Ajanta-Ellora caves...

Chiseled during the span between the 2nd century BC and the 8th century AD, the Ajanta and Ellora caves are two of the most alluring tourist destinations in India. They illustrate the story of Buddhism, spanning over a period from 200 BC to 650 AD.

There are 29 caves in Ajanta which were built as isolated retreats of the Buddhist monks, who preached and performed religious rites in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient centers of learning of the Buddhist cultural movement. The saints carved out the stunning figures to decorate the walls of these structures with the help of hammer and chisel. A lot of the caves exhibit panels demonstrating stories from the Jatakas - tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha. One can notice images of nymphs and princesses amongst others.

At 30 kms from Aurangabad are located the Ellora caves, 34 in number. They are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill. The facades and finely designed interiors are some of the finest examples of cave - temple architecture. Carved during 350 AD to 700 AD, these structures depict the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

The 17 in the centre are dedicated to Hinduism, 12 caves to the south are Buddhist and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.

The Ajanta and Ellora caves have magnificent sculptures and paintings carved out of huge rocks, also shows india's rich cultural heritage and also it is a world heritage site. It also depicts the three faiths of Hinduism, buddhism, and Jainism.

Jallianwala Bagh....

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, also known as the Amritsar Massacre, was named after the Jallianwala Bagh (Garden) in Amritsar, where, on April 13, 1919, British Indian Army soldiers under the command of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer opened fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children.

Official sources place the casualties at 379. According to private sources, the number was over 1000, with more than 1200 wounded , and Civil Surgeon Dr Smith indicated that they were over 1800. The figures were never fully ascertained for political reasons.

The occasion was Baisakhi Day, a Punjabi religious day. A tradition had been established for Sikhs to gather in Amritsar to participate in the Baisakhi festival. Those coming from the rural areas of Amritsar District were unaware of the events in Amritsar as communications were inadequate in Punjab. Legally, the gathering in the Bagh was in violation of the prohibitory orders banning gatherings of five or more persons in the city, a term of martial law.

I would like the youth to visit "Jallianwala Bagh", so as to realise the true value of independence. How it was earned with a constant struggle of 200 years and loss of so many lives.

Amber Palace was built in 1592 in Amber, 11kms from Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was built in red sandstone and white marble. Also it a marvellous example of fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture.