Agra, Taj Mahal - Uttar Pradesh State

Event date: 4th July 2009

Taj Mahal is regarded by many as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Indian architectural styles. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision, including Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri (Afghan Persian from Badakhshan), generally considered to be the principal designer.

In this special entry (especially to me) I want to forget all about the facts of the world famous Taj Mahal as everyone knew of it's existence and the story behind the construction. What I wish to share in this blog is a plot of 2005 film "Taj Mahal, An Eternal Love Story". The story beings with Shah Jahan, known as Prince Khurram (played by Zulfikar Sayed) when he is about 19 years old. Khurram was Emperor Jahangir's (payed by Arbaaz Ali) favourite son, whom Jahangir wanted to be the future Emperor of India, along with his wife Noor Jahan (played by Pooja Batra), who was well aware of this fact. Noor Jahan was married once previously, but when her first husband died, Jahangir married her. Ladli Begum (played by Kim Sharma) is Noor Jahan’s daughter from her first marriage. Noor Jahan is a shrewd lady, who wants the best for herself and her daughter and she aspires for Ladli Begum to marry Prince Khurram so she that she will become the Empress of the Mughal Dynasty.

Khurram's passion for hunting leads him into a jungle, and one day while hunting he met Arjumand Bano. Their meeting was love at first sight, with Khurram attracted to Arjumand Bano’s innocence and beauty while Arjumand was impressed by Khurram’s great personality. Arjumand Bano is Asaf Khan’s (played by Aly Khan) daughter, Empress Noor Jahan’s brother. Khurram and Bano again meet at the Meena Bazaar, where finally both of them declare their love for each other. Ladli Begum comes to know about their love, but she keeps on wooing Prince Khurram. Noor Jahan sees this love as a hindrance to her plans of making her daughter the future Empress of India and she succeeds in turning Emperor Jahangir against his own son, Khurram.

Noor Jahan sends her secret lover and the warrior Mahabat Khan (played by Milind Gunaji) to fight Khurram and to kill Arjumand Bano. As a result, a war takes place in which forces are also sent by Emperor Jahangir against Khurram. When Khurram meets Jahangir, he declares that Arjumand Bano was more superior to him than the Mughal Dynasty. As a result, relations become even more bitter between the father and the son. However Arjumand Bano, who was a peace-loving person, agreed to forget Khurram and asked him to marry Kandahari Begum (played by Negar Khan), an Iranian Princess, who was chosen by Emperor Jahangir for Khurram. Khurram, due to Arjumand’s insistence, marries Kandahari Begum while on the other hand, Ladli Begum marries to Khurram’s brother. After Emperor Jahangir dies, Khurram becomes Prince Shah Jahan and ruler of the Mughal dynasty. He finally marries the love of his life, Arjumand Bano, who becomes Mumtaz Mahal. The couple live happily for a while until misfortune occurs.

Khurram must leave for war, but a pregnant Aarjumand chooses to also go with him, as she used to accompany Shah Jahan in all his battles. Khurram tries to return back to the camp from the battle, but takes a long time to return as he forgets his way. While he is lost, Mumtaz Mahal dies while giving birth to her nineteenth child. During her last breath, Mumtaz Mahal asks Shah Jahan to construct her tomb in a beautiful mausoleum, describing one which would be so beautiful it would express their love for each other to all who visit the mausoleum. Mumtaz’s death is the greatest tragedy for Shah Jahan, and as a result he becomes a completely reformed person. Shah Jahan then starts off to fulfill his wife’s last wish, to build Taj Mahal, a beautiful mausoleum to honor the also beautiful Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal goes on to become the 7th Wonder Of The World.

Time passes, and in future Shah Jahan's sons and daughter grow up. The sons are greedy and eager to inherit their father powers, and as a result they imprison him in a room from where he can easily see Taj Mahal. He watches his sons fighting against each other to become the Emperor of India and the Mughal Dynasty. Everywhere around him there is violence and warfare, with the beheading of slaves and even brothers is no longer uncommon. In the end, Khurram dies while looking at Taj Mahal, the Taj Mahal that took an astonishing 22 years to be made, a tribute showing Shah Jahan as the greatest lover of all time. At his death, his body is laid down next to his love, hence resulting in the culmination of their love after death.

Long before my arrival at the greatest mausoleum  Taj Mahal, I read a book by Diana Preston of a touching story of Taj Mahal "A teardrop on the cheek of time", her research were based from the Mughal court, especially an extensive Mughal journals. I hereby recommended for those who wishes to visit, may consider reading the book first so that, you would be able to appreciate a story behind the construction of the wonders of the world. I shared my tears with both Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal when reading towards the end.

