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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Secret library unearthed under palace by collector who heard fables as a kid
1 2 3 Tikamgarh: Hidden beneath the ancient walls of Tal Kothi— a palace, built centuries ago by the Bundela rulers in Tikamgarh district of Madhya Pradesh —lies an astonishing secret: an underground library filled with hundreds of rare volumes and editions. Once relegated to the realms of whispered family legends and childhood dreams, this lost repository of historical texts emerges from myth into reality. Nestled on the banks of Mahendra Sagar Lake, the five-storey marvel, now invites modern explorers to rediscover the silent depths of a bygone era. What began as a childhood memory of Vivek Kshotriya, the newly appointed collector of Tikamgarh, fueled by stories his grandparents told him about a secret collection of rare books stored in underwater rooms beneath the palace, has led to the discovery of nearly 50,000 books, including some of the most priceless historical texts ever produced. Among the remarkable finds is a rare edition of Sketches of Gandhi by Feliks Topolski, a Polish-born British artist and official war artist during World War II. Topolski, during his 1944 visit to India, captured the essence of Gandhi in spontaneous sketches. Besides, the library contains several pre-independence era books on dams in India, princely states, and historical manuscripts, including Anand Vrindavan Champu, written by 16th-century Indian Bengali poet Kavi Karnapura in Sanskrit in 1576 AD. Most of the books have seals of the erstwhile 'Orchha Presidential Library'. Now, with this treasure trove of history at his disposal, Kshotriya has ambitious plans to transform the space into a 'Heritage Library'. Proposals have been sent to both the state and central ministry of culture, seeking funding to preserve and showcase the invaluable collection for future generations. Experts are being called in from various parts of the country to restore books damaged by termites. "The library, once open to the public, could become a major cultural and educational hub, attracting scholars, historians, and visitors from across the globe," says collector Vivek Kshotriya, who has always been fascinated by history. Growing up in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Vivek often visited his grandparents in the quaint town of Tikamgarh, nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Bundelkhand region. It was during these visits that young Vivek first heard whispers of a mysterious underground library, hidden deep beneath the grand and beautiful palace at the edge of the town. The stories were passed down like folklore—tales of ancient manuscripts, rare books, and forgotten scrolls buried beneath the palace grounds, some even dating back to the days before India's independence. Years later, after much hard work and dedication, Vivek rose through the ranks of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and was appointed as the collector of Tikamgarh district. As he stood in the district office on his first day, a flood of memories rushed back to him. He remembered his childhood curiosity, the evenings spent listening to his grandparents recount stories of the old royal family and the sprawling palace that once served as their home. One particular story stood out—the secret library, a treasure trove of historical records and manuscripts, hidden somewhere beneath the royal palace. Vivek decided to dig deeper into this childhood myth. He sought out the district's oldest residents, many of whom had spent their youth in the palace grounds. But when he finally enquired about the underground library, he was met with surprising news. The library, it seemed, was not just a myth. It was real—but it had been sealed off over two decades ago. The palace, popularly known as 'Tal Kothi', had been repurposed as a govt PG Degree College, with the library originally set up for students. According to local reports, one of the former librarians had been suspended for financial misappropriation, and in the aftermath of the alleged scandal, the library was locked up and abandoned. Since then, no one had been allowed access to the collection. Driven by an inexplicable pull to uncover what lay beneath, Kshotriya proposed to open the sealed chambers of the underground library and ordered the unlocking of the long-forgotten doors under his personal supervision. "There were multiple doors. Keys were missing. We had to break open the locks. The moment the heavy wooden door creaked open; I was struck by the eerie