Third Battle of Panipat:That Changed History of India

Panipat is 90 Km away from Delhi. Three battles were fought here. Third battle of Panipat has great significance in the history of sub continent.

This Battle was a colossal defeat for the Marathas, after this battle colonial rule starts in Indian sub-continent. Third battle of Panipat is a core example of foreign invasion.

The Third Battle of Panipat was a major battle of Indian history, fought on 14th January 1761.

It was fought between the Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali, the king of Afghanistan along with his local Rohilla and other Pathan and Oudh allies, against the Maratha Empire, which were the main actors to scuttle the Mughal rule and tried to take over the Mughal crown.

It was the time in which the glory of Mughal Empire was about to fade away, other powers in sub-continent were emerging in order to replace the Mughal rulers.

French, British, Sikhs, Marathas and other independent groups were rising to claim the throne which was about to be vacated by Mughals due to their inefficiency and apathetic behavior.  

Ahmed shah Abdali invaded India many times. Ahmed Shah invaded Punjab for the first time in January 1748 then in 1750, 1751, 1753, 1756, 1757, 1758, and 1759. The third battle of Panipat starts when Ahmed Shah Abdali invades India in 1759. Afghan army enters India in 1759 in Karnal without any apparent resistance by this time Marathas had captured Delhi. 

But when Afghan forces gradually started to approach towards center, skirmishes started between Maratha and Afghan forces. 

This was the time when both forces started making allies and partners and perceived war as a final and inevitable solution in the shape of Panipat battle. Sikhs, Jatts, Rajputs, and Nawabs of Oudh, Bengal, Mysore, etc were tried to win over by both the sides. 

Since Marathas had strained relations with almost all other groups so it helped them very little in this regard, whereas, Ahmad Shah won support of Shuja-uddin- Duala, Rajputs, and Jatts.

The main factor which strengthened Afghans was the support of Muslim rulers such as Najib-ud-Daulah and Shuja-ud-Daulah. In 1760 Afghan forces marched to Shahdara near Delhi river Jamuna divides both armies on each side.

Marathan army was led by Sadashiv Rao cousin of Marathan Peshwa Balaji Bhaji Rao on the other hand Afghan army was led by Ahmad Shah Abdali. 

Ahmad Shah Abdali

The course of battle starts on 27th March 1760 when Marathan army begins its advance from Deccan to reach Delhi and in October they reached Delhi. 

This was the time when small conflicts occurred between them. On 23rd, 24th October Afghans crossed Jumna River and reached Bhagpat. On 26th October Afghans drove Marathan forces to Panipat ground.

Ahmad Shah Abdali took his position 5 miles south to Jumna River and created a complete blockade of Marathan camps. Skirmishes continued till November. 

Ahmad did not make any advance on Marathan forces albeit it was continuously advised by his allies to finish of the enemy.

Marathas wanted to make settlement with Afghans but allies did not accept their proposal.Due to the failure of negotiations it made Marathas desperate and they launched a sudden offensive upon Afghan forces on 6th January 1761.

It was the day when conclusion of this battle was drawn; Ahmad Shah Abdali kept his nerves and composure and handled this sudden attack professionally.

Initially Marathan forces got edge due to their surprising attack and movement but very quickly Afghan army led by French trained general Gardi was able to overpower them.

Sadashiv Rao was killed and Marathas faced a complete defeat by Afghan invaders, which paralyzed Marathan power for next 10 years.

This, Third battle of Panipat was victory of invaders. Defeat of Marathas cleared the way for later British supremacy and fall of Moghul Empire,that changed history of India 

Note:---This blog and photos are based on various sources available on net,and taken with thanks.

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Life in Web of Likes: Obsession on Social Media

A 'like' has the power to change our entire mood? Why do we get So obsessed with 'Likes' on Social Media?

Now like is not only a simple word,it relates our social status.In this era of social media, we are obsessed for a likes.Our social status depends that how many likes we are getting on the posts and selfies at facebook,twitter, or Instagram.

This is obsession to count comments and likes on social media.Some of them feel depression over less likes,and loose self confidence. This chasing of likes and comments attitude are because,we have less time for off-line activities

People honestly believe that their popularity and self worth all stem from the count of likes that they receive on their selfie and posts. Before social media, our sweet memories were silently stored in album.

