and rugged mountains, all you have to do is take a walk or two. You need a comfortable pair of shoes (no heels or slippers please). Add an interesting companion or two and a registered guide and you are ready to go.

Among our most constant and happy memories of a wonderful childhood were the two months we spent in Mt Abu. Our grandmother packed us all off for daily walks with a local guide, water and sandwiches. When I got married, much to my delight and amazement my husband an avid walker still continues to introduce me to new, fabulous walks in the hill station I thought I knew like the back of my hand.

BEGINNER WALKS: If you are not a daily walker, start one or two of the beginner walks to tone up.

Nakki Lake: warm up with one or two brisk walks around Nakki. The tarmac is dotted little gardens with fabulous rock scapes.

Anadra Point or Honeymoon Point: just off the little dam wall on Nakki (a culvert)is a beautiful tarmac road zigzagging to Anadra point. Avoid the noisy jeep ride and walk the beautiful valley dotted with Rambans and date palm. The point will reward you with

breathtaking views of the plains below.

The Anadra village supplies us with milk which our sturdy villagers carry up.

BEAUTIFUL BALEYS WALK: If you want to avoid the crowds at Sunset Point take a hotel guide and do the Baileys walk. Please do not take a stranger off the streets; you are better safe than sorry. This walk connects sun-

set point to Nakki lake and is the only walk with spectacular sweeping, views and opinions on your of the plains from start to finish.

As a graduation there are Shanti Shikhar Walk and indeed the Craig walk.

Another testing trail is the walk from Achal Garh to Sal Gaon the path taken

by Maharana Pratap where Pratap well still is a land mark to be proud of!

LONG WALKS OR TRAILS: Before the present road to Mount Abu was constructed in 1917 Mount Abu people used the leisurely cart road up.

The road connected Abu Road (the town in the plains) to Mount, and started its ascent up from Rajasthan’s own Rishikesh Mandir, at the South West crescent at the foot of the hills and entered Mount Abu outside St Mary’s School. One could do 1/3rd of the walk and make it a relatively shorter one could do the lobbying walk, and saunter down to Rishikesh Mandir. The latter is fabulous, particularly, in the summer, when the blood red Flame of the Forest blooms and paints the mountains red.

In the same breath for still more audacious, there is the trail to Sher Gaon, the destination where Maharana Pratap was kept secreted from the prying eyes of Akbar the Great, from 1577 to 15 79.

Yellow Eyed Babbler Chrysomma Sinense Hypoleucum

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

23

DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

Gujaratis

biggest contributors to tourism in Abu

T

he one who gives birth is great, but the one who provides sustenance is greater. This paradigm very pertinently brings to light the fact that the fifty million proud Gujaratis of vibrant Gujarat are the big-hearted contributors of the much needed chow for survival of tourism at Mount Abu. More than nearly 95per cent of the total influx of visitors to this abode of Gods comprises Gujaratis and their diaspora, round the globe. They have profusely showered their fondness on the place, and in turn have poured moolah on the tiny hill resort.

With such striking elements of bounteousness, does their responsibility to the larger cause of tourism end? No way! It is just the beginning. Even such an impressive benevolence has its ascribed responsibilities. This calls for their dyed-in-the-wool participation, in the larger interest of the progress of tourism at Mount Abu. Pray, where does this deduction lead us? It aptly surmises the premise that the provide visitors from Gujarat must take part in the promotion and progress of tourism at Mount Abu. To begin with, they should form committed action groups in their respective cities and towns, with appropriate designations. These groups must have regular, relevant interactions. Along with this, they should have similar association with the local administration of Mount Abu and other NGO groups, committed to the welfare of the local fragile eGo-system.

I

White Throated Kingfisher Halcyon Smyrnensis

24

Mogli land

magine you are walking deep into a forest and suddenly you chance up something not only ancient but rather fascinating for it to be there. You go closer, dig a little and presto, you find remains buried in the recess of time, fortunately not digested by oblivion, yet. You feel like an archaeologist, who has albeit unwittingly, just unearthed a wealth of archaeological treasure, in the deep jungles of Mount Abu, hitherto never known to any soul till date. You cannot resist screaming ‘Eureka’.

This is exactly what happened with the DFO Parmar with his CCF (Chief Conservator of Forest) Rajan. The able forest officer was amazed with the find. He could not refrain from echoing his amazement to his juniors. This is how Mogli Land must have been conceived by Kipling!, Let us call it Mogli Land and develop it for the nature lovers to take a peep in the past and learn how folks must have lived then. Indeed, the officer was not far from the truth. The finds, with the discovery of the site, were astounding. Clay pots and much other bric-a-brac were found, once the digging took place. The most remarkable aspect was the type of bricks found. They were not only larger than those found now-a-days but were heavier and far sturdier than any of the quality seen in present days. With such amazing turn of events, how could the administration stay away. The young collector of Sirohi, Mahajan, took time out from his busy schedule and went to inspect the site with his forest officers and assistant director of tourism. He could not restrain exclaiming that the site must have been a sort of a mid-way rest place for travellers of those days, more than 1,000 years back. The DFO was quick to concur his senior, adding that this truly is off the legendary ‘Old Cart Road’, along which then elephants brought marble for the world-famous marble domes called DelwaraTemples. Presently, the site is being developed with the apt sobriquet ‘Mogli Land’ as it has all the trappings of the ambience of what Mogli Land must have looked like in Kipling’s imagination. One would have to be more than a nature lover to venture there. The nascent tranquillity is so real that one could strike a pleasant discourse with its reflecting language.

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

Temple saved from ‘lime vandals

A Akbar’s lost battle in the mountains

M

ount Abu is perhaps the oldest and most profusely described places in the scriptures and a historically impregnable area too.

It was in the midst of this Aravalli kingdom that the courageous Devda king of Sirohi dynasty stood up against Mughal emperor

Akbar.

Maharao Maan, the valiant Ievdaruler of Sirohi from 1562 to 1572 died without a legatee. Before his death, the king anointed Surtran, a plucky 12year old, who had injured Akbar with his arrow forcing him to beat a hasty retreat, as the next sovereign. The king, however, had his share of traitors.

His son-in-law, Jagmaal, step-brother of the heroic Maharana Pratap, joined hands with Akbar, on the condition that in return of the emperor’s army support, he would win over the kingdom of Sirohi and gift half of it to the Mughal emperor. The turncoat, with Akbar’s hundred thousand soldiers, attacked Sirohi, but Surtran 8. When Did Col. Todd come to Moutn Abu? took vantage position on the hills of Mount Abu at Achalgarh. The Mughal See Answer on Page 57 siege continued for more than six months as soldiers went around the foot of the mountains seeking some weakness in the natural defence. But every attempt was foiled by Surtran’s guerrillas as they had the advantage of the mountain terrain. Then early on October 17, 1583, Surtran came down from Chandela and beheaded all the Mughal army chiefs, who were sleeping in the fort of Toda Paldi.

The battle of Dattaani that followed was one of the bloodiest in Indian history, similar to the Kalinga war. Army chief Samar Singh became a martyr. He was succeeded by his equally valiant younger brother, Khumbhkaran, who severed the trunks of many elephants in the Mughal army. This ‘unleashed panic among the beasts’, who mauled their own soldiers. Akbar’s defeat was so brutal and 9. What was the name of the Golf Club of Mount complete that he never Abu and when was it started? turned his eye towards Sirohi again.

See Answer on Page 57 Surtran also helped Maharana Pratap get back his kingdom by offering him a safe sanctuary in the mountains at Vastaanji in Utroj village.

temple more than 2,500 years old, it witnessed the onslaught of the Greeks, Muslims and then the British. It is the only place on earth where the toe of Lord Shiva is worshipped. The narrow well on its precincts is said to reach the centre of the earth - this is the Achaleshwar Mahadev temple of Mount Abu. The Nandi at its entrance is made of an alloy of five different metals and is said to have repulsed Muslim invaders by releasing millions of bumble bees on the marauders, In order to reserve and protect the sanctity of this rare temple, those in charge, devised an ingenious method of camouflaging this edifice.

However, this proved to be destructive.

The entire temple was covered under, a layer of lime, covering the intricate, fine, filigree masterpiece work of skilled artisans of a bygone era; The result was that the edifice looked like an ordinary, insignificant structure. For generations, the brilliant sculptured walls of the temples were lost to the dull layers of lime. Mercifully, around 1979, the then prince of Sirohi State, chanced upon something that spot the beauty beneath.

Looked like marble under a layer of lime, while he was taking his royal visitors around grime and showing the temples’s beauty to the world. Soon he approached the archaeology, honchos of Government of India. And they presented to him very intricate and elaborate plans, incurring huge expenditure. The inspired prince, however decided to take the help of his trusted, traditional, State artisans and his sagacity paid off.

The dextrous State masters of the chisel and hammer set down in earnest to restore the great temple to their splendour. The sanctum sanctorum was found to be built not with bricks or slabs of marble but with blocks of marble.

With the cleaning done, a walking space was revealed between the exterior of the sanctum sanctorum and a jackedlike space meant for a walk outside it. It was a gallery like space meant for a walk around the temple termed parikarama.

Amazingly beautifully sculptured statues of Chamunda were found in a beautiful alcove on two of the walls, the rear and the left ones.

Yellow footed Green Pigeon Treron Phoenicoptera

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

25

DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

ADHAR DEVI THE GUARDIAN GODESS OF ARBUDNACHAL

C

ivilization began with the worship of the elements – Surya Devta, Chandara Devta, Varun Devta etc. Later people began to worship the benign trees and then the Pindies (Rough un-sculptured stones covered with vermillion) of which the best examples are Vaishno Devi, Hinglaj Maataa in Baluchistan, and Harshiddhi Maataa of Ujjain. There after comes the turn of the cave temples, of which one of the finest examples is the cave of ‘Arbuda Devi’ temple at Mount Abu. This massive monolith rock cave enshrines the statue of ‘Katyani’ the 6th of the Nav Durgas, installed by the Vedic Rishis, thousands of years ego. The shrine is also known as ‘Adhar Devi’, as it is one of the 52 Maha Peeths of Shakti, where the upper lip (which is known in Sanskrit as Adhar) of sati, the consort of Lord Shiva, fell. She is the guardian Goddess of the hills of Arbud and is thus also known as “Arbuda Devi”.

The Parmar rulers that ruled over Arbudanchal since 393 B. C. were ardent worshippers of this Goddess and from 1311 A. D. when Mount Abu was assimilated into the Sirohi Kingdom, this shrine has been under the charge of the Deora Chauhan, rulers of Sirohi State and the poet has sung in praise of their valor : vc nZq s er dj vksjrks ns[ kr Qk t S ks nk.k tCyk[k mcks nsoMk rc yk[k e N qa k rk.k See Answer on Page 57 The Puranic king Raja Nal and Maharani Damayanti established the temple of Neelkanth Mahadev in the precincts of this temple, which stands till today.

10. When did Swami Vivekananda come to Mount Abu?

Achal Garh Fort T

he year 185 B. C. saw the split of the mighty Maurya Empire into the Estern Empire, with its capital at Patliputra, and the Western Empire, the capital at Avantika Ujjan. The Western Empire had the mighty Smaprati Maurya in whose line was the mighty emperor Bharatari. He later became a renowned ascetic and did tapasyacharya in the cave situated on the top of the hill on which the Achal Garh Fort is built as Mount Abu was part of his empire. The said historic cave exists even today and is known as the Bharatari cave and has a statue of Emperor Bharatari installed in it.

26

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

POSTCARD

Painting by Dr Arun Sharma

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

27

DESTINATION OF THE MONTH

POSTCARD Animal world

comesalive TIMES NEWSNETWORK

. '.-.

" ~. ""

..,The,inmates-of

...

the blind!

-centredisplayedtheir enthu-

-'Mount Abu: Students pf 10- siasm and came forward to cal P &N Merwanji Rehabil- know more about snakes not itation Centre for the Blind only in words but by their were among many others who keen sense of touch. Bhatt ex. learnt about their responsil plained to the inmates that bilities towards animals. snakes cannot digest milk as Only,in the case of students they lack the enzyme needed of the Centre, it was done for the digestion. He added through their keen sense of that iUs cruel on the part of touch.

In a bid tomakepeopIe aware about animal life,-a workshop Onanimal rescue, animal rehabilitation, first-aid of animals and cruelty acts has been organised till October 7, to mark wildlife week, by PFA1 Animal Welfare.

PFAroped in Snehal Bhatt from Vadodara, for all snake charmers to force teaching people about their milk down its gullet. duties towardsthe'welfareof According to her, the animals and making them re- snake charmers' cruelty goes member"Mahatma~Gandhi's~further)3.s they burn the repsaying, 'Asociety is judged by tile's salivary glan'1ls;followthe way it treats its animals.' ing which the snakes suffer PFA president Kayzad fromsiccasyndromeanddie Contractor and Dr A KShar- within 60 days. Other facts ma, made efforts to reach out like 'snakes do not have ears, to every section. of society they hear from their belly, thr(Jugh their workshop. Dis- have monocular vision, can pelling myths regarding var- only se,e blacK and white ious animals, in particular colours, have tongue that can the snakes and other reptiles, move40times a minute,' were was also on their agenda. also mentioned.

-~1mIG,

1

~ 1

~

ABUTALE

1

~ ~

.

S

1

~ j ~ j j ~ j j j ~ ~

A K SHARMA

Mountain of mystery

eers and sageshave graced these oldest mountain ranges In the world since centuries.

