Wednesday, December 7, 2011
History of Chauhans
Chauhan are a Rajput clan found in the Indian subcontinent. The Chauhan gotra Rajputs come from the region around the lakes of Sambhar and Pushkar in Rajasthan, near Amber and present-day Marwar, Mewar Jaipur. Other seats of Chauhans are Mainpuri & Pratapner in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Neemrana in Alwar District of Rajasthan. In Pakistan they are found in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sahiwal, Gujrat, Faisalabad and Gujranwala.
There is a great village of the Chauhan clan by the name of Gura Sonigara near Pali in Rajasthan. These Chauhans belong to Man Singot Sonigara Chauhan, and Amin near Thanesar in Haryana. These Chauhans belong to the Ror community and they have provided many Volleyball players to the Indian national team. The average height of the ROR Chauhans of Amin is well over six feet. Amin is also supposed to be the village where the Pandavas arrayed their forces before the last battle in the war of Mahabharat.
There is a great village of the Chauhan clan by the name of Gura Sonigara near Pali in Rajasthan. These Chauhans belong to Man Singot Sonigara Chauhan, and Amin near Thanesar in Haryana. These Chauhans belong to the Ror community and they have provided many Volleyball players to the Indian national team. The average height of the ROR Chauhans of Amin is well over six feet. Amin is also supposed to be the village where the Pandavas arrayed their forces before the last battle in the war of Mahabharat.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Bahadur Singh Chouhan
Bahadur Singh(Bahadur Singh Chouhan) is a former Indian athlete who won gold medal in shot put in 1978 and 1982 Asian Games. He was honoured with Arjuna award and Padma Shri. He is a recipient of Dronacharya Award , by the government of India.Presently He is working as a chief coach of Indian athletics team.
House of Tulsipur
The Royal House of Tulsipur or Tulsipur-Dang was one of 22 principalities in the Baise Rajya confederation of the western Rapti region before the unification of Nepal, c. 1760. The Rajas of Tulsipur-Dang belonged to the Chauhan clan. From Chaughera (near Ghorahi, Dang) they ruled the Dang and Deukhuri Valleys as well as territories around Tulsipur State south of the Siwaliks, now in India.
Tulsipur kingdom was about 150 by 150 miles. It bordered Salyan Rajya (Nepal) and Pyuthan (Nepal) in the north, Balarampur Principality (India) in the south, Madi Khola (Nepal) and Arnala River (Basti, India) in the east and Bahraich (India) in the west.
During the unification of Nepal, the part in the Siwaliks and the valleys to the north were ceded to Nepal. Remaining lands became known as Tulsipur State, one of the largest Taluqs of Awadh in India. After the Indian War of Independence of 1857 the Tulsipur State was absorbed by the British East India Company.
Before 1760-1786 AD Unification War, this principality was known as Tulsipur Dang rajya which was part of 22 principalities of Nepal. Remaining walls of an old palace fort is in Tulsipur-Chaughera region (Chaughera Dang Tulsipur, Nepal). This was the Northern Palace.
House of Tulsipur Rajahs used Northern Palace during summer months and Southern Palace during winter months. Tulsipur rulers were Hill Chauhans from (Chauhan SINHRAJ Clan) and claimed King Rama and his descendants of Ayodhya as their ancestors.
Other notable Suryabanshi Kings following King Vivasata in ancient times have been:
The Hindu Holy Scriptures "Vayu Purana" and "Uttra khand" of the epic story Ramayana speak of the two Kosalas. It mentions Shravasti as capital of the North Kosala and Kusavati as that of the South Kosala. The two Kosalas are said to have been once under the suzerainty of one and the same king, known as Lord King Rama. The epic hero Lord King Rama had installed his son Prince Lava in North Kosala with Shravasti as its capital which lies on the foot of the Himalayas and his son Kusa in South Kosala as Kusavati as its capital which lies on the foot of the mountain Vindhyas.
On the border district of Gonda and Shravasti lies a vast area of ruins presently known as Sahet Mahet or Set Mahet. The ruins of Sahet, known as ancient Sravasti, are spread over an area of 400 acres. Towards the Rapti River, a little north of Sahet, lies the ancient city of Mahet. The fortified entrance to Mahet is made of mud, constructed in a beautiful crescent shape. The area represents ancient site of Shravasti known as the capital of Uttar Kosala.
Other notable Chauhan Kings in 1,000 years from 1st Millenium to Medieval times have been:
He was King of Sravasti. His eldest son was Suhel Dev.
Suhil or Suhel Dev of Sahet Mahet was known widely for his valour. He is said to have forewarned Muslim invader Sayyed Salar Masood or Masud that if he wished to save his and his men's lives, he had better leave the land and go elsewhere. Suhel Dev asserted that the land belonged to his ancestors and they were determined to drive the outsiders from their land. Masud, thereupon sent a brief and simple reply that the country is God's and that the property of him belongs to on whom He bestows it. Whoever gave it to your father's and your ancestors, he questioned.
The council of war decided and told Masud to remain on the defensive, but the Hindus drove off his cattle and forced an attack. The loss was great on both sides and one third of Muslim army perished. During month of June 1033 continuous fighting went on. Two-thirds of what remained of the Muslim army was slain and among them was Saiyad Saif-ud-din who was the Kotwal of the Muslim army. In spite of many vicissitudes, Masud did not lose courage and while making a bid to mount his horse to repel the attack; his body-guards were attacked by Shuhel Dev and his men. An arrow pierced the main artery in Masud's arm resulting in his death and the remnants of his body-guards were cut to pieces by Suhel Deo on June 14, 1033.
Thus ended the singular invasion by the Muslims and Islam was in abeyance in Avadh for the next 160 years until the conquest of Shihab-ud-din Ghuri in 1193 AD.
It seems probable that Sultan Iltutmish effected the subjugation of lands as far as Avadh, Bahraich & the districts north of Ghaghra including Gonda. From this time onwards Gonda & Bahraich seem to have always been held singly by the Muslims owing to its isolated position due to river Ghaghra. Sultan Iltutmish appointed his eldest son Malik Nasir-ud-din Mahmud, as governor of Avadh in 1226 AD.
Muslim author Minhaj-uj-Siraj historically recorded in the document known as "Taqat-i-Nasiri", the Muslim prince Malik Nasir-ud-din overthrew and reduced to submission the Bhars under whose sword more than one hundred and twenty thousand Muslims had perished. These Bhars resisted the Muslim prince together with their local rulers of Tulsipur, Gonda, and Bahraich. Tulsipur rulers were descendants of Suhel Dev who claimed King Rama of Ayodhya as his ancestor. There are writing that indicate he re-built Mata Patan Devi's Temple in Tulsipur, India.
The location of this battle to be precise was near Chittaura Jheel, a lake about 8 KM away from modern Bahraich on Bahraich-Gond Road. Ashtwarka Muni, the Guru of Maharaja Janak used to live here in his ashram. Every year a fair is organized here on Basant Panchami.
Raja Megraj Singh Chauhan ruled vast land in the lower Himalayas including three lower valleys of Dang, Deokhuri and Rapti. He was 374th Generation of Suryavanshi King.
A deer hunting episode has been recorded in Yogi Baba Ratan Nath's Chaughera monastery which lies currently near Dang / Deokhuri in Nepal. The story narrates that King Meghraj arrow-shot a deer while hunting in his forest land (present day jungles of Nepal / India border). As the deer was struck by the arrow, it ran bleeding heavily. The King followed the trace of blood for couple of miles. At the end of the blood trail, he saw a Yogi-Baba meditating under a large tree. The blood stained arrow was in front of him and Yogi-Baba had blood mark on his ribs.
The king, realizing his mistake, immediately begged for forgiveness. The King asked the Yogi for his permission to speak. Then he humbly requested the Yogi to come to his palace so he could personally nurse the Yogi's wound and offered him 84 kind of dishes known as "Chaurasi Byanjan".
Yogi forgave the King and mentioned to him that he was Baba Ratan Nath (Grandson and/or third line from GorakhNath). He said he was given a mission by Gorakh Nath Baba to establish a Hindu peeth in the western frontier land of Lord Rama's Kingdom (present day Iran / Afghanistan).
In Hindu scriptures, Gorakhnath is considered to be incarnation of Lord Shiva. King Rama himself had worshiped Lord Shiva in many occasions during his reign and prayed to Lord Shiva as his JagatGuru. Stories of King Rama's dedication to Lord Shiva are found in holy book epic Ramayana. It is also found in the book of "Swastani" which is collection of stories and hymns to Lord Shiva.
Baba Ratan Nath blessed 84 Kosh (about 150 miles) in each dual direction (east / west and north / south) as the Kingdom to be ruled by King Meghraj and his descendants. The King built a temple for Baba Ratan Nath in the northern part of his state (currently in Chaughera/Tulsipur/Dang, Nepal).
Baba Ratan Nath re-established Patan Devi Temple in Rajah Meghraj's southern part of the state (currently in Tulsipur village near Balarampur India) per Gorakhnath's wishes. Devi Patan temple is one of the most important 51 Shakti Peeths revered by Hindus in Nepal and India border. Located 70 km from Gonda and 2 km from Tulsipur village in India, this famous shrine is surrounded amidst the beauty of Himalayan tarai. It is believed that while Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of his wife Sati, the right shoulder of Sati had fallen here. In addition, it is believed that goddess Sita entered the earth at this place.
After blessing King Meghraj Singh Chauhan, Baba Ratan Nath is said to have moved on to his mission to the western frontier land (present day eastern Iran and Afghanistan) of Lord Ram.
Even to this day, a large fair takes place every year during Chaitra Dashain/Panchami at Baba Ratan Nath's monastery (present day Nepal) and Patenashwori Temple (present day India). For seven (7) days Baba Ratan Nath is worshiped in his monastery. The day before Chaita Dashain, deity of Baba Ratan Nath is taken from Tulsipur/Dang Nepal to Patan Devi temple in Tulsipur India. On Chaita Dashain/Panchami, both deities are worshiped side by side.
King Nawal Singh Chauhan was considered the 40th chief King and Raja of the Chauhan SINHraj clan (Source: Hamilton - British author).
King Nawal was also known as Nawab Singh by his Muslim subjects. He ruled from Caughera (present day Nepal). He has been identified by various names such as Newal / Nehal / Nawab / Nawal Sen / Singh. King Nawal's vast state borders at this time were Salyan Kingdom (Nepal) in the North, Balarampur Kingdom (India) in the South, Madi River (Maaddi Khola, Nepal) and Arnala River (Basti District, India) in the East and Bahraich (India) in the West.
In 1760-1763 AD, while King Nawal Singh Chauhan was away at the southern palace during winter months time, his northern land Tulsipur-Dang-Chilli-Phalabang was annexed by Gorkhali King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The land including Dang, Chhilli and Phalabang were given as a dowry in the marriage of King Prithvi's daughter to Ranabhim Shah in 1767 AD (Source: Tamrapatra 1804 Vikram Sambat, Nepali Itihas). King Prithvi did this as a reward to King of Salyan for helping or staying neutral during the war against Rajah of Tulsipur.
Unhappy that King Prithvi had attacked his land while he was away in the southern part of his country; he went to sporadic wars lasting over two decades against the Gorkhali King and Salyani Raja. During these years King Prithvi Narayan died in 1775 AD in Kathmandu and his son Singha Pratap died in 1777 AD in Kathmandu as well. Rajah Nawal Singh continued to wage sporadic wars which lasted for many years (about 25 years to be precise) but he was eventually defeated.
Finally in 1786 AD during Regent Bahadur Shah and King Rana Bahadur Shah's time, all of his land in the Nepali Territories were ceded to Kingdom of Nepal. Consequently, Raja Nawal Singh Chauhan was forced to move to southern part of his land near Balarampur (currently in India). He ruled from his southern palace as Rajah of Tulsipur (one of the largest Taluqs of Oudh) hence forth.
Historians have noted that Tulsipur Rajya in the Nepali Territories were known by various names such as Tulsipur-Dang Rajya or Dang-Tulsipur Rajya or simply Dang Rajya. The correct history is that the kingdom was known as Tulsipur Rajya - one of 22 Principality until the war of 1760-1763 AD. After the defeat of Rajah Nawal Singh Chauhan by Gorkhali Rajah, the land of Dang-Chilli-Phalabang were divided and ruled by various Rajahs paying tribute to Rajah of Salyan. Rajah of Tulsipur continued his claim to these lands. This all ended after the final unification to Nepal in 1786 AD.
Each of these Taluqdars had elaborate forts with guns. Tulsipur State had 12 guns in its fort according to author Hamilton.
Technically speaking, Raja Nawal Singh Chauhan would be the Last Rajah of Tulsipur-Dang Principality as his northern territories were ceded to Nepal in 1786 AD. One could state that, ruling from his Southern_Territories, 1786 AD onwards, it would make Rajah Nawal Singh the first Rajah of Tulsipur State, one of Oudh Taluqas in British India. To the contrary, him and his ancestors were already ruling the Southern_Territories for centuries and the Raja simply continued to rule his remaining Kingdom from his Southern-Palace.
