Bombay Chums Blog

Mumbai Terror Attack: Day 1

2008-12-15T13:51:00.000-08:00

Even after getting up at 8.00 a.m. i was shocked to see in the news, the terror attack was still going on, still!

With hundreds trapped in the Taj, Oberoi and firing still on, a holiday was declared in Mumbai. With school and colleges declared as closed.

Since it was morning the news was clearer with 10 places in Mumbai being targetted leaving 101 dead.

It was clearly beyond the means of our police force. So the Army and Markos navy commandos were called in. Lastly the elite NSG teams were pressed into action.

I texted all my friends to know abt their whereabouts. The same thing came across their SMSs as well, "we are helpless. hope it ends soon and never happens again"

The Home minister held emergency meeting. Meanwhile an email from some "Deccan Mujahideen" claimed credit.

The ongoing England tour was promptly cancelled plus the Champions League was put into uncertainty as well.

And now the news came in that there was a hostage situation at Nariman House as well. I hardly knew where that was, and surprisingly not even my mom did! But apparently the terrorists knew exactly where it was because it housed home of the ultra-orthodox Jewish outreach group Chabad Lubavitch; which was their target as well.

More NSG commandos were being called for as the gunbattle ragged on at Taj, Nariman House, Trident.

The Prime Minister addressed the nation at 4.30 pm. So late for the PM of the country to speak to his fellow citizens and that too the words were oft heard and there was nothing new or concrete for him to say.

above: Fire brakes out at the Taj. Flames billow out of a window at the Taj hotel.

above: Major fire breaks out inside the Oberoi Trident following a large explosion and gun battles between security agencies and terrorists.

Mumbai Terror Attack: Mayhem begins

2008-12-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

By 11.30 the news was "shoot out at Colaba, explosions at BMC headquarters, gunshots at CST, many injured".

Soon one of the most shocking news came that "ATS chief was dead"! so i scrambled to text my friend to stay home at 2.30 a.m.!

Still the thought was this would end by morning. So I went off to sleep at 4 a.m.!

Viewer descretion is advised.

Firing near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at 10.30 p.m. leaves scores of dead people waiting at the platform and ticket counter.

Not even the stray dogs at C.S.T. were spared according another newspaper/t.v. report.

It seems the senseless maniacs were just emotionless.

Terrorists hijack a police jeep and as they near Metro Cinema open fire on unsuspecting cameramen and bystanders who are going towards the jeep expecting their own city cops in it to guide them of whats happening.

above: The video of the hijacked jeep shooting.

above: Here they are seen in CCTV footage screencaps approaching the hospital.

Terrorists in a hijacked Skoda drew up at the Cama hospital and began firing randomly outside and inside the hospital. Residents of hutments behind the hospital were also targeted when terrorists knocked on the doors and killed whoever came in the way. Thakur Vaghela who was having dinner with his 6-year-old son Yash was shot in front of his kid.

Read this report:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Theres_no_healing_touch_here/articleshow/3767089.cms

Mumbai Terror Attack: Landing of Terrorists

2008-12-12T23:15:00.000-08:00

When 9/11 happened we all remember where we were. I had just come from my classes and was watching t.v. when i flipped through BBC and saw the greatest terror attack on U.S. soil unfold.

So where were you when the greatest terror attack on Indian soil (to date) took place?

I remember i was at home watching 9X when i turned to Aajtak Hindi. First it was reported the shootings were between 2 gangs. but then the reports came in fast that the shooting spree had spread to C.S.T. and even CAMA hospital.

Suddenly it was dawning that this wasnt some gang war but a terror attack!

I remember texting my friend "by god terror attack in progress" by 11 o'clock.

What had really happened:
A shipping trawler had been used by a group of 10 to 16 (reported) terrorists to come all the way from Karachi, Pakistan to Mumbai!

They had manages to evade the coast guard using fake ID cards! (read: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/PoliticsNation/Coast_Guard_let_off_Kuber_after_terrorists_gave_fake_I-cards/articleshow/3786023.cms)

The Indian fishing trawler Kuber whoes captain was killed. One of the hijacked ships's crew was made to cook food for the terrorists. After they had used his services, they unceremoniously slit his throat.

The dead crew member of Kuber above.

Afterwards they got into a dingy boat, and land at the Colaba Koliwada.

The dingy boat used by the terrorists.

Magadha Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T20:34:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Magadha Janapada

Magadha Janapada roughly corresponds to the present Patna and Gaya districts of south Bihar. In the north it was bounded by the Ganges, in the west by the Son, upto the river Champa in east upto the Vindhya range in the South.

period: 600 - 400 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 50.4 grains
deno: Karashapana

Legend:

The first reference to the Magadhas occurs in the Atharva-Veda where they are found listed along with the Angas, Gandharis and the Mujavats as a despised people. The bards of Magadha are, however, referred to in early Vedic literature and are spoken of in terms of contempt.

The Vedic dislike of the Magadhas in early times was due to the fact that the Magadhas were not yet wholly Brahmanised.

According to the Mahabharata and the Puranas, the earliest ruling dynasty of Magadha was founded by king Brihadratha, but Magadha came into prominence only under king Bimbisara and his son Ajatasatru.

The kingdom of the Magadhas roughly corresponded to the modern districts of Patna and Gaya in southern Bihar, and parts of Bengal in the east. It was bounded on the north by river Ganga, on the east by the river Champa, on the south by Vindhya mountains and on the west by river Sona.

During Buddha's time, its boundaries included Anga. Its earliest capital was Girivraja or Rajagriha modern Rajgir in Patna district of Bihar. The other names for the city were Magadhapura, Brihadrathapura, Vasumati, Kushagrapura and Bimbisarapuri.

It was an active center of Jainism in ancient times. The first Buddhist Council was held in Rajagriha in the Vaibhara Hills. Later on, Pataliputra became the capital of Magadha.

Malla Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T20:23:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Malla Janapada

The Malla Janapada was situated to the west of Videha and to the northwest of Magadha. Modern Deoria and Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh can be identified with this ancient Janpada.

period: 550 - 320 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 30.4 grains
deno: 1 1/2 Shana

Legend:
From the Mahabharata:

The epic Mahabharata speaks about a Northern Mallas and a Southern Mallas conquered by the Pandava Bhima during his military campaign through the eastern kingdoms to collect tribute for King Yudhisthira's Rajasuya sacrifice.