Onesuch sage was Gautam Rishl. The devout mystic went on to build two more such ashrams, one at Chotila Village and the other at the hills of Siruna, 36 kilometres away from the district headquarters of Sirohi.

The ashram of the great RIshlwas situated at the southern slope, below the Vashlshtha Ashram, the alma mater of Lord Way to the Ashram Rama'andhis younger brother Laxmana.

Pies by Prema Ram

A~hram,two hours later at the Parshar Rishi Ashram, situated high up in the SIruna Hills at SIrohi and thereafter at the Gautam Rishi Ashram situated at Chotila, where on that day the annual mela (fair) of the Meenatribe Is held, which is attended by more than 3,00,000 people and the water suffices for the entire populace for the two days of the melaand thereafter disappears at all the three

:

Seeking solitude

Dissolute defacement

The mystic did gruelling tapasya In the Siruna Hills at aplace called 'Chotila', which is 36 kilometres from SIrohi.

At both places, the sage blessedthe kunds (millponds) of the natural spring water.

Consequently,during periods when not a drop of water to be found anywhere and both kunds dried up, on the appointed day in April (VaishakhiKrlshna 1) at the appointed hour the holy Gangaflows first to the Gautam Rishi

places leaving the kunds dry asbefore. Science has no explanation for this phenomenonof this

defiantlegacy!.

,

The saddest part of the tale is the vandalism, which has taken its toll. Thetemple and the Ashram have been crassly defaced, with the utmost apathy possible. It beats every sensitive imagination, why cannot we respect our rich heritage?

INDIA,CHINABATTLE' ITOUTTOBENEXT SOFTSUPERPOWER

mwmJ}~

It'sraining.It'sthe seasonof romaoi the mountainsandsilverywaterfalls"

TOI takesthewearycityct~

A WALK IN TH It'sheavenin

Dripping

beauty Saputara f it's raining, heaven's got to he fragrance of moist - SaT earth mingles with a sense ~ I of ancient time as you climb; putara. The fITStmonsoon show~

.

. .have a new address

.

up the Pavagadh hill just after the fIrst monsoon showers. Lie; nestled between thick, green overgrowth, grey clouds that; seem to drift by within reach, and the dark, rippling waters

~

~

i ~

ers have given the hills a clean up job, left a lush green hue. . Taking us to the lap of nature is a serpentine road' snaking its way past trees and boulders. And, it isn't just I the eyes that take in the joy.

Keep the ears alert, and you h ter flow down the little stream, thebirdwhonewrkne~ The tourist, undertsandi mesmerised. "Trudging up th thrilling. Its pure joy toud clouds that come down right. hand. I never miss Saputar: first monsoon shower," says Chauhan who rode his motor< hill despite a downpour. .

.~,,-,

~

Love'slabourlost

~

route, avoid it in the rains. Only; those who are aware of how; magical the landscape looks

from the Saat Kaman,drift in

~

~

."...".".""""""."""""'.""""'...""""'."""""...

~

E

~

.

Rosaryofraind

like clouds to quietly enjoy the ; ~ ver felt the clouds hold you in an -"'brace? And the rains caress you softl: sense of the primeval.

"Pilgrims may want to ~ stasy, it's giving many a high at Salim) ture unfolds its beauty on Mount Abu. avoid rains, but Pavagadh Donning a verdant stole, the mountai looks the prettiest after; ~

~

some showers," said

-

.

.

fIrstmonsoonshowJ

chase the Ramesh Padhi who had the driz come all the way from the fog so Rajasthan. Some ten ,,-.we. the~ students from Vadodara, -rock imutf too had found their way Tiger Path. here. "We decided to Sanaya ft! holiday at some nearabad exults, by place and ended up er experie:n here. We had a good sparkling, spJ time," said student brious ra Dipen Patel. : It is for this Given the solitude, an amto Mount Abu in the rains to hear ateur archaeologist would have ~ remains from the late Stone 1 and listen to my soul!"

For Navedya from Kolkata, "Rains in Age to 16thcentury Mughal ara tryst wi~h divinity, with the rosary of 1 chitecture all to himself. i the proverbial sizzling fritters, steaming t AshwiniNairin Pavagadh/ tete with nostalgia." pic: Bharat Pathak ~

.

~

~

N

ot many would know that there exists Major General Arthur ThomaS Moore's cave in Mount Abu. On hearing a glowing recommendation, when one checked it out, there was nothing but sheer disappointment. The cave had suffered defacement at the hands of the vandals, to whom there is no value for any national heritage wealth.

The cave still ,has telltale signs of engravings effaced by

A K SHARMA

Requiem for the national animal

G~UJARAT "

F

regal attention the prince would lend his royal ears to the complaints about the menace of tigers in their villages. The distressed villagers would flock to the royal car bearing the royal flag and the royal red number plate. The scenario

continuedtill1953AD.

as one of the courtesies extended to them.

Thus the rulers of Sirohi exercised restricted rights strictly to preserve the wild life in Mount Abu, for which the same remained fully preserved till independence of the country.

The present descendent of erstwhile rulers is the last of the witnesses to glory oftigers in Mount Abu. As was the tradition, the villagers would approach the young prince in late 40s and early 50s. With

.

By 1954 it dawned upon the people of free India that democracy had come and they were free to do whatever they wished. Thereafter, whenever the mighty predator killed their animals they would smear the carcass with poison the next day and the tiger would wind up dead soon after. The gullible villagers reaped extra bonus by selling the tiger claws, the skin and the fat for Rs8,000to Rs 10,000.

The poachers did not lag behind. They too had their hey days.

Alas! Thus vanished the tigers of Mount Abu and the last was sighted by the present descendent of the erstwhile rulers of Sirohi on the night of May 18, 196T. Incidentally, if anyone claims to have espied the same recently is probably daydreaming.

The Times of India, Ahmedabad t::::i

Resurrecting a range from total degradation

ive billion years! That's no mean age, and that's exactly how old Mount Abu is! Its birth was followed by the forest in wj!(!jlL~ah

its lap and the arms,.'"~-

Time passed and the first British, as a matter of fact, the fir;;t European to set foot on these mountains was Col James Todd a soldier, a poet, an artist, a historian, an administrator and a human being par excellence!

Apart from the Herculean task of unifying Rajputana state, he had alsp echoed his deep concern and fear about the welfare of thase mountains and their pristine, fragile flora and fauna, many named after Abu, as 'Abuensis', His edginess about the wellbeing of these mountains turned out to be a fatal premonition, It was not just an apprehensive apparition, The relentless, ridiculous marauding is there for all to see, Th~ result is, bald mountains I

with species

many of flora

-.. --,

and fauna either extinct or pn11Ie verge of extinction, No one seemed to be thinking of any remedy to stem this wanton destruction, Mercifully, that's when the Supreme Court stepped in, Indeed'; there was a torrent of intense remonstration against the eco-sensitive directives of the Apex Court, Providentially, the

28

"""""""',-

Ratan Slngh/TNN

ja of Sirohi, Kesari Singh in 1894, and named after Col GH Trevor, then agent to the governor general from 1891to 1894.

Barely three kilometres away, a

alive to have watched polo matches in Mount Abu 75years ago.

He reminisced how he, along with other youngsters, used to help clean the ground prior to matches between polo teams from the erstwhile Jodhpur, Jaipur, Alwar, Bikaner states.

He was not the only one who was prompted to take a trip down memory lane. Daivat Singh of the erstwhile state of Sirohi was happy to be a witness to the resurrection of polo in Mount AbU, more so because his great grandfather Kesari Singh was instrumental in introducing the game in this hill station.

Gaj Singh of erstwhile Jodhpur state preferred to be in Mount Abu on this day in spite of having been invited to Australia for a match.

"From next year, we hope to see good polo matches here with foreign teams participating," he said.

MOUNT

there would bring one to the said destination. Engraved on top left is Major General Arthur Thomas Moore YC, CB. Few engravings are decipherable. Although, on first sight it does look like such engravings would seem more like vandalism, it is only apt that such a place be salvaged turned into an appropriate tourist destination.

envisaged. They are the divulging symbols of once engraved passionate poems by Moore, in his days of loneliness in India, more so in Mount Abu. The location is a little off the Sunset Road. It is also known as the way to Devangana Point. As one approaches the Sunset Point, say 100 metres before. there is a path on the left, going into

ABU TALE

I

By Sanjeev

Mount Abu: Even a stranger to this picturesque hill station could have located the Trevor Oval here on Monday. - with the ground reverberating with the sound of horses' hooves in a polo match played 75 years after it was last held here.

As two polo teams from Jaipur and Jodhpur engaged in a friendly match, the crowds poured over. Although not many understood the game, they were just there to watch history being recreated.

A motley crowd of commoners and erstwhile maharajas, Army jawans, schoolchildren and foreigners had turned up to witness the match at the historical ground donated by the erstwhile mahara-

the forest. A short walk from

vandals and now only a few isolated faded letters could be

~

t seems the other day when the jungles in Mount'Abu would reverberate with the sweet and shrill calls of jungle fowls and dashrath bird. It was the same proud period when the pride of the nation and national animal - tiger - wouldroam freely in the jungles of Mount Abu. Indeed, the Mount Abu jungles were also blessed with rich wealth of other mammals like panther, black bear, sambhar and wild boar, with many other fauna.

The richness could be rightly attributed to the farsightedness of the rulers of erstwhile state of Sirohi. In bygone days, the rulers of Sirohi were the only oneS, who had the exclusive right to hunt in the jungles here; anyone else doing so could meet with death penalty. The royals of Sirohi would on occasion test their valour and acumen by hunting a big cat by facing the tiger with a sword, lance or bow and arrow and thereafter coins were struck in honour of the king.

Other than this it was only when the erstwhile rulers of Sirohi would have WIP guests that they would arrange for a hunt

,...

75 yrson,polois playedin Mt Abu AK SHARMA

ABU'S TALE

Virnal Shah diose to hop 01

gauge train, that chugged its w~ of two lakes, are ro- from Billirnora, and got down with his ins of past kingdoms. . 1 Waghai railway station. "This ride is likl The small train moves slowly,as we ta1 The Unesco WorldHeritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh ; of the beauty as possible on way," says transforms into another world; Hitarth Pandya in Saputara/pic: in the monsoons. Pilgrims, who

generally throng this hilly

,

man paced up and down in the front of a hotel, anxiously waiting for news from the polo ground. Jai Dayal Agrawal - whose eyesight at 92 years of age, is no longer as strong as it used to be - had a reason to be excited about the match.

He is one of the few people still

ABUTALE

The

T

A K SHARMA

Valli sbing tal e of wil dlife

~eIwar~;~be au if TIMES NEWSNETWORK

Palace,was built in 1907.

Perchedona promontoryoverlooking the town of MountAbu,it hasa backdropof hills anddalesthat are

thicklyforested.

aunt Abu: Visiting the elwara temples in . ountAbu will now be . ,much more exciting and rewarding. In- , stead of simply returning with images of the 1,000year-'young'spectacle etched in their minds, visitors will be able to capture the poetry carved in marble in their cameras.

Many a visitor has often commented that the temple is fit to be one of the wonders of the world.

No one has left the precincts without being awed by the. spectacular craftsmanship of the temple complexes.

But all that is changing now with permission having been granted for photography. So far no one was allowed to photograph the carvings of the exquisite art work of the temples.

But this has been possible bow because of sustained efforts of all concerned, including the administration and Amrit Lal Jain and Rajesh Jain of Sirohi.

Photography will be allowed in the precincts of the hallowed complexes of the temple with reasonable restrictions.

-

~

'

In 1935ADwhile MaharajdhirajSir SwaroopRamSinghji,then the ruler of Sirohistate,washavinghis siesta,a mighty tiger strolledup the road leadingto the palaceandwent through the marbleporch,wherethe sentryon duty did not knowwhat to do and simplyfroze.In 1952AD,whenthe father of presentking Maharajdhiraj MaharaoRaghuvirSingh,Maharajdhiraj AbhaiSinghof Sirohi,madeit his summerresidencethis palace aboundedwith witdlife. Thehills reverberatedfrom sunrisewith the continuouscall of junglefowl andthe Dashrathbird.Alas,thesevoicesdied just about15yearsago.

Theblackbearandpantherusedto visit the palacegroundseverynight withoutfail, while the call of the stag (barasinghaor sambhar)could beheard at closequartersduring the day.It was routineoccurrencefor the presentking to seethe pantheronthe half a kilometrelongprivateroadleadingto the palace,wheneverhe droveon it aftersunset Duringthat time it was impossiblefor peopleto go onfoot, cycleor scooteron this stretch.The panther would sit at the parapet wall of the road lookingforits prey,pigs.dogs and goatsandsheepof Manjgaoan.

can

now be captured

heSirohiPalace,MountAbu, alsoknownasSwaroop Bhawan

It has beenthe recordof this palace that every pedigree of dog that the royals kept whether Alsatian, Labrador, Retriever, it was invariably lifted by the

pantherfromthepalaceground.

In 1947ADwhenthe presentqueen was sitting on the steps of her bedroom, opening onto the side lawn with her Golden Retriever by her side, a huge pantherjumped ontothe lawn at 2 pm, but the royal ladyhadthe royal After 10.30 pm that panther would come to the garden tap below the royal first floor bedroom for its daily drink of water while bears used to play all night on the back lawn of the palace after 10 pm. The back lawn of the palace was alsoa feastingground for the large Abu hare (this species is much bigger than the rabbit)

presence of mind

to moveinsidethe

roomfast with the dog and shut the door. Thatsavedthe situation.