Looking back after nearly four years, I cant help myself to admire again and again whenever I open my Taj Mahal photo album which according to me was my best photography shots. I chose a right time, hour, second to take each and every photo. I was lucky.

Agra - Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh State

Event date: 3rd July 2009

The royal city of Fatehpur Sikri is situated 26 miles west of Agra. I was on my way from Jaipur to Agra city when I discovered the city from the highway, alerted by my companion cum driver. It was a personal trip to India in June 2009 where my wish list was vacationing at a triangle of Delhi-Rajastan-Uttar Pradesh from Pakistan, where I worked at that time. I had spent 2 nights in Chokidani resort, Jaipur after landed in Delhi, Indira Gandhi international airport on 1st July 2009 for the first time.

Fatehpur Sikri is a city and a municipal board in Agra district of Uttar Pradesh state, India. The city was founded in 1569 by the the great Mughal emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. After his military victories was over in Chittor and Ranthambore, Akbar decided to shift his capital from Agra to a new location 23 miles on the Sikri ridge, to honor the Sufi saint Salim Christi. He commenced the construction of a planned walled city which took nearly 15 years in planning and construction of a series royal palaces, harem, courts, a mosque, private quarters and other utility buildings. He named the city, Fatehabad, with "Fateh", a word of Arabic origin in Persian, carry a meaning "victory." it was later called Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best preserved collection of Mughal architecture in India.

Akbar took a great interest in the building of Fatehpur Sikri and probably also dictated its architectural style. Seeking to revive the splendours of Persian court ceremonial made famous by his ancestor Timur, Akbar planned the complex on Persian principles. But the influences of his adopted land came through in the typically Indian embellishments. The easy availability of sandstone in the neighboring areas of Fatehpur Sikri, also meant that all the buildings here were made of the red stone. The imperial Palace complex consists of a number of independent pavilions arranged in formal geometry on a piece of level ground, a pattern derived from Arab and central Asian tent encampments.

The Imperial complex was abandoned in 1585, shortly after its completion, due to paucity of water and its proximity with the Rajputana areas in the North-West, which were increasingly in turmoil. Thus the capital was shifted to Lahore so that Akbar could have a base in the less stable part of the empire, before moving back Agra in 1598, where he had begun his reign as he shifted his focus to Deccan (southern continent of India). In fact, he never returned to the city except for a brief period in 1601. In later Mughal history it was occupied for a short while by Mughal emperor, Muhammad Shah. Today much of the imperial complex which spread over nearly two mile long and one mile wide area is largely intact and resembles a ghost town though properly maintain for tourist. 

Fatehpur Sikri sits on rocky ridge, 3 km in length and 1 km wide, and palace city is surrounded by a 6 km wall on 3 side with the 4th being a lake at the time. Its architect was Tuhir Das and was constructed using Indian principles. The buildings of Fatehpur Sikri show a synthesis of various regional schools of architectural craftsmanship such as Gujarat and Bengal. This was because indigenous craftsmen from various regions were used for the construction of the buildings. Influences from Hindu and Jain architecture are seen hand in hand with Islamic elements. The building material used in all the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri, palace-city complex, is the locally quarried red sandstone, known as 'Sikri sandstone'. It is accessed through gates along the five-mile long fort wall, namely, Delhi Gate, the Lal Gate, the Agra Gate, Birbal's Gate, Chandanpal Gate, The Gwalior Gate, the Tehra Gate, the Chor Gate and the Ajmere Gate.

Some of the important buildings in this city, both religious and secular are:

Buland Darwaza: Set into the south wall of congregational mosque, the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri, this stupendous piece of architecture is 54 metre high, from the outside, gradually making a transition to a human scale in the inside. The gate was added some 5 years later after the completion of the mosque in 1576-1577 as an 'victory arch', to commemorate the Akbar's successful Gujarat campaign. It carries 2 inscriptions in the archway, 1 of which reads: "Isa (Jesus) Son of Mary said: The world is a bridge, pass over it, but build no houses on it. He who hopes for an hour may hope for eternity. The world endures but an hour. Spend it in prayer, for the rest is unseen". The central portico comprises 3 arched entrances, with the largest one, in the centre, is known locally as the Horseshoe Gate, after the custom of nailing horseshoes to its large wooden doors for luck. Outside the giant steps of the Buland Darwaza to left is deep well.

Jama Masjid: It is a Jami Mosque meaning the Friday Mosque congregational mosque, and was perhaps one of the first buildings to come up in the complex, as its epigraph gives AH 979 (A.D. 1571-72) as the date of its completion, with a massive entrance to the courtyard, the Buland-Darwaza added some five years later. It was built in the manner of Indian mosques, with diwans around a central courtyard. A distinguishing feature is the row of chhatri over the sanctuary. There are 3 mihrabs in each of the 7 bays, while the large central mihrab is covered by a dome, it is decorated with white marble inlay, in geometric patterns. I opined that the Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri is a lot more nicer than Jama Masjid in Delhi. You may click here, my previous entry "Delhi-Jama' Masjid" to see whether what I state is true, in your opinion.

