Warriors of Gujarat

[Simple_Guy]

Maru-Gurjara Architecture in the Rajput Period

Maru is the old name of Rajasthan and Gurjara is the old name of Gujarat. They were closely related and the birthplace of the Rajput identity, which spawned the Maru-Gurjara style in architecture.

When the Rajput identity spread to other parts of India, this architectural style also spread with them.

Maru-Gurjara Monuments in the Central Himalayas

Inquiry trails from crumbling stone temples whose pieces are strewn around villages near Almora in the far-flung Himalayas most surprisingly lead to Asoda and adjoining hamlets in Gujarat where temples comparable in plan, elevation, and ornament stand in a better preserved condition. Challenging our estimate of the Central Himalayas as an insular frontier removed from the vicissitudes of the cultural politics of western India, where the Maru-Gurjara tradition of architecture developed and flourished, this talk opens a new line of inquiry into temple building in the medieval period.

 

[Simple_Guy]

Gujarat CM does Shastra Puja on Dussehra:

Modi, like every year, after fasting for nine days of Navratra, performed 'Shastra Puja' (worship of weapons) at his home today on the occasion of Vijaya Dashmi, an official release said. In the pictures released by the state information department, Modi was seen worshipping swords and guns.

"Greetings on Vijaya Dashmi. Joined "Shastra Puja" with our police and security personnel earlier today," Modi tweeted.

 

[Simple_Guy]

In neighboring Rajasthan they did Ashwa Poojan on Dussehra.

Mewar: Celebrating Dussehra with Lord Rama's son Luv's direct descendants in Udaipur

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, the 76th custodian of the House of Mewar performed Ashwa Pujan, a grand ceremony where Marwari battle horses are worshipped for thanksgiving, in all regal Rajput finery and pomp.

The royal family's wise men said that this is testimony to mark the empathy between a Rajput and his loyal horse. This tradition that originated in the ancient times is still practiced and followed by Eternal Mewar group.

What struck me during this ceremony was the royal family's welfare for their men. The subjects, so to say, adored them too.

Creating employment via the heritage hotels and boosting tourism in Udaipur, thereby keeping the culture alive with exceptionally well-maintained museums (brownie points for vintage cars in fully-running condition), it was a royal Navratri treat that I shall remember in a long time...

Photo from Udaipur Times

Arvind Singh of Mewar has very deep Gujarat links. His wife is from Kutch and his daughter is married in Sanatrampur, Gujarat.

 

[Simple_Guy]

The Sodha Rajputs, who migrated from the Thar region, east of Sindh, after the India-Pakistan war of 1971, are a warrior race settled in Kutch.

From Kutch: Photo Essay

 

[Simple_Guy]

General Maharaj Kumar Shri Rajendrasinhji Jadeja DSO

He was the 2nd Chief of Army Staff in Independent India. Born on 15 June 1899, in SAroda Kathiawar, he attended Rajkumar College at Rajkot. Commissioned into the Indian Army in 1921, he joined the 2nd Royal Lancers in 1922 as a Second Lieutenant. In WWII, his regiment was overwhelmed by a German tank attack, but he charged with his men straight into the enemy, crashing through their battery of guns. For his courageous leadership and determined action he was awarded the DSO (Distinguished Service Order), the first Indian to be honoured with such an award in World War II.

Rajendrasinhji was also deputed to serve as Military Attaché in Washington D.C. in 1945-46. He took over as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on 14 January 1953, a post he held until 31 March 1955.

Addressing a passing-out parade at the National Defence Academy in Dehra Dun on 09 June 1953, General Maharaj Rajendrasinhji said, "To-day you are on the threshold of your careers as officers of the Indian Army. Tomorrow you will become members of a brotherhood that has a code of honour and sense of duty unequalled in any other profession in the world. See to it that your responsibilities and obligations to this brotherhood do not find you lacking in spirit or energy. Your loyalty to your country and the Army must be the dominating factor. Keep abreast of your profession, and ensure that you keep pace with new weapons and their effects in applied military science. The men who respect your professional knowledge, and have confidence in your leadership will follow you anywhere. You must be the leader of your men and cannot afford to lag behind being out of condition. Go out shooting, trekking, mountaineering, go in for games that develop sound judgment, decision-making and team work, because these are the qualities that will make your career a success."

