Latest news with #TipuSultan
India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
Explore 5 amazing Spots To Be Alone In Bengaluru
Not only does Bengaluru have Technology parks, and traffic jams, but it also has its own rendition of heaven that goes by the name of The Garden City. A place where one can retreat, recharge, enjoy the serenity, and free yourself from the bustling city. Podcasts, audiobooks, nature, or a complete detox. Whatever you are contemplating, let me guide you to your next destination in Bengaluru. Are you ready to dive in? 1. Cubbon Park Walk into this 300-acre Cubbon Park, breathe deeply, and let the commotion of the city escape you. Cubbon Park has welcoming pathways entwined with trees, benches, and other wonders that allow people to go for morning strolls, meditate, or even take a bite out of their favorite book. Watching birds sing, dew glistening on grass during the morning is something that most people yearn for. Don't forget to check the classic Attara Kacheri (High Court) along with the State Central Library, which is concealed within the boundaries of the park. 2. Lalbagh Botanical Garden This garden was designed by Hyder Ali in the 18th century. It is a true beauty in this world. Twice a year, dazzling flower shows are carried out in the beautiful glass house which is designed as a replica to the London Crystal Palace. Or take a break next to the lake and observe kingfishers diving around. 3. National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) NGMA is situated in a grand colonial mansion that was built many ages ago, making this structure a wonder in itself. It is one of the best places for art lovers around the world as it features art galleries with all forms of Indian artistic work and modern day art. The minute quiet teacher through the hall and leafy courtyard makes it easy to lose track of time while soaking in creativity. 4. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace This amazing piece of history allows one to step into the world of Tipu Sultan. Visitors can marvel at his era through the intricate designs present in the 18th century teakwood building decorated with a stunning array of carvings and paintings. The majestic royal past overflows in many places around the palace, helping to relax in the lovely gardens or enjoying the fresh breeze in the gardens and other secluded holes inside the palace. 5. Sankey Tank This lake is located in Malleswaram, and it's quite peaceful. It is lovely to walk along the shaded walkway or sit on the benches and write in a journal while enjoying the cool breeze. Early mornings and late afternoons are pleasantly still, with only a few joggers passing by. 6. Ulsoor Lake Despite being very close to town, Ulsoor Lake is really awesome. You can paddle a boat or just walk along the trees. The nearby Someshwara Temple and Ulsoor Gurudwara tend to beautify the entire area and make it even more appealing. Final Thoughts Even though Bengaluru is a highly populated city, quiet regions are always there, as long as you look for them. Cubson's Park is great for journaling, NGMA for sketching and next to Ulsoor Lakes is perfect to sip on chai. All of these locations offer a great view and allow you to get in touch with yourself. So next time you feel stressed, take a break, because peace is just a café, museum, or park away.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Centuries-old toymaking tradition lives on in southern India
NEW DELHI: For as long as he can remember, the wooden toys of Channapatna have been a part of Suhel Parvez's life. As family members carefully tended the centuries-old art of toy making, Parvez grew up watching unique colors and intricate designs come to life. 'I have been brought up seeing these, because in our home (in) every place they worked on this,' Parvez told Arab News. Today, the 35-year-old is one of a few thousand local artisans working to keep the craft alive. 'I am the fifth-generation artisan, and we are continuing the legacy of our ancestors who started this,' he said. In the southern Indian state of Karnataka, thanks to a traditional form of toy-making that can be traced back to the 18th century, Channapatna is popularly known as the 'toy town,' or 'gombegala ooru.' According to local artisans, the craft started in the region after Tipu Sultan, the Muslim ruler of the kingdom of Mysore, asked artists from Persia to train the locals. From dolls to spinning tops, Channapatna's toys are carved from local ivory wood and dipped in bright colors made from natural ingredients, such as turmeric and indigo. While they were once all hand-carved, artisans have since begun to use some machines to keep the industry competitive. In India, the craft is protected as a geographical indication, or GI, which is a form of intellectual property under the World Trade Organization. The toys — popular for their long-lasting quality — have also made international headlines throughout the years. In 2010 they experienced a boom after former US First Lady Michelle Obama bought some during one of her visits to New Delhi. In 2025, as wooden toys regain popularity across the world due to their eco-friendly qualities, craftsmen like Parvez are seeing new opportunities opening up. 