INDIA BEAUTINESS

81st OSCAR AWARDS

2010-03-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

The 81st Academy Awards ceremony was held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to honor its selection of the best films of 2008 on February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The ceremony was televised in the United States on ABC. Australian performer Hugh Jackman hosted the ceremony for the first time.[4] Oscar-nominated Laurence Mark served as the event's producer, while Oscar-winning writer and director Bill Condon served as executive producer.[5] The Academy hoped to revitalize the ceremony through an entirely new production team sworn to secrecy, and the telecast received mixed reviews from critics.

The nominees were announced on January 22, 2009,[6] by AMPAS president Sid Ganis and Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in the Academy's Beverly Hills headquarters.[7] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button led the nominations with a total of thirteen while Slumdog Millionaire received ten. The Dark Knight and Milk received eight nominations, and Doubt, The Reader, and Frost/Nixon each received five. WALL-E, the winner for Best Animated Feature, received six nominations, tying it with Beauty and the Beast for the most nominated animated film in Oscar history.[8] In an Academy Award rarity, all five of the Best Picture nominees were also the five Best Director nominees. This has happened only four other times in Oscar history: 1957, 1964, 1981, and 2005.

Slumdog Millionaire won eight awards, the most of the evening, including Best Picture and Best Director (Danny Boyle). The Curious Case of Benjamin Button came in second with three awards, followed by both The Dark Knight and Milk with two awards. Jerry Lewis was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.[9] For the first time since the 60th Academy Awards (1987), no Honorary Award was presented.

On February 7, 2009, in a ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, the Academy Awards for Technical Achievement were presented by host Jessica Biel.[10]
Contents
[hide]

* 1 Winners
o 1.1 Major awards
o 1.2 Other awards
o 1.3 Honorary awards
o 1.4 Multiple nominations and awards
* 2 Schedule
* 3 In Memoriam
* 4 Presenters and performers
* 5 Advertisements
* 6 Voting trends and summary
o 6.1 Winners
* 7 Controversies
o 7.1 Disputes over Ledger's statuette
o 7.2 Faked winners leak
o 7.3 Other controversies
* 8 News and recap
o 8.1 Notable events
o 8.2 Memorable quotes
o 8.3 Special segments
+ 8.3.1 Animation
+ 8.3.2 Romance
+ 8.3.3 Comedy
+ 8.3.4 Documentary
+ 8.3.5 Action
o 8.4 Critical reviews
o 8.5 Reception
o 8.6 Criticism
o 8.7 Film previews
* 9 International broadcasters
* 10 See also
* 11 References
* 12 External links

[edit] Winners

Winners are listed first and highlighted in boldface.[11][12]
[edit] Major awards
Best Picture Best Director

* Slumdog Millionaire
o The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
o Frost/Nixon
o Milk
o The Reader

* Danny Boyle – Slumdog Millionaire
o Stephen Daldry – The Reader
o David Fincher – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
o Ron Howard – Frost/Nixon
o Gus Van Sant – Milk

Best Actor Best Actress

* Sean Penn – Milk as Harvey Milk
o Richard Jenkins – The Visitor as Walter Vale
o Frank Langella – Frost/Nixon as Richard Nixon
o Brad Pitt – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button as Benjamin Button
o Mickey Rourke – The Wrestler as Randy "The Ram" Robinson

* Kate Winslet – The Reader as Hanna Schmitz
o Anne Hathaway – Rachel Getting Married as Kym
o Angelina Jolie – Changeling as Christine Collins
o Melissa Leo – Frozen River as Ray Eddy
o Meryl Streep – Doubt as Sister Aloysius

Best Supporting Actor Best Supporting Actress

* Heath Ledger – The Dark Knight as The Joker
o Josh Brolin – Milk as Dan White
o Robert Downey, Jr. – Tropic Thunder as Kirk Lazarus
o Philip Seymour Hoffman – Doubt as Father Brendan
o Michael Shannon – Revolutionary Road as John Givings

* Penélope Cruz – Vicky Cristina Barcelona as Maria Elena
o Amy Adams – Doubt as Sister James
o Viola Davis – Doubt as Mrs. Miller
o Taraji P. Henson – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button as Queenie
o Marisa Tomei – The Wrestler as Cassidy

Best Original Screenplay Best Adapted Screenplay

* Milk – Dustin Lance Black
o Frozen River – Courtney Hunt
o Happy-Go-Lucky – Mike Leigh
o In Bruges – Martin McDonagh
o WALL-E – Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon and Pete Docter

* Slumdog Millionaire – Simon Beaufoy from Q & A by Vikas Swarup
o The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Eric Roth and Robin Swicord from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald
o Doubt – John Patrick Shanley from Doubt by John Patrick Shanley
o Frost/Nixon – Peter Morgan from Frost/Nixon by Peter Morgan
o The Reader – David Hare from Der Vorleser by Bernhard Schlink

Best Animated Feature Best Foreign Language Film

* WALL-E – Andrew Stanton
o Bolt – Chris Williams and Byron Howard
o Kung Fu Panda – Mark Osborne and John Wayne Stevenson

* Departures (Japan) in Japanese – Yojiro Takita
o Waltz with Bashir (Israel) in Hebrew – Ari Folman
o Revanche (Austria) in German – Götz Spielmann
o The Class (France) in French – Laurent Cantet
o The Baader Meinhof Complex (Germany) in German – Uli Edel

[edit] Other awards
Best Documentary Feature Best Documentary Short

* Man on Wire
o The Betrayal - Nerakhoon
o Encounters at the End of the World
o The Garden
o Trouble the Water

* Smile Pinki – Megan Mylan
o The Conscience of Nhem En – Steven Okazaki
o The Final Inch
o The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306

Best Live Action Short Best Animated Short

* Toyland (Spielzeugland)
o On the Line (Auf der Strecke)
o Manon On the Asphalt
o New Boy (Ireland)
o The Pig (Grisen)

* La Maison En Petits Cubes – Kunio Kato
o Lavatory - Lovestory – Konstantin Bronzit
o Oktapodi – Emud Mokhberi and Thierry Marchand
o Presto – Doug Sweetland
o This Way Up – Alan Smith and Adam Foulkes

Best Original Score Best Original Song

* Slumdog Millionaire – A. R. Rahman
o The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Alexandre Desplat
o Defiance (2008 film) – James Newton Howard
o Milk – Danny Elfman
o WALL-E – Thomas Newman

* "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire – A. R. Rahman (music), Gulzar (lyrics)
o "Down to Earth" from WALL-E – Peter Gabriel and
Thomas Newman (music), Peter Gabriel (lyrics)
o "O Saya" from Slumdog Millionaire – A. R. Rahman and M.I.A.

Best Sound Editing Best Sound Mixing

* The Dark Knight – Richard King
o Iron Man – Frank Eulner, Christopher Boyes
o Slumdog Millionaire – Tom Sayers
o WALL-E – Ben Burtt and Matthew Wood
o Wanted – Wylie Stateman

* Slumdog Millionaire – Resul Pookutty, Richard Pryke, Ian Tapp
o The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce, Mark Weingarten
o The Dark Knight – Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo, Ed Novick
o WALL-E – Tom Myers, Michael Semanick, Ben Burtt
o Wanted – Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño, Petr Forejt

Best Art Direction Best Cinematography

* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Donald Graham Burt, Victor J. Zolfo
o Changeling – James J. Murakami, Gary Fettis
o The Dark Knight – Nathan Crowley, Peter Lando
o The Duchess – Michael Carlin, Rebecca Alleway
o Revolutionary Road – Kristi Zea, Debra Schutt

* Slumdog Millionaire – Anthony Dod Mantle
o Changeling – Tom Stern
o The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Claudio Miranda
o The Dark Knight – Wally Pfister
o The Reader – Chris Menges, Roger Deakins

Best Makeup Best Costume Design

* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Greg Cannom
o The Dark Knight – John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O'Sullivan
o Hellboy II: The Golden Army – Mike Elizalde, Thom Floutz

* The Duchess – Michael O'Connor
o Australia – Catherine Martin
o The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Jacqueline West
o Milk – Danny Glicker
o Revolutionary Road – Albert Wolsky

Best Film Editing Best Visual Effects

* Slumdog Millionaire – Chris Dickens
o The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Kirk Baxter, Angus Wall
o The Dark Knight – Lee Smith
o Frost/Nixon – Mike Hill, Daniel P. Hanley
o Milk – Elliot Graham

* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton, Craig Barron
o The Dark Knight – Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber, Paul Franklin
o Iron Man – John Nelson, Ben Snow, Dan Sudick, Shane Mahan

[edit] Honorary awards

* Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award - Jerry Lewis
* Gordon E. Sawyer Award - Edwin Catmull

[edit] Multiple nominations and awards

The following 15 films received multiple nominations.

* 13 nominations: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* 10 nominations: Slumdog Millionaire
* 8 nominations: The Dark Knight and Milk
* 6 nominations: WALL-E
* 5 nominations: Doubt, Frost/Nixon, and The Reader
* 3 nominations: Changeling and Revolutionary Road
* 2 nominations: The Duchess, Frozen River, Iron Man, Wanted, and The Wrestler

The following three films received multiple awards.

