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Odisha Part 11: Discovering the Jaina Heritage of Odisha at the caves of Udaygiri and Khandgiri

The Hindu and Buddhist history of Odisha , or rather, ancient Kalinga, is rather well known to everyone. Who hasn’t heard of the grand temples of Odisha – Puri, Lingaraj and Konark, or the great war of Kalinga which inspired Ashoka to convert to Buddhism? In contrast, very few know of the Jaina heritage of this region. This is quite a pity, since, just around 7 km from the city, is one of India’s most ancient inscriptions, which throws light on the Jaina heritage of Odisha. This inscription is the Hathigumpha inscription of Kharavela, in the hills of Udaygiri. Udaygiri and Khandgiri are two hills located opposite each other, and both are testaments to the rich Jaina heritage of Odisha. The caves at Udaygiri are older, while Khandgiri is relatively newer, but has lasted much longer, and continues to be a place of pilgrimage for Jains even today. These hills, from inscriptions and excavations of caves, shrines and rock beds, appear to have been a haven for Jaina monks, right from the ...
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White Throated Kingfisher

at Alibag..

We saw this kingfisher near Akshi Beach at Alibag, just as we were making our way back home....



It was quite far off to begin with, but as we continued to wait, it came closer and closer, and gave us better opportunities to take photographs!


These were three of the better shots I managed.... a front view, a back view and a bottom view! I enjoyed having my new camera with me for this!!


Comments

  1. MridulaApril 18, 2012 at 10:15 AM

    It must be a joy to have a camera with a decent zoom!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarApril 20, 2012 at 9:53 AM

      Absolutely, Mridula! !!!! I was like Samhith with a new toy, trying to find out how far i could go with the zoom!

      Delete
  2. AnuApril 18, 2012 at 1:41 PM

    I've seen a kingfisher only in Vijay mallya's products and services! They look gorgeous! It's nice to carry your camera everywhere so that we don't miss any beauties like this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarApril 20, 2012 at 9:56 AM

      Actually, Vaish, I do see kingfishers all the time near my house! This is the first time though that I have managed a decent shot, thanks to the new camera! and yes, I do carry my camera along most of the times!

      Delete
  3. P.N. SubramanianApril 19, 2012 at 1:21 PM

    I loved the pictures. I have not sen a Kingfisher with such a nice beak. Incidentally would you disclose the kind of camera you bought recently. It has a splendid zoom.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarApril 20, 2012 at 11:17 AM

      Thanks PNS! the camera i have is a Nikon P510.. its a bridge camera.. a digital camera with a huge 42X optical zoom.. its wonderful... works better for me right now than a dslr

      Delete
  4. AnonymousApril 19, 2012 at 10:15 PM

    These shots are wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anuradha ShankarApril 20, 2012 at 9:51 AM

    Thanks Deepak!

    ReplyDelete
  6. VetirmagalApril 20, 2012 at 9:37 PM

    Lucky person and the camera, and lucky us, who gets to see the lovely pictures.

    Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  7. sriMay 13, 2012 at 9:43 PM

    you should get a SLR camera and become professional photographer :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. chitraJune 5, 2012 at 7:33 PM

    Beautiful clicks Anu..

    ReplyDelete
  9. UshaJune 27, 2012 at 12:23 PM

    Great Pics and a good camera, finally, I see!

    ReplyDelete
  10. UshaJune 27, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    Great pics and a good camera (finally)!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anuradha ShankarJuly 2, 2012 at 10:39 AM

      Thanks Usha!! great to see u back here.. waiting for comments on all my other posts too!

      Delete
  11. Shrinidhi HandeAugust 24, 2012 at 8:31 PM

    nice & lovely

    ReplyDelete
  12. Bhavesh ChhatbarSeptember 8, 2012 at 12:35 PM

    You are using your new camera very nicely. Really good shots :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. chitraOctober 27, 2012 at 4:08 PM

    Nice one..BTW didn't see any posts on Navarathri golu..

    ReplyDelete

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