I believe that many of us are wasting precious energy of life online and as a result forgetting to nurture our real, off-line life.

Some people are so obsessed With 'Likes' on Social Media, that they purchase Apps to get more likes and followers.

Very rarely, you will see people sharing or discussing their low phases of life in social media. So in social media, only one side of the story is shown. Which is not a good message for someone who is going through a low phase in life?

 Remember: all that glitters is not gold

Social media is spoiling relationships and life. Everyone has problems in their life but no one writes about it in the social networking sites. if you check your facebook profile, then you will end up believing that the whole world is celebrating and is very happy and prosperous. but that is not the case in reality. its a wrong projection and many people in the world are feeling emotionally low by spending time in such sites.

The silver line attitude for obsession on likes in social media

I am ending with a note to get rid of this obsession of getting more likes and notes on virtual on-line life.Try to be liked by your family members, friends and neighbours of your real off-line life.

 To know that what we like and think and believe is enough and that no need of a mouse click to validate that.

Your worth is not measured in likes, comments, notes or followers; but in your ability to love, keep comments to yourself. It’s important to be comfortable in our own thoughts and feelings.

Note---The photos in this blog are taken with thanks from various sites on internet

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Travelogue of Jaisalmer: An Oasis in Thar Desert

The finely sculptured monuments in Jaiselmer city have successfully retained all its glory, cultural diversity, vibrant glory and the richness of a bygone era. Be it the camel safaris, the ascetic beauty of the surrounding, the city reflects the timeless beauty of a legacy left behind by the rulers.At the end of your tour of Jaiselmer,you will realize that;Jaiselmer is an Osis in Thar Desert.
Railway Station of Jaisalmer

At about 11.15 P.M, train entered in station of Jaisalmer. It was a desolate station of Jaisalmer .no porter to lift and carry our luggage.Retiring room of Jaiselmer was on first floor. Any how we lifted luggage and kept in our rooms.We were were hungry.

Jaiselmer Fort-(Sonar Quila)

Again surprised to see that Jaiselmer station has only a small tea stall without food items, only tea biscuits and bread. This tea stall opens only at arrival and departure time of a train.No option so we took tea and bread as dinner.

Retiring room was well maintained, after a shower I laid down upon my bed to sleep.Next morning after refreshing we came down stairs to tea stall for breakfast.It was about 9A.M. There were few local groups of men and women ,searing colorful costumes ,were sitting on floor of platform.They seemed  me as banjara tribes.

History of Jaisalmer

The name of Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert Jaisalmer is a beautiful city near the Thar Desert. The border to Pakistan is 100 kilometers away:

The city was established in the 12th century (year 1156 AD) and gets its name from its founder Maha Rawal Jaisal who founded it.

An Aerial View of city Jaisalmer from Sonar Fort

According to the local legend, Rawal Jaisal, the eldest son of the Rawal of Deoraj, was passed over for the throne of Ludharva (15 kms from Jaisalmer) by his younger half-brother after which he went on a search for a safe location to establish his capital.

He came across the massive rock that rose almost 250 feet from the surrounding desert sands. Rawal Jai singh constructed here a mud fort around the rock and named it Jaisalmer after himself.

Over the year the remote location of Jaisalmer kept it almost untouched by outside influence and even during the days of the Raj, Jaisalmer was the last to sign the Instrument of Agreement with the British.

Gadesar Lake of Jaisalmer, in deep Thar desert. 

This Lake in the city of Jaisalmer is one of the primary tourist attractions of the region. A view of this beautiful lake freshens up the mind and soul of the travelers.  In the bone melting heat of Jaisalmer desert it is hard to imagine a peaceful pond with temples, shrines, ghats, trees such as Gadisar Lake.

Gadesar Lake-Jaiselmer

A number of birds belonging to rare species that make a stop over this place to have a few drinks out of these sparkling clean waters of the lake. Here I spent most memorable few hours of my life and clicked few most beautiful clicks from camera.

This lake was built in 1400 A D by Maharwal Gadsi Singh in the middle of desert, the lone water resource for the city of Jaisalmer before modern water pipelines arrived.