* 8 awards: Slumdog Millionaire
* 3 awards: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* 2 awards: The Dark Knight and Milk

[edit] Schedule
Date Event
Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Official Screen Credits forms due
Friday, December 26, 2008 Nomination ballots mailed
Monday, January 12, 2009 Nomination polls closed at 5:00 p.m. PST (01:00, Jan. 13 UTC) (8:00 p.m. EST)
Thursday, January 22, 2009 Nominations announced at 5:38 a.m. PST (13:38 UTC) (8:38 a.m. EST) at Samuel Goldwyn Theater
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 Final ballots mailed
Monday, February 2, 2009 Nominees Luncheon
Saturday, February 7, 2009 Scientific and Technical Achievement Awards presentation
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 Final polls closed at 5:00 p.m. PST (01:00, Feb. 18 UTC) (8:00 p.m. EST)
Sunday, February 22, 2009 81st Annual Academy Awards presentation
[edit] In Memoriam
Main article: List of 81st Academy Awards In Memoriam tribute honorees

Queen Latifah performed "I'll Be Seeing You" during the annual In Memoriam tribute to honor individuals who died since the previous year's Academy Award ceremonies. Listed below are those who were honored during the tribute.[13]

* Cyd Charisse
* Bernie Mac
* Bud Stone (executive)
* Ollie Johnston (animator)
* Van Johnson
* J. Paul Huntsman (sound editor)
* Michael Crichton (writer & director)
* Nina Foch
* Pat Hingle
* Harold Pinter (writer)
* Charles H. Joffe (producer)
* Kon Ichikawa (director)
* Charles H. Schneer (producer)
* Abby Mann (screenwriter)
* Roy Scheider
* David Watkin (director of photography)
* Robert Mulligan (director)
* Evelyn Keyes
* Richard Widmark

* Claude Berri (director)
* Maila Nurmi
* Isaac Hayes
* Leonard Rosenman (composer)
* Ricardo Montalbán
* Manny Farber (film critic)
* Robert DoQui
* Jules Dassin (director)
* Paul Scofield
* John Michael Hayes (screenwriter)
* Warren Cowan (publicist)
* Joseph H. Caracciolo (producer)
* Stan Winston (special effects)
* Ned Tanen (executive producer)
* James Whitmore
* Charlton Heston
* Anthony Minghella (director & producer)
* Sydney Pollack
* Paul Newman

Note: Several notable individuals including Sam Bottoms, George Carlin, Don S. Davis, Mel Ferrer, Beverly Garland, Estelle Getty, Eartha Kitt, Harvey Korman, Jerry Reed, Don LaFontaine, John Phillip Law, Patrick McGoohan, Anita Page, and Robert Prosky were not included in the "In Memoriam" tribute, though they died within the last year. Heath Ledger died shortly before the year before, and a tribute to him was included then.
[edit] Presenters and performers

The following individuals presented awards or performed musical numbers.[14]
[show]
Presenters (in order of appearance)
Name(s) Role Activity
Gina Tuttle Announcer Co-Announcer for the 81st Annual Academy Awards
Whoopi Goldberg
Goldie Hawn
Anjelica Huston
Eva Marie Saint
Tilda Swinton Presenters Best Supporting Actress
Tina Fey
Steve Martin Presenters Best Original Screenplay
Best Adapted Screenplay
Jennifer Aniston
Jack Black Presenters Animation 2008 Montage
Best Animated Short Film
Best Animated Feature
Daniel Craig
Sarah Jessica Parker Presenters Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Best Makeup
Robert Pattinson
Amanda Seyfried Presenters Romance 2008 Montage
Natalie Portman
Ben Stiller Presenters Best Cinematography
Alan Arkin
Cuba Gooding, Jr.
Joel Grey
Kevin Kline
Christopher Walken Presenters Best Supporting Actor
Bill Maher Presenter Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short Subject
Jessica Biel Host of the Academy Awards for Technical Achievement and Presenter Academy Awards for Technical Achievement (awarded on February 7, 2009)
Gordon E. Sawyer Award
James Franco
Seth Rogen
Janusz Kamiński Presenters Best Live Action Short Film
Will Smith Presenter Best Sound Editing
Best Sound Mixing
Best Film Editing
Best Visual Effects
Eddie Murphy Presenter Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
Alicia Keys
Zac Efron Presenters Best Original Score
Best Original Song
Introduced A. R. Rahman, John Legend, and Mahalaxmi Iyer performing the Best Original Song nominees
Freida Pinto
Liam Neeson Presenters Best Foreign Language Film
Queen Latifah Presenter and Performer In Memoriam tribute
Reese Witherspoon Presenter Best Director
Halle Berry
Marion Cotillard
Nicole Kidman
Sophia Loren
Shirley MacLaine Presenters Best Actress
Adrien Brody
Michael Douglas
Robert De Niro
Anthony Hopkins
Ben Kingsley Presenters Best Actor
Steven Spielberg Presenter Best Picture Segment
Best Picture
[show]
Performers (in order of appearance)
Name(s) Role Performed
Michael Giacchino Musical Arranger Orchestral
James Marvel Last-minute addition Violinist Orchestral
Hugh Jackman
Anne Hathaway Performers Opening Number
Hugh Jackman
Beyoncé Knowles
Zac Efron
Vanessa Hudgens
Amanda Seyfried
Dominic Cooper
Spirit of Troy[15] Performed a medley created by Baz Luhrmann of songs from movie musicals

"Top Hat, White Tie and Tails" from Top Hat
"Singin' in the Rain" from Singin' in the Rain
"Big Spender" from Sweet Charity
"Maria" from West Side Story
"You're The One That I Want" from Grease
"Maria" from The Sound of Music
"All That Jazz" from Chicago
"Lady Marmalade" from Moulin Rouge!
"One Night Only" from Dreamgirls
"You Can't Stop The Beat" from Hairspray
"I Don't Know How To Love Him" from Jesus Christ Superstar
"At Last" from Orchestra Wives
"Last Chance" from High School Musical 3: Senior Year
"Mamma Mia" from Mamma Mia!
"Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from Evita
"Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz
"Somewhere" from West Side Story
[16]
A. R. Rahman Performer "O Saya" from Slumdog Millionaire
John Legend
Soweto Gospel Choir Performers "Down to Earth" from WALL-E
A. R. Rahman
Mahalaxmi Iyer Performers "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire[17]
Queen Latifah Presenter and Performer "I'll Be Seeing You" during the annual "In Memoriam" tribute
[edit] Advertisements

ABC aired a number of themed commercial advertisements which were shown during the ceremony. The Academy's ban that had previously disallowed film commercials to be aired during the telecast was lifted in mid-2007, thus allowing film companies to promote their upcoming films for the first time during the broadcast.[18] Thirty-second commercials cost between $1.4 million and $1.7 million, compared to up to $1.8 million during last year's show.[19] The decrease was due to the recent global economic crisis.[19]
[edit] Voting trends and summary
This section may contain original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding references. Statements consisting only of original research may be removed. More details may be available on the talk page. (March 2009)

Continuing a trend in recent years, the field of major nominees did not include a bona fide blockbuster at the U.S. box office, with all but one of the nominees for Best Picture performing even more poorly than those of the previous year. In fact, The Dark Knight earned more money than all the Best Picture nominees combined in its first four days of release.[citation needed] However, the top money earner in this year's field of Best Picture nominees performed slightly better in box office receipts compared to last year's highest grossing Best Film nominee, Juno. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was the highest earner among the Best Picture nominees with $104.4 million in domestic box office receipts (compared to Juno which grossed $87 million prior to its nomination).[citation needed] The film was followed by Slumdog Millionaire which earned $44.7 million, Milk with $20.7 million, and Frost/Nixon with $8.8 million.[citation needed] The Reader rounded out the Best Picture nominees with $8.3 million.[citation needed]

Among the rest of the top 50 releases of 2008 in U.S. box office before the nominations, 32 nominations went to eight films on the list. Only The Dark Knight (1st), Kung Fu Panda (3rd), WALL-E (9th), Bolt (19th), Tropic Thunder (20th), and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (21st) received nominations for best picture, directing, acting, or screenwriting. The other top-50 box office hits that earned nominations were Iron Man (2nd), and Wanted (16th).[citation needed] The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, Iron Man, WALL-E, and Wanted each received more than two nominations.

For the first time since 2004, two films received more than eight nominations: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button received thirteen and Slumdog Millionaire received ten.

