India Incredible (II)

Saturday, January 14, 2012

THE climax of the Private Education Retirement Annuity Association’s (PERAA) tour of INDIA was a sunrise visit to the magnificent TAJ MAHAL (UNESCO World Heritage) at AGRA, the ultimate monument to LOVE – built by an emperor in memory of his queen. Construction of the TAJ MAHAL began in 1631, and is believed to have taken 22 years to complete, with over 20,000 craftsmen working around the clock. The design and construction is said to be that of the legendary architect, USTAD AHAMAD LAHORI. Legend has it that once construction was completed, SHAH JAHAN had LAHORI’s hands cut off, and eyes blinded, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. What makes TAJ MAHAL unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, and medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day. After breakfast at the hotel, we drove to JAIPUR (approximately 5 hours drive) and stopped at FATEHPUR SIKRI, the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor AKBAR as his capital. It was a veritable fairy tale city and its ‘ruins’ are still in pristine condition. It is not hard to imagine what the court life must have been like in the days of its grandeur.

An excursion to AMBER FORT is 11 km away from JAIPUR. It is a marvelous example of RAJPUT architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the MAOTA LAKE below. Several tourists go up the fort on the back of a gaily-caparisoned elephant true to the style of the Maharajahs of the past. The interiors of the fort have various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, stunning fusion of colorful mosaics and frescoes, mirror and glasswork complimented by exquisite wall paintings. Moving between the rooms of this magnificent structure, I felt the history and visualized the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered. A city tour brought us to the CITY PALACE MUSEUM where we saw an imposing blend of traditional RAJASTHANI and MUGHAL Art. The museum is resplendent with its robes collection of royal princes, carpets, display of old weapons, and miniature paintings portraying court and battle scenes. Another stop was at the awe-inspiring JANTAR MANTAR – a famous open air observatory built in 1726. Also included is a quick photo-taking of the pink-colored HAWA MAHAL or Palace of Winds – a five-storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. It was built in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu God.

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Back in DELHI, we enjoyed an afternoon of shopping and at the farewell dinner, offered a toast to incredible INDIA!