Photo Feature : "Humayun's Tomb"

"Photo Feature"

Humayun's Tomb

Friends,

India is well known for a range of historical buildings and monuments. Humayun’s Tomb is one of the finest examples of Persian style of architecture in India. Mr. Indraneel Sen of Delhi is before us with a photo feature on this great monument. Please have a look.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

“Nasiruddin Muhammad Humayun was born at Kabul in March 1508. He ruled India from 1530 to 1556 AD. The tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun is located at Nizamuddin, Delhi (India). The construction of the tomb is said to be started by Humayun's wife, Hamida Banu Begum in 1562 which was completed in the year 1572. However there are evidences which verify the construction of the tomb under the supervision of the emperors’ stepmother Haji Begum. The great tomb was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, who was a Persian architect. Thus this tomb has an obvious influence of Persian architecture. It is the earliest example in India of “a double dome with slightly swelling outlines standing on a high neck-a form of construction resembling the mausoleum of Timur and Bibi Khanam at Samarqand.” The said tomb is the first garden-tomb in the Indian sub continent. The site for the construction was chosen on the bank of Yamuna adjoining the shrine of the Nizamuddin Auliya, a Sufi saint of Chisti Silsilah. This tomb is also the first structure to use red sandstone at such a large scale. Humayun’s tomb was declared a World Heritage Site in 1993. The inscription of this tomb on the world heritage list concerns the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage. Inscription on this list confirms the exceptional universal value of the cultural or natural site, which deserves protection for the benefit of all humanity. Besides the main tomb enclosure of Humayun, several smaller monuments dot the pathway leading up to it, from the main entrance in the West, including one that even pre-dates the main tomb itself, by twenty years. It is the tomb complex of Isha Khan Niyazi, an Afghan noble in Sher Shah Suri’s court in the Suri dynasty who fought against the Mughals. This was constructed in 1547. Humayun’s Tomb possesses the graves of Humayun, his wife Hamida Begum and numerous other Mughals. In today’s time, this tomb is one of the important historical spots of Delhi. To conclude, due to the historical importance and beauty, Humayun’s Tomb is an asset of Indian culture.”

--Indraneel Sen, Delhi

Dashboard : "Small Devotee"

Dashboard

"Small Devotee"

Friends

This time I am before you with a photograph, titled, “Small Devotee” which is one of my favorites. The photograph was taken in Hoshangabad (M.P, India) during December 2006. Hoshangabad is famous for the holy river, Narmada and the Ghaats built on the banks of this river. Out of all, Sethani Ghaat is extremely famous due to its beautiful construction and divine ambience. I have visited this place various times and find it quite fascinating and calm at every occasion. While I was strolling at Sethani Ghaat, I watched a small girl coming down the stairs with her bag. She proceeded toward a Shivling (symbolic of Lord Shiva) that was established on a platform nearby Narmada. She took some flowers out of her bag to offer at the symbolic of the God. The innocent expressions and true dedication of the small girl motivated me to click this photograph.

I used a Nikon F-80 camera with a Nikon 28 – 105 mm Lens. The film was Fuji Crystal, 200 ASA.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma

“Profile” An Eye for Brilliant Moments of Life

"Profile"

An Eye for Brilliant Moments of Life

Girish J. Kingar

Friends,

Born on 3 June 1961 in Indore (India) Girish J. Kingar was looked after by his parents in a very affectionate manner. His father was fond of travelling and always carried Girish with him on his trips to scenic places. In such environment, Girish’s affection towards nature was quite natural. During these outings, Girish began capturing the fine sights. In doing so, his father constantly motivated him. Girish started to archive the photographs clicked by him properly. This was year 1990, when he came in touch with the renowned photo-artist of Indore, Mr. Gurdas Dua. He unveiled some of his images before Mr. Dua. After observing his talent, Dua advised him to join Camera Club of Indore in order to polish his skills. Girish, without thinking much, joined this club in the same year. This club proved to be a source of learning for him and thus his never-ending flight of art began. In 1991 Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of India announced National Photography Contest. The theme was “Literacy”. He participated in this contest and won second prize. This maiden success opened a new path for him. He never turned back and proceeded ahead. Girish has about 150 national/international Awards and 500 acceptances in the list of his achievements so far. The India International Photographic Council, Delhi has conferred upon him its Associateship Honor (AIIPC) . The photographs clicked by him portray the people and places in such a fantastic way that the viewers cannot turn away their attention from them. On being asked about his mentor in photography, he reveals, “My all photographer-friends of Indore have guided me at their best. I find myself able to contribute for the field of art due to their kind support.”

Apart from photography, Girish has an innate passion for music. He loves to hear old Indian classics.
Here are some photographs clicked by Mr. Girish for our joy.

--Dr. Pankaj Sharma