Archway, Amber Fort

Archway, Amber Fort, originally uploaded by ashish100.

An intriguing archway, on the outer part of the Amber Fort complex. The view stretches along the outer wall of the fort. Elephants, carrying tourists travel up from the low lying base of the fort.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, originally uploaded by ashish100.

And Happy Holidays, wherever you are.

Ashish

A close up of the Christmas Tree, City Square -- Melbourne City, Australia

Amber Palace, Jaipur

Amber Palace, Jaipur, originally uploaded by ashish100.

The Gate of the Amber Palace within the fort takes us to the Sheesh Mahal - the hall of mirrors. The gate is called the Agra Gate and is built in the Mughal style, to honour the Mughal Emporors under whom the Maharajas of Jaipur served in their Army.

This fort served as the capital for the Maharajas of this region, until Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh felt that the time was right to start a new city, which he named after himself - Jaipur.

His reasoning was based on the fact that he had entered into an agreement with the fierce Mughal rulers based in nearby Agra (now in Uttar Pradesh) to marry his daughter to a prince - this lead to peace, and him being the Commander of the Mughal Army. As Mughal power waned he felt it was safe to expand his kingdom and seat of power.

There are a number of forts in Jaipur including the older Jaigarh Fort, next to this one, and the newer City Palace which was established once the city was built. Part of this palace is also open to the public and the current (titleless) Maharaja resides there when he is not in the UK.

Amber Fort, Jaipur: Courtyard

Amber Fort, Jaipur: Courtyard, originally uploaded by ashish100.

An internal courtyard within the massive Amber Fort and Palace complex in Amber, just outside Jaipur.

This fort served as the capital for the Maharajas of this region, until Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh felt that the time was right to start a new city, which he named after himself - Jaipur.

His reasoning was based on the fact that he had entered into an agreement with the fierce Mughal rulers based in nearby Agra (now in Uttar Pradesh) to marry his daughter to a prince - this lead to peace, and him being the Commander of the Mughal Army. As Mughal power waned he felt it was safe to expand his kingdom and seat of power.

There are a number of forts in Jaipur including the older Jaigarh Fort, next to this one, and the newer City Palace which was established once the city was built. Part of this palace is also open to the public and the current (titleless) Maharaja resides there when he is not in the UK.

dog + airplane + zero gravity

[src]

Wat Ratchaburana, Ayuthya

Wat Ratchaburana, Ayuthya, originally uploaded by ashish100.

This is the Wihan Luang - The Grand Hall. It is 63m long and 20m wide, with 3 staircases in the front. THere is a window frame on the wall within the Wihan and there are some posts and a Chukkachee (the base one which the Buddha image was placed) remaining.

Built by King Borom Rachathirat II (1424-1448 AD) at the cremation site of his two elder brothers.

Situated in the ancient city of Ayuthya, where the Ramakien is based (and interestingly, the Ramakien is based on the Indian Ramayana, based in the Indian city of Ayodhya).

Old Letterbox, Fitzroy

Old Letterbox, Fitzroy, originally uploaded by ashish100.

An old letterbox, fashionably dishevelled. Brunswick St, Fitzroy. Just outside the Veggie Bar.