My Interviews with Authors for The Hitavada
Our Utmost for the Highest
On 4 July 1943, Maharani Gayatri Devi School opened its doors with 20+ students and Lilian Donnithrone Litter, an imposing Scotswoman, as it’s first Principal.
His Highness, the Maharaja Sahib (fondly called as Jai) and Her Highness Maharani Gayatri Devi (Ayesha for her family & friends), both being modern thinkers, were very concerned that Girls’ education was one field in which Jaipur was far behind other states & provinces in India. So one morning he asked Her Highness what could be done to get the women out of the shackles of the ‘purdah’
‘Give me a school and I will try’ she said, “Once the girls go to a school there will be no ‘purdah’ in a few years”. His Highness immediately summoned his Prime Minister Sir Mirza Ismail, and the Education & Finance Minister, Rao Bahadur Amarnath Atal. The order to allot land and plans ready for the school building was given. Her Highness discussed her ideas with the two ministers – The foundation of Maharani Gayatri Devi School was laid.
Today, the school stands tall with 3000+ students and spread across almost 25 acres of land on Sawai Man Singh Road. The students have access to facilities such as Gym, Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, Swimming etc. The motto – “our utmost for the highest” is carved into a marble statue of Gayatri Devi, which stands right in front of the school.
The first batch to appear for the examination had to travel to Ajmer, then the only centre in Rajputana, in 1946. As the veil of purdah lifted slowly and gently, requiring great tact and delicate handling by Their Highnesses and Miss Lutter, MGD entered a phase of phenomenal growth. Its fame spread far and wide. Being Residential cum Day school girls from across the country and overseas joined in. Miss Lutter set the ball rolling and by 1950 was able to overcome the purdah hurdle completely.
Ayesha was from the royal family of Cooch Behar and her mother Indira belonged to the royal family of Baroda. Ayesha was the third wife of Jai but she rose to power because of her vision and conduct in the Royal Family.
The school is a fitting work by the legend called MGD.
Malwa – Land of Power, Pilgrimage & Past
If you are driving from Nagpur to the region of Malwa, after about 450 kms when we cross a busy Mumbai-Agra 4 lane National Highway, its so heartening to read a signboard – Mandu 22 kms!
Mandu is a hill town with a handful of habitants mostly relying on tourism for their living, is situated right inside a huge fort. Said to be third largest fort in Asia, the air has a feel of Romance between Baz Bahadur & Roopmati. Every one we met had a tale to tell.
Mandu hosts a series of monuments, each symbolising the love between the royal couple Baz Bahadur & Rani Roopmati, crafted in a blend of Indo-Afghan Architecture. Each of its Architectural marvel deserves an eye for the beauty for robust stone structures and love for shades & shadows. The perfection is achieved by the craftsmen of 8th century. The glorious Jahaz Mahal standing tall amidst the two lakes, mesmerises you with its ancient water supply system & grandeur. Another important attraction in Jahaz Mahal is Hindola Mahal.
Roopmati Pavilion which is my favourite amongst all, makes you fall in love with its long corridors where the sun rays shower their love for the beautiful stone crafted interiors. Baz Bahadur palace holds large stone canopies and chhatries overlooking the Roopmati Palace in fondness. Hoshang Shah‘s tomb built in 15th century is a marble miniature of Taj Mahal, built with a purpose to understand the proportions before creating the splendid Taj itself.
The history of Mandu is rich with facts with folklores. After toppling the rule of Baz Bahadur, Adham Khan (milk brother of Akbar) was made Subahdar of Malwa. His appointment lasted for a short period of time as he was ordered to be killed by Akbar as a punishment for murdering Shamsuddin Atgah Khan (Husband of Jiji Anaga, one of Akbar’s fav wet nurses).
As part of Akbar’s policy of consolidation and expansion of his provinces and also as part of his administrative reforms, Malwa became one of the most important Subah in the Mughal Empire. Jahangir spent about six months in Mandu. When he marched from Agra, it took him close to 3 months to reach Mandu. That was probably because it was his first leisure trip with his 20th wife, Noor Jahan (Mehrunnisa). It can safely be called a honeymoon of sorts for the newly wedded couple!!