silence that enveloped the room. Dust motes floated in the beams of light filtering through cracks in the door. The air smelled of age, of time itself. As I stepped inside, I felt a sense of reverence, as if I had crossed into a different world—a world of forgotten knowledge and untold stories," Vivek recalls. The underground library was a marvel. Rows upon rows of shelves stood, laden with books and manuscripts, many in pristine condition, while others had weathered the ravages of time. Vivek was amazed at how the books had remained intact for all these years, despite the underground rooms being adjacent to the pond, where water levels rise to the library's entrance door during the monsoon season. "Ancient texts in languages long forgotten lay nestled between volumes of historical accounts, scientific treatises, and poetry that seemed to echo the past. Some of the books were bound in leather, others in delicate silk, their pages yellowed with age but still legible in places. I could hardly believe my eyes," he says. As Vivek and his team worked to catalog the books, it became clear that the library held treasures beyond imagination. There were rare first editions of works from British-era historians, treatises on ancient Indian architecture, and manuscripts believed to have been written by prominent royal scholars of the era. The history of Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and India itself seemed to come alive within those walls. Overwhelmed by the significance of the discovery, Vivek knew the collection could not remain hidden from the public eye. "I deployed security at the library with instructions to prohibit any unauthorized entry until it's properly set up. Many of those books are pieces of history that need to be preserved—treasures of knowledge that could enrich the minds of future generations." And so, Vivek Kshotriya has decided to transform the underground library into a public heritage library—a place that would not only house the massive collection of books but also serve as a living testament to the cultural and historical richness of Tikamgarh. His vision is to open the doors of the library to students of the govt college, scholars from across the country, and tourists eager to discover the hidden gems of India's past.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Who is Anupama Nadella? All about Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's philanthropist wife
Little is known about Anupama Nadella, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's wife. But she has been the 57-year-old tech leader's support system throughout his life. Away from fame, she has faced multiple challenges in both her personal and professional life. Following her marriage, she fought gruelling visa battles and the tragic loss of a child. Anupama met Satya at the Manipal Institute of Technology, where she pursued an architecture degree. The power couple became acquainted due to their fathers' professional connections, as they both were Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers. This mutual civil service family background allowed them to form a connection, ultimately leading to their marriage in 1992. Shortly after their marriage, they went through a difficult phase in life due to the complicated immigration rules in the United States. At the time, Satya had a Green Card, but Anupama awaited her visa while still in India. As spouses of Green Card holders often faced delays before being allowed entry into the US, the Microsoft CEO gave up his permanent residency. Satya decided to let go of his Green Card and revert to an H-1B visa to reunite with his college sweetheart. Although the move shocked many, he did not regret his decision. In his 2017 memoir, Hit Refresh, the techie said that his wife 'was my priority. And that made my decision a simple one.' Although Anupama joined him in the US shortly after, her life did not get easier. Over the years, the couple welcomed three children together, including their late son Zain, who was born with cerebral palsy. Anupama dedicated her life to caring for Zain, who tragically died in 2022. He was 26 at the time. Despite the grief, she took on the role of a philanthropist and a public advocate for children born with severe disabilities. She donated $15 million to Seattle Children's Hospital to support precision medicine neuroscience and youth mental health care.
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet Radhikaraje Gaekwad, who lives in Rs 25000 crore home, much bigger than Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani's Rs 15000 crore Antilia, it is in...