Gadesar Lake-Jaiselmer

Bada Bagh

After visiting Gadesar Lake, We hired a taxi for Bada Bagh, situated atop a hill, 6K.m away from the desert city of Jaisalmer; travelers will find a romancing calm setting of this place.  I find it difficult to narrate the quiet isolation beauty mixed with a romancing experience of Bada Bagh

Bada Bagh-Jaiselmer

The chhatris appear to sprout from the very rocks they are built on and since they are the same color as the landscape around them, also appear like a mirage.

The towering windmills in the distance only add to the fantastic photo-ops the area has to offer and I find it rather tough to put my camera away. Giant wind turbines hum in unison interspersed around the domed roofs shading the sandstone and marble markers.

After a beautiful mesmerizing trip to Bada Bagh, we decided to back in city market for lunch. There were dozen hotels around Gandhi Chowk area of Jaisalmer.We entered in a hotel, ordered thali meals, Gatte ki sabzi, kadhi, curd and desi ghee soaked chapattis with pickles and sweet. It was a delicious but heavy meal for us due to Desi ghee.

Around market, I clicked some local and road side views. I found people of Jaisalmer a friendly to camera, they liked to be clicked.

Jaisalmer Fort (Sonar Fort)

The first view of the Jaisalmer Fort(it is popular by name of Sonar fort or Sonar Quila) was a sight I will remember till my last days; a massive fort built in yellow sand-stone rising out of the flatland “like a mirage in the desert”, its ramparts glowing in shades of gold in the rays of the morning sun, Sonar Fort is a spectacle in every sense.

The houses are built in the same architectural style that merges with the old structure of the fort. Even the houses outside the fort are built mostly with sand stones with the same distinctive Rajasthani architecture that transported us to an altogether different period of time. 

 There are temples where conch still blows every morning as it did 500 hundred year ago, homes and havelis where people go on with their lives as they have been doing for centuries.It is this liveliness apart from its ethereal beauty, which makes the Golden Fort.

 We were walking on roads, lanes and by lanes inside fort .It is Interesting that local families were living inside houses on both side .They were doing their domestic works as we passed through. 

Ladies were cooking food, children were playing. Some of them have converted their one living room or verandas as handicraft shops.

At one place inside fort, we saw marketing area, selling sweets, fruits, antique items.Some local were maintaining live painting studio in their houses.

 I was amused to see bhang shops (a mild preparation of marijuana) inside fort area. On that bhang shops many foreigners were sitting in opane of bhang .This area was a gift for photography. 

Kothari’s Patwa Haveli

Out of Jaisalmer Fort, we found my self in market court having restaurants full of sweets and rajasthani food stuffs.Tired hungry and thirsty; entered in a one of them. Treated us with hot kachauries, sweets and malai qulfi .After recharging full with fresh energy,we moved towards Kothari’s Patwa Haveli.

Kothari's Patwa Haweli-Jaiselmer

Guide told us a story of this place as:--when the Patwas were struggling to set up their trade and business. On the advice of a priest at the Jain Temple, the patwa brothers left Jaisalmer with the intention of never returning (they were advised by the priest that their business could not flourish in Jaisalmer).

The legend has it that the patwas were immensely successful thereafter and their business spanned across banking & finance, silver, brocade and opium trade.

Eventually, patwas rose to such heights that they were called upon to finance the state deficit. This brought the clan back to their old habitat. The then head of the family, Ghuman Chand Patwa, decided to gift each of his five sons a separate and elaborate mansion, ignoring the advice of the priest. Thus came up the five grandiose havelis facing the Jailsamer Fort.

Unfortunately, the lives of the patwas took a ‘u’ turn after their return to Jaisalmer and their fortunes started dwindling. Consequently, they had to abandon the city-state again, leaving the havelis at the mercy of care takers. The care takers became the owners in the course of time and decided to put the havelis up for sale.

You will notice individual depictions and theme on each and every arch. Although the whole building is made yellow sandstone, the main gateway of the Patwon Ji ki Haveli is in brown color.

I came out of the haveli complex completely mesmerized, with memories in my canon camera, my best companion. Returned back in retiring room for rest.

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A Desert Safari of Sam Sand Duens in Jaiselmer.

