“Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the Taj Mahal.” The guide said very theatrically while addressing the group of tourists. “The greatest monument of love on earth; it has inspired romance across generations. Everlasting love, that’s the legacy of the Taj.” That was what Abhay had heard about the great monument while growing up in the historic city of Agra. And, that is what he believed in. Until he came across the counterclaims of the legacy of the Taj. A preposterous yet compelling view about the Indian origins of the monument. Was there even an iota of truth in these claims? Or was it just a case of ‘reductio ad absurdum’? Abhay decides to take definitive action on his own; to establish the most substantive counterfactual argument and get to the bottom of these claims. It helps that this quest of his also presents him a subject to seek a teaching assignment while being in the company of the intelligent Jasmeet and the monument, which, true to its reputation, does not fail to enkindle romance. Does Abhay succeed in disproving the claims? Or, does he yield to the confounding possibilities around the unrecorded antecedents of the monument? Join Abhay in his quest to seek the truth and rediscover The Legacy of Taj.

In The Enigma of The Taj Mahal R.H Rizvi takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the marble corridors of history's most iconic monument. This evocative narrative delves into the hidden stories and timeless mysteries that shroud the majestic edifice, exploring the love, passion, and enigma that have immortalized it as a symbol of eternal devotion. Each page is a poetic unraveling of secrets, echoing with whispers of the past, and inviting readers to uncover the profound legacy of a wonder that transcends time.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the Taj Mahal." The guide said very theatrically while addressing the group of tourists. "The greatest monument of love on earth; it has inspired romance across generations. Everlasting love, that's the legacy of the Taj." That was what Abhay had heard about the great monument while growing up in the historic city of Agra. And, that is what he believed in. Until he came across the counterclaims of the legacy of the Taj. A preposterous yet compelling view about the Indian origins of the monument. Was there even an iota of truth in these claims? Or was it just a case of 'reductio ad absurdum'? Abhay decides to take definitive action on his own; to establish the most substantive counterfactual argument and get to the bottom of these claims. It helps that this quest of his also presents him a subject to seek a teaching assignment while being in the company of the intelligent Jasmeet and the monument, which, true to its reputation, does not fail to enkindle romance. Does Abhay succeed in disproving the claims? Or, does he yield to the confounding possibilities around the unrecorded antecedents of the monument? Join Abhay in his quest to seek the truth and rediscover The Legacy of Taj.

Bollywood, a popular nomenclature for India's “national” film industry in the Hindi language, along with the Taj Mahal, yoga, Buddha, and Mahatma Gandhi, is one of the best-known introductions and universally recognized associations with India across the world today. Despite its predominant narrative styles not confirming to the First World European and/or American cinema structure, Indian cinema is increasingly viewed as the world's second-most important film industry, after Hollywood, with box-office influence crossing over with European cinema. Bollywood FAQ provides a thrilling, entertaining, and intellectually stimulating joy ride into the vibrant, colorful, and multi-emotional universe of the world's most prolific (over 30 000 film titles) and most-watched film industry (at 3 billion-plus ticket sales). Bollywood blockbusters are simultaneously screened in theaters and cinemas in over 100 nations from the USA to Japan, New Zealand to the Netherlands, and Peru to Pakistan. Every major Hollywood studio (Warner Bros., Fox Star, Disney, Sony Pictures, and Viacom 18) is now making or distributing Bollywood films. Yet much of Indian cinema continues to amuse and confuse audiences and critics outside of India, including during their first/occasional introductions to its, in the words of Salman Rushdie, “epico-mythico-tragico-comico-super-sexy-high-masala-art form in which the unifying principle is a techni-color-storyline.” Bollywood FAQ explains and explores the above myths and magic. It introduces India's maharajah-like stars and their cult-commanding stardom. Movie buffs will find a ready reckoner on iconic Bollywood films, with a bonus must-watch listing of the cinema's most spectacular song-and-dance moments, highlighting the pleasures and popularity of a national cinema that has come to be a genre in itself. This book is a reader-friendly reference to everything one has ever wanted to know about the spectacular, robust, humongous, colorful, and dramatic multi-generic cinematic being called Bollywood. The narrative is enriched with insider insights culled from its author's long career as a film writer and critic in the city of Bollywood, Bombay (now Mumbai).

