Speaking Archaeologically™

               The Forest Research Institute (FRI) provides for a delightful visit on a sultry afternoon of June. FRI is a premier institute of forestry research in India, located in Dehradun, Uttrakhand. It was founded in 1876 as British Imperial Forest School and later re established in 1908 as the Imperial Forest Research Institute. Styled in the Greeko Roman architecture, the building was inaugurated in 1929 by Viceroy Willingdon and now stands as a National Heriatge Site. The Institute is one of its kind and has six museums within its circumference.  Upon entering the premises, one encounters various housing complexes of the IFS officers as well the students of the university of FRI. The greenscape provided a wave of relief from the summer heat of Dehra. The task of covering the museums soon began. M1 : PATHOLOGY MUSEUM This section dealt with the effects of various rot and fungus on  the trees as well as the diseases ...

Guru Ram Rai Darbar in 1858 From the very early years of my life, I have been exposed to all the diverse cultures of India. However, Sikhism has always, somehow, formed a greater part of the influence. Be it my ancestral village, my paternal house or even my current abode in Dehra, I've always been surrounded by a Gurudwara with the blessings of the Guru upon me. My December task (which if I recall correctly, was on regional archaeology) was to write on the Guru Ram Rai Darbar from a historical point of view and archaeological observations. Now the beauty of living in Dehra lies in the fact that once you start exploring the winding lanes, you cannot escape from leaving any place undiscovered. This served me well when I had to pen down my essay for this holy place.   Shri Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib in Dehradun is a philanthropic organization of the Udaseen sect . Sri Guru Ram Rai ji, the eldest son of the seventh Guru of the Sikhs- Sri Har Rai ji, had established ...

The Main Temple Premise The week following the Diwali break was all about books, delicacies, long drives and visiting sites! Being a Doonite, I had very enthusiastically offered to cover one of the most auspicious sites in the town: The temple of Tapkeshwar Mahadev. The temple holds significance as one of the oldest Shiva ling is in the cave nearby where the river enters and water drops drip down on the Shiva ling (there by its name "Tap-keshwar"). The water that drops down vanishes underground and can be seen only few yards away in the form of a stream. The temple premises hold many cool sulphur-water springs where devoted pilgrims take bath before entering the temple. The small cave with this splendid scenery is said to be once resided by Dronacharya- the teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas in Hindu holy epic Mahabharata written by Ved Vyas. The cave is named Drona Cave after him. Drona Cave There is a saying that "If the stars and deities wish it, you are l...