For the fourth consecutive year, four of the Best Picture nominees were rated R (under 17 requires an accompanying adult). Of the 86 nominations awarded to non-documentary feature films (apart from the Foreign Film category), a majority of 46 went to R-rated films (down from 50 one year earlier), 35 to films rated PG-13 (up from 29 the previous year), two to PG-rated films (down from 4 the year before) and eight to a G-rated film (up from five from last year).[citation needed] Duplicating the rating-related division among the nominations for the past three years, R-rated films captured 27 of the 40 nominations for Best Picture, directing, screenwriting and acting; while non-R-rated films received 25 of the 43 nominations in the remaining categories, primarily those in "below the line" areas.[citation needed]
[edit] Winners
81st Academy Awards Presentations, Hollywood and Highland, Hollywood

For the tenth consecutive year, at least one lead acting award went to an actor playing a real-life person (Sean Penn for his portrayal of Harvey Milk). Penn's win was viewed as something of a surprise, Mickey Rourke having been the favourite to win. Penn received a standing ovation for his win.[20][21] This is also the eleventh year in a row that any of the acting awards went to the portrayal of a real person. For the second year running, the Best Actor trophy has been awarded to a previous Best Actor recipient. Also for second year running, a Spaniard (Penélope Cruz) has won in a supporting category (previously Javier Bardem), and for the fourth year a British actress (Kate Winslet) has won an award (previously Tilda Swinton, Helen Mirren, and Rachel Weisz consecutively).[22] This year also marks the second time Stephen Daldry has directed an actress into a Best Actress win (the other was Nicole Kidman, who also was a presenter), and the third time an actress he directed was nominated (Julie Walters). It was also the fourth time Woody Allen directed an actress into a Best Supporting Actress win (the others were Dianne Wiest, twice, and Mira Sorvino). This is also the first time the Award for Best Supporting Actor has been awarded posthumously, to Heath Ledger, and only the second posthumous acting award in Academy history. (The first was to Peter Finch for Best Actor in Network in 1976.)
[edit] Controversies
Globe icon.
The examples and perspective in this list of controversies may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article and discuss the issue on the talk page.

Like the previous year's awards, last year's Oscars had also faced multiple controversies.
[edit] Disputes over Ledger's statuette

Because Best Supporting Actor winner Heath Ledger died in January 2008 making his nomination one of posthumous recognition, the Academy had disputes over who should accept the award and who should gain ownership of it should Ledger win. Following talks with Ledger's family in Australia, the Academy ruled that his previous domestic partner Michelle Williams could not accept the award as the two were not married. They then decided that Ledger and Williams' three-year-old daughter, Matilda Rose Ledger, would own the award. However, due to Matilda's age, she will not gain full ownership of the statuette until her eighteenth birthday in 2023.[23] Until that time, Michelle Williams will hold the statuette in trust for Matilda.[24] Ledger's family attended the ceremony and his parents accepted the award on stage on his behalf.[25]
[edit] Faked winners leak

Shortly after the voting polls were closed for the awards, a purported list of winners was posted online.[26] The list, which bore a purported signature from Academy president Sid Ganis, stated that Mickey Rourke won for Best Actor, Kate Winslet won for Best Actress, Amy Adams won for Best Supporting Actress, Heath Ledger won for Best Supporting Actor, and Slumdog Millionaire won for Best Picture. It was later confirmed as a fake list. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences spokeswoman Leslie Unger later revealed that the list was "a complete fraud",[27] and that PricewaterhouseCoopers had just begun to count the ballots. The list was proved false as the first award of the night, Best Supporting Actress, was awarded to Penélope Cruz, not Amy Adams, the purported winner in the falsified list. (The last time names of award winners were leaked prior to the ceremony was at the 12th Academy Awards for 1939, before the Academy adopted the use of sealed envelopes for voting results.)
[edit] Other controversies

Prior to the nominations announcement, it was suggested that the 2008-09 Screen Actors Guild labor dispute could affect the awards by discouraging actors' attendance at the ceremony, However, as talks to end the dispute between the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) were ongoing,[28][29] the expected strike did not affect the awards ceremony,[30] although a resolution between SAG and AMPTP has not yet been reached.[31][32]

Peter Gabriel, who was originally scheduled to perform his nominated song "Down to Earth" from WALL-E during the live broadcast, declined to perform after learning that he would be allowed to sing only 65 seconds of the song during the ceremony's Best Original Song nominee performances.[33] Gabriel still attended the ceremony. John Legend performed the song in place of Gabriel, backed by the Soweto Gospel Choir.
[edit] News and recap

Due to the declining viewership of the recent Academy Awards ceremonies, the Academy had contracted an entirely new production team in an attempt to revive the award ceremony and revamp its general script and theming. Marketing for the ceremony had even gone so far as to advertise it as "The Biggest Movie Event of the Year". Producers Bill Condon and Laurence Mark announced their plans to rewrite the script, and they made attempts to keep the entire premise of the ceremony a secret, even from the presenters and performers.[34] Film director Judd Apatow aired a new short film during the ceremony which starred Seth Rogen and James Franco reprising their roles from Pineapple Express. Previously, Apatow directed a short film aired during the 74th Academy Awards which starred Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller. Chris Harrison hosted "Road to the Oscars",[35] a weekly behind-the-scenes video blog on the Academy's website, oscar.com.[36] David Rockwell designed a new set and stage design for the ceremony.[37] The red carpet was directed by Robert Osborne.[38] Host Jackman expressed his anticipation of the awards in the few days preceding, and had commented that he was thrilled with preparations for the ceremony.[39] The recent global economic crisis caused a decrease in spending on the telecast from last year's awards, as well as a decrease in the cost to air advertisements during commercial breaks. The recession was mentioned by Jackman who said

this year, everything is being downsized because of the recession. Next year I'll be starring in a movie called New Zealand, and due to cutbacks, the academy said they didn't have enough money for an opening number; I'm gonna do one anyway

The presentation of the four acting awards was styled differently than in previous years (see Notable events section). among other changes, some celebrities presented multiple awards rather than only one or two as in previous years, and 2008 film genre segments replaced usual clip collections.

The telecast received a 6 second tape delay in some areas on the east coast during a section in which Host Jackman thanked Academy president Sid Ganis, and introduced Reese Witherspoon, who would present the Oscar for Directing. This was due to ABC, who panned out from the screen during the delay to present powerball numbers. This delay also occurred at the beginning of the The Oscars Red Carpet 2009. There was also a 30-second delay at the start of the telecast, though not a tape delay, but a direct delay which affected the ceremony. Errors also occurred directly following Jackman's opening monologue. After he introduced the Best Supporting Actress category, USA Today reported that a stage hand could be heard yelling to director Roger Goodman for "cutting him off!". Next, Goodman could be heard yelling at the stage hands to open the curtain which covered a projection screen in the theater. The curtain had not been opened when a montage of past Supporting Actress winners began, but was opened 2–3 seconds following. The telecast received a mixed reception from media personalities and critics, yet a more positive response from viewers at home.
[edit] Notable events

* During his opening monologue, Hugh Jackman joked that the Academy had not been able to prepare an elaborate opening number due to the recession, so he had created his own. Jackman's opening number parodied Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, The Dark Knight, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, The Reader, Iron Man and The Wrestler with cardboard sets and backup dancers. It was given a standing ovation by the crowd.
* The presentation of the Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, and Best Actor awards changed significantly from recent years. Instead of the previous year's winner of the opposite sex presenting the award with clips of the nominees in each film being shown, there was a montage of past winners in each category. Then, five past winners in the specific acting category appeared onstage and each gave a detailed characterization of an individual nominee. Finally, the most recent recipient of the award (except in the Lead and Supporting actor categories) announced the winner.
* When Ben Stiller and Natalie Portman appeared onstage to present the award for Best Cinematography, Stiller spoofed Joaquin Phoenix's recent appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, telling Portman "I'm trying to be a serious actor" and joking that Slumdog Millionaire was filmed entirely on a cell phone.
* After "Man on Wire" won Best Documentary, Philippe Petit joined the producers on stage, making a coin vanish from his hands while thanking the Academy for "believing in magic" and then balanced the Oscar by its head on his chin.
* The 81st Academy Awards ceremony would be the last during Sid Ganis's tenure as president of the Academy. Host Hugh Jackman acknowledged that Ganis was stepping down from his position, one which Ganis has held since 2005.
* Throughout the ceremony, instead of montages of past films being shown, the ceremony incorporated a "movie yearbook" that showed montages of various genres of movies released in 2008. The yearbook was composed of montages of the animation, romance, comedy, documentary, and action film categories.
* Instead of a pre-recorded instrumental tune, the annual In Memoriam tribute was accompanied by a live performance of "I'll Be Seeing You" sung by Queen Latifah, making the 81st Academy Awards' In Memoriam tribute the first with live vocal accompaniment.
* The Best Picture nominee segments which are usually seen throughout the telecast were instead incorporated into one whole montage preceding the presentation of the award, with each nominated film being compared to various past nominees and winners in the category.
* After five failed nominations for Sense and Sensibility, Titanic, Iris, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Little Children, Kate Winslet finally won an Oscar on her sixth nomination (for The Reader). In her speech, she thanked many who have helped her along the way, even giving thanks to recently departed producers, Sydney Pollack and Anthony Minghella.