Henceforth, he would continue be the 40th Chauhan and the 40th Rajah of then known as Tulsipur State, one of the largest Taluqs of Oudh in India.
Chauhan Raja Dan Bahadur Singh was a powerful King. In 1822 AD, he went to war and killed Kanslir Shah (Rajah of Salidna or Saliana). He was fiercely known for his ability to put together a force of 25,000 fighters in a day's notice. During his life, it is said that he fought over fifty-two battles. (Source: Full text of Gazette).
Lord Amherst "Governor General of India" came to visit the Chauhan King in 1828 AD. They went for hunting trips shooting Tigers, Rhinos and Elephants and bonded well with each other. Pleased, the British Governor with Nawab of Oudh, increased the Rajah's purse and recognized Tulsipur as an independent state.
According to some Nepali historians, around 1827 AD, King of Nepal ordered Raja of Phalawang and Salyan, Tej Bahadur Shah to expand Nepali territories into plains of India by negotiating with Nawab of Oudh. This did not succeed as the Chauhan Raja of Tulsipur was able to push back Raja Tej Bahadur to the original hilly territories of Tulsipur. It is also evident from the fact that the entire Southern Tarai Territories of Tulsipur was receiving purse and paying tax to British East India Company until 1857 Mutiny War.
Raja of Tulsipur fought sporadic wars over territories with Raja of Balarampur Digbijay Singh around 1839 AD which lasted for some time without any decisive results (Source: Gazeneer of the province of Oudh).
British historians have noted that there is suspicion King Dan Bahadur Singh was poisoned by his son Rajah Drigraj Singh who wanted to become King sooner.
Raja Drigraj Singh was weak and old by the time he became King. It is an interesting observation from historical perspective that Chauhan Raja Drigraj himself was banished to Balarampur in 1850 AD by his son Raja Drig Narayan Singh. There is suspicion that Raja Drigraj Singh was poisoned by his son, Raja Drig Narayan in 1855 AD while imprisoned (nazarband) in Balarampur.
Raja Chauhan Drig Narayan Singh was a rebel from early on. He resisted paying tax to the British in 1855 AD. In the meantime Sepoy Mutiny - First War of Independence broke out. British East India Company considered King Drig Narayan a barrier to the British expansion plan. British force from Delhi was sent to capture the King. He was imprisoned, "nazarband" and kept in Lukhnow Fort called "The Residence". This palace was built by Nawab Asif-ud-Daula in the year 1775 AD.
At the time of Mutiny in August 1857, the political prisoners in the fort were King Wajid Ali Shah's brother Mustafa Ali Khan, Mughal Princes Mirza Mohammad Shikoh and Mohammad Humayun Khan, Nawab Rukn-ud-Daula and the "Raja of Tulsipur" Chauhan Drig Narayan Singh.
His consort, Rani of Tulsipur Ishwar Kumari Devi was Joint Leader of the War of Independence during 1857-1858 AD. The Rani was considered a heroine during the freedom fight. While Rajah Drig Narayan Singh was a prisoner in Lucknow fort, Rani of Tulsipur was siding actively with the freedom forces in Bahraich to free her husband and her country from the British. Her contributions to the cause of freedom were remarkable. She had collected a large force to assist the freedom forces and strengthen her own position. Raja Riasat Ali Khan of Utraula had also joined the freedom forces at Gorakhpur under Mohammad Hasan who once was the nazim of Gonda-Bahraich.
Raja of Gonda Devi Baksh Singh, Raja of Peshwa Nana Saheb and Rani of Awadh Begam Hazrat Mahal escaped to Nepal territories.
The last Rajah of Tulsipur, Chauhan Drig Narayan Singh, a political prisoner of the British East India Company, died as a Martyr during the First War of Independence in 1859.
The bloodstained, enraged Rani of Tulsipur, who refused to give up without a fight, escaped capture by the British only to die in 1865 AD of exposure or disease in the wilds of southern Nepal, a fate she may have preferred to slavery.
Thus ended the rule of the Hill Chauhans, the sovereignty of their Tulsipur Kingdom and a dynasty that had lasted for 1100 Years.
Tirtha Ram Singh was on the run with his mother, Rani of Tulsipur Ishwori Kumari Devi, during and after 1857 Mutiny. He had personally taken his son Har Dayal Singh when he was two years old to Banaras for his son's safety. It is likely that he died around Nepal India border not too long after his mother's death in the Jungles of Nepal and India.
The major difficulty in finding written accounts of Chauhan Tirtha Ram Singh stems from the fact that little is available since most of the people who formed the core elements of the rebels or freedom fighters were either hanged or blown off the mouths of guns or destroyed in the Terai Jungle by disease and hard-life.
Various English and Indian writers on the subject of 1857 Mutiny have stated that all those who were left after were either living in different parts British India or had run off to Nepali territories and thus rendered unable to state anything based on truth because of fear of life or forfeiture of liberty.
Some were so overwhelmed by disgust and grief that they thought it pointless to leave anything for posterity. Some who managed to save their life by escaping were so much pressed by privation and misery that they died premature deaths or forever lived in silence and were unable to leave for the future generations anything which may have been historically useful.
Tulsipur kingdom was about 150 by 150 miles. It bordered Salyan Rajya (Nepal) and Pyuthan (Nepal) in the north, Balarampur Principality (India) in the south, Madi Khola (Nepal) and Arnala River (Basti, India) in the east and Bahraich (India) in the west.
During the unification of Nepal, the part in the Siwaliks and the valleys to the north were ceded to Nepal. Remaining lands became known as Tulsipur State, one of the largest Taluqs of Awadh in India. After the Indian War of Independence of 1857 the Tulsipur State was absorbed by the British East India Company.
Key Information
Dynasty
SuryabanshiSurname
SinghGotra
KashyapKul Devata - Dynasty God
Sun GodShakti-Mata of the Kingdom
Mata Patan Devi or Pataneshwori Mata. Her Temple is in Tulsipur, near Balarampur (present day India). The temple is less than One kilometre from Tulsipur Railway Station and Two kilometer from Tulsipur Bus Station. It is 29 kilometer from Balrampur, 65 kilometer from the Gonda and 150 kilometer from Gorakhpur. A major celebration and puja takes place during "Chaite Dashain" and "Navaratri" at the Goddess Patan Devi's Temple.Jagat-Guru of the Kingdom
Baba Ratan Nath (Grandson of Gorakhnath). His monastery is in Chaughera Dang, Nepal. This site is situated in Ghorahi Municipality ward No. 4 Chaughera, one and half km east by Ghorahi Lamahi highway. A major celebration and puja takes place 7 days before "Chaite Dashain" at the Baba Ratan Nath's Monastery.Kingdom, Palaces and Notes
Tulsipur State Principality in India currently lies near a town in district of Gonda, Oudh / Avadh. Connected to Utraula by road, the remains of old mud fort of the large palace still resides in the southern part of Tulsipur near Balarampur India. This was the Southern Palace.Before 1760-1786 AD Unification War, this principality was known as Tulsipur Dang rajya which was part of 22 principalities of Nepal. Remaining walls of an old palace fort is in Tulsipur-Chaughera region (Chaughera Dang Tulsipur, Nepal). This was the Northern Palace.
House of Tulsipur Rajahs used Northern Palace during summer months and Southern Palace during winter months. Tulsipur rulers were Hill Chauhans from (Chauhan SINHRAJ Clan) and claimed King Rama and his descendants of Ayodhya as their ancestors.
Ancient History
The land, Its Rulers and Their Origin
History vs. Mythology: There have been various writers from the West and the East including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus who have used the word "Ancient History" and "Mythology" interchangeably perhaps not to the fullest satisfaction of purists and modern historians. For the sake of brevity and for the purpose of this section "Ancient History", it is used here interchangeably.King Vivaswata
He was the founder of Ayodhya. He is considered father of Manu and descendant of Narayana, Brahma, Marichi, Kashyap Rishi and Sun God.Other notable Suryabanshi Kings following King Vivasata in ancient times have been:
Ikshvaku
He played a pivotal role in the transformation of the ancient Vedic religion into modern Hinduism.Prithu
He chased Prithvi, who fled in the form of a cow and eventually agreed to yield her milk as the world's grain and vegetation.Mandhata
He became a famous and Chakravarti (ideal universal ruler) king. He defeated most of the other kings of his time.Harishchandra
He was renowned for his piety, justice and often told as a benchmark for an ideal life.Sagar
King Sagara performed "Ashwamedha Yagya" to prove his supremacy.Dilip
King Dilipa was a very pious king and performed as many as 100 Yagnas.Bhagiratha
He is credited for bringing River Ganga to Earth.Raghu
He was a king of Aryan History. The famous saying started after King Raghu is that " Raghukul reet sada chali aayi, praan jaaye par vachan na jayee" (means that whatever happens, even the life goes but the words given to someone must be kept at any cost).King Rama of Ayodhya
According to Hindu Mythology and Legend Lord Rama's kingdom spanned from present day Iran including Afghanistan to end of New Zealand including Indonasia (Source: Various Hindu Legend, Mythology and History of Ancient India). This is based on how the story unfolds in Ramayana during "Ashwamedh Yagya" conducted by King Rama. Present day Iran is written here because land description such as vast western land beyond Kyber pass and Samarkand is mentioned in many stories of Ramayana. King Bali is mentioned in Ramayana and based on land description it would be currently eastern land of Indonasia, Australia and New Zealand. Until archeological evidence is found, this is all based on Mythology. Note: As early as 323 BC, Hindu King Chandragupta's kingdom spanned from the west bordering Persia - currently known as Iran to Vidhyas in the east.The Hindu Holy Scriptures "Vayu Purana" and "Uttra khand" of the epic story Ramayana speak of the two Kosalas. It mentions Shravasti as capital of the North Kosala and Kusavati as that of the South Kosala. The two Kosalas are said to have been once under the suzerainty of one and the same king, known as Lord King Rama. The epic hero Lord King Rama had installed his son Prince Lava in North Kosala with Shravasti as its capital which lies on the foot of the Himalayas and his son Kusa in South Kosala as Kusavati as its capital which lies on the foot of the mountain Vindhyas.
On the border district of Gonda and Shravasti lies a vast area of ruins presently known as Sahet Mahet or Set Mahet. The ruins of Sahet, known as ancient Sravasti, are spread over an area of 400 acres. Towards the Rapti River, a little north of Sahet, lies the ancient city of Mahet. The fortified entrance to Mahet is made of mud, constructed in a beautiful crescent shape. The area represents ancient site of Shravasti known as the capital of Uttar Kosala.
King Brhadbala
Suryabanshi Rajah Brhadbala participated in the war of Mahabharata.King Sumitra
He is presumed to be the last King of Ayodhya and of the entire land belonging to Lord King Rama. Legend has it that after Suryabanshi King Sumitra, his Kingdom that spanned from modern Iran to New Zealand, was divided into hundreds of different kingdoms to be ruled by various Suryabanshi Kings in broader Asia.King Sravast
According to Mahabharata, he was King of Sravasti, Capital of Uttar Koshala. The ancient history of these districts is the history of Shravasti and regions around it. This region is about 16 km from Balrampur, 83 km north of Ayodhya and 1,152 km from Rajgir. The town was founded by Sravast - a king of Chauhan Solar race and descendant of King Rama. The first member of the twin name, Sahet Mahet, is applied to the site of the walled city of Shravasti.Amhul Dev (600 BC)
Founder of Chauhan Kingdom in Northern and Western South-Asia.Suryabanshi Kings and Notes
According to Holy Puranas, Holy Upanishads, Shruti Scriptures, Religious Epic Stories and Ancient History of India, there have been 350 known generations of Suryabanshi Kings (and thousands of unknown/unwritten generation of Suryabanshi rulers) from ancient period of Vivaswata to early medieval time of Chauhan SINHraj.1st Millennium History (1 AD to 1000 AD)
King Vikramaditya
Raja Vikramaditya was King of Sravasti or Sahet-Mahet around 1st Century AD. It is said that he was the King of Ujjain as well. Legend says he re-built the temple of Devi Pataneshwori in Tulsipur, India. There is an interesting story about Raja Vikramaditya and the location of Ram Janmabhumi in Ayodhya. In the Hindu tradition in India and Nepal, the widely used ancient calendar is Vikrama Samvat or Vikrama's era. This is said to have been started by the legendary King. Raja Vikramaditya's son was AdityaVardhan and grandson was ShaliVardhan.Other notable Chauhan Kings in 1,000 years from 1st Millenium to Medieval times have been:
Ajaypal Dev
250 ADDholrae Pal
600 ADChauhan Manikrae
650 ADSinhraj Chauhan
725 AD. Considered 350th Suryabanshi King and ancestor of the Hill Chauhans who ruled the foothills of the Himalayas in the north-west frontier of South-Asia.Raja Mordhwaj Dev
Born 970 AD – Died 1020 AD.He was King of Sravasti. His eldest son was Suhel Dev.
