Chasing Tiger
So many wild creatures appeared, creating a sublime setting—but what's its use when the tiger is missing in the scene?
Topic
Indian Journeys
About my journeys in India, of which I've known so little. I'm making up for the lack …
The Lakshmi Narasimha Hoysala Temple at Nuggehalli
It is over 750 years old, with sculpture done by the two celebrated Hoysala craftsmen of the thirteenth century — Mallitamma and Baichoja.
The Fortune Select Grand
The Fortune Select Grand is new, I'm told. There’s a bareness in its rooms, rather like in a budget hotel. You get only one key, even if you’re with spouse.
Michael Wood, and The Story of India
Michael Wood is an adorable host of his BBC program, and a guest very welcome in India, brimming with respect and curiosity toward her people.
Happy in Hampi
It is 34º at daytime these September days in Hampi. You walk a lot in that place covered in rocks and boulders.
Before Aurangzeb’s Tomb
As for Aurangzeb himself, to die asking to be buried so far south from Delhi, from the seat of his empire — how did it feel? Where lay his heart? In Delhi? In the Deccan, where he’d honed and proved himself when young?
Saru Maru, Sanchi, Satdhara, and Stupas and Stupas
There’s the wind of the plains about the monuments, but the sun bears down hard on the place, and the few trees around don’t help so much the crowds of tourists and devotees. As regards the stupas, they aren’t designed to offer shade.
In Kolkata, Remembering Sister Alphonse’s History Class
Walking about Calcutta — Kolkata — I remembered Sister Alphonse’s history classes in school. I couldn’t help my mind doing its bit of wandering as well.
Tagore and Shantiniketan
At Shantiniketan, sunny winter had turned the soil dry, and there was dust in the air, and haze, and acres and acres of chiaroscuro carpeting.
A Short Stay at Pasumalai in Madurai
The animals, having always owned the hill, have their own scheme of entrances and exits. The back of the hill is wild and closed to man.