Rock’s Rugged Whisper
What took me to Arcot, the city of Nawabs, was the photograph of a Rock Cut temple at Vellore Museum. Though not at par with Ajanta and Elephanta Caves it was a beautiful sight and reminded me of Bagh Caves. Flanked by a carpet of green grass it seemed to represent the romance of ancient nomadic-spiritual life.
Finding it was going to be difficult. First, the caption hardly gave any idea about its exact location and second, I didn’t understand Tamil. The problem compounded infinitesimally and my stay for over a week had served me with ample warnings. Often when I was unable to understand their replies to my queries they would lose their temper and blurt wildly with their arms. “Pon, pon!” It meant, ‘leave at once!’
Bordering Andhra Pradesh, Vellore, formerly the headquarters of Arcot, is one of the northern districts of Tamil Nadu. …show more content…
Except for few ruins, a canon, a tiny baoli (water tank) and a small mosque, it hardly is a sight. As Arcot was ruled by Nawabs since the 17th century, it felt strange to call it the Raja’s Palace and I could not find why. Even the books on History failed to provide me with the answer.
The road to Bagam Hill, like anywhere else in Tamil Nadu, is dotted with colourful shrines. Frequently, we would cross statues sitting solitary on pedestals. A mosque at the crest of massive boulder made for an impressive sight. It was a wonderful drive and by the time we stop at the Bagam Hill the landscape had turned craggy.
The Dargah, of Hajrat Syed Shah Merawati, is set in a cavern midway to the top. Judging by the number of pilgrims, it seemed that people held his blessings in high esteem. Reaching the highest point we lose ourselves in the playful joy of clapping children who cheered loudly when they heard the echo returning to them. Far off, a road cuts through the field hurrying to leave the gruff stones and boulders to meet the serene sky at the
What took me to Arcot, the city of Nawabs, was the photograph of a Rock Cut temple at Vellore Museum. Though not at par with Ajanta and Elephanta Caves it was a beautiful sight and reminded me of Bagh Caves. Flanked by a carpet of green grass it seemed to represent the romance of ancient nomadic-spiritual life.
Finding it was going to be difficult. First, the caption hardly gave any idea about its exact location and second, I didn’t understand Tamil. The problem compounded infinitesimally and my stay for over a week had served me with ample warnings. Often when I was unable to understand their replies to my queries they would lose their temper and blurt wildly with their arms. “Pon, pon!” It meant, ‘leave at once!’
Bordering Andhra Pradesh, Vellore, formerly the headquarters of Arcot, is one of the northern districts of Tamil Nadu. …show more content…
Except for few ruins, a canon, a tiny baoli (water tank) and a small mosque, it hardly is a sight. As Arcot was ruled by Nawabs since the 17th century, it felt strange to call it the Raja’s Palace and I could not find why. Even the books on History failed to provide me with the answer.
The road to Bagam Hill, like anywhere else in Tamil Nadu, is dotted with colourful shrines. Frequently, we would cross statues sitting solitary on pedestals. A mosque at the crest of massive boulder made for an impressive sight. It was a wonderful drive and by the time we stop at the Bagam Hill the landscape had turned craggy.
The Dargah, of Hajrat Syed Shah Merawati, is set in a cavern midway to the top. Judging by the number of pilgrims, it seemed that people held his blessings in high esteem. Reaching the highest point we lose ourselves in the playful joy of clapping children who cheered loudly when they heard the echo returning to them. Far off, a road cuts through the field hurrying to leave the gruff stones and boulders to meet the serene sky at the