Mahabharata mention Mallas along with the Angas, Vangas, and Kalingas as eastern tribes. The Mallas were republican people with their dominion consisting of nine territories (Kalpa Sutra; Nirayavali Sutra), one of each of the nine confederated clans. Two of these confederations...one with Kuśināra (modern Kasia near Gorakhpur) as its capital, second with Pava (modern Padrauna, 12 miles from Kasia) as the capital, had become very important at the time of Buddha.

Kuśināra and Pava are very important in the history of Buddhism since Buddha took his last meal and was taken ill at Pava and breathed his last at Kusinara.

The Mallas, like the Lichchhavis, are mentioned by Manusmriti as Vratya Kshatriyas. They are called Vasishthas (Vasetthas) in the Mahapparnibbana Suttanta.

The Mallas originally had a monarchical form of government but later they switched to Samgha (republic) of which the members called themselves rajas. The Mallas were a brave and warlike people.

Jainism and Buddhism found many followers among the Mallas. The Mallas appeared to have formed alliance with Lichchhavis for self defense. They however, lost their independence not long after Buddha's death and their dominions were annexed to the Magadhan empire.

Shakya Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T20:09:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Shakya Janapada

Kingdom of the Shakyas was located at the Indo-Nepal border on the north of Gorakhpur. Its capital was Kapilvastu. It was situated on the bank of Bhagirathi.

period: 600 - 500 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 104.4. grains
deno: 5 Shana

Kamboja Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T19:47:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Kamboja Janapada

It was adjoining the country in the extreme north - west. It was generally associated with Gandhara in ancient literature. Kambojas occupy roughly the province of Rajauri, Hazara district and Kafiristan.

metal: silver
weight: 43.1 grains
deno: 1/4 shatamana

Legend:

Kambojas are also included in the Uttarapatha. In ancient literature, the Kamboja is variously associated with the Gandhara, Darada and the Bahlika (Bactria).

Ancient Kamboja is known to have comprised regions on either side of the Hindukush. The original Kamboja was located in eastern Oxus country as neighbor to Bahlika, but with time, some clans of Kambojas appear to have crossed Hindukush and planted colonies on its southern side also. These latter Kambojas are associated with the Daradas and Gandharas in Indian literature and also find mention in the Edicts of Ashoka.

The evidence in Mahabharata and in Ptolemy's Geography distinctly supports two Kamboja settlements.

The capital of Kamboja was probably Rajapura (modern Rajori) in south-west of Kashmir.

The Kambojas were also a well known republican people since Epic times. Mahabharata refers to several Ganah (or Republics) of the Kambojas. Kautiliya's Arthashastra and Ashoka's Edict No. XIII also attest that the Kambojas followed republican constitution. Panini's Sutras , though tend to convey that the Kamboja of Panini was a Kshatriya Monarchy, but the special rule and the exceptional form of derivative he gives to denote the ruler of the Kambojas implies that the king of Kamboja was a titular head (king consul) only.

Gandhara Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T18:59:00.001-08:00

owner Amol N. Bankar from wikipedia and http://www.geocities.com/ancientcoinsofindia/

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Gandhara Janapada

Kingdom of Gandhara Janapada was extended from Kabul in Afganistan to Peshawar in Pakistan. Its capital was Taxila.

period: 600 - 400 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 175.8 grains
deno: Shatamana

By the way the flower symbol that one can see in the picture is located inside the curvy part. So i had to bend over and see it. I tried to take a picture but it didnt come out! :(

Legend:
From the Mahabharata:
The wool of Gandharis is referred to in the Rigveda. The Gandharis, along with the Mujavantas, Angas and the Magadhas, are also mentioned in the Atharvaveda, but apparently as a despised people. Gandharas are included in the Uttarapatha division of Puranic and Buddhistic traditions. Aitareya Brahmana refers to king Naganajit of Gandhara who was contemporary of raja Janaka of Videha. According to Dr Zimmer, Gandharas were settled since the Vedic times on the south bank of river Kubha (Kabol) up to its mouth into Indus itself. Later the Gandharas crossed Indus and expanded into parts of north-west Panjab. Gandharas and their king figure prominently as strong allies of the Kurus against the Pandavas in Mahabharata war. The Gandharas were a furious people, well trained in the art of war.

The Gandhara kingdom sometimes also included Kashmira [8]. Hecataeus of Miletus (549-468) refers to Kaspapyros (Kasyapura i.e Kashmira) as Gandharic city. According to Gandhara Jataka, at one time, Gandhara formed a part of the kingdom of Kashmir.

The Gandhara kingdom sometimes also included Kashmira [8]. Hecataeus of Miletus (549-468) refers to Kaspapyros (Kasyapura i.e Kashmira) as Gandharic city. According to Gandhara Jataka, at one time, Gandhara formed a part of the kingdom of Kashmir.

The boundaries of Gandhara varied throughout history. Sometimes the Peshawar valley and Taxila were collectively referred to as Gandhara and sometimes the Swat valley (Sanskrit: Suvāstu) was also included. The heart of Gandhara however was always the Peshawar valley. The kingdom was ruled from capitals at Pushkalavati (Charsadda), Taxila, Purushapura (Peshawar) and in its final days from Udabhandapura (Hund) on the Indus. According to the Puranas, they have been named after Taksha and Pushkara, the two sons of Bharata, a king of Ayodhya.

In the Mahabharat the wife of Kuru King Dhritarashtra was Gandhari, the daughter of Subala or Suvala. Gandhara prince Sakuni was the root of all the conspiracies of Duryodhana against the Pandavas, which finally resulted in the Kurushketra war. Sakuni's sister was the wife of the Kuru king Dhritarashtra.

Takshasila was founded by Raghava Rama's brother Bharata. Bharata's descendants ruled this kingdom afterwards. During epic period it was ruled by Sakuni's father Suvala, Sakuni and Sakuni's son. Arjuna defeated Sakuni's son Uluka during his post-war military campaign for Yudhishtira's Ashwamedha Yagna.

