Old And Rare Dollar Bills
Maijishan Grottoes
History
The Maijishan Grottoes a series of 194 caves cut in the side of the hill of Majishan in Tianshui, Gansu Province, northwest China. This example of rock cut architecture contains over 7,200 Buddhist sculptures and over 1,000 square meters of murals. Construction began in the Later Qin era (384-417 CE).
Maijishan Mountain is placed on the first list of state key scenic spots by its peculiar grottoes, exquisite clay sculptures luxuriant vegetation, all kinds geologies and landforms, mountain peaks. Its main area is 142km2 including Maijishan Grottoes, the Immortal Cliff, the Stone Gate, Quxi Stream and Jieting Hot Spring. Maijishan Grottoes was first built in Later Qin (384-417.D) constructed successively during the 12 dynasties which are West Qin, Northern Wei, West Wei, Northern Zhou, Sui, Tang, Five Dynasty, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing. Although many earthquakes and conflagration, it still remains 194 caves, 7200 sculpture, 1000 square M fresco which are excatived on the cliff about 30-80m high form the ground, more than 70 percent caves were excavated in the North dynasty. When clay sculpture were popular, well-shaped and excellent art, They reach the climax of sculpture works in early period. Qinling chains in scenic area are the main boundary between North and South nature geography. There are two plant areas, China-Japan, China-Himalayas areas. They include much kind of plants of North China, Central China, and Himalayas.
Menxinduo Higher plant 223 genera, 873 categories, 2738 species, of which bryophyte plant has 53 genera, 98 categories, 138 species, pteridophyte 21 genera, 43 categories, 92 species, angiosperm 141 genera, 712 categories, 2456 species, gymnosperm 8 genera, 20 categories, 48 species. Preserving Xyophyta 20 species including metase quoia, kinkgo, white bark pine etc. the rare key protected plant listed by state has 31 species, (1 level 1 species, 2 level 7 species, 3 level 23 species), forestation coverage reaches 76% wild animal, birds 12 classes, 34 genera, 95 species, beast 6 classes, 18 genera, 29 species, the rare animals protected by state, 6 classes.7 genera, 18 species.
The scenic spots lies in the joint of QiLian-North Qinlin chains. It forms very complicated geologies and landforms due to movement in Yinzi, Yanshan, and Himalayas. Hot Spring and Quxi Stream is metamorphic rock. Maiji Mountain, the lmmortal clitt, is purple red sandstone rock, while the Stone Gate granite. They have different geology and landform in small area, the abundant forest and flower, the stream and waterfall compose of over 180 scenic spots. They show landscape abundance and variety. The reason of protuberant globular valve: The grottoes kept its fine sculpture of 12 feudal dynasties. It possesses large-scale sculpture museum with 1600 years. It provides precious material studding sculpture, painting, arts and crafts, architecture and religion such as Buddhism. The constructed cave in North Wei (408-534A.D) play an important role for its long history in China even in the world, well preserved well shaped, lively figure. There are biggest palace--shaped building in northern dynasties of Chinese grottoes in these 21 grottoes.
Bulding in wall--painting, skill methods and completed methods are both the best important and valuable works. This abundant building material in northern dynasties is the most precious and important illustration in studying grottoes' nationalism, ancient construction, and freseo. There are about 2738 higher vegetation in the scenic spot, of which 60 genus the 3rd Age xylophta 20 genera, the rare vegetation 31 and 18 genera rare animal protected by State. There is such abundant biology in warm temperature Zone of 34 N latitude; its varieties have typical significance. Maijishan Plant is accepted as member by IUCN. Spectacular Maiji peak, exquisite clay carving temple building under cliff, peculiar landform, about plant clear stream and waterfall combine naturally made up a harmonious landscape of mankind and nature.
Winter Palace
Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia
History
From the 1760s onwards the Winter Palace was the main residence of
the Russian Tsars. Magnificently located on the bank of the Neva River,
this Baroque-style palace is perhaps St. Petersburg’s most impressive
attraction. Many visitors also know it as the main building of the
Hermitage Museum. The green-and-white three-storey palace is a marvel of
Baroque architecture and boasts 1,786 doors, 1,945 windows and 1,057
elegantly and lavishly decorated halls and rooms, many of which are open
to the public. The Winter Palace was built between 1754 and 1762 for Empress Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great. Unfortunately, Elizabeth died before the palace’s completion and only Catherine the Great and her successors were able to enjoy the sumptuous interiors of Elizabeth’s home. Many of the palace’s impressive interiors have been remodeled since then, particularly after 1837, when a huge fire destroyed most of the building. Today the Winter Palace, together with four more buildings arranged side by side along the river embankment, houses the extensive collections of the Hermitage. The Hermitage Museum is the largest art gallery in Russia and is among the largest and most respected art museums in the world.
The museum was founded in 1764 when Catherine the Great purchased a collection of 255 paintings from the German city of Berlin. Today, the Hermitage boasts over 2.7 million exhibits and displays a diverse range of art and artifacts from all over the world and from throughout history (from Ancient Egypt to the early 20th century Europe). The Hermitage’s collections include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian, a unique collection of Rembrandts and Rubens, many French Impressionist works by Renoir, Cezanne, Manet, Monet and Pissarro, numerous canvasses by Van Gogh, Matisse, Gaugin and several sculptures by Rodin. The collection is both enormous and diverse and is an essential stop for all those interested in art and history. The experts say that if you were to spend a minute looking at each exhibit on display in the Hermitage, you would need 11 years before you’d seen them all. However, we recommend you opt for a guided tour instead!
