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Saturday, April 26, 2008

Mount Abu "Nun Rock"2

Nun Rock Mount Abu
Nun Rock Mount Abu

Nun Rock Mount Abu
Nun Rock Mount Abu

Today I hit the jackpot, a very senior and fit ex-Marian, has just sent me two lovely black and white snaps of the famous Nun Rock. These authentic snaps have survived the passage of time. Bob Amore sent them to me. Thanks, Bob, this is what Bob had to say.
Ains,

I've enjoyed all the snaps and articles about Abu. Fantastic, the way you keep us informed.

I've a few old black and white snaps were taken circa 1953 to 1957 and they should be attached.

Nun Rock and Nun Rock 2... 1954 just shows the top of the rock, lower parts covered by bushes and trees. Also, shows the tennis courts.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Mount Abu "Nun Rock"

Nun Rock. Mount Abu.



Nun Rock. Mount Abu.
Nun Rock. Mount Abu.

While surfing a few days ago, I stumbled upon this unique painting of the Nun Rock, Mount Abu. Its uniqueness immediately caught my attention. I had heard of this rock and assumed it existed in the convent's vicinity, hence named NUN Rock. I thought I knew Abu like the back of my hand; how had I missed this remarkable structure of nature beyond me? My query from the wise old sages of Abu regarding this legendary rock seemed like a tale set in time. They told me it was a rock shaped like a nun holding a child in its arms overlooking the tennis court that belonged to the Rajputana Club of Abu. I was also told that heavy undergrowth covered this rock. A Rajput gentleman shared that the rock's shape had been modified by lightning in 1994.

They did this painting when the Rajputana Club experienced its hay days under the British administration. This beauty of nature, as depicted in the painting and its fascinating tale, sent me scampering to the site. I felt like a pricked balloon when I beheld the sight that greeted me. The tennis court was in shambles. At first, I could not figure out where this marvel of nature was. On scrutinizing the surroundings, I discovered it behind a huge Peepal tree.

The present-day Nun rock is hidden behind the tree (view from the East)
The present-day Nun rock is hidden behind the tree (view from the East)

The painting reflects the passage of time and of memories of an era long gone. Rajputana Club was an exclusive club catering to the British, the Maharajas, and the Rajas of Abu. This club did not entertain the average person. The club was the chief hub of entertainment. They completely equipped it with an assortment of all that pertained to the elite. Card tables, billiards, badminton courts and squash courts catered to their needs.


The Rajputana Club of Abu then. The club has been converted into a hotel

The Rajputana Club of Abu then. They have converted the club into a hotel.

"Cama Hotel"

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Mount Abu Hanuman Jayanti












Hanuman Jayanti the literal meaning of this is :- The Monkey God "possessing victory”
Today Hanuman Jayanti is celabrated all over India with pomp and show.People in India worship Hanuman. On Saturdays and Tuesdays they keep a fast in reverence to this mighty and powerful god. The Hanuman भक्ट (disciple) is a staunch follower and disciplined individual. Hanuman the ब्रहमाचारी Brahmachari (puritan) led an austere life in the service of Lord Ram. Today those who follow in his footsteps are called ब्रहमाचारी .These चेला (followers) of his abstain from having any relationship with women. Amen



To glen more on this topic you may click on the links I’ve inserted If the link does not work copy and paste it into your browser.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanuman_Jayanti
http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa052801a.htm




Mount Abu Vasundhara Raje Scindia

Vasundhara Raje Scindia is synonymous with Rajasthan she’s now an integral part of the princely state of Rajasthan; born into the royal family of the Scindia it’s befitting that she is the Chief Minister of this austere state of her forefathers’. Her sudden and unpredictable visit caught the authorities with their guard down. Abu overnight was given a tremendous facelift, potholes in the road disappeared, the surrounding areas were spick and span there was a flurry of activity all over, trees bases were whitewashed the roadside demarked with white and pink chunna enhancing the whole countryside.
The army had prepared the helipad at their base, she arrived just before the finals of the Maharao Sirohi Pole Match. Her motorcade to the Trevor pavilion was marked with pomp and show by her co-party workers the BJP. She did not waste any time, without much flair and ado she flagged off the polo match.
The crowning glory was her speech to the Abuites. In her speech, she dispelled all doubts that had given this place a graven look. The embargo on the sale and purchase of land in Mount Abu that had been placed by the Rajasthan Government was finally lifted, and the exclusion of the town of Mount Abu from under the sanctuary umbrella sent cheers of applauds throughout the audience its vibrations also reflected in the state of Gujarat, as many Gujarati’s own land in Abu. What cheered me most was her wonderful decision to see that the Nakki Lake was given immediate attention also her wise decisions declared in today’s राजस्थान पत्रिका.

I had previously aired my personal grievances on Nov 13, 2006, against the town of Abu falling under the authority of sanctuary laws. My personal reflections are reflected in my article for the Times of India and in my Google website. Click on the link to see the page.
http://ainsleyster.googlepages.com/mountingtrouble

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Mount Abu "Maharao Sirohi Polo Cup"


















Mayo College Polo Team Trounced by Umed Bhavan Palace Polo Team.
Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. They ruled it 'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden'...and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.

Today April 17, 2008, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan Vasundhara Raje Scindia graced the Final of the "Maharao Sirohi Polo Cup” at the Trevor Oval. After the introduction to the teams she flagged off the game by tossing the ball amid the anxious players, by the time she walked back to the pavilion the game was well underway. The crowd cheered in unison as soon as they scored the first goal. The spectators were really supportive, they showed a keen interest in the game and applauded the dexterous horse riders. The game went smoothly and the young horsemen did not disappoint the audience.
The coveted trophy was lifted by the Umed Bhavan Palace polo team; they trounced their rival team, the Mayo College Team by six goals to three. Three Cheers to the Ajmer Boys Mayo team for their fine display and sportsmanship. I wish them luck in their next challenge polo-cup match.