Kuntala Janapada and Ayodhya Janapada Coins

2008-12-01T18:39:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Kuntala Janapada

The Kunatala Janapada region included the southern part of Maharashtra and northern part of Karnataka.

period: 600 - 400 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 98.6 grains
deno: 1/2 Karashapana

Ayodhya Janapada

period: 600 - 400 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 100.4 grains
deno: 5 Shana

Saurashtra Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T18:29:00.001-08:00

PICT0273
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Saurashtra Janapada

Saurashtra of modern Saurashtra or the Kathiawar region of Gujarat which include Junagadh, Amroli, Bhavnagar districts. Its capital was Girinagar, northern Junagadh city.

period: 430 - 300 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 15.2 grains
deno: 1/4 Karashapana

Ashmaka Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T18:22:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Ashamaka Janapada

Ashmaka Janapada was located in northern Maharashtra between the Godavari and the Narmada rivers. Present district of Nasik, Dhule, Jalgaon and Aurangabad can be identified as the regions of Ashmaka Janapada.

period: 500 - 350 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 23.8 grains
deno: 1/2 Karashapana

Legend:
From the Mahabharata: The Country of Assaka or Ashmaka tribe was located in Dakshinapatha or a southern India. In Buddha's time, Assakas were located on the banks of river Godavari (south of Vindhya mountains). The capital of Assakas was Potana or Potali which corresponds to Paudanya of Mahabharata.

Vidarbha Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T17:46:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Vidarbha Janapada

The existence of the Vidarbha Janapada is known through the Jataka and ancient literature. Vidarbha was divided into two regions by Wardha river. During the early period the western region was called Bhojakata and eastern as Bhannakat. The modern Vidarbha consist of the eastern parts of Maharashtra covering district of Nagpur, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Wardha, Gadchiroli, Amravati, Yavatmal, Buldhana and Akola.

period: 600 - 500 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 18.8 grains
deno: 1/4 Karashapana

Kosala Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T17:24:00.001-08:00

PICT0270
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Kosala Janapada

The ancient Mahajanapada of Kosala with its capital at Shravasti (modern Sat amahat in Gonda district) was bounded by the Nepal hills on the north, the area bounded by the Gomati on the west, the Sarpika, modern Sai in the south and the Sadamira, modern ....

period: 525 - 465 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 40.2 grains
deno: Karashapana

Legend:

From the Ramayana: Kosala Proper or Uttara Kosala is the kingdom of the celebrated personality of Treta Yuga, Raghava Rama. Rama's sons Lava and Kusa inherited parts of this kingdom. Lava ruled from the city called Sravasti and Kusa from the city called Kusavati.

From the Mahabharata:

Vriahadvala was a Kosala king mentioned as a general under Duryodhana, in the Kurukshetra War. This kingdom was defeated by the Pandava general Bhima, in his military campaign to the east. It seems that this Kosala had its power extended to the neighbouring kingdom of Kasi to the south of it, because Vrihadvala sometimes commanded the troops from Kasi also in Kurukshetra War. This probably was the reason to consider Kasi-Kosala as a single kingdom. For a period of time in the past, Kasi would have been a vassal state of Kosala kingdom. The grandmothers of Kauravas and Pandavas were called sometimes as princesses of Kasi and some times as princesses of Kosala, attesting to this fact.

Avanti Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T16:55:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Avanti Janapada

Avanti or Avantika was one of the four monarchical Mahajanapadas during the pre-Mauryan period. It was located at modern Malwa, Nimar and adjoining parts of Madhya Pradesh,

period: 500 - 400 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 20.4 grains
deno: 1/2 Karashapana

Legend:
From the Mahabharata: Was ruled by the Yadava kings and Krishna and Balram had their education in Avanti. Avanti was divided into north and south by river Vetravati. The two kings of Avanti (Vinda and Anuvinda) allied with the Kauravas in Kurukshetra War.

Sursena Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T16:31:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Sursena Janapada

Sursena is the one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas of the Buddhist chronicles. It can be located at Braj, the region around Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. Its capital was Mathura.

period: 500 - 350 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 24.4 grains
deno: 1/2 Karashapana

Legend:
From the Mahabharata: Sursena was the grandfather of Krishna and father of Kansa. He was also the maternal grandfather of Pandavas since Kunti was his daughter. The area around Mathura was named after the Yadu clan King.

Vanga Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T16:09:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Vanga Janapada

The western part of West Bengal can be identified as Vanga Janapada of the early historic India.

period: 550-500 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 34.4 grains
deno: Karashapana

Kashi Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T16:05:00.001-08:00

PICT0266
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Kashi Janapada

Modern Banaras district including parts of Jaunpur, Ghazipur, and Mirzapur districts can be identified as ancient Mahajanapada of Kashi. Probably Kashi was name of the country of which Banaras was capital.

period: 600 - 521 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 72 grains
deno: 1 shana

Legend:
From the Mahabharata: Bheeshma defeated all the Kings at the swayamwar of the Kashi naresh's daughters can carried away Amba, Ambika and Ambalika for Vichitravir.

Panchala Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T15:57:00.001-08:00

PICT0265
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Panchala Janapada

Originally Panchala was the country, north and east of Delhi from the foot of the Himalayas to the river Chambal. The Ganga divided it into north and south Panchala. Dakshina Panchala capital was Kampilya while the capital of Uttar Panchala was Ahichhatra.

period: 400 - 350 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 32.8 grains
deno: Karashapana

Legends:
From Mahabharata: Wife of the Pandavas was daughter of Panchala naresh Drupada. She was also known as Panchali.

Chedi Janapada Coin

2008-12-01T15:50:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Chedi Janapada

This Janapada was situated on the south of Jamuna river. Towards the north west side is the Chambal river, towards the south east side extended upto Kaveri (District Banda). Its area was between Pathar of Malwa and the hill range of Bundlekhand.

period: 550 - 400 B.C.
metal: silver
weight: 49 grains
deno: 2 shana

Legends:
From the Mahabharata: Krishna had wife Rukmini. Her brother Rukmi wanted to marry his sister to the King of Chedi, Shishupal.