'Many countries are boycotting plastic material, and for child safety people are moving slowly towards wooden toys. We have good opportunities in coming years,' Parvez said. His Bharath Arts and Crafts unit produces traditional toys the region is known for, and also more modern versions of those often used for educational purposes. 'We don't involve any chemical process in that … right from sourcing tools (to the) end, final product, this will be a 100 percent chemical-free process,' he added, referring to the Channapatna toys. 'Apart from that we have one more (type) known as modern toys or educational toys which are made out of synthetic colors which are non-toxic.' While Parvez and his fellow craftsmen have exported their products to the US, UK and Australia, he says the Middle East and Africa are emerging markets for the wooden toys of southern India. 'We have very good markets (in the) Middle East and African countries — these are the emerging opportunities for us,' he said. These days, Channapatna's toy making industry mostly comprises seasoned artisans, those who have been in the field for decades, according to local craftsman Srinivasa Kariappa. 'Those who are working in the industry have at least 15 or 20 years of experience, new people are not joining,' he told Arab News. The 37-year-old, who runs Harsha Industries, believes that there is still time to welcome new people to preserve the tradition. 'Handwork is important in Channapatna toys,' he said. 'The government should open a training center where a new set of people can come and join the toy industry. We need new families and people to join the industry and expand (it).'
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
7 Best Hill Stations Near Mysuru For Your Summer Getaway
The Karnataka cultural center known as Mysuru maintains its reputation through its royal palatial history and numerous festive celebrations. The hot summer season compels travelers from Mysuru City to search for cooler hill stations as their retreat destination. These peaceful places provide visitors with the advantage of fresh temperatures and stunning natural vistas along with abundant plant growth together with exciting outdoor activities. Summer travelers seeking relief from Mysuru will find the greatest hill stations nearby that deliver exceptional experiences. 1. Ooty (Udhagamandalam) South India holds Ooty near Mysuru at 130 kilometers distance where visitors recognize it as 'Queen of Hill Stations' because of its extensive popularity. Ooty sits among the Nilgiri Hills at a height of 2,240 meters where favorable weather prevails throughout all seasons. The destination offers panoramic views of tea plantation fields alongside Ooty Lake attraction and visitors can also encounter the UNESCO-designated Nilgiri Mountain Railway. The Government Botanical Garden with Doddabetta Peak stands as essential natural attractions for visitors. 2. Coonoor Coonoor stands as a second Nilgiri Hills locale situated 145 kilometers from Mysuru and near Ooty. Tourists who want to experience quietude in a setting covered by verdant hills should visit Cooner. Tourists should visit the Sim's Park botanical garden along with Dolphin's Nose which provides breathtaking viewpoint access. Visitors to Coonoor can browse through its tea factories to learn about tea production under guided supervision. 3. Nandi Hills Located 160 kilometers outside Mysuru Nandi Hills stands as a historic hill station that belongs to Karnataka. Tipu Sultan chose Nandi Hills situated at 1,478 meters high as his Mysore rulership summer residence. The present-day visitors come to witness the mesmerizing sunrises of Nandi Hills along with visiting Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple and hiking on the trails. Wild vacation seekers can take advantage of paragliding and rock climbing opportunities against the refreshing breeze. 4. Kotagiri Kotagiri delivers an unrestrained peaceful atmosphere as an alternative to Ooty and Coonoor. This town represents the oldest hill station within the Nilgiris region where it sits at 150 kilometers from Mysuru. Kotagiri creates an ideal haven from urban chaos because it sits among extensive woods and beautiful grassy fields. Cuilade Ghat Road serves as the main attraction among Catherine Falls, Elk Falls and the Rangaswamy Peak. Both families and solo visitors know they will find peaceful enjoyment in Kotagiri because of its relaxed atmosphere. 