ALWAR, OUR UNEXPLORED HERITAGE_ PART 1
Alwar, another addition to my collection of under-explored places in India, is simple, quiet, and culturally fashioned, a city that still dwells in the lifestyle of the Past. Also infamously called as 'Tapobhumi' , this city has been a land where lot of Ascetics have devoted their life to the Almighty in search of Truth. If one wants to experience how Simplified and religiously inclined life Indians had in the past, then Alwar is definitely worth visiting. Dwellings dating back to the 18th century, Narrow Roads, Rajputana Architecture, Traditional food, intermingling wildlife with daily routines, this place is packed with experiences for vivid nature.
One strong reason why this place is still having its roots intact is due to its detachment from the urban crowd or Metro cities. Because the population within haven't migrated much and are sustaining themselves through their own micro-economy, therefore true Culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the place are still alive. Although this makes it a little rough for tourists to experience the places within the city as inhabitants have very little idea how to deal with tourists. But if one can counter this problem then Alwar is power-packed with multiple layers of exploration that is definitely going to surprise anyone visiting the place.
Flying Through the Chronicled StepS
The picture beautifully portrays the Layers of Textures that one can witness in Sagar Lake, Alwar. Hybrid Architecture comprising of Rajputana and Mughal Details can be witnessed along with a Holy Water body that is actively used by Locals even today and is an integral part of their daily life. Life is bought in this still picture by the differential flying poses of Pigeons, who through their dynamism, bring in a motion in the still age-old surroundings.
HER MAJESTY AT THE FOOTHILLS
There can be nothing better than a capture that reflects the excellence of competency of old Architects over modern practitioners. There is a vast contrast between the past and the present. The Present feels more saturated, clustered, random and inorganic whereas the past feels more pleasant, ease, colorful and serene. The Past is the one, which celebrated the spirit of Alwar and gives it a distinct Identity than the Present.
Interwoven Textures of Tradition
Lights, Shadows, Textures, Designs and Latticework, a minimal yet powerful composition that portrays Multiple angles of Alwar's Art and Architecture. A Simple wooden louvered Door, Intricate Jaaliwork Openings, Decorative patterns on age-old plaster of walls, intricately designed cornices and Patterns on Balcony make this Photograph a Balanced Composition and a True Patron of the place.
The Fallen Kingdom
Captured at Bala Quila, this fort is at the highest peak of Alwar. One the witness the Glory left behind by Artisans of the forgotten times. The level of detail on the paintings made on the wall and the judicious use of color makes them Awe-inspiring. The Panoramic view of the Aravali Hills in the surroundings, view of Alwar from this Balcony and the fortified walls running around the city's periphery reflects the Grandeur of the Past. However, because of reflectance, carelessness and Insufficient Funds, this fort is falling into pieces. If no necessary action is taken soon, then this fort, just like the buildings around the fort will crumble and we would lose an important chapter of Indian History.
Eternal Miraculous Architecture of Alwar
What you see is the heritage, or no, it is not, at least for the people who still inhabit them. These Buildings are not part of any Museum, or Monument, or any historical complex, but are actually normal dwellings occupied by Middle-class inhabitants of the City. This, as a picture, reflects a story of Culture, Tradition, Nature and Built-ups coming together and portraying its best shades via Powerful reflective Architecture of the Golden times.
An Ascetic in Tapobhumi
A person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices extreme self-denial or self-mortification for religious reasons. a person who leads an austerely simple life, especially one who abstains from the normal pleasures of life or denies himself or herself material satisfaction. A lot of such Sanyaasi could be found in this land of Hermits, where these people come and devotees themselves to the almighty.
Splendor of the great Emperor
This photograph was captured at City Palace in Alwar. Though the pieces of history are crumbling down in Alwar but Elements like these Chattris never fail to reflect the old glory and silently tells teleports you into the Grandeur of the Past. Made entirely out of white Marble, this Chattri once were used by key personals of King during the court meetings. The details of carvings and Texture of paintings within are praiseworthy. In the disintegrating city palace, this is an eye-catcher.
arch FOR A Bold Sacrifice
This beautiful and one of its kind design details that one can witness at Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri hides within itself the sorrowful Story from the Past. It is known as Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri after the king’s mistress, who performed sati here when he died. After the sati, she came to be accepted as the king’s wife. It is an elegant monument, shaped like a flower and built with a blend of brown sandstone and white marble. The first storey is made in sandstone while the upper storey and chhatris (cenotaphs) are made in white marble. Its carved pavilion has domed arches with exquisite floral tracery and patterns. There are intricate designs that shine brilliantly under sunlight.
Gigantic Waves by the Almighty Supreme
And that is another wonder one can witness in Alwar. But unlike others, this one is created by God, not mortals. It feels like someone just freezes the colossal ocean waves and then covered it with a lush green forest. One can witness the scale of these by comparing it with the settlements at the bottom of the capture. I never saw this coming until I reached the Terraces of Bala Quila. The fort has been strategically designed in such a way that either it majorly captures the view of Alwar or else of This Gigantic Creation.
Shadows of Overabundant Intricacy
Indeed, the craftsmen of the past loved the work they practiced and constantly worked for improving it. All they worked was for respect and praise. Continuous, superimposing and intricate details can be seen in the picture, all craft by hand using some basic tool like a chisel. The play of shadows over those infinite details makes it an absolute exquisite.
A perspective into their Past
These Arched openings that one can find on the lower floor of Moosi Rani ki Chhatri reflects the intermingling of Rajputana Culture with Mughals. One can find similar kinds of Arches in Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and other places where Mughals Ruled. The chajja supporting the roof above is distinctive. These curvy elements are unique and are playful with Light. What more one can discover is a Wooden Carved Door that dates back to 1815, when this monument was built.
the crumbling History of Alwar
This photograph was captured from one of the terraces at Bala Quila Fort. It reflects the harsh reality of Alwar. A balanced play of light, shadows and Lines highlights its existing scenario more dominantly.
Just like this beautiful Chhatri, which once reflected the Glory of the place, other so many monuments either have crumbled or are on the verge of crumbling. This place, so gorgeously built, has many monuments of historical value that dates back to 5000 BC, during the time of Mahabharata. However, the unfortunate truth is that these monuments are either crumbling or are getting lost due to negligence, Corruption, Unawareness and Poverty of the Place. This one photograph truly portrays the existential scenario of the place. Just like this chhatri, other monuments too are disintegrating and if no proper action is taken soon, I am afraid that we may lose some important chapters of our history.