Coins of the Janapadas

2008-12-01T15:42:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

The text here says:

At the beginning of the sixth century BC there was no paramount power in India. It was divided into large number of independent states. According to the Buddhist text, they flourished shortly before the time of Gautama Buddha. The Janapadas issued their own coins which dates between 6th to 4th centuries BC. All the earliest Indian coins known so far are of gold, silver, copper, lead. The coins are made by punchmark technique in which one to five symbols are punched on the obverse side of the coin. The reverse side has some minute bankers mark which certifies the purity and weight of these coins.

Silver Punch-marked coins of the Janapadas

2008-12-01T15:34:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Silver Punch-Marked coins of the Janapadas.

These were the most ancient coins that very on display and i couldnt help taking pictures of all of them.

Pictured here are the 16 Mahajanapadas of Buddhist literature,
c. 550 B.C.

British India Coins

2008-12-01T15:27:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Coins issued by the British in India. I have a number of these myself.

But certainly not all of them. :(

The British Monetary System in India

2008-12-01T15:25:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

The british monetary system in India.

1/2 anna = 1 pie
3 pies = 1 pice (paise)
4 pice = 1 anna
16 annas = 1 rupee
15 rupees = 1 mohur

Numbered Full House

2008-12-01T15:22:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

10 Rupee notes: fancy numbered notes collection. Full House!!! :P :D

Portuguese government notes in india

2008-12-01T15:19:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Notes issued by the Portuguese Government of Goa.

Rupees and Escudos.

The guy pictured is Vasco Da Gama!

Nizam's notes in India

2008-12-01T15:15:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Notes issued by the Nizam of Hyderabad before Independence!

Indian notes used in Burma

2008-12-01T15:12:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Now i didnt even know this was the case.

Indian notes used in Burma.

Issued by India used in Pakistan

2008-12-01T15:10:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

This note is so rare. Issued by India and used by Government of Pakistan.

It says "Reserve Bank of India" with the King's picture and on the left "Government of Pakistan".

Uniface British India notes

2008-12-01T15:07:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Very rare "Uniface British India notes"

one more 4 sicca rupees

2008-12-01T14:49:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Another picture of the 4 sicca rupee. Note how thin the paper is!

16 Sicca Rupees

2008-12-01T14:48:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

16 Sicca Rupees. Bank Of Hindostan! :o

4 Sicca Rupees

2008-12-01T14:45:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Rarest of rare in the world today is the "4 sicca rupees" dated 1830.

One can read "Hindostan" on it. Issued by the East India Company!!! :o

British India paper money

2008-12-01T14:41:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Old British India paper money notes.

KGV denotes King George V

Rare 2/8 Note

2008-12-01T14:39:00.001-08:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

This was a solo effort by a dedicated collector.

A very rare rupees 2/8 note!!! One of the earliest.

Infact the collector urged me to take a special picture of this note as not many are available even for coin enthusiasts!

Answering my mother's question regarding how he managed to aquire it, he said through searching the length and breadth of India has managed to collect all his coins and notes.

Mumbai Coin Society Fair

2008-12-01T14:30:00.000-08:00

I had gone to the Mumbai Coin Society Fair at Sunderbhai Hall, Churchgate on 9th November.

It was a very educating and immensly pleasurable experiance!

By God i wasnt aware that some rare coins can fetch lakhs of rupees!

Also on display and sale were stamps both indian and foreign, envelopes, used stamps, old silver articles, indian and foreign coins for sale. Old books, painting, artifacts, photographs of Indian rulers which were quite grand and made the Kings and Queens of Europe look like beggars! :o The ornaments and clothes of our yesteryear rulers were magnifique! :)

But since i went on the last day itself and it was evening, i had to speed up. On top of that my camera battery was down.

Yet i took pictures. So here are a ton of pictures that i took. :)

Special thanx to my friend Khyati who told me about it. :D

Btw the next one's in April. See you there...

And just to note more that 5000 people attended the fair over 3 days! :D

Putting in perspective

2008-11-01T09:40:00.001-07:00

mumbai diwali 2008
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

With flash

Without flash

mumbai diwali 2008
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Just to put in perspective, without lights she would be sitting like above and without those light garlands it would be even darker.

No one has time

2008-11-01T09:38:00.001-07:00

mumbai diwali 2008
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

The world is indeed becoming fast. Too fast it would seem.

Every day i see this old woman begging for food. She has grown older over the years as i have.

I also know she will die some day just like me.

Makes me wonder about my own old age.

Will i have someone to care for me, or will the world get even faster and no one will have time to care for their old people.

I wonder what her story is?

Why is this city never caring for its old people? As if we are never going to age!

Diye Tale Andhera

2008-11-01T09:32:00.001-07:00

mumbai diwali 2008
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

While i was gleefully clicking those pictures, i saw the same old sight.

The old woman sitting under the tree begging for food.

Not everyone's diwali is happy and bright is it?

Close up

2008-11-01T09:29:00.001-07:00

mumbai diwali 2008
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Without flash no show.

The same sight without my camera's flash is a big no show! :o

Opposite one can see Hanuman hotel.

Taare Tree Pe

2008-11-01T09:26:00.001-07:00

mumbai diwali 2008
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

LOL

Taare Zamen Pe nahi Tree Pe hai saare! :)

The tre in front of Hanuman hotel at Sion Circle is all decked up with lights.

Lantern Closeup

2008-11-01T09:20:00.001-07:00

mumbai diwali 2008
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Various lantern closeup.

Before i moved out of that place i took this close up. All of them look great.

Spoilt for choice. lol :D

Bright lights

2008-11-01T09:14:00.001-07:00

mumbai diwali 2008
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

I saw another shop, this time with light garlands & also lanterns made of cloth.

All of them are so clustered together it looks very bright.

Unfortunately when i was taking these shots, some good for nothing people came and stood around me, talk about Bombay being safe for women!

So i had to boot outta there. :(

Diyas & Rangolis

2008-11-01T09:10:00.001-07:00

mumbai diwali 2008
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Just look at that will you!? :o

A ton of diyas and loads of rangoli. And stil waiting for the buyers.