From BharatRakshak

As GOC-in-Chief of Southern Command in 1948, General Rajendrasinhji planned the police action to integrate Hyderabad, which was carried out by General Choudhury. Rajendrasnihji was admired by Sardar Patel who wanted him to be Independent India's first Army Chief, but he declined the honor saying that Cariappa was his senior. The General Rajendrasinhji Million horse race in Pune is named after him.

 

[Simple_Guy]

A General mess - Bharat Karnad

Whatever the reasons ultimately for K.M. Cariappa becoming the commander-in-chief in 1949, the seniority factor unfortunately got the nod. Of the two other officers being considered then — Lieutenant Generals Nathu Singh Rathore and K.S. Rajendrasinhji, the former was brash and outspoken and no doubt irked Nehru. On Nehru's musing out aloud that owing to insufficient command experience of most Indian officers at the time, the Army might benefit from a few more years of British general-ship, the quicksilver Rathore riposted that on that basis the Indian government too would be better off headed by Britons considering most Indian politicians had no experience whatsoever of running government!

Rajendrasinhji was the first Indian officer to win a gallantry award (Distinguished Service Order) in the field in World War II.Nehru wanted a fighting general to lead the Army and, a few years later, first asked Rajendrasinhji to replace Gen. Roy Bucher. To both Rathore (who many claim was also offered the post) and Rajendrasinhji is attributed the high-minded statement that their senior, Cariappa, shouldn't be bypassed.

Cariappa as Western Army commander during the 1947-48 Kashmir operations did not impress Nehru with his leadership qualities, who perhaps believed that the battle-hardened Rajendrasinhji would have done a better job of it. In any event, with Cariappa followed by Rajendrasinhji, a wrong precedent was set.

 

[Shaitan]

Civ is only telling it like it is.

 

[Simple_Guy]

On Nehru's musing out aloud that owing to insufficient command experience of most Indian officers at the time, the Army might benefit from a few more years of British general-ship, the quicksilver Rathore riposted that on that basis the Indian government too would be better off headed by Britons considering most Indian politicians had no experience whatsoever of running government!

Okay the exact quote is different:

Nehru felt that Indian officers lacked the experience to take over the responsibility for such a large Army, and wanted to retain British officers for a longer period, as Pakistan had done. Almost every one agreed with Nehru, except for Nathu Singh. He said: " Officers sitting here have more than 25 years service, and are capable of holding senior appointments in the Armed Forces. As for experience, if I may ask you Sir, what experience do you have to hold the post of Prime Minister ?" There was a stunned silence, and Nehru did not reply.

From General Nathu Singh

 

[Simple_Guy]

2013 Rann Utsav in Kutch begins

The two-month long cultural festival that attracts huge number of domestic and international tourists is celebrated from 17 December to 14 February 2014.The Rann Utsav started in 2005, and it was initially held for three days, which later extended to a span of two months due to overwhelming response from the people. -

Best described as a 'cradle of craftsmanship', Kutch is the land of weaving, block-printing, bandhini tie- and dye, Rogan-painting and various styles of embroidery, pottery, wood –carving, metal-crafts, shell-work and other handicrafts.

The district also has a long history dating from the Harappan civilization that thrived at cities like Dholavira in the 3rd and 2nd millennia BC to the Jadeja Rajput rulers Who reigned from the 1540s to the merger of states in the 1940s and endowed their Princely state with forts, palaces, temples and other monuments of historic and religious Importance..For those interested in natural history, Kutch is the habitat of the endangered and Interesting wildlife species like the Indian wild ass. This district is widely reputated as a paradise for birdwatchers.