It happened so that during Jahangir’s stay in Mandu, his 45th birthday fell. As a custom it was a huge celebration which had lavish gathering of Invitees and locals. One of the special guests who attended this birthday extravaganza was one of the earliest East India Company Diplomat – Sir Thomas Roe!
Thomas Roe came to India with an objective of obtaining a Shahi Farman (Royal Charter) from The Mughal Emperor, Jahangir, to establish an EIC factory at Surat (another prosperous Mughal Subah). He almost spent 4 years in India, out of which substantial amount of time was spent in getting a permission for a personal meeting with Jahangir. It took him some more time and efforts, before he bacame good friends with Badshah. He subsequently got a special invitation to attend birthday bash at Mandu.
It was here in Mandu that Sir Thomas Roe witnessed the grandeur of the Mughals in India. He wrote the details of the birthday bash, sitting right there. Probably, this extravaganza worked as a pivot for British East India Company to stay back and consider consolidation of power in India.
Once the capital of Malwa and an important town, today, Mandu is a secluded place mainly visited by tourists. Sadly, a place with a glorious past but nothing much to boast about in the present. It’s interesting to listen to the guides. They add a flavour of their own to make the history interesting. Caution – Dont buy everything that they will tell. The sound and light show it the Jahaz Mahal every evening is a must to attend.
Maheshwar – Town of Temples, Ghats and Sarees
When Malhar Rao Holkar joined the army of Bajirao Peshwa, little did he know that his Subedari will survive beyond the stretch of anybody’s imagination. Today, a part of Devi Ahilya Fort is converted into a heritage hotel and is managed & run by Holkar Scion – Richard. Some parts of the Fort are open for tourists. The main attraction in the fort is Ahilya Devi’s personal Puja Room. Fort has many other temples that one can visit. Don’t forget to touch the holy Narmada water at the adjoining Devi Ahilya Ghat. At the exit of the Fort, lot of shops offer some great collection of Maheshwari sarees. No recommendations here!!
Seat of the Holkars for a long time, Maheshwar is a small town of Malwa which is synonymous with Maheshwari Sarees. Ahilya Devi and her persona is immortal here. At the Fort, a plaque depicts the great work done by her for the restoration of temples across the country. She is respected no less than a deity here. And deservingly so.
Omkareshwar – Temple town of Chaos & Confusion
After reaching the temple town, one gets totally confused to see the chaos. Different agents tell you different ways to reach the temple. The best way, however, is by an indigenous motor boat. It’s one of the twelve Jyotirlinga and the main temple complex is situated on a hill which is surrounded by two rivers – Narmada and Kuveri. Taking even a glimpse of the linga is a tough task. If you are claustrophobic, please avoid peak season. If you are in a hurry, take a priority slip. The way this temple complex is managed is highly disappointing. The management needs to learn lot from from other temple managers, such as Shegaon, Vaishno Devi or even Ujjain. The key to have smooth darshan lies at the check post at Omkareshwar. Take a help right there. The boat ride to Sangam is highly recommended by the locals but is a waste of time & money. Everything said and done, for the sake Lord Shankar, do visit Omkareshwar in off peak season. Else give it a pass.
Ujjain
Before Dhar, this was the Capital of Malwa. For a short period of time, it was under the rule of Scindias of Gwalior. Even today, the famous Gopal Mandir is managed by Scindia Trust. Today it’s visited by large number of pilgrims for Mahakaleshwar. Another important attraction is Bherugarh (also Bhairavgarh) Print Chadar (Bed Sheets made by Prisoners of Bhairavgarh). In the by lanes opp Gopal Mandir, lot of shops sell these bed sheets. Don’t miss to buy a few of them.
Barely an hour’s drive from Indore, Ujjain is situated on the Banks of river Kshipra (or Shipra). Unlike Omkareshwar this temple town is better managed. This is also one of the twelve Jyotirlinga. It’s recommended to buy a special darshan ticket (Rs 250/- per person). Prasad counter is very well managed and visible. Shoe stand near the special ticket counter is also very well managed. In all, it’s a better managed temple. Still, for a peaceful darshan, avoid peak season. Jai Mahakal!!