Diwali time means everyone is in celebratory fervour.

Aisa lagta hai, there is always some festival hapening in Mumbai. Abhi toh ganesh festival khatam hua tha and now diwali. Soon new year!!! :P :)

mumbai diwali 2008

2008-11-01T09:05:00.001-07:00

mumbai diwali 2008
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

So Diwali is finally over and it bought with itself the usual flurry of colours, smoke & helish noise.

It seems there are more kandils than houses. These are the kandils left of day 3 of Diwali.

On top one can se all the ones that grace people's home.

Every year it seems there is more quantity and variation available.

Tale of two mindsets in India

2008-10-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Today was a strange day in India ka history.

Firstly early morning we launched India's maiden moon mission Chandrayaan-1.

I was one of those lazylums sleeping at that incredible moment after spending a good part of the day "diwali cleaning". And my mom was one of those sets of people especially waking up early just to watch the launch! :o

So i had to make do with watching the whole thing on t.v. replays that keep happening for an eternity on every news channel for the length of the day.

Hail the "Breaking news phenomenon".

above: Such a cool video!

A-Z to Chandrayaan-1: http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=145361

This was the mindset of the new India, wherein everythings possible. There is a drive to achieve, to propel India to the numero uno position in the world. Where all old fashioned things bogging us down are discarded. Where we can say to the world, 'we are here too & doing great thank you!'. Where every citizen of India is filled with pride.

Contrast that with the other big news of the day. Raj Thakre's arrest and consequent release on bail.

Ek khabar "chand ki" toh dusri "dharti ke lal ki".

Much has been read, discussed, analysed, written, said, abused about this whole thing. There is nothing more that can be added or subtracted.

All this began with Raj arrest yesterday in ratnagiri, see video below:

This led to such a lot of rioting, burning and a storm of protests. It was incredible to see all shops close their shutter.

This alone shows how much support this man commands. Even if S.P. or Laloo or any other leaders or even Jaya Bachchan says "who is Raj, he is irrelevant, his party if nothing"; inspite of all these claims, they are trying to fool themselves.

How can there be such mass protests when he has no support. And common Maharshtrians are supporting him. Many of us dont agree with the methods, but we do agree with the reason.

Its been many years with the influx of migrants and we do need them for work and they need to be provided with a livelihood too.

But the demographic shift is astounding. Now there are North India migrants in some areas of Bombay to such an extent, its really shocking. Anyone not believing me can plaese visit Sion Koliwada and see for themselves.

And the increase in levels of crime has gone up too. Its the look of hagerly men looking at women and their body.

Are these politicians & social activists & film stars etc. ever walking on roads in bombay, traveling day and night by bus, trains?

How many of them had their daughters been gazed at? Were their wifes the butt of lewd jokes, looks or touchs?

Its what we common people go through! Its very easy to tavel by car and talk about equality and Indianness, when you arent in the common man's bracket.

That something has to be done is an understatement. But what must be excatly done no one knows for sure.

Video By - Swapnil Chavan,Mid-Day

The very fact that the courts agree with his bail application even against the governemnt's stand shows he is right somewhere.

above: Raj Thakre released.

Even Marathis is U.S. agree:
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20080069737

Vidhyut Kargutkar

2008-10-17T09:40:00.001-07:00

me
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Thats Vidhyut Kargutkar a.k.a. me the BombayChum blogger

navratri at home

2008-10-17T09:35:00.001-07:00

PICT0072
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Ok this is my humble home and this is how i celebrated navratri.

Navratri festival devi visarjan one more

2008-10-17T09:29:00.000-07:00

alternately visit: http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=NNwm4dqIRwI

Navratri Devi Visarjan parade

2008-10-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

Alternately visit: http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=_yuwR2_CkXM

sardarnagar devirangoli07

2008-10-17T09:24:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devirangoli07
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Simply divine! :)

Btw this year we were celebrating 50th year as well. :D

visit: http://www.snsdm.com

OR http://www.sardarnagarnavratrautsav.com/

for more pictures and information.

sardarnagar devirangoli06

2008-10-17T09:22:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devirangoli06
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Sardar Nagar devi rangoli on 9th October 2008

sardarnagar devirangoli05

2008-10-17T09:21:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devirangoli05
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Sardar Nagar devi rangoli completed.

sardarnagar devipandal

2008-10-17T09:19:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devipandal
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

The Sardar Nagar Devi pandal from outside! :wow what a view. :D
The theme was "Jodhpur palace".

sardarnagar devilighting02

2008-10-17T09:18:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devilighting02
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

More lighting pictures. And look at the crowd.

sardarnagar devilighting01

2008-10-17T09:15:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devilighting01
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

the lighting from outside of the pandal of sardar nagar devi pandal.

sardarnagar devirangoli04

2008-10-17T09:14:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devirangoli04
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Cant wait for the finished rangoli. :P

sardarnagar devirangoli03

2008-10-17T09:13:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devirangoli03
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Colur shades being prepared and matched by the artist can be seen on the papers next to the rangoli.

sardarnagar devirangoli02

2008-10-17T09:12:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devirangoli02
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

rangoli being prepared one more

sardarnagar devirangoli01

2008-10-17T09:11:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devirangoli01
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Here is the rangoli of devi being prepared.

sardarnagar devi05

2008-10-17T09:09:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devi05
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Here are the ladies inside the pandal of Sardar Nagar devi wearing traditional maharashtrian "navaari saadis".

kolisamaj aai03

2008-10-17T09:07:00.001-07:00

kolisamaj_aai03
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Since i couldnt get enough here is one more picture. :P

kolisamaj aai02

2008-10-17T09:05:00.001-07:00

kolisamaj_aai02
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Koli Samaj Utsav Mandal devi 2008 photo.

kolisamaj aai01

2008-10-17T09:03:00.001-07:00

kolisamaj_aai01
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

This is devi of Sion Koli Samaj on 5th October 2008. And they were celebrating 60 years! :)

sardarnagar devi04

2008-10-17T09:00:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devi04
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Sardar Nagar Devi Pandal. Look at the inside decoration of the pandal.

