TAUCK TOUR
He had heard Bocahita has a tendency to roam off the reservation and not the best at rule following so he practiced for a few days prior to the tour starting- the WHERE IN THE MONUMENT, TOMB, GARDEN, MUSEUM IS BOCAHITA?
Our Delhi tour guide, Samina, ordered an orange bus for Bocahita as she knew she is a University of Texas grad and very partial to hook'em orange. Samina hoped this would help Bocahita not to get on the wrong bus. So get on the bus Gus and let me give you a little background about Delhi....
The British built New Delhi between 1911 and 1931 to be the showcase of the Empire. On Independence this imperial capital became the official and bureaucratic center of the new Indian nation. It is the capital of India with a population of 16 million folks. The vast urban sprawl of contemporary Delhi includes "Old Delhi" too...go figure. The "New" was built by the Brits the 1930's as their imperial capital. And all the embassies are located here.
Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling hovels and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.
The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand Bardai and Amir Khusro to present days writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today's Delhi.
We check out the picturesque 12th century ruins of citadels built by the first Islamic rulers...oh and there are those shanty towns and slums that dot the outer fringe of the city. Holy men, jean clad young folks- bullock carts travelling along side the latest luxury cars....talk about a contrast. A city of immigrants- as in from India- giving the city a very flavorful distinction.
First Stop FHUMAYUN'S TOMB
Humayun, the second mughjal emperor is buried in this tomb and actuality paved the way for the later built Taj Mahal. Built in 1565 by a Persian architect, it was commissioned by Humayun's senior widow. No Bubs this is not quite what I had in mind for you...something like some dirt at your farm seems more fitting.
Is that a STAR OF DAVID Buddha Bubs? No No No....it is an astrological sign...huh?
Come on Boca, you went up so you can come down...MEHRAULI ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK
QUYH MINAR
Best known for the Quith Minar, a world heritage monument, Mehrauli was built over Rajput territories known as Lal Kot and Quila Rai Pithora. In 1193 Aibak made this the center of the Sultanate of Delhi and by the 13th century a small village. And today a popular retreat for the Delhi folks. We had a Raiders of the Ark visit to the Qutb Complex area, or at least Bubs thought so.Buddah Bubba it's all you...that bike has your name all over it....
and yes it is leaning to the right...kinda like Annie! Yes it's the world's tallest BRICK minaret and the focus of the park. Aibak laid the foundation of the Delhi sultanate by building the Quwwatul-Islam (the might of Islam) Mosque and Qutb Minar to announce the advent of the Muslim sultans.
Bocahita so loved some of the native dress...and I can get that hat where?????
YouLoving the bricks Buddah Bubs and Annie...lots of carvings and embellishments with inscriptions from the Koran.
ok back on the bus to grab lunch but not before more STREET ACTION ...
GYPSY CHILDREN ALONG THE ROAD-
performing for rupees....why aren't they in school? ah Bocahita their parents want them on the street begging for money.
Finally - what I came here for......
GANDHI SMRITI
On Jan 30, 1948, Nathuram Godse assassinated Mahatma Gandhi as he was going to his daily prayer meeting in the the gardens of this house, once the residence of the Birla family. It is now a museum commemorating Gandhi's life and final hours.
The footsteps mark Gandhi's last walk...
The simple sandstone pillar marks the spot...the ambiance here reflects Gandhi's philosophy and lofty political principles and down to earth common sense. The founding of the Indian National Congress in 1885 gave Indians a platform form which to demand freedom from foreign rule. Their ideology was provided by Gandhi, whose message of non-violence and economic self-reliance gave them moral confidence and united casts and communities under a common cause. At first the movement for freedom was ruthlessly suppressed but by the 1930's it became to large for the British to handle. Finally weakened by World War II and under growing international pressure, England granted India formal independence in 1947- yes the year Buddha Bubba was born- let's hear it for 65 years again!
Even Bubs enjoyed the museum but made it quite clear "Gandhi was a socialist, reminds me of our President". Oh Bubs hush up and keep reading.
The bookstore listed all the books Gandhi read and Bubs made it perfectly clear to Bocahita DO NOT BUY ANY BOOKS I HAVE TO LUG AROUND. Mahatma (great spirit) Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915 as a protest against apartheid. He travelled across the subcontinent launching a moral crusade against the colonial rule in a...diaper? Yes Bocahita, all naturally spun as a statement of patriotism and you can buy one for Bubs at the gift shop.