The scenario lias changed in the last 15yearsandthe presentpedigree, mighty St Bernard,the presentrulers, has not beenendangered in the last 10 years. Such is the first-hand eyewitness account of the disappearanceof the wildlife from the hills of Abu.

FOR LENSMAN'S EYES

Fineart camp

Mount Abu prepares for yet another milestone in its spectrum of variety of tourism. From October 25 to October 29 this year, a full fledged fme art camp would be held.

The camp is being organised by chairman of Lalit Kala Academy,Rajasthan B L Gupta.

Nearly 15 award wining artists from various cities of Rajasthan will participate. It will be a treat for art lovers to see the masters of colours and canvases.

Ab

Mount A nesh Thak ur Thaku summed u ney that s Their greatly ap dience, m regulars a shop, whi ductory p 'Mue 2.5 Reflection tions' .

The su sion of proved th in Mount has been Theatre S ly arrived. ur said th call up o rush to th Thoug answer i Joseph S

11. Whom did Sawmi Viv Mukund Singhâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house in

See An ABU'S TALE voice of dissent died down sooner be sensitive to the Apex Court dithen anticipated, rectives, The impact is there for The gullible denizens sawall to see, , through the nefarious designs of Commercial construction has those who predicted the death of been stopped, All other constructourism, which tion is being monitored strictly has demonstnitand those who flout norms are beed"""a steep 'up~" 'Tni' puni~iiea.' "x ward trend. The he life line of any town or city so called draconis its roads. They are not only beian directive of ing repaired, but are being the Apex Court is widened and all encroachments proving to be the are being removed. Cleanliness is much needed now being passionately pursued. balm to save the The makeover is dramatic and the fragile eco-sys- momentum will sustain itself as tern of these mountains. Tourism it is a pragmatic approach. The is learning to live with its eco-re- results are visible right from the sponsibilities. toll-barrier in the town, to the Fortunately, the present crop of spectacular Aravali ranges officers, headed by the sub divi- around.

I ' sional magistrate, have proved to -A K Sharma

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

Muses in

night from terpsichore - the muse of choral dance a ~rato - the muse of love poetry, to thalia - the mus comedy, all and more descended on Mount Abu, durin annual summer festival here. Indeed, the festival was with a difference. It was a giddy melange ofthe oft du fair of folk with virtuosos offering of Bharat Natyam b Padmashree Pratibha Prahald from Delhi, a side-splitti Ramkali Ka Ram Ruppaya, by Ashok Rahi from Jaipur a presence of Rajesh Sagara from CEPT,Ahmedabad, wh to plan out a couple of road islands and a couple of m

murals,veneratingthe grandeurof MountAbu.

And none other than the Bhishma Pitamaha of SPI Kiran Seth, concluded the memorable festival with his

:MtAbuPolomatchheraldsrevivalof sport Firstmatchto beheldafter75years

TIME:; NEWS NETWORK

Mount Abu: This picturesque hill resort in Rajasthan is all set to resonate the sounds of hoofs across the field as, players gallop away on horses across the field, for the polo match, which is being after a gap of 75 years.

There is palpable excitement in the air, with preparations getting underway for the first match scheduled to be held on April 10.

Contingents of Indian army from 270 Engineering Regiment and 12th Engineering, are working bard to get the ground ready for the ~~~fJd,ÂĽel)t, whiqIdJfnQ4,pj,y b'~-" a red fetter day for 'Mount Abti, but also for the game of polo.

Currently, levelling work is being done at the polo ground, alongwith with the sprucing up of the pavilion, which was constructed in 1895.

In what comes an encouragement to all sports lovers, the ground will not only play host to polo games but shall also make way for other games in future. According to co-ordinator, Levellingwork being carried out in the polo ground to prl'lpareit for the Polo Action Committee of Mount match on April10.

Abu, DrAK Sharma, the local ad- ings, 'which were hitherto being magistrate Krishna Kunal. ministration has taken a landmark held at the ground, would be hel,dat In order to.popularise the sport, decision in allowing the use of the Ashok Vaatika on Sunset roadfrom all major schools in Mount Abu will ground only for games. All confer- now on. The Polo Action Commit- now introduce horse riding as an ences, festivals and other gather- tee, is headed by sub-divisional activity for students.

IN NEWS

A K SHARMA

ABU TALE

All roadsleadto Arbud

T

_JJ_-~~-~

bu'stheatre scene comes of age

Tuesday had more to offer, with Mandakini from Bikaner single-handedly bringing alive the enormity of what Mahabharata stands for, in her interpretation of the pre-eminent nuances of the epic in the 'Mahagatha'.

On the concluding day,there were two performances in the evening - one by 1\ekalavya' which personated 'Kattas' directed by Sunil Mathur and penned by Bodas. It was a formidable task on the part of Pratibha Kochar to shoulder the tricky script single-handedly.

The second rendering of the evening was 'Hum Dono'. It was most adroitly presented with the tiniest nuances of interpersonal relationship between a lonely man and a woman.

It was not only brilliantly presented but honoured with erudite interpretaHindi theatre by tion. With minimum props they carried aficionados settled at Parihar Inn. The the intricate script on their able shoulsame evening a group from Allahabad ders with elan. They left the audience presented Satyajit Ray's ~manjas Babu', yearning for more.

The mini theatre pilgrimage condirected by Anil Bhowmik and enacted cluded with a pertinent message from Diby Yadav.

The offering was forceful, swaying one nesh Thakur for saving the environment and all with the compelling presentation failing which the very survival would be endangered. and powerful and animated staging.

off from June 18with theatre personalities like Sunil Mathur, M M Mathur, DiAbu: An enthralling play by Di- nesh Thakur, Nand Kishor Acharya, kur and his wife Preeta Math- Bharat Ratna Bhardwaj, A K Sharma, M K Sirohi, Daivat Singh, among ur on Wednesday aptly others attending it. up the Abu's theatre jourThe opening started on June 14. was followed play, 'Hum Dono', was by deliberappreciated by the autions on most of whom were diverse at the theatre workfacets ich had an intro0 f presentation by The Theatre of ns and RefracTIMES NEWS NETWORK

uccessful concluthe workshop hat the theatre scene Abu, for which support promised by Aekalavya Society from Jodhpur, has final. Workshopconvenor M M Mathhat whenever Mount Abu would on his association, they would he hill town. . gh the flI'stpresentation was 'The is blowing in the Wind' at St School, the workshop truly took

~

",-~~::c'

ABUTALE

The

:'$~"~

no;;.-~._.

~

-,=~',;;~

~'-'

~

A I( SHARMA

cradleof civilisation A K Sharma'

nswer on Page 57

the mountains

discourse, to a select audience.

The scintillating presence of muses and their masters added glitter to the occasion. As Buddha Purnima came earlier in the calendar, the festival too took wings early, together with the arrival of the tribal devotees to Mount Abu, after whose consecration of nails to their departed souls, the lake Nakki takes its name.

Unlikepast offerings; this year the event turned out to be the most memorable summer festival in recent times. It endeavoured to fulfill the needs of the festival definition as far . as possible with renderings of folk, classical, theatre, various ICMACAY competitions and exhibitions and erudite talk on the need of s erudite the promotion of art and culture and our rich heritage.

and song, se of ng the truly uplicated by, ing play, and the ho came mosaic

/

mighty ruler of Arbud.

The Muslim invasion of Mahmud Gazhnavi in 1025 AD, of Sultan Allaudin KI1i1jiof Delhi in 1298 AD, and Sultan of Gujarat in the 15th century AD came along this route. which is now in total disrepair. The thick overgrowth of forest prohibits any access along this route, but the pony track to Anadra is in use as of date.

In 1881 ADthe new road was opened along the eastern slope of the hill from Mount Abu to Kharari railway station (Abu Road) via St Mary's High School. touching the plains at Rishikesh. This project was

undertaken by Maharao Kesari Singh Bahadur of Sirohi, and British engineers were deployed for the work. It is romantically reminisced as 'Old Cart Road'.

In 1917ADthe present tarmac road thaflinks Mount Abu to Abu Road was laid out via Chibaberi. In 1967ADthe government of Rajasthan opened a new cobblestone road along the western slope from Tokra via Sargamata and the new Nakki Lake to Mount Abu, but it has not only fallen into disrepair, but has been abandoned for all practical purposes.

GUJARAT

Polosetto rideintoMtAbuagain TIMESNEWSNETWORK

vekananda meet at Shri evening prayers?

A K SHARMA

he ancient sacred hills of Arbud have been the abode of the gods. They have also been the hermitage of the Vedic rishis, a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Jains alike and a place of military vantage throughout history. Since 1835ADArbud has been a jewel among the hillstations of India.

Duringthe Vedictimes. 10 narrow mountain footpaths led to the hills of Arbud. In historic I times one pony track from the village of Anadra was laid out on the western hillface of Abu. Another broad road. along which even elephants could come, was laid out on the Eastern slope of the hill of Arbud, which terminated at Achalgarh, the capital of I Mount Abu.The marble for the thousand-year-old Delwara Temple was brought on elephants anCfinbullock carts along this broad road.

In 1778ADPrithviraj Chauhan climbed along this broad road to consummate his marriage with the daughter of Prahladan, the founder of .

Prahladanpur. which for the last two to three centuries is known as Palanpur. Prahladan was the younger brother of Dharavarsh Parmar. the

Bhadrakali arid Rishikesh temples in Abu

~

rbUdaranYa' or the region of Abu has been the cradle of civilisation from Vedic times. It Iso has one of the oldest Sun temples at Basantgarh !lear Pindwara. which is more than 2000-year-old. This historic fort and temple were built by Chavada Rajput kings.

Together with this, the Sun temples of Vardhmanpur in Reodhar tehsil and Krodi Dhwaj Sun temple near Anadra are other magnificent-old Sun temples with their chariots and a vav (stepwell). It istruly a pride for the Sirohi state that it is the cradle not only of the oldest Sun temples in the world, but also of great dynasties and indeed the civilisation.

At the foothills of Mount Abu, in the south-east, lies Amravati, the capital of 'puranic' king Amrish.

Eight thousand years ago, he built an exquisitely carved massive marble temple for his deity Rishikesh and in front of it he built Ashwamegh Yagna Kund (the sacred fire millpond for consecration), which is the only of its kind existing

in the world today. Beyond the 'kund' is the century-and-a-half-old 'samadhi' of saint Mangal Dasji Maharaj, who had scaled great spiritual heights.

Nearby is the black marble temple of Kamikeshwar Mahadev, which is mentioned as a very sacred Shiva temple and in front of it lies Mandakini Kund with its cluster of temples. A kilometre away lies the massive marble temple of Bhadrakiili, the 'kuldevi' of king Amrish. It is the same statue installed in the fourth temple built by Maharao Kesari Singh of Sirohi in AD1916,The first temple built by king Amrish is non-existing, but the second and the third temples stand till today, albeit in ruins.

King Amrish's queen built the temple of Madhusudan on the periphery of Amravati, which is a beautifully carved temple and stands till date.

King Amrish was a very pious king and performed many 'Ashwamegh Yagnas', This historic city is a tribute to its founder king Amrish.

lakh. We have re-

Ahmedabad: Mount Abu is all set to witness history repeat itself.

About seven decades after the last polo match was played in this hill station about a three-hour drive from h~re, the game is making a comeback.

While a friendly match last Friday set the tone for the revival of the "glorious days of polo,"the presence of Army chief General JJ Singh, former ruler of Jodllpur Gaj Singh and former prince of Sirohi Daiwat Singh gave a serious touch to the intentions.. Th~ fITst polo tournament is now being planned in April this year.

A beaming Gen Singh, happy with the win of the Army team over the team from Umaid Palace, not only showed a keen interest in the revival plan, but also participated in an informal gathering' of other dignitaries, including the former royals from Jodhpur and Sirohi, where the plan was discussed. .

PreparatIOns, howev~r, had al-

and are planning a match in April to get the ballrolling," says Daiwat Singh, who's great grandfather had ~rought polo to Mount Abu, don~tmg a ground to promote the elIte sp~~ m~r: than a century ago.

Sharma.

"We need to put Mount Abu on the national circuit along with places like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Delhi and Mumbai. While the infrastructure is there along with a beautiful

mation of a Polo.-ActionCommittee, that has been working closely with the district the adminsitration and erstwhile royalty, while tapping the corporate world for sponsorships.

"Wehave a ground that once witnessed important polo matches. We wantto bring those glory days back

required for.-atournament. Along with the. pqlo teams of the Jaipur and Jodhpur royal families, a team raised by Ajit Singh Medtiya, who is married to the royal family of Karoli, have promised to participate. We are now looking for corporate support. The initial game will cost about Rs 10

polo pavilIon, we. need to brmg back the game to thIS pla?e. The advantage of Mount Abu IS that !he ~ame can be played even durmg SUllImer as the temperatures are always low. Once it becomes an annual event, the place will begin attracting both teams and polo lovers," says Daiwat Singhji.

ready begun last year,wIth the for-

'AmmImum of four teams are.

quested the teams to play for free ~d we have to provIde them just th~ conveyance and accommodation charges," Daiwat Singh, who is the president of the committee, had told TO! last year.

"The ground is now used for exhibitions, parking vehicles ;md even used by anti-social elements for gambling and drinking. But it is still in good condition," says committee secretary Arun

..'

.