Buddha Statue in Leshan
History
The Leshan Giant Buddha (simplified Chinese: Lesha-n Dafo) was built during the Tang Dynasty (618–907AD). It is carved out of a cliff face that lies at the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers in the southern part of Sichuan province in China, near the city of Leshan. The stone sculpture faces Mount Emei, with the rivers flowing below his feet. It is the largest carved stone Buddha in the world and it is by far the tallest pre-modern statue in the world. The Mount Emei Scenic Area, including Leshan Giant Buddha Scenic Area has been listed
Pazhassiraja Museum
Pazhassiraja Museum Calicut, Kerala
History
Pazhassiraja Museum is beautifully nestled among the picturesque
locations of the district of Calicut (Kozhikode) in Kerala. Calicut city
has become an ultimate destination for the historians and aficionados
of art and literature. Kerala has lured the visitors and traders from
lands far off from time immemorial. Similar was the case of the
Portuguese traveler, who set sails towards India and reached India in
1498 - the name of that sailor was Vasco Da Gama. An art gallery is
located in the vicinity of the museum. The gallery exhibits a number of
paintings of Kerala's respected artists, including the Raja Ravi Varma
and Raja Raja Varma, who were the connoisseurs of painting and other
performing arts. Their paintings, which are preserved artifacts, tell
the tales from the past that were not included in any scripture, the
lore of then modern culture. They also depict the tradition and bounties
from the wars and successions over the neighboring rulers by the ruler
of Kozhikode. Everything is enlisted in visual history of Kerala, which
is summarized into a few oil paintings of these masters.
Pazhassiraja Museum is maintained and preserved by the State Archaeology Department of Kerala. The museum showcases a number of stunning works of art. The ancient coins preserved here can be a delight to look at. Apart from this, the museum also secures traditional bronze sculptures and utensils, umbrella stones, miniature models of temples which are crafted out of plaster of Paris and similar megalithic structures.
There is an interesting story behind the christening of Pazhassiraja Museum. The museum and the art gallery both are named after the great Pazhassiraja of the Padinjare Kovilakom, of the Kottayam regal kin. The much popular 'Pazhassi Revolt', which took place during the British epoch against the British East India Company, was captained by Pazhassiraja. Popularly termed as the Lion of Kerala, Pazhassiraja is the one who is recognized for introducing guerilla warfare in the hills of Wayanad, to resist the British colonialism. The museum seems to be living entity breathing on the cultural heritage, as it assimilates in itself a number of artifacts and items which are a part of Kerala's intellectual heritage. Not just the artifacts but the architecture of the place itself depict the traditional Keralite architecture and hence are preserved as a part of Kerala's cultural heritage
Pazhassiraja Museum is maintained and preserved by the State Archaeology Department of Kerala. The museum showcases a number of stunning works of art. The ancient coins preserved here can be a delight to look at. Apart from this, the museum also secures traditional bronze sculptures and utensils, umbrella stones, miniature models of temples which are crafted out of plaster of Paris and similar megalithic structures.
There is an interesting story behind the christening of Pazhassiraja Museum. The museum and the art gallery both are named after the great Pazhassiraja of the Padinjare Kovilakom, of the Kottayam regal kin. The much popular 'Pazhassi Revolt', which took place during the British epoch against the British East India Company, was captained by Pazhassiraja. Popularly termed as the Lion of Kerala, Pazhassiraja is the one who is recognized for introducing guerilla warfare in the hills of Wayanad, to resist the British colonialism. The museum seems to be living entity breathing on the cultural heritage, as it assimilates in itself a number of artifacts and items which are a part of Kerala's intellectual heritage. Not just the artifacts but the architecture of the place itself depict the traditional Keralite architecture and hence are preserved as a part of Kerala's cultural heritage
Napier Museum
Napier Museum and Art GalleryThiruvananthapuram, Kerala
History
Napier Museum and Art Gallery is a part of the Napier Museum campus,
which is situated in the middle of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram),
Kerala. One should at not miss the tour of this museum, to get a feel of
the authentic cultural heritage of ‘The God's Own Country’. Named after
the former Governor General of Madras, Sir John Napier, the Napier
Museum was constructed in the 19th century. The museum was constructed
in the Indo-Saracenic style. The Napier museum is an abode of a number
of different exotic and rare assortments of archaeological and historic
relics, ancient ornaments, bronze idols, ivory carvings. One can also
find a chariot, which has been designed beautifully with a number of
tribal arts.
Napier Museum & Art Gallery also boasts of maintaining an
ergonomically designed naturally cooled compound, which is designed
according to the principles of physics and architecture. Hence, it saves
a lot of fuel and electricity. The use of plastic has been banned
inside the premises of the museum, which is another thing that makes the
Museum premises eco-friendly. The Napier Museum complex stores a number
of artifacts, which exemplify the prosperous cultural heritage of
Kerala. The museum itself is a wonderful piece of architecture, with its
picturesque green surroundings.
Napier Museum is popularly known as the Government Art Museum. It will
be quite interesting to note that the museum’s building is a rare
amalgamation of the Kerala, Mughal, Chinese and Italian architectural
styles. The Sree Chitra Art Gallery inside the Napier museum features a
rare collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Roerich and some
fascinating works from the Rajput, Mughal and Tanjore schools of
painting. The museum is also home to an exotic collection of paintings
that are native to Japan, China, Bali and Tibet. This collection offers a
visual treat and acknowledges the art and culture of these countries.
The Museum holds some of the artifacts that clearly exhibit the cultural
harmony between Indian and other cultures. These exhibits are the
evidence of relation between India and the neighboring countries like
China.
Kuthiramalika Museum
History
The Kuthiramalika Museum is popularly known as Kuthira Malika, which
literally means a mansion of horses. Located in Trivandrum
(Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala, the museum was originally a grand palace
constructed by Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma - the great connoisseur of art
and literature. The palace is situated in the vicinity of
Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The palace museum derives its name from the
array of horses, which are carved from the wood placed to support its
southern roof.
Kuthiramalika Museum was kept vacant for almost one hundred years,
following the demise of Swathi Thirunal in 1846. Kuthiramalika Palace
was built by the Travancore kings. The Palace still gives an insight
into the Kerala culture and intellect that was contemporary at the time
of its construction. A glance at Kuthiramalika Museum will reveal the
glory and grandeur of the past of the royal families of Kerala. Kuthira
Malika Museum is an abode of the exquisite collections of the Royal
Family's remnants.