 

[civfanatic]

The Sodha Rajputs, who migrated from the Thar region, east of Sindh, after the India-Pakistan war of 1971, are a warrior race settled in Kutch.

From Kutch: Photo Essay

So, some Rajputs who settled in Gujarat just 40 years ago automatically become "Warriors of Gujarat" and "sons of the soil"? How long is the waiting period for a foreigner to become a 'Warrior of Gujarat"?

 

[Simple_Guy]

Why do you care?

Anyway the Sodha Rajput region of Sindh should have been part of India. It was tributary to Jodhpur and the Rajput state claimed that area when Sindh was created.

 

[Simple_Guy]

Gujarat police mounted division hand picks 100 horses

The thunderclap of horseshoes bellows in the distance and an occasional neigh breaks its steady rhythm as some of the most splendid examples of police equines in the country kick up the dirt at Ghoda Camp. Recently, the Gujarat Police acquired 100 new horses for their mounted division, taking the total equine strength across the state to 606. This makes it the largest population among the country's various police forces.

The new addition to their stable comprises four breeds — Kathiawadi, Marwari, Thoro and cross-breed. "The cross-breed between Kathiawadi and Marwadi horses is the hardiest among them. Hence, we have acquired them in the largest number, followed by Marwari and then the other two," Vasava informed. All-India Police Equestrians' Meet is scheduled to be held at Ghoda Camp and Shahibaug police stadium from January 2 to 10, 2014.

 

[PredictablyMalicious]

I came across another thread that shows something important. @civfanatic insists on insulting North Indians on their perceived backwardness so the data is important:

North Indian States (broadly) :

Chandigarh (HDI Rank : 2) ..
Delhi (HDI Rank : 5) .... (waiting for reply : "it's just because of presence of South Indian intellectuals in Delhi" ... )
Jammu & Kashmir (HDI Rank : 14 )
Punjab (HDI Rank : 15)
Haryana (HDI Rank : 17 )
Uttaranchal (HDI Rank : 18)
Himachal Pradesh (HDI Rank : 24 )
Utter Pradesh (HDI Rank :32 )

Andhra Pradesh (HDI Rank : 27 ) ...
Karnataka (HDI Rank : 25 ) ....
Tamil Nadu (HDI Rank : 16) ....
Kerala (HDI Rank : 1)

 

[civfanatic]

I came across another thread that shows something important. @civfanatic insists on insulting North Indians on their perceived backwardness so the data is important:

North Indian States (broadly) :

Chandigarh (HDI Rank : 2) ..
Delhi (HDI Rank : 5) .... (waiting for reply : "it's just because of presence of South Indian intellectuals in Delhi" ... )
Jammu & Kashmir (HDI Rank : 14 )
Punjab (HDI Rank : 15)
Haryana (HDI Rank : 17 )
Uttaranchal (HDI Rank : 18)
Himachal Pradesh (HDI Rank : 24 )
Utter Pradesh (HDI Rank :32 )

Andhra Pradesh (HDI Rank : 27 ) ...
Karnataka (HDI Rank : 25 ) ....
Tamil Nadu (HDI Rank : 16) ....
Kerala (HDI Rank : 1)

HDI is calculated from three things:
1) Health (Life expectancy)
2) Education (Adult literacy rate and school enrollment)
3) Wealth (GDP per capita)

Jammu and Kashmir is behind every South Indian state in every one of these factors, so I have no idea how you derived these statistics. You should post your source and how they got their information or calculated their statistics. However, this thread is not about the backwardness of Jammu, but about supposed "Warriors of Gujarat" (most of whom are not even native to Gujarat). You should have posted this in a more relevant thread.

 

[PredictablyMalicious]

HDI is calculated from three things:
1) Health (Life expectancy)
2) Education (Adult literacy rate and school enrollment)
3) Wealth (GDP per capita)

Jammu and Kashmir is behind every South Indian state in every one of these factors, so I have no idea how you derived these statistics. You should post your source and how they got their information or calculated their statistics. However, this thread is not about the backwardness of Jammu, but about supposed "Warriors of Gujarat" (most of whom are not even native to Gujarat). You should have posted this in a more relevant thread.