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

29

INTERVIEW

“People in Mount are Godly and truly God loving” It is the man, who loves Mount Abu as the way a lovelorn loves his beau.

He sleeps every night with a dream of concern for Mount; he wakes-up in the morning with still many more dreams for his beloved Mount Abu. He breathes and lives for Mount Abu. He is proud to be a denizen of Mount Abu as a child is in the cozy lap of his mother. Dr Arun Sharma shares his experience, commitments, efforts and challenges with Editor Abdul Naseer and Sub-Editor Nafeesa.

Abdul Naseer (AN): You are a poet, activist doctor, an author, a composer and a musician, playwright, lyricists, publisher, photographer, columnist in Times of India, a national daily, an avid environmentalist and much more.... how you manage all these things?

Dr. Arun Sharma (AS): It is simple – time management and the passion to excel oneself every day albeit a bit or so! You must have noticed in our togetherness during your short sojourn with me how every minute of time is accounted for.

AN: How was your journey from Jodhpur to Mount Abu

30

Dr. Arun Sharma (AS): My journey from Jodhpur to Mount Abu was like a roller coaster ride meandering from Kolkata, Mumbai to Mount Abu with all the challenges of learning and growing up and in the process working hard for my personal growth and self esteem – and today life has shaped a rather mediocre ‘run of the mill boy’ into an achiever who delivers, albeit he has to work ten times harder than his gifted peers.

AN: You completed your education in three different states, how was that experience AS: The experiences were enriching and

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

highly educative – shaping me into a better human being and inspiring me with rich culture and values of those states which have brought me this far with élan!

AN: What inspired you to attend to lacs of patients free and disburse free medicine worth millions in your Free Clinic’.

AS: I always felt that I owed to my family, my society my nation and my people for all the support, care, love, respect, dignity, recognition and indeed security, gifted to me on a platter with isolated hiccups. Together with this when I met Mother Teresa I was enthused that if is= such a frail, petite soul could come to my country, leaving all her

comforts and dear ones to serve my people, then it would be a curse if I did not serve my own people in the best possible manner I could.

AN: How you manage funds for your charity commitments?

AS: Once people began to trust in my commitments, funds never became any problem. People from all walks of life have come forward to support me. This makes my responsibility to them all the more demanding that I come up to the expectations of their trust. I thank all for helping me to keep that trust in me. My deepest gratitude to them for being so kind, generous, supportive, respectful, trusting and loving!

AN: You rather passionately promote Mount Abu as a tourism destination, are you getting support from all the agencies like Govt. and non govt. agencies?

AS: Today whatever I am, it is Mount Abu and its people who have extended their unconditional support to all my dreams for Mount Abu in totality! They are Godly and truly God loving! Indeed I get immense support from all quarters, including all Government agencies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; true, the pace is not the way as one would desire! But then things are happening! Some impossible dreams have come true and the credit goes to all of them there who have unconditionally extended their caring cooperation!

AN: What are the major difficulties you have encountered in promoting Mount

1 Abu as a tourism destination?

AS: I do not think there have been difficulties as you would like to call in promoting tourism in Mount Abu. Indeed, the way the system works in India and similarly in Rajasthan such situations have certainly delayed virtually all efforts for tourism but the help from His Highness Sirohi and many secretaries of Rajasthan Government and many other Government officials right from SDMs to Divisional Commissioners and many others have certainly facilitated to keep my focus like Arjuna for tourism.

AN: Tell me something about PFA & SPICMACAY AS: Starting PFA was an exercise in rescuing a boy who had lost bearing in his life but had deepest love for animals. When I found this and found that his affinity for animals would bring him back into the main stream of life and would gift him back his lost self esteem; more so it would bring happiness in his family to which I owe plenty, I started PFA for him with the help of Smt. Menka Gandhi. As for SPICMACAY it was nothing

2 4

3

5

We captured myriad facets of Dr. Sharmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s persona: 1. Painter 2. Activist 3. A Great Son 4. Social Worker 5. Physician 6. Poet

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

31

INTERVIEW

but an extension of deep love and passion for music. As there was no way that I could fulfil my thirst for the same in Mount Abu, the very first opportunity offered to me to start its Mount Abu chapter I grabbed it by the jugular and here I am enjoying the greatest music my country can gift to me and that I share with everyone in Mount Abu! AN How Nine Muses works AS: Nine Muses is still in its infancy. It still has to take wings but fortunately it is still alive and kicking and with right environment it would soar! It is these souls like you who come as great relief for my dream for this, just the way of Mount Abu Art Residency.

AN: How did you succeeded in getting Mount Abu notified as an Eco-sensitive Zone?

AS: I did not succeed! It was the incessant support from all the denizens and concerned Government officers of Mount Abu, and the administration in proxy, HH Sirohi and indeed the biggest strength in Delhi Mr. Rohinton F. Nariman, peerless senior Supreme Court advocate, sans whose incessant rock solid help it would have been impossible. Rather you should put it like this. I got the credit for the notification but actually the laurels for Mr. Nariman ONLY in capitals.

AN: Tell us something about Community Participation Program AS: Community participation Program cannot be taken in isolation. It is interwoven with rescuing the dying Blind Centre in Mount Abu. Funds were dry; the visually challenged inmates, two three in number were going hungry. That is the time when the munificent denizens of Mount Abu accepted my prayer for providing ration for the blind at regular intervals thrice in a year every fourth month – First of April, August

32

and December. Bravo the effort moved like a sweet song and since then this CPP has provided honourable succour to the blind of the centre sans any support from the state and the central governments.

AN: You are doing a lot for visually challenged people, what are your plans for these people.

AS:We have to go a long way in this journey. It has just begun. The immediate attention is to reduce blindness to half by 2020 and while doing so bring as many visually challenged of our nation into our nation’s main stream from womb to tomb.

and we have the satisfaction to be the first to do so in India. We are providing free E-books to the blinds in India with the help of Mr. Mukesh Modi the Chairman of Adarsh Credit Cooperative Society Limited and GAIL India.

AN: In 2009, you started your own publication house NAB Publications Not mine but a unit of NAB India hence it is known as NAB Publication.

AS: The reason to start NAB Publication was also to raise funds for the welfare of the visually challenged. We are happy that we are succeeding and have several quality books published so far. Its “Redeemer of Gods” a play in four acts is still number one book in the catalogue of the Library of Congress USA, even after 2009 and more so it was also purchased in large numbers by Raja Rammouhan Roy Library Government of India.

AN: From where you got the idea for Braille version of Holy Quran and how you implemented it?

AS: As I narrated to you that there was a Muslim boy in our centre, who left the centre as there 12. Who was the king whom Shyamji Krishna was no facilAN: We heard ity, according Verma introduced to Swami Vivekananda who later helped him to go to Chicago? of one of your to him, to See Answer on Page 57 interesting projlearn the Holy ects the Dhaba Quran. I could Training Unit for the Blind. Please tell us not accept this. To me it was a personal something about this. How it came to be failure. Hence I approached every possible and what is its aim? door to help me to get a copy of the same AS: DHABA Training for the Blind is again or to show me the way to print it in our a unit of NAB India. It is to train the visucentre. All in knowledge of the gargantuan ally challenged to learn to run a road side project dissuaded me from ever venturing restaurant. This is the first of its kind in the to print it. In this struggle there came a ray world and we are happy that it is being of hope with the information that the Sight recognized and the blind are benefitting.

Savers office in Pakistan could help me in this. Rest is a joyous story when I received AN: You played a leading role to start the Holy book to my heart’s content and Polo in Mount Abu. How you succeed in I thank almighty for favouring me thus to this. help my Muslim brethrens to have Braille AS: You may attribute a role to me in revivQuran through me in India. ing Polo at Mount Abu after an interval of 75 years but the true credit goes to MK SiroAN: One of your projects is Daisy Recordhi Shri Daivat Singhji, H H Sirhoi and indeed ing Studio, what the aim to start this is also to H H Jodhpur. The Government agenand what what is being done under this? cies did not lag behind. Then the gogetter AS: DAISY Recording Studio is for bringing SDM Shri Krishna Kunal IAS and his equally out electronic books for the blind in genres

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

my brother like friend Kumarpal Desai, MD Omega Elevators, who first introduced me to a digital camera.

no nonsense mentor the DC of Jodhpur Mr. B. L. Arya IAS and later Mrs. Kiran Soni Gupta IAS put all their might to make the game of Polo at Mount Abu a grand success for three consecutive years! It was during the tenure of Smt. Kiran Soni Gupta IAS that Honorable Chief Minister Smt. Vasundhara Rajeji graced the occasion in 2008! I was just a catalyst in this as in many of the projects mentioned ut supra- crediting me for all these is totally a misplaced notion!

AN: You are Mount Abu focuse! Why don’t you spread out your wings and expand your horizon?

AS: My profession is that of a doctor and because of this I cannot leave Mount Abu at a drop of a hat and more so the work in Mount Abu itself is handful. Together with this I deeply owe to Mount Abu for all its generous blessings for my blissful contentment that I am totally focused to serve its interest and the interest of its denizens.

AN: Tell us something about Spandan Music For Charity AS: It is a very private affair to bring out my type of music with soft, lilting and indeed rich Hindi lyrics. After meeting you I thing I have great dreams about it. I have two Pop Album to my credit so far. It is not my profession hence it indeed is rather taxing to bring out albums at regular intervals; more so the financial implications are enormous!

AN: In 2008 you started Arbudanchal Utsav. How is it going on? What are the schedules for this Utsav and who are participating in this Utsav?

AS: Again it was the blessing of the then His Excellency the Governor of Rajasthan Late Shri S. K. Sighji who inspired and supported together with Smt. Kiran Soni IAS. Sans their express help it would have been impossible. I have been trying to make it an annual event but it is also working with numerous hiccups.

AN: You composed a song and gazal for a telefilm “Jeene Ke Liye” how was that experience AS: Yes on the request of one of my friends from Ahmadabad then in 2000 Mr. Kishen Sinh, who is now very close to Modiji, looking after his media cell. This was the title song for the Tele Film produced by him at the end of millennium.

AN: You have received awards from numerous institutions like UNESCO, International Society of Poets, The Rotary Club of Mount Abu, Rajasthan Patrika , etc. How do you feel about them?

AS: People have been rather generous and have showered awards more than I truly deserved. This is not being modest. This is the truth. Right from the UNESCO award for serving the cause

Painting by Dr Arun Sharma

of Hindi language I have been fortunate to receive many awards and recognitions as mentioned by you. The greatest has been the love and the trust of Mount Abu denizens.

AN: One of your favorite hobbies is photography, how you manage to take time out for it.

AS: Photography always attracted me as I could never find sufficient time to paint.

Since childhood I wanted to capture beautiful moments from life. The roll cameras always discouraged me and they were rather expensive. After the advent of Digital SLR and meeting Tracy Berkeley from Washington that my photography took wings in which there is a great contribution of

AN Tell us something about the tourism of Mount Abu, its potentials and the major issues.

AS: As we did deliberate in our long deliberations, Mount Abu tourism is the oldest tourism on earth, but has not been fully taken care of and more so much has be done to exploit its potentials to the fullest.

This demands detailed deliberation and that could be done some other time and some other place. Suffice is to say that first its Notification for Eco-sensitivity must be adhered to the ‘T’ and then projects like the Rope Way, The Mono Rail, the electronic parking solutions and many other tourist friendly attractions like a world class Sloth Gear Sanctuary be made in time to come.

Together with this its water resources be judiciously attended to instead of insensibly destroying the forest to achieve this. In short it needs an approach for Mountain terrain and not of a mega polis.

AN: Tell us about your future plans AS: I dream like a child! I want to be of service to as many as possible and in the process take help from souls like you to help all those who need my help and also get still better trained to be of help to those who may not be able reach me.

AN: Thank you Dr. Sharma for your valuable time! I envy Mount Abu for your passionate love for it!

AS: I must thank you for thinking so and to bring out an issue exclusively on Mount Abu and that too with such munificence that we could lavish it to our heart content! It would reiterate and consolidate the verity that tourism in Mount Abu is because of Mount Abu and not the other way!

Please note this and spread the this message to all the corners of the world! Deepest gratitude!

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

33

FILM LOCATION

‘Dream Merchants’ In Mount Abu  RTGD

Mount Abu has taken great strides in making it a real attractive destination, leaving no stone un turned to give value for money to the visitors from round the globe

I

n the past 60 years, Mount Abu must have had several brushes with movie making. There were a few Rajasthani flicks. together with isolated endeavours in Gujarati movies and still less in mainstream Hindi cinema. In the latter, one or tw o movies were not only shot at Mount Abu, but had liberal measure of the area in them. Yet there was QSQT where Mount Abu was just mentioned. Sadly, there were some attempts, where part of a movie was shot in Mount Abu, but then, later, the whole shoot was shelved in favour of some other place. Still there have been isolated ‘B’grade movies, which went unnoticed in the moviemovies, giving it the sobriquet of dom.

‘Allywood’!

Being a witness to all these movie RK Joshi of Ultra Video is in Mount happenings. I always dreamt that Mount Abu would become a permanent destination for movie making, particularly for Gujarati movies. As it is the munificent people of vibrant Gujarat who zealously patronize Mount Abu as their most favoured destination, so much so that major part of fiscal health of tourism at Mount Abu derives its ambrosia from vibrant Gujarat! 13.Where was Khetri house?