[edit] Memorable quotes

* "Fifteen career Oscar nominations. That's a record. I hate to say it but when someone puts up numbers like that, it's just hard not to think steroids." – Host Hugh Jackman to Meryl Streep (during his opening monologue).[40]
* "It's not going to be 45 seconds, I can say that right now. Has anybody ever fainted here? Because I might be the first one." – Penélope Cruz, accepting the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Vicky Cristina Barcelona.[40]
* "I wish to say something in Tamil, which is 'Ella Pugazhum Iraivanukke', God is Great" - A. R. Rahman on Receiving the award for Best Original Music Score, Slumdog Millionaire.
* "All my life I had choices of 'love' and 'hate', I chose LOVE and I'm here" - A. R. Rahman on Receiving the award for Best Song "Jai Ho!" Slumdog Millionaire.
* "You know, it's serious, we have a 30 second delay but if you win, we switch to a twenty minute delay." - Host Hugh Jackman to Mickey Rourke during Jackman's opening monologue.
* "When I was 13 years old my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas, to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk and it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life." – Dustin Lance Black, accepting the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for Milk.
* "There are certain places in the universe you never imagine standing. For me, it's the moon, the South Pole, the Miss World podium and here." – Simon Beaufoy after winning the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar for Slumdog Millionaire.[40]
* "Who do you think is a better actor? Ronald Reagan, or Barack Obama?" - Saul Silver (James Franco) to Dale Denton (Seth Rogen) during the Comedy 2008 montage.
* "This award tonight would have humbly validated Heath's quiet determination to be truly accepted by you all here – his peers within an industry he so loved." – Kim Ledger, accepting the Best Supporting Actor Oscar on behalf of his son Heath Ledger for The Dark Knight.[40]
* "I'd be lying if I said I haven't made a version of this speech before. I think I was probably 8 years old and staring into the bathroom mirror, and this would have been a shampoo bottle. Well, it's not a shampoo bottle now." – Kate Winslet, upon winning Best Actress for The Reader.[40]
* "Each year I do one DreamWorks project, then I take all the money to the Oscars and bet it on Pixar." - Jack Black explaining his animation movie career plan to Jennifer Aniston prior to them presenting the nominees for best animation movies.[41]
* "You commie homo-loving sons of guns! I did not expect this, but I — I want to make it clear I know how hard I make it to appreciate me." – Sean Penn, upon accepting his Oscar for Best Actor in Milk.[40]
* "I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that way of support. We've got to have equal rights for everyone. And there are, and there are, these last two things. I'm very, very proud to live in a country that is willing to elect an elegant man president and a country who, for all its toughness, creates courageous artists." - Sean Penn in his acceptance speech, commenting on California's vote for Proposition 8.[42]
* "When we started out, we had no stars, we had no power or muscle, we didn't have enough money really to do what we wanted to do. But what we had was a script that inspired mad love in everyone who read it. ... Most of all, we had passion and we had belief and our film shows that if you have those two things, truly anything is possible." – Producer Christian Colson accepting the Best Picture award for Slumdog Millionaire.[40]
* "Dōmo arigatō, Mr. Roboto." - Kunio Katō, Japanese director of La Maison en Petits Cubes, accepting the award for Best Animated Short.[43]
* "I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." – Jerry Lewis, quoting Mohandas Gandhi, upon Lewis accepting the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
* "How come comic-book movies never get nominated? How can a billion dollars be unsophisticated?" - Host Hugh Jackman, on the controversy surrounding the lack of a Best Film nomination for The Dark Knight.[44]
* "These are the Oscars and this is my dream! / I am a Slumdog, I am a Wrestler, I am The Reader, I’m Wolverine!" - Hugh Jackman, finishing his opening routine.[45]
* "Ever since you've been a star you always say that you want to be here on this very day we really wish you were but we proudly accept this award on behalf of your beautiful Matilda" Kate Ledger, sister of Heath Ledger.

[edit] Special segments

The telecast featured multiple yearbook style montages of film genres seen in 2008. They were made up of the animation, romance, comedy, documentary and action film categories.
[edit] Animation

The animation segment began in a scene from WALL-E where the title character cuts open a damaged refrigerator revealing a VHS tape and an Oscar stauette. Wall-E plays the VHS tape on a tape recorder, which features the actual segment. At the end of the segment, multiple animated characters from the clips are revealed to be watching the tape with Wall-E. Listed below are the films featured in the segment.

* Kung Fu Panda
* Horton Hears a Who!
* Space Chimps
* Bolt
* Star Wars: The Clone Wars
* The Tale of Despereaux
* Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

[edit] Romance

Listed below are the films featured in the segment.

* Iron Man
* Milk
* Slumdog Millionaire
* The Reader
* The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
* Last Chance Harvey
* Vicky Cristina Barcelona
* The Incredible Hulk
* The Dark Knight
* Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
* Sex and the City
* What Happens in Vegas
* Mamma Mia!
* Revolutionary Road
* Twilight
* High School Musical 3: Senior Year
* WALL-E

Background music: 'Lovers in Japan' by Coldplay
[edit] Comedy

The segment begins in a set from Pineapple Express. Dale Denton brings Saul Silver every film that was not nominated for an Oscar to watch (though many were). After viewing the movies, Saul wonders why Janusz Kaminski is with a film crew in his apartment. They invite Kaminski to watch the remaining movies with them.

Listed below are the films featured in the segment.

* Slumdog Millionaire
* The Love Guru
* Step Brothers
* Tropic Thunder
* Doubt
* Milk
* Mamma Mia!
* The Wrestler
* Forgetting Sarah Marshall
* You Don't Mess with the Zohan
* The Reader

[edit] Documentary

The segment featured the directors and co-directors of each of the five nominated Best Documentary Feature films discussing their thoughts on the art of documentaries.

Listed below are the films featured in the segment.

* The Betrayal - Nerakhoon
* Encounters at the End of the World
* The Garden
* Man on Wire
* Trouble the Water

[edit] Action

Listed below are the films featured in the segment.

* Rambo
* Iron Man
* Speed Racer
* The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
* Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
* The Incredible Hulk
* Wanted
* Hancock
* Journey to the Center of the Earth
* Hellboy II: The Golden Army
* The Dark Knight
* The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
* Death Race
* Quantum of Solace
* Valkyrie

Background music: 'Tick Tick Boom' by The Hives
[edit] Critical reviews

The show received a mixed reception from media publications. Some media outlets received the broadcast more positively. Perez Hilton called the performance "wonderful";[46] E! Online said that "Jackman nailed it";[47] the Associated Press stated that "the key word was charm" and that Hugh Jackman "gave his all";[48] and Salon.com said "Hurray for the Recession Oscars, the sincerest, sweetest, most heartfelt Oscars ever!"[49] Roger Ebert said of Jackman: "I had a feeling Hugh Jackman would be a charmer as host, and he was." Of the show itself, Ebert added, "It was the best Oscar show I've ever seen, and I've seen plenty."[50] The Toronto Star, Japan Today, and The Sydney Morning Herald also gave positive reviews,[51][52][53] and many in the British media were particularly favourable of Hugh Jackman's hosting performance.[54]

Others media outlets were more critical of the show. The Los Angeles Times says the show "fell flat" and from "Jackman's strangely self-conscious, low-rent opening musical number to Ben Stiller's obscure spoof of Joaquin Phoenix's recent appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, the awards had a tone problem — they tried to be something for everyone, coming off like a movie script that had its edginess and guts airbrushed out by too many studio notes."[55] The Los Angeles Times' awards insider page The Envelope says host Hugh Jackman surely "obliterated all memory of the Uma-Oprah thing", in reference to the negative reception David Letterman received when hosting the 1995 Academy Awards ceremony.[56] The Boston Globe states the show "aimed for flash...but ultimately, fizzle prevailed."[57] The Baltimore Sun says "the Oscars show itself took a different direction this year: It went Tony with a vengeance. It was like a concept musical with a flaccid concept, badly in need of a Parisian riot or an exploding chandelier."[58] The Chicago Tribune states the "New format, host are unable to rescue a plodding telecast."[59] The New York Times says of the ceremony as "it was fun for a while, but then it just started to seem long."[60]
[edit] Reception

Results from online polls conducted by Newsday[61] and Entertainment Weekly[62] showed a mostly positive response from viewers.

The 81st Academy Awards was watched by 36.94 million people, which was a 13% increase in viewership compared to last year's telecast. The telecast also attained higher Nielsen ratings with 21.68% households watching over a 32.44 share. However, the ceremony was the third least watched ceremony since individual viewership figures began being compiled in 1974 and the third lowest rated since Nielsen ratings for the Oscars have been recorded since 1967, ahead only of the previous year's 31.76 million with an 18.66 Nieslen rating and the 33.04 million with a 20.58 rating for the 2003 ceremony.[63]

At July 16, 2009, the ceremony presentation received 10 Emmy nominations at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, and won 4 of them.

* Outstanding Art Direction For Variety, Music Or Nonfiction Programming, David Rockwell, Joe Celli, David Edwards
* WIN - Outstanding Choreography, Rob Ashford
* Outstanding Directing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Special, Roger Goodman
* Outstanding Lighting Direction (Electronic, Multi-Camera) For Variety, Music Or Comedy Programming, Robert A. Dickinson, Robert Barnhart, Andy O'Reilly.
* WIN - Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics, Hugh Jackman Opening Number: William Ross, John Kimbrough, Dan Harmon, Rob Schrab
* WIN - Outstanding Short Form Picture Editing, Best Motion Picture Moontage: Kyle Cooper, Hal Honigsberg
* WIN - Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Variety Or Music Series Or Special, Sound Mixing Team
* Outstanding Special Class Program
* Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Special, Technical Director & Camera teams
* Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Special, Writer team

[edit] Criticism

Baz Luhrmann, who has been dismissed in the past by the Australian media as a postmodern for his adaption William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, put together a performance for Jackman hailing the comeback of musicals. This divided the critics, with one Australian journalist saying it was "perhaps overstated" and others applauding the (apparent) focus upon a younger audience.[64][65][66]

Many critics expressed surprise and/or disdain at some of the nominee lists, such as the omission of WALL-E and The Dark Knight from the Best Picture category,[67][68] Sally Hawkins for Happy-Go-Lucky (for which Hawkins had won a Golden Globe), and the omission of Clint Eastwood's performance in Gran Torino from the Best Actor category.[69] The Academy also surprised critics when it only put forward three nominations for the Best Song category, excluding Bruce Springsteen's "The Wrestler" and the theme from Gran Torino.[70] The shortened list led Rolling Stone to accuse the Academy of snubbing Springsteen.[70]

Some critics also showed disgust at the telecast due to the Academy's decision to not present their Honorary Oscar.
[edit] Film previews
See also: 2009 in film

Due to the Academy's action of lifting their ban on film previews being aired during commercial breaks, commercials for upcoming films were seen for the first time during the telecast. Though some websites, such as Yahoo!, had expected commercials for summer blockbusters to be aired, most commercials were for films due for release in the spring season. Film commercials aired included Knowing, The Soloist and The Proposal.

