Hidden secrets of Khajuraho

For many centuries, the Khajuraho temples, built by the Chandela kings between the 9th and 10th centuries, were lost to civilisation, due to the dense jungles, in which they were located. It was only towards the middle of the 19th century that they were re-discovered. Of the 85 original temples of Khajuraho, about 24 were found again. The rest were presumed to have been destroyed or disintegrated, over time. But, archaeologists believe that as many as 18 more temples could still be found, buried in mounds located in & around Khajuraho.

Click here to read about the hidden secrets of Khajuraho.

Click here to read the threat, Khajuraho temples are facing from the skies.

Click here to read my tribute to Khajuraho's temples.

Memories of a queen

150 years have passed since 1857. To mark these 150 years, The Times of India initiated a series, revisiting the places associated with 1857. As part of this series, I recently went to Jhansi, nestled in the southwestern tip of Uttar Pradesh and perhaps one of the few places in today’s India, that still identifies so closely with events that took place during those times. The reason for this is probably Lakshmi Bai-Jhansi's queen, who has ensured that Jhansi's place in history will forever remain secure.

Click here to read about Jhansi Revisited.

The other heroine

While in Jhansi, I chanced upon the unique story of Jhalkari Bai- a woman soldier in Lakshmi Bai's army- who has also emerged as something of a local legend in Bundelkhand. What makes Jhalkari Bai's story even more intriguing is that political parties in the region have latched on to the fact that she was a Dalit and are using this fact for their own political gains.

Click here to read about the other heroine of Jhansi.