| Fun, frolic and feni are the
three f-words that rule the roost in Goa. The tiny emerald land
on the west coast of India sandwiched between the borders of
Maharashtra and Karnataka, is a fun-lover`s ultimate destination.
Oncmed Khattu, a disciple of
Baba Ishq Maghribi of Khattu, settled and died at Sarkhej, about
10 km south-west of Ahmedabad . Construction on a 'dargah' and
mosque were begun in 1446, under Mohammad Shae a Portuguese colony, Goa still bears vestiges of its
erstwhile colonial masters - in the names of the places, in
the surnames of its people and in its spiritual inclination.
The famous saint, Makhdum Shaikh Ah
h II, and completed
in the reign of Sultan Qutub-Ud-Din Ahmed Shah.
The 'dargah', the largest of its kind in Gujarat, has a plinth
area of 31.70 m, and is roofed by a large dome. It also has
surrounding rows of 13 pillars on each side. The walls are
broken up into two storeys, and perforated stonework of great
variety fills up the spaces above and below the dividing stones.
The inner central square is partitioned by screen walls, perforated
in steel and metal, with a door in similar workmanship.
West India is also quite richer in tourist attractions. The
beaches of Goa are one of the most popular beach destinations
in Asia. Mumbai or Bombay, the capital of Maharashtra, also
happens to be the largest city in India, as well as financial
and entertainment capital of the country. Aurangabad with
its medieval monuments and famed caves of Ajanta and Ellora
is a class apart. Gujarat is known for the only abode of Asiatic
Lion - Gir National Park and number of temples and beaches
throughout the state. Daman and Diu is known for peaceful
beaches on the Arabian coast.
Goa
Goa which was liberated on 19th December, 1961 alongwhh Daman
and Diu from 451 years Portuguese Colonial Rule, became the
25th State of the Indian Union when it was conferred Statehood
on 30th May, 1987.
The State of Goa has a Legislative Assembly with a strength
of 40 elected members. Besides, Goa has three elected representatives
in the Central Parliament. The Governor is the Head of the
State and is advised by a Council of Ministers headed by Chief
Minister. Panaji, a small picturesque town on the left bank
of river Mandovi, is the seat of the State Administration.
However, for administrative purposes, the State has been divided
into two districts: North Goa and South Goa with headquarters
at Panaji and Margao respectively, and six divisions comprising
11 Talukas.
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is one of the largest states in India, both in
terms of population and area. Its booming capital Mumbai,
makes it not only one of the most important states economically,
but also a major gateway for overseas visitors.
The first well known rulers of Maharashtra were the Satavahanas
(230 BC to 225 AD), who were the creators of Maharashtra,
and have left a plethora of literary, epigraphic, artistic
and archaeological evidence. The Maharashtrians' love for
art and culture is quite evident in their intense interest
in drama.
Maharashtra, a state where a millennium of culture weaves
a tapestry of myriad charms. The spiritual solace of centuries.
The sylvan serenity of the countryside.
The stillness of a thicket disturbed only by a tiger flashing
past, or the symphony of tradition from its varied population.
All abound in a unique togetherness. In Maharashtra, a state
as vivid as vivacious.
Gujarat
Gujarat has a long istorical and cultural tradition dating
back to the days of the Indus valley civilization established
by relics found at Lothal.
Situated in the western part of the Indian sub-continent,
Gujarat derives its name from the "Gurjars" who
passed through Punjab and settLed in some parts of Western
India.
According to the Hindu epics, Lord Krishna and his elder brother
Balarama, evacuated Mathura and established their kingdom
Kushasthali, now known as Dwarka and started what is known
as the Yadava dynasty. Dwarka subsequently became one of the
four seats (mathas) set up by Adi Shankaracharya.
The Parsees when they fLed from Iran in the eighth century
first landed at Sanjan on the shores of Gujarat with the holy
flame, which still burns in Udwada in Valsad. The Muslim influence
left its lasting imprints on the local art and architecture
and it came to be known as the Indo-Saracenic style.
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