5. Wayanad The coastal district of Wayanad in Kerala exists about 180 kilometers from Mysuru as a mountainous region with numerous waterfalls and multiple wildlife sanctuaries and misty peaks. The elevation range of 700 to 2,100 meters creates a cool climate as well as beautiful natural surroundings in Wayanad. One can find three notable features of Wayanad such as the prehistoric Edakkal Caves alongside Soochipara Falls and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourists easily find adventure opportunities through trekking, camping and bamboo rafting activities in Wayanad. 6. Chikmagalur Positioned 190 kilometers north of Mysuru lies Chikmagalur which invites aficionados of coffee to savour its Western Ghats location. The hill station maintains popularity because of its endless coffee plantation estates and stunning waterfalls along with its vivid green hills. Visitors can experience breathtaking vistas and exciting trekking activities on Mullayanagiri since it stands as the tallest peak in Karnataka. Tourists can explore three main attractions at Hebbe Falls and Baba Budangiri and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in this location. Its pleasant environment combined with scented coffee fields creates an attractive summer holiday destination. 7. Madikeri (Coorg) Visitors commonly call Madikeri by its alternative name Coorg and find it in India close to 160 kilometers southeast of Mysuru. The plantations of coffee and spices in Coorg create an enchanting mix of landscapes that draws travelers to this area due to its rich cultural background. Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, and Talakaveri—the source of the River Kaveri—are popular tourist spots. People who love adventure will find pleasure in visiting Nagarhole National Park and taking part in Barapole river rafting activities. Coorg's outstanding charm gains more appeal through its pleasant weather and its inviting homestays. Why Choose These Hill Stations? These Mysuru proximity hill stations present distinct attractions that welcome visitors based on their specific tastes. All three destinations offer multiple attractions including active activities and cultural activities alongside peaceful relaxation. The locations near Mysuru can be reached easily by both road and train transportation leading to their use as short-term vacation sites and long-term vacation destinations. People seeking relaxation find refuge from blistering summer temperatures because these destinations reach elevated heights. Tips for Planning Your Trip Travelers should choose the summer period between March and June to experience the ideal weather conditions at these hill destinations. These destinations provide excellent road-based access to all visitors. Using cars or renting cabs provides the advantage of independent travel to explore multiple sights in the surrounding area. Local visitors can select from affordable guesthouses and luxury resorts when seeking accommodation during their stay. Prior reservation is recommended especially when visiting during highly popular seasons. Essential Packing Items Consist of Woolens with Low Bulk and Comfortable Walking Shoes and Sunscreen and Rain Gear When Visiting in the Monsoon Months. Filter coffee and Kodava cuisine are among the local dishes that visitors should try when visiting Coorg and Chikmagalur. People visiting the area should follow nature-friendly practices which involve refraining from trash disposal and maintaining respect for all local cultural rules. Safety must come first since you should check for weather conditions prior to outdoor activities and maintain basic medications as first-aid supplies. Conclusion The surrounding hill stations near Mysuru offer a complete remedy against Mysuru's peak summer temperatures. Various forms of attractions ranging from historical sites to wildlife preserves combined with outdoor activities exist for all types of travelers at these locations. Grab your travel items and follow roads to enjoy the natural beauty with refreshing temperatures in these outstanding retreats.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Sringeri Mutt Looted: How Tipu Used It for Political Mileage: Vikram Sampath Reveals