Tomb of Salim Chrishti: A white marble encased tomb of the Sufi saint, Salim Chrishti (1478–1572), is located within the Jama Masjid's courtyard. The single-storey structure is built around a central square chamber, with has the grave of the saint, under an ornate wooden canopy, encrusted with mother of pearl mosaic mosaic. Surrounding it is covered passageway for circumambulation, with carved Jalis, stone pierced screens all around with intricate geometric design, and an entrance to the south. The tomb is influenced by earlier mausolea of the early 15th century Gujarat Sultanate period. Other striking features of the tomb are white marble serpentine brackets, which support sloping eaves around the parapet.

On the left of the tomb, to the east, stands a red sandstone tomb of Islam Khan 1, son of Shaikh Badruddin Christi and grandson of Shaikh Salim Chishti, who became a general in the Mughal army during the reign of Emperor Jahangir. The tomb is topped by a dome and thirty-six small domed chhatris, and contains a number of graves, some unnamed, all male descendants of Shaikh Salim Christi.

Diwan-i-Aam: It is a Hall of Public Audience, is a building typology found in many cities where the ruler meets the general public. In this case, it is a pavilion-like multi-bayed rectangular structure fronting a large open space. South west of the Diwan-i-Am and next to the Turkic Sultana's House stand Turkic Baths.

Diwan-i-Khas: the Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Private Audience, is a plain square building with four chhatris on the roof. However it is famous for its central pillar, which has a square base and an octagonal shaft, both carved with bands of geometric and floral designs, further its thirty-six serpentine brackets support a circular platform for Akbar, which is connected to each corner of the building on the first floor, by four stone walkways. It is here that Akbar had representatives of different religions discuss their faiths and gave private audience.

Anup Talao: Is an ornamental pool with a central platform and four bridges leading up to it. Some of the important buildings of the royal enclave are surround by it including, Khwabgah (House of Dreams) Akbar's residence, Panch Mahal, a five-storey palace, Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Astrologer's Seat, in the south-west corner of the Pachisi Court.

The Empress Palaces (Harem): It is a residence of Akbar's wife's (Muslim, Christian, Hindu etc) placed at a separate royal entrance. One of the building of Akbar's wife, Mariam-uz-Zamani, a Gujarathi shows Gujarati influence and is built around a courtyard, with special care being taken to ensure privacy. Jodha Bhai was said to be Akbar's favorite wife and he put her in a special palace within the same courtyard of his other wife's.

A palace with earing design crafted on the wall

Panch Mahal: A five-storied palatial structure, with the tiers gradually diminishing in size, till the final one, which is a single large-domed chhatris. Originally pierced stone screens faced the facade, and probably sub-divided the interior as well, suggesting it was built for the ladies of the court. The floors are supported by intricately carved columns on each level, totaling to 176 columns in all.

What I like most about the whole areas is the richness of it's sandstone colors of the city. It brings out a beauty of it's landscape, being a ghost town. It would be more meaningful if the source of water could be overcome and a resort cum golf course can be introduced in neighboring area to bring more lights and attractions to such a lovely Mughal creation.

My hobby is reading!

Kinokuniya, KLCC, 10th march 2013

It was Sunday. Hubby and Nasrul were already at the tennis court, Naim was working and Nazhif went out with friend. I was alone at home with Syahirah (and of course with Tottie & Lola). She, as usual will not come out from her room unless she is in a hungry state. So, I asked her to drive me to KLCC and get books using her RM250 book voucher given by the Government for a college/university students recently.  Kinokuniya book store located on 4th floor of Suria KLL (ok.. our world famous shopping mall) was once my favorite spot. When I was in Karachi, Liberty book store was the place whilst in India was Crossword book store, I stop coming to Kinokuniya.

The store remain the same (the book smells, the space and the arrangement) but I noticed that it's a lot more crowded than usual. The first corner was a 20% discount on books for those who interested to read about the Chinese and the Arabic history. I told myself that for now, enough of China and the Arab's world since I have read more in recent years including Muqadimmah by Ibn Khaldun.

I then moved to Best Seller section but most books, especially related to legal and judiciary does not really attractive plus, I have 5 study manual in preparation for jurisprudence classes in the office already. So, I passed this corner without regret. I managed to said enough to History section too :) 

Huh... I said to myself that now I am back to Malaysia, I should explore and do more research about Malaysia, everything about Malaysia, the history, the places, the foods, the people, the economics etc etc. Okay, definitely the local interest has more interesting subject for me to select. Before that, let's further explore for irresistible books or subject that manage to deviate all my focus and attention as soon as I saw them.