Raja Suhel Dev
Born 995 AD - Died 1050 ADSuhil or Suhel Dev of Sahet Mahet was known widely for his valour. He is said to have forewarned Muslim invader Sayyed Salar Masood or Masud that if he wished to save his and his men's lives, he had better leave the land and go elsewhere. Suhel Dev asserted that the land belonged to his ancestors and they were determined to drive the outsiders from their land. Masud, thereupon sent a brief and simple reply that the country is God's and that the property of him belongs to on whom He bestows it. Whoever gave it to your father's and your ancestors, he questioned.
The council of war decided and told Masud to remain on the defensive, but the Hindus drove off his cattle and forced an attack. The loss was great on both sides and one third of Muslim army perished. During month of June 1033 continuous fighting went on. Two-thirds of what remained of the Muslim army was slain and among them was Saiyad Saif-ud-din who was the Kotwal of the Muslim army. In spite of many vicissitudes, Masud did not lose courage and while making a bid to mount his horse to repel the attack; his body-guards were attacked by Shuhel Dev and his men. An arrow pierced the main artery in Masud's arm resulting in his death and the remnants of his body-guards were cut to pieces by Suhel Deo on June 14, 1033.
Thus ended the singular invasion by the Muslims and Islam was in abeyance in Avadh for the next 160 years until the conquest of Shihab-ud-din Ghuri in 1193 AD.
It seems probable that Sultan Iltutmish effected the subjugation of lands as far as Avadh, Bahraich & the districts north of Ghaghra including Gonda. From this time onwards Gonda & Bahraich seem to have always been held singly by the Muslims owing to its isolated position due to river Ghaghra. Sultan Iltutmish appointed his eldest son Malik Nasir-ud-din Mahmud, as governor of Avadh in 1226 AD.
Muslim author Minhaj-uj-Siraj historically recorded in the document known as "Taqat-i-Nasiri", the Muslim prince Malik Nasir-ud-din overthrew and reduced to submission the Bhars under whose sword more than one hundred and twenty thousand Muslims had perished. These Bhars resisted the Muslim prince together with their local rulers of Tulsipur, Gonda, and Bahraich. Tulsipur rulers were descendants of Suhel Dev who claimed King Rama of Ayodhya as his ancestor. There are writing that indicate he re-built Mata Patan Devi's Temple in Tulsipur, India.
The location of this battle to be precise was near Chittaura Jheel, a lake about 8 KM away from modern Bahraich on Bahraich-Gond Road. Ashtwarka Muni, the Guru of Maharaja Janak used to live here in his ashram. Every year a fair is organized here on Basant Panchami.
2nd Millennium - Medieval History (1001 AD to 2000 AD)
Founding of Tulsipur Principality
Hill Chauhans ruled north-western lower Himalayan valleys as early as 700 AD. There are some oral legends that have been passed on i.e. Chauhan SINHRaj (700 AD), Suhel Dev (1000 AD). Writings available in Baba Ratan Nath's monastery indicate Megraj Singh Chauhan as Rajah of Tulsipur during early 13th Century. It is difficult to ascertain if Rajah Megraj was the founder of Tulsipur dynasty. Nevertheless, unless further evidence is uncovered, history of Tulsipur and of its rulers point to Rajah Megraj Singh Chauhan.24th Ruler - Raja Meghraj Singh Chauhan
Born 1325 AD. Died 1385 AD.Raja Megraj Singh Chauhan ruled vast land in the lower Himalayas including three lower valleys of Dang, Deokhuri and Rapti. He was 374th Generation of Suryavanshi King.
A deer hunting episode has been recorded in Yogi Baba Ratan Nath's Chaughera monastery which lies currently near Dang / Deokhuri in Nepal. The story narrates that King Meghraj arrow-shot a deer while hunting in his forest land (present day jungles of Nepal / India border). As the deer was struck by the arrow, it ran bleeding heavily. The King followed the trace of blood for couple of miles. At the end of the blood trail, he saw a Yogi-Baba meditating under a large tree. The blood stained arrow was in front of him and Yogi-Baba had blood mark on his ribs.
The king, realizing his mistake, immediately begged for forgiveness. The King asked the Yogi for his permission to speak. Then he humbly requested the Yogi to come to his palace so he could personally nurse the Yogi's wound and offered him 84 kind of dishes known as "Chaurasi Byanjan".
Yogi forgave the King and mentioned to him that he was Baba Ratan Nath (Grandson and/or third line from GorakhNath). He said he was given a mission by Gorakh Nath Baba to establish a Hindu peeth in the western frontier land of Lord Rama's Kingdom (present day Iran / Afghanistan).
In Hindu scriptures, Gorakhnath is considered to be incarnation of Lord Shiva. King Rama himself had worshiped Lord Shiva in many occasions during his reign and prayed to Lord Shiva as his JagatGuru. Stories of King Rama's dedication to Lord Shiva are found in holy book epic Ramayana. It is also found in the book of "Swastani" which is collection of stories and hymns to Lord Shiva.
Baba Ratan Nath blessed 84 Kosh (about 150 miles) in each dual direction (east / west and north / south) as the Kingdom to be ruled by King Meghraj and his descendants. The King built a temple for Baba Ratan Nath in the northern part of his state (currently in Chaughera/Tulsipur/Dang, Nepal).
Baba Ratan Nath re-established Patan Devi Temple in Rajah Meghraj's southern part of the state (currently in Tulsipur village near Balarampur India) per Gorakhnath's wishes. Devi Patan temple is one of the most important 51 Shakti Peeths revered by Hindus in Nepal and India border. Located 70 km from Gonda and 2 km from Tulsipur village in India, this famous shrine is surrounded amidst the beauty of Himalayan tarai. It is believed that while Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of his wife Sati, the right shoulder of Sati had fallen here. In addition, it is believed that goddess Sita entered the earth at this place.
After blessing King Meghraj Singh Chauhan, Baba Ratan Nath is said to have moved on to his mission to the western frontier land (present day eastern Iran and Afghanistan) of Lord Ram.
Even to this day, a large fair takes place every year during Chaitra Dashain/Panchami at Baba Ratan Nath's monastery (present day Nepal) and Patenashwori Temple (present day India). For seven (7) days Baba Ratan Nath is worshiped in his monastery. The day before Chaita Dashain, deity of Baba Ratan Nath is taken from Tulsipur/Dang Nepal to Patan Devi temple in Tulsipur India. On Chaita Dashain/Panchami, both deities are worshiped side by side.
29th Ruler - Raja Udat Singh Chauhan
He ruled in the period of 1485 AD.33rd Ruler - Raja Dev Narayan Singh Chauhan
1575 AD.38th Ruler - Raja Ramkrishna Singh Chauhan
Oral legend says he ruled in the period of 1675 AD.18th Century History
40th Ruler - Raja Nawal Singh Chauhan
Born 1730 AD. Died 1795 AD.King Nawal Singh Chauhan was considered the 40th chief King and Raja of the Chauhan SINHraj clan (Source: Hamilton - British author).
King Nawal was also known as Nawab Singh by his Muslim subjects. He ruled from Caughera (present day Nepal). He has been identified by various names such as Newal / Nehal / Nawab / Nawal Sen / Singh. King Nawal's vast state borders at this time were Salyan Kingdom (Nepal) in the North, Balarampur Kingdom (India) in the South, Madi River (Maaddi Khola, Nepal) and Arnala River (Basti District, India) in the East and Bahraich (India) in the West.
In 1760-1763 AD, while King Nawal Singh Chauhan was away at the southern palace during winter months time, his northern land Tulsipur-Dang-Chilli-Phalabang was annexed by Gorkhali King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The land including Dang, Chhilli and Phalabang were given as a dowry in the marriage of King Prithvi's daughter to Ranabhim Shah in 1767 AD (Source: Tamrapatra 1804 Vikram Sambat, Nepali Itihas). King Prithvi did this as a reward to King of Salyan for helping or staying neutral during the war against Rajah of Tulsipur.
Unhappy that King Prithvi had attacked his land while he was away in the southern part of his country; he went to sporadic wars lasting over two decades against the Gorkhali King and Salyani Raja. During these years King Prithvi Narayan died in 1775 AD in Kathmandu and his son Singha Pratap died in 1777 AD in Kathmandu as well. Rajah Nawal Singh continued to wage sporadic wars which lasted for many years (about 25 years to be precise) but he was eventually defeated.
Finally in 1786 AD during Regent Bahadur Shah and King Rana Bahadur Shah's time, all of his land in the Nepali Territories were ceded to Kingdom of Nepal. Consequently, Raja Nawal Singh Chauhan was forced to move to southern part of his land near Balarampur (currently in India). He ruled from his southern palace as Rajah of Tulsipur (one of the largest Taluqs of Oudh) hence forth.
Historians have noted that Tulsipur Rajya in the Nepali Territories were known by various names such as Tulsipur-Dang Rajya or Dang-Tulsipur Rajya or simply Dang Rajya. The correct history is that the kingdom was known as Tulsipur Rajya - one of 22 Principality until the war of 1760-1763 AD. After the defeat of Rajah Nawal Singh Chauhan by Gorkhali Rajah, the land of Dang-Chilli-Phalabang were divided and ruled by various Rajahs paying tribute to Rajah of Salyan. Rajah of Tulsipur continued his claim to these lands. This all ended after the final unification to Nepal in 1786 AD.
Raja of Tulsipur State - One of the largest Taluq of Oudh
In the late 1700s, British author Hamilton noted that among the most powerful Taluqdars of Avadh/Oudh were Rajah of Tulsipur, Raja of Baiswara, Raja of Balarampur, Rajah of Momudahbad, Rajah of Nanparah and Raja of Tiloi.Each of these Taluqdars had elaborate forts with guns. Tulsipur State had 12 guns in its fort according to author Hamilton.
Technically speaking, Raja Nawal Singh Chauhan would be the Last Rajah of Tulsipur-Dang Principality as his northern territories were ceded to Nepal in 1786 AD. One could state that, ruling from his Southern_Territories, 1786 AD onwards, it would make Rajah Nawal Singh the first Rajah of Tulsipur State, one of Oudh Taluqas in British India. To the contrary, him and his ancestors were already ruling the Southern_Territories for centuries and the Raja simply continued to rule his remaining Kingdom from his Southern-Palace.
Henceforth, he would continue be the 40th Chauhan and the 40th Rajah of then known as Tulsipur State, one of the largest Taluqs of Oudh in India.
19th Century History
41st Ruler - Raja Dalel Singh
Chauhan Raja Dalel Singh was born in 1750 AD. He died in 1820 AD.42nd Ruler - Raja Dan Bahadur Singh
Born 1775 AD. Died 1845 AD.Chauhan Raja Dan Bahadur Singh was a powerful King. In 1822 AD, he went to war and killed Kanslir Shah (Rajah of Salidna or Saliana). He was fiercely known for his ability to put together a force of 25,000 fighters in a day's notice. During his life, it is said that he fought over fifty-two battles. (Source: Full text of Gazette).
Lord Amherst "Governor General of India" came to visit the Chauhan King in 1828 AD. They went for hunting trips shooting Tigers, Rhinos and Elephants and bonded well with each other. Pleased, the British Governor with Nawab of Oudh, increased the Rajah's purse and recognized Tulsipur as an independent state.
According to some Nepali historians, around 1827 AD, King of Nepal ordered Raja of Phalawang and Salyan, Tej Bahadur Shah to expand Nepali territories into plains of India by negotiating with Nawab of Oudh. This did not succeed as the Chauhan Raja of Tulsipur was able to push back Raja Tej Bahadur to the original hilly territories of Tulsipur. It is also evident from the fact that the entire Southern Tarai Territories of Tulsipur was receiving purse and paying tax to British East India Company until 1857 Mutiny War.
Raja of Tulsipur fought sporadic wars over territories with Raja of Balarampur Digbijay Singh around 1839 AD which lasted for some time without any decisive results (Source: Gazeneer of the province of Oudh).
British historians have noted that there is suspicion King Dan Bahadur Singh was poisoned by his son Rajah Drigraj Singh who wanted to become King sooner.
43rd Ruler - Raja Drigraj Singh
Born 1795 AD. Died 1855 AD.Raja Drigraj Singh was weak and old by the time he became King. It is an interesting observation from historical perspective that Chauhan Raja Drigraj himself was banished to Balarampur in 1850 AD by his son Raja Drig Narayan Singh. There is suspicion that Raja Drigraj Singh was poisoned by his son, Raja Drig Narayan in 1855 AD while imprisoned (nazarband) in Balarampur.
