Transcript Taj Mahal - Spring Branch ISD

Taj Mahal
When emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal,
died in childbirth in 1630 (3 yrs. after he arose to the throne)
he was overcome with grief. He built this tomb as a
monument to their love and it took 22 years to complete.
Shah Jahan also wanted to build a replica across the bank in
black marble as his own tomb, but never got to because of
the war between his sons.
Victoria Terminus
The station was christened to commemorate Victoria Jubilee Day in
1887 when India's first steam engine puffed out to neighboring
Thane. Today it has been rechristened Chatrapati Shivaji
Terminus after the Maratha warrior and the old steam engines
have been replaced by electric ones.
Bindi
Indians believe that the starting point of all shapes and forms is a point.
Bindi is supposed to signify the third eye of a person and when
properly marked becomes the central point of the woman’s body. It is
a symbol of auspiciousness, good fortune and festivity.
Some believe that the area between the eyebrows is a point of great
wisdom. Once the bindi used to be worn to denote a woman’s marital
status, but now it is a fashion statement.
Red Fort, Delhi
When Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi he started
construction on the west bank of the Yamuna River. This fort is more
like a mini-city, containing palaces, grand halls, gardens, a mosque,
plazas, apartments, and a marketplace. This massive structure is built
out of red sandstone and has two main entrances.
Golden Temple
This temple located in Amritsar is the city’s main attraction.
It is made of white marble and gold leaf. This temple is the
most sacred for Sikhs. It was completed in 1603 and
symbolizes brotherhood.
Varanasi
Varanasi is the holiest city in all
of India and contains a
population of over a million.
The waters of the Ganges are
used for bathing, spiritual
cleansing, and cremations. In
the waters you’ll find ashes,
corpses, raw sewage and much
more scum. Yet, nonetheless,
thousands enter the waters to
purify themselves before the
rising sun. Visitors also come to
pray and take shelter in some of
the hundreds of shrines and
temples present in Varanasi.
Tigers
The largest remaining population of Bengal Tigers is found today in India
where 3,650 make up two-thirds of the worlds tiger population. Many
reserves and foundations have been developed to aid these animals
with their struggle against poachers and habitat destruction.
Bangalore
Out of all the cities in India, Bangalore is the most known for its
business. Once known for its wide variety of beautiful gardens, people
now refer to it because of its booming software industry. Bangalore
has a population of over 5,500,000 people.
Darjeeling
Tea
The most famous tea, known
throughout the world, is
produced in the city of
Darjeeling, where it got its
name. Only teas coming from
certain estates can be called
Darjeeling tea, which cannot be
produced anywhere else in the
world. This tea is often times
referred to as the “champagne
of all teas”. Not only does this
tea provide industrialization to
this part of India, it also helps
employ many Nepalese coming
through the border.
Mysore Palace
This beautiful palace was designed by a British architect for a
Maharaja and was completed in 1897. It has now been
converted to a museum displaying paintings, jewelry, royal
costumes, and sculptures.
Ellora Caves
Ellora Caves, located in Maharashtra, has over 34 monasteries
and temples extending over 2 km dug into the side of a hill.
Tourists can witness paintings and sculptures and
architecture form the Indian Middle Ages.
Cows
The most sacred animal in the
Hindu religion is the cow, after
a famous cow, Nandi, who was
Shiva’s vehicle and escort.
There are 26 different breeds of
them in India alone. In India
cows are rarely used for meat,
and are allowed to roam free
through streets and traffic and
are not an unusual sight at all.
Though sometimes they cause
additional traffic, this animal is
believed to be a symbol of the
earth because it gives so much
and asks little in return and is
often used in parades and
festivals.
Kohinoor Diamond
The 1st owner of the Kohinoor was an Indian king. 200
yrs. later it was taken by Sultan Babar (Mogul
Emperor). He passed it on to generations of rulers
until Nadir Shah seized it when taking over Delhi. The
gem was passed on/seized by rulers until the 19th
century. British ruled in India now and in 1851 a
commissioner gave Queen Victoria the diamond.
Today the 108.93 oval brilliant adorns Elizabeth’s
crown, along with 2800 smaller diamonds.
Kerala
This Indian state is well-known for its beautiful backwaters,
friendly villagers, great scenic views and incredible boat
races. House boats often roam on these waters and endless
beaches can be viewed. There are industrial hotels and
resorts along some of them, but it is mainly unspoiled.