Rumi Darwaza

The Rumi Darwaza of Lucknow is one of the most impressive architectural structures in India. It was constructed in the year 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula. The Rumi Darwaza is an example of the fine architectural style of Awadh. The Rumi Darwaza of Lucknow is also known by the name of Turkish Gateway since it is supposed to be identical in design to a similar gateway in ancient Constantinople. The Rumi Darwaza goes upto a staggering height of 60 feet. The uppermost part of Rumi Darwaza comprises of an octagonal Chatri (Umbrella) carved beautifully that can be accessed by a staircase. The word "Rumi" is derived from the modern day Rome that used to be Istanbul, the capital city of Eastern Roman Empire. The Rumi Darwaza is one of the finest gateways that has been built in Lucknow and is highly inspired by a similar gateway in Istanbul.

On top of the Rumi Darwaza was kept a huge lantern that would light up the structure at night making it look absolutely fabulous. Little jets of water would rush out of the sides of the arch from beautifully carved flower buds thus making it look like a gateway to Paradise. The beautifully carved flowers and designs speak volumes about the unique architectural style and eye for detail.

Clock Tower or Ghanta Ghar of Lucknow

It is located very near to the Rumi Darwaza, also called Hussainabad Clock Tower. Built in 1881 by the Britisher and designed by Roskell Payne. This 67 m-high clock tower on the river Gomti, is the tallest clock tower in India. The 221-foot tall structure was erected by Nawab Nasir-ud-din Haider to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, 1st Lieutenant Governor of United Province of Avadh in the year 1887 at a cost of Rs. 1.75 lakhs. The tower has European style artwork. The parts of the clock is built of pure gunmetal and the pendulum hangs 14 feet. The dial of this clock is shaped like a 12-petalled flower and has bells around it.

pictures of Bada Imambara

Bada Imambara

The building was built in a famine relief program in 1784 by Nabab Asaf-ud-Daulla. (In Lucknow)
The Great Imambara or the Bada Imambara has a central hall, one of the largest vaulted galleries in the world, beneath which many underground passages are present. Any pillars or any other supports do not support the main hall, which is over 50 feet in height. The roof has been put together with interlocking bricks without using a beam or a girder. Hence, it is viewed as a unique achievement of architecture.
There are eight surrounding chambers built to different roof heights, permitting the space above these to be reconstructed as a three-dimensional labyrinth with passages interconnecting with each other through 489 identical doorways. This part of the building, known as is a popular attraction, and often the whole complex may be referred to as the bhulbhulayah. It is possibly the only existing maze in India and came about unintenionally to support the weight of the building, constructed on marshy land.
There is also a blocked (tunnel)passageway which, according to legends, leads through a mile-long underground passage to a location near the Gomti river. Other passages are rumoured to lead to Faizabad (the former seat of power of the Nawabs), Allahabad and even to Delhi. They exist but have been sealed after a period of long disuse as well as fears over the disappearance of people who had purportedly gone missing, while exploring.

linkin park great divide.............

http://rapidshare.com/files/232212201/Linkin_Park_-_New_Divide.mp3.................dwnload the instrumental version from here

why so hurried ?

what's the hurry for....is it something that is going to leave u behind the others or is it just that what the other's are doing makes u hurry...everything in this world seems to be relative ....from relative evaluation to relative growth. if it is the "others" that make u hurry then this is certainly not the right reason to hurry up things. so, do hurry up things if it really matters to your life not that of others.

Indian cinema seems to be evolving

With the recent release of movies like Mumbai meri jaan , A Wednesday and Tahaan it seems that the mainstream bollywood has now realised to enter a new domain of movies which not only cater to entertainment but also serve the purpose of depicting our present society and whatever problems it is facing. It seems directors like Santosh sivan and Neeraj pandey have realised the purpose of true cinema. Though the count of such sensible people is very minimal compared to the mainstream movie directors but they are certainly bringing in a radical change. It's high time now that these people understand that they have some social responsibility and along with providing entertainment to people they should depict the society and it's flaws as movies are meant to reflect our society and people do derive a sense of understanding after watching movies on such issues.