Fort Lijdzaamheid/Patience - Apam, Ghana
Fort Lijdzaamheid/Patience, the Dutch-built fort at the coastal town of Apam, in the Central Region of Ghana.
For more information on Ghana, visit ghana-pedia.org
The Slave Trade in Keta - Fort Prinzenstein
A Danish built fort in Keta which was used as a transit point during the slave trade. The Keta Sandlanders will be offering members an opportunity to get to know not just a football club but a whole town in Ghana.
Koforidua, Eastern Region - Ghana
This is the main street of Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Region of Ghana. Directly across the road is the city's market.
For more information on Ghana, visit ghana-pedia.org
Kumasi Fort - Armed Forces Museum [HD] - December 2011
This clip shows the exterior of the Kumasi Fort, located just west of Prempeh I Circle in the Ashanti Region capital, Kumasi.
The fort was the scene of a siege in 1900, when the Ashantis declared war on the British & besieged the fort for a couple of months. Nowadays, it is a town landmark & the home of the Ghana Armed Forces Museum.
The clip shows the exterior of the building, where several interesting military vehicles, guns, and former Ghana Air Force aircraft are on display. Of particular interest to me was the Soviet-made WW2 era anti-tank gun, and the Stuart M3 light tank.
Not shown in the clip is the interior, which houses weaponry & militaria captured from the campaigns of the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF) in WW1 & WW2, and from the two West African divisions deployed in Burma in WW2.
The museum also stores militaria from all arms of the Ghana Armed Forces, and has a great history of the Ghana military. Of particular interest is the formal dinner jackets for former Ghana Heads Of State, Afrifa & Ankrah.
The museum is probably the best organized and most interesting of the Ghanaian museums I have seen in my multiple trips to Ghana.
Amazing Street Musician in India.Beautiful musical instruments Ravanahatha Music.Indian music song
Amazing Street Musician in India.Beautiful musical instruments (Ravanahatha)Music.Indian music song
Amazing Street Musician's beautiful musical instruments(Ravanahatha) music, Udaipur pichola lake boat area
Udaipur is a major city, municipal corporation and the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in the Indian state of Rajasthan.[2] It is the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency. Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia clan of Rajput founded the city 1553,[3] and shifted his capital from the city of Chittorgarh to Udaipur. It remained as the capital city till 1818 when it became a British princely state,[4] and thereafter the Mewar province became a part of Rajasthan when India gained independence in 1947.[5] Udaipur is a very popular tourist destination. Known for its history, culture, scenic locations and the Rajput-era palaces.
Udaipur was founded in 1553,[3] by Maharana [Udai Singh II][6] in the fertile circular Girwa Valley to the southwest of Nagda, on the Banas River. The city was established as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom. This area already had a thriving trading town, Ayad, which had served as capital of Mewar in the 10th through 12th centuries.[7] The Girwa region was thus already well-known to Chittaud rulers who moved to it whenever the vulnerable tableland Chittaurgarh was threatened with enemy attacks. Maharana Udai Singh II, in the wake of 16th century emergence of artillery warfare, decided during his exile at Kumbhalgarh to move his capital to a more secure location. Ayad was flood-prone, hence he chose the ridge east of Pichola Lake to start his new capital city, where he came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and guided him to build a palace on the spot, assuring him it would be well protected. Udai Singh II consequently established a residence on the site. In November 1567, the Mughal emperor Akbar laid siege to the venerated fort of Chittor. To protect Udaipur from External attacks, Maharana Udai Singh built a six kilometre long city wall, with seven gates,[8] namely Surajpole, Chandpole, Udiapole, Hathipole, Ambapole, Brahmpole and so on. The area within these walls and gates is still known as the old city or the walled city.
Udaipur is popular destination for organising various national and international cultural events. Recently, Udaipur hosted the first edition of India's first World Music Festival, a two-day festival held on 13 and 14 February 2016. Performances were made by artists and musicians from more than 12 countries, including Spain, Ghana, Venezuela, Italy, France as well as India.
The Ravanahatha (variant names: ravanhatta, rawanhattha, ravanastron, ravana hasta veena) is an ancient bowed violin, once popular in Western India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It is an ancient Indian stringed musical instrument on which western stringed musical instruments such as the violin and viola were later based.
The ravanahatha is believed by the Sinhalese to have originated among the Hela civilization of Sri Lanka during the time of the demon king Ravana. The bowl is made of a cut coconut shell that is covered with goat hide. A Dandi, made of bamboo, is attached to this shell. The two principle strings are made of steel and horsehair, respectively. The long bow has jingle bells. In India, the origin of Violin is traced into the Ravanastrom. This instrument is said to have belonged to a sovereign of India in 5000 BC. It is similar to the ancient instrument called ravanhatha, which is found even today in Rajasthan. Mythology credits this creation to Ravana from Ramayana. The ravanhatha was played on one string which was 22 inches long encompassing the 3 Octaves. Whereas the Violin encompasses the 3 octaves on 4 strings with a finger board which is 5 1/4th inches long. This 5 1/4th when multiplied by 4 is 22 inches which was the size of the Ravan Hatta. Both are played with a bow.[3] Throughout the history of Medieval India, the kings were patrons of music; this helped in increased popularity of ravanhatha among royal families. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, it was the first musical instrument to be learned by princes. The Sangit tradition of Rajasthan further helped in popularizing ravanhatta among ladies as well.