44th Ruler - Raja Drig Narayan Singh
394th Generation of Suryabanshi King. Born 1825 AD. Died around 1859 AD.Raja Chauhan Drig Narayan Singh was a rebel from early on. He resisted paying tax to the British in 1855 AD. In the meantime Sepoy Mutiny - First War of Independence broke out. British East India Company considered King Drig Narayan a barrier to the British expansion plan. British force from Delhi was sent to capture the King. He was imprisoned, "nazarband" and kept in Lukhnow Fort called "The Residence". This palace was built by Nawab Asif-ud-Daula in the year 1775 AD.
At the time of Mutiny in August 1857, the political prisoners in the fort were King Wajid Ali Shah's brother Mustafa Ali Khan, Mughal Princes Mirza Mohammad Shikoh and Mohammad Humayun Khan, Nawab Rukn-ud-Daula and the "Raja of Tulsipur" Chauhan Drig Narayan Singh.
His consort, Rani of Tulsipur Ishwar Kumari Devi was Joint Leader of the War of Independence during 1857-1858 AD. The Rani was considered a heroine during the freedom fight. While Rajah Drig Narayan Singh was a prisoner in Lucknow fort, Rani of Tulsipur was siding actively with the freedom forces in Bahraich to free her husband and her country from the British. Her contributions to the cause of freedom were remarkable. She had collected a large force to assist the freedom forces and strengthen her own position. Raja Riasat Ali Khan of Utraula had also joined the freedom forces at Gorakhpur under Mohammad Hasan who once was the nazim of Gonda-Bahraich.
End of Tulsipur Principality
The Rani of Tulsipur, Ishwar Kumari Devi, the Raja of Gonda, Devi Baksh and Bala Rao never surrendered. Bala-Rao later died in the malaria-infested jungles of Nepal. British crushed the 1857 Mutiny uprising with the help of Maharaja Jung Bahadur Rana of Nepal. The freedom fighters' principalities were confiscated in April 10, 1859 AD when they refused amnesty. State of Tulsipur was bestowed to the Raja of Balrampur who sided with the British throughout the revolt.Raja of Gonda Devi Baksh Singh, Raja of Peshwa Nana Saheb and Rani of Awadh Begam Hazrat Mahal escaped to Nepal territories.
The last Rajah of Tulsipur, Chauhan Drig Narayan Singh, a political prisoner of the British East India Company, died as a Martyr during the First War of Independence in 1859.
The bloodstained, enraged Rani of Tulsipur, who refused to give up without a fight, escaped capture by the British only to die in 1865 AD of exposure or disease in the wilds of southern Nepal, a fate she may have preferred to slavery.
Thus ended the rule of the Hill Chauhans, the sovereignty of their Tulsipur Kingdom and a dynasty that had lasted for 1100 Years.
45th Chauhan - Tirtharam Singh
Born 1845 AD. Died 1867 AD.Tirtha Ram Singh was on the run with his mother, Rani of Tulsipur Ishwori Kumari Devi, during and after 1857 Mutiny. He had personally taken his son Har Dayal Singh when he was two years old to Banaras for his son's safety. It is likely that he died around Nepal India border not too long after his mother's death in the Jungles of Nepal and India.
The major difficulty in finding written accounts of Chauhan Tirtha Ram Singh stems from the fact that little is available since most of the people who formed the core elements of the rebels or freedom fighters were either hanged or blown off the mouths of guns or destroyed in the Terai Jungle by disease and hard-life.
Various English and Indian writers on the subject of 1857 Mutiny have stated that all those who were left after were either living in different parts British India or had run off to Nepali territories and thus rendered unable to state anything based on truth because of fear of life or forfeiture of liberty.
Some were so overwhelmed by disgust and grief that they thought it pointless to leave anything for posterity. Some who managed to save their life by escaping were so much pressed by privation and misery that they died premature deaths or forever lived in silence and were unable to leave for the future generations anything which may have been historically useful.
Pradeep Chauhan
Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan, is presently the Chief of Staff of Indian Navy's Western Naval Command. His previous posting was as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, Foreign Cooperation, Strategic Threats and Transformation. He is due to take over as the Commandant of the Naval Academy at Ezhimala in October 2011.
He is an alumnus of India’s premier National Defence Academy at Khadavasala, the Defence Services Staff College at Wellington, the Naval War College at Karanja in Mumbai and the prestigious National Defence College, India at New Delhi. Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan has over 35 years of rich and varied experience in the Indian Navy. In his sea-going career, he has been singularly privileged to have held command of the Indian Navy’s frontline surface-combatants on four occasions. He has been instrumental in the conceptualisation and proving of tactics-of-war for the Indian Navy and has been the Principal Director in the Directorate of Naval Operations at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi. Upon his promotion as a Rear Admiral in 2005, he was tasked with setting-up a new and vibrant organisational structure at New Delhi that has given a great fillip to both Naval Foreign Cooperation as well as Intelligence. He was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral in 2009 and took over as the Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command in August 2009. He is a recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
He is an alumnus of India’s premier National Defence Academy at Khadavasala, the Defence Services Staff College at Wellington, the Naval War College at Karanja in Mumbai and the prestigious National Defence College, India at New Delhi. Vice Admiral Pradeep Chauhan has over 35 years of rich and varied experience in the Indian Navy. In his sea-going career, he has been singularly privileged to have held command of the Indian Navy’s frontline surface-combatants on four occasions. He has been instrumental in the conceptualisation and proving of tactics-of-war for the Indian Navy and has been the Principal Director in the Directorate of Naval Operations at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi. Upon his promotion as a Rear Admiral in 2005, he was tasked with setting-up a new and vibrant organisational structure at New Delhi that has given a great fillip to both Naval Foreign Cooperation as well as Intelligence. He was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral in 2009 and took over as the Chief of Staff of the Western Naval Command in August 2009. He is a recipient of the Vishisht Seva Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
Manik Rai
Manik Rai, was lord of Ajmer and Sambhar, in the year S. 741, or AD 685. Prithviraj was the descendant of Manika Rae. Manika Rai, whom we may consider as the founder of the Chauhans of the north, recovered Ajmer. He had a numerous progeny, who established many petty dynasties throughout Western Rajwara, giving birth to various tribes, which are spread even to the Indus. The Khichi, the Hara, the Mohil, the Nirbana, Bhadauria, the Bhaurechahe Dhanetiya, Hill Chauhans and the Baghrecha, are all descended from him
I have become a strong woman:Sunidhi Chauhan
Sunidhi Chauhan's grown up in a hurry. At 20, her struggling days are long over and tracks like Aisa Jadoo and Bindaas are on every DJ's playlist. While her career's going great guns, her personal life's in the doldrums.
Married at 18 to choreographer Bobby Khan, Sunidhi got divorced at 19 when she realised that they "wanted different things from life".
She's been living with Anu Kapoor's family for the last 10 months. And, they've helped her through the emotional upheaval that followed her divorce. "I can't tell you how indebted I am to them. I can't imagine life without Anuji's wife Arunita and their three year-old daughter Aradhita.
They are my strength and my weakness," says Sunidhi emotionally. The crooner's family had washed its hands of her two years ago when she married Khan. Mention her family or marriage, and the normally effervescent Sunidhi clams up.
Married at 18 to choreographer Bobby Khan, Sunidhi got divorced at 19 when she realised that they "wanted different things from life".
She's been living with Anu Kapoor's family for the last 10 months. And, they've helped her through the emotional upheaval that followed her divorce. "I can't tell you how indebted I am to them. I can't imagine life without Anuji's wife Arunita and their three year-old daughter Aradhita.
They are my strength and my weakness," says Sunidhi emotionally. The crooner's family had washed its hands of her two years ago when she married Khan. Mention her family or marriage, and the normally effervescent Sunidhi clams up.
Ashish Chauhan
Ashish Chauhan (Ashish kumar Chauhan) currently works as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer[1] (BSE) of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Asia's oldest stock exchange. In addition, he also acts as the MD and CEO of Indian Clearing Corporation Limited (ICCL) which provides clearing and settlement services to Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and United Stock Exchange (USE). Before joining BSE, Ashish worked as CEO of Mumbai Indians (2009), a cricket team of Indian Premier League (IPL), President and Group Chief Information Officer (CIO)(2005–2009) of Reliance Industries Limited, India's largest business house with a turnover of more than US $ 40 billion per year, CEO, Reliance Infosolutions Pvt Limited, a company with more than 3000 IT professionals, Chief Information Officer (CIO)(2003–05) of Reliance Infocomm Limited (Reliance Communications now with more than 100 million customers)and founder of India's largest stock exchange National Stock Exchange of India (NSE)(1993–2000)as well as an officer at Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI)(1991–93).
Ashish also serves on the Board of Directors of Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL), United Stock Exchange of India Limited (USE), Bank of India Shareholding Limited (BOISL), BSE Training Institute Limited (BTI) and Marketplace Technologies Limited.
-->Ashish also serves on the Board of Directors of Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL), United Stock Exchange of India Limited (USE), Bank of India Shareholding Limited (BOISL), BSE Training Institute Limited (BTI) and Marketplace Technologies Limited.
Ashish is considered as the father of the India's exchange traded financial derivatives markets due to his pioneering efforts in bringing exchange traded financial derivatives in India (1995–2000).[citation needed] In the process of creating the first exchange traded financial derivatives market for India, he created NSE-50 Index along with Dr. Ajay Shah and Dr. Susan Thomas of Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR) and popularised it. He also created NSE's certification in Financial Markets (NCFM) to prepare the Indian participants for trading in derivatives, equities, depository operations, mutual funds distribution etc. NSE has become a very successful derivatives market due to his pioneering efforts.
Ashish worked with 4 other colleagues from IDBI, to set up NSE in 1993. Ashish worked with NSE till 2000 and handled equities markets, setting up of derivatives markets, listing, clearing, settlement, survelliance, membership, certification, marketing, sales, IT, premises, construction and several other areas.
At NSE, Ashish set up the first successful screen based trading framework in equities in India which has grown to be the largest equities market in India. It is ranked as the third largest market in the world by number of trades.
Ashish is also considered as the pioneer in the field of commercial satellite communications technology in India. The nationwide satellite communications network he set up for NSE in 1993-94 paved the way for a highly successful nationwide trading system of NSE.
Ashish has been consistently ranked amongst the best CIOs in the world by Information Week, US, CIO Magazine, US, Chemical Week magazine US etc.
As a part of his assignments at Reliance, Ashish worked as the CIO of Reliance Infocomm, a telecom company, till 2005. He was associated with Reliance Infocomm from concept to implementation and operations. Reliance Infocomm became the second largest mobile operator in India with more than 35 million customers in less than 4 years of its operations. Reliance Infocomm also operates landline, broadband and international business. Ashish is credited with setting right the billing system for Reliance Infocomm in 2004-05 which had more than 15 customers at the time.
As the Group CIO, Reliance, from 2005 to 2009, Ashish developed and implemented a coherent framework for IT implementation, operations and maintenance in manufacturing, petrochemicals, refining, oil and gas, gas pipeline, life sciences, consumer retail, urban infrastructure and several other Reliance group initiatives.
During the period 2005-2009, he also acted as a CEO and Managing Director of Reliance Infosolutions Limited, a company providing IT services to Reliance group with more than 1500 employees. Reliance group boasts of the largest SAP implementations in India in addition to having several hundred applications in different verticals it operates in. Reliance group has won several International and Indian awards for the most effective IT utilization since 2005.
From July 2005 to August 2007, Ashish also handled additional responsibilities as the Head, Corporate Communications for Reliance Group. Ashish was also involved in the legal and commercial activities related to de-merger of Reliance group in 5 companies in 2005-06.
Ashish also achieved several corporate communications milestones during 2006-2008 period including IPO of Reliance Petroleum Limited (RPL), which became the largest IPO from India in 2006, launch of Reliance Retail, Reliance Fresh, Reliance Digital etc. Reliance was rated by Business Today as the most covered corporate in India overall and from positive media coverage perspective for 2006 and 2007 when Ashish was in-charge of the Corporate Communications for Reliance group.
Setting up and Operating NSE (1993–2000)
Ashish is known as one of the five founders of India’s largest automated exchange: the National Stock Exchange (NSE), which is considered to be amongst the top three markets in the world ranked by number of trades per day and the largest single stock futures market in the world. At NSE, he was in charge of setting up and operations of Equity and Derivatives markets for over 7 years in addition to setting up initial IT infrastructure amongst several other activities. The satellite communication network he set up for NSE has acted as a technology demonstrator for many other companies in India. Due to his work at NSE, he is considered the father of ‘modern exchange traded financial derivatives’ markets in India as well as the person who brought the ‘commercial satellite telecom’ to India. He is also known as the creator of NSE-50 (Nifty) Index, the largest traded stock Index in Indian derivatives market. Ashish introduced many innovations in the Indian financial markets. Some of them include NSE‘s certification in Financial Markets (NCFM), Screen based IPOs in India etc..