Kuthira Malika Museum stores a collection of artifacts which include
Kathakali mannequins that represent the cultural edifice of Kerala.
Belgian mirrors exhibited here represent the trade relations of India
during olden times. The crystal chandeliers and paintings displayed here
represent the taste in art. One can also find armaments here, which
show the marks of military valor of the kings. The museum also exhibits
musical instruments, traditional furniture and other artifacts of olden
times.
Kuthiramalika Museum also stores artifacts which were actually used by
the royal families - the beautifully crafted Ivory cradles of various
shapes and sizes are to name a few. The palace museum also stores a
couple of thrones - one made up of ivory and the other made up of
Bohemian crystal. There is a unique quality in both the thrones, as both
of these have a conch mark on the top of the backrest of the throne.
The Conch used to be the royal emblem of Travancore. The palace is
divided into different rooms, which were used for different purpose.
When it was a palace, Kuthiramalika Museum used to have an audience
chamber. This chamber was used to conduct meetings regarding the routine
to be followed in the empire. A library and an alcove where also
located in the palace. These were used by Swathi Thirunal for
meditating. Many of his famous compositions were also conceived here.
The museum also stores a famous illusion painting of Sree Chithira
Thirunal Balarama Varma which was crafted by the famous painter
Svetoslav Roerich. The major thing to notice in this painting is that
the face and the shoes of the king appear facing the viewer from every
corner of the room.
Technology Museum
Kerala Science and Technology Museum Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
History
Kerala Science and Technology Museum was established in the year 1984. Located in Thiruvananthapuram/Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, the museum is run by an autonomous body, which was setup by the Government of Kerala. The museum remains a dynamic medium for the spread of science and technology in Kerala. Kerala Science and Technology Museum also remains a pioneer in inculcating the sense of curiosity and scientific disposition among the young generation in the state. The Government of Kerala always wanted a body which could organize fairs and scientific exhibitions. They got the answers to their questions in the form of Kerala Science and Technology Museum. The museum also undertakes the responsibility of managing science educational programmes through TV, Radio and other media of communication. The museum is also responsible for organizing demonstrations and lectures, which includes the interactions with media and public too. Kerala Science and Technology Museum is visited by people of all ages and interest, as this is a place of study as well as a recreational center. Here, children can have some creative fun, while the adults interested in science and technology can also enjoy their time here by learning new things. When the project was started, the measurements of the place came down to 5 acres of land at the mid of the capital city of the state of Kerala. The museum compound was set up in 1984 with just a few sections, namely Electricity, Electronics, Power & Motion and Mechanics, with approximately 300 exhibits. A number of galleries like Popular Science, Mathematics, Automobile and Biomedical Engineering were added to the museum with time. Kerala Science and Technology Museum also holds a planetarium called the ‘Priyadarshini Planetarium’. The planetarium was made functional in the year 1994. Further developments took place, which gave rise to a Children's Science Park and Mobile Science Exhibition unit. Later, other galleries were added too to this place, including Computer Gallery and Solar Energy Gallery. Kerala Science and Technology Museum premise also contains a Play Park with thirteen playing devices which aid learning while playing. This park was opened in the year 2005. Energy Park, 3D Theatre, Digital Weighing Machine, Edusat Talk Back Terminal, and Energy Ball etc are hot favorites of the crowd visiting Kerala Science and Technology Museum.
Temple Bar from the Strand by William Henry
Indo Portuguese Museum
Indo Portuguese Museum Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala
History
The Indo-Portuguese Museum, which is situated at Fort Kochi in Cochin,
is one of the important museums of Kerala. The museum is an example of
the Portuguese influence in both the art and the architecture of Kerala
in general and Cochin in particular. The Indo-Portuguese Museum tells
the story of the era when Portuguese used to have a strong influence in
this area, at all levels. Be it art or the architecture of the region,
this is the primary reason behind the variety in the designs of the
buildings and monuments.
The Indo-Portuguese Museum is the hub to learn about the Indo-Portuguese Artistic and cultural legacy, which seems prominent as the culture and traditions of Cochin are endeavoring as always and have survived the test of time till today. The museum is the fructification of the efforts of the late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, who was the former Bishop of Kochi district. The other objective of constructing this monument was to accurately bear on the inheritance of his times, so that the upcoming generations could learn something from their experiences. According to critics, another reason for the Bishop to establish the Indo-Portuguese Museum was to protect his own archdiocese from jeopardy. The second reason was to protect the most important and invaluable collections for posterity. The Indo Portuguese Museum holds an important place in the history of Kochi. It is very popular, because it was the first museum in Kerala that especially stored artifacts and scriptures of theological importance.
Indo-Portuguese Museum is divided into five main sections. Each division has been made on the basis of the nature of items displayed. These divisions are made on the basis of routine life namely Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral. All the antiquities which are exhibited here depict the similarity in the Indian and the culture of the Portuguese. The Indo-Portuguese Museum also showcases some exceptionally exotic collections, which are known for their artistic and architectural value. These bear the mark of strong Portuguese influence. The collection includes a chasuble (19th century) from Bishop's House, a piece of the altar made in teak wood (16th century) from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Indo-Portuguese Monstrance (18-19th century), Processional cross, which is a combination of silver and wood (17th century), from Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen from Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi.
The Indo-Portuguese Museum is the hub to learn about the Indo-Portuguese Artistic and cultural legacy, which seems prominent as the culture and traditions of Cochin are endeavoring as always and have survived the test of time till today. The museum is the fructification of the efforts of the late Dr. Joseph Kureethra, who was the former Bishop of Kochi district. The other objective of constructing this monument was to accurately bear on the inheritance of his times, so that the upcoming generations could learn something from their experiences. According to critics, another reason for the Bishop to establish the Indo-Portuguese Museum was to protect his own archdiocese from jeopardy. The second reason was to protect the most important and invaluable collections for posterity. The Indo Portuguese Museum holds an important place in the history of Kochi. It is very popular, because it was the first museum in Kerala that especially stored artifacts and scriptures of theological importance.