Probably it was Sultan Iltutmish who was the first of the Delhi Sultans to focus on Mandu. But the real and consolidated focus shifted after the Battle of Chausa. Shershah Sur defeated Humayun in the fiercely fought battle at Chausa (now in UP) which resulted in the huge loss of Mughal Forces. This led Humayun for a 15 year exile. It also gave uncontested run to the Sur Dynasty in India to rule and expand their Power. It was when that Shershah appointed Shuja Khan as the Governor of Malwa at Mandu. Later, his second son, rechristened himself as Baz Bahadur inherited the seat of Malwa region.
In 1555, Humayun defeated Sur Dynasty in the Battle of Sirhind which led to re-establish the Mughal dynasty back in Delhi & Agra.
When Akbar rose to power after the sudden death of Humayun, his first job at hand was consolidation of power and expansion of Mughal Provinces. Probably, in this regard, that Akbar sent Adham Khan to Mandu.
But whatever the History might say, it’s sad to see the laid back town of Mandu. It has an immense potential in terms of Tourism. The Govt does undertake measures to build it as tourism hotspot. For example the Annual Mandu Festival. However lot more needs to be done in a strategic manner. This can be equivalent to other places like Khajuraho or for that matter even Agra!!
Note – For those who want to dig deeper in the past, visit following places –
1) Ravarkhed, where Baji Rao rests in peace, on the banks of River Narmada (Maa Rewa).
2) District Dhar, which is about 50 kms from Mandu.
3) Khedighat station near Omkareshwar, for the disciples of Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon.
Petits and Pets….
The Bai Sakarbai Dinshaw Petit Hospital for Animals was founded by the Hon’ble Sir Dinshaw Manokjee Petit, K J.P. in A.D. 1883, the 1st Baronet of Bombay Presidency.
The estate in Parel, with the Bungalow and outhouses standing in the premises, was purchased by the Founder at a cost of Rs. 45,000. However, including expenses and an additional grant, it actually cost him Rs. 51,000. He then gifted the entire land to the Bombay Society of Of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The three hospital sheds and servant’s quarters, godown, office rooms and Pharmacy were constructed by the Society from funds mainly contributed by Native Grain, Seeds and Cotton Merchants and Mill-owners in the pre-Independence days.
His Excellency the Right Hon’ble, The Earl of Dufferin, K.Pi G.M.S.I.E; G.E.B; E.C.M.G; F.R.S; D.E.L; L.L.D; Viceroy and Governor General of India opened the Institution on Wednesday, the 10th December 1884. His Excellency the Right Hon’ble Sir James Fergusson, Bart; K.E.M.G. C.I.E. Governor of Bombay being Patron, The Hon’ble Lyttelton Holyoake Bayley, Judge of H.M’s High Court of Judicature, Bombay, President and Mr. Kavasji Mervanji Shroff, J.P. were the Secretary and Treasurer of the Society. The Lady Dufferin is credited with founding several Hospitals for Women & Children across the subcontinent, what constitutes today’s India, Pakistan and Balochistan. I have written a separate blog about these Hospitals.
Interesting to note that The Royal Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (UK) was founded on 16th June 1824 by the Rev Arthur Broome, Richard Martin and a few others humanitarians. At that time, the concept of animal welfare was ridiculed upon, brutality being commonplace. The only law for the protection of animals was Martin’s Act passed in 1822. Though the first of its kind in the world, it only applied to horses and cattle. In 1835, Queen Victoria became a patron of the RSPCA and animals entering the society’s portals have been mothered since. As news of this humanitarian work spread, country after country founded their respective SPCAs, all patterned on the RSPCA. Hence the BSPCA came into being and has continued its work towards animal welfare ever since.
Success is born out of Action
I am sure we all Indians are extremely proud of our Educational Institutions, especially the IITs. Every student who wants to become an Engineer, aspires to get admission in any one of the IITs. The news about IIT Madras was an affirmation to the wonderful institutes that this Nation has created.
It all began in 1956, when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, then Prime Minister of India, was on an official visit to West Germany and was offered assistance by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, to set up a higher technological institute in India. This resulted in the signing of the first Indo-German Agreement in Bonn in 1959, for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology at Madras.