Meet Radhikaraje Gaekwad, who lives in Rs 25000 crore home, much bigger than Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani's Rs 15000 crore Antilia, it is in... Radhikaraje Gaekwad, the Maharani of Baroda, is one of the most admired royals in modern India. Known for her elegance and grace, she's often called the 'most beautiful maharani' of this generation, drawing frequent comparisons to the legendary Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. But Radhikaraje is not just about tradition and titles, she's also a well-known face on social media. With a strong presence on Instagram and a growing fan base of over 282,000 followers, Radhikaraje is often seen sharing glimpses of her royal lifestyle. From lavish family celebrations to scenic travels around the world, her page reflects the perfect blend of heritage and modernity. Recently, Radhikaraje spoke up about how royal families are often shown in films and TV shows. Referring to a show called 'The Royals', she expressed disappointment at how India's royals continue to be portrayed in outdated stereotypes where kings are shown with lavish lifestyles and queens draped in pearls and chiffon. She wrote, 'Since 1947, the image of Indian royals hasn't moved past this old narrative. Despite being a part of modern society in politics, business, and more we are still seen through that same narrow lens.' Today, we're going to explore some fascinating insights into her life both personal and professional. About Radhikaraje Gaekwad Radhikaraje Gaekwad comes from a lineage deeply rooted in both royalty and public service. Her father, Dr. MK Ranjitsinh Jhala, was born into the royal family of Wankaner in Saurashtra. However, instead of living a life of privilege, he chose a different path. Dr. Ranjitsinh gave up his royal comforts to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), with a clear goal: to protect India's wildlife. Over the years, he played a crucial role in shaping the country's conservation policies. He served as India's Deputy Secretary for Forests and Wildlife and was the principal architect behind the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. His lifelong dedication to nature earned him widespread respect, and he is especially known for his efforts to reintroduce cheetahs to India from Africa, a mission that led to him being affectionately known as India's Cheetah Man . Radhikaraje Gaekwad's education Following in the footsteps of her father, Dr. MK Ranjitsinh Jhala, who valued knowledge and service, she built a strong academic foundation for herself. She studied at the prestigious Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), part of Delhi University, where she completed her Master's degree in Indian History. Alongside her studies, she also gained experience in journalism by working as a writer with The Indian Express . Over the years, many people have made assumptions about her life being filled with luxury from the start. But Radhikaraje has openly addressed these myths. She once shared that, during her college years, she regularly commuted on Delhi's DTC buses. Radhikaraje Gaekwad's marriage Radhikaraje Gaekwad is happily married to Samarjitsingh Ranjitsinh Gaekwad, the Maharaja of Baroda and a former cricketer. The two tied the knot on February 27, 2002, and are proud parents to two daughters. In a candid conversation with Humans of Bombay , Radhikaraje shared a heartwarming detail from their early days together. She recalled being struck by Samarjitsingh's thoughtful and respectful gesture when he let her pay during one of their dates. She also spoke about how supportive he has always been, especially when it came to her education and personal goals. His constant encouragement helped her stay focused on her dreams, even after marriage. Radhikaraje Gaekwad lives in India's largest residence After marrying Samarjitsingh Ranjitsinh Gaekwad, Radhikaraje Gaekwad became the Maharani of Baroda. She moved into the Laxmi Vilas Palace with her husband. This palace is the biggest home in India, spread across 3,04,92,000 square feet. To give you an idea, it's about four times larger than the famous Buckingham Palace in London, which is around 828,821 square feet. Interestingly, Laxmi Vilas Palace is also bigger than Mukesh Ambani's house, Antilia. Even though Antilia is the most expensive house in India, Laxmi Vilas Palace holds the record for being the largest.
India.com
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet IAS officer who once worked in UN, quit high paying job, and became…, won a National Award for…, he is…
In India, the job of the Indian Administrative Service ( IAS ) is seen with great respect. The prestige comes to the person who achieves this position. Lakhs of youth dream of joining this service by passing the UPSC exam, where they get a chance to build the nation. In such a situation, if an established and senior IAS officer leaves this service and steps into some other field, then it is natural to be surprised and when that field is film production, then the surprise increases manifold. Today we will talk about one such IAS officer, who decided to leave his job for his passion for films, this decision was shocking to everyone, but what is more noteworthy is that the film maker decided to take a new direction, but also achieved success in it, which was not easily possible. Let us tell you about this IAS officer. An extraordinary professional journey This IAS officer is none other than Paparao Biyyala, formerly known as BVP Rao. He took this seemingly impossible step with confidence and that too when his administrative career was at its peak. Paparao Biyyala, a 1982 batch IAS officer, studied law from Osmania University. In his three-decade-long administrative career, he worked in important positions in different parts of the country. From 1994 to 1997, he held important responsibilities as the Home Secretary of Assam. After this, in 1999, he served