Random musings from Journeys in my Homeland of Kashmir. In this one we talk about the exquisite Wooden Ceiling Patterns created by the Kashmiri art of Khatamband. We also talk about the regal Residency Building in Kashmir which was once housed the British resident in the State of Jammu and Kashmir and which now serves as a Government Arts Emporium.
The Keeper of Buddha's Bones
The story of the Kanishka’s Casket which was said to contain the Bone Relics of the Buddha himself. The Role Kanishka played in the spread of Buddhism. And how it was discovered in the early 1900s and how its “lost” again.
The Consulate at Chini Bagh
The story of Chinni Bagh, which at once upon a time was the Consulate of the British Empire in Kashgar to facilitate the Trade between India and Central Asia and also keeping a watch on the Russians during the Great Game.
The Uighur Hajis
These were also adventurers but there adventure was in the name of God. The Uighur Hajis who traveled the Leh Yarkand Route only to proceed further into mainland India and then across the Arabian Sea to do the Haj Pilgrimage.
Around the Hari Parbat Hill
The Fort of Hari Parbat or the Koh-E-Miraan dominates the skyline of old Srinagar. The Fort was built by the Afghan Durranis who ruled the region at one point of time and has stood witness to the vagaries of time in Kashmir. Many places of historical / religious lay dotted around the Hill.
Central Asian Arts at the Shanghai Museum
The Central Asian Collection at the Shanghai Museum. At the Minorities section of the Museum on display from the Tibetan, Uighur, Kirghiz, Kazakh and other Central Asian people are various Antiques and Arts reflecting the rich culture of these people.
Saddles of the Horse Empires
The Horse and its Saddle were the main means of transport and one of the most important weapons in Warfare especially on the Central Asian steppes. No wonder the Empires built by the Nomads of Asian Steppes including the one built by Mongols under Changez Khan were also known as Horse Empires.
A Visual Journey Through Dachigam National Park
A visual journey through the Dachigam National Park on the outskirts of Srinagar in Kashmir. The Park is the last stronghold of the highly endangered Kashmiri Hangul.
Tibetan Arts and Antiquities at the Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum holds a collection of Tibetan Antiquities and Arts from down the ages in its Minority Ethnic Groups section. Here is a glimpse at some of the Tibetan pieces on display at the Museum.
British Museum Kashmir Collection Part I
The British Museum has a great Collection of Sculptures from Kashmir from the first Millenium AD. We try and highlight some of the selected pieces from the Museums Collection. All Pics and Descriptions are from the British Museum Website (http://www.britishmuseum.org/)
The "Outsider" Kashmiris
The Story of outsiders who came and finally settled in Kashmir. And today are a part of Kashmir like any other Kashmiri.
Thang : India's most Northernly Village
Thang is the last Village before the LOC in the Turtuk Sector. Entry to Thang is restricted and presenting some rare pics from inside the Village.
The Chingus Sarai
The Chingus Sarai or Fort is an old Mughal era Sarai on the Mughal Road which connected Punjab with Kashmir over the Pir Panjals. The word “Chingus’ is derived from the Persian word for “Intestines”. It got this rather unflattering name after the intestines / entrails of one of the Great Mughals, Emperor Jahangir were buried here.
A Place Called Chushul
On the desolate Changthang region of the Tibetan Plateau lies the Village of Chushul. It lies close to the Border with China. And it was here that a Treaty was signed and Ladakh became a part of the Sikh Empire.
Guide to Catch a Snowfall !
Our Guide on How to Catch a Snowfall !
The Newt of Chuharnag
The high Altitude Lake of Chuharnag is a home to various stories and legends. The most endearing one of the Newt of Chuharnag that people used to “kidnap” and hold till the Gods paid them back in the form of Rain.
The Murree Brewery
The Murree Brewery was established in 1860 the fulfill the ever increasing demand of Beer for the British Troops in the British Indian Army. It did roaring business till it was reduced to ruins after being burnt down during the riots in the wake of the partition of the British India.
Buddhist Art from Kashmir at the Metropolitan Museum, New York
Kashmir was at one time one of the great centers of Buddhist learning and it was from Kashmir that Buddhism spread Northwards into Ladakh and Central Asia and subsequently to Tibet and China. The Metropolitan Museum in New York has a fine collection of Kashmiri Buddhist artworks.
The Tiger Leaping Rock
The Tiger Leaping Rock in the middle of the Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is one of the deepest River Gorges in the world in Yunnan, forces the Jinsha or the Upper Yangtze through a narrow channel just a few meters wide. The result of a River which is almost a km wide being forced through a Channel just a few meters wide is indeed spectacular.
The Changthang
The Changthang is a part of the Tibetan Plateau which is located in the Western and North Western part of Tibet and it also includes Eastern Ladakh. Its a forbidding Plateau and is home to a number of Lakes like the Pangong Tso and the Tso Moriri. However it holds a large array of wildlife in its high altitude Wetlands. Its home to the Changpa People who are nomadic herders known to keep the best herd of Pashmina Goats.