As if echoing these See Answer on Page 57 thoughts, Susheel Agarwal of Ultra Video has taken the initiative to make Mount Abu a favoured destination for movie making, albeit Gujarati

34

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

Abu to finalize the preparation for the first of the series of Gujarati movies to be produced by the company. He is with his scouting team for location hunting at Mount Abu. Of late, Mount Abu has taken great strides in making it a real attractive destination, leaving no stone un turned to give value for money to the visitors from round the globe. Joshi is already excited about the ecotourist sites and the new sunrise site at Achalgarh above Kapoor Sagar.

With assortment of hotels. right from star to heritage to budget hotels; Mount Abu has become a tourist’s paradise. Not only this, Joshi exults that elegant bungalows. magnificent palaces and varieties of many more dwellings with myriad scenic hill and dales make Mount Abu a destination for movie making.

LIVE COVERAGE

TANAY

The Man For Moleucular Culinary Art  NAFEESA

T

anay, the son, when he returned from his school graduation he came only in the raiment that he was wearing then. He, like Karna, most munificently, just gifted all to the staff serving in the school hostel. But, when he returned from his PG from Hague he brought fine art of gastronomic for his mother land, Mount Abu! He gifted a unique eatery CINCINI with a culinary library and Mount Abu art to Mount Abu which went miles ahead from the cliché of Gujarati, Punjabi, Chinese, Continental and South Indian cuisines! It is another story that the avant-garde had to rethink as the learned clientage had not prepared its taste buds for futuristic offerings with eco-friendly commitment in total hygienic ambience.

He did not give up. He took the charge of his family brasserie the Mulberry Tree, while preparing to restructure his dream of Molecular Culinary Art, with the authentic palate of the food as cooked eons back in India, sans losing the natural flavour of the cooked victuals. Keeping his ethos unsullied he serves the passé presentations too with a difference and for those few who want their food prepared in front of them

Those few who want their food prepared in front of them the way they want he is ever so ready to comply with them to the nines

dynamics – function of food! Tanay shares, “If you’ve eaten your way through a gourmet meal in the past few decades and encountered a plate filled with strangely flavoured foam, you’ve had the chance to either bless or curse Ferran Adrià!”

With these words he commits himself to change the face of gastronomy in future for the visitors to Mount Abu eateries. Because creativity makes him happy so he muses he would keep dedicating himself to it, indeed in the world of quality, authentic gastronomy.

the way they want, he is ever so ready to comply with them to the nines.

Like Maggie Sauce he too is rather different. A rebel in the world of gastronomes he is dedicatedly making inroads to give birth to a crop of food lovers who would bravo the efforts of this humble epicure! It is his religion to egg on to all delivering eatables to respect the native spirit of vittles as propagated by Ferran Adrià and the functionality of food materials as taught by John R. Dutcher and the science of structure –

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

35

RECOMMENDED HOTEL

HOTEL HILLOCK

THE GUESTGEBER  NAFEESA

T

IN MOUNT ABU

here was a man who came from Punjab now Haryana, and one day commented at the age of 90, “Show me a man who has 75 years of experience in his trade”! That is what Jay Dayal Agarwal was, a purist workhorse to the last cell in his bone marrow. The only thing he believed was, ‘the guest is always right’ that so much so one day when a guest came petulant about a fan in his room, Bauji (as Agarwal was lovingly addressed) assured the guest to go and take a walk and his grievances would be remedied forever to his fullest satisfaction. He got the fan changed the very next minute. Such was his dedication to guest satisfaction that erected the Mount Abu

36

masterpiece in hospitality, in the lap of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, Hillock. His engineer son has all the ingenuity an engineer is expected to provide seamlessly, smoothest service to the guest!

Ably complimented by his wife Gita Agarwal, passionate for the finest services for her guests, incessantly

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

evolves herself to excel in guest service and world class innovation in her hotel, only and only for the God she worships – The Guest, with vows of luxury and elegance.

A refreshingly unpretentious hotel on an undeniably ostentatious stretch in the lap of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Hillock since its birth in 1995, has towered over Mount Abu’s hospitality landscape and is one of the places to be seen in this petite hill resort – it indeed is one of the finest destinations not only in Mount Abu but in our country too - a feast for the senses – and one of the coolest places this part of the world could offer. Albeit it has four stars accreditation, but the sterling services it provides right from reception to food are connoisseur’s com-

Services

forting bliss – redefining the art of guest satisfaction to newer heights!

Staff here makes it seem impeccably the most natural thing in the world to get every detail right.

On entering this charming hotel in Mount Abu, you will immediately sense its special intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like being in your own designer’s home. Each detail has been passionately chosen and each room deserves a visit. Hotel Hillock style mixes attractive antiques and plenty of artworks with an unexpected eclectic contemporary twist, skilful but friendly service and that unbeatable location overlooking old cart road – the virtual epicenter to start from to any point in Mount Abu. The entire House recalls the up to date ‘Caravansary’ of times now where young Global aristocrats live while discovering the beauty and the artistic mysteries of India. The special charm and the cozy mood of

• 40 well appointed rooms with an exclusive suite • Bar • 24h Front Desk • Terrace Garden in select rooms • Non-smoking rooms upon request elevator • Express check-in, check out • Safe • Baggage storage • Air Conditioning • Meeting and Banquet facilities • Laundry • Dry Cleaning • Breakfast in the room, upon request • Sightseeing Tours Desk • Fax/Photocopying • Bikes Avialable (free) • Concierge • Airport Shuttle (charge) • INTERNET: Free! Wi-Fi is available in all areas and is free of charge • Free public parking is available in the area • Carte di credito: AMEX, Visa, Euro/ Mastercard, Maestro, CartaSi, JDB

Hillock will make you feel as a true Global savouring everything local an enchanting, elegantly furnished family property.

Hillock is discreet, elegant, cool mountain retreat for the likes of music maestros and literati and film aficionados when they are in town.

This is feral world with all the fresh facilities one would expect from a contemporary hotel. It also has two of the best restaurants uptown: On the Rocks, the bar that is both classy decor lounge and purveyor of the

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

37

RECOMMENDED HOTEL

best drinks and victuals in the neighborhood; and the Mayur, a wonderful supper club where you can hear, among others, yourself when you are not talking to yourself too.

All services with civilized gaiety are not only innovative but are executed with élan as an excellent gastgeber, be it the welcome, the reception, the check in, ushering to the room, room services, travel information, reservation and forward travels, the pool and indeed the message! Overall attention to detail is second

14. When was Polo Ground of Mount Abu was made?

See Answer on Page 57 to none. They know how to reach the heart and help the guest to unwind in the arms of the peace that he or she comes seeking. The restaurants ‘Mayur’ and ‘On the Rocks’ are treat to a mélange of palates. Right from Indian

38

offerings to exotic viands, vittles, victuals like Thai, Lebanese, Mexican and what not. Chinese, Kashmiri, Hyderabadi, continental satisfaction personified, coming alive, in various avatars is a habit at Hillock! The destination Hillock is in a city where luxury hotels seem to be far in between, here the Hillock is a truly cool and tasteful medium-sized property in Sirohi district. The rooms are large, modern and well designed, and feature large flatscreen televisions, and docking station and high-speed internet. Food in the Hillock restaurant is outstanding. In the heart of Mount Abu, this hip urban hideaway is part of the family tradition and a masterful example of its trademark style of marrying the cool with the comfortable. It huddles tight, white and bright in the mountain sun - a chic little boutique extravagance redefined.

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

MOUNT ABU PARIKRAMA O

n a bright sunny day in October 2012 six of us set out with His Highness Raghuvir Singhji of Sirohi to the foot hills surrounding Mount Abu. The first place that he took us to see was the temple of Rishikesh, which houses a very old statue of Vishnu. We were shown an interesting step well, which was the site of the 64 Ashvamedhs. We were also told that there were 3 varieties of old temples to see, the ruins of which we got to see.

From there we went to Chandravati the capitol of Parmar Rajputs and went on further to see a very beautiful temple dedicated to ‘Surya’ which was 2000 years old. From there we went to see a very interesting site the battle site of Dattani in 1583 A. D. between the forces of Akbar and Sirohi. There was a major battle in which the Sirohi forces by deceiving Akbar’s forces managed to snatch a victory. The only thing that remains to commemorate this is a carved door way that leads to a step well.

From here we were taken to an interesting spot close to Anadhra.

It was here that in 1317 A. D. that the Chauhan Rajputs were able to oust the Parmar Rajputs by a stratagem somewhat like the stratagem employed by the Greek to oust the ‘Trojan’ – the Trojan Horse. There was a stalemate. The Parmar on the top were in an impregnable position and

Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi saturatior

could not be defeated. However the Chauhans had completely surrounded Mount Abu below. As a result Parmar girls could not get grooms from other areas for the purpose of marriage. It was therefore suggested that a truce be called only so that 800 grooms could be gathered and given safe passage to Mount Abu. The Chauhans

readily agreed. It was raining heavily and the Vadali River was in full spate.

The 800 grooms were invited to stay at a Chauhan fort nearby. There all the grooms were divested of their raiment, which were donned by the Chauhan soldiers and their prince and with their weapons hidden they went up to Mount Abu. There was much feasting and carousing at Mount Abu. At the given signal when the Parmars were off guard the Chauhans attacked and took over Mount Abu. The 800 soldiers dressed as grooms threw away their groom garments and brandished their swords.

From here we were taken to Sirohi fort, which is the only one of the two places in the world where human blood has seeped into a stone in such a way that no amount of cleaning will remove the stains. This happened because on 1st. January 1544 A. D. Sher Shah Suri attacked Sirohi in which a massive blood bath ensued causing the phenomenon to happen. Even today too one can see this human blood on a stone just outside the palace in the Fort.

This and many other things were shown to us on that day, showing us once more what hidden treasures lie in India which need to be opened to public viewing. It is my suggestion that tourist guides be trained so that all travelers come to Mount Abu basically to see the Delwara temples can be given a feast on what lies below.

The People’s Haute Couture

The Tibetan souk with warm bonhomie on Sun Set Road!

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

39

TASTE WITH A DIFFERENT

THE FOOD

GODS AT ABODE OF GODS

FOR

Fox Nut (Tal Makhana in Hindi), “The food for Gods”, Euryale ferox is the only species in the genus Euryale. It gets its name from Greek Goddesses the Gorgons in Greek Mythology.

T

his is a unique juice made from makhana or fox nut.

It is very refreshing!

Ready in 15 mins Ingredients Serves: 2 • 2 dudhiya big makhana (milky fox nuts) • 2.5 cups thick milk • 2 cups sugar • 2 teaspoons rose water • 1/4 teaspoon saffron • 2 cups water

Counch & Foxnut Suop Ingredients • dried conch 4 oz • dried yam 1 oz • foxnut 1 oz • dried tangerine peel 1/2 pc Method 1. Soak dried yam and foxnut for 1 hour.

2. Soak dried tangerine peel until soft, scrape pith away and wash it clean.

3. Soak dried conch until tender. Scald conch in boiling water. Take out and shave off dirts.

4. Bring 12 cups of water to the boil. Put in all ingredients. Parboil over high heat for 20 minutes. Turn to low heat and parboil for 2 1/2 hours. Season with salt. Serve.

ROASTED FOXNUTS - A SAVOURY SNACK Summary Preparation Time10 MinCooking Time10 Min, Ready In 20 Min Difficulty Level Easy, Health Index Just Enjoy Servings 4 Cuisine Indian Course Snack, Taste Salty Method Roasting Speciality Complete Meal Vegetarian Vegetarian, Main Ingredient Nuts Interest Group Exotic Ingredients: 2 tbsp ghee or oil, 3/4 tsp red chilli powder or to taste 1 1/4 tsp kala namak or rock salt (or use regular salt) 125 gm (8 cups) fox nuts or makhana, Freshly ground pepper Method: In a large wok or kadhai, heat the ghee over a medium flame.

When it melts, lower the flame and put in the red chilli powder and salt. Quickly toss in the makhana before the chili begins to burn and mix well. Add in some freshly ground pepper and roast over low heat until the nuts are crispy, about ten minutes. Store in air tight containers and enjoy as a snack!

40

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

 Arun Sharma

PANEER MAKHANA (FOX NUT) CURRY RECIPE Ingredients: 2 cup Makhana, 250 gms Cottage Cheese (Paneer) How to make paneer, 4 Onion (Pyaj) Tomato (Tamatar) long piece Ginger (Adrak) 5 cloves Garlic (Lasun 1/2 cup Cream (Malai) 2 cup Milk 1 tsp Red Chily Powder (Lal Mirchi) 1/4 tsp Turmeric (Haldi) 1/2 tsp Dried Pudina Leaves 1 cup Cashewnut (Kaju) 1/2 tsp Garam Masala 1 tblsp Poppy seeds (Khuskhus) Coriander Leaves (Dhania Patta) 4 tblsp Clarified Butter (Ghee) How to make shahi paneer makhana curry: Heat clarified butter in a pan. Fry makhana in the ghee.

Cut cottage cheese in samll pieces. Mince onion, tomato, garlic, ginger.

Cut cashewnut in samll pieces.

Soak poppy seeds in 1/4 cup of water.

After 1 hour grind the soaked poppy seeds to a fine paste. Chop coriander leaves very finely. Heat clarified butter in a pan. Add onion, tomato, garlic, ginger paste and brown it, stirring continously. Add poppy seeds and fry for 2 minutes and then turn off the gas. To this mixture add makhana, cottage cheese, cream, salt, red chili pepper, turmeric, dried pudina leaves. Keep this mixture aside for half an hour. After half an hour put the pan on the flame and add milk. When it comes to a boil add 3 cups of water. Simmer it till the makahana are completely done and soft. Then add cashewnuts and garam masala. After 1 minute put the flame. Transfer the mixture to a dish and sprinkle some corainder on it.