The theme was all red. :)

sardarnagar devi03

2008-10-17T08:58:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devi03
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Sardar Nagar devi one more. Neat shot!

sardarnagar devi02

2008-10-17T08:54:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devi02
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Sardar Nagar devi. Great View :D

sardarnagar devi01

2008-10-17T08:50:00.001-07:00

sardarnagar_devi01
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

It was navratri and i visited our very own Sardar Nagar Sarvajanik Dasera Mahotsav.

This is the picture from 1st October 2008. Enjoy. :D

sion koliwada hill temple

2008-10-17T08:24:00.001-07:00

sionkoliwada_hilltemple
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

ok one more picture of the same hill. i will put up pictures of the area later.

abhi wahaa pe kya khaas hai woh baadmein pata chalega! :P

sion koliwada hill jtyjn

2008-10-17T08:20:00.001-07:00

sionkoliwada_hilljtyjn
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Hey looks like "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na" images when the movie starts up. ;)

sion koliwada hill

2008-10-17T08:16:00.001-07:00

sionkoliwada_hill
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

View from Sion Koliwada maruti mandir of the shiv mandir!

Its the little orange remple below the brown dome.

sion koliwada tekdi maruti temple

2008-10-17T08:12:00.001-07:00

sionkoliwada_tekdi_marutitemple
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

I had gone visiting our little sion koliwada hillock.

The maruti temple atop Sion tekdi.

Great view and windy as well.

Navratri Festival day 1

2008-10-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

It was the first day of Navratri festival the 30th September 2008.

It was mid noon and a great day for me since i hadnt been to Mahalaxmi temple in a while!

We went by bus number 85 and there was a long line to wait for darshan. My mom told me this was still a small one compared to day 8 or 9, now imagine that!!!

I was quite shocked to see that the "auti" holy offering viz. flowers, coconut etc. now comes in big plastic bags which we cannot see throught.

Neat packaged and deftly marketed they add to the pollution according to me. *sigh*

After snaking our way through we landed in the temple where they had decorated the temple with money plants and flowers yaar! Looks like our native flowers like "gondas and mogras" are getting replaced by foreign flowers completely!!! First it was the ministers now its also for Gods.

For darshan the ramp was placed which inclined sharply. With the recent temple tragedy with the stampede, it isnt a good idea.

But in India people only bother after the events have occured!

Darshan was good but really crowdy. Some people can never have enough of darshan and keep lingering around forever...

After our darshan we sat outside for a few seconds which was frowned upon by the cops! I dont understand whetever is happening to this city, now if i was some celebrity i would have had different privileges. booooooooooooo to that. :(

We then visited the shankar temple. I didnt know there was a "bel tree" in its courtyard and this season its bearing fruits.

sorry guys i hadnt taken my camera so no pictures of all this. Anyways one must leave some things to imagoination right? :P

There were temporary food services outside the Ranchoddas temple and the food was good. Normally i dont eat outside and i dont like it either if i do eat. But this one was good, reads tasty! yum :P :P :P

I saw Amu's Glaxo from outside.

While returning home. i saw on Gokhale road in Dadar a beauty salon "FACECUTT".
I was like "yeh kya naam hai yaar, facecutt! koi aisa naam sunke bhaag jaayega".

At King's Circle there is hectic activity with the bridge being built. Kya sab destroy kar diya.

All the "shankasur" plants have been uprooted/destroyed and King's Circle ka main garden it has those mobile lavatories put in there! :(

What a day!

kismatkichabi ka raaz

2008-09-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

So after i visited the link, it came up with the following! Does anyone have any idea whats all this about? :o

Kismatkichabi

2008-09-24T05:11:00.000-07:00

Last week a strange thing happened. I was coming home and was walking past cineplanet when these 3 gals were giving out this picture "globe with a key" to everyone.

So it happened i got 1 and so did mom.

What so special you would wonder?

Apart from our penchant for creating rubbish everywhere we Mumbaikars dont care a damn what pamphlets we are given and simply throw them away, the moment we walk past those boys and gals who are assigned the job to distribute them.

Anyways, after trampling on innumerable globes i decided oh well i'll read them later.

So when i landed home i read the following:

"If you opened this actually hoping to correct your

Fortune, you really need this advice

If the person who gave you this feels

you are worried, apprehensive,

unhappy and disheartened;

then may be you are,

just take our advice!

How to be HAPPY, OPTIMISTIC and HOPEFUL

in Life?

The first thing is to REVISIT your dreams and aspirations

because somewhere in your heart, they are still alive.

Next step is to ACT to see your dreams turn to reality

Hence, SMS KISMAT to 5676799

Log onto http://www.kismatkichabi.com/

Have a nice life!

Lalbaugcha Raja Info

2008-09-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

Some information on Lalbaugcha Raja that i gathered off the net.

The Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav mandal was previously known as "Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav mandal Lalbaug". The ganeshotsav mandal was established in 1934.

more info can be sought on wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lalbaug

Coming Soon: Mumbai Metro

2008-09-19T03:31:00.000-07:00

It will be just another 30 months (read 2 and a half years :z) when we all can proudly proclaim we also have the metro like Delhi and Kolkatta. Mumbai Metro One Private Ltd has proclaimed its intentions.

Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems, i.e. smart cards will be used by passengers to use the rapid transport system.

What we will get is also display systems, announcement system, radio system, master clock and time synchronisation system with optic fibre-based backbone transmission network, system for transferring CCTV images from moving trains to the Operation and Control Centre and stations. Additionally there will be reduced vibration technology for the rails.

The metro will be along Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor.

Ganapati bappa morya pudhchya varshi lavkar ya!

2008-09-16T12:51:00.001-07:00

g11
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Till the next year, ganapati bappa morya pudhchya varshi lavkar yaa!

Jai Ganesh Deva

2008-09-16T12:49:00.001-07:00

g10
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

The Sardar Nagar Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal organises the Sioncha Raja pandal every year.

This year was the golden jublee year!

Nice shot

2008-09-16T12:47:00.001-07:00

g9
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

I found a much cooler pic. on rediff.com.

kindly see it here:

http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/sep/13sd1.htm

Truck flower decoration

2008-09-16T12:45:00.001-07:00

g8
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

This year the decoration theme was flowers.

