Gloden heros of india at Guangzhou

Pankaj Advani;Gold Medal-Billiards

Bajrang Lal Thakkar-Gold Medal- Rowing Men's Single Sculls

                                     
Preeja Sreedharan-Gold Medal- Women's 10,000

Sudha Singh--Gold Medal- Women's 3000m Steeplechase

Ronjan Sodhi--Gold Medal- Men's Shooting Double Trap

 congratulations to one and all.........................

Taj Mahal : Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan

Born In: 1628
Died In: 1658
Achievements: Founder of the magnificent monument "Taj Mahal"

Shah Jahan was the son of Mughal Emperor Jehangir and was originally known as Prince Khurram. After being declared as the Emperor officially, he assumed the title of Abul Muzaffar Shahbuddin Muhammad Sahib-i Kiran-i Sani. However, he was known as Shah Jahan. The first aggression he faced after ascending the throne was from Jujhar Singh, son of Bir Singh Deo, the Bundela chief. After an initial surrender, he rebelled again and was finally killed by the Gonds. A major revolt for Shah Jahan came in the year 1628 by Khan Jahan Lodi, who united with the ruler of Ahmednagar and revolted.

By the year 1630, Khan Jahan gave up the revolt and died near the fort of Kalanjar. Another thing that changed with Shah Jahan's accession was the Deccan policy of the Mughals, which resulted in a suspicion of their alliance with the Shia rulers of Persia. The problem solved with the death of Malik Ambar. In 1631, Mughal army laid a failed siege on Bijapur and in 1633, won the fort of Daulatabad. Read on this Shah Jahan biography further to know more about this great emperor…

The most significant part of Shah Jahan life history is building of the one of the world's most beautiful monument "The Taj Mahal". Shah Jahan fell in love with Arjumand Banu Begum at first sight, when he was in his teens only. Five years later he married her and gave her the name of "Mumtaz Mahal". From that time onwards, she became his inseparable companion, accompanying him even on military ventures. After she died while giving birth to their 14th child, Shah Jahan undertook the work of constructing world's most beautiful monument in her memory. This monument, which entombs Mumtaz Mahal as well as Shah Jahan, came to be known as "Taj Mahal".

Shah Jahan fell ill in September 1657 and taking advantage of this opportunity, one of his son's, Aurangzeb, took over the throne and imprisoned him. Shah Jahan died in 1666 in captivity only and was entombed, along with his favorite wife, inside the Taj Mahal.

Best Time to Visit Taj Mahal

Best Time to Visit: October to March (Winters)

The best time to visit Taj Mahal revolves around the weather of Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal. As per the climate of Agra, the peak season for Taj Mahal visit is the winter season i.e., from October to March. Otherwise, there is no such thing as "the best time" to visit this magnificent monument. You may see Taj Mahal in any month of the year and it will come forward as breathtaking as it has always been. Infact, different seasons as well as different hours of the day lend a different aura to it.

Visit the Taj in the morning and it will come up with a pinkish glow to it. As the day passes, the pinkish glow turns into milky white by the evening. However, the radiance of the Taj under the moonlight is beyond any explanation. The white marble adorned with semi-precious stones stands sparkling like a jewel. By now, we have answered your question of "when to visit Taj Mahal of Agra". Remaining is, how much time to spend there. We will suggest that spend at least a day at the Taj Mahal to capture its beauty fully.

When visiting India browse through this beautiful list of places to see in India to make your trip a memorable one.

Taj Mahal, India

Location: On the banks of river Yamuna in Agra
Year of Construction: 1631-1653
Built By: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
Spread Over: 42 acres
Significance: One of the Seven Wonders of the World

Taj Mahal of India - "the epitome of love", "a monument of immeasurable beauty". The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. The very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance leaves one mesmerized.

Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous with love and romance. It is believed that the name "Taj Mahal" was derived from the name of Shah Jahan wife Mumtaz Mahal and means "Crown Palace". The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make Taj Mahal travel gain a place amongst the most popular ones. However, unless and until, one knows the love story behind the Tajmahal of India, it will come up as just a beautiful building. But, the love behind this outstanding monument is what has given a life to this monument.

How to Reach Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, an embodiment of love and romance, is located in the city of Agra that lies approximately 204 km to the south of Delhi. If you are planning a trip to explore the beauty of this splendid monument then the very first question that comes in your mind is- how to reach the Taj Mahal. We have devoted this section on discussing various ways of traveling to the Taj Mahal in India.

