INDIA16. FAREWELL INDIA.

Sunday May 4, 2014, continued

Ok, we have time to squeeze in a few more monuments before we go home...

Over 1000 years old, the Qutb Minar is the 2nd tallest minar (73 metres) in India. As the name suggests the tower was to serve as a minaret from where the Islamic call to prayer was issued five times each day: dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night. On its upper levels it has decorative motifs showing both Hindu and Islamic elements. 

The balcony.

A closer view of the calligraphy.

 

Enough old stuff?

Here is something modern. The curious 1986 marble clad Lotus Bahai Temple which is obviously inspired by the lotus flower.

Bahai's believe that there is one God, that all humanity is one family, and that there is a fundamental unity underlying religion. They anticipate an age for the establishment of world peace. Wait a minute, "fundamental unity underlying religion". Well it can be traced back to ancient Babylon. But as for religions coming together and establishing world peace... I think history speaks for itself.

Everybody wants a photo.

The interior of the building is structurally beautiful but sadly they do not permit photography...

The Isa Khan Tomb from 1547.

Humayun's Tomb from 1572 is the first example of Persian influence on Indian architecture. It contains over 100 graves earning it the nickname "Dormitory of the Mughals". 

The exterior arch of Humayun's Tomb, showing niches on two levels.

The India Gate, originally called the All India War Memorial, established in 1921 and unveiled in 1931.

We were surprised to see so hundreds, if not thousands of Indians reclining and playing on the lawn around the monument. Apparently, it is a perfectly normal family outing on a Sunday afternoon.

Most of the architecture that we have seen in India, (the war memorials, tombs and burning ghats) have a common theme, death. It's millions of gods have done their worst but time is fast running out.

Our week in India has come to an end and we are very happy to be back home now. It was quite an experience and we have learned a lot. The people of India are vibrant and full of life. From our very limited glimpse their conditions are difficult to say the least. We feel for them and pray for God's Kingdom to come. 

Lloydnalex

 

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INDIA 15. MALACHI 3:18

Sunday May 4, 2014

At this point, we had traveled for almost a week in India but were not able to attend a single meeting so we were really looking forward to this day.

After a good breakfast...

We headed out to find the Delhi Metro. Having experienced the somewhat antiquated India Rail system we were not sure what to expect. But we were in for a pleasant surprise. Delhi Metro is the world's thirteenth largest metro system in terms of length and is comparable to modern systems in Europe and the Americas.

After snapping a few shots some friendly Indians told us that photography is not allowed. India, having experienced terrorist attacks is rather sensitive about security.

Our destination, the Kingdom Hall.

And to our great surprise, we joined an English congregation and a CO visit.

Such a pleasure to be among Brothers and Sisters again...

And to enjoy clean worship.

As we find in all congregations worldwide, although we have never met any of the friends before, we have mutual friends and they ask us to send their love... Where else could that happen but in a Kingdom Hall?

Patrick and his wife.

This is Togo who was visiting from the UK.

Thank you Jehovah. We needed that...

Lloydnalex

 

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INDIA 14. OLD DELHI.

Saturday May 3, 2014, continued

Old Delhi, walled city of Delhi, India, was founded by some Persian Mughal Emperor in 1639.

 

Yes, it's noisy. Very very noisy.

As if!!!

And it's crowded in old Chandni Chowk.

We attempted to get into the Jama Masji Mosque (1656) , built by the same guy who erected the Taj Mahal.

But we were put off by the decidedly unpleasant clerics at the entry...

Lame beggars on the steps.

Never seen so many eagles.

The Lahori Gate of the Red Fort at Chandni Chowk

 

Strict house rules in the fort... No smoking, no littering, and no spitting... If only this could be extended to all India...

Our friend on the train, Ishan, recommended a food treat in the Chandni Chowk neighborhood. The famous Paranthe Wali Gali (pan fried Indian bread) Resturant established 1875.

A tiny place down a back lane that is crammed with locals.

And the Paranthes?

Fabulous. Thank you Ishan. One if the best meals we ate in India.

Lloydnalex

 

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