Beautifully and ornately decorated using ferns, and flowers the green theme was evident.

Needless to say it was a very simple idea and nicely executed.

Revellers and Dancers Inc

2008-09-16T12:42:00.001-07:00

g7
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Chalaa gadyanno naachuya!

Gals and guys all celebrating ganesh visarjan. Infact they will go dancing in this fashion all the way to the beach!!! :P

Its a great sight to watch some original maharashtrian dancing steps...

Parade Musicians

2008-09-16T12:38:00.001-07:00

Hats off

g6
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

to these guys who play so long and

so hard. Dont these guys hands ache?!

Kaise yaar kaise do they manage? :o

With their orange getup these guys are one heck of a motivated lot.

Sioncha Raja Parade

2008-09-16T12:37:00.001-07:00

g5
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Come rain or shine these merry folks are busy shaking a leg in the middle of the road.

And not just youngsters but older gentlemen and ladies also form circles and little groups to dance. Flag bearers motivate tired legs to keep dancing and the entire procession takes an eternity to move forward.

Not that anyone's complaining. Accompanying all this are the fireworks.

So sorry didnt take any pictures of those since i dont have an SD card, i used my limited memory to capture only 11 pictures. But i promise next year i will get more.

Visarjan Parade

2008-09-16T12:33:00.001-07:00

g4
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

"Sioncha Raja 2008" visarjan celebration with flags.

This is a yearly procession and is celebrated with much pomp and dancing.

Flag bearers wave the flags to the tune of drums and synchronised beats. And revellers around then dance in unison.

Infact the entire thing is so good, anyone would feel like joining them. Even laymen and passerby join the parade!

Ganapati Majha, Sioncha Raja

2008-09-16T12:31:00.001-07:00

g3
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Crowds always flock to get prasad and for darshan. With so many people surrounding the truck, the truck slowly inches forward.

Sioncha Raja Decor

2008-09-16T12:27:00.001-07:00

g2
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

"Sion cha Raja" inside truck on visarjan day.

Its a ritual every year the "Sion cha raja" is paraded through all the sardar nagars in Sion Koliwada before its annual sendoff.

Here the ganesh is on the way to sardar nagar no. 1.
This year the truck was decorated by flowers.

Sioncha Raja

2008-09-16T12:23:00.001-07:00

g1
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

"Ganapati Majha, Sion cha Raja"

Sion cha Raja 2008

The premier ganapati of Sion. Organised by Sardar Nagar Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal.

King's Circle GSB Ganesh

2008-09-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

I chanced to see our auxilium gals chattering away at the bus stop. Reminded me of my own days. But alas no bus in sight. When u don't need it 4 of the no. 64 route buses will travel totally empty one after the other; otherwise the much cursed and latelatif 172 came riding by and surprise pretty vacant! *poof @ that*

Abhi kya karu?!! Arre i chanced to see 2 "wad" trees. And isn't Wadala named after "wad" (banyan) trees cause it was here that they were mainly found. What days have come when you can find only 2 on Katrak Road.

Along came bus no. 411 & we hoped into it, planning to get down at King's Circle. When the bus stopped at the signal near the Irani hotel Cafe Coolar, my mom's like "hey we should get down now, we wont have to cross the road".

Phew this lady has no patience! down and walking fast we got past Sobti's clinic. By the time we got to the G.S.B. Mandal pandel, it was drizzling again. We proceeded to remove our chappels.

General darshan? start climbing mount abu jawans! and yeah that whole thing winds up like a snake around the entire length of the walk to the Lord's darshan. And the plates moved 'thud thud' giving you an uneasy feeling. *brrr*

see for yourself: Skywalking to Lord's Darshan!!! what a view!
People are performing "homas" below to the tune of "mantras".

here is Lord Ganesh. splendid!

And another close up!

Next Stop Wadala

2008-09-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

Here we went inside the temple of Ram first. Today was a lucky day since the original murtis were being cleaned & performed abhishekam, i got to click this.

Shri Ram, Shri Laxman and Sitamata

(a lil dodgy but nevertheless worth it.)

The nav grahas n nag devas n ganeshas later we could see the G.S.B. ganapati.

As grand as ever and always the most serene. And never changing. The GSB Ganesh at Wadala Ram Temple.

Yeh Camera Mujhe Dede Thakur!!!

This pujari destroyed the shot by waving his hand in between... asking for my camera! :o "peechee dekh mamu, bhagwan peeche khadaa hai."

:( better luck next time.

After getting the prashad which i love so much. very very tasty n i can eat heaps; we went to the bus stop.

Lalbaugcha Raja

2008-09-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

Lalbaugcha Raja

Today we visited the 'Lalbaugcha Raja'. Since we were already late, we took a taxi to Lalbaug. Well surprises of all surprises, the blue sky in Sion turned to Grey in Dadar T.T. and it started pouring cats & dogs!

No sooner than we reached Hindmata then the traffic started to slow down
abysmally. In a span of 45 minutes the water was upto kneeline. And kids were frolicking in it. yuck! It was only when we got to Parel T.T. when the waters started to recede.

Hey when we reached the site of Lalbaugcha Raja we saw these huge elephants. But since it was raining & we had to leave the taxi, we didn't bother looking.

Proceeded to the line. Since this was my first time, i saw these shops lining the route on both flanks. And needless to say they all sell the same kinda items! :o

I wonder how they do business otherwise. or may be its just my naivety.

There on the left side is an entrance to the Lalbaug machhi bazaar. What a cat gathering was there. Cats of all kinda colours had assembled & were mockingly looking at us with interspersed looks of dispair cum indifference "oh these humans, pathetic!"

Beautiful but very cattish i must say... but then no prizes for guessing.

Anyways as we were slowly proceeding my anticipation was growing and
growing.

Alas it only culminated in a deflation when we found out we cant even get like 5 feet near Ganesh cause it isn't allowed. Oh well so i took to my heels, for the treasured shot.

attempt 1 : crisscrossing between people i landed this

attempt 2: oh well

attempt 3: damn it, keep ur head off!

strategy 2

round about turn, through the ropes and hurrah straight ahead

attempt 4: ok this might work

attempt 5: yes!!!

attempt 6: wow, glorious!

attempt 7: nice one as well

thanx to mom's cajoling

attempt 8: closer

attempt 9: right on...