Indo-Portuguese Museum is divided into five main sections. Each division has been made on the basis of the nature of items displayed. These divisions are made on the basis of routine life namely Altar, Treasure, Procession, Civil Life and Cathedral. All the antiquities which are exhibited here depict the similarity in the Indian and the culture of the Portuguese. The Indo-Portuguese Museum also showcases some exceptionally exotic collections, which are known for their artistic and architectural value. These bear the mark of strong Portuguese influence. The collection includes a chasuble (19th century) from Bishop's House, a piece of the altar made in teak wood (16th century) from the Church of Our Lady of Hope, Indo-Portuguese Monstrance (18-19th century), Processional cross, which is a combination of silver and wood (17th century), from Church of Our Lady of Hope, Vypeen from Santa Cruz Cathedral, Fort Kochi.
Hill Palace
Hill Palace Thripunithura, Ernakulam District, Kochi
History
Hill Palace is located in Thripunithura/Tripunithura, in
Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala. Constructed in 1865, the
museum (previously a palace) used to be the official residence of the
Kochi Royal family. The palace has now been converted into the present
day museum. The museum holds the collection of the paintings of the
erstwhile Maharaja of Kochi. The palace complex is a large enclosed area
which comprises of 49 buildings, which were built in traditional Kerala
style architecture. The palace compound is spread over 52 acres of
area. This compound includes beautiful fountains which are a piece of
art. Apart of these fountains the compound also guards elaborately lush
lawns and a number of ponds. There are a number of rare medicinal plants too, which have been
cultivated here. The Ethno-archaeological museum displays a number of
ancient murals, oil-paintings, Stone artifacts and coins, along with
manuscripts and sculptures, which belongs to the Kochi Royal Family. The
first building constructed inside the complex is a single storied
Ettukettu, which is supposed to be constructed in the year 1850. There
is a traditional pond and a temple alongside this building. This
building is constructed in traditional Kerala architecture style,
according to which a residential building should be added with a pond
and a temple. The latest addition to the palace compound is the
three-storey museum office, which was constructed in the year 1950 in
western style. The palace was announced as a historical site and was taken over by the
Department Of Archaeology in the year 1980. Six years later in 1986, the
palace was opened to public. However, the museum was closed to public
during the time, because rigorous renovation works were taking place.
The palace was almost rebuilt and major changes were done to the
exteriors of the compound. The palace was fitted with intricate
carvings, which add to the ambiance of the palace. The palace is
elaborately designed, while the museum is divided into 14 different
categories of exhibits, including inscriptions, paintings, murals,
manuscripts, sculpture in stone and plaster of Paris, carvings etc. This
palace is one of the major examples of Nalukettu form of architecture,
which was appreciated in Kerala at the medieval times and is still
valued.
Maritime Museum
Maritime Museum Cochin, Kerala
History
India has a strong naval fleet. Its armada is deemed as one of the top
marine squads in theworld. This depends upon the physical and technical
prowess of our navy men. The Maritime Museum at Cochin Kochi (Kerala)
is devoted to such maritime potential of India. The museum celebrates
the devotion, bravery and selfless services delivered by thevaliant
gentlemen of Indian fleet. Situated at INS Dronacharya in Kochi,
Maritime Museum displays the origin, growth and chronology of the Indian
Navy. The Maritime Museum at Cochin displays not only the
accomplishments of the Indian fleet, but also the representations of
some fundamental sailing ploys. These were used by the ancient and
medieval sailors during the times when the Indian Navy was not-existent
and the Indian coastline was guarded by the kings with the help of a
well equipped and trained military force
Maritime Museum Kochi also displays certain evidences that testify the
trade relations between the natives of Kerala and the late settlers of
Indus Valley Civilization. There are a few displays stored inside the
museum which support Kerala's claim of having trade links with the Arabs
via sea, Indian Naval influence in South East Asia and the colonization
of India by European powers in the medieval period.
Another interesting thing about the Maritime Museum of Cochin is that it
exhibits ship building activities. These activities bring forward some
interesting facets of ship building in India. Exotic vessels and boats
are put on display in this section of the museum. Here, a 300-year old
boat of the King of Ambalapuzha is also put on display. The boat is
carved out of a single tree, which exemplifies the ship building style
of the medieval period. The boat is an exquisite example of the mastery
of Indians in shipbuilding, which helped in spreading Indian culture to
the islands of Java, Sumatra and Bali. These examples date to the 3rd
century BC and the 12th century AD.
A complete section of Cochin Maritime Museum highlights the stories of Indian Navy's glory, whenever it took on its aggressors and ultimately won almost all the battles on water. Other sections stress particularly on the valor and bravado of the Indian armada, which has taken place from the geneses of the Indian Navy till present. The visitors of the museum are enlightened by the artifacts, each of which tell the story of evolution of the Indian Naval power from the year 1612, when the Indian Marine was established in Surat. A number of operations and battles are comprehended here, a few of which include the Goa liberation, Junaghad operation, Operation Cactus, Operation Pawan Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971, and the tactical drills during the Kargil war. An exclusive hall is dedicated to bravery and strategies in the memory of Kunjali Marakkar which is a legendary name in the history of Indian maritime. He was the most glorious wartime hero ever in history of Indian Navy.
A complete section of Cochin Maritime Museum highlights the stories of Indian Navy's glory, whenever it took on its aggressors and ultimately won almost all the battles on water. Other sections stress particularly on the valor and bravado of the Indian armada, which has taken place from the geneses of the Indian Navy till present. The visitors of the museum are enlightened by the artifacts, each of which tell the story of evolution of the Indian Naval power from the year 1612, when the Indian Marine was established in Surat. A number of operations and battles are comprehended here, a few of which include the Goa liberation, Junaghad operation, Operation Cactus, Operation Pawan Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971, and the tactical drills during the Kargil war. An exclusive hall is dedicated to bravery and strategies in the memory of Kunjali Marakkar which is a legendary name in the history of Indian maritime. He was the most glorious wartime hero ever in history of Indian Navy.
