Civilization
Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Bracket Figures
The Belur Chennakeshava Temple, a gem among stones, is an architectural marvel. It showcases the Hoysala architecture with many notable features, including its unique layout, ornate pillars (one of them revolves about its own axis), and most importantly, the bracket figures, the beautifully carved sculptures mounted on the exterior wall at an angle just below … Read more
Angkor Wat Bas-Reliefs
Narrative and exquisitely carved Known for its immensity, grandeur, and architectural brilliance, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and one of the most visited. Located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, this sprawling complex was originally a Vishnu temple built by the Khmer King Survarman II in the 12th century. It was later … Read more
Belur Chennakeshava Temple – Wall Surrounding the Garbhagriha
Located 137 miles west of Bangalore in southern India, the Belur Chennakeshava Temple is a magnificent temple dedicated to Vishnu. King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala dynasty commissioned the temple in 1167 CE to commemorate his victory over the Cholas at Talakadu. Architecturally classified as the Mantapa style temple – a subclass under the southern Dravida … Read more
Iceland
Iceland is a country like no other. It is is an island with a spectacular but strange landscape. With a population of 350,000, it is one of the smallest countries in the world. While Iceland is smaller in terms of size and population, it is not small in terms of achievement. It prides itself of … Read more
Phnom Kulen
Revered by Cambodians from all walks of life, Phnom Kulen (means Mountain of Lychees in Khmer) is the birthplace of the Khmer civilization. King Jayavarman II chose Phnom Kulen to found the Khmer Empire and declare himself a Chakravarty (King of Kings) in 802 CE. The kings who came after him expanded the empire and … Read more
Tonlé Sap
Located on the lower Mekong basin, Tonle’ Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Because of the seasonal changes, its size fluctuates. During the dry season, the lake shrinks as the water flows out of the lake into the rivers. During the wet season, the lake expands as the water flows into the lake from the rivers. and the water level rises as much as 30 feet. Thus, it acts as a natural reservoir.
Maori
The Maori are the New Zealand‘s indigenous people, whose ancestors arrived from Polynesia in the 1300s. Over the period of a few centuries, the language and traditions of the Polynesian settlers evolved into a new and unique culture. According to the oral traditions of the Maori people, the Maori ancestors came to the land of … Read more
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is one of the most visited temple complexes in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The temple complex is intermingled with tall trees, some of which have grown on top of structures with their roots flowing down to the ground, which makes a fascinating view. Location It is located a mile east of Bayon. Archaeological Site … Read more
Bayon
Bayon is a mysterious Buddhist temple constructed at the exact center of Angkor Thom. Whereas Angkor Wat gives an impression of a grandeur edifice with harmonious design and open spaces, Bayon appears like a jumble of disproportionate structures crammed in a small place, and yet it is one of the most visited sites in Siem Reap. … Read more