Journey of Jaisalmer is incomplete without a Sam Sand Duens. A rare desert area which lies just in the edge of Jaisalmer Desert National Park and is also rated as top 10 must see tourist destinations in Rajasthan

We planned to spend an evening and night for a desert safari.Hired Taxi was in wait out side station.We had already decided to reach in desert before Sun sets.

The roads stretched wide open across the barren landscape with very little traffic and the tarmac was smooth as butter. It seemed like we were merely cruising at 80 kms/hr

The whirling wind mills on both side of road were presenting a unique scene. I was sitting on front seat by the side of driver, clicking the moments going in the past memories.

It was the best ride of my life.After going for around 50 km.Perhaps it was one of the same evening for which lyric is:

Ye Shaam mastani madhosh kiye jaye

 After 45 mts. ride taxi stopped on a camping site along road side.On other side of road there was a stretch of un-ending desert. We entered in camping area. Bablu Bhai, the Manager of “Camel Safari Dunes Camp Sam Resort”, opposite Sam Sand Dunes, welcomed us. 

There were available dozens Swiss tents and cottages of varying cost.For smart travellors ,it is very special to bargain over cost at every stage.We too bargained , got A/C cottages @1600/= per person.

It included, welcome cold drinks-snacks, desert safari on jeep, camel ride, cultural programs, dinner, night satay and break fast. It is important to hire a taxi to stay in night and return you back; otherwise it will be difficult to get any vehicle for return from Sam Sand Dunes.

A  Jeep Safari in Sam Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer

After completing necessary formalities, we kept luggage in allotted cottages, A Commander Jeep was ready to take us in side deep of Thar Desert.It was an exciting and adventurous ride for me.

The jeep was running fast, some it times it appeared as riding up on hill suddenly riding down hill, we gripped tight seats.

At one point in desert driver make the jeep in a circular dancing motion, experience to be remembered for ever.

After few mts of ride jeep stopped and we left down.OMG-before me was an ocean of desert. I was standing on sand.Till then I had seen deserts in films only. For miles in front of us, all we could see were sand dunes of various shapes and heights, some as high as a skyscraper.

There were many other groups of travelers enjoying at that point of desert.A local female dancer was singing and dancing in a typical Rajasthani style.She gave my camera some amazing clicks in dancing. In return I paid her Rs 100/=

A Camel Cart Ride in Sam Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer

After a brief stay of about 20 mts, jeep driver called us to return back.On our return, Bablu Bhai, arranged a camel cart for a Sam Sand Dunes ride on other side of road.Now it was around 6.15PM. To be on the sand dunes of a desert is an experience to be remembered.  

The sun was nearing the horizon now and we were to witness the famed sunset of the desert. As the skies started taking the different hues of orange and red, the spectacle were every bit worthy of their fame.

The strangest phenomenon was the silence of the desert. There was no man-made noise, no birds chirping, no animals in sigh, not even a breeze rustling through leaves, for there were no trees. If one stood still, one could feel silence in its absolute magnitude.

When you are in the middle of so much peace, it feels criminal to disturb the tranquility; and so even we came down to whispers among ourselves.

Camel cart boys told us that name of camel driving cart is Slaman Khan.In that quite isolated moments in desert; my camera was fully loaded with those moments to refresh my memory lane. 

A Cultural evening in Resort

At entrance resort management welcomed us by putting a colored teeka on our forehead, a bouquet of flowers.We took our seats, at place of cultural programme .The programme started with traditional welcome lyric of:

Kesariya balam aaoni

Padharoni mare des rey, padharoni mare des

Kesariya balam aaoni, padharoni mare des

After this song, other Rajasthani folk songs and dances were performed by artists. During this programme, all guests were offered tea with spicy fresh hot snacks.This programme continued about 1.30 hours.

Dinner was ready at the end of show. After dinner I went out the resort campus to have a look of desert in silence of night. The night was relatively calmer a pin drop silence.

I lay down on sand quietly gazing at the stars. In my entire life, I have never seen a sky so brightly lit with countless stars.I craned my head backwards and could not see a single area which wasn’t covered with twinkling white dots.Amidst the star dotted sky I saw two shooting stars.

Second Day

After break fast, we found that our hired taxi driver was standing on the gate of resort.WE took our luggage and back to jaisalmer. He dropped us at railway station of Jaisalmer, where we were staying in retiring room.

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