So after duly visiting the cats we landed outside.

So our chance this time to admire the decor. And yeah rains stopped. "hurry quick"

La Door Magnifique!!!

Appropriately titled "BIG BIG BIG"

Zarokaa!!!

Haathi Mere Sathi... *love*

Next stop Wadala.

IMS Vikrant Deck

2008-09-03T18:23:00.001-07:00

vikrant2002_1019
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

Specifications of Vikrant

Displacement: 15,700 tons standard without load. 19,500 tons with full load.
Total length: 192 metres (630 ft) along with waterline. 213.3 metres (700 ft) under extreme circumstances.
Firing range: 12,000 nautical miles at 14 knots.
Beam: 24.4 meters (80 ft) along with waterline. 39 meters (128 ft) under extreme circumstances.
Draft: 7.3 meters (24 ft)
Propulsion: parsons geared steam turbines, 4 admiralty three-drum boilers, 2 shafts, 40,000 hp, 23 knots
Crew: 1075 usual, 1340 wartime
Armaments: 16*40 mm Bofors antiaircraft guns
Aircrafts: 6 Westland Sea King Mk42B
3 Westland Sea King Mk42C
Fixed Wing 6 BAe Sea Harriers FRS.51

Dockyard viewed from IMS Vikrant

2008-09-03T18:22:00.001-07:00

vikrant2002_0918
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

IMS Vikrant

The ship was converted into the Indian Museum Ship (IMS) Vikrant. The Navy had refurbished IMS Vikrant and opened it to the visitors during Navy Week in December 2003. During the fortnight, over 100,000 people visited the museum ship.

It is India’s first maritime museum and Asia’s only. It is referred to as ‘Old Lady of the Indian Navy'. She is the only World War II-era British-built aircraft carrier to be preserved.

The museum highlights the enormous role played by the ship in India’s maritime history. Also showcased are the naval aviation operations via short films shown on the ship.

The general public can see the varied operations of the Indian navy within separate sections of the ship like diving, missiles, aircrafts, naval uniforms, Vikrants commanders. Various artifacts & exhibits include also the pieces of the Pak submarine that the Vikrant sank. On displays are also photographs of naval officers and navy operations and training.

IMS Vikrant hanger

2008-09-03T18:19:00.001-07:00

vikrant2002_0717
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

INS Vikrant underwent 3 more modernizations. She served for 20 long years until the 1990’s.

On 31st January 1997 INS Vikrant was decommissioned and thus came to an end its long and distinguished service in the annals of Indian Navy. While in service the Vikrant provided air umbrella of 350 nautical miles.

Helicopter in hanger of IMS Vikrant

2008-09-03T18:16:00.001-07:00

vikrant2002_0515
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

The INS Vikrant played a major role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. INS Vikrant’s airfleet of Seahawk fighter aircrafts sank many enemy ships, destroyed aircrafts and onshore targets.

The result was Pakistan sent its submarine Ghazi to the Bay of Bengal to sink the Vikrant while at Visakhapatnam harbor. However Ghazi herself sank in the process.

The INS Vikrant was the prime factor in the naval blockade of East Pakistan. Vikrant earned 2 Mahavir Chakras and 12 Vir Chakras for its efforts.

Viewing deck of IMS Vikrant

2008-09-03T18:14:00.001-07:00

vikrant2002_0414
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

INS Vikrant first active operation was the liberation of Goa in 1961.

The ship also played a role in the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
Here is a great video from youtube by cybersurg

Aircrafts in IMS Vikrant

2008-09-03T18:12:00.001-07:00

vikrant2002_0313
Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

The ship was renamed as “Vikrant” meaning valiant.

The ship’s motto is "Jayema Sam Yudhi Sprdhah" from the Rig Veda which means ‘I completely defeat those who dare to fight with me’.

INS Vikrant was India’s first light fleet aircraft carrier. Captain Pritam Singh was the first commanding officer of the carrier.

Hanger of IMS Vikrant

2008-09-03T18:10:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

The ship was later sold off to India in January 1957 after long negotiations. It was Lord Louis Mountbatten who convinced Pundit Nehru to make the massive purchase. Remaining work of the massive vessel was undertaken at Harland and Wolff at Belfast. The designs were modified taking into account modern needs and the ship was refitted. The ship was customized to function as Fleet Commander’s flagship.

The ship was commissioned on 4th March 1961 by the then Indian high commissioner to Britain Vijayalakshmi Pundit. Inspite of this the ship wasn’t put into active duty till 3rd November of the same year. After being docked at Belfast, Northern Ireland, it finally began service in Ballard Pier, Bombay and was received by Pundit Nehru himself!

Indian Museum Ship Vikrant

2008-09-03T18:08:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

India’s museum ship IMS Vikrant

It wasn’t always the “big piece of junk lying rotting in the seas” as some people believe “not worth spending crores over upkeep when millions of countrymen still languish in poverty”.

This battleship was once the pride of the Indian navy and served not just under the Indian flag but also the British!

Known as the HMS (yeah yeah Her Majesty’s Ship) Hercules (R49) aircraft carrier for the British Royal Navy. It was to be one of 6 light aircraft carriers for the Royal Navy.

Construction plans for the ship were proposed on 12th November 1943 by Vickers-Armstrong of Tyne, England in Belfast. Later on 22nd September 1945 the first phase of construction work began. Unfortunately due to World War II, the work was suspended and the ship’s plans were stuck in a limbo for a long time.

View of the Bay

2008-09-02T18:52:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

This picture was taken from the gateway of India.

Looking onto the Arabian Sea. And the hundreds of boats bobbing up & down in blue waters of the ocean.

Ferry rides can be taken from the Gateway of India.

Gateway of India Motifs

2008-09-02T18:48:00.001-07:00

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Originally uploaded by vk_i_maverick

One can clearly see the gorgeous play of light with the basalt stone.

Indo-Saracenic in architectural style with some elements from the Muslim architectural styles of 16th century Gujarat.