The Inner Voice

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The Inner Voice
Do what you think is right

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O Lal Meri Pat - Dama Dam Mast Qalandar

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This has been one of my favorite nos. I have been humming this for years now. It has been a hot favorite with all singers, notably qawwals and these days the reality show contestants. Some of the known names who have lent their voice to this - Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen, Madam Noor Jehan, Wadali Brothers, Reshma, Sabri Brothers, Jagjit Singh, Runa Laila, Lata Mangeshkar, bands like Junoon and this list endlessly goes on. Many college bands have attempted this giving a rock flavour. That, one song could be so popular amongst so many, I wondered, what this song is all about, what's its true meaning. This and last week I spent looking for all the versions and answers to my questions. What a fascinating and satisfying journey it has been. This song is in the honor of Sufi mystic 'Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar'. Every word of his name has a meaning - he was known as Hazrat ( prophet of GOD ), Lal ( he wore red robes or mothers fondly call their kids as Lal ), Shahb...
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The Barabar Caves: India's Oldest Rock-Cut Architectural Marvel

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One of my most memorable visits has been to Barabar Caves. Therefore this one is also a photo blog.  Nestled in the rugged hills of Bihar's Jehanabad district ( India ) lies one of India's most remarkable yet underappreciated ancient wonders - the Barabar Caves. As the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, dating back to the Mauryan period (321-185 BCE), this architectural marvel offers an extraordinary window into ancient India's technological sophistication and spiritual diversity. India has many rock-cut caves or structures, such as Ajanta, Ellora, Badami, Varaha, Elephanta, Kanheri, and many many more, but this one is the oldest!! The caves were commissioned during the reign of Emperor Ashoka and his successors, as evidenced by inscriptions found within. As I walked on the same steps that Emperor Ashoka took, and probably sat and prayed where he may have done,  I felt deeply connected to my past to the grand history of India. That feeling deserves a separate post. W...
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Bal Bal Jayoon Main Tore Rangrajwa....Rangrej Mere..

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While all languages are great, Urdu, I feel enjoys a special place amongst them. Its elegantness flatters you and its expressiveness romanticises you. I am love with many words within that language, and wish to explore one of them in this blog post. When you talk about colors (रंग), ‘Rangrej  ( रंगरेज )’ or related expressions like ‘ RangRajwa ( रंगरजवा ) ’ crop up in mind. Though its literal meaning is ‘the dyer’….but is often poetically substituted for GOD, Master ( Guru ) or as the Lover,….जो उन्हे उनके रंग में रंग दे …..someone who can color them in their colors. The Sufi Songs or the ones with Sufiana soul or bent have most expressively used this word. In most usages you will find them easily substitutable, beyond the obvious Dyer, GOD, Master and Lover. When you think of it as the GOD or the Master ( Guru ), then it’s the color of spirituality and when it’s the Master (Lover), then it’s the color of love...
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