When I reached the Travel section, I was not really as excited as before while flicking through pages of the   travel books to Russia, Siberia, Ukraine & Belarus. I sat on the floor while looking at any interesting aspect of the Russia book should I decided to buy. But after 10 minutes, I passed the travel section and told myself to find travelogue book since I've written and am writing so many travelogue in my journal. A destiny has brought me to look behind a small round corner just behind the Travel section where the travelogue was located.

Standing there, going through all the books that was on display quicken my heart beat. I found what I have been searching for, a travel journals written by majority a journalist in this corner. I picked 5 books for a start and sat next to a girl (apparently, the travelogue was just next to children's book). Everything was well written but I have to limit to 3 books only.

The girl left long ago when I lifted my head to search for Syahirah. There I saw few kids not far from where I sat. They are all engrossed with their reading materials. So peaceful to watch. If all the children's in the world would have a day off and be allowed to sit like this, it would be a blissful day. Say peace no war!

Last but not least is to look for the last book of the war trilogy by Ken Follet. I have read Fall of the Giant and Winter of the World and even in here I couldn't find the 3rd book. Has he finished writing them? Ah, Ken Follet, I could not find the third book.Please help me. What a silly thought, I should have gone and search from his website. Not to disappointing myself, I took 1 of his novel.

After few hours inside, Syahirah and I had a coffee break at the Coffee Bean. Sunday was always full of people. We had to share a table with a nice lady who had latte and doing her own work. I cant wait to read, hence, I chose which book that I want to read first while Syahirah was busy with her phone. Family doesn't talk nowadays I guessed as everybody was busied with the smart phone rather than paying attention to 1 another. That's a fact of life you have to accept and adopt. 1 day they will return to you, I hope.

These are the 4 books that I purchased shared from my instagram album. I was reading since I know how to read. When I was in my primary school, my school result dropped from top 3 to no. 10th as I was finishing reading the whole Enid Blyton collection borrowed from a friend. My late father was cool about it as I was the 1 who always made him proud with my school achievement despite of my reading habit. I shifted to Mills & Boon when I was in secondary school and to Jeffrey Archer (Kane & Abel was my favourite) when I started working. More than 15 years ago, someone introduced me to have a deeper understanding of the Holy Quran, itself contains a history of People of the Book. For more than 10 years I did personal research on the religion (starting with Al-Quran), the Jewish and the Christianity. It does not stop there, I read other religion books and checked their facts verses history books, the Hinduism, the Buddhism, the Jainism, the Confucius and the concept of ying and yang. 

And now, I decided to take a pause and take light reading and writing all the beautiful things that I discovered since young age, now and in the future. Life, is my friend is too beautiful to have grievances and kept headache in the heart. Peace!

Singapore, Sentosa Island - Part 2

Event date: 8th June 2010

Among the attractions of Sentosa Island is the famous Merlion Statue, Tiger Sky Tower, Butterfly Garden and Insect Kingdom, Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon, Songs of the Sea, Sentosa 4D Magic, Sentosa Cineblast, Fort Siloso, Megazip Adventure Park, Azzura Beach Club and Sentosa Luge and Skyride (photos inside previous entry, click Sentosa Island - Part 1). It was raining heavily when we were about to reach the resorts World by bus. The bus stop not far from the ticket counter. After we purchased the tickets, we took a ride with provided vehicles provided by the resort in the rains. Here are some of the our photos.

Winds and rains dulls the trip

Sad face!

Resort World Sentosa was opened for the public on 14 February 2010, which was the first day of the Chinese New Year that year. The casino complex also includes a Universal Studios Movie Theme Park, which opened its door for sneak peek of videos for the first one week of operations from 14–21 February, followed by full operations on the 22nd February 2010. We skipped most places and went ahead to the Merlion Statue. By that time, the rain had slow down and allowed us to explore the surrounding park of Merlion.

A gigantic 37-metre tall replica of the Merlion

For those who want to get further information and the attractions of what Sentosa Island is offering can visit their website at ttp://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/. You can also buy online ticket for the offered package. The online ticket must be redeem 3 months after purchased and have 14 days validity period.

Sentosa Island seen across the Vivo city

Everybody agreed that we should be heading back as the weather was still cloudy and there's no sign that it's the sun will rise. We took Sentosa Express Train straight to Vivo City and explored the external area before hubby and the boys went ahead the sports shop.

That night, when we said our farewell to our host, we concluded that our trip to Singapore, 4 days 3 nights are none other than satisfactory. We shall visit again. In sha Allah :)