The museum complex is a beautiful tribute to the Father of the Freedom Movement and of this new nation. The last 144 days:
September 9, 1947: Reached Delhi from Kolkata never to leave again, as refugees from West Punjab occupied Harijan Basti, Gandhiji was motored straight to Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti, the national memorial of Mahatma Gandhi) September 10: Visited camp of displaced persons and Jamia Millia; Lady Mountbatten called in. September 11: Visited wounded persons in Irwin Hospital. September 12: Visited camp of displaced persons September 13: Visited camp of displaced persons; disapproved proposal to erect his statue. September 14: Called on Lord Mountbatten September 16: Spoke at exhibition organized by Rastriya Swamsevak Sangh near Balmiki temple; called on Lord Mountbatten and said, “ If Pakistan continues to behave dishonestly war will break out between her and India.” September 17: Lord and Lady Mountbatten called in; visited Kishanganj labour locality; reiterated previous day’s warning. September 18: Discussion with Muslim leaders at Asaf Ali’s residence. He said, “When my work here is finished I shall go to Pakistan.” Reiterated the warning. September 19: Discussion with Hindu leaders September 23: Attended Working Committee meeting of the Indian National Congress September 24: Meeting continued. Jam Sahib came in; health not good September 25: The meeting continued. Called on Lord Mountbatten; rather unwell September 26: “I am opposed to war; but if it is impossible to have justice from Pakistan and if she refuses to see her mistake, war between two countries is inevitable.” September 27: Attended Working Committee meeting of the Indian National Congress September 30: Chinese delegates to UNESCO called in October 1: Attended working committee meeting of October 2: Gandhiji’s birthday. He said, “It is more proper to offer condolences than to offer congatulations; I do not wish to live long.” October 3: He said, “Nobody now listens to what I say.” October 11: Gandhiji’s birthday according to Hindu calendar, he fasted and received a purse from local Gujaratis October 19: Called on Lord Mountbatten; Lord Addison(Commonwealth Minister) and Lady Addison called in. October 25: Offered prayers in jail and planted a mango tree there October 29: Dilip Kumar Roy recited some songs November 1: Horace Alexander called in November 3: Gandhiji spoke in favour of lifting food control. November 8: Lady Mountbatten called in November 11: Attended Working Committee; said Nawab of Junagad had no authority to accede to Pakistan without people’s consent. November 12: Broadcasted message to displaced persons November 20: Visited displaced persons camp in Okhla. Called on Rajaji, acting Governor General. November 25: Lady Mountbatten and Kanji Dwarkadas called in November 27: Called on Liaquat Ali Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan and Lord Mountbatten; Sheikh Abdullah of Kashmir called in November 28: Addressed devotees of Guru Nanak. December 4: Prime Minister of Burma Thakin Nu called in December 11: Attended Talimi Sangh September 12: Addressed merchants in Hardinge Library January 3: Visited Wavell Canteen Camp for displaced persons January 12: Declared his intention to fast for an indefinite period impelled by the Communal riots. Called on Governor-General Lord Mountbatten. January 13: The fast started; Gandhiji could not attend Lord Mountbatten’s party but he asked other invitees to attend. January 14: The fast continued January 15: The fast continued. Delivered post prayer speech on mike from his room. January 16: The fast continued. “I do not wish to live if peace is not established in India and Pakistan.” January 17: The fast continued. Condition causing anxiety. January 18: On receiving assurance from all communities, Gandhiji broke fast by taking Orange juice from Maulana Azad. January 20: A bomb exploded during prayer. January 21: Pleaded for mercy towards person who had thrown the bomb. January 27: Wrote ‘Congress Position’; suggesting that Congress should cease as political body and should devote to people’s service. Also attended annual celebration at Bakhtiar Chisti’s Dargah. January 29: Drafted constitution for Congress Service Militia; as outlined in Congress Position. January 30: The day of martyrdom, was shot dead while on his way to evening prayer ground at Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti) by Nathuram Vinayak Godse. |
Bocahita, Pleep and Annie couldn't resist banging the gong of Peace.
How could Bocahita top all of the Gandhi? Yes Yes another wedding to crash back at the Oberoi!
Annie persuades our most darling Manager of Martini's that Bocahita is very interested in the wedding going on next door....but of course Madames I will take you there.
Come on Bocahita- I am sure we will blend right in.... I want to check out the henna hands!
Love it- must give it a try while here. I asked how long does the henna last "well if you put your hands in water to do dishes it should last about a week". And Bubs remarked "well good, that should last for at least 6 months on Bocahita"....
Kinda like a bar mitzvah with everyone on stage?
Nah, just making sure the dowry is all cash. And yes the bride was stunning.
An elaborate and elegant affair...the women's clothing were stupendous....the most gorgeous material and styles....one more extravagant and beautiful than the next.
Bocahita must get INVITED to one for a worthy excuse to have one of these wedding sari's made for her...as Bubs commented just throw the bed spread on yerself Bocahita- you'll fit in just fine.
How could Bocahita top all of the Gandhi? Yes Yes another wedding to crash back at the Oberoi!
Annie persuades our most darling Manager of Martini's that Bocahita is very interested in the wedding going on next door....but of course Madames I will take you there.
Come on Bocahita- I am sure we will blend right in.... I want to check out the henna hands!
Love it- must give it a try while here. I asked how long does the henna last "well if you put your hands in water to do dishes it should last about a week". And Bubs remarked "well good, that should last for at least 6 months on Bocahita"....
An elaborate and elegant affair...the women's clothing were stupendous....the most gorgeous material and styles....one more extravagant and beautiful than the next.
Bocahita must get INVITED to one for a worthy excuse to have one of these wedding sari's made for her...as Bubs commented just throw the bed spread on yerself Bocahita- you'll fit in just fine.