Ashish was also responsible for marketing equities markets to investors across the country as the Head of Business for Equities market. Later on from 1995–2000, he was also involved in setting up derivatives regulatory framework in collaboration with SEBI, creating public opinion in favour of derivatives and NSE, collaborating with educational institutions to offer courses in derivatives, selecting and implementing IT systems for derivatives trading at NSE, training of intermediaries, their certification, etc.
During his stint at NSE, he was also involved in setting up listing department of NSE. He has been credited with listing of more than 800 companies in the span of a few years. He was also in charge of Membership Department during the period which manages enrollment and operating relationships with the exchange members. Construction and premises of NSE facilities (including NSDL, NSCCL etc.) were managed by him till the year 2000.
Stint at BSE
At BSE, Ashish has been responsible to bring the mobile based stock trading in India. In addition, he has been responsible for introducing delivery based derivatives, real time cross margining, web based IPO, web based mutual fund distribution framework, cloud based order routing services to members and their customers and several other innovations.
Ashish was awarded the first ever award for Best IT Usage instituted by the Computer Society of India (CSI) in 1997 for his pioneering work in using IT for Financial Transactions at NSE. Earlier, from 1991–93, he worked as an Industrial Finance Officer in the Project Finance Department of Industrial Development Bank of India. He holds a B.Tech. in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), and Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM). Due to his extensive experience and knowledge in the field of Financial Derivatives Markets, Equities Markets, Commodities Markets and Information Technology,
Ashish has served on several government and regulatory committees on pro-bono basis. Currently, he serves on Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), PNG on Information Technology, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)’s Primary Market Advisory Committee(PMAC) and Forward Markets Commission (FMC)’s Risk Management Advisory Committee amongst others.
He has delivered guest lectures to students at various business schools such as Stuart School of Business, University of Illinois US, University of Colorado, Denver, US, etc. He has also delivered lectures at the conferences organized by Futures Industry Association (FIA), Futures and Options Week (UK), Reserve Bank of India Training College, National Institute of Bank Management, National Insurance Academy, Regional Institute of Income Tax Department, Indian Institute of Insurance, Institute of Charted Accountants, Institute of Company Secretary etc.
Ashish has contributed to many books, newspapers, magazines and journals on the subject of Information Technology, market microstructure, financial sector policies, automation of markets, creation of indices etc. He and his writings have been widely quoted in magazines, academic journals and trade journals in India and abroad.
Ashish holds Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Mechanical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (1989) and Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (1991).
Friday, December 2, 2011
Pracheen Chauhan Enters Hawan
A source stated, "Pracheen will enter as a person who is in love with Astha played by Shrenu Parikh. The character will be positive initially and will turn grey as the story unfolds."
When met, Pracheen confirmed the news saying, "Yes, I am doing the show, but I cannot divulge any details regarding it."
Pracheen's role will be a character part and after Swarg this is the second time Pracheen will be connected with Rajan Shahi, his production house and the similar channel.
Pracheen has already begun shooting for it and his entry will be shown in the show’s forthcoming episodes.
Parul Chauhan To Replace Shalini Chandran In Pratha
The news from COLORS' Rishton Se Badi Pratha is that the channel and production house have determined to substitute Shalini Chandran with Bidaai’s bahu Parul Chauhan..
Yes, this is true!!
The source said, "The reason for this replacement is the supposed leap that is to take place in the show sooner or later. Shalini apparently did not want to be part of the ageing process and has opted out. Parul Chauhan has already started shoot from today, and Shalini wrapped up with her shooting schedule for Pratha last night. The channel was looking for a big face to shoulder the show which is geared up for a leap soon; they found Parul apt for the role".
When contacted, Shalini Chandran satted, "Yes, I am not doing Pratha. Parul will be stepping in as Surbhi. I am looking forward to doing films, and opted out as I did not want to be part of the leap which is to happen soon".
Imagine the 7.30 PM niche has lots of stuff to present now, what with rivalry arriving from Sasural Genda Phool on Star Plus, Rishton Se Badi Pratha on COLORS and Chhoti Bahu on Zee TV.
For the time being, it is Star Plus that has authority!! But we are certainly looking forward to the race further on!!
Yes, this is true!!
The source said, "The reason for this replacement is the supposed leap that is to take place in the show sooner or later. Shalini apparently did not want to be part of the ageing process and has opted out. Parul Chauhan has already started shoot from today, and Shalini wrapped up with her shooting schedule for Pratha last night. The channel was looking for a big face to shoulder the show which is geared up for a leap soon; they found Parul apt for the role".
When contacted, Shalini Chandran satted, "Yes, I am not doing Pratha. Parul will be stepping in as Surbhi. I am looking forward to doing films, and opted out as I did not want to be part of the leap which is to happen soon".
Imagine the 7.30 PM niche has lots of stuff to present now, what with rivalry arriving from Sasural Genda Phool on Star Plus, Rishton Se Badi Pratha on COLORS and Chhoti Bahu on Zee TV.
For the time being, it is Star Plus that has authority!! But we are certainly looking forward to the race further on!!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Enrique Iglesias & Sunidhi Chauhan Recorded a song together !!
Bollywood's talented playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan has had many chartbuster hits to her credit, but this one special song that will be coming out in the near future will be a very memorable one for her. For this particular song, Sunidhi is going to be teaming up with the Latino heart throb Enrique Iglesias.
The song is going to be a romantic ballad which will showcase the various moods of love and relationships. There are also going to be a few Hindi lyrics which will be sung by none other than Sunidhi herself.
Since Enrique holds such a busy schedule, Sunidhi will be flying out to the US to record the song. Also, Sunidhi and Enrique are going to be shooting a special music video for this song; and just like all of Enrique's other videos, this one will too shall be full of surprises!
The music video is to be launched globally sometime in December!
Sunidhi Chauhan“The experience was great. I have already recorded the song. Unfortunately I can’t talk much about it. But it’s in the process and will be out very soon,” Sunidhi told IANS in an interview.
She and Enrique sang “I Can Feel You”, which has both Hindi and English lyrics. Sunidhi has also shot for a video with the Spanish singer for the song that is slated to be out this month.
The 27-year-old Indian singer has belted out chartbuster songs like “Ruki ruki” (“Mast”), “Dhoom machale” (“Dhoom”), “Deedar de” (“Dus”), “Beedi” (“Omkara”), “Sajnaji vari vari” (“Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.”), “Chor bazari” (“Love Aaj Kal”) and most recently “Sheila Ki Jawani” (“Tees Maar Khan”).
Asked if she found any difference while recording a song internationally and when in India, Sunidhi, who wants to collaborate with singer Mariah Carey someday, said: “There is not much difference.”
“The difference is in the song and the atmosphere. It’s a nice experience. But when it comes to singing, it’s all the same,” she added.
Sunidhi has been in Bollywood for more than a decade now, but the entry of new singers in the industry doesn’t scare her. She believes that being good at work is the survival tactic.
“It’s not tough to survive in the industry. You just have to sing better than everyone else and you survive. It’s a simple equation. You give your 100 percent time and discipline, and work so hard that people see and appreciate,” she said.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Know more about boys
May be its funny or may be all of you not agree with my points so let me clear its my points of views only
- Guys love flirts.
- Guys cry!!!!!!!!
- Guys hate gays!.....:) :)
- Guys go crazy over a girl's smile.
- Guys love their moms.
- A guy would sacrifice his money for lunch just to get you a couple of roses.
- A guy often thinks about the girl who likes him. But this doesn't mean that the guy likes her.
- You can never understand him unless you listen to him.
- If a guy tells you he loves you once in a lifetime. He does.
- Beware. Guys can make gossips scatter through half of the face of the earth faster than girls can.
- Like Eve, girls are guys EUR™ weaknesses.
- Guys are very open about themselves.
- It's good to test a guy first before you believe him. But don't let him wait that long.
- No guy is bad when he is courting.
- Guys virtually brag about anything.
- Guys cannot keep secrets that girls tell them.
- Guys think too much.
- Guys' fantasies are unlimited.
- Girls' height doesn't really matter to a guy but her weight does!
- Guys tend to get serious with their relationship and become too possessive. So watch out girls!!
- When a girl makes the boy suffer during courtship, it would be hard for him to let go of that girl.
- It's not easy for a guy to let go of his girlfriend after they broke up especially when they've been together for 3 years or more.
- Guys will do anything just to get the .
- Guys hate it when you talk about your ex-boyfriend.
- When guys want to meet your parents. Let them.
- Guys want to tell you many things but they can't. And they sure have one habit to gain courage and spirit to tell you many things and it is drinking!
- Guys don't actually look after good-looking girls. They prefer neat and presentable girls.
- A guy can like you for a minute, and then forget you afterwards.
- When a guy says he doesn't understand you, it simply means you're not thinking the way he is.
- "Are you doing something?" or "Have you eaten already?" are the first usual questions a guy asks on the phone just to get out from stammering.
- Guys may be flirting around all day but before they go to sleep, they always think about the girl they truly care about.Guys go crazy when girls touch their hands.
- Guys hate girls when she overreacts.
- If a guy says you're beautiful, that guy likes you.
- Guys seek for advice not from a guy but from a girl.
- Girls are allowed to touch boys' things. Not their hair!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Prithviraj Chauhan
Prithviraj Chauhan, the last ruler of Chauhan dynasty to sit on the throne of Delhi, was born in 1168 as the son of Someshwar Chauhan, the king of Ajmer. He was a brilliant child and very sharp at learning the military skills. He had the skill of hitting the target only on the basis of its sound. He succeeded to the throne of Ajmer at the age of thirteen, in 1179,when his father died in a battle.
His grandfather Angam, ruler of Delhi, declared him heir to the throne of Delhi after hearing about his courage and bravery. He once killed a lion on his own without any weapon. He was known as the warrior king.
When he ascended to the throne of Delhi, he built Qila Rai Pithora here. His whole life was a continuous chain of bravery, courage, chivalrous deeds and glorious exploits. He defeated the mighty Bheemdev, ruler of Gujarat, at the mere age of thirteen.
His love story with his enemy, Jaichand's daughter, Samyukta is very famous. He rode off with her on the day of her 'Swayamwara'.
He expanded his empire, during this time Mahmud Ghori attacked India in 1191 and he was defeated at the first battle of Tarain. After defeating the army of Mahmud Ghori he was asked to attack the retreating army but in true Rajput tradition he refused to do so as it did not conform to the fair war rules. As a result Mahmud ghori again attacked India and in the second battle of Tarain Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated and captured. He was treated very badly, his eyes were burnt with red-hot irons and he was made blind. But Prithviraj did not lose courage. Helped by his court poet and friend Chand Bardai, he is believed to kill Mahmud ghori with his "shabdabhedi baan". His skill of hitting the target just on the basis of sound made by it come handy. and during the archery competition organized by Mahmud ghori, he displayed his skill. When Mahmud ghori praised him he heard his voice and attacked him. Mahmud ghori was killed. In order to escape death at the hands of enemies he and his friend Chand Bardai stabbed each other.
Chand Bardai compiled the story of the life of Prithviraj Chauhan in his epic poem Prithviraj Raso. Prithviraj Chauhan died in 1192, with his death a period of bravery, courage, patriotism and principles came to an end. Prithviraj Raso of Chand Bardai and Prithviraj Vijay of Jayanak have immortalized deeds of Prithviraj Chauhan.
When he ascended to the throne of Delhi, he built Qila Rai Pithora here. His whole life was a continuous chain of bravery, courage, chivalrous deeds and glorious exploits. He defeated the mighty Bheemdev, ruler of Gujarat, at the mere age of thirteen.
His love story with his enemy, Jaichand's daughter, Samyukta is very famous. He rode off with her on the day of her 'Swayamwara'.
He expanded his empire, during this time Mahmud Ghori attacked India in 1191 and he was defeated at the first battle of Tarain. After defeating the army of Mahmud Ghori he was asked to attack the retreating army but in true Rajput tradition he refused to do so as it did not conform to the fair war rules. As a result Mahmud ghori again attacked India and in the second battle of Tarain Prithviraj Chauhan was defeated and captured. He was treated very badly, his eyes were burnt with red-hot irons and he was made blind. But Prithviraj did not lose courage. Helped by his court poet and friend Chand Bardai, he is believed to kill Mahmud ghori with his "shabdabhedi baan". His skill of hitting the target just on the basis of sound made by it come handy. and during the archery competition organized by Mahmud ghori, he displayed his skill. When Mahmud ghori praised him he heard his voice and attacked him. Mahmud ghori was killed. In order to escape death at the hands of enemies he and his friend Chand Bardai stabbed each other.
Chand Bardai compiled the story of the life of Prithviraj Chauhan in his epic poem Prithviraj Raso. Prithviraj Chauhan died in 1192, with his death a period of bravery, courage, patriotism and principles came to an end. Prithviraj Raso of Chand Bardai and Prithviraj Vijay of Jayanak have immortalized deeds of Prithviraj Chauhan.