During the end credits of the telecast, instead of clips from the preceding ceremony being aired, there were instead various clips of films which were released in 2009. Listed below are the films that were previewed during this segment, in the order in which they were shown.

* Sherlock Holmes
* Funny People
* The Taking of Pelham 123
* Public Enemies
* Julie and Julia
* The Soloist
* Up
* Fame
* Terminator Salvation
* 500 Days of Summer
* Amelia
* Whatever Works

* Inglourious Basterds
* Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
* Monsters vs Aliens
* Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
* Angels and Demons
* Old Dogs
* Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
* The Boat That Rocked
* An Education
* State of Play
* Imagine That
* G-Force

[edit] International broadcasters

Some of the broadcasters outside the United States (telecasted on ABC) showing the event live:[71]

* Argentina - TNT Latin America
* Australia - Nine Network and Movie Extra
* Austria - ORF1
* Bangladesh - STAR Movies
* Belgium - Prime
* Belize - Tropical Vision Limited (Channel 7)
* Brazil - TNT Brasil
* Canada - CTV
* Chile - La Red
* China - CCTV-6 and STAR Movies
* Colombia - RCN TV and TNT
* Costa Rica - Teletica and TNT
* Croatia - HRT1
* Czech Republic - HBO Czech
* Denmark - TV 2 Film
* Finland - Nelonen
* France - Canal+
* Germany - Pro 7
* Greece - Filmnet
* Hong Kong - TVB Pearl and STAR Movies
* Hungary - RTL Klub
* India - STAR Movies
* Ireland - RTE
* Italy - Sky Italia
* Japan - WOWOW
* Malaysia - ntv7 and Star Movies

* Middle East - Fox Movies
* Middle East - Star Movies
* Mexico - Channel 7 TV Azteca & TNT
* Netherlands - Film1
* Panama - RPC Channel 4
* Peru - Frecuencia Latina
* Philippines - ABS-CBN
* Poland - Canal+
* Portugal - TVI
* Puerto Rico - WAPA Channel 4
* Romania - Pro Tv
* Russia - Channel One
* Serbia - RTS 1
* Singapore - MediaCorp TV Channel 5 and STAR Movies
* Spain - Canal+
* Sweden - Kanal 9
* Taiwan - STAR Movies
* Thailand - STAR Movies
* Trinidad and Tobago - CCN TV6
* Turkey - NTV
* United Kingdom - Sky Movies
* Uruguay - Canal 4 Montecarlo Televisión
* Venezuela - Venevisión
* Vietnam - VTC1

[edit] See also
Academy Award portal

* 2008 in film
* 61st Primetime Emmy Awards
* 63rd Tony Awards
* 51st Grammy Awards
* 66th Golden Globe Awards
* 15th Screen Actors Guild Awards
* 62nd British Academy Film Awards
* 29th Golden Raspberry Awards

Tourism in beautiful India

2010-03-06T04:47:00.000-08:00

Tourism is the largest service industry in India, with a contribution of 6.23% to the national GDP and 8.78% of the total employment in India. India witnesses more than 5 million annual foreign tourist arrivals and 562 million domestic tourism visits.[1] The tourism industry in India generated about US$100 billion in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$275.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate.[2] The Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency for the development and promotion of tourism in India and maintains the "Incredible India" campaign.

According to World Travel and Tourism Council, India will be a tourism hotspot from 2009-2018,[3] having the highest 10-year growth potential.[4] The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2007 ranked tourism in India 6th in terms of price competitiveness and 39th in terms of safety and security.[5] Despite short- and medium-term setbacks, such as shortage of hotel rooms,[6] tourism revenues are expected to surge by 42% from 2007 to 2017.[7]

India has a growing medical tourism sector. The 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi are expected to significantly boost tourism in India.
Contents
[hide]

* 1 Tourism by state
o 1.1 Andhra Pradesh
o 1.2 Assam
o 1.3 Bihar
o 1.4 Delhi
o 1.5 Goa
o 1.6 Himachal Pradesh
o 1.7 Jammu and Kashmir
o 1.8 Karnataka
o 1.9 Kerala
o 1.10 Madhya Pradesh
o 1.11 Maharashtra
o 1.12 Orissa
o 1.13 Puducherry
o 1.14 Punjab
o 1.15 Rajasthan
o 1.16 Sikkim
o 1.17 Tamil Nadu
o 1.18 Uttarakhand
o 1.19 Uttar Pradesh
o 1.20 West Bengal
* 2 Historic monuments
* 3 Nature Tourism
o 3.1 Wildlife in India
o 3.2 Hill stations
o 3.3 Beaches
o 3.4 Adventure Tourism
* 4 See also
* 5 References
* 6 External links

Tourism by state
Andhra Pradesh
Further information: Tourist attractions in Hyderabad
Charminar in Hyderabad

Andhra Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage and a variety of tourist attractions. The state of Andhra Pradesh comprises scenic hills, forests, beaches and temples. Also known as The City of Nizams and The City of Pearls, Hyderabad is today one of the most developed cities in the country and a modern hub of information technology, ITES, and biotechnology. Hyderabad is known for its rich history, culture and architecture representing its unique character as a meeting point for North and South India, and also its multilingual culture, both geographically and culturally.

Andhra Pradesh is the home of many religious pilgrim centres. Tirupati, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, is the richest and most visited religious center (of any faith) in the world. Srisailam, the abode of Sri Mallikarjuna, is one of twelve Jyothirlingalu in India, Amaravati's Siva temple is one of the Pancharamams, and Yadagirigutta, the abode of an avatara of Vishnu, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. The Ramappa temple and Thousand Pillars temple in Warangal are famous for some fine temple carvings. The state has numerous Buddhist centres at Amaravati, Nagarjuna Konda, Bhattiprolu, Ghantasala, Nelakondapalli, Dhulikatta, Bavikonda, Thotlakonda, Shalihundam, Pavuralakonda, Sankaram, Phanigiri and Kolanpaka.

The golden beaches at Visakhapatnam, the one-million-year old limestone caves at Borra, picturesque Araku Valley, hill resorts of Horsley Hills, river Godavari racing through a narrow gorge at Papi Kondalu, waterfalls at Ettipotala, Kuntala and rich bio-diversity at Talakona, are some of the natural attractions of the state. Visakhapatnam is home to many tourist attactions such as the INS Karasura Submarine museum (The only one of its kind in India), Yarada Beach, Araku Valley, VUDA Park, Indira Gandhi Zoological Gardens. The weather in Andhra Pradesh is mostly tropical and the best time to visit is in November through to January. The monsoon season commences in June and ends in September, so travel would not be advisable during this period.

See Also: Andhra Pradesh Official Tourism Website
Assam
Main article: Tourism in Assam
Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros in Kaziranga National Park.

Assam is the central state in the North-East Region of India and serves as the gateway to the rest of the Seven Sister States. Assam boasts of famous wildlife preserves – the Kaziranga National Park (pictured) and the Manas National Park, the largest river island Majuli, and tea-estates dating back to time of British Raj. The weather is mostly sub-tropical. Assam experiences the Indian monsoon and has one of the highest forest densities in India. The winter months (October to April) are the best time to visit.

Assam has a rich cultural heritage going back to the Ahom Kingdom which governed the region for many centuries before the British occupation. Other notable features include the Brahmaputra River, the mystery of the bird suicides in Jatinga, numerous temples including Kamakhya of Tantric sect, ruins of palaces, etc. Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, boasts many bazaars, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries.

See Also: Assam Official Tourism Website
Bihar
Main article: Tourism in Bihar
Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bihar is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world with history of 3000 years. The rich culture and heritage of Bihar is evident from the innumerable ancient monuments that are dotted all over this state in eastern India. This is the Place of Aryabhatta, Great Ashoka, Chanakya and many more.

Bihar is one of the most sacred places of various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism & Islam. Famous Attraction includes Mahabodhi Temple, a Buddhist shrine and UNESCO World Heritage Site is also situated in Bihar, Barabar Caves the oldest rockcut caves in India, Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library the Oldest Library of India.

