Textiles and World Heritage Sites in the Heart of India- Madhyr Pradesh Planning for 2010 is underway.... Fiona Wright Parveen Nayak Madhyr Pradesh could be said to represent the Heart of India- both physically and culturally. A peaceful landscape of industrious farming, still going on in the traditional ways, roads lined by colonnades of huge mango trees; it seems to represent bucolic bliss. Markets busy but peaceful in a way of those unused to many tourists are very interesting and easy to visit. World Heritage sites- those places UNESCO has acknowledged as part of the accumulated history of mankind irrespective of the territory where they are located are scattered throughout our journey. Khajuraho’s temples covered in exquisite sculptures; Bhimbetika’s Rock Paintings evidence of man’s habitation of the area 12,000 years ago; Sanchi’s wonderful collection of Buddhist Stupas- this is the location the Emporer Akbar 2,300 years ago finally understood the horror of war and dedicated himself and his empire to a practice of tolerance; oh yes the Taj Mahal – a monument to love and finally Fatehpur Sikri, founded by the Emporer Akbar in 1571 as a place to rule his empire and to develop his philosophy of Din-i-allahi, recognising the truth of all paths to God [ whatever he/she’s name might be!] This trip will take time to check out some of the textile heritage of the area [ it is also central to Indian culture] but offers so much more- fantastic photo opportunities, perhaps you would like to keep a journal of creative inspirations for the future and offers a chance to discuss and explore some of the philosophy and history that lies at the heart of Indian culture. |
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