Archaeological Museum
Archaeological Museum Thrissur Kerala
History
Archaeological Museum situated in the city of Thrissur, Kerala, is a
part of the state zoo compound. The archaeological gallery was attached
to the already existing art gallery, in the year 1948. Later, the
galleries were shifted to a new building in the year 1975. With time,
the museum has accumulated a large collection of diverse artifacts. For
instance, it preserves a number of life size statues of famous and
eminent personalities like tribal chiefs, famous artists, kings, freedom
fighters and reformers etc. Highly detailed and intricately crafted
models of old buildings and temples are also conserved here and it also
preserves manuscripts from the past which contains the history of
Kerala.
These manuscripts exhibited in the Archaeological Museum Trichur are preserved with great care, as these are made of highly vulnerable dried palm leaves. The museum also stores a large number of artifacts, which were found from the jungles of Thrissur and Wayanad district. One of the major possessions of the Archaeological museum is a rare assortment of ‘Veerakallu’ or stone engravings and carvings, along with an atypical collection of megalithic weapons which were excavated from the forests of Wayanad and Thrissur. Other items which are showcased along with this exquisite collection include a gigantic anthology of Stone Age tools, megalithic wares and pottery, russet coated wares, urn burials, items excavated from north Indian civilizations like Harappa and Indus Valley Civilization. One can also find stone sculptures as old as 7th century and bronze sculptures dating back to the 10th century, here. Materials that have been excavated from Nenmeni Village, near Kollengode, are also displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Thrissur.
The building of Archaeological Museum Trichur was constructed by the king of Kollengode, for his daughter, in the year 1904. The building displays an exclusive merger of customary Kerala architecture and Western architecture. The history comes alive in the museum, in the form of paintings and sculptures. One can get a glimpse of the vibrancy of the culture, religion, performing arts, architecture and literature of the state, through these paintings and sculptures. The archaeologists regard this museum as one of the most accomplished museums in India, in terms of the accessibility to the artifacts and the typical diversity of those. The museum is home to the largest assortment of megalithic remains in Kerala. The environs of the museum are covered with thick vegetation that adds to the charm of the museum’s location. It is maintained and retained by the State Archaeology Department of Kerala.
These manuscripts exhibited in the Archaeological Museum Trichur are preserved with great care, as these are made of highly vulnerable dried palm leaves. The museum also stores a large number of artifacts, which were found from the jungles of Thrissur and Wayanad district. One of the major possessions of the Archaeological museum is a rare assortment of ‘Veerakallu’ or stone engravings and carvings, along with an atypical collection of megalithic weapons which were excavated from the forests of Wayanad and Thrissur. Other items which are showcased along with this exquisite collection include a gigantic anthology of Stone Age tools, megalithic wares and pottery, russet coated wares, urn burials, items excavated from north Indian civilizations like Harappa and Indus Valley Civilization. One can also find stone sculptures as old as 7th century and bronze sculptures dating back to the 10th century, here. Materials that have been excavated from Nenmeni Village, near Kollengode, are also displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Thrissur.
The building of Archaeological Museum Trichur was constructed by the king of Kollengode, for his daughter, in the year 1904. The building displays an exclusive merger of customary Kerala architecture and Western architecture. The history comes alive in the museum, in the form of paintings and sculptures. One can get a glimpse of the vibrancy of the culture, religion, performing arts, architecture and literature of the state, through these paintings and sculptures. The archaeologists regard this museum as one of the most accomplished museums in India, in terms of the accessibility to the artifacts and the typical diversity of those. The museum is home to the largest assortment of megalithic remains in Kerala. The environs of the museum are covered with thick vegetation that adds to the charm of the museum’s location. It is maintained and retained by the State Archaeology Department of Kerala.
Tetradrachma of Seleucus
Tetradrachm of Seleucus I
Money—as a means of exchange, a mode of payment, and a standard of
value—was in use in the ancient Near East long before the invention of
coinage in Lydia during the seventh century B.C. Early Mesopotamian
texts record payments of silver weighed in shekels (about 8.3 grams),
minas (about 500 grams), and talents, or donkey-loads (about 30
kilograms), but the value of objects was also converted into equal-value
weights of grain, copper, and tin. The connection between money and
weight continued in coins; a drachm, for example, weighed about 4.3
grams, a tetradrachm (4 drachms) about 17 grams. The obverse of this tetradrachm displays an idealized portrait of
Seleucus I (r. 312–280 B.C.) wearing a helmet covered with a leopard
skin and adorned with a bull's ear and horns. Around Seleucus' throat is
another leopard skin, knotted in front by means of the beast's
forepaws. The features of Seleucus resemble those on coins showing
Alexander the Great and with whom the new Macedonian rulers wished to be
compared. The reverse of the coin has a winged, fully draped figure of Nike
(Victory) standing on the right. She holds a wreath in her upraised
hands, apparently about to place it upon a trophy of arms comprising a
helmet, cuirass (a breast- and backplate) with leather straps and skirt,
and a star-adorned shield. All the arms are hung upon a large tree
trunk, from the lower part of which springs a leafy branch. It has been
suggested that this symbolizes the Battle of Ipsus, fought in 301 B.C.,
in which Seleucus was victorious against his rival Antigonus. The
inscription reads "Seleucus" and "Basileus" (king).Under Seleucus I, coins were minted at a number of cities throughout his empire. This example was minted at Persepolis, the administrative center in Persia, where it was excavated by the British Institute of Persian Studies.
Arakkal Palace
Arakkal Palace Ayikkara, Kannur, Kerala
History
Arakkal Palace belonged to the Arakkal Royal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. In 1663, Arakkal ruler also purchased St. Angelo Fort from the Dutch. The Arakkal rulers had control over the northern coastal region of Kerala and Lakshadweep. The Arakkal family used to accept the eldest member of the family, irrespective of gender, as the ruler of the province. ?Ali Rajah? was the name given to the male rulers of the Arakkal family, while their female counterparts were called ?Arakkal Beevis?. By 1870, the British seized the fort and built their military base on the Malabar Coast. They also carried the construction of a tunnel connecting the Fort, with Thalassery Fort, located at a distance of 21 km from Kannur Fort. This tunnel used to come in handy at the time when the enemies used to attack. The major residents were transported to another location through this tunnel.