In 1958, Raj Bhavan donated land to set up IIT Madras. Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu, was earlier a country Lodge (Guindy Lodge), probably built by Governor William Langhorne. Later, Governor of Presidency of Madras, Thomas Munro, made it the official residence for the Governor and later the same was developed as a Raj Bhavan.
Interesting to note that Banwarlalji Purohit served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu, before he was given the charge of Governor of Punjab. Shri Purohit hails from my home town – Nagpur and runs The Hitvada, Central India’s leading English Daily.
The Untold Narrative
Since my childhood and later after the advent of various social media platforms, one piece from the Mughal History has been extremely popular. The story of the brutal execution of The 9th Sikh Guru – Tegh Bahadur Singh Ji. Undoubtedly, this act was barbaric and inhuman in nature. His decapitation was ordered by Aurangzeb and was executed at the Chandani Chowk in Delhi.
Sikh holy premises Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in Delhi, mark the places of execution and cremation of Guru Tegh Bahadur. His martyrdom is remembered as the Shaheedi Divas every year on 24 November.
What intrigued me was the fact that there are two more Sikh Gurus who were executed on the Orders of Mughal Emperors in different eras. Unfortunately, this isn’t known to many of us and also is not a part of any narrative and also not much seen on social media platforms, for reasons unknown!!
Guru Arjan Dev Ji , the 5th Sikh Guru, a poet and compiler of the Adi Granth , was patronised by Akbar. But, when, after the death of Akbar, inevitable war of succession broke out between Salim and Khusro, Arjan Dev Ji allegedly sided with Khusro. Later, Jahangir ordered to confiscate the properties of Arjan Dev Ji, imprisoned him and then got him killed in Lahore.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji rests in peace at Gurudwara Dera Sahib in Lahore.
This act of Jahangir is equally unjust and highly condemnable.
Gobind Singh Ji, 10th and last of the Sikh Gurus was camped on the Banks of Godavari, along with his Army. This military movement was part of the War of Succession between Bahadur Shah I, (official successor to Aurangzeb), and his brothers.
While he was stationed near Nanded, two Afghans, Jamshed Khan and Wasil Beg, who were believed to be employed by Wazir Khan, gained access to the tents of Gobind Singh Ji and stabbed him to death. Both the killers were grabbed and killed on the spot. However, it isn’t perfectly known if Wazir Khan acted upon the orders of Bahadur Shah, neither can it be denied because he was Nawab of Sirhind which was a Mughal Subah and he was also commander of the Mughal Army. This looks unlikely that Bahadur Shah would not be aware of such a conspiracy being hatched.
But what astonished me was that these two unfortunate killings are not much talked about in the public domain. What we know is part of the popular culture on various platforms. Before making opinions, we must curiously dig deeper into the past from all possible angles. Be assured, treasure is waiting to be unearthed!
Let’s try to be a student of History and not the Judge of it.
Hazur Sahib is also known as Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib, is one of the five takhts in Sikhism. The gurdwara was built between 1832 and 1837 by Nasir-ud-Daulah, Asaf Jah IV upon the request of his friend Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji to build the Gurudwara. It is located on the banks of the River Godavari at Nanded in Maharashtra.
The J Factor
First batch of would-be Medical Practitioners was inducted into this prestigious college in 1845. The college was a fructification of the efforts of the Governor of Bombay Presidency – Stuart Grant and financially aided by the 1st Baronet and Philanthropist – Sir Jamsetjee Jinibhoy.
The Grant Medical College & Hospital was set up in the premises of Sir J J Hospital in Buyculla in South Bombay. Sir J J donated Rs 1 Lac for the project of Grant Medical College. It must be noted that the efforts to set up a world class College started during the regime of Governor Elphinstone.
Dr Jal Patel was Indian physician; he was Jinnah’s friend, and attended to him for his tuberculosis and other health problems. Dr Patel was a professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and was later the Dean at the Grant Medical College in Bombay. Dr Patel was awarded Padma Bhushan in 1962 by Govt. of India.