Serve it hot with nan, roti or parantha.

MALAI MAKHANA CURRY Makhana /Lotus Seeds/Puffed Fox nuts, 3 Cups Green Peas, 1 Cup Oil, 1 tbsp For the gravy: Bay Leaf, 1 Cinnamon, 1 inch Cloves, 3 Green Cardamom, 2 Black peppercorns, 8 Onions, chopped,2 medium Tomato puree, 5 tbsp Ginger, paste, ½ tsp Garlic, paste,1 tsp Salt, to taste Coriander powder , 1 tsp Kashmiri Red chili powder, 1 tsp ( gives a lovely red colour without any heat) Fresh Cream, ½ cup Oil, 1 tbsp Water, enough to get a thin consistency gravy

D

ry roast makhanas in a non stick pan over low heat with constantly stirring. When makhanas start going crunchy pour a tablespoon of oil all over them and continue to stir till they start changing colour to pale golden brown. Remove from heat and keep aside.

Boil green peas and keep aside.

Heat oil in a pan and then add bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns. Sauté till they start to crackle.

Add onions and fry till light golden brown. Add ginger/garlic paste and sauté well. Add tomato, tomato puree and all the spice powders. Sauté till oil separates and then take it off heat.

Blend the mix to a smooth fine paste (use water if necessary) and strain it back into the pan. If you don’t want the heat of the whole spices, pls. fish them out before blending the paste. I didn’t want to add red chili powder so I left the whole spices in. If you want to add red chili powder, don’t add the pepper-

corns or reduce the quantity.

Add water to the strained mix and let it come to a boil. Add green peas & makhanas. Let the gravy simmer well on low heat so that the makhanas get a chance to soak up the gravy and go soft. Add the cream, mix well and cook for another couple of minutes.

Serve hot.

You can avoid the cream by adding milk instead of water to the gravy.

Mushrooms and Paneer also work well with the Makhanas.

Makhana Milk Pudding / Makhane Ki Kheer

M

akhanas or Gorgon Nut or Fox Nut (Euryale ferox) are the seeds of a plant from lilly family, which has purple flowers not dissimilar to lotus flower. This is why they are sometimes confused with and described as puffed lotus seed, which they are not. The plants are cultivated in ponds all over northern India, especially in Bihar. The Makhanas that we use as food are the puffed kernels of the seed pod. They can be used for making sweets, savoury ‘Namkeen’ mixes and desserts as well as for additions to Curries. Roasted makhanas can be sprinkled with a little salt and pepper and eaten as pop-corns.

and unsalted) and almonds in a bowl of hot water for a couple of hours.

Skin will now peel off easily.

Instructions 1. Reduce milk to 2/3rd the volume by boiling briskly in a heavy bottomed pan. Keep stirring to stop it from ‘catching’ at the bottom of the pan.

Burnt milk tastes terrible and has to be thrown away! Keep scraping milk that sticks to the side, back into the milk using a wooden spatula. This gives the kheer its ‘rabri like’ texture.

2. While the milk is boiling, clean makhana by removing/cutting off any black shells or hard skin bits off.

Light brown spots are okay. Good makhana should not have many such

Ingredients • 100 gm. makhana • 1 tsp. ghee 15. Which was the first palace constructed in • 1 1/2 litre milk Mount Abu? • 1 tbsp.semolina • 8 tbsp. sugar. Use See Answer on Page 57 artificial sweetener for diabetics.

• A few strands of saffron and/or 1/2 shells. tsp. cardamom powder(optional) 3. Heat 1 tsp. of ghee in a wok or • A handful of blanched* pistachios karahi and fry the makhana on and almonds, chopped medium heat. You can dry fry them, • *Soak green pistachios (un-roasted without the ghee, if you wish. They

become crisp when cool.

4. Chop them in a food processor, some will be fine while others are coarse.

5. Add all the makhana, ground and coarse, semolina and saffron to the boiling milk and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.

6. Turn the heat off, add saffron strands, cardamom powder, sugar, 3/4th of the almonds and pistachios.

7. Transfer to a bowl and Chill.

8. Sprinkle remaining almonds and pistachios as a garnish.

9. This milk pudding can be served warm too.

Notes • The kheer should be of custard like consistency. Remember that it will thicken a little as it cools. However, if it is too runny and you want to make it thicker, add 2-3 tbsp. ground rice powder dissolved in a little cold water or milk. Boil for 4-5 minutes. You can also use ground rice to thicken a kheer, if you don’t want to condense the milk or want to use skimmed milk.

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

41

POSTCARD

42

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

43

FORT & PALACES

SIROHI FORT

Sirohi Fort

The Fort With History Mystery And Ingenuity ď&#x201A;&#x2DC; NAFEESA

M

coronation umbrella The latter is an engineering marvel in the style of the shaking minarets of Ahmadabad. With a beautiful and decorated heavy umbrella on the top on four pillars made of stone. The full structure is exposed to the elements and on any stormy day the entire contraption sways sideways.

After coming out from there as one proceeds to the kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chamber

ount Abu was the capital of Deora Chauhans before they shifted to Sirohi, where stands the Sirohi Fort, the fort of History, Mystery and Ingenuity, which could not be occupied by any enemy ever except for more than a few hours ever once. There is a blood stain not washed yet after six hundred years, then there is the history of burying the queen alive for her treason and then are eco-commitments and engineering marvels!

In present context the most innovative, useful and extremely necessary structure in the fort would be the water harvesting system. It is commendable that even after six hundred years back the rulers had so very judiciously thought of water harvesting. The catchment area of eth 16. Which major state among Jaipur, Jodhpur, tank is such Bikaner, Udaipur, Kota in Rajasthan do not have its that with palace or house in Rajasthan and why? the very See Answer on Page 57 first few showers the tank gets full and could preserve water for few years without ever getting polluted or infected.

From there one step into the sanctum sanctorum of the in-palace temple is the

44

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

one has to cross a small bridge. It is an engineering wonder.

It is not made of any cantilever or with the help of any stell beam. It probably is the only one of its kind in the world.

Once one reaches at the gate of the door of the bedchamber of the king there is one covered landing or a platform.

In the center there is an irregular blood stain. It is of the commander whom Sher Shah Suri had sent to assassin the king, but in turn he got killed himself and the stain of his blood is still there for nearly six hundred years.

No one can explain the phenomenon. Years back, the floor was ripped off and changed but the blood stain returned there pronto, to remain there till date In the bedroom there are small glass paned niches to light candles at night but with 17. Among the Sirohi kings who was the greatest a difference. builder in Mount Abu? Any candle or an oil lamp is See Answer on Page 57 placed from outside in the niche so that there is no smoke in the chamber and one has not entered the chamber to place it in a curved tunnel.

Finally the ingenuity of the master builders is further exhibited in the location and the construction of the kitchen.

It is so situated that not a whiff of the smell of the going on in the kitchen could be caught by any one till the food was served on the dining.

Facilities * Well appointed AC rooms * Banquet / Conference hall * Multicusine Veg. Restaurant * 24 Hrs. Room Service * 24 x 7 Power backup * Satelite LCD TV * Major credit cards accepted * Safe deposit vaults * Laundry service * Travel desk * Doctor on call * Car parking

46 Air Conditioned Rooms

Lawns for Royal Weddings

Water Park

Choice of different type of lawns for Royal Weddings, Corporate events, Birthday Parties and Sangeet functions for upto 3000 people. Well equipped with sound, light, decoration, seating, dinner and all other modern aminities. Full space for parking. Alternate power supply system for uninterrupted power.

Rooms having spacious bed and a breathtaking view of the Landscaped Garden.

The one and only Water Park & Amusement Park in Western Rajsathan

Garden Restaurant

Conference / Banquet Hall

Dinning in an Outdoor setting with an uninteruppted view of the Pool and Garden

Opp. Filter House, Chopasni Road, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) Mobile: 98290-27775, 98290-27795 E-mail: funworldjodhpur@gmail.com Website: www.funworldjodhpur.co.in

Specially desinged hall with siting capacity of 30-150 people for corporate & social gatherings and meetings.

ART & CULTURE

Grasiyas Repertory Of

Tradition ď&#x201A;&#x2DC; RTGD

I

t is Buddha Poornima and the Grasiyas keep their date with the world famous Love Lake, Nakki Lake, both for revelry and to remember their departed souls, in whose memory they consecrate flowers, sweets and even their nails! The last is also a reason for the naming of the lake â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nakki (nails).

Rather little is mentioned about these lovely, loveable, affable tribal in the books of history. Paragraphs in history books tell us they have royal dependence after the attack of Allaudin Khilji on Jalore. Presently these vibrant folks are found in the Araveli ranges of Sirohi, 18. Who inaugurated the present Nakki Lake Udaipur and are spread over circular road and when was it made? in Banakantha and Panchmal districts of Gujarat.

See Answer on Page 57 They are also found in places in Dungarpur and Banswara districts of Rajasthan.

Generally Grasiyas dwellings are found on hill slopes near waterfalls and some land for cultivation. The houses have an open verandah and a room covered with roof made of earthen tiles backed in fire. Under these tiles they use Dhav wood and bamboo to retain these tiles. Grasiyas usually own two bullocks, a cow and goats.

They are rather joyous and proud souls with plenty of

46

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

music and dance for all occasions. They enjoy their life with the norms set by their society. Being of colourful disposition both men and women don colourful raiment.

They are envy of any haute couture so much so that during the Buddha Poornima fair at Mount Abu in the months of April- May many a European designer come to mingle with them and copy their vibrant fashion for their fashion seasons. Their silver jewelry is envy of all fashion aficionados. Intricately designed with delicate filigree motifs they enjoy millions jealous ocular admiration!

Grasiyas women love to get their body tattooed. The motifs for tattoo are like flowers, leaves, birds and even their names. It is often found on their tender and delicate parts of their bodies like the eyebrows, neck and hands.

Trendier belles get artificial moles on their cheeks and chin. Few men who are dandy too indulge in the exercise of tattooing.

These musical souls are full of music and dance and on drop of a hat they do not bat an eyelid and go into festive celebration. In Mount Abu they feel on the top of the world when they come to the world famous Love Lake

Nakki to pay obeisance to their departed souls whom they consecrate their nails during the period of Buddha Poornima. It is to be seen to be believed. They come in thousands to Mount Abu in buses, truck loads and tractors. For the two days they are everywhere in Mount Abu be it the Polo Ground, Nakki Lake or the Delwara Temple area. Festivity is in every nook and corner, on hill and dale. The riot of colours and floating earthy music is like a heavenly fiesta where it seems that fairies and angels have descended in the lap of the abode of Gods called Mount Abu!

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

47

OUR PRIDE

REVIVAL AT MOUONT ABU  ARUN SHARMA

“L

et other people play at other things. The king of games is still the game of kings”!

This verse is inscribed on a stone tablet next to Polo Ground at Gilgit, North of Kashmir, near the fabled silk route from China to the West. In one sentence it epitomizes the feelings of innumerable Polo players today.

Polo arguably is one of the most complex games in the world. The precise origin of Polo is obscure and undocumented but there is ample game’s place in the history of Asia. No one does know where and when the stick first met the ball after the horse was domesticated by the ancient Iranian tribes of Central Asia, before their migration to Iranian plateau. However, many scholars believe that Polo originated among the Iranian tribes sometime before Darius the great (521 B. C. TO 485 B.C.) and his cavalry forged the second Iranian Empire, the Achaemenid dynasty. Certainly it is Persian literature and art that gives us the richest account of Polo in antiquity. The first recorded Polo match accord in roughly 600 B. C. between the Turkomans and Persian with victory going to Turkomans.

Furdwosi, the most celebrated of the Iranian poet-historian, gives a number of later accounts of royal Polo tournaments in the 9th century epic, Shanameh (the Epic of Kings). Furdowsi romanticizes an inter-

48

For more than 20 centuries Polo remained a favorite of rulers of Asia, who played the game or were its patron national match between Turanina forces and the followers of Siyacvash, a legendary Persian prince from the earliest centuries of the Empire. Fedowsi also tells of Emperor Sacpour – II of Sasanian dynasty of the 14th Century A. D. who learned to play Polo when he was only seven years old. Polo was also popular among other nations, including China, where it was the Royal pastime for many centuries. The Chinese most probably learned it from the Iranian nobles who sought refuge in Chinese courts after the invasion of Iranian empire by the Arabs, or

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

by some Indian tribes who were taught by Iranians. The Polo stick appears on Chinese royal coats of arms and the game was part of the court life in the golden age of Chinese classical culture under Minghuang, the radiant Emperor, who was an enthusiastic patron of equestrian activities.

For more than 20 centuries Polo remained a favourite of rulers of Asia, who played the game or were its patrons. Interestingly their queens too played the game as did the nobility and the mounted warriors.

Polo reached the West via Manipur, a Northeastern State in India. The Guinness Book of Records in its 1991 edition (page 288) traces the origin of the game to Manipur, circa 3100 B. C. where it was known as Sagol Kangjei. According to historical accounts, one British government official stained in Manipur during the late 19th century wrote an account of the sport, and thus its popularity spread.

The 10th Hussars at Aldershot, Hants, introduced Polo to England. The game’s governing body in the UK is The Hurlingham Polo Association, which drew up the first set of formal British rules in 1874, many of which are still in existence.