Pagarruyung palace
Pagarruyung palace.Batusangkar, Indonesia.
History
Adityawarman is believed to have founded the kingdom and presided over the central Sumatra
region between 1347 and 1375, most likely to control the local gold
trade. The few artifacts recovered from Adityawarman’s reign include a
number of stones containing inscriptions, and statues. Some of these
items were found at Bukit Gombak, a hill near modern Pagarruyung, and it is believed a royal palace was located here.There is a major gap in the historical picture in the Minangkabau highlands between the last date of Adityawarman’s inscription in 1375 and Tomé Pires Suma Oriental, written sometime between 1513 and 1515.
By the 16th century, the time of the next report after the reign of Adityawarman, royal power had been split into three recognized reigning kings. They were the King of the World (Raja Alam), the King of Adat (Raja Adat), and the King of Religion (Raja Ibadat). Collectively they were called the Kings of the Three Seats (Rajo Tigo Selo).
The first European to enter the region was Thomas Dias, a Portuguese employed by the Dutch governor of Malacca. He traveled from the east coast to reach the region in 1684 and reported, probably from hearsay, that there was a palace at Pagaruyung and that visitors had to go through three gates to enter it. The primary local occupations at the time were gold panning and agriculture, he reported.
windsor castle
windsor castle in london
History
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
Over a period of nearly 1,000 years it has been inhabited continuously, and altered and refurbished by successive monarchs. Some were great builders, strengthening the Castle against uprising and rebellion; others, living in more peaceful times, created a palatial Royal residence.
William the Conqueror chose the site, high above the river Thames and on the edge of a Saxon hunting ground. It was a day's march from the Tower of London and intended to guard the western approaches to the capital.
The outer walls of today's structure are in the same position as those of the original castle built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s. So too is the central mound supporting the Round Tower and the Upper Ward, where successive monarchs have had their private apartments since the fourteenth century.
In the 1170s Henry II rebuilt - in stone instead of wood - the Round Tower, the outer walls of the Upper and most of the Lower Ward, and the Royal apartments in the Upper Ward.
In the 1360s Edward III, who was born at Windsor, extended the Castle. He created the immense St. George's Hall for the use of the Knights of his newly founded Order of the Garter.
St George's Chapel was begun by Edward IV (r. 1461-70 and 1471-83) and completed by Henry VIII. It is dedicated to the patron saint of the Order of the Garter, Britain's highest order of chivalry, and ranks among the finest examples of late medieval architecture in Western Europe.
Ten British monarchs lie buried in the chapel: Edward IV, Henry VI, Henry VIII, Charles I, George III, George IV, William IV, Edward VII, George V and George VI.
Oliver Cromwell captured Windsor Castle after the Battle of Edgehill in 1642, and for the rest of the Civil War it became a prison as well as the headquarters of the parliamentary forces.
In 1648 Charles I was held there before his trial and execution in London; his body was brought back for burial in St. George's Chapel during a snowstorm.
Following the Restoration, Charles II was determined to make the Castle as splendid as possible. He created a new set of State Apartments in the 1670s, using the skills of the architect Hugh May, the artist Antonio Verrio for murals and ceiling paintings, and the famous wood-carver Grinling Gibbons.
The King's Dining Room and the Queen's Presence and Audience Chambers retain many of these original features. Charles II also laid out the 5km Long Walk leading due south from the Castle into Windsor Great Park.
George IV was a great lover of art and fine decoration. Much of Windsor Castle's present appearance is due to the alterations he instigated in the 1820s with his architect, Sir Jeffry Wyatville. The buildings were refashioned in the Gothic style, with the addition of crenellations, turrets and towers.
In the Upper Ward the private apartments were moved from the north side of the quadrangle to the south and east side. The rooms on the north side were designated, as now, as for use on formal occasions and State visits.
One of George IV's most remarkable additions was the Waterloo Chamber, which was created in the 1820s to show portraits commissioned from Sir Thomas Lawrence to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo in 1815.
They represent the monarchs, soldiers and statesmen who were involved in that defeat and its aftermath. They include George III, George IV and the future William IV, the Duke of Wellington, Field Marshal von Blücher, the Emperors of Austria and Russia, the Kings of Prussia and France, and Pope Pius VII.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were devoted to Windsor, where they spent much of their time. It was during the reign of Queen Victoria that, in 1845, the State Apartments were first opened to the public.
Prince Albert died of typhoid at Windsor in 1861 and was buried in a spectacular mausoleum that Queen Victoria constructed at Frogmore in the Windsor Home Park.
During the Second World War, Windsor Castle was home to the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose while their parents supported the war effort in London and around the country. Today The Queen uses the Castle regularly, spending most of her weekends there.
The twentieth-century history of the Castle is dominated by the major fire that started on 20 November 1992. It began in the Private Chapel, when a spotlight came into contact with a curtain and ignited the material.
It took 15 hours and one-and-a-half million gallons of water to put out the blaze. Nine principal rooms and over 100 other rooms over an area of 9,000 square metres were damaged or destroyed by the fire, approximately one-fifth of the Castle area.
The next five years were spent restoring Windsor Castle to its former glory. It resulted in the greatest historic building project to have been undertaken in this country in the twentieth century, reviving many traditional crafts.
The restoration was completed six months ahead of schedule on 20 November 1997 at a cost of £37 million (US $59.2 million), £3 million below budget. Seventy per cent of the necessary revenue was raised from opening Buckingham Palace's State Rooms to visitors in August and September.