In my all time favourite Book – Freedom at Midnight, Dominique Lapierre claimed that Dr Patel had handed over a confidential file pertaining to Jinnah’s Tuberculosis, and that Dr Patel kept his patient’s condition a secret on the patient’s advice. It is widely argued even today, that if the Indian National Congress would have known that Jinnah’s condition was serious in nature, INC would have changed it’s stand on Partition. INC would have never agreed to the Partition. But now it remains a hypothesis.
Dr Patel did what his profession demanded. Keeping patient’s condition secret!!
Trivia – The Anatomy Hall of Grant Medical College was used for shooting of the cult Bollywood Movie – Munnabhai MBBS.
Start with the End in Mind…
The Pandemic saw the onset and huge popularity of OTT releases of Bollywood and Hollywood movies, alike! The latest flick being Shershaah.
The movie touched my heart and I am sure it did touch a billion hearts across the Country. The release was strategically planned around 15 August, when we, in India, celebrated our 75th Independence Day. And this move was a perfect gift.
As a movie buff, I always loved those movies which start where the movie actually ends. Shershaah was one such film. It starts with a fierce battle of numerous bullets being fired from all over the Himalayas. And suddenly, the movie goes into flashback. It’s fun when we reach the end and revisit where it all started.
This movie starts with a hawk-eye view of a Cricket Stadium in Mumbai which hosted the Final Match of the 2011 World Cup between India and Sri Lanka. Camera slowly enters the dressing room and in next few minutes, movie goes into flashback. It’s simply awesome, when at the end we come back to the same place!!
This movie took the entire generation by storm. Boys suddenly started going to Goa on stags trips. The movie celebrated the festival called Friendship. The movie starts in a hospital and converged back to the same place. It’s as fresh as ever, even after 20 years.
This movie is my personal favourite. It’s been a different movie whenever I watched it at different ages. This movie starts with the killing scene of Mahatma Gandhi. And after 3 long hours, it comes to the same point where it started. Masterpiece!!
Yet another 2021 movie which released on OTT platform, Netflix. A very different plot and stunning performance by Tapsi Pannu, the movie starts with a LPG blast claiming a life and later gets into investigation mode and comes back to its beginning. Superbly crafted film, coupled with powerful performances, makes it a worthy watch.
Watch all these movies again and enjoy!! Streaming??
P.S. – If you know any such more movies please write to me at sachinjaha@gmail.com.
Tip – In life, business or profession – let’s start with the end in Mind. What say?
Lahore via Delhi
The Faletti’s of Lahore is the oldest colonial period Hotel in the historic walled City of Lahore. When it started operating in 1880, it was the finest Hotel, the city had ever seen. The ‘Civil & Military Gazette’ newspaper of 1887 in an advertisement claimed that it was fit for “a maharajah”. Today, it remains among the very best, with more tradition, history and class of its own.
After the Battle of Waterloo, many people migrated to the USA & England. Faletti clan was no different. It was during the 1870s that Andrei Faletti moved to Lahore from Hammersmith in England, where he worked in a Hotel. In 1872, he got a house in Tehsil Bazaar inside Bhati Gate, from there he started trading. He also made numerous friends among the ruling British elite. As circumstances would have it, he became friendly with a beautiful courtesan, a friendship that was to last a lifetime.
By 1876 he had moved to a new flat on The Mall. It was here that he set up a company to plan his grand dream of a hotel “fit for a king”. He approached the then Governor of Punjab, Sir Robert Davis, and in a meeting in August, 1878, at the Governor’s House of Lahore he was assured the “fullest possible support” of the authorities if “the proposed hotel met the highest standards of service”. The company registered with the office of the Deputy Commissioner had four investors led by Mr. Andrei Faletti.
The Hotel opened for public in 1880. Initially, the Hotel was restricted to the ruling classes, mostly British officials and the rich Rajas, Nawabs and the emerging Entrepreneurs of the Punjab and India. The Hotel had 44 rooms, later it sought approval for expansion to 68 rooms. The Chartered Architect of the Hotel was a firm named Anderson of Simla and Karachi. The young Mr. J.R. Anderson sought assistance from the famous Bhai Ram Singh, probably the greatest Architect and Designer then and working as a teacher with Lahore’s Mayo School of Arts.
