Monday, September 30, 2013

Of palaces and lost times





September rushed past me like those blurry landmarks of memory, where one lives but often forgets the experience. As if someone tore off the ninth page from the calendar; as if it is still waiting, breathing quietly, like an actor in the wings to make a grand entry. So much happened and yet it feels as if this month never happened. Our families were here, I celebrated another birthday, we bought a little apartment facing nothing but open fields and straggly greens. And yes, it has balconies that can be turned into decent-sized greenhouses!
Somewhere in between all this, on a rainy Sunday afternoon, a few weeks back, we found ourselves in front of the gigantic gates of the Chowmahallah Palace. A rushed visit it was, for it had started pouring with a vengeance and someone had decided it'd be wise not to lug around the big camera. Smartphones then, had to save the day.
 
The silhouettes and curves of the ever-fascinating Persian architecture rising against a belligerent, overcast sky. Corridor after corridor of what seemed like eternity. The walls cracked and the yellow on them peeled to a heartbreaking perfection. Through a series of open doors emerges the heart of the palace. The sudden, on-your-face opulence of the Durbar Hall. Rows of dazzling Belgian-crystal chandeliers. Silent, glittering testimonials to the grandeur of the Hyderabad Nizams. Of times lost and days blotted out in yellowed pages of history. 

7 comments:

  1. hey sweety where is the treat of ur new home ? So now i have a place in hyderabad :)

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    1. You need to make an appearance for that! Where are you these days?

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  2. You describe it just as I imagine. The over-the-top opulence, and the beauty of the peeling paint against the sparkling Belgian crystals. Looking at photos of those old times is so very interesting to me and your post was like a tiny glimpse at the real thing.
    A new apartment? Fun to dream and decorate a new place - I wish you all the best in it!

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    1. Thank you for your lovely wishes, dear Pondside. Yes, apparently one can afford much more sanity (and sense!) in our country when the place you live in is yours and not a rented one. :-) Though we won't be moving anytime soon, what's the harm in dreaming!
      I'm glad you like the pictures; I hope I'll get more detailed ones if I ever head that way again.

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  3. An Indian (Persian) palace, a truly magnificent site. For us unimaginative westerners an oriental building has a fascination.

    It’s been a busy time for you, I hope your musings on life and the beauties of nature will not be lost in the rush.

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    1. Oh, I hope for the same too, dear Friko. That has been a constant, hounding fear amid all this hustle-bustle.

      I think it's all about a foreigner's eye. Your lush green countryside and towering castles are what we seek for; so yes, it's all about the sights one's eye isn't acquainted with. And as for me, I would any day trade places with you! :-)

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  4. AH Chowmahallah Palace !! It's wonderful.
    And I am glad for the apartment and the balconies!!!!

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