The remaining 30 per cent of the cost was met from savings in the annual Grant-in-Aid funding from Parliament for the maintenance and upkeep of the occupied Royal Palaces. The restoration was undertaken at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
To mark the completion, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh held a 'thank you' reception in the restored rooms on 14 November 1997 for 1,500 contractors. On 20 November that year they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with a ball also held at Windsor Castle.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
Over a period of nearly 1,000 years it has been inhabited continuously, and altered and refurbished by successive monarchs. Some were great builders, strengthening the Castle against uprising and rebellion; others, living in more peaceful times, created a palatial Royal residence.
William the Conqueror chose the site, high above the river Thames and on the edge of a Saxon hunting ground. It was a day's march from the Tower of London and intended to guard the western approaches to the capital.
The outer walls of today's structure are in the same position as those of the original castle built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s. So too is the central mound supporting the Round Tower and the Upper Ward, where successive monarchs have had their private apartments since the fourteenth century.
In the 1170s Henry II rebuilt - in stone instead of wood - the Round Tower, the outer walls of the Upper and most of the Lower Ward, and the Royal apartments in the Upper Ward.
In the 1360s Edward III, who was born at Windsor, extended the Castle. He created the immense St. George's Hall for the use of the Knights of his newly founded Order of the Garter.
St George's Chapel was begun by Edward IV (r. 1461-70 and 1471-83) and completed by Henry VIII. It is dedicated to the patron saint of the Order of the Garter, Britain's highest order of chivalry, and ranks among the finest examples of late medieval architecture in Western Europe.
Ten British monarchs lie buried in the chapel: Edward IV, Henry VI, Henry VIII, Charles I, George III, George IV, William IV, Edward VII, George V and George VI.
Oliver Cromwell captured Windsor Castle after the Battle of Edgehill in 1642, and for the rest of the Civil War it became a prison as well as the headquarters of the parliamentary forces.
In 1648 Charles I was held there before his trial and execution in London; his body was brought back for burial in St. George's Chapel during a snowstorm.
Following the Restoration, Charles II was determined to make the Castle as splendid as possible. He created a new set of State Apartments in the 1670s, using the skills of the architect Hugh May, the artist Antonio Verrio for murals and ceiling paintings, and the famous wood-carver Grinling Gibbons.
The King's Dining Room and the Queen's Presence and Audience Chambers retain many of these original features. Charles II also laid out the 5km Long Walk leading due south from the Castle into Windsor Great Park.
George IV was a great lover of art and fine decoration. Much of Windsor Castle's present appearance is due to the alterations he instigated in the 1820s with his architect, Sir Jeffry Wyatville. The buildings were refashioned in the Gothic style, with the addition of crenellations, turrets and towers.
In the Upper Ward the private apartments were moved from the north side of the quadrangle to the south and east side. The rooms on the north side were designated, as now, as for use on formal occasions and State visits.
One of George IV's most remarkable additions was the Waterloo Chamber, which was created in the 1820s to show portraits commissioned from Sir Thomas Lawrence to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo in 1815.
They represent the monarchs, soldiers and statesmen who were involved in that defeat and its aftermath. They include George III, George IV and the future William IV, the Duke of Wellington, Field Marshal von Blücher, the Emperors of Austria and Russia, the Kings of Prussia and France, and Pope Pius VII.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were devoted to Windsor, where they spent much of their time. It was during the reign of Queen Victoria that, in 1845, the State Apartments were first opened to the public.
Prince Albert died of typhoid at Windsor in 1861 and was buried in a spectacular mausoleum that Queen Victoria constructed at Frogmore in the Windsor Home Park.
During the Second World War, Windsor Castle was home to the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose while their parents supported the war effort in London and around the country. Today The Queen uses the Castle regularly, spending most of her weekends there.
The twentieth-century history of the Castle is dominated by the major fire that started on 20 November 1992. It began in the Private Chapel, when a spotlight came into contact with a curtain and ignited the material.
It took 15 hours and one-and-a-half million gallons of water to put out the blaze. Nine principal rooms and over 100 other rooms over an area of 9,000 square metres were damaged or destroyed by the fire, approximately one-fifth of the Castle area.
The next five years were spent restoring Windsor Castle to its former glory. It resulted in the greatest historic building project to have been undertaken in this country in the twentieth century, reviving many traditional crafts.
The restoration was completed six months ahead of schedule on 20 November 1997 at a cost of £37 million (US $59.2 million), £3 million below budget. Seventy per cent of the necessary revenue was raised from opening Buckingham Palace's State Rooms to visitors in August and September.
The remaining 30 per cent of the cost was met from savings in the annual Grant-in-Aid funding from Parliament for the maintenance and upkeep of the occupied Royal Palaces. The restoration was undertaken at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
To mark the completion, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh held a 'thank you' reception in the restored rooms on 14 November 1997 for 1,500 contractors. On 20 November that year they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with a ball also held at Windsor Castle.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace Istanbul, Turkey
Dolmabahace` actually means `the filled
garden`. The Palace is built on land reclaimed from the Bosphorus,
hence it got its name of Dolmabahace. The famous painter Melling visited
Istanbul during the reign of Sultan Mahmut II and the wooden palace,
which originally stood there, is represented in many of his prints.
After Mahmut II, Sultan Abdulmecit came to stay there and he ordered the
palace to be rebuilt in a western fashion, giving its present form. He
employed the services of the Armenian architect Nikogos Balyan to
complete this enormous task, which was completed between 1843 and 1856.
The affluence of the western world brought by Industrial revolution had influenced Abdulmecit to adopt a lavish lifestyle. From that perspective, the Dolmabahce Palace was a true reflection of the times in its splendor and glamour.
Sultan Abdulmecit shifted to the Dolmabahce Palace permanently with his family from the original residence of Turkish monarchy in Topkapi Palace. However, unfortunately, this was also an example of the wasteful expenditure that brought about the gradual decline of the Turkish Empire. Sultan Abdulmecit died at a rather young age of tuberculosis and his successor Abdulaziz was dethroned in 1876 because of his extravagance and despotism. He ultimately was retired to a simple palace at Ortakoy. Later Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic, used a small portion of the palace for his residence, but used it mainly as a center for various congresses.