Bring Back Prithviraj Chauhan's remains from Afghanistan
Background:
The Great Prithviraj Chauhan, the last ruler of Chauhan dynasty to sit on the throne of Delhi, was born in 1168 as the son of Someshwar Chauhan, the king of Ajmer.The brave emperor was buried near the tomb of Mohammad Ghori.
According to reports, it is now a part of the tradition in Afghanistan that those who pay visit to the tomb Mohammad Ghori first disrespect the place where the Indian emperor’s mortal remains are buried.
The inscription on the tomb reads: “Here lies the Kafer king of Delhi.”
There must now be an urgency of bringing back the remains of Prithviraj Chauhan to India for a worthy memorial at Delhi as well as Ajmer.
Indian PM visited grave of Babur, but not Prithviraj Chauhan
Indian PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, Natwar Singh and Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Afghanistan was one of the historic visit after along time, during that visit they have visited to Babur’s Grave.
Needless to say Babur is an Invader, not a Indian King. Indian Media and Indians might have forgotten to recollect history, there is another grave in afghanistan, grave of legendary Rajput king Prithviraj Chauhan, a hero in India, lying in a dilapidated condition in the outskirts of Ghazni. This passive callousness shown by these leaders has brought utter disgrace to India, these leaders should be questioned by public and parliamentarians in the parliament.
Mr. S.C Sharma who has seen the dilapidated grave, of the Emperor of India Prithviraj Chauhan in Afghanistan, which is been subject to regular indignity till today. He is an eyewitness to this and has penned down what he has seen
Many years ago, while travelling by jeep from Kandahar to Kabul, I had to make a night halt en route at Ghazni. At the hotel, I learned that there was a grand mausoleum over the tomb of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi near the town, and I determined to see it. A few extra Afghanis (the local currency) helped my driver to comprehend the necessity of making a small detour the next morning.
The mausoleum was indeed grand - judging by local standards - with a high, arched doorway like the Buland Darwaza. lie tomb proper was in a cellar about four or five feet be low ground-level. It intrigued me considerably to note that there were no steps leading down into the tomb. Instead, a metal chain hung from the ceiling of the cellar. I was told that I would have to hold the chain and jump down.
I asked for the reason for this peculiar method of entry. The caretaker was evasive at first. But after much persuasion, he disclosed that there was another tomb at the exact spot where you jumped down. There, the infidel king of Delhi, Prithviraj Chauhan, lay buried.
Prithviraj Chauhan and Sanyogita of Kannauj
On the face of it, the story of Sanyogita and Prithviraj may seem to have nothing to with the later’s wars and campaigns. But if it is true that Sanyogita’s father Jaichand, already a rival of Prithviraj, was angry that she eloped with the Chauhan king, then the bad blood between Chauhan and Rathore is a definite backdrop to the geopolitics of the time. Also, if – as it is said – Prithviraj was so besotted with Sanyogita that he neglected his kingdom to the extent he was oblivious to the danger Mahmud Ghori presented, then again we can legitimately discuss Sanyogita.
After all, this is no ordinary king we are discussing, but the man who was the last Hindu emperor of Delhi, a man of immense contradictions, and who appears to have lost his empire to the Muslims despite his magnificent warrior qualities because of a lack of diligence and a preference for the good and soft life. So from this angle, too, Sanyogita is important.
The problem is, according to R.C. Majumdar, there is no evidence to back the story. It originates from the Prithviraj raso, which was written much after the events it narrates.
It’s also worth noting that Prithviraj and Sanyogita are supposed to have eloped in 1175. Even given that she was his youngest queen, if 17 years later the man is still so infatuated with her that he cannot think straight, we can legitimately ask if the story is as told. Kings had their favorite wives, but they had many wives. It would be a bit unusual for a wife to have such a hold for so many years that she is the cause of the king’s neglecting his duties.
Our difficulty originates with the part concerning Prithviraj’s antecedents. The popular story has it that two daughters of Anangpal, King of Delhi, married rival kings: Someshwar Chauhan of Ajmer, and Vijaypal Rathore of Kannauj. Prithviraj was born to Someshwar and his wife Kamladevi, Jaichand was born to Vijaypal and his wife Roopsundari. This would make Prithviraj and Jaichand first cousins, though Jaichand was much older to Prithviraj.
Furthur, Anangpal of Delhi, having no son, decided to leave his kingdom to Prithviraj, because young as Prithviraj was, he was clearly a better soldier than Jaichand. This discrimination by the grandfather in favor of the junior grandson further exacerbated the hostility Jaichand bore Prithviraj.
The problem with this story is several-fold.
First, Prithviraj’s mother was not the daughter of the King of Delhi, but of Achalaraja, the Kalachuri king of Tripuri, which is today’s Jabbalpore in Madhya Pradesh. Her name was Karpuradevi and not Kamladevi.
Second, Prithviraj inherited the kingdom of Delhi from his father, Someshwar of Ajmer, not from any king of Delhi. Delhi was a vassal of Ajmer, so when Someshwar died, Prithviraj got Delhi as well as Ajmer.
Third, there was no Anangpal ruling Delhi during Prithviraj’s time. The closest Anangpal we have been able to locate is the jagirdar of Bhatnar [modern Bhatinda?]. He was a decendent of Bhimpal, last Shahi king of the Punjab – who was disposed of his kingdom by Mahmud Ghaznavi in the 11th century.
Anangpal, according to the story, was an Aruyvaid herbalist doctor who became close friends with Prithviraj. The later liked him so much he added to Anangpal’s jagir at Bhatnar, and this inspired Anangpal to attack and recover his lost inheritance of Lahore 1179. However, he could not hold on to Lahore, was pushed out by the Muslims and died. His son Gorakrai was brought back to Bahtnar, and later became a luminary at Prithviraj’s court.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Sonal Chauhan Interview
Sonal Chauhan's Interview
Question. Please tell us about you…
Answer. I am basically from Agra but I was brought u in Delhi. Even my schooling was in Delhi. At present I am doing my graduation in Philosophy from Delhi University.
After winning the title of Miss World Tourism in 2005, I came to Mumbai. Reaching Mumbai I started modeling for brands like Nokia, Airtel and Diet Pepsi. At the same time I was chosen as the brand ambassador for Ponds.
My father is a police officer in UP and my mother is a homemaker.
Question. There are many faces that join the modeling industry but very few of them make their identity in this field. Where do you see yourself?
Answer. It’s tough for me to tell you anything about that as because this is my first film. I’ll try on making my own space in this industry. I am even ready to give extra time for getting my desired position in this industry.
Question. How did your family react to your decision of joining film industry?
Answer. They were really against me on my decision of joining modeling as because I am the only girl from my family to join it. Modeling and acting were very same to them.
Everybody is well aware of the gloomy side of this glamorous industry. They wanted me to be doctor or engineer. They thought that I am too immature to take such a decision. But when they saw that I can handle myself in this industry, they started supporting me.
Question. Are you dreaming of joining glamour industry since your childhood?
A. Truly speaking, I never cherished such a dream but whenever I came to see any image of model in any magazine, I felt attracted to them. And I knew that despite having a wish, I could not do that.
I always believe that there is a power that helps me deciding on every matter.
Question. You are from the world of modeling. Do you believe that reservation is required to switch in your career from modeling to acting?
Answer. My family also believed in the same theory. They also thought that for me it’s going to be very tough to become actress as I had none in the industry. That’s the reason they defied my decision.
I have never done anything against my family and neither will I do anything like that. I convinced them a lot and then came with my mother to take part in the Miss India contest.
Question. When your family was so against your modeling career then how come you took part in it?
Answer. I used to take part in few modeling assignments during my college days. My mother had no problem with that since she was okay with me enjoying my vacations.
Only my sister knew about my wish to become a model and she sent my photograph to the Miss India contest. It’s only after receiving a phone call from them that I realized the matter. But to attend the contest I had to work very hard in convincing my family.
Question. Do you have boyfriend?
Answer. Fortunately I am still single. To be very frank, I see a lot of engaged people around me and I know very well about the tough sides of those relationships. Keeping that suffering in mind, I think, better I stay alone.
Question. Do you believe in love at first sight?
Answer. Not at all. You may just start feeling attracted to someone with your first sight but falling for someone is absolutely impossible.
Question. Who was your first crush?
Answer. In my childhood, when I was in my second standard, I liked a boy. After growing up a bit I felt really affected with Shah Rukh Khan. I still feel that Shah Rukh is the most intelligent and charming man in this country.
Question. Have you ever gone through any training for acting?
Answer. Not till now but I will surely do that if required. I was learning Kathak for a few days but had to leave it as to start shooting for Jannat.
Question. Which does mean most to you – big banner or character?
Answer. Character, of course.
Question. The type of films you would love to do…
Answer. I just have started my career in films and it’s quite tough for me to decide on that. But one thing is for sure that I don’t want to appear on screen as just a glamour doll. I would love be part of arties provided, someone allows me a chance. -
'Masakalli' singer doesn't see it as his ultimate destination
"I don't think Bollywood is my ultimate destination, I believe it's a part of my journey. Today I sing songs in films, tomorrow I might collaborate with somebody else, it's all different colours and different hues of your artistic expression and without anything actually being a destination," Mohit told in an interview.
Mohit, who sang the hit "Dooba dooba" when he was a member of Silk Route, feels that although he has shifted from being a member of a musical band to mainstream playback singing, his move isn't a transition of any kind.
"I don't see my singing for films as a transition from singing my own songs because I see it as part of the same picture. For me music is for the soul - no matter whether the song is composed by me or by someone else," explained Mohit.
"When I sing I try to make the song my own and sing it my way because in my mind I am not following any school of thought. I just make myself free," he added.
When asked about the reason behind Silk Route disbanding, Mohit said: "When people are working together, sometimes there are creative differences and a difference of direction, which results in (people taking) separate ways."
Mohit began his stint in Bollywood with a few forgettable songs. It was with "Rang De Basanti" that his career got a boost with "Khoon chala" which was widely appreciated.
Post-"Rang..." his popularity rose with songs like "Tum se hi" from the hit film "Jab We Met" and "Masakalli" from Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Delhi-6".
"It really feels nice that people are liking the song so much," said the singer who was in New Delhi recently to flag off the musical parade, an initiative by 92.7 Big FM.
Mohit, who feels that he is fortunate to be working with a composer like A.R Rahman for the second time, said: "Rahman's music is great. As a person too when you speak to him and sit with him, you come to know that he is really stable and very rooted."
The singer-writer-composer who was missing from the non-film segment for quite some time will make his presence felt with a new album that is scheduled to release in a couple of months.
So what is his take on the fact that the market for non-film albums is shrinking with people becoming more Bollywood-centric?
"I don't think the listener or the audience has changed or become Bollywood-centric. If people loved 'Dooba dooba', they will still love a good song if offered to them. It's the economics that is a major concern. I think the music labels need to encourage artists so that more albums come out."
Mohit will be heard singing for Imtiaz Ali's new film, Rajesh Roshan's upcoming venture with his son Hrithik, and Deepti Naval's film among others.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Why we need money
Money is every ones dream can't we live with out money is it necessary just because of money there is problem in every ones life.Person who has lots of money still he is running behind it and those who don't have they have to run for money
Even me also running for money . Money is only one thing which can make us happy ?
What i saw in my life if you have enough money in your pocket every one respects you if u are empty then there is nothing for you .
At the last week of month am empty and i know how i am surviving i did master in computer then after am facing such problems , then what about others don't know how others are surviving
with out money can't we buy
(1)House
(2)Car/bike etc
(3)Dally expense
(4)Other requirements
If we see in 30-40k person can live easily then can purchase every thing and can survive in this world .
Those who are earning more then lakhs in a month what they are doing with the money specially politician those who are doing corruption in Rs thousand Cr in the age of +60 what they will do they are in such a position where they don't have to do such kinds of fucking corruption.
Those who are out of gujarat i whould like to say visit Gujarat and see what is done by Chif Minister N Modi
good work is done by Modi if he is doing any kind of corruption then i don't think he is doing any thing wrong because in return he is giving lots of things security , malls , good roads , BRTS facility etc
Even me also running for money . Money is only one thing which can make us happy ?
What i saw in my life if you have enough money in your pocket every one respects you if u are empty then there is nothing for you .
At the last week of month am empty and i know how i am surviving i did master in computer then after am facing such problems , then what about others don't know how others are surviving
with out money can't we buy
(1)House
(2)Car/bike etc
(3)Dally expense
(4)Other requirements
If we see in 30-40k person can live easily then can purchase every thing and can survive in this world .
Those who are earning more then lakhs in a month what they are doing with the money specially politician those who are doing corruption in Rs thousand Cr in the age of +60 what they will do they are in such a position where they don't have to do such kinds of fucking corruption.
