Sunday, August 23, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Gilgit
Buddha's Picture at Kargah
A view from the city of Gilgit, Northern Areas of Pakistan
Gilgit (Urdu: گلگت, Hindi: गिलगित) is the capital city of the Northern Areas, Pakistan. Gilgit City forms a tehsil of Gilgit, within Gilgit District. Its ancient name was Sargin, later to be known as Gilit, and it is still called Gilit or Sargin-Gilit by local people. In the Burushaski language, it is named Geelt. Ghallata is considered its name in ancient Sanskrit literature. Gilgit City is one of the two major hubs on the Northern Areas for all mountaineering expeditions of Karakoram to the peaks of the Himalayas, the other hub being Skardu.
Gilgit has an area of 38,000 square kilometres (14,700 sq mi). The region is significantly mountainous, lying on the foothills of the Karakoram mountains, and has an average altitude of 1,500 metres (4,900 ft). It is drained by the Indus River, which rises in the neighbouring regions of Ladakh and Baltistan
The Dards and Chinas also appear in many of the old Pauranic lists of peoples, with the former finding mention in Ptolemy's accounts of the region. Two famous travellers, Faxian, and Xuanzang are known to have traversed Gilgit as per their accounts
A Dance at Gilgit by G. W. Leitner, 1893
The rulers of Hunza and Nager also claim origin with the Trakhàn dynasty. They claim descent from a heroic Kayani Prince of Persia by the name of Azur Jamshid (also known as Shamsher) who secretly married the daughter of the king Shri Badat who conspired with him to overthrow her Cannibal father[3]. Sri Badat's faith is theorised as Hindu[3][4] by some and Buddhist[5][6] by others. However, considering the region's Buddhist heritage, with the most recent influence being Islam, the most likely preceding influence of the region is Buddhism. Though the titular Sri and the name Badat denotes a Hindu origin of the this ruler.
Prince Azur Jamshid succeeded in overthrowing King Badat who was known as Adam Khor (lit. man-eater)[7][8], often demanding a child a day from his subjects, his demise is still celebrated to this very day by locals in traditional annual celebrations[9]. In the beginning of the new year, where a Juniper procession walks along the river, in memory of chasing the cannibal king Sri Badat away[10].
Azur Jamshid abdicated after 16 years of rule in favour of his wife Nur Bakht Khatùn until their son and heir Garg, grew of age and assumed the title of Raja and ruled, for 55 years. The dynasty flourished under the name of the Kayani dynasty until 1421 when Raja Torra Khan assumed rulership. He ruled as a memorable king until 1475. He distinguished his family line from his step brother Shah Rais Khan (who fled to the king of Badakshan and with who's help he gained Chitral from Raja Torra Khan), as the now known dynastic name of Trakhàn. The descendants of Shah Rais Khan being respectfully known as the Ra'issiya Dynasty
The period of greatest prosperity was probably under the Shin Ras, whose rule seems to have been peaceable and settled. The whole population, from the Ra to the poorest subject lived by agriculture. According to tradition, Shri Buddutt's rule extended over Chitral, Yassin, Tangir, Darel, Chilas, Gor, Astor, Hunza, Nagar and Haramosh all of which were held by tributary princes of the same family. [12]
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The area had been a flourishing tract but prosperity was destroyed by warfare over the next fifty years, and by the great flood of 1841 in which the river Indus was blocked by a landslip below the Hatu Pir and the valley was turned into a lake[13]. After the death of Abas, Sulaiman Shah, raja of Yasin, conquered Gilgit. Then, Azad Khan, raja of Punial, killed Sulaiman Shah, taking Gilgit; then Tair Shah, raja of Buroshall (Nagar), took Gilgit and killed Azad Khan. Tair Shah's son Shah Sakandar inherited, only to be killed by Gaur Rahman, raja of Yasin of the Khushwakhte Dynasty, when he took Gilgit. Then in 1842, Shah Sakandar's brother, Karim Khan, expelled Gaur Rahman with the support of a Sikh army from Kashmir. The Sikh general, Nathu Shah, left garrison troops and Karim Khan ruled until Gilgit was ceded to Gulab Singh of Jammu and Kashmir in 1846 by the Treaty of Amritsar,[2] and Dogra troops replaced the Sikh in Gilgit.