Royal Palace
Royal Palace of Madrid.spain
The site of Madrid has been
occupied since prehistoric times, as has been shown by numerous objects found during
different excavations along the banks of the River Manzanares. Many of these objects (axes
and small Palaeolithic objects, remains of animals that prove the existence of large
mammals, Neolithic ceramics, etc.) can be seen at the National Archaeological Museum.
Madrid's population was initially Iberian and later Roman, and is possibly the Mantua
found in certain ancient references and the Roman Miacum from the "Antonine itinerary",
although some historians dispute this.
It is now commonly believed that the original name of the settlement here was Matrice, a pre-Muslim word, which refers to the waters of the area and particularly to the stream running down the Calle de Segovia.
However, Madrid as such does not achieve a mention in chronicles until the late tenth century, at which time there was already a fort or castle where the Royal Palace stands today. This fort was occupied by the Moors, who having named the River Manzanares al-Magrit ("source of water"), referred to the area as Mayrit (from which Magerit, then Madrid) and around which the borough of Madrid developed in the following centuries. The old arab walls surrounding this settlement can still be seen today (more info here).
Between several different warriors, the Moors kept rule until Madrid was finally conquered in 1085 by Alfonso VI in his advance towards Toledo. This king ordered the main mosque within the fort's walls to be "purified" and consecrated as a Catholic church under the guidance of the Virgin of the Almudena, the name deriving from a religious icon found near the "almudín" or wheat deposit. La Virgen de la Almudena later became Madrid's female patron saint, whose saint's day is celebrated on 9th November and who gives her name to Madrid's cathedral.
In the year 1329, King Fernando V assembled The Court of Madrid for the first time.
A little later, due to the Reconquista, Moors and Jews formed a concentrated population in the area that still today carries the name of Morería, but in 1494 the "unbelievers" were expelled and the mosque and other indicative buildings disappeared.
Later, Madrid was taken by the followers of Enrique of Tastamara and ceded by Juan I to King Leon V of Armenia who was then dethroned by the Sultan of Babilonia. Having been destroyed by fire during the reign of Enrique II, the city was rebuilt by his grandson Enrique III, who reincorporated Madrid under the Crown of Castille and who also founded El Pardo, situated just outside the city.
Enrique VI gave Madrid the title of "Very Noble and Loyal" and celebrated here his magnificent wedding with Doña Juana of Portugal. The death of the king caused the formation of two distinct bands within the Castille kingdom - the two sides disputing the succession of the throne. Isabel and her supporters overcame Doña Juana's followers and the victorious "Catholic Kings" (Isabel and her husband Fernando) solemnly entered the city to reside in a mansion in the Plaza de la Paja owned by Don Pedro Lasso de la Vega.
During the war of Communities, the Borough of Madrid took sides with the "Comuneros", although this did not prevent Emperor Carlos V bestowing on the city the title of "Crowned and Imperial". As remnants of these times we can cite the Church of San Jerónimo, the Church of del Paso and the Tower of Lujanes, this last in the Plaza de la Villa, opposite the Ayuntamiento or City Hall where Francis I of France was held prisoner after his defeat at Pravia in Italy.
Carlos V was certainly enamoured with Madrid, amongst other things because he managed to cure himself here of tertian fever. However, it was his son, Felipe II who moved the Imperial Court to Madrid in 1561, although without making any official declaration. The population of the borough at this time was around 25,000. From this time Madrid was now the kingdom's capital, apart from the brief years between 1601 and 1606 when Felipe III installed his court in Valladolid.
Madrid enjoyed significant changes during the 18th century, when city gates, bridges and new buildings gave it a new appearance. The Royal Palace (also called the Eastern Palace - Palacio de Oriente, standing next to the large Plaza de Oriente square) was constructed on the site of the ruins of the Alcazar or old Moorish Castle which had been destroyed by fire in 1734. After 1738 Juan B. Sachetti directed the construction work on the Palace, helped out to some extent by Ventura Rodríguez and developing on original plans made by Juavera. The work was practically completed by 1760.
The reign of Carlos III (1759 - 1788) helped to greatly improve the appearance of the city. The work on the Royal Palace was totally completed (as we know it today), as was the construction of the city gates of Puerta de Toledo, Puerta de Segovia (no longer standing) and Puerta de Alcala, together with the Royal Theatre, the building that now houses the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda), the Natural Science Museum, the Botanical Gardens and the temple of San Francisco El Grande, amongst others. Also, the Retiro Park was significantly improved and several new buildings built: Casa de Cisneros, the General Hospital, the College of San Carlos, the Royal Mint, Casa de los Geranios and the fountains of Cibeles, Neptune and Apollo.
The reign of Carlos IV gave Madrid the Buenavista Palace (today the Ministry of Armed Forces) and other notable mansions such as that of the Dukes of Liria in Princesa Street and that of the Count of Altamira in Calle de la Flor.
On the 2nd of May 1808 a popular revolt started in the Puerta del Sol, initiating the War of Independence. There are numerous place names in Madrid dedicated to these patriotic disturbances, the most significant being of course the Plaza Dos de Mayo in Malasaña. Once General Castaños had repelled the invaders in Bailén, he entered Madrid on 23rd August 1808. However, there were further battles when Emperor Napoleon presented himself in Chamartín and also in December of the same year when José Bonaparte entered Spain, only to be expelled three years later under pressure from the Anglo-Hispanic army led by Wellington. The last of the French left Madrid on the 27th May 1813 and the following year King Fernando VII entered the city.
In 1835 the famous University of Alcalá de Henares was transferred to Madrid, where the Faculty of Science was added, becoming the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
The city continued to be improved during the reign of Isabel II with old houses in the Puerta del Sol being pulled down and the Congreso de los Diputados or Parliament, Royal and Zarzuela Theatres and the Canal de Isabel II (Madrid's water lifeline) being built. Also, in 1857, Madrid's gas lighting system was inaugurated.
Since then Madrid's urban progress has accelerated to reach, today, the level of one of Europe's most beautiful capital cities - pleasing both for its intense animated spirit and its suitable mix of modern and classical appearance.
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