Those who are out of gujarat i whould like to say visit Gujarat and see what is done by Chif Minister N Modi
good work is done by Modi if he is doing any kind of corruption then i don't think he is doing any thing wrong because in return he is giving lots of things security , malls , good roads , BRTS facility etc
What do boys notice in girls ?
As we all know that boys always notice few things in girls do you know what they are ?
Any one of you ever thought why guys notice few things and when ?
Lets start with few things that is maximum noticed by guys in girls that are
(1)Breast
(2)Butt
(3)Legs
After watching above pic you will get the answer which part of body is noticed by guys
Breast is the most common part where guys see first because breast make them crazy if it has good shape and size after that butt same reason then after legs
Then after her dressing style that how she dressed her self this is the most important part after three that i mentioned above
After all guys notice how they smile girls have something in there smile if she give smile then boys can do any kind of work for her .Girls wear different kinds of smile depends on situations .
Guys notice how much time girls take to get ready. Guys remember that if girls take long time to get ready then she has some interest on you :)
how girls hand fits in there hand Girls always love to hold hands. Guys just can't imagine how both your hands perfectly fit together, thinking that it means you're meant for each other. Notice how guys play with your fingers and palms, and how they squeeze it every so often.
how girls have perfect waist Girls always love to be hugged. They also like to be held safe and secure. And guys love the feeling of you in their arms. Notice how guys hold you or hug you by the waist. They actually feel like they have the most precious thing in their hands. Then they squeeze tighter, not wanting to let go just yet.
Guys also notice how she carry her hair most of boys looking for long hair girls because long hair girls looks more beautiful :)
Sorry i forget to mention about eyes . Boys really love and gone mad after watching good eyes this things is not possible for me to explain hope you all got what i mean to say .
There are many guys who are looking for only few things that is sex so guys this is not for you :)
Any one of you ever thought why guys notice few things and when ?
Lets start with few things that is maximum noticed by guys in girls that are
(1)Breast
(2)Butt
(3)Legs
After watching above pic you will get the answer which part of body is noticed by guys
Breast is the most common part where guys see first because breast make them crazy if it has good shape and size after that butt same reason then after legs
Then after her dressing style that how she dressed her self this is the most important part after three that i mentioned above
After all guys notice how they smile girls have something in there smile if she give smile then boys can do any kind of work for her .Girls wear different kinds of smile depends on situations .
Guys notice how much time girls take to get ready. Guys remember that if girls take long time to get ready then she has some interest on you :)
how girls hand fits in there hand Girls always love to hold hands. Guys just can't imagine how both your hands perfectly fit together, thinking that it means you're meant for each other. Notice how guys play with your fingers and palms, and how they squeeze it every so often.
how girls have perfect waist Girls always love to be hugged. They also like to be held safe and secure. And guys love the feeling of you in their arms. Notice how guys hold you or hug you by the waist. They actually feel like they have the most precious thing in their hands. Then they squeeze tighter, not wanting to let go just yet.
Guys also notice how she carry her hair most of boys looking for long hair girls because long hair girls looks more beautiful :)
Sorry i forget to mention about eyes . Boys really love and gone mad after watching good eyes this things is not possible for me to explain hope you all got what i mean to say .
There are many guys who are looking for only few things that is sex so guys this is not for you :)
Things about girls that boys don't know
For all we talk about how hot guys are. We mostly care about there personality.
We are just as shy as you are about relationships.
Many of us don't let you see us cry, unless we want you to comfort us
We like dropping small flirts, to see if you are interested. But we will later deny it or make it into a joke
Most of us prefer to be call beautiful than hot or sexy. But not all of us
We travel in groups for one of two reasons 1) because we want to share some form of gossip with each other or get advice on something 2) B/c we don't want to get caught by ourselves with you because we won't know what to say and are afraid we'll make a fool of ourselves
We only wear mini-skirts, tank tops and skimpy cloths for you (unless it's really really hot outside). So if you don't like what we wear say something likely look really nice today, but you know...I think I like you in jeans better'
MOST girls spend about 15% of the time thinking about specific guys, 20% thinking of guys in general, 25% thinking of how to get guys to notice us and what to say when we do, 30% of the time TALKING about guys (even if someone else isn't listening), and 10% of the time doing something else
Girls automatically assume that all guys are ***** and only want to get into our pants until you prove otherwise (and even then some small part of us still thinks that)
Most girls are under the impression that guys only want skinny 'hot' girls
Most girls enjoy being paraded around once in awhile in front of your friends. We enjoy having you show us off to your friends, kind of like, 'Hey, look at my hot ass girlfriend! Aren't you jealous?" But we don't enjoy being nothing but a trophy girl
Nicknames like "Babe, or darling" are safe to call just about any girl. But beware of "Princess or Angel". Some girls will take offense to this thinking you are calling them to innocent or incapable of taking care of themselves.
Speaking of nicknames, almost every girl has ONE nickname that they just love to be called
Most girls will drop lots of hints to tell you that they like you, but won't come right out and say" I like you" or "I love you". If you think they like you, there is a good chance they do.
Scenario time! -You like a girl named Ashley, Ashley has a friend named Brenda. Brenda comes up you in the hall and asks "Do you like Ashley?"
More often than not in this scenario Ashley asked Brenda to ask you because she is to shy to ask you herself. And even if she didn't the first thing Brenda is going to do with your answer is tell Ashley. Now you are thinking "WHAT!? NO!! DON"T TELL HER THAT!!!" but in reality, this is a good thing. Because there is a good chance she already likes you. And if she doesn't, she will now be looking at you in a different way, and let me tell you. It's a lot easier to fall for a guy if you already know they like you. So its safe. So go ahead and tell Brenda that you like Ashley. Take a chance.
Girls hate it when guys say perverted things.
Girls love to feel special, even though they might not show it
Girls talk about everything with their girl friends. So unless you tell us not to tell them about something, they WILL know about it within 3 days. And if you are the girl's boyfriend, that means, you're possibly 90% of their conversation. And believe me, trash talking takes up most of it, unless you're a Greek god, which you're not...
Girls hate guys with bad hygiene.
Girls love it when a guy pulls them close by the waist
Most girls like a guy that will willing dance with them, even if he doesn't know how
Usually, when a girl is sarcastically mean to you, it means they're attracted to you, but are afraid that they'll be showing too much
A kiss on the hand with the right timing can be a REAL TURN-ON
Some girls can think about their crushes for 18+ hours straight. No exaggeration
When a guy says something really sentimental, girls will remember it forever
Girls get embarrassed easily, even if guys don't know what the hell just happened.
Girls daydream about their crushes ALL the time. They just don't show it.
When a girl is upset and wants you to listen, she wants you to listen. She doesn't need you to fix it or tell her how to. She just wants you to listen.
When a girl is crying, she feels a lot safer if you pull her close and tell her that everything is going to be all right. And more likely than not, it will endear them to you more than anything else.
Girls love it when guys say their name
Girls love confidence
When a girl cooks for you, you know you mean a lot to her
Girls hate it when other girls flirt. Yet they flirt themselves too. Ah, the beauty of irony
We don't enjoy talking dirty to you as much as you enjoy listening.
Saying something sweet might get you off the hook; doing something sweet will always get you off the hook.
Size does matter, but only to hoes; not girls that want relationships.
No matter what you say, your ex-girlfriend is a hoe to us. Not because we don't like your taste in women, because believe me WE do! its just that...we don't want to have to wonder if she is better than us. And if she is a hoe, we are better. So it makes things simple for us.
We are self-conscious by nature; we can't help it. But we CAN try and hide it.
Even if you think it is cool to burp, fart, or emit other strange gases from your body, it is not. Though we sometimes will tell you it is.
As far as you are concerned, we are beautiful at all times, and don't tell us different, unless you make it sound like a compliment (even if it isn't) Like, "You were really pretty yesterday when you wore -insert clothing/accessory here-, I think you should wear that more often"
Whatever you do, don't just show up at our house unexpected or at least without ringing the door bell...we run around in our underwear just like you do. And no matter how much you would like to see that, we will likely never talk to you again
DON'T CHEAT ON US. It may seem foolproof, but girls tell each other everything about everything. Trust me, they WILL find out and you will be dirt.
We want you to beware of every male relative and all guy friends. All of them would kick your ass at the drop of a hat, and a lot of them wouldn't even wait for the damn hat. We just don't want you to be too obvious.
We enjoy being kissed by you in front of your friends. It makes us feel like you care a lot about us.
You don't have PMS; so don't act like you know what it's like. Don't try to understand...believe me you never will.
Violent statements like "If that guy keeps looking at you, I'm going to tear his head off" are appealing
We don't want you to say you love us if you don't mean it
We love it when you make eye contact with us while we talk.
Most girls are afraid of losing our independence to guys (for some unknown reason)
If you ask a girl out directly, more likely than not, she will say yes to you. Even if she only has lukewarm feelings for you, because it will give her the chance to get to know you better and get to like you even more.
Most girls love it when guys ask them for advice.
Girls like it when you tell us what you are thinking, even if you don't understand it yourself
After you've been dating for a while, realize that we really have started to trust you. When you have a girlfriend who truly trusts you, you have a lot more responsibility, privilege and control than you would think. Be careful with it, most guys would kill for that kind of power, and it can be lost in a nanosecond
There is nothing wrong with being attentive and sensitive. However, this behavior can be carried too far. You don't have to hang on our every word or give in to our every whim. The thrill of the chase doesn't end after the first successful pick-up line. If you don't present us with some minor challenges, we're likely to get bored, or worse, feel that you're creepy and obsessive.
Variety is the spice of life. There are patterns underlying what your woman says she likes and doesn't like. It would benefit you far more to try and discern the nature of these than to repeat everything she admits to enjoying until she no longer does
Most men think the chase ends once they have us, but truly it has only just began.You must work even harder to keep us then you do you earn us. We not some trophy you can earn,put on a shelf and admire. You have to care for us like the living human beings we are.
WHEN WE SAY NO ITS NO, SO STOP ASKING!!!
If someone flirts with you, its a complement. If you're not interested, accept it but dont flirt back.
The woman in your life needs to hear how you feel about her, and often. Tell her now
All women are complicated, and it is doubtful any man will ever fully be able to understand us.But we know that, so its going to be ok.
We are just as shy as you are about relationships.
Many of us don't let you see us cry, unless we want you to comfort us
We like dropping small flirts, to see if you are interested. But we will later deny it or make it into a joke
Most of us prefer to be call beautiful than hot or sexy. But not all of us
We travel in groups for one of two reasons 1) because we want to share some form of gossip with each other or get advice on something 2) B/c we don't want to get caught by ourselves with you because we won't know what to say and are afraid we'll make a fool of ourselves
We only wear mini-skirts, tank tops and skimpy cloths for you (unless it's really really hot outside). So if you don't like what we wear say something likely look really nice today, but you know...I think I like you in jeans better'
MOST girls spend about 15% of the time thinking about specific guys, 20% thinking of guys in general, 25% thinking of how to get guys to notice us and what to say when we do, 30% of the time TALKING about guys (even if someone else isn't listening), and 10% of the time doing something else
Girls automatically assume that all guys are ***** and only want to get into our pants until you prove otherwise (and even then some small part of us still thinks that)
Most girls are under the impression that guys only want skinny 'hot' girls
Most girls enjoy being paraded around once in awhile in front of your friends. We enjoy having you show us off to your friends, kind of like, 'Hey, look at my hot ass girlfriend! Aren't you jealous?" But we don't enjoy being nothing but a trophy girl
Nicknames like "Babe, or darling" are safe to call just about any girl. But beware of "Princess or Angel". Some girls will take offense to this thinking you are calling them to innocent or incapable of taking care of themselves.
Speaking of nicknames, almost every girl has ONE nickname that they just love to be called
Most girls will drop lots of hints to tell you that they like you, but won't come right out and say" I like you" or "I love you". If you think they like you, there is a good chance they do.
Scenario time! -You like a girl named Ashley, Ashley has a friend named Brenda. Brenda comes up you in the hall and asks "Do you like Ashley?"
More often than not in this scenario Ashley asked Brenda to ask you because she is to shy to ask you herself. And even if she didn't the first thing Brenda is going to do with your answer is tell Ashley. Now you are thinking "WHAT!? NO!! DON"T TELL HER THAT!!!" but in reality, this is a good thing. Because there is a good chance she already likes you. And if she doesn't, she will now be looking at you in a different way, and let me tell you. It's a lot easier to fall for a guy if you already know they like you. So its safe. So go ahead and tell Brenda that you like Ashley. Take a chance.
Girls love to feel special, even though they might not show it
Girls talk about everything with their girl friends. So unless you tell us not to tell them about something, they WILL know about it within 3 days. And if you are the girl's boyfriend, that means, you're possibly 90% of their conversation. And believe me, trash talking takes up most of it, unless you're a Greek god, which you're not...