In this powerful and eye-opening discussion, historian and author Vikram Sampath dives deep into the lesser-known historical truths surrounding Tipu Sultan, the attack on the Sringeri Math, and the Maratha-Pindari connection. Contrary to popular belief, Sampath reveals that the attack on Shringeri was not sanctioned by the Peshwas and was instead carried out by irregular Pindari forces, known for their brutality and addiction-fueled rampages. He further explores Tipu Sultan's carefully crafted image as a secular ruler—highlighting his realpolitik letters to the Shankaracharya and his alleged 'Ring of Ram,' debunking many modern myths. Read More
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Bengaluru and the story of Great Trigonometrical Survey undertaken across the country
Maps are something we now take for granted. While driving from one corner of Bengaluru to another, the accuracy of applications such as Google Maps or other GPS devices is not something the average traveller questions. But centuries ago, in the early years of the British Raj, the making of accurate maps was the business of empires–in the case of India, it was an immense endeavour that would take a lifetime to complete. It also pays to consider the background against which the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India was undertaken. Even in death, the spectre of Tipu Sultan would have loomed over the British. Barely 20 years earlier, Hyder Ali and Tipu had trapped and destroyed a British force at Pollilur, with over 2,000 fatalities. A thorough mapping of the country they aimed to rule would therefore be imperative. To simplify a rather complex process, the Great Trigonometrical Survey involved measuring a series of immense triangles across the country to enable the proper mapping of the land and the verification of latitudes and longitudes of specific places. In these calculations, the baseline of the triangle would be crucial in maintaining the accuracy of the overall measurements. As recorded by British civil servant F C Danvers, the original intent was to 'throw a series of triangles across from Madras to the opposite coast, for the purpose of determining the breadth of the peninsula in that latitude, and of fixing the latitudes and longitudes of a great many important places'. The mind behind this project was then Captain ( and later Lt Col) William Lambton, who had previous survey experience in America and had joined the 33rd Regiment in 1797. While he formally began what would become the Great Survey in 1802 in Madras, it seems that a trial run of sorts was carried out by measuring a baseline near Bengaluru in 1800. The measurement for this baseline was a chain of blistered steel measuring 100 ft exactly at 62 degrees Fahrenheit. The chain had an interesting history–it was originally rejected as a gift by the emperor of China. Some of the survey instruments that were used are on display at the Science Gallery in Hebbal. The official survey in the Bengaluru area was done in 1804. The Great Trigonometrical Survey across the country would take seventy years to complete–outliving Lambton. The precision measurements made by the survey proved well worth the effort and unearthed several problems with the old measurements. As Danvers put it, 'The distance from Madras to the opposite coast, in the same parallel, was ascertained to be very nearly 360 miles; whereas, until then, the best maps made it exceed 400 miles. All the principal places on the old maps, which had been fixed astronomically, were also found considerably out of position: for example, Arcot was out 10 miles.' Engineer P L Udaya Kumar, who heads the Mythic Society's 3D digitisation efforts for ancient inscriptions, has also researched the history of the Great Trigonometrical Survey in Bengaluru. Speaking to he said, 'The original line was between Krishnarajapuram and Agara…wherever he measured in Bengaluru, he left marks. There are such marks from Kolar, Magadi, Hosur and other places.' He explained, 'Sometimes there would be a cross marked on stones. If there was no boulder, they would place a mound there.' Udaya Kumar noted that as far as Bengaluru is concerned, the original structures from Lambton's time have not survived. 'Those points were measured multiple times and if the marker was crumbling, they would have been rebuilt,' he said. Within Bengaluru itself, two of the structures that remained in Bengaluru were a structure on the Hennur-Bagalur road in Kannuru and a tower in Sampigehalli. Regrettably, the former, dating back to 1865, was largely demolished in June last year overnight. The revenue authorities had also filed a case against unknown people in the matter. Lalbagh also has an interesting, if indirect, connection to the project. At some point in the 1800s, it had come into the private possession of one Gilbert Waugh for several years. His son Andrew would go on to head the Great Trigonometrical Survey project after Sir George Everest and may have indeed named the mountain after him.