Nathu Shah and Karim Khan both transferred their allegiance to Gulab Singh, continuing local administration. When Hunza attacked in 1848, both of them were killed. Gilgit fell to the Hunza and their Yasin and Punial allies, but was soon reconquered by Gulab Singh's Dogra troops. With the support of Gaur Rahman, Gilgit's inhabitants drove their new rulers out in an uprising in 1852. Gaur Rahman then ruled Gilgit until his death in 1860, just before new Dogra forces from Ranbir Singh, son of Gulab Singh, captured the fort and town.[2] The rule of Jammu was restored. Gilgit came under British rule in 1889, when it was unified with neighbouring Nagar and Hunza in the
In 1877, in order to guard against the advance of Russia, the British Government, acting as the suzerain power of Kashmir, established the Gilgit Agency. The Agency was re-established under control of the British Resident in Jammu and Kashmir. It comprised the Gilgit Wazarat; the State of Hunza and Nagar; the Punial Jagir; the Governorships of Yasin, Kuh-Ghizr and Ishkoman, and Chilas.
In 1935, the British demanded Jammu and Kashmir to lease them Gilgit town plus most of the Gilgit Agency and the hill-states Hunza, Nagar, Yasin and Ishkoman for 60 years. Maharaja Hari Singh had no choice but to acquiesce. The leased region was then treated as part of British India, administered by a Political Agent at Gilgit responsible to Delhi, first through the Resident in Jammu and Kashmir and later a British Agent in Peshawar.
Jammy and Kashmir State no longer kept troops in Gilgit and a mercenary force, the Gilgit Scouts, was recruited with British officers and paid for by Delhi. In April 1947, Delhi decided to formally retrocede the leased areas to Hari Singh’s Jammu and Kashmir State as of August 15, 1947. The transfer was to formally take place on August 1
Main article: Kashmir Conflict
The Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 affected Gilgit as well. The Pakistani forces advanced against the Indian army quickly. In Gilgit, the Gilgit Scouts joined with them, thereby granting control of northwestern Kashmir to Pakistani forces. Gilgit Scouts progressed with Pakistani troops from north through High Himalayas and contributed in attacking of Skardu in summer 1948, pushing further towards Ladakh area.
After Pakistani good progress of early 1948, Indian troops gathered momentum in late 1948. Finally, the newly-formed India asked UN intervention, and a ceasefire was agreed in December 31, 1948. This conflict left Pakistan with roughly two-fifths of Kashmir, leaving three-fifths to India. This agreement left Gilgit to Pakistan territory
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Motor City
Dubai Sports City
Lundin Peak, Mount Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest
The rain pounded down on Steve's Nissan as we powered our way up I-90 in search of Lundin Peak. The four of us had originally planned to be climbing in the Monte Cristo area over Memorial Day weekend, but the poor weather made the extended outing to Silvertip and Foggy Peaks a rather poor idea. Instead, we had waited out the weather on Saturday, which turned out nice, and tried for Lundin on Sunday. The rain didn't give me much confidence in our success, but I hoped that a fun time would at least be had by all.
The snow at the pass had melted and consolidated to the point where the level was perhaps three to four feet lower than three weeks ago, when I had failed to get to the top of Lundin with a much larger party. Indeed, we were even able to park in the lower reaches of the PCT/Commonwealth Basin trailhead parking lot, a feat we were denied three weeks ago.