Medieval History of India

Sergio Mishioki is a Peruvian anthropologist who has escaped with a national treasure and brought it to the United States. The treasure is Romeo y Julieta, a pair of adolescent mummies, and must be found as soon as possible. After the Peruvian consul in Miami hires PI Buck Jaspers to locate the mummies and return them to Peru, he sets out to find Mishioki and the treasure. Using all the operatives at his disposal, Buck narrows the hunt to the Orlando area and shares evidence with an ICE agent on the same trail. After Buck learns that Mishioki loves sports car racing, eating Peruvian food, and chasing young women, he stakes out restaurants and nightclubs, poses as a racecar driver, and investigates reclusive billionaires—the only ones who can afford to keep the mummies in good condition. In order to inspect the estates of possible suspects, Buck employs a swamp rat to take Buck and his crew through the wetlands on an airboat. But just as he gets closer to the mummies and Mishioki, Buck’s operatives reveal a disturbing reality of the person behind the theft. In this exciting mystery, the chase is on for PI Buck Jaspers after an anthropologist steals mummies from Peru and brings them to Florida.

Proud Prose: An Anthology on India and Republic Day," curated by Dhanika Malik, invites readers to embark on a literary journey celebrating India's rich tapestry. With Republic Day on the horizon, this collection of prose serves as a literary salute to the democratic values that define the nation's identity. Through carefully chosen narratives, the anthology captures the kaleidoscope of experiences, from traditional tales to modern facets, offering readers a glimpse into the vibrant and complex soul of India. Proud Prose is an ode to the resilience, triumphs, and unity that shape the Indian narrative, resonating with the spirit of Republic Day and fostering a deeper connection to the values that bind us as a nation.

The Taj Mahal stands as a breathtaking testament to Indo-Islamic architecture, celebrated as one of the most exquisite examples of this style in the world. Its origins are steeped in the emotional backdrop of its commission, reflecting the rich culture and history of the Mughal Empire, which wielded power over vast regions of India during the 16th and 17th centuries. The monument was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth in 1631. Her passing left an indelible mark on the emperor, inspiring him to create a monument that would embody his love and devotion. While the majestic, domed marble mausoleum is the most iconic aspect of the Taj Mahal, the complex itself encompasses an extensive area of 22.44 hectares (55.5 acres) and comprises a variety of architectural features and landscaped gardens. Surrounding the central tomb are subsidiary tombs, a sophisticated system of waterworks, and the small town of Taj Ganji to the south. Additionally, a 'moonlight garden' lies to the north of the River Yamuna, designed to enhance the ethereal quality of the monument.

An account of the making of Taj Mahal, a Hindi moving-picture.

This majestically illustrated and deeply insightful guide explores 100 of the most spiritually significant places throughout the world, seeking to understand what it is that defines these sites. Spirituality has a multitude of meanings for the many who seek deeper significance in their lives. From ancient religions with their timeless places of worship to modern, contemporary followers of faith and new age travellers seeking enlightenment and illumination, we are drawn to all kinds of places in the search for profound meaning. From a Polish Catholic praying in a large cathedral to a Portuguese surfer speechless in wonder at the majesty of the ocean, spirituality knows no bounds.ThePlanet’s Most Spiritual Places brings together all definitions to present some of the most important places of spiritual significance, in stunning and immersive detail. We recognize that one person’s spirituality can inspire another no matter their origin, history or nationality. We have included sites of spirituality from all around the world, from the established to the exotic, determining a number of fundamental definitions for our spiritual destinations: 1. Ancient Monuments 2. Places of Worship 3. Natural Wonders 4. Centres of Enlightenment 5. Pilgrimage 6. Living Landmarks As readers will discover, the complex history of the world often defines where – and how – spirituality can be found. The modern is as important as the ancient, and the free-form as important as the organised. What counts is the spiritual nature of the site, wherever it is, whoever visits it and whatever they believe. Insightful text is complemented by superb photography, maps ancient and modern and engaging illustrations of the plethora of places contained within. The whole world is covered, continent by continent, and a wide variety of religions, belief systems and faiths.