Jaipur: Gem of India


Book Description

Jaipur, the glorious Pink City of India, sets many a hearts aflutter with visions of grandeur, valour, romance and beauty. This heritage city’s inherent historic charm has always been a major source of attraction. Travellers, poets and philosophers have lavished praise on it, and perhaps no other place is imbued with the richness of ritual and ceremony across the country, as Jaipur is. Among its numerous architectural wonders, the city’s Jantar Mantar (observatory) and Amber Fort have been included in United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s list of world heritage sites. The book elaborates on the lesser known aspects that have contributed to its coveted status of a heritage city. It also offers a glimpse into the lives of people, who have made a difference to this city through their contributions and have aided in making this wonderful city what it is today. The city is an integral element on the itinerary of any global traveller and a worthy venue for a ‘destination wedding’ in one of its numerous forts or palaces. Also in focus is Jaipur’s everevolving image as a new economic hub and a well-equipped modern metropolis. In this well-researched and meticulously documented book, the author presents a comprehensive picture of the city, bringing to light many hitherto unexplored facts that will interest those with a penchant for urban histories, their origin and their evolution. The book has been abundantly illustrated with more than 500 rare, coloured photographs and paintings, and 154 unseen black and white photographs and illustrations, to capture the imagination of a discerning reader.




Music in Colonial Punjab


Book Description

This book offers the first social history of music in undivided Punjab (1800-1947), beginning at the Lahore court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and concluding at the Patiala royal darbar. It unearths new evidence for the centrality of female performers and classical music in a region primarily viewed as a folk music centre, featuring a range of musicians and dancers -from 'mirasis' (bards) and 'kalawants' (elite musicians), to 'kanjris' (subaltern female performers) and 'tawaifs' (courtesans). A central theme is the rise of new musical publics shaped by the anglicized Punjabi middle classes, and British colonialists' response to Punjab's performing communities. The book reveals a diverse connoisseurship for music with insights from history, ethnomusicology, and geography on an activity that still unites a region now divided between India and Pakistan.




Gem Identification Made Easy


Book Description

This revised edition covers the latest gems, synthetics, treatments and instruments. It is easy to use, practical and non-technical indicating how to identify diamonds, coloured gemstones and pearls, as well as separating them from fakes and look-alikes. The book explains what instruments are needed and how to use them, where to obtain such instruments and what should be seen for each gemstone. Anyone can learn to identify most of the gems and imitations found in the market place. This volume is the key to avoiding costly mistakes and recognising profitable opportunities.




Creative Textile Industry


Book Description




Govindram Sakseria


Book Description

This is a riveting account of the life and work of the Govindram Seksaria ‒ industrialist, philanthropist and a member of the New York Cotton Exchange ‒ and ties together several strands of a seminal period in Indian and World history. Seksaria, lived in a historically defining era, his life straddling epochal events: two world wars, the Great Depression in United States, India's freedom struggle against the British Raj, and the growth of Indian industry. Seksaria, who was born in a family of small traders, never travelled abroad and spoke neither English nor Hindi ‒ only Marwari, and was at the time of his passing, at age 58, one India's wealthiest businessmen. He donated liberally to the freedom movement and built not only an industrial and trading empire but also hospitals and educational institutions as well. He pioneered girls' education in an era when few others did. He commanded a large following among industrialists, politicians, traders and friends. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Mahatma Gandhi, at differ times, sought his sage advice. Throughout his extraordinary life in business and philanthropy, Seksaria never gave a press interview or delivered a public speech.




Ruby and Sapphire


Book Description

From the dawn of time, ruby and sapphire have both attracted and fascinated humans in ways that few other items could.While objects of desire are found throughout the natural world, physical beauty is too often ephemeral. From the allure of a man, woman, flower or butterfly, through the fleeting moments of a sunset, there is little that lasts and practically nothing that can be passed down to our descendants. The exception is precious stones. Not only are they the most durable creations of mother nature, but their visual splendor is truly eternal.In this companion to his 2013 book, Ruby & Sapphire--A Collector's Guide, Richard Hughes examines these gems from the gemological standpoint, delving into these gems not just from the aesthetic, but also from the scientific point of view.The product of nearly 40 years of firsthand experience, it covers every aspect of the subject from A-Z. History, sources, prices, quality analysis, synthetics and treatments, everything is here. Ruby & Sapphire--A Gemologist's Guide represents the most comprehensive book ever written on a single precious stone. With over 1000 photos, maps and illustrations and 3500 references, it is nothing less than a tour-de-force of gemological scholarship.




Cultural Contours of India


Book Description

Comprises articles on the life and work of Satya Prakash, b. 1914, Indologist, and papers, most on the history and culture of Rajasthan, India.




The Rough Guide to India


Book Description

The Rough Guide to India is the definitive travel guide to this captivating country. More a continent than a country, India is an overload for the senses. From the Himalayan peaks of Sikkim to the tropical backwaters of Kerala, the desert forts of Rajasthan to the mangroves of West Bengal, India's breathtaking diversity of landscapes is matched only by its range of cultures, cuisines, religions and languages. The Rough Guide to India gives you the lowdown on this beguiling country, whether you want to hang out in hyper-modern cities or explore thousand-year-old temples, track tigers through the forest or take part in age-old festivals, get a taste of the Raj or watch a cricket match. And easy-to-use maps, reliable transport advice, and expert reviews of the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops for all budgets ensure that you won't miss a thing. Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to India.




Lonely Planet Discover India


Book Description

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet's Discover India is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Gaze at the iconic Taj Mahal, ride a camel through a magical desert scene in Jaisalmer, or hit the famous beaches of Goa; all with your trusted travel companion. Discover the best of India and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet's Discover India: Full-colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, art, architecture, politics, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, customs, etiquette, religion Covers Delhi, Agra, the Taj Mahal, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ajanta, Ellora, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, Darjeeling, Varanasi, Himachal Pradesh and more eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Discover India, our easy-to-use guide, filled with inspiring and colorful photos, focuses on India's most popular attractions for those looking for the best of the best. Looking for a comprehensive guide that recommends both popular and offbeat experiences, and extensively covers all the country has to offer? Check out Lonely Planet's India guide. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day. Lonely Planet enables the curious to experience the world fully and to truly get to the heart of the places they find themselves, near or far from home. TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 winner in Favorite Travel Guide category 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia) Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.




Lonely Planet Best of India


Book Description

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet's Best of India is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Marvel at the intricate floral designs on the Taj Mahal, float along Kerala's backwaters as the sun sinks behind whispering palms, and dive into the teeming bazaars, mighty fortresses and fine dining of Jaipur - all with your trusted travel companion. Discover the best of India and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet's Best of India: Full-colour images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, art, food, wine, sport, landscapes, wildlife Covers Delhi, Agra, the Taj Mahal, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ajanta, Ellora, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, Darjeeling, Varanasi, Himachal Pradesh and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Best of India is filled with inspiring and colourful photos, and focuses on India's most popular attractions for those wanting to experience the best of the best. Looking for a more comprehensive guide that recommends both popular and offbeat experiences, and extensively covers all the country? Check out Lonely Planet's India guide. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia) eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.