as a civil affairs officer in Kosovo under the United Nations Mission. From 2014 to 2019, he was a policy advisor in the Telangana government, a post which was equal to the rank of a cabinet minister. The beginning of a passion for art Paparao Biyyala had an artist hidden inside him, waiting for his chance. In the late 90s, his close friend and character artist and theatre veteran Tom Alter introduced him to filmmaker Jahnu Barua, who had gained national and international fame. This is where Paparao Biyyala's film journey began. He also obtained a diploma in filmmaking from the New York Film Academy in 1996. His first short documentary, 'Willing to Sacrifice' won the National Award for the Best Non-Feature Film on environmental conservation, indicating that Paparao had a strong artistic vision. Although he returned to the administrative services after his initial film endeavor, the creative urge within him did not subside. Finally, in the year 2020, he resigned from the Sports Authority of India and said goodbye to administrative life and fully embraced the world of cinema. His first feature film, 'Music School' was released in the year 2023, starring Shriya Saran and Sharman Joshi in the lead roles. The film depicts the story of the pressure of the education system and the creativity of children through music and emotions. Although the film was praised by critics, it did not do much business at the box office, perhaps due to the absence of big stars and a lack of promotion. Biala's view on filmmaking In an interview to DNA, Paparao Biyyala said, 'Planning a Prime Minister's visit or any emergency crisis is administratively very complex. Making a film seems less challenging in comparison.' Now that he has fully moved on to filmmaking, Paparao Biyyala is set to return to the big screen with his next film soon. He has not yet announced his next film.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
DKS vows action against BJP legislator Ravikumar over derogatory remarks against IAS officer
The state government would initiate legal proceedings against BJP MLC N Ravikumar for his 'communal and derogatory' remark against Kalaburagi deputy commissioner Fouzia Taranum, questioning whether she was from Pakistan, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said on Tuesday. Ravikumar had made the statement against the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer in Kalaburagi on May 24, triggering widespread outrage across political and bureaucratic circles. 'Since morning, more than half a dozen IAS officers have met me. They are all in a very agitated mood. The law will take its course. The government will take action,' he said, adding that the BJP leadership must also break its silence on the matter. 'I want the BJP president, the Opposition leaders and the central ministers to react to it,' Shivakumar said. The controversial remark was made by Ravikumar during the BJP's 'Kalaburagi Chalo' campaign, where he said, 'I don't know whether the Kalaburagi DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here. Looking at your applause, it seems like the DC has indeed come from Pakistan.' His comment was in reference to a recent incident in Chittapur where Congress supporters allegedly prevented Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy from leaving a government guest house following his remarks comparing minister Priyank Kharge to a 'dog'. Following the backlash, Ravikumar described his words as an 'emotional outburst' and offered an apology. 'It was an emotional remark. I should not have said it. The BJP is a responsible central ruling party. It was not right on my part to make such a remark. I want to apologise for my remark,' he said. Despite the apology, the statement has sparked strong criticism. The IAS Association also took to social media to denounce the comment. 'Civil servants uphold the Constitution with unwavering dedication. Such personal attacks undermine the integrity of public service and are wholly unacceptable,' the association posted on X, demanding an unconditional apology and registration of a legal case. An FIR has also been registered against the MLC based on a complaint by a resident of Kalaburagi named Dattatreya. 'N Ravikumar has been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 197 (which deals with the requirement of prior sanction for prosecuting public servants), 224 (pertaining to intentional insult or interruption to public servants during the discharge of their duties), 299 (related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder), and Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which addresses acts of hate speech and discrimination against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes,' said an officer in the know of the development. Minister Priyank Kharge reacted strongly, calling Ravikumar's remarks 'highly distasteful' and reflective of a 'deeply disturbing mindset' within the BJP ranks.'To question the nationality of a respected civil servant is not only shameful but dangerous,' Kharge said. 'What kind of patriotism allows you to abuse your own officers? People who speak like this about fellow citizens—can they even be called Indians?' Kharge also alleged that the BJP government had sidelined upright officers in the past for political reasons. 'The selection of DCs has become a politically influenced process,' he said adding that the constitutional role of civil servants should not be politicised. Deputy commissioner Fouzia Taranum, who is at the centre of the controversy, has not issued a public response. She was recently honoured with a Best Electoral Practices award for her role in voter education, election security, and inclusivity during the 2024 elections. This episode comes just days after a similar controversy in Madhya Pradesh, where a state minister faced flak for communal remarks about Colonel Sofiya Quereshi leading a national security mission against Pakistan.