See Also: Bihar Official Tourism Website
Delhi
Lotus Temple
Main article: Tourism in Delhi

Delhi is the capital city of India. A fine blend of old and new, ancient and modern, Delhi is a melting pot of cultures, religions. Delhi has been the capital of numerous empires that ruled India, making it rich in history. The rulers left behind their trademark architectural styles. Delhi currently has many renowned historic monuments and landmarks such as the Tughlaqabad fort, Qutub Minar, Purana Quila, Lodhi Gardens, Jama Masjid, Humayun's tomb, Red Fort, and Safdarjung's Tomb. Modern monuments include Jantar Mantar, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Laxminarayan Temple, Lotus temple and Akshardham Temple.

New Delhi is famous for its British colonial architecture, wide roads, and tree-lined boulevards. Delhi is home to numerous political landmarks, national museums, Islamic shrines, Hindu temples, green parks, and trendy malls.

See Also: Delhi Tourism Official Website
Goa
Goa is noted for its resorts and beaches.
Main article: Tourism in Goa

Goa is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India. A former colony of Portugal, Goa is famous for its excellent beaches, Portuguese churches, Hindu temples, and wildlife sanctuaries. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, Mangueshi Temple, Dudhsagar Falls, and Shantadurga are famous attractions in Goa. Recently a Wax Museum (Wax World) has also opened in Old Goa housing a number of wax personalities of Indian history, culture and heritage.

The Goa Carnival is a world famous event, with colorful masks and floats, drums and reverberating music, and dance performances. The celebrations run three days culminating in a carnival parade on fat Tuesday.

See Also: Goa Tourism Official Website
Himachal Pradesh
The Himalayan landscape of Himachal Pradesh is ideal for out-door activities such as skiing

Himachal Pradesh is famous for its Himalayan landscapes and popular hill-stations. Many outdoor activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, ice-skating, and heli-skiing are popular tourist attractions in Himachal Pradesh.[8]

Shimla, the state capital, is very popular among tourists. The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a Mountain railway which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shimla is also a famous skiing attraction in India. Other popular hill stations include Manali and Kasauli.

Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama, is known for its Tibetan monasteries and Buddhist temples. Many trekking expeditions also begin here.

See Also Himachal Pradesh Official Website
Jammu and Kashmir
Main article: Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir is known for its scenic landscape

Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state of India. Jammu is noted for its scenic landscape, ancient temples, Hindu shrines, castles, gardens, and forts. The Hindu holy shrines of Amarnath and Vaishno Devi attract tens of thousands of Hindu devotees every year. Jammu's natural landscape has made it one of the popular destinations for adventure tourism in South Asia. Jammu's historic monuments feature a unique blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture styles.

Tourism forms an integral part of the Kashmiri economy. Often dubbed "Paradise on Earth", Kashmir's mountainous landscape has attracted tourists for centuries. Notable places are Dal Lake, Srinagar Phalagam, Gulmarg, Yeusmarg and Mughal Gardens etc. However, the tourism industry is severely affected by the insurgency.

In recent years, Ladakh has emerged as a major hub for adventure tourism. This part of Greater Himalaya called "moon on earth" comprising of naked peaks and deep gorges was once known for the silk route to High Asia from the subcontinent. Leh is also a growing tourist spot.

See Also: Jammu & Kashmir Official Tourism Website
Karnataka
Main article: Tourism in Karnataka
Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, has the second largest pre-modern dome in the world after the Byzantine Hagia Sophia.

Karnataka has been ranked as fourth most popular destination for tourism among states of India. It has the second highest number of protected monuments in India, at 507.

Kannada dynasties like Kadambas, Western Gangas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagaras, ruled Karnataka particularly North Karnataka.[9][10] They built great monuments to Buddhism, Jainism, Shaivism. The monuments are still present at Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Hampi, Lakshmeshwar, Sudi, Hooli, Mahadeva Temple (Itagi), Dambal, Lakkundi, Gadag, Hangal, Halasi, Galaganatha, Chaudayyadanapura, Banavasi, Belur, Halebidu, Shravanabelagola, Sannati and many more. Notable Islamic monuments are present at Bijapur, Bidar, Gulbarga, Raichur and other part of the state. Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, has the second largest pre-modern dome in the world after the Byzantine Hagia Sophia. Karnataka has two World heritage sites, at Hampi and Pattadakal, both are in North Karnataka.

Karnataka is famous for its waterfalls. Jog falls of Shimoga District is one of the highest waterfalls in Asia. This state has 21 wildlife sanctuaries and five National parks and is home to more than 500 species of birds. Karnataka has many beaches at Karwar, Gokarna, Murdeshwara, Surathkal. Karnataka is a rock climbers paradise. Yana in Uttara Kannada, Fort in Chitradurga, Ramnagara near Bangalore district, Shivagange in Tumkur district and tekal in Kolar district are a rock climbers heaven.[citation needed]

See Also: Karnataka Official Tourism Website
Kerala
Kerala, nicknamed as "God's own country," is famous for its houseboats.
Main article: Tourism in Kerala

Kerala is a state on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India. Nicknamed as one of the "10 paradises of the world" by National Geographic, Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, has made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the tourism industry significantly contributes to the state's economy.

Kerala is known for its tropical backwaters and pristine beaches such as Kovalam.

See Also: Kerala Tourism Official Website
Madhya Pradesh
Main article: Tourism in Madhya Pradesh
The temples of Khajuraho are famous for their erotic sculptures. The Khajuraho group of monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Madhya Pradesh is called the "Heart of India" because of its location in the centre of the country. It has been home to the cultural heritage of Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism. Innumerable monuments, exquisitely carved temples, stupas, forts and palaces are dotted all over the State.

The temples of Khajuraho are world-famous for their erotic sculptures, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gwalior is famous for its forts, the Tomb of Rani Lakshmibai, and the Palace of Tansen.

Madhya Pradesh is also known as Tiger State because of the tiger population. Famous national parks like Kanha, Bandhavgadh, Shivpuri, Sanjay, Pench are located in MP. Spectacular mountain ranges, meandering rivers and miles and miles of dense forests offering a unique and exciting panorama of wildlife in sylvan surroundings.

See Also: Madhya Pradesh Offical Tourism Website
Maharashtra
Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan city in India, famous for its architecture, shopping, gastronomy, and Bollywood. Maharashtra accounts for second largest foreign tourists arrivals in India.[11]
Main article: Tourism in Maharashtra
See also: Tourist Attractions in Mumbai and Tourist attractions in Aurangabad district

Maharashtra is the second most visited state in India by foreign tourists,[11] with more than 2 million foreign tourists arrivals annually. Maharashtra boasts of a large number of popular and revered religious venues that are heavily frequented by locals as well as out-of-state visitors.

Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves and Victoria Terminus are the three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Maharashtra and are highly responsible for the development of Tourism in the state.

Mumbai is the most cosmopolitan city in India, and a great place to experience modern India. Mumbai famous for Bollywood, the world's largest film industry. In addition, Mumbai is famous for its clubs, shopping, and upscale gastronomy. The city is known for its architecture, from the ancient Elephanta Caves, to the Islamic Haji Ali Mosque, to the colonial architecture of Bombay High Court and Victoria Terminus.

Maharashtra also has numerous adventure tourism destinations, including paragliding, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Maharashtra also has several pristine national parks and reserves. The Bibi Ka Maqbara at Aurangabad the Mahalakshmi temple at Kolhapur, the cities of Nashik, Trimbak famous for religious importance and the city of Pune the seat of the Maratha Empire and the fantastic Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations together contribute for the Tourism sector of Mahrashtra.

See Also: Maharashtra Tourism Official Website
Orissa
Konark Sun Temple built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Orissa has been a preferred destination from ancient days for people who have an interest in spirituality, religion, culture, art and natural beauty. Ancient and medieval architecture, pristine sea beaches, the classical and ethnic dance forms and a variety of festivals. Orissa has kept the religion of Buddhism alive. Rock-edicts that have challenged time stand huge and over-powering by the banks of the river Daya. The torch of Buddhism is still ablaze in the sublime triangle at Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, on the banks of river Birupa. Precious fragments of a glorious past come alive in the shape of stupas, rock-cut caves, rock-edicts, excavated monasteries, viharas, chaityas and sacred relics in caskets and the Rock-edicts of Ashoka. Orissa is also famous for its well-preserved Hindu Temples, especially the Konark Sun Temple.[12]

Orissa is the home for various tribal communities who have contributed uniquely to the multicultural and multilingual character of the state. Their handicrafts, different dance forms, jungle products and their unique life style blended with their healing practices have got world wide attention.

See Also: Orissa Tourism Official Website
Puducherry
Main article: Tourism in Puducherry
The Matrimandir, a golden metallic sphere in auroville, Puducherry

The Union Territory of Puducherry comprises four coastal regions viz- Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. Puducherry is the Capital of this Union Territory and one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. Puducherry has been described by National Geographic as "a glowing highlight of subcontinental sojourn". The city has many beautiful colonial buildings, churches, temples, and statues, which, combined with the systematic town planning and the well planned French style avenues, still preserve much of the colonial ambience.
Punjab
Main article: Tourism in Punjab (India)
Harimandir Sahib or "The Golden Temple"

Punjab is one of India's most beautiful states. The state of Punjab is renowned for its cuisine, culture and history. Punjab has a vast public transportation and communication network. Some of the main cities in Punjab are Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Ludhiana. Punjab also has a rich religious history incorporating Sikhism and Hinduism. Tourism in Punjab is principally suited for the tourists interested in culture, ancient civilization, spirituality and epic history. Some of the villages in Punjab are also a must see for the person who wants to see the true Punjab, with their beautiful traditional Indian homes, farms and temples, this is a must see for any visitor that goes to Punjab.
Rajasthan
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Main article: Tourism in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, literally meaning "Land of the Kings", is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Northern India. The vast sand dunes of the Thar Desert attract millions of tourists from around the globe every year.