Girls hate guys with bad hygiene.
Girls love it when a guy pulls them close by the waist
Most girls like a guy that will willing dance with them, even if he doesn't know how
Usually, when a girl is sarcastically mean to you, it means they're attracted to you, but are afraid that they'll be showing too much
A kiss on the hand with the right timing can be a REAL TURN-ON
Some girls can think about their crushes for 18+ hours straight. No exaggeration
When a guy says something really sentimental, girls will remember it forever
Girls get embarrassed easily, even if guys don't know what the hell just happened.
Girls daydream about their crushes ALL the time. They just don't show it.
When a girl is upset and wants you to listen, she wants you to listen. She doesn't need you to fix it or tell her how to. She just wants you to listen.
When a girl is crying, she feels a lot safer if you pull her close and tell her that everything is going to be all right. And more likely than not, it will endear them to you more than anything else.
Girls love it when guys say their name
Girls love confidence
When a girl cooks for you, you know you mean a lot to her
Girls hate it when other girls flirt. Yet they flirt themselves too. Ah, the beauty of irony
We don't enjoy talking dirty to you as much as you enjoy listening.
Saying something sweet might get you off the hook; doing something sweet will always get you off the hook.
Size does matter, but only to hoes; not girls that want relationships.
No matter what you say, your ex-girlfriend is a hoe to us. Not because we don't like your taste in women, because believe me WE do! its just that...we don't want to have to wonder if she is better than us. And if she is a hoe, we are better. So it makes things simple for us.
We are self-conscious by nature; we can't help it. But we CAN try and hide it.
Even if you think it is cool to burp, fart, or emit other strange gases from your body, it is not. Though we sometimes will tell you it is.
As far as you are concerned, we are beautiful at all times, and don't tell us different, unless you make it sound like a compliment (even if it isn't) Like, "You were really pretty yesterday when you wore -insert clothing/accessory here-, I think you should wear that more often"
Whatever you do, don't just show up at our house unexpected or at least without ringing the door bell...we run around in our underwear just like you do. And no matter how much you would like to see that, we will likely never talk to you again
DON'T CHEAT ON US. It may seem foolproof, but girls tell each other everything about everything. Trust me, they WILL find out and you will be dirt.
We want you to beware of every male relative and all guy friends. All of them would kick your ass at the drop of a hat, and a lot of them wouldn't even wait for the damn hat. We just don't want you to be too obvious.
We enjoy being kissed by you in front of your friends. It makes us feel like you care a lot about us.
You don't have PMS; so don't act like you know what it's like. Don't try to understand...believe me you never will.
Violent statements like "If that guy keeps looking at you, I'm going to tear his head off" are appealing
We don't want you to say you love us if you don't mean it
We love it when you make eye contact with us while we talk.
Most girls are afraid of losing our independence to guys (for some unknown reason)
If you ask a girl out directly, more likely than not, she will say yes to you. Even if she only has lukewarm feelings for you, because it will give her the chance to get to know you better and get to like you even more.
Most girls love it when guys ask them for advice.
Girls like it when you tell us what you are thinking, even if you don't understand it yourself
After you've been dating for a while, realize that we really have started to trust you. When you have a girlfriend who truly trusts you, you have a lot more responsibility, privilege and control than you would think. Be careful with it, most guys would kill for that kind of power, and it can be lost in a nanosecond
There is nothing wrong with being attentive and sensitive. However, this behavior can be carried too far. You don't have to hang on our every word or give in to our every whim. The thrill of the chase doesn't end after the first successful pick-up line. If you don't present us with some minor challenges, we're likely to get bored, or worse, feel that you're creepy and obsessive.
Variety is the spice of life. There are patterns underlying what your woman says she likes and doesn't like. It would benefit you far more to try and discern the nature of these than to repeat everything she admits to enjoying until she no longer does
Most men think the chase ends once they have us, but truly it has only just began.You must work even harder to keep us then you do you earn us. We not some trophy you can earn,put on a shelf and admire. You have to care for us like the living human beings we are.
WHEN WE SAY NO ITS NO, SO STOP ASKING!!!
If someone flirts with you, its a complement. If you're not interested, accept it but dont flirt back.
The woman in your life needs to hear how you feel about her, and often. Tell her now
All women are complicated, and it is doubtful any man will ever fully be able to understand us.But we know that, so its going to be ok.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Charmy Chauhan :A 22-year-old girl, fan of Narendra Modi surprised the TV audience
When a discussion took place among Rahul Mahajan and girls in the reality entertainment TV show on the subject – whether one should vote or not, Charmy, a law student from Nanavati college in Ahmedabad said,”Good leader makes difference. We have witnessed tremendous development in Gujarat, thanks to Narendra Modi as our Chief Minister. I like Modiji so much that I keep his wallpaper in my mobile.”
While other girl in the show was surprised to know about this Gujarati girl who actually keeps not cricketer or actor’s photo but one politician’s wallpaper in her mobile and found this funny too, the central character of this reality show Rahul Mahajan said, “this girl has strong political opinion.” It was visible that Rahul’s large part of opinion on this topic was edited.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Jagjit Singh Chauhan Campaigner for a separate Sikh state
Today Sikhs are seen as among the most prosperous and able communities of India. But two decades ago the religious minority were portrayed as bloody terrorists, and for many years Jagjit Singh Chauhan, who has died aged 80 of a heart attack, was the international voice of a would be independent country, the "Republic of Khalistan", a Sikh homeland to be carved from India's Punjab. A gifted propagandist, Chauhan was its self-declared president, and issued passports, postage stamps and currency.
Chauhan could have been a typical Indian success story. Having spent his student years in the Communist party of India, he started up hospital services in his home town of Tanda. Treating the poor for free, he built up goodwill among the least well-off. A natural politician, Chauhan ran for office, initially for the Republican party, trading allegiances to stay in power, briefly becoming finance minister of the Punjab in the late 1960s. His lasting achievement was to introduce state lotteries.
The fires of his nationalism had been lit in 1966 by the break-up of the old Punjab state into the Sikh-dominated Punjab and Hindu-dominated Haryana. This left the Le Corbusier-designed capital, Chandigarh, shared by both.
Within a few years Chauhan had decamped to run a Khalistani government-in-exile from London, also spending time in the US and Canada. He made trips to Pakistan to seek support for his project. In 1971 he took out an advertisement in the New York Times proclaiming a separate Sikh state of Khalistan. He drew support for his enterprises from wealthy Sikh expatriates, notably a Californian peach magnate. In India he was seen as an enemy of the state.
By the early 1980s the campaign for Khalistan had turned violent. The bombings and shootings culminated in Operation Bluestar, when in June 1984 the Indian army stormed the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest Sikh shrine, to capture an armed band of separatists. Much of the temple's spiritual centre, the Akal Takht, was destroyed.
Chauhan, sensing the mood in Punjab, took to the airwaves in Britain. In a now notorious BBC interview he claimed that the then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi would, along with her family, be "beheaded". Margaret Thatcher's government asked him to desist from making inflammatory statements from British soil.
Later that year Gandhi was shot dead by her Sikh bodyguards. Violent anti-Sikh riots shook the country's cities and claimed the lives of thousands. Innocents were caught up in the violence and in India some compare the killings to Nazi Germany's Kristallnacht.
In Britain Chauhan took his fight to the courts, suing noted writer and fellow Sikh Khushwant Singh for claiming in his History of the Sikhs that the putative president of Khalistan had been, while living in Canada, a shorn tobacco-smoking citizen. Cutting one's hair and smoking is an anathema to a revolutionary Sikh.
Chauhan won a pyrrhic victory. The judge awarded one penny in damages to Chauhan but awarded full costs to his opponent and publishers, leaving Khalistan's chief ideologue with a large legal bill.
In Punjab a bloodier contest ensued for the best part of a decade. Democracy was suspended as the Indian army occupied the state. The security forces eventually crushed the Khalistani movement by adopting a "bullet-for-bullet" policy of extra-judicial killings. More than 40,000 people died.
Chauhan returned to India in 2001, after the Indian government reprieved 100 "anti-nationals". He founded a political party that sought self-rule for the Sikhs through the ballot box and distanced himself from the armed struggle. The doctor, too, returned - running a 30-bed charitable hospital in Tanda.
He continued to be a propagandist in the service of the "Khalistani" cause, claiming India was an "artificial country" that would one day swallow up its neighbours.
However with Punjab transformed into the richest state in the Indian Union and Sikhs as Indian prime minister, army chief and running Delhi's powerful economic secretariat, Khalistan's flame appears to have gone out along with that of its most visible proponent
He is survived by his wife, Charanjit Kaur.
Jagjit Singh Chauhan died April 4 2007
Chauhan could have been a typical Indian success story. Having spent his student years in the Communist party of India, he started up hospital services in his home town of Tanda. Treating the poor for free, he built up goodwill among the least well-off. A natural politician, Chauhan ran for office, initially for the Republican party, trading allegiances to stay in power, briefly becoming finance minister of the Punjab in the late 1960s. His lasting achievement was to introduce state lotteries.
The fires of his nationalism had been lit in 1966 by the break-up of the old Punjab state into the Sikh-dominated Punjab and Hindu-dominated Haryana. This left the Le Corbusier-designed capital, Chandigarh, shared by both.
Within a few years Chauhan had decamped to run a Khalistani government-in-exile from London, also spending time in the US and Canada. He made trips to Pakistan to seek support for his project. In 1971 he took out an advertisement in the New York Times proclaiming a separate Sikh state of Khalistan. He drew support for his enterprises from wealthy Sikh expatriates, notably a Californian peach magnate. In India he was seen as an enemy of the state.
By the early 1980s the campaign for Khalistan had turned violent. The bombings and shootings culminated in Operation Bluestar, when in June 1984 the Indian army stormed the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the holiest Sikh shrine, to capture an armed band of separatists. Much of the temple's spiritual centre, the Akal Takht, was destroyed.
Chauhan, sensing the mood in Punjab, took to the airwaves in Britain. In a now notorious BBC interview he claimed that the then Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi would, along with her family, be "beheaded". Margaret Thatcher's government asked him to desist from making inflammatory statements from British soil.
Later that year Gandhi was shot dead by her Sikh bodyguards. Violent anti-Sikh riots shook the country's cities and claimed the lives of thousands. Innocents were caught up in the violence and in India some compare the killings to Nazi Germany's Kristallnacht.
In Britain Chauhan took his fight to the courts, suing noted writer and fellow Sikh Khushwant Singh for claiming in his History of the Sikhs that the putative president of Khalistan had been, while living in Canada, a shorn tobacco-smoking citizen. Cutting one's hair and smoking is an anathema to a revolutionary Sikh.
Chauhan won a pyrrhic victory. The judge awarded one penny in damages to Chauhan but awarded full costs to his opponent and publishers, leaving Khalistan's chief ideologue with a large legal bill.
In Punjab a bloodier contest ensued for the best part of a decade. Democracy was suspended as the Indian army occupied the state. The security forces eventually crushed the Khalistani movement by adopting a "bullet-for-bullet" policy of extra-judicial killings. More than 40,000 people died.
Chauhan returned to India in 2001, after the Indian government reprieved 100 "anti-nationals". He founded a political party that sought self-rule for the Sikhs through the ballot box and distanced himself from the armed struggle. The doctor, too, returned - running a 30-bed charitable hospital in Tanda.
He continued to be a propagandist in the service of the "Khalistani" cause, claiming India was an "artificial country" that would one day swallow up its neighbours.
However with Punjab transformed into the richest state in the Indian Union and Sikhs as Indian prime minister, army chief and running Delhi's powerful economic secretariat, Khalistan's flame appears to have gone out along with that of its most visible proponent
He is survived by his wife, Charanjit Kaur.
Jagjit Singh Chauhan died April 4 2007
Friday, November 18, 2011
Sonal Chauhan1: Hot newbie on a roll
Sonal Chauhan seems to have become the blue-eyed girl of the Bhatts. First, she was considered a suitable replacement to Bipasha Basu in the sequel of Raaz . Now, Sonal has bagged another film from the Bhatt camp.
It is no secret that Mahesh Bhatt wasdisappointed when he couldn't get Bipasha for 'Raaz 2'. Without ruminating over the loss, Bhatt went ahead and roped in Sonal, who is making a transition from ramps to tinsel town.
And when Esha Deol expressed her inability to act in Bhatt's movie Jannat , he offered that role, too, to Sonal.
Needless to say the newbie readily accepted the offer.
Why such favoritism towards Sonal?
Bhatt says Sonal is a talented, mature and she verily deserves what she has been offered. There is no favoritism towards her.
It may be mentioned that Bhatt's banner Vishesh Films has introduced several newcomers like Bipasha Basu , Mallika Sherawat , Emraan Hashmi and Kangana Ranaut who have gone on to make a mark for themselves in Bollywood.
Will Sonal follow the same path, remains to be seen.
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