Hampi stands as a testament to the grandeur and ingenuity of ancient Indian civilization
Mrinal Chatterjee
Hampi
I always wanted to visit Hampi- for two reasons. One it alliterates with the nickname of one cousin sister, whose name is Mampi; and two, Hampi, located in Karnataka, India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a treasure trove of history, architecture, and culture. Once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century, it stands as a testament to the grandeur and ingenuity of ancient Indian civilization. The city is nestled amidst a surreal landscape of boulders, hills, and lush vegetation along the banks of the Tungabhadra River.
The ruins of Hampi is spread across 4,100 hectares, showcasing an impressive array of temples, palaces, and other structures. The Virupaksha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a living temple still in use today and an architectural marvel with intricately carved pillars and a towering gopuram. The Vittala Temple complex is renowned for its iconic stone chariot (printed on the reverse side of Rs 50 note; Konark’s chariot wheel is printed on the reverse side of Rs 10 note) and musical pillars that resonate with melodious tones when struck.
Hampi’s attractions also include the Lotus Mahal, a blend of Indo-Islamic architecture, and the Elephant Stables, which highlight the grandeur of royal life. The nearby Matanga Hill offers panoramic views of the ruins and is a favourite spot for sunrise and sunset enthusiasts.
Coracle (locally known as ‘Dongi’) is another attraction in Hampi. The round boats are made out of natural bamboo and protected with plastic. It’s all hand made by the people of Hampi.
Hampi takes you back to the bygone era. Standing amidst the ruins of palaces, temples, bazaars you somehow feel their presence at their prime glory centuries ago.
Home cooked food under a Neem tree
Taking me from one site to the other, my auto-driver suggested to me, “Sir, would you like to have home cooked lunch amidst nature?” It seemed like a good idea. I said, yes.
He stopped at a roadside, where I found some women were serving food from the ubiquitous steel utensils to some people sitting on plastic chairs under a huge neem tree. A pleasant breeze welcomed me. I sat there. The women served me what looked like home-cooked food. I won’t call it delicious, but it was fresh and edible. They served with a smile, asking me in sign language, whether I need more.
More than the meal, I enjoyed the ambience and their hospitality.
Cartoon Exhibition at IIC, Bangalore
I went to Bangalore to inaugurate the 200th cartoon exhibition and launch the annual edition of Cartoonists India 2024 at the Cartoon Gallery of Indian Institute of Cartoonists (IIC), Bangalore. It exhibited the cartoons and comics of late M.S. Ramkrishna, who used to draw the comic strip ‘Hubby’ in Caravan. This full page comic ran for over 10 years continuously beginning 1976. He also drew cartoons for ‘Shankar’s Weekly’ and a comic strip titled ‘Rajitha’ in ‘Women’s Era’. Professionally a banker, drawing cartoons and comics was passion for him. His daughter Sunita Mungapati, organised the exhibition.
Brainchild of B.G. Narendra, Indian Institute of Cartoonists (IIC) and The Indian Cartoon Gallery at M.G. Road, Bangalore is a hub of creativity and humour, hosting exhibitions that celebrate the art of cartooning. These events feature works by renowned and budding cartoonists, offering a delightful mix of satire, wit, and social commentary.
IIC also published Cartoonists India, a magazine for cartoons and other comic arts. London based cartoonist and digital artist Bibek Sengupta is the editor.
Mario Miranda
It has been 13 years since India’s gifted cartoonist and painter, Mario Joao Carlos de Brito Miranda, popularly known as Mario Miranda, or simply Mario left us. He died on 11 December in 2011.
As noted journalist and former Vice Chancellor of Haridev Joshi University of Journalism and Mass Communication Sunny Sebastian says, he was more of a social cartoonist-though he worked for high profile Indian publications like the Illustrated Weekly, Midday, the Economic Times and Current, he had kept away from political cartooning.
He made fun of politicians and bureaucracy. But the fun quotient was always more than the critique.
Mario was born in the Portuguese Goa in 1926, regaled his viewers with his social cartoons of Goan and Bombay society.
Year-End
In a few weeks this year is going to end. The year’s end is a time for reflection, a natural pause to look back at the path we’ve walked and the memories we’ve gathered. It’s a moment when the pace of life slows, even if just for a while, allowing us to sift through the triumphs, trials, and transformations that have shaped the months behind us.
There’s quiet poetry to this time. December’s fading days bring a mix of nostalgia and anticipation, like the closing chapter of a well-read book and the blank pages of one yet to be written. We revisit resolutions, some fulfilled, others abandoned, and perhaps dream up new ones, promising ourselves that next year will be different—better, brighter.
The year-end also teaches gratitude, nudging us to cherish the moments that mattered: the laughter shared with loved ones, the lessons learned through struggle, and the unexpected joys that made life richer. It’s a reminder that time, fleeting and precious, deserves our mindfulness.
As we step into a new year, there’s a sense of renewal—a chance to realign with our goals and embrace change. The year-end isn’t just an end; it’s also a beginning, a bittersweet goodbye wrapped in the promise of fresh starts.
Winter in Bangalore
In Bangalore, winter isn’t a season; it’s an emotion, a performance, and the city’s way of pretending it has seasons like everywhere else.
(The author is Regional Director Indian Institute of Mass Communication, IIMC Dhenkanal. Views expressed are personal.)
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