After the death of Faletti in 1905, the Hotel was being managed by a firm named Associated Hotels of India, which owned the Cecil of Murree, Flashman of Rawalpindi and Deans of Peshawar.
In 1942 the entire company and assets of the Associated Hotels of India was taken over by the Oberoi Group, owned by the legendary hotelier Mohan Singh Oberoi.
Born in the village of Bhaun in Chakwal, then part of District Jhelum, he did his initial schooling at Bhaun, then moved to Rawalpindi..On the death of his father he moved to Lahore where he worked in a shoe factory. Here he decided to change himself radically by cutting off his traditional Sikh beard and discarding his turban. His family disowned him, but he took his wife and two children and moved to Delhi, where he worked as waiter in a hotel run by Mr. Clarke for Rs. 50 a month.
Both, Clarke and Oberoi moved to Simla, where M S Oberoi learned how to run a hotel. He was sharp and honest and very soon circumstances opened up and he purchased the same hotel where he worked . There was no looking back for this great hotelier from Bhaun, for by 1942 he had purchased the Associated Hotels of India and by 2003, the year he died, he was among the world’s biggest hoteliers, owning prestigious places like the Imperial in Mumbai and similar ones in 15 countries.
But it was Faletti’s that he loved most, for when working in Lahore, as he was to write much later, he was denied entry to it and walked away wishing to one day buy it. That prayer, he says, the Almighty answered in no small terms. After 1947 the hotels remained with his group, and he was a regular visitor from India. In the September 1965 War the entire properties of the Associated Hotels Group was taken over as ‘enemy property’ and handed over to the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation.
Now this is very disheartening. The people of Pakistan and India never want Wars. What they want is harmony, business, tourism, sports and cultural events. It’s time to unite on the humanities, to say the least.
In 1929, Barrister Muhammad Ali Jinnah stayed in Room # 18, when he came to argue the famous case of Ilmuddin. It is said that in the evenings he would have a black coffee and a cigar in the restaurant before he moved to his room to prepare his case. Today that room is named after this great statesman. However, he couldn’t do much to convert death penalty to Life Imprisonment. The Lawyer of Jinnah’s stature could not save the Killer of the Publisher of contraversial book – Rangila Rasool.
One of the greatest Indian politicians to stay in the Falettis’ was Pandit Nehru, who was to write of his stay: “I have never had such well-brewed tea anywhere”. Pandit Nehru preferred to stay here even though his in-laws, Raja Nirander Nath, had a magnificent house on Lahore’s Waris Road.
Even today, Faletti stands as the most preferred Hotels in Lahore. Waiting for my chance to visit the same.
Information courtesy – Hotel Website.
Lawrence School
The Lawrence School, Lovedale is one of the premier residential public schools in the country. It is an autonomous institution run under the aegis of The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India.
The School was founded in 1858. It is situated at Lovedale – about 6 kilometres from Ootacamund, on the central plateau of the Nilgiri Hills. The school stands on its own estate, about 750 acres, and the local railway station, Lovedale, which is on the Ootacamund-Mettupalayam metre gauge Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which adjoins the School estate.
The Dept. of Posts has issued a Commemorative Postage Stamp on The Lawrence School on 31 May 1988.
Who can Apply
Children who have completed 9 years of age as on the 31st of March, can apply for admission to class V.
Leadership in School
The Lawrence School student leadership is a Prefectorial Body led by a Head Boy and a Head Girl. They are responsible for maintaining discipline and upholding the honour and name of the School.
The school’s alumni association, the Old Lawrencian Association (OLA), has chapters and branches in several major Indian and international cities.
Alumni
Distinguished Alumni
Akshay Khanna – Actor
Amish Tripathi – Author
Anand Mahindra – CMD, Mahindra Group
Arun Kumar – CEO, KPMG India
Arundhati Roy – Writer
Tashi and Nungshi Malik – Mountaineers
General Information
Motto – Neven give in.
Yearbook – The Lawrencian
Website – thelawrenceschool.org
If you happen to visit Ooty, please do visit another town called Wellington which has Wellington Gymkhana Club of the British Raj. It is also known for Defence Services Staff College, wherein, chosen few Army Officers undergo a specialised course.
Sachin Jahagirdar 