The sport became popular amongst European nobility, but during the early 20th century, under the leadership of Harry Payne Whitney, Polo changed to become a high speed sport in the USA. Whitney and

his teammates used the fast break, sending long passes downfield to riders who had broken away from the pack at a full gallop.

Polo is now an active sport in 77 countries, and although its tenure as an Olympic sport was limited to 1900 to 1939, in 1998 the International Olympic Committee recognized it as a sport with a benefited international governing body, the Federation of International Polo.

Polo is, however, played professionally in only a few countries notably Argentina, back the glory of Polo to Mount Abu back England, Pakistan, India, and the United to the Trevor Oval, the Polo Ground made States. Polo is unique among team sport in that mature players, often the team patrons, for the game in 1894 by Colonel Trevor and Highness Maharajdhiraj Maharao Kesri Singroutinely play alongside of the sport’s top hji Sahib, with financial assistance from the professionals.

King of Jaipur State. The dogged Polophils Argentina dominates the professional of Mount Abu left no stone unturned to sport. Its Polo team has been the uninterbring back Polo to Mount Abu after a void of rupted world champion since 1949. It is today the source of the world’s 10 goals (i.e. the top rated) players. It is also the 19. When the present metal road from Abu Road to Mount Abu was was constructed? source of the Raza Polo Argentino, the only purpose bread Polo pony in general See Answer on Page 57 international demand. In the world of Polo, Argentina’s Heguy family are to Polo what 75 long years. the Barrymore family is to acting.

It goes to the grit of Dr. A. K. Sharma Polo came to Mount Abu in 1894 and for no known reason suddenly stopped in 1932, an activist, poet, physician and MK Sirohi Shri Daivat Singhji Sahib who persistently only to be revived in 2006. The credit for pursued to bring back the game to Mount the miraculous revival goes to the grit and Abu. They began their spade work in 2003 dedication of few handful of denizens of on 27th May. Helped by none other than His Mount Abu who doggedly decided to bring

Highness of Jodhpur and His Highness of Sirohi the two could get help from the then Army Chief of India General J. J. Singh and Lieutenant General Aditya Singh who facilitated to provide army help to make much abused Trevor Oval worthy of Polo again. The Indian army graders and their soldiers working day in day out made the ground ready for the first ever game after 75 years of absence on April 10, 2006. It is praiseworthy to mention that the local administration under the guidance of the then Sub Divisional Magistrate Mr. Kishna Kunal and his leader the Divisional Commissioner of Jodhpur, Mr. B. L. Arya extended all logistic help to make the dream of Polophils in Mount Abu come true, making it the 18th Polo site in India.

The revival soon became talk of Polo circuit in India, so much so that even Mr. Bangur from Kolkata too participated in the event.

The red letter day of the grand revival came in 2008 when the then Chef Minister of Rajasthan Smt. Vasundhara Rajeji herself came to roll the ball out! In her exuberant passionate pledge she assured to make Mount Abu Polo one of the most favoured Polo events in India. Incidentally, after that the train of events moved so very fast and inimically that once again Polo went into slumber. It seems its days of return have arrived with the Polophil Chief Minister steadfastly in saddle in Rajasthan again.

UPCOMING EVENTS

20. What was the old name of the road from Abu Road to Mount Abu? See Answer on Page 57

21.To which Peeth the temple of Adhar Devi belongs to?

See Answer on Page 57

Hanumangarh

Bikaner Alwar Bharatpur Jaisalmer

Nagaur

Jaipur

Jodhpur

Kota

Udaipur

Teej Fair, Jaipur

2-3 August

Nagaur Fair(Ramdeoji Cattle Fair) 10-13 February

Kajli Teej, Bundi

15-16 August

Desert Festival, Jaisalmer

16-18 February

Dussehra Festival, Kota

4-6 October

Baneshwar Fair, Hanumangarh

14-18 February

Matasya Festival, Alwar

4-5 October

Jaipur Art Festival

19-23 March

Marwar Festival, Jodhpur

10-11 October

Keladevi Fair, Karauli

31 March

Pushkar Fair, Ajmer

2-10 November

Gangaur Fair, Jaipur

6-7 April

Chandrabhaga Fair, Jhalawar

9-11 November

Mewar Festival, Udaipur

6-8 April

Winter Festival, Mount Abu

29-31 December

Mahaveerji Fair, Mahaveerji

12-18 April

Camel Festival, Bikaner

18-19 January

Summer Festival, Mount Abu

15-17 May

Brij Festival, Bharatpur

02-04 February

50

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

THE BIZARRE

CAFÉ SHIKIBO

The Purity Of Innocence

It originated in Japan (the purity of innocence) , was tugged away in some remote corner of Africa only to go in oblivion after 1972, when briefly it surfaced in Mount Abu finally to resurrects in its present avatar – CAFÉ SHIKIBO in 2012! Right from its arrival in 2012 it has awed one and all!  RTGD

I

t originated in Japan (the purity of innocence), was tucked away in some remote corner of Africa only to go in to oblivion after 1972, when briefly it surfaced in Mount Abu finally to resurrects in its present avatar – CAFÉ SHIKIBO in 2012! Right from its arrival in 2012 it has awed one and all!

There is a litany of paeans sung in equal measure by innumerable both domestic and overseas admirers who have lazily sipped authentic European coffee in the cozy cool comforts of stimulating heady coffee aroma with protean hues – auburn, brunette, brown, chocolate, russet, tan etc! Strategically placed in down town where wanderlust takes the feet of the children of Hermes to sun set and back and to all the oniomenic indulgence at the banks of the Love Lake Nakki, Café Shikibo is the only chair to give rest to the tired legs and fatigued mind invigorated with true steaming caffeine punch.

Discerning connoisseurs of coffee concoctions round the globe find this coffee corner most coffeesquely cozy. Vik and Prash the brother-duo

finds it their religious responsibility to keep up to the benchmark paradigm that their valued guests have come to patronize! As a token of their gratitude for the patronization the brother-duo heartily welcomes them to laze out in the precincts of the café even though they may not order anything!

The brother-duo is always there to see that the sterling quality they

have promised to themselves reaches the guest sans any ado! It is breathtaking to know that they brew their freshly grounded coffee beans in mineral water and if guest’s preference is cold coffee then the ice in it is made from mineral water! Some sanitized hygiene we must agree!

As it has free WiFi for anyone who would love to stroll in, it speaks volume for Shikibo bonhomie! To make it all the more entrancing, it follows a gospel that the brother-duo calls BBC – indeed no relation of the British Broadcasting machinery! It is the abbreviation for Bikes, Books and Coffee! Drowned in the heady aroma of coffee a visitor could warmly saunter in and browse through books in the shelf or fulfill the craving for bikes in the hovering hint of coffee aroma!

Albeit it is a café but Shikibo thinks also of those who prefer the Chinese ambrosia, the ubiquitous Tea, served with the same qualitative hygiene of mineral water with or without quality sandwiches! A surprise offering of Shikibo is the one and only the Orange Coffee! You have an open invite!

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

51

GUIDE COLUMN

The Guiding Star

As a tourist guide he is among the best who has guided the most discerning visitors to Mount Abu, like the the British High Commissioner the Ambassador of European Union in India, Chief Justices of High Courts etc and many other important guests. He has an in depth knowledge of intricate history, mythology, and environmental richness of Mount Abu and neighbouring destinations.

Dalpat Singh Rathore (DSR) is rather candid in his tête-à-tête with Rajasthan The Golden Desert (RTGD) on his vocation and the various challenges he faces on his day-to-day work as a guide.  NAFEESA

RTGD – The usual stock question – what prompted you to take up the profession of a tourist guide?

Dalpat Singh Rathore – My father died early when I was in college. My subject had history as a major preference. The death of my father prompted me to take up job early and history as a preferred subject attracted me to become a tourist guide.

RTGD – Have you undergone through any special training or a course to pursue this career?

DSR - Indeed, I have. The course for the training was conducted by the department of Tourism Government of Rajasthan.

Personal Details Name

Dalpat Singh Rathore Age 33 years

RTGD – Do you think the administration and the department of tourism are concerned about it?

Home Town & Working Place Mount Abu

DSR – Indeed they are but the malady is national and right from the Governments to the denizens of the nation all are responsible for the inimical tourist atmosphere in our nation, why talk only of Mount Abu.

Achievements Guided His Excellency the British High Commissioner Sir Michael Arthur KCMG; Ambassador & Head of Delegation European Union to India, Mr. Michel Caillouet and many others with testimonial satisfactio

RTGD – How many languages can you converse in?

DSR – Two – English and Hindi.

RTGD – Which countries do most of the tourists come from?

DSR – Mostly from Germany followed by France, Italy, Spain and Holland. We do have visitors from New Zealand too.

RTGD – Do you think the tourists are satisfied with the available facilities over here.

DSR – In a way you could say the bag packers are but not the discerning ones.

RTGD – Why so?

DSR – Their biggest problem is same which is across the nation – poor infrastructure! Traveler means one who travels. It is the basic contemporary travel facilities that are glaringly wanting. We are not talking only of air travel.

Even the train travel, the road travel is neither comfortable nor punctual, on

52

the contrary they seem to be hostile.

More so, there is no travel friendly travel desk here at Mount Abu where a traveler could comfortably book onward journeys with certainty.

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

RTGD – What remedy do you suggest for this malady?

DSR – It is not for an ordinary guide like me to suggest something or the other.

Most is known to all related to tourism industry (if we could call it so). A commando operation is needed on war footing to attend to at the least the well known problems know to all us. It is time to act and stop talking and perpetually enumerating them.

RTGD – What about the problem of LAPKAS here at Mount Abu”

DSR - I do not think I could opine on it.

There was a time when action was taken but then the Honorable High Court decided otherwise and they are there.

RTGD – Any memorable experience so far with any guest or group?

DSR - There was this lady from France Ms. Marta. A very compassionate soul, she had come as a volunteer in the local Blind Centre. I am also associated with an NGO working for the education of girls. Ms. Marta was rather concern to help my NGO –“NAAD” Reform Movement.

HERITAGE PRIDE

KESAR BHAWAN PALACE

An Eco-friendly Heritage Hotel

K

esar Bhawan Palace was built in 1868 A.D. by His Highness Maharajadhiraj Maharao Umed Singhji Saheb Bahadur of Sirohi. The present owner Maharaj Daivat Singh of Sirohi is an avid environmentalist, preservationist and conservationist. His ancestor Maharao Lumbha conquered the hill of Abu in the year 1311 A.D. This proves their commitment to conserve

natural resources and promote sustainable tourism. The trees over 100 years old in the precincts of this natural heaven are not only the proof of the same but are the pride of the royal property.

The palace has a picturesque position perched atop a hillock with a panoramic view both of the hospitable town and of the hills and valley with rich in flora and fauna. It is so

Brochure/ Catalogs / Packing items/ Menu Card / Calandars/ Planners / Books/ Magazine / Promotional items / Business Stationery / Poster/ Flyer/ Stickers Greeting- Wedding Cards

very conveniently placed in the lap of the oldest mountain ranges in the world that it is a stone throw both from the lake and the downtown, gifting the best to oniomania and the wanderlust. The guest list till date lauds the Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Who from the world of the royals, both from India and Europe, who have savoured and certified the hospitality of this Ecofriendly Heritage Hotel!

Graphic Design GET

PRINT

IN ILE JUST * Minutes

READY F

30

WBSITE DESIGN

BOOK PUBLICATION

/ Carry Bags/ Emailer / Logo / Website / Packaging Items ... endless!!!

Creativity...endless!!

24x7 Online Graphic Design Studio

9269136780

42-43, Jas Tower, Commercial Area, 2nd Pulia, Chopasni Road, Jodhpur Tel.: 0291-6050005-09, E-mail: info@crestgraphics.in www.crestgraphics.in

OFFBEAT

POSTCARD

Nandi

The Achleshwar temple is famous for containing a Nandi which is said to be made of 5 metals, fold, silver, copper, brass and zinc. The Nandi is made up of Panchadhattu and weighs more than 4 tonnes.

54

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

TRAVEL GADGET

MICROSOFT DEVICES LAUNCHES

LUMIA 630

An uncompromised smartphone experience on the Lumia 630 Dual SIM offering an affordable, faster way to stay connected  MAAHIR KHAN

M

icrosoft Devices launched the much awaited Lumia 630 with the latest Windows Phone 8.1. The first ever Dual SIM Lumia smartphone with quad-core processing and a ClearBlack 4.5” LCD screen, it will be available in stores now at a best buy price of INR 11500/-. The Lumia 630 will also be available in a single SIM variant, starting last week of May 2014, priced at 10500/-.

Speaking at the launch, P. Balaji, Managing Director, Nokia India(A Subsidiary of Microsoft Mobiles Oy) said, “With our Lumia range, we have been successful at showcasing innovation across our flagship devices and then scaling it to more affordable price points. Today, with the Lumia 630, we are introducing people to the best of Lumia and the best of Microsoft, combined with our Smart Dual SIM innovation. We believe the Lumia 630 Dual SIM is undoubtedly the best smartphone in its price range. It builds on the success of Lumia 520 and 525 and will consolidate our position in the fast growing affordable smartphone segment further.”