Dubai Beach Hotels
On Dubai’s famous Jumeirah Beach lies the Jumeirah Beach Hotel nestled invitingly on a stretch of privately owned beachfront facing the Arabian Gulf. Less than a half hour from the city center, this Dubai beach hotels location offers the best of both worlds, tranquility and excitement. Luxurious and spirited Jumeirah is one of the top beach hotels in Dubai. Designed for families, couples and friends, the hotel presents a large variety of fun possibilities for every traveler. This beach resorts Dubai visitors, especially families, love the close proximity to the Wild Wadi Waterpark.
Shaped like a half-moon the Jumeirah houses almost 600 suites and guest rooms replete with luxurious decor, many amenities and a calm indoor ambience. The incredible array of restaurants, bars and cafes totals more than twenty for a vast culinary experience. Seven tennis courts, four pools, three squash courts, a fitness center and an impressive health spa are only a few of the fantastic facilities available to guests. Parasailing, diving, sailing and snorkeling around the man-made coral reef are a few of the possible ocean adventures.
Only thirty minutes drive from the airport is another of the beach hotels in Dubai called the Dubai Oasis. Impressively designed and standing tall on the Gulf Coast beach, rooms are showered in clean, modern designs and spacious layouts. Almost half of the guest’s suites have ocean views and large balconies and are equipped with a safety deposit box, air conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, lavish bath robes and more.
Windsurfing, waterskiing and diving are possibilities or jump on a catamaran and enjoy an afternoon sail or ocean cruises. Tennis courts, volleyball, a well-equipped gym and table tennis are more fun activities to try. Relax with a massage or a visit to the sauna or steam room, or simply splash around in the ocean and relax on the soft, sandy beach. Delicious onsite dining beach side or inside are both available. All the great amenities are topped off with 24-hour room service and daily, complimentary transportation into Dubai.
Also nestled onto Jumeirah Beach, adjacent to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and near Palm Island is Madinat Jumeirah-Dar Al Masyaf. Exceptionally exotic and impressive interiors, paired with an incredible outdoor design complete one of the most notable hotels along the beach. This beach resorts Dubai accommodation is offered in the form of house-style suites with Gulf villas offering the best beach access. Each suite can be arranged to accommodate up to three guest bedrooms and are idyllic for families or larger groups.
Interiors are brimming with rich wood furnishings, alluring colors and designs, large terraces with sublime views, extravagant bathrooms and plenty of space. This exclusive Dubai beach hotels amenities include sweeping gardens, beautiful landscaping, two upscale international restaurants and a network of waterways that link different resort areas together. With plenty of recreational facilities and watersports, there is no idle time at this beach resorts UAE location if you don’t prefer any. The Madinat is yet another terrific choice in Dubai beach hotels.
Aside from the well-known Grosvenor House and Le Royal Meridien, there are many beach resorts UAE offers in a wide variety of styles. The common denominator lies in the close proximity to one of the most exciting city centers in the world, where possibilities are endless. Only a short drive away lay the less frequented yet intriguing emirates of Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah for a taste of rich history and culture from the days before tourism exploded.
Hotels in Dubai
Posted by admin at 10:47
The White House
Beijing
The first agreement is a formal affiliation between Missouri State University and China Agricultural University located in Beijing, for friendly cooperation and mutual benefit to further academic relations and international understanding. This agreement was signed by both universities on March 12, 2004.
The purpose of the second agreement between Missouri State University and China Agricultural University is to collaborate in the development of a joint masters degree in plant science and to promote collaborative research in programs in viticulture, enology, plant pathology, and other agriculture and fruit science related areas. This agreement was signed in September 2004.
Missouri State University also has a formal affiliation with Beijing University of Technology. This agreement establishes the groundwork for future joint projects between the two universities. This agreement was signed in September 2003
Chania Hotels
During your touring of the prefecture of Chania, we suggest that you visit Akrotiri, which is only 15 km from the town of Hania. From there you can enjoy a spectacular sunset as well as a panoramic view of the town of Chania. Other interesting spots in the prefecture are the ancient town Aptera and the traditional villages Vamos, Gavalohori and Kefala. Also, don’t forget to visit Paleohora, a place that will offer you many historic information as well as a wonderful tour through green landscapes and picturesque little villages.