According to legend, Ravana was an ardent devotee of the Hindu god Shiva, and served him using the ravanahatha.[5] In the Hindu Ramayana epic, after the war between Rama and Ravana, Hanuman picked up a ravanahatha and returned to North India. In India, the ravanahatha is still played in Rajasthan. From India, the ravanahatha traveled westwards to the Middle East and Europe, where in the 9th century, it came to be called the Ravan strong.
Arab traders to India carried the ravanhatha with them between the seventh and the tenth centuries.
What's up in Paris : January 2018
Welcome to the January 2018 issue of “What’s up in Paris”.
This monthly magazine is dedicated to everything you need to experience, see, listen to and do in Paris!
So stay with us and discover the “What’s up in Paris” selection of the events you shouldn’t miss in January 2018!
Experience:
Calling all food-lovers! Epiphany is coming, and the tradition is to enjoy a cake known as the “galette des rois” (Kings’ Cake) on the first Sunday of the year, which in 2018 falls on 7 January. Made with a choice of frangipane, almond cream or less traditional flavours, the cake forms an essential part of life in January, giving pleasure to adults and children. The following are some of the “galettes” that you really must try: “La Trésor” by Arnaud Larher, made with hazelnut cream flavoured with hazelnut praline and caramelised Piedmont hazelnuts, the Hugo & Victor “galette” with almond frangipane, orange peel and Lebanese orange blossom water, the “Infiniment Chocolat Belize” by Pierre Hermé or Pierre Marcolini’s “Millefeuille des Rois” with Faro almond cream. If you like a treasure hunt, Maison Dalloyau is joining forces with Gemmyo Jewellers to offer its cat-shaped “MIAOU galette des rois”. Ten lucky charms stamped with the word “GAGNÉ” (winner) are hidden inside: the lucky winners will receive a “Miaou en Or” ring worth 350€.
From 13 January to 25 March 2018, the Force will be with you at Disneyland Paris. A new set of shows, parades and encounters with characters from the Star Wars saga are on the programme for the return of the Season of the Force. In all, 8 intergalactic experiences including “Star Wars: The Galactic Celebration” at the Disney Studio, with a new sequence taken from the new Star Wars film, “The Last Jedi”, and plenty of special effects! For young Padawans aged 7 to 12, the “Jedi Training Academy” will be teaching children the Jedi rules and codes of conduct. However, disciples of Master Yoda, Obi Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker, beware … Darth Vader and his stormtroopers are lurking in the vicinity.
Information: disneylandparis.fr
A different place, a different atmosphere … At the Cirque Phénix, “Cirkafrika 3” is being performed on the Pelouse de Reuilly until 21 January. After Tanzania, the Ivory Coast, South Africa, Ethiopia, Guinea, Ghana then Harlem and Brooklyn, the third edition of the show is full of colour, acrobatics and music, taking you on a journey through Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and the beautiful central Sahara. There are some fifty artistes, acrobats and dancers on stage, performing with a live orchestra. The rhythms will be intense!
Information and bookings: cirquephenix.com
See:
Paris Town Hall is putting on a free exhibition until 27 January. “Les Nuits Parisiennes” (Paris Nights) shows the capital’s different night-time faces, from the 18th Century to the modern day. Over 300 works - paintings, photos, period films and archive documents – will be on show. You’ll learn all there is to know about Paris’ restaurants, cabarets, theatres and cinema.
Until 25 February 2018, the Château de Versailles is putting on an exhibition of “Visitors to Versailles (1682-1789)” in partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibition tells the story of these visits by leading figures from all over the world - princes, ambassadors, writers, actors, artistes and philosophers. A personal invitation from King Louis XIV, a political or diplomatic meeting... From the ambassador of Siam in 1686 to the ambassador of the Indian kingdom of Mysore in 1788, the exhibition shows the Château in a new light and through different eyes.
Practical information: chateauversailles.fr
“Patate” (Potato)! Yes, that’s the title of the new exhibition on offer at the “Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie” since 5 December 2017 and until January 2019. For over a year, the Villeneuve d’As Departmental Science Forum, which devised “Patate!”, takes you into the Large Greenhouse, where you’ll learn all there is to know about the famous tuber, which is now the world’s leading non-cereal food. The exhibition is based on the 3 stages in the potato’s life cycle: Birth, Development and Enjoyment. And the ticket gives access to all the Explora exhibitions, the Planetarium, the “Agronaut” submarine and the Louis-Lumière cinema.
Information: cite-sciences.fr
Listen:
As part of his European tour, David Guetta will be stopping off at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris for a single date, Friday 19 January 2018. The world-famous French DJ will be playing his famous hits, including his latest title “Light My Body Up” featuring Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne, and “2U”, in collaboration with Justin Bieber.