Attractions:

* Jaipur - The capital of Rajasthan, famous for its rich history and royal architecture.
* Jodhpur - Fortress-city at the edge of the Thar Desert, famous for its blue homes and architecture.
* Udaipur - Known as the "Venice" of India.
* Jaisalmer - Famous for its golden fortress.
* Barmer - Barmer and surrounding areas offer perfect picture of typical Rajasthani villages.
* Bikaner - Famous for its medieval history as a trade route outpost.
* Mount Abu - Is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan.
* Pushkar - It has the first and one of the very Brahma temples in the world.
* Nathdwara - This town near Udaipur hosts the famous temple of Shrinathji.
* Ranthambore - Situated near Sawai Madhopur, this town has one of the largest and most famous national parks in India.

See Also: Rajasthan Tourism Official Website
Sikkim
Kangchenjunga at Sikkim is the third highest mountain in the world.

Originally known as Suk-Heem, which in the local language means "peaceful home", Sikkim was an independent kingdom till the year 1974, when it became a part of the Republic of India. The capital of Sikkim is Gangtok, located approximately 185 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri, the nearest railway station to Sikkim. Although, an airport is under construction at Dekiling in East Sikkim, the nearest airport to Sikkim would be Bagdogra. Sikkim is considered as the land of Orchids and mystic cultures and colorful traditions. Sikkim is well known among trekkers and adventure lovers, as West Sikkim has a lot to give them.

Places near Sikkim include Darjeeling also known as the Queen of hills and Kalimpong. Darjeeling, other than its world famous "Darjeeling tea" is also famous for its refined "Prep schools" founded during the British Raj. Kalimpong is also famous for its flora cultivation and is home to many internationally known Nurseries.

See Also: Sikkim Tourism Official Website
Tamil Nadu
Main article: Tourism in Tamil Nadu
The Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram is an ancient temple on the Indian Ocean, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tamil Nadu lies in the southern Indian peninsula, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Many great rulers including the Cholas, Pallavas, Pandyas and the Vijayanagara Empire ruled over parts of Tamil Nadu. The state is known for its cultural heritage and temple architecture.

Attractions includeMahabalipuram, famous for its Shore Temple, Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India, Auroville, an International Utopian city, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Ooty and Kodaikanal, two famous hill stations. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a Unesco World Heritage Site

See Also: Tamil Nadu Tourism Official Website
Uttarakhand
The Valley of Flowers and Nanda Devi National Parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Uttaranchal is the 27th state of the Republic of India. It contains glaciers, snow-clad mountains, valley of flowers, skiing slopes and dense forests, and many shrines and places of pilgrimage. Char-dhams, the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are nestled in the Himalayas. Haridwar which means Gateway to God is the only place on the plains.

It holds the watershed for Gangetic River System spanning 300 km from Satluj in the west to Kali river in the east. Nanda Devi (25640 Ft) is the second highest peak in India after Kanchenjunga (28160 Ft). Dunagiri, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, Panchachuli, Trisul are other peaks above 23000 Ft. It is considered the abode of Devtas, Yakashyas, Kinners, Fairies and Sages.[citation needed] It boasts of some old hill-stations developed during British era like Mussoorie, Almora and Nainital.

Glaciers
Pindari Glacier, Milam Glacier, Gangotri Glacier, Bunder Punch Glacier, Khatling Glacier, Doonagiri Glacier, Dokrani Glacier, Kaphini Glacier, Ralam Glacier

Wildlife Reserves
Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, Asan Conservation Reserve, Nanda Devi National Park, Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary (Askot), Valley of Flowers

Adventure Sports
Skiing at Mundali, Auli, Dayara Bagyal and Munsiyari. Trekking at Mussoorie, Uttarkashi, Joshimath, Munsiyari, Chaukori, Pauri, Almora, Nainital

See Also: Uttarakhand Tourism Official Website
Uttar Pradesh
Main article: Tourism in Uttar Pradesh
Diwan-i-Khas – Hall of Private Audience at Fatehpur Sikri

Situated in the northern part of India, Uttar Pradesh is important with its wealth of monuments and religious fervour. Geographically, Uttar Pradesh is very diverse, with Himalayan foothills in the extreme north, the Gangetic Plain in the centre, and the Vindhya Mountain Range towards the South. It is also home of India's most visited site, the Taj Mahal, and Hinduism's holiest city, Varanasi. The most populous state of the Indian Union also has a rich cultural heritage, and at the heart of North India, Uttar Pradesh has much to offer. Places of interest include Varanasi, Agra, Mathura, Jhansi, Prayag, Sarnath, Ayodhya, Dudhwa National Park and Fatehpur Sikri.
West Bengal
Victoria Memorial in Kolkata

Kolkata, one of the many cities in the state of West Bengal has been nicknamed the City of Palaces. This comes from the numerous palatial mansions built all over the city. Unlike many north Indian cities, whose construction stresses minimalism, the layout of much of the architectural variety in Kolkata owes its origins to European styles and tastes imported by the British and, to a much lesser extent, the Portuguese and French. The buildings were designed and inspired by the tastes of the English gentleman around and the aspiring Bengali Babu (literally, a nouveau riche Bengali who aspired to cultivation of English etiquette, manners and custom, as such practices were favourable to monetary gains from the British). Today, many of these structures are in various stages of decay. Some of the major buildings of this period are well maintained and several buildings have been declared as heritage structures.

From historical point of view, the story of West Bengal begins from Gour and Pandua situated close to the present district town of Malda. The twin medieval cities had been sacked at least once by changing powers in the 15th century. However, ruins from the period still remain, and several architectural specimens still retain the glory and shin of those times. The Hindu architecture of Bishnupur in terracotta and laterite sandstone are renowned world over. Towards the British colonial period came the architecture of Murshidabad and Coochbehar.

Notable site of West Bengal
Cooch Behar · Cooch Behar · Darjeeling · Kalimpong · Kurseong · Dooars · Digha · Bishnupur · Malda · Mukutmanipur · Ayodhya Hills · Murshidabad · Kolkata.

Places of Worship
Dakshineswar Kali Temple · Kalighat Temple · Birla temple · Belur Math · Bhoothnath · Tipu Sultan Mosque · Nakhoda Mosque · St. Paul's Cathedral · St. John's Church · Parsi Fire Temples · Japanese Buddhist Temple · Pareshnath Jain Temple

See Also: Tourism Official Website
Historic monuments

The Taj Mahal is one of India's best-known sites and one of the best architectural achievements in India. Located in Agra, it was built between 1631 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his wife, Arjumand Banu, more popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal serves as her tomb.

The Golden Temple is one of the most respected temples in India and the most sacred place for Sikhs. The Golden Temple is located in Amritsar, Punjab, India.

The Bahá'í temple in Delhi, was completed in 1986 and serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian Subcontinent. It has won numerous architectural awards and been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles. (It is also known as the Lotus Temple.)

The Victoria Terminus in Mumbai was built by the British and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Taj Mahal Palace is an icon of Mumbai.

The Victoria Memorial in Kolkata
Nature Tourism

India has geographical diversity, which resulted in varieties of nature tourism.

* Water falls in Western Ghats including Jog falls (highest in India).
* Western Ghats
* Kerala backwaters
* Hill Stations
* Wildlife reserves

Wildlife in India
Main article: Fauna of India
Royal Bengal Tiger in Sundarbans. The world's largest mangrove forest as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

India is home to several well known large mammals including the Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Leopard and Indian Rhinoceros, often engrained culturally and religiously often being associated with deities. Other well known large Indian mammals include ungulates such as the domestic Asian Water buffalo, wild Asian Water buffalo, Nilgai, Gaur and several species of deer and antelope. Some members of the dog family such as the Indian Wolf, Bengal Fox, Golden Jackal and the Dhole or Wild Dogs are also widely distributed. It is also home to the Striped Hyaena, Macaques, Langurs and Mongoose species. India also has a large variety of protected wildlife. The country's protected wilderness consists of 75 National parks of India and 421 Sanctuaries, of which 19 fall under the purview of Project Tiger. Its climatic and geographic diversity makes it the home of over 350 mammals and 1200 bird species, many of which are unique to the subcontinent.

