Qutub Minar

Qutab Minar is one of the prime attractions amongst all the historical monuments of India. Situated in the Qutub complex at Mehrauli in South Delhi, it is one of the finest examples of Indo Islamic architecture. With regard to the name of the tower, historians have conflicting views. Many historians believe that it was named after Qutubu’d - Din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of India while the others contend that it was named in honor of Khwaja Qutb-ud-din Bakhtiar Kaki, a saint from Baghdad, who was highly venerated by Iltutmish. Moreover, the Qututb complex is also surrounded by many other architectural marvels. For some more interesting & fun facts about Qutab Minar, read on.

Interesting & Fun Facts about Qutab Minar
Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world.
The Qutub Minar and its adjoining monuments are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The diameter of Qutub Minar is 14.32 m at the base and 2.75 m on the top.
The height of Qutub Minar is 72.5 m.
There are 379 stairs inside the tower, which lead to the top.
The foundation of the tower was laid down by Qutubu’d - Din Aibak in 1199 AD.
The purpose behind the construction of Minar was for the use of mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer.
The first storey was completed during the reign of Aibak.
Many historians believe that the Qutub Minar was named after the first Turkish sultan, Qutb-ud-din Aibak. But there is a different view also. Other historians contend that it was named in honour of the Sufi Saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki
The next three stories were added by Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish, the son - in - law of Qutubu’d - Din Aibak.
The fifth and the last storey were constructed by Firuz Shah Tughlaq.
All the stories are surrounded by protruding balconies, encircling the tower.
The Minar contains numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters, which narrate its history.
As per the inscriptions on its surface, it was repaired by Firuz Shah Tughlaq and Sikandar Lodi.
The Minar was also repaired and restored by Major. R. Smith in 1829.
According to the Archeological Survey of India, the site at which Qutab Minar is located was once occupied by 27 Hindu and Jain temples.
Qutab Minar is made up of red and buff sandstone, containing intricate carvings and verses from the Holy Quran.

1000 pillar Temple Wonder

About 150 kms. from Hyderabad lies the ancient city of Warangal. Noted today for its beautiful lakes, magnificent temples and wildlife, Warangal possess the marvelous thousand pillared temple, built by King Rudra Deva in the 12th century. The famous Thousand Pillar Temple, built in 1163 AD, by king Rudra Deva is an important monument situated near the Hanamkonda-Warangal highway. One thousand richly carved pillars and a magnificent black basalt Nandi bull are unique to this temple which is dedicated to Lords Shiva, Vishnu and Surya.

The temple is in shape of a star and has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is built on a 1m high platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill, and has a majestic monolithic Nandi. The black basalt Nandi, a monolith, has a lovely polished finish. There are many small lingam shrines surrounding the gardens. The temple is famous for its richly carved pillars

Supermodels in Saree

Naomi in saree

Bollywood and Saree -

Isha Koopikar Sangeet Ceremony

Isha the bride

Indian marriages are great get togethers of friends, family and media especially if its a bollywood marriage. Catch a glimpse of what people wear for their friends marriages. The marriage is the grand finale. Before that there are smaller events which calls for different dressing. Watch the bride first and then watch all.

One of the most popular and widely celebrated rituals is the sangeet ceremony. It is mostly an occasion for the female members of the bride’s family to gather together and celebrate. There is much singing and dancing and the event is looked forward to with much excitement by everyone. The party continues all through the night amidst much fanfare. The sangeet is one of the most significant pre-wedding celebrations and is often held on a grand scale by most families

Accessorize Indian way

The Proper Way to Accessorize in Saree

Do not mix gold jewellery and silver embroidery.

Match the style of your dress with the accessory. Victorian jewellery goes well with victorian lace embroideries. Zari borders will go well with gold jewellery.
Accessorise to the border of the outfit and not the main color. This way the look is definitely enhanced by the contrast provided.

Only bangles on the wrist can be a great accessory by itself. On trendy sarees accessorise with a bangle that is very trendy and way to go.. Bangles come in various ways. Traditional kundan victorian style bangles, art bangles, enamel bangles, pearl bangles, lac bangles and so on. One can be trendy in making a bangle too. Get one of your long necklaces and wound it on the wrist. Voila,, u have a bangle. Whatever bangle you wear, if you are wearing necklace and earrings try and match them especially over a saree.

Anklets. On a saree the anklet may not be visible but if you are wearing one wear one that stands out . Anklets also come in various hues and tones. Gone are the days of the traditional silver or gold anklet. Match the anklet to the type of jewellery and complete the look.

A long necklace can be strung over the waist too to add to the accessory. Try this to make the look very traditional yet very trendy.

More on accessorising in the next few blogs to come.