Bookings: accorhotelsarena.com
Exploring Beautiful Homes Sites Architecture Decor Madrid Great Cities España Eu by BK Bazhe.com
Beautiful Madrid -
España
Madrid has been occupied since prehistoric times: the first historical data we have from the city is from the middle of the IX Century, when Mohamed I ordered the construction of a small palace (site occupied now by the Palacio Real). Around this palace there was built a small citadel (al-Mudaina). Near that palace was the River Manzanares, which the muslims called Mayrit meaning source of water. (from which Magerit, then Madrid).
B.K. BAZHE is a writer, poet, and artist.
He is the author of DAMAGES
(creative nonfiction)
—Winner in the Writers Digest Awards
and IDENTITIES (poetry).
He is published and exhibited
in Europe and America.
More info at:
B.K. Bazhe Website:
Amazon Books & Art by B.K.Bazhe:
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Rohtasgarh Fort of Rohtas District
In troubled times of war, Rohtasgarh fort served as the safe shelter for the treasures and families of Sher Shah, Shah Jehan, Maan Singh, Mir Qasim and others, and during the Revolt of 1857, the fort became the rallying point of defense. Price Shah Shuja (governor of Bengal and Orissa) preferred the fort of Rohtas together with the suba (Province) of Bihar in lieu of the provinces of Bengal & Orissa put together.
As per legends, Rohita also called Ruidas, the son of King Harischandra, realizing danger to his life, stayed here several years in exile. The fort is named after this prince. The early history of Rohtasgarh is steeped in strange legends. One such Puranic story claims that childless Raja Harischandra was granted a son on a condition that he would kill him as an offering to the gods. The child named Rohita, realising danger to his life thus evaded his father as well as the gods. Rohtasgarh is believed to be named after this prince, Rohita who stayed here for serveral years in exile.
Legend gives way to history by the end of 15th century and the fort springs to life with the advent of the great Pathan, Sher Shah Suri, who was in revolt against his Mughal adversary, Humayun. Sher Shah is believed to have seized the fort from a Brahman Raja in 1538 as it was an ideal place for refuge and military operations. It was the time when Sher Shah was consolidating his power in Eastern India. He had defeated the Sultan of Bengal and acquired immense treasure from Bengal which included the Chatr (umbrella) and the throne. He was, therefore, looking for safe refuge for his family and new found wealth. Rohtasgarh suited his purpose and he was keen to attach it. Some historians consider it to be a negotiated deal while others discount it as Sher Shah's inglorious seizure. It is believed that Raja of the fort was persuaded to give shelter to Sher Shah's family. Hundreds of covered dolis (litters) with armed Afghan soldiers dressed as women entered the fort. When a few leading dolis in the train were examined at outer gate and found containing only women, the remaining were not checked and soon a considerable Afghan force gained entry. The hosts were taken by surprise and were soon overpowered. The Raja had to flee, leaving the fort to Sher Shah. Historians attribute this callous mentality, devoid of moral scruples, that characterised the Afghans of Hindustan. Sher Shah is further held guilty of deception and ingratitude to the Raja who had earlier given shelter and hospitality to his other family members for 18 months.
The fort sprawls across the rocky hill with its ramparts growing from the cliff. As befits the work of military fortification, these overpowering gates and bastions are devoid of Mughal embellishments but the ashlar is finely joined, even holding together the fallen rocks, the masses that, with time, have toppled from the structure. Throughout the Suri period the Rohtasgarh fort was guarded by a strong garrison of 10,000 matchlock men .
With the fall of Afghans, Akbar acquired the fort in 1587 and bestowed it upon Raja Maan Singh, who was appointed the Governor of Bihar. Rohtas became the provincial capital of the Mughals and Maan Singh remained here till 1607. Later in 1621, Prince Khurram rebelled against his father and sought refuge here in Rohtasgarh, together with his family and the Commandant of the fort Syed Mubarak surrendered the fort keys to the prince. Around this time, Khurram's younger son, Murad was born here to his wife Arjamand Bano (Mumtaz Mahal). When Khurram became emperor Shah Jehan, he placed the fort under the command of Ikhlas Khan and during the reign of Aurangzeb, Ikhlas Khan was appointed the Governor of Bihar and the fort served as a state prison ranking next to Gwalior and Ranthambor. However, Rohtasgarh fort prison was exclusively for the nobles and princes of royal blood who were condemned to life imprisonment from where very few returned home.
Following the battle of Udhwanala in 1763, Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal was defeated by the East India company and he took shelter with his family in the rohtasgarh fort. A year later he once again lost his luck in the battle of Buxar and had to leave the fort. The British finally occupied the fort and Captain Goddard remained here for two months during which he destroyed all the military stores. Thereafter, the fort was abandoned and lost in the mists of time and even today it is innocent of mass tourism. However, the masterpiece of Pathan architecture and a display of their talents will always justify a trip to Rohtasgarh and Sasaram. Steeped in history, Rohtasgarh Fort, now in a ruined state, was once the largest and strongest forts in India.