By Air
The fastest way of reaching Taj Mahal, Agra is by air. The city of Taj, Agra, has its own airport that is around 7 km from the city center. Indian Airlines operates flights to Agra on a daily basis.

By Rail
There is a good network of trains connecting Agra with the rest of the country. Apart from the main railway station of Agra Cantonment, there are other two stations also, that of Raja-ki-Mundi and Agra Fort. The main trains connecting Agra with Delhi are Palace on Wheels, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express.

By Road
There are regular bus services from Agra to a number of important cities. The main bus stand of Idgah has a number of buses running for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc.

Local Transportation
After reaching the city also, you need some sort of local transport to reach Taj Mahal. You can easily get taxi, tempo, auto-rickshaw and cycle rickshaw in the city that will take you to your destination. Prepaid taxis are also available if you want to visit the various places near the city. For the adventurous kind, there are bicycles that can be hired on hourly basis from different parts of the city. Since, diesel and petrol vehicle are not permitted in the Taj Mahal area, you can find battery-operated buses, horse-driven tongas, rickshaws and other pollution-free vehicles there.

Architectural Tours of India – Discover the Bystanders of Rich Indian History

Architectural Tours of India – Discover the Bystanders of Rich Indian History



The Indian history witnessed the rule of various dynasties and empires that contributed toward the blending of diverse cultures and construction of architectural landmarks. Apart from making India the land of numerous cultures, languages, religions and traditions, the country's long history has also produced treasures of monuments, forts, temples, palaces and other architectural designs.
Today, the national and global tourists travel miles to discover these eyewitnesses of the Indian history. Here is a discussion about the most popular architectural tours of India to help you have a glimpse of opulent past.
Rajasthan Architectural Tours

You can find a Rajasthan tour package that consists of trips to the royal architectural buildings of the Rajput era. Amber Fort and Jaisalmer Golden Fort are two of the majestic forts worth visiting. While the former is constructed using marble and red stone and represents the blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, the latter is built in Rajasthani style using yellow stone.

Hawa Mahal and Udaipur Lake Palace are other two great examples of dignified architectural designs. Ranakpur Jain Temples and Singar Chanvar Temple are among the notable temples of Rajasthan known for their architectural beauty.
South Indian Architectural Tours
The South India Tours provide a good opportunity to the tourists to explore the wealth of architectural attractions located in the southern states. Charminar built in the Islamic style and the Bidar Fort built with bricks, basalt and decorative tiles are among the architectural wonders of the region.
The best part of the architectural tours of South India includes the trips to numerous temples influenced by Hindu, Jain and Buddhist architectural styles. A South India Temple Tour package helps the tourists to explore the famous architectural designs of Tirupati Temple, Meenakshi Temple, Vadakkunnatha Temple and the temples located in cities like Hampi, Badami, Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram.
The Islamic architecture can be seen with the help of the twelve tombs of the Qutb Shahi Emperors of Golconda and many other structures located in Gulbaga, Bidar and Bijapur. Mysore is a South Indian city known for its colonial architectural style. The Amba Vilas Palace and the Lalitha Mahal Palace are two examples of colonial architecture in India.

Other Architectural Destinations
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Madhya Pradesh, the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park in Gujarat, Taj Mahal in Agra and the Gwalior Fort of Gwalior are some of the other spectacular architectural landmarks of India. Besides, Sun Temple at Konark, Ajanta Caves, the Red Fort and Qutub Minar of Delhi and the Rock Shelters at Bhimbetka too have a count among the popular architectural attractions of India.
A good way to organize an Indian architectural tour is using the services of an experienced tour operator. Htoindia.com is a preferred tour operator with Rajasthan tour operators, packages for South India tours and for other architectural destinations.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/architectural-tours-of-india-discover-the-bystanders-of-rich-indian-history-3013729.html

 India provide something completely different, exciting, challenging, unusual and adventurous. India Tour Packages - Hidden Treasures of India, under the exclusive category of Rajasthan Tour Package offer you some memorable historical tours. Rajasthan Tour Operators assure you the reasonable prices and a complete guided tour.

Golden Triangle Tours - A Taste of Indian History

Golden Triangle Tours - A Taste of Indian History

Golden Triangle Tours form the deepest connection to the soul of India. Ranging from the beauties of the magnificent Red Fort, the famous Chanting Chow, and the Jan tar Matter and the India Gate of Delhi to the beautiful Tag Mahan in Agra which imbibes the beauty of love for ages, the Agra Fort, and the Fateful Skirl. Along with the inputs from the warrior soil of Japer including the famous Haw Mahan, the City Palace, the Amber Fort, the tour completes its important purpose- grabbing a taste of the Indian history.

