E-magazine launched at Book Fair

New Delhi, August 31
A new audio-visual e-magazine, PC Perfect Solutions, has been launched by a Noida-based company. The monthly e-magazine has been launched at the ongoing Delhi Book Fair here in the Capital.

As an introductory price offer, the CD is being offered for Rs 60 with a free 10-hour Internet connection. TNS

GETTING AWAY
Sand dunes to havelis, it is all amber in Jaisalmer
Our Correspondent

The fort and other views of Jaisalmer.

In the vast expanse of sand that is the Thar, a citadel of magnificent charm catches the eye. The citadel is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands dominating the amber-hued city.

Legend goes that Lord Krishna — the head of the Yadav clan — foretold Arjun that a remote descendent of the Yadav clan would build his kingdom atop the Trikuta Hill. This prophecy came true in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav clan and a Bhatti Rajput, left his fort at Lodurva and founded a new capital — Jaisalmer, perched atop the Trikuta Hill.ll.

Batti Rajputs of Jaisalmer were feudal chiefs who lived off the forced levy on the caravans laden with precious silks and spices that crossed the territory en route Delhi or Sind. These caravans earned the town great wealth.

After considerable stretches of wasteland, the sudden appearance of Jaisalmer hillock in its golden colour can be safely compared to a mirage.

Jaisalmer was well-protected, thanks to the almost hostile landscape apart from the fact that it was inhabited by Bhatti Rajputs who were known for their valour and chivalry.

The life within the city still bears the vestiges of medieval majesty. The presence of huge palaces and havelis and the time chugging along on camel back are reminders of the era gone by.

The perfect time to visit the golden city is during the Desert Festival, held in January and February every year, when the city reverberates with the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms.

Colourful craft bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organised with folk artistes performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely, a not-to-be missed event.

The places to visit in Jaisalmer are:

The Fort: A 80-metre high perch on the hill, housing the entire township within its ramparts. It has narrow lanes dotted with havelis, three beautifully sculptured Jain temples of the 12 AD and 15 AD and five interconnected palaces. The fort is approached through four gateways — Akhaiyal, Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol and Hava Pol..

Manak Chowk: A main marketplace outside the fort leads to the narrow lanes dotted with famous havelis.

Havelis

Some of the most exotic mansions or havelis, all intricately done up, are a must see.

Nathmalji-ki-Haveli: The late 19th century haveli with intricate architecture, a display of sheer craftsmanship. The left and right wings of the mansion, which were carved by two brothers, are not identical but very similar and balanced in design. The interior walls are ornate with splendid miniature paintings.

Patwon-ki-Haveli: An elaborately done up Haveli has five storeys and is painted with beautiful murals.

Salim Singh-ki-Haveli: This 300-year-old haveli of Jaisalmer’s Prime Minister Salim Singh has a beautiful blue cupola roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks. The mansion is one of the most notable features in the array of havelis.

Excursions

Lodurva: It is the ancient capital of Jaisalmer and an important pilgrim spot of the Jain community with some magnificent Jain temples. The ornate arches at the main entrance and splendid carvings are noteworthy. A divine tree within is the main attraction of the temple.

Wood Fossil Park: On Barmer Road, this park is a reminder of the Jurassic period with 180 million-year-old fossils — the geological landmarks for the study of the Thar Desert..

Sam Sand Dunes: To capture the beauty of the sand dunes, one has to take a trip to the Sam dunes. No trip to Jaisalmer is complete without a trip to the most picturesque dunes of Sam. Witnessing the ripples on the wind-caressed dunes that create an enchanting mirage is an experience in itself. Camel safaris are also organised that offer you the real feel of the desert on the camel back.

Desert National Park: The landscape of the Desert National Park is dominated by rolling sand dunes and scrub-covered hills. The prominent fauna of the park includes black buck, Chinkara, desert fox and the great Indian bustard.

Barmer: A tiny desert town renowned for its hand block printing industry, carved wood furniture, colourful costumes and amiable folks.

(To reach Jaisalmer, one can travel by air. The Jaisalmer Airport is 9 km from the city). 

Harvest 2002 – a rich yield of paintings
Our Correspondent

New Delhi, August 31
A rich collection of artwork done by well-known artists is all set to make its debut. Titled ‘Harvest 2002’, this beautifully laid out catalogue featuring as many as 170 artworks of 65 artists headed by Ms Payal Kapur will be simultaneously launched on September 10 in New Delhi, London, New York, Dubai and Singapore.

Harvest 2002 is a nouvelle idea to promote Indian contemporary art in India and overseas that is sent abroad via auctions.

The catalogue has been designed to sell Indian art directly to its buyers, not only in the domestic market, but also to art lovers abroad.

“Lovers of Indian art living abroad have to rely on expensive art auctions or a rare trip back home to hang the work of their favourite artists in their homes. Harvest 2002 brings handpicked art to their doorsteps making it possible for them to acquire a painting sitting at home. That too at a price they would have paid if they travelled all those miles to India,” said Ms Payal Kapur, head of Arushi Arts.

Online buying and viewing of the work of art is also possible through Arushi Arts’ website eindiaart.com. Besides including rare works by leading artists like M. F.Hussain and others, this catalogue also promotes young talents and offers a platform to upcoming artists.

Harvest 2002 caters to the needs of every genre of art lovers -- modern art by Rahul Arya and Tyag Raj Soni, figurative visuals by M. F.Hussain, abstracts by Ganesh Pyane and Sarab Soni and, for nature lovers, landscapes by Sanjay Bhattacharya..

To release the catalogue and also to formally launch the works, Payal Kapur has planned consecutive exhibitions.

The catalogue will be inaugurated at a small exclusive showing in the Hyatt Regency on September 10. This exhibition will be followed by a larger display at Arushi Arts from September 19 to September 29.

The canvases will finally be displayed at the Arushi Arts studio from September 26 to October 9.