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Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS) Towers
Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS) Towers
A compilation of GTS Towers of West Bengal
The Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS), which surveyed the Indian sub continent from 1800 -1854, is often hailed as one of the most stupendous work in the history of science. The Great Arc (780 E Longitude) was the backbone of the survey and the 1600 miles of inch perfect survey was the longest measurement of earth surface ever to have been attempted.
Willam Lambton, an endearing genius, conceived the idea; George Everest, an impossible martinet, took it forward. The half a century long project involved equations more complex than any in the pre – computer age. It was also the most perilous project of its time, killing more men than any contemporary wars. Malaria wiped out whole survey parties, tiger and scorpions took their toll.
East Indians of West Coast of India
East Indians of West Coast of India
Dongri, Pali, Uttan Gorai and other fishing villages of north Mumbai
East Indian Christians, or simply East Indians are an ethno-religious Indian Christian community. They trace their roots to those who converted to Christianity in the 16th century when Portugal took over Bombay. They are considered as the original inhabitants of the Mumbai, Thane and Raigad area.

Clockwise from top left: Fishing boats at Dongri, Chariots at Gorai, Fishing trawler at Pali, Dried fish at Pali, Sunrise at Dongri and cyclist at Gorai
On 11 May 1661, the marriage treaty of Charles II of England and Catherine of Braganza, daughter of King João IV of Portugal—made Mumbai (then Bombay) part of the British Empire, as part of marriage dowry.
Historical Sites of Purulia District
Historical sites of Purulia District
A compilation of historical sites of Purulia District
Puruila District, lying on the western end of West Bengal is known fro its breathtaking natural beauty, consisting of lush green rolling hills along with rock outcrops and majestic water falls and lakes.
Historical records suggest that during the 10th – 13th century a Jain settlement flourished in the western part of West Bengal covering the present districts of Purulia, Bankura and Jhargram. During this period they have built numerous brick and stone temples, following the Oriya Duel style architecture.
Elephanta Caves, rock cut caves and amazing sculptures
Elephanta Caves
Rock cut caves and amazing sculptures
Also see: Ferry Ride to Elephanta Island
The Elephanta Caves, an UNESCO Heritage Site is located on the Elephanta Island about 11 km north-west of Apollo Bunder Jetty located next to Gateway of India.
The island has been referred as Gharapuri (literally meaning village of caves) in ancient literature. The island covers an area of 1050 hectors. The island consists of two hill separated by a narrow valley. The higher of the two hills rises to a height of 173 m above sea level.
Ferry Ride to Elephanta Island, approaching is half the fun
Ferry Ride to Elephanta Island
Approaching the Elephanta Caves is half the fun
Also see: Elephanta Caves
The Elephant Island houses the Elephanta Caves, a series of rock cut caves with amazing sculptures. The island is located about 11 km north west of Apollo Bunder Jetty located next to Gateway of India.
The Elephant Caves are an UNESCO Heritage Site and attracts large number of tourists. Regular ferry service connects Mumbai to the Elephant Island at frequent intervals.
Headquarters of South Eastern Railway (SER), Garden Reach, formerly Bengal Nagpur Railway (BNR)
South Eastern Railway (SER) Headquarters, Garden Reach
formerly Bengal Nagpur Railway (BNR)
The opening of the Mumbai-Thane line in 1853 marked the beginning of railways in India. The Bengal Nagpur Railway (BNR) was formed in 1887 for the purpose of upgrading the Nagpur Chhattisgarh Line and then extending it via Bilaspur to Asansol, in order to develop a shorter Howrah-Mumbai route than the one via Allahabad.
The BNR main line from Nagpur to Asansol was opened for goods traffic on 1 February 1891. It was only after Kharagpur was linked from the west and the south that it was connected to Howrah in 1900.
Moghalmari, Buddhist Archaeological Site, West Midnapore
Moghalmari, Buddhist Archaeological Site
West Midnapore
Also see: Weekend Family tour of West Midnapore
Moghalmari is located on the left bank of Subarnarekha River in the district of West Medinipur, 3.2 miles north of Dantan. Since the turn of the millennium an extensive excavation have reveled the remains of an ancient Budhhist Monastery.

Moghalmari excavation site
The name Moghalmari probably originated from a pitch battle of 16th century between the Mughal and the local king. Although the Mughal army emerged victorious but a large number of Mughal soldiers were killed and hence the name.
Lockdown Memories Continues, Wildlife Photography from Rooftop
Lockdown Memories Continues
Wildlife Photography from Rooftop (Part 2)
Also see: Lockdown Memories (Part 1)
Lock, unlock, lock… and the process goes on and on. It has been over four months since the lockdown started on mid-March 2020 and things are yet to come to normal. We have got adjusted to our modified routines. I still spend a couple of hours in the evening spotting and photographing birds and other wildlife from my residence terrace in Salt Lake, Kolkata.

Oriental magpie Robin
I uploaded my first blog post in mid-June and the list of wildlife spotted was as follows:
- Chestnut Tailed Starling or Grey Headed Myna (কাঠ শালিক) (Sturnia malabarica)
- Red Vented Bulbul (বাংলা বুলবুল) (Pycnonotus cafer)
- Oriental Magpie Robin (দোয়েল পাখি) (Copsychus saularis)
- Purple Sunbird (দুর্গা টুনটুনি) (Cinnyris asiaticus)
- Black Hooded Oriole (কালোমাথা বেনেবউ) (Oriolus xanthornus)
The second phase continued with the spotting of more birds and other wildlife, this new list includes:
- Coppersmith Barbet (ছোট বসন্ত বৌরি) (Psilopogon haemacephalus)
- Blue Throated Barbet (বড় বসন্ত বৌরি) (Psilopogon asiaticus)
- Rose Ringed Parakeet (সবুজ টিয়া) (Psittacula krameri)
- Indian Flying Fox (বড় বাদুর) (Pteropus medius)