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 ...
Having your work table by the window can be distracting.... especially when you have winged visitors clamoring for attention right outside! Of course, I don't mind, and actually, welcome the distraction, at times...like yesterday, when these rare visitors dropped by, and brightened up my day!
The Indian Golden Oriole is a species of Oriole spread across the Indian Sub continent and Central Asia. It is a common bird, inhabiting a range of habitats, but it is still rare enough in a concrete city like Mumbai! The bright yellow and black colours make the male easy to identify, but the female is duller (as is common with birds), and this male (pic above) had two females around, probably trying to attract his attention!
The male stayed for a short time, but the females stayed put till the crows chased them away. It appears the crows don't like anyone trespassing on their territory. This is certainly one case though, when I am certainly in favour of trespassing, if it means these birds will come back more often.
The Indian Golden Oriole is a species of Oriole spread across the Indian Sub continent and Central Asia. It is a common bird, inhabiting a range of habitats, but it is still rare enough in a concrete city like Mumbai! The bright yellow and black colours make the male easy to identify, but the female is duller (as is common with birds), and this male (pic above) had two females around, probably trying to attract his attention!
The male stayed for a short time, but the females stayed put till the crows chased them away. It appears the crows don't like anyone trespassing on their territory. This is certainly one case though, when I am certainly in favour of trespassing, if it means these birds will come back more often.
Beautiful click
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shraddha!
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