You are right. It does not belong in this thread. I don't really care to pursue this topic any further, so I won't.

 

[Simple_Guy]

I came across another thread that shows something important. irani korma insists on insulting North Indians

Why feed the troll? And why give an opportunity to derail this thread all over again?

 

[Simple_Guy]

Horse Whisperers

Task masters of Gujarat police's 585 horses, the largest equestrian force in the country second only to the Indian Army as a single institution, are proud of the fact that the riders seldom use force. "Earlier, there were brutal ways to break the wild stallions but in past 20 to 30 years, the entire training has almost become psychological. We at Gujarat police have devised 42-week training regime for the horses getting inducted, known as remount training. It involves gradual stages from getting it acclimatize to the rider and surroundings to the highest level of alertness and agility," says Vasava.

According to the trainers at mounted police unit in Meghaninagar, popularly known as Ghoda Camp, the training starts with getting to know temperament of the mare or stallion. "Horses are also like humans - they also come lazy, agile, experimental or even fierce. The horses come in the force between three to seven years and have maximum period of two decades of active service," says Jhala. "Every breed has its own pros and cons and we have to utilize it optimally. For example, Kathiawadi horses are excellent when it comes to sudden burst of energy that can be used for events such as tent pegging. On the other hand, Thoroughbred can be used for cross-country race that requires stamina," added Vasava.

Jhala says that the state has the tradition of horse ownership, breeding and riding and thus many youths have experience of tackling the animals before they join police and thus become asset.

The famed Kathiawadi horses are considered to be the most beautiful among seven purebred Indian breeds as it has perfect features and grace of a ballet dancer. Right from its almost-touching ears to perfectly formed jawline and square body structure, these horses even impressed the British that have mentioned it being purchased at the cost of Rs 3,000 in 1880 from Kathiawar regency. The police are keen on contributing to the breed's conservation and preserving the state's heritage by breeding and cross-breeding of the horses to get horses with better gene pool.

 

[Simple_Guy]

Surajmalji Chauhan of Mudeti

Surajmalji, a 19th century Thakur of Mudeti, had risen in revolt when the British passed an order disallowing people from keeping weapons. At that time Mudeti was a tiny princely state of 24 villages. But regardless of the size of his turf, the brave Rajpoot questioned the British order, "How can Rajputs, whose duty is to fight, be asked to live without weapons?" When the British did not respond, he led an armed struggle which coincided with the revolt of 1857.

It is imperative for a marriage procession that passes through Mudeti in north Gujarat to stop by at the statue of Surajmalji Chauhan and hear a 10-minute recital of poems extolling his bravery. This is how the town of Mudeti has been paying tribute to the bravery of one of its former rulers—for the past 125 years.

 

[Simple_Guy]

Rani ki Vav, an 11th century stepwell in Patan, Gujarat, was among the most recent additions to India's growing collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stepwells are an integral part of the arid landscape of northwestern India. Known as bawdi or baoli in Hindi or barav (in Maharashtra) and vav in Gujarati, stepwells consist of ponds or wells for water catchment accessible by a rungs of steps.

Rani ki Vav — literally, the Queen's Stepwell — is symbol for Queen Udaymati's undying love for her husband King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty. She commissioned the construction of the stepwell as a memorial to her husband in 1063 AD. The stepwell is built on the banks of the now-extinct Saraswati River in the acclaimed Maru-Gurjara architectural style, which originated during the Rajput period. It is built as an inverted pyramidal temple in four deepening stories with seven levels of stairs.

IANS

 

[W.G.Ewald]

According to the trainers at mounted police unit in Meghaninagar, popularly known as Ghoda Camp, the training starts with getting to know temperament of the mare or stallion.

Mare or gelding, I would guess.