The Smart Dual SIM innovation offers the best dual SIM experience

on a smartphone across price points. Two separate phone and messagInstagram. ing tiles in different colours keeps calls, contacts, messages and calen“With high-end technologies and apps, a seamless Windows Phone 8.1 dars of each SIM separate – helping avoid confusion between the two. experience, signature Lumia design and a unique dual SIM capability that One can also link both phone tiles into one and/or link both messaging lets people connect on their terms, tiles into one. we think the Lumia 630 A quad22.What are the longitude and latitude of Mount Dual SIM is core SnapAbu? unbeatable in dragon its range,said processor See Answer on Page 57 Raghuvesh delivers fast, Sarup, Direcuncompromised social experiences with Word tor-Sales, Nokia India (A Subsidiary of Flow, Internet Explorer and social Microsoft Mobiles Oy). apps like WhatsApp, WeChat and A special package for Indian consumers:

The new Lumia 630 will come preloaded with premium video app Box TV offering sitcoms, Hollywood, and Bollywood content, free of cost for 2 months, free eBooks worth Rs. 2000 on Flipkart, six free games by Gamesloft for gaming enthusiasts and the NexGTv app for cricket fans, allowing them to live streaming all the IPL action for free. Music fanatics will be able to get their hands on Coloud Pop headgear at a 50% discount. All Vodafone subscribers can also enjoy 1GB of 3G data per month for a period of 2 months on the Lumia 630.

Advertise with Rajasthan’ Only Travel & Tourism Magazine and get quick and maximum response The Gol den D esert (Rajasthan’s First Hotel & Tourism Monthly Magazine)

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

55

HOTEL DIRECTORY

MOUNT ABU HOTEL DIRECTORY NAME OF HOTEL

ADDRESS

CONTACT NOS.

EMAIL

Akashdeep

Opposite Pologround

(91-2974-238670)

akashdeep_abu@sancharnet.in

Aradhana

St.Mary's Road, Distt Sirohi

(91-9829827755)(91-2974-237227)

Aradhana

St Maries Road, Old Check Post

(91-2974-237009)(91-2974-237227)

daljit_juneja@yahoo.co.uk hotelaradhana@gmail.com

Aranya Village Hill Resort

Neelkanth Road, Dhundhai Village, Mount Abu - 307501

(91-9414151504)(91-02974-238572)

aranyavillage@gmail.com

Chacha Inn

Chacha Inn Main Road

(91-2974-235374)(91-2974-238624)

info@chachainnhotel.com

Chanakya Hotel

Near Taxi Stand, Opp.Polo Ground

(91-02974-235438)

hotelchanakya@gmail.com

Cama Rajputana Club Resort

Adhar Devi Road

Connaught House

Rajendra Marg

(91-02974-238560)(91-02974-238900)

H.G. Grandiose Hotel

Near Gurdwara, Opp. Pologround

(91-02974-235536)(91-02974-238621)

holidays@welcomheritagehotels.com mail@hggrandiose.com

Hillock

P.O. Box No 40

(91-2974-238463)(91-2974-238467)

hillock@sancharnet.in

Hilltone

Main Road, Opposite Bus Stand

(91-02974-238391)(91-02974-238395)

reservations@hotelhilltone.com

Hotel Shikhar

Near Petrol Pump

Jaipur House

Near Nakki Lake, District Sirohi

(91-011-41659622)(91-011-41514121)

delhi@palacesofindia.com

Kesar Bhawan Palace

Sunset Road

(91-2974-235219)(91-2974-238601)

kesarpalacemtabu@yahoo.co.in

Lake Palace Hotel

Opposite Nakki Lake

Maganjis (Veg Hotel)

Mount Road

(91-02974-238667)(91-02974-237377)

maganjis@yahoo.co.in

Maharaja

Taxi Stand, Opp. Polo Ground

(91-02974-235161)(91-02974-238627)

vikas_agarwal4@rediffmail.com

Mount Regency Hotel

Near Petrol Pump

Palace Hotel

Bikaner House, Delwara Road

(91-02974-235121)(91-02974-238674)

Palanpur Palace

Delwara Road

(91-079-66615955)

bikhouse@sancharnet.in imrankhanrao@yahoo.com

Ranjana’s Hotel

Near Polo Ground Sunset Road,

Ratan Villas

44 Oriya, Mount Abu

Rising Sun Retreat

Near Old Municipal Check Post

(91-02974-238142)(91-02974-235483)

Samrat International

Near Taxi Stand, Opposite Polo Ground, Distt. Sirohi, Mount Abu - 307501

(91-02974-238453)(91-02974-235173)

Saraswati (Veg Hotel)

Opp.Taxi Stand

(91-941453587)(91-02974-237377)

Savera Palace

Sunset Road

(91-02692-252870)(91-02692-269359)

Shri Ganesh Hotel

Adjoining Sophia School

SRP Group - RDP Dharamshala

Near Petrol Pump

Sunrise Palace

Bharatpur Kothi

(91-02974-235573)(91-02974-238775)

Sunset Inn

Sunset Road

(91-02974-238879)(91-02974-235515)

sunrise11@sancharnet.in info@sunsetinnabu.com

Swagat Hotel

Rajendra Marg Near Taxi Stand

Udai Garh

Rajendra Marg, Near Polo Ground Taxi Stand

(91-02974-237018)(91-02974-238704)

info@udaigarh.com

Vinayak

Near Old Check Post

(91-2974-238477)

Vishram

Near Petrol Pump

(91-2974-237323)(91-2974-238900)

mukulabu@rediffmail.com sanjay_vishram@yahoo.com

SRP INN GROUP: Raghunathdas Parihar Dharamshala

56

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

info@risingsunretreat.com r.manager@hotelsamratinternational. com maganjis@yahoo.co.in bookings@savshantihotels.com

(The premier travel and tourism magazine for Rajasthan) Contents: Travel News International History Of Rajasthan Destination of the month

Watch 250 accomplished artists across the world painting and playing with colours. Demonstrations will take place in 32 artforms. " Painted Pleasures" An Art Exhibition of the artworks made in the Festival will be showcased from 22nd to 25th March. Art Seminars, Films and Presentations will be held.

Photography Contest in two categories- Amateurs and Professtional.

The theme is " Life in Pink City'' and " Jaipur Art Festival 2014" For further details log on to www.jaipurartfestival.org

The premiere travel and tourism magazine for Rajasthan

Travel News Domestic

DECEMBER-JANUARY 2014 | ` 150

The premiere travel and tourism magazine for Rajasthan

Recommended Hotel Event Time

Ram Pratap Singh

Film Location

Secretary, Jaipur Art Festival Mobile: +91 9414060552 Email: jaipurartfestival@gmail.com

Kiran Soni Gupta

Investment Senario

Curator, Jaipur Art Festival Mobile: +91 9414129333 Email: kiran.soni.gupta@gmail.com

www.jaipurartfestival.org www.kiransoniart.com

Taste of Chef

vOLUME 1 | ISSUE 4 | DEC - JAN 2014 | ` 150

Celebrity Interview

REGN: RAJENG/2013/50996

Perfect Places

22

Interview Jitendra Singh He foster the Jaisalmer for the future....

12

DOTM

28

Recommended Hotel

37

Dare to fly high

Jaisalmer The Golden Salute

Suryagarh - The gateway of Thar Desert

The adventure of Paragliding in Desert....

Guide Interview Hotel Directory Art, Culture & Tradion & many more....

For Advertisement, visit www.rtgd.in or call + 91 9004586464, 9269136780

For further inquiry : editor@rtgd.in

Answers of the questions 1. Kamdhenu 2.

Dharmraj Yudhister 3.

Rbindronath Tagore 4.

1311 A. D. 5.

Rana Kumbha the greates bulder of forts of

his time who also built Kumbhalgarh Fort.

6.

Maharao Surtran 7.

Sher Gaon 8. 1823 9.

Gothian Golf Club 1850 10. 1893 April to June.

11. Shyanmji Krishna Verma a revolutionary

Kutchhi lawyer.

12. Raja Ajit Singh of Khetri.

13. Present Sophia School 14. 1894 15. Kesar Bhavan Palace 1868.

16. Udaipur. They wanted their flag over their

palace which was refused so they did not con

struct their palace. If it had been that it would

have been at Bharat Mata Sthal.

17. Maharo Kesari Singhji.

18. Dr. C. V. Raman 1954.

19. 1917.

20. Old Cart Road.

21. 1967.

22. Katyani Peeth.

FLIGHT SHEDULE

Departure (Delhi)

Airlines

Days

Arrival

Flight Num

(Jaipur) 07:00

Spicejet

Daily

08:00

SG133

07:05

JetKonnect

Daily

08:05

9W2249

10:25

JetKonnect

Daily

11:30

9W2251

12:00

Air India

Daily

12:50

AI612

15:30

Jetair

Sun

16:15

9W2625

18:40

Jetair

Daily Ex Sun

19:40

9W2625

Airlines

Days

Arrival

Flight Num

Departure (Mumbai)

(Jaipur) 05:40

Indigo

Daily

07:15

6E207

05:45

Jetair

Daily

07:30

9W2055

09:00

Air India

Daily

10:40

AI611

11:20

Indigo

Daily

13:00

6E296

14:55

Go Air

Daily

16:35

G8391

18:10

Spicejet

Daily

20:10

SG218

19:15

Jetair

Daily

20:50

9W2053

20:10

Indigo

Daily

21:50

6E217

Airlines

Days

Arrival

Flight Num

Departure (Bangalore)

(Jaipur) 11:00

Indigo

Daily

13:25

6E441

12:20

Go Air

Tue

16:35

G8391

12:40

Go Air

Daily Ex Tue

16:35

G8391

18:15

Go Air

Daily

21:45

6E152

(Chennai)

Airlines

Days

Arrival

Flight Num

07:10

Spicejet

Sun

11:10

SG912

07:10

Spicejet

Daily Ex Sun

12:35

SG912

14:05

Indigo

Daily Ex Tue/Sat

18:15

6E237

(Hyderabad)

Airlines

Days

Arrival

Flight Num

(Jaipur)

Flight Num

Departure (Jaipur)

Departure (Jaipur)

08:50

Spicejet

Daily Ex Sun

12:35

SG912

09:10

Spicejet

Sun

11:10

SG912

19:50

Indigo

Daily

21:45

6E152

Airlines

Days

Arrival

Flight Num

Departure (Kolkata)

(Jaipur) 05:30

Indigo

Sun

07:40

6E238

07:55

Indigo

Daily Ex Sun

09:35

6E238

14:40

Indigo

Daily

16:55

6E208

*Please confirm final schedule with the respective airlines

Jai Garh Fort

58

APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

Package Tours Rajasthan Tours (4 Nights / 5 Days) Day 1: Pick up at Jodhpur railway station and transferred to hotel. Soon after we climb up the Majestic Mehrangarh Fort. you also visits the Jaswant Thada, Ummaid Bhawan, Clock Tower and Markets. Overnight at Jodhpur. Day 2: En route to Udaipur you visits Jain Temples of Ranakpur. Day 3: For the day you will be visit the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Bagore ki Haveli, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal & Shilp Gram. Overnight at Udaipur. Day 4: After Breakfast continue to Mount Abu – one and only hill station of Rajasthan. For more information call: 9414337038 E-mail: Email: mail @ aamantrantours.com

Super Saver Kashmir with Air (4 Nights / 5 Days) Visit Pari Mahal, Chashma Shahi Garden and Shankaracharya Temple. Discover the Awantipura Ruins, an 1100 year old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu Visit Chandanwari and Betaab Valley Visit Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh Excursion to Gulmarg. For more details visit : http://www.coxandkings.com/

Beaches of Goa (6 Nights / 7 Days) After a day-full of sea beaches and sands add charm to the nightlife in Mumbai. The package also takes care of a not-to-forget “Mumbai”, the Bollywood, the place of Indian Robin hoods, an intoxicating cosmopolitan city. And if you still need reasons to select it, Mumbai would come before Goa, in this package. For more details, call +91 98110 16868 or visit http://www.topindiatour.com/

Turkish Delight With Greece (10 Nights / 11 Days / ) Immersed in an exotic culture and transfixed by historical intrigue, journey through the land of Gods, Emperors, Kings and Sultans to discover ancient kingdoms basking beneath the Mediterranean sun on Turkish Delight tour. Visit fascinating Cappadocia, with its amazing natural ampitheatre and ancient underground cities. See the astonishing natural wonder of Pamukkale; terraced rock slopes are filled with natural basins of crystal-white hot springs. For more details please visit: http://www.coxandkings.com

Blissful Kashmir 2014 - (3 Nights / 4 Days / ) Accommodation on Twin Sharing / MAP Basis. AC Innova for Arr & Dep transfer from Apt to HB or Htl & Vice Versa. Half Day sightseeing tour of Mughal Gardens & Shankeracherya Temple. Porterage on Arr / Dep at Airport / Hotel etc, Entrance Fee at Mughal Gardens 02 Hours Shikara Ride on Dal Lake. For more details visit: http://www.sotc.in or call 1800 209 3344 * For all above tour packages, please call respective tour operators. RTGD is not responsible for any commitment.

For details, contact:

+91 9269136780 or email: ads@rtgd.in APR - MAY 2014 RAJASTHAN THE GOLDEN DESERT

59

The premiere travel and tourism magazine for Rajasthan

Fine

Family

Dining

HOTEL HILLTONE MOUNT ABU

* Prior reservations recommended.

Phone: 02974-238391-1-2-3 | www.hotelhilltone.com

vOLUME 1 | ISSUE 5 | April-May 2014 | ` 150

Indian Oriental Popular world cuisine Sumptuous buffet breakfast