The tours begin at the capital city- the city with its rich, glorious past hardly will leave anyone without admiration. This city has been able to maintain a unique balance with its past and the speeding present and future. With its mention in the epic drama Mahabharata as Indraprasta, the city has come a long way even under greatest transformation phases. The city has to offer the tallest minaret made completely with brick- the Queue Miner, the resplendent Red Fort with the Indian flag, the martyr symbol India Gate, the President's House, the Parliament House with the beautiful solidarity of the long roads of the Parliament street. Also with the Lodi Garden, the Burlap, Lotus and the Akshardham temples, the ever people rich Co naught Place, and the flamboyant Chadian Chow, the city will imbibe you in its beauty and energy.

The next stop comes at the womb of Agra- the city that gives India its place in the Seven Wonders of the World. The Tag Mahan stands on the sunny banks of Yamuna still holding the values of love and respect. This city also holds the world heritage site consisting of the Tag, Fatehpur Sikri and the Agra Fort. With these in hand, Agra is one of the hotspots of tourist destinations. Every art piece will reflect the influence of the Mughals bringing out the best works of some of the most famous masters.

As with Agra, the city of Japer brings out the influence of Rajput warriors in their forts and palaces. Famously known as the Pink City, the ultimate destination in the Golden Triangle Tours, Japer contributes the picturesque forts of Amber, the Haw Mahan, the Albert Hall Museum, City Palace, and the Jal Mahan. The city offers vibrantly coloured cultures along with music. Watching this city will bring you to the timelines of the kings and the queens who ruled this glorious city and nation.

Forming an important contribution to tourism, these cities are abundant in hotels, accommodations, and proper traveling and with affordable travel packages to make this tour a part of a resplendent memory.

To know more information about [http://www.theincredibleindia.org/golden-triangle-tours/index.html]Golden Triangle Tours, [http://www.theincredibleindia.org/]Incredible India and Rajasthan Tours, Explore - Theincredibleindia.org.

Landmarks in Indian History

yLandmarks in Indian Histor 
India's history is rich and diverse due to its unique blend of ancient civilizations, cultures, beliefs and ideas. To mention just a few of the landmarks in Indian history would do grave injustice to the other important events which may seem unimportant yet left a lasting impact on the history of India today. The Indus Valley Civilization laid the foundation stone of development and progress in different cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro.

A great and lasting impact was left by the Maurya Empire whose most noted King Chandragupta Maurya unified most of India. Chanakya was a popular and well known advisor of King Chandragupta Maurya who compiled many literary masterpieces.

The greatest Emperor of the Maurya dynasty however was Asoka. An able administrator and skilled warrior, he converted to Buddhism after the Battle of Kalinga. 

The coming of the Aryan race saw the Vedic period in India from 1500 - 600 B.C. The Vedic age laid the foundation of Hinduism and gave rise to four major classes consisting of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishya and Shudra. With the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire in the South, the Classical age emerged with King Harsha's conquests. The Arab-Turkic invasion slowly gave rise to the Islamic Empire in India, most notably the Delhi Sultanate. In 1526, Babur established the Mughal Dynasty. One of the most famous Kings to have emerged from this dynasty was Akbar the Great. The post-Mughal era saw the emergence of the Maratha Kingdom founded by Shivaji. Their territory stretched to practically the entire sub-continent before being defeated at the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.

With Vasco da Gama's success in finding a new sea route to India, the Portuguese set up trading posts in Daman, Diu, Goa and Bombay. They were soon followed by the Dutch, the British and lastly the French. With the coming of the British East India Company and the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the Mughal Dynasty faded away marking the beginning of formal British rule in India. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 is seen as the first major movement against British Raj. The British Crown took over power from the East India Company, gradually making India a colony and controlled everything through the rulers of what was known as Princely States.

1885 saw the emergence of the Indian Nation Congress in Bombay who played an important role towards India's independence. In 1905 Lord Curzon's policy of divide and rule led to the partition of Bengal which left huge ramifications on Indian society. In 1920, steps towards Indian Independence started with leaders such as Mohandas Gandhi who started mass movements against British rule. His most noted achievements were his non-violence movement, salt march, quit-India movement, civil-disobedience movement and non-cooperation movement. While achieving independence from the British is seen as the most important landmark in Indian history, this moment was tainted with the partition of India.