To view a variety of Chania accommodations please click the desired location on the map or use the search engine below to find all major Chania Hotels
Monday, August 3, 2009
Taj Mahal
INTRODUCTION
ORIGIN AND ARCHITECTURE TAJ MAHAL
CONSTRUCTION Of TAJ MAHA
Well if you have already relished Taj Mahal, with your living eyes, then this post is not for you!
Actually there are 2 types of people in this world, "One are those who have seen Taj Mahal & others who haven't". So if you have not seen this Mecca of Love? Then please rush to Agra to seeTaj Mahal ASAP. Because, there are many dangers lurking over our Marble Wonder. Believe me, either you visit now or you would be seeing Taj Mahal only in picture.
Here are reasons for the concern
Actually there are 2 types of people in this world, "One are those who have seen Taj Mahal & others who haven't". SoWell if you have already relished Taj Mahal, with your living eyes, then this post is not for you!
Actually there are 2 types of people in this world, "One are those who have seen Taj Mahal & others who haven't". So if you have not seen this Mecca of Love? Then please rush to Agra to seeTaj Mahal ASAP. Because, there are many dangers lurking over our Marble Wonder. Believe me, either you visit now or you would be seeing Taj Mahal only in picture.
Here are reasons for the concern if you have not seen this Mecca of Love? Then please rush to Agra to seeTaj Mahal ASAP. Because, there are many dangers lurking over our Marble Wonder. Believe me, either you visit now or you would be seeing Taj Mahal only in picture.
Here are reasons for the concern
Taj Mahal(Panoramic Pictures)
Taj Mahal is a monument located in Agra, India. It was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the son of Jahangir, as a mausoleum for his Persian wife, Arjumand Banu Begum, also known as Mumtaz-ul-Zamani or Mumtaz Mahal. It took 23 years to complete (1630 - 1653) and is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.
The architectural complex of the Taj Mahal covers an area of approximately 580 m × 300 m, comprised of five main components: the darwaza (gateway), the bageecha (garden) which is in the form of the typical Mughal charbagh (garden divided into four parts), the masjid (mosque), the mehmaan khana (guest house), and finally the mausoleum of Taj Mahal, at the northern end of the complex.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Gilgit Things To Do
China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue: Shaping the fate of the world
"Despite differences between our two countries [...], there exist conditions, common will, the necessity and broad basis for enhancing China-U.S. dialogue and cooperation on these areas.” Dai Bingguo on CRI
“I have no illusions that the United States and China will agree on every issue, nor choose to see the world in the same way. But that only makes dialogue more important.” President Barack Obama, The New York Times
This week saw the first session of the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) in Washington, DC. Media reports, most of which described the event as largely uneventful, highlighted a pledge by both sides to seek more balanced economic growth as its most significant outcome.
The meeting between the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases also yielded a memorandum of understanding which promises more cooperation on climate change, energy and the environment, according to several media sources. However, in the end everything seems to still rest on the good will of the two governments, as no firm goals were set, Reuters India points out.
The meeting was hailed in various media as "unprecedented" in the history of China-US relations, which have always followed a pattern of alternating highs and lows. The talks allowed for honest and candid exchanges on a wide range of issues, even if the two sides didn't always see eye to eye, President Obamasaid, according to the New York Times. And issues of contention do remain, including emission caps, which both refuse to accept before the other, AP, among others, writes.
On the economic front, the two global powers pledged to fight protectionism and seek stable growth once the financial crisis eases. Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishanpromised China would work to fuel growth through domestic demand instead of relying on exports that drive up the US trade deficit, China Daily says. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner in turn assured that the US would rein in its ballooning budget deficit, Bloomberg writes.
Other issues addressed in the talks included international challenges such as North Korea and Iran, as well as counterterrorism, Xinhua writes.
If these talks, which could greatly impact the future of the planet, had any global significance remains to be seen - in December in Copenhagen at the latest.