Some well known national wildlife sanctuaries include Bharatpur, Corbett, Kanha, Kaziranga, Periyar, Ranthambore and Sariska. The world's largest mangrove forest Sundarbans is located in southern West Bengal. The Sundarbans is UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hill stations
A summer view of Khajjiar, a hill station in Himachal Pradesh.
Main article: List of Indian hill stations

Several hill stations served as summer capitals of Indian provinces, princely states, or, in the case of Shimla, of British India itself. Since Indian Independence, the role of these hill stations as summer capitals has largely ended, but many hill stations remain popular summer resorts. Most famous hill stations are:

* Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh - It is also known as The Queen of Satpura.
* Araku, Andhra Pradesh
* Gulmarg, Srinagar and Laddakh in Jammu and Kashmir
* Darjeeling in West Bengal
* Munnar in Kerala
* Ooty and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu
* Shillong in Meghalaya
* Shimla, Kullu in Himachal Pradesh
* Nainital in Uttarakhand
* Gangtok in Sikkim
* Mussoorie in Uttarakhand

In addition to the bustling hill stations and summer capitals of yore, there are several serene and peaceful nature retreats and places of interest to visit for a nature lover. These range from the stunning moonscapes of Leh and Ladhak, to small, exclusive nature retreats such as Dunagiri, Binsar, Mukteshwar in the Himalayas, to rolling vistas of Western Ghats to numerous private retreats in the rolling hills of Kerala.
Beaches
Main article: List of beaches in India
Wiki letter w.svg This section requires expansion.
Elephants and camels rides are common on Indian beaches. Shown here is Havelock Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

India offers a wide range of tropical beaches with silver/golden sand to coral beaches of Lakshadweep. States like Kerala and Goa have exploited the potential of beaches to the fullest. However, there are a lot many unexploited beaches in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharastra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. These states have very high potential to be develop them as future destinations for prospective tourists. Some of the famous tourist beaches are:

* Beaches of Vizag, Andhra Pradesh
* Beaches of Puri, Orissa
* Beaches of Digha, West Bengal
* Beaches of Goa
* Kovalam Beach, Kerala
* Marina Beach, Chennai
* Beaches of Mahabalipuram
* Beaches in Mumbai
* Beaches of Diu
* Beaches of Midnapore, West Bengal
* Andaman and Nicobar Islands
* Lakshadweep Islands

Adventure Tourism
Skiing in Manali, Himachal Pradesh

* River rafting and kayaking in Himalayas
* Mountain climbing in Himalayas
* Rock climbing in Madhya Pradesh
* Skiing in Gulmarg or Auli
* Boat racing in Bhopal
* Paragliding in Maharashtra

2010 Chile earthquake

2010-03-05T21:59:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Chilean earthquake occurred off the coast of the Maule Region of Chile[4] on February 27, 2010, at 03:34 local time (06:34 UTC), rating a magnitude of 8.8 on the moment magnitude scale and lasting about three minutes.[5][6] The cities experiencing the strongest shaking—VIII (Destructive) on the Mercalli intensity scale—were Talcahuano, Arauco, Lota, Chiguayante, Cañete, and San Antonio.[1] The earthquake was felt in the capital Santiago at Mercalli intensity scale VII (Very Strong).[7] Tremors were felt in many Argentine cities, including Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza and La Rioja.[8][9] Tremors were felt as far north as the city of Ica in southern Peru.[10] Tsunami warnings were issued in 53 countries,[7] and a tsunami was recorded, with amplitude of up to 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) high, at Valparaíso. President Michelle Bachelet declared a "state of catastrophe". She also confirmed the deaths of at least 723 people,[11] although later reports from Chilean officials reduced the estimated death toll to 279.[12] Many more have been reported missing.[13][14][15]

Seismologists estimate that the earthquake was so powerful that it may have shortened the length of the day by 1.26 microseconds and moved the earth's axis of rotation by 8 cm or 2.7 milliarcseconds.[16][17]

The epicenter of the earthquake was offshore from the Maule Region, approximately 8 km (5.0 miles) west of Curanipe and 115 km (71 mi) north-northeast of Chile's second largest city, Concepción.[18][19] The earthquake also caused seiches to occur in Lake Pontchartrain to the north of New Orleans, United States, located nearly 4,700 miles (7,600 km) from the epicenter of the quake.[20]
Contents
[hide]

* 1 Geology
o 1.1 Compared to past earthquakes
o 1.2 Aftershocks
* 2 Damage and casualties
o 2.1 Humanitarian response
* 3 Conditions in the aftermath
o 3.1 Chaos and disorder
o 3.2 Prison escape and riots
o 3.3 Government response
o 3.4 Economic recovery
* 4 Tsunami
o 4.1 Chile
o 4.2 Oceania
o 4.3 North America
o 4.4 Tsunami related aid given
o 4.5 Data
* 5 See also
* 6 References
* 7 External links

[edit] Geology
The Nazca Plate is subducting under the South American Plate. This movement causes seismicity and volcanism throughout Chile.
Main articles: Nazca Plate and geology of Chile
Search Wikinews Wikinews has related news: NASA scientist: Chile earthquake may have shifted Earth's axis, shortened day

The earthquake took place along the boundary between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, at a location where they converge at a rate of eighty millimeters (about three inches) a year. This earthquake was characterized by a thrust-faulting focal mechanism, caused by the subduction of the Nazca plate beneath the South American.[18]

Chile has been at a convergent plate boundary that generates megathrust earthquakes since the Paleozoic (500 million yeas ago). In historical times the Chilean coast has suffered many megathrust earthquakes along this plate boundary, including the strongest earthquake ever measured. Most recently, the boundary ruptured in 2007 in northern Chile.

The segment of the fault zone which ruptured in this earthquake was estimated to be over 700 km (430 mi) long with slips of almost 10 meters.[21] It lay immediately north of the 1,000 km (620 mi) segment which ruptured in the great earthquake of 1960.[22]
[edit] Compared to past earthquakes

This was the strongest earthquake affecting Chile since the magnitude 9.5 1960 Valdivia earthquake (the most energetic earthquake ever recorded in the world), and it is the strongest earthquake worldwide since the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.[23] It is tied with the Ecuadoran earthquake of 1906 as the seventh strongest earthquake ever recorded, five hundred times more forceful than the 7.0 Mw earthquake in Haiti in January of 2010.[24]
[edit] Aftershocks

An aftershock of 6.2 was recorded 20 minutes after the initial quake.[25][26] Two more aftershocks of magnitudes 5.4 and 5.6 followed within an hour of the initial quake.[26] The USGS said that "a large vigorous aftershock sequence can be expected from this earthquake".[18] By March 6 UTC, more than one hundred thirty aftershocks had been registered, including thirteen above magnitude 6.0.[27]

A 6.9-magnitude offshore earthquake struck approximately 185 miles southwest of, and less than 90 minutes after, the initial shock; however, it is not clear if that quake is related to the main shock.[28] A separate earthquake of magnitude 6.3 occurred in Salta, Argentina, at 3:45 pm UTC on February 27, at a depth of 38.2 km (23.7 mi);[29] two people were injured and one died in Salta.[30] This earthquake was followed on March 1, at 6:32 am UTC by a magnitude 4.9 aftershock.[31] Four other earthquakes above M5.0, some possible aftershocks, also occured near the border in Argentina following the Chile earthquake; a magnitude 5.0 earthquake occured in Mendoza on February 28, a M5.3 earthquake in Neuquen and a M5.2 in San Juan on March 2, and a M5.1 quake in Mendoza on March 4.[32][33][34][35]

Another earthquake occured on March 4, at 22:39 UTC in Antofagasta in northern Chile, with a magnitude of 6.3.[36]

Minor quakes generated by the main one could be felt as far away as São Paulo, Brazil,[37] located about 3,000 km (1,900 mi) away from Concepción. Since the major earthquake, and as of March 5, at least four to forty >M5.0 earthquakes have been recorded daily in the vicinity of the main earthquae[38], including four above magnitude 6.0 between March 3 and 00:00 UTC March 6.[26]

On March 5, two aftershocks above M6.0 were reported. The first was a 6.3-magnitude off the coast of the Bio-Bio region. The second was near the epicenter of the original quake at 8:47am local time with a magnitude of 6.6. [39]
[edit] Damage and casualties
Structural damage caused by the earthquake.

According to an Associated Press Television News cameraman, some buildings collapsed in Santiago and there are power outages in parts of the city.[40] A fire was reported in a chemical plant in an outskirt of Santiago and caused the evacuation of the neighborhood.[25] Santiago's International Airport seems to have been damaged and the airport authority has closed off all flight operations for the next 24 hours from around 12:00 UTC.[4] On Sunday, February 28, Ricardo Ortega, head of the Chilean Air Force, said commercial airline service had been partially re-established and aircraft were being allowed to land in Santiago.[41]

Santiago's national Fine Arts Museum was badly damaged. An apartment building's two-story parking lot collapsed, smashing about 50 cars. According to one health official, three hospitals in Santiago collapsed, and a dozen more south of the capital also suffered significant damage.[42]
Slight damage to buildings in Santiago de Chile on the morning after the earthquake.

In Valparaíso, a tsunami wave of 1.29 m was reported. The port of Valparaíso was orderd to be closed due to the damage caused by the earthquake. The port started to resume limited operations on February 28.[43] In Viña del Mar, a touristic city and part of Greater Valparaíso, several buildings were structually damaged, pricipally in the district Plan de Viña.[44]

Many cities in Maule region were seriously affected by the earthquake. Curanipe, only 8 km (5 mi) from the epicenter, was hit by a tsunami after the earthquake and still remained isolated from outside as of February 28.[45] A surfer said the tsunami "...was like the one in Thailand, a sudden rise of water. One could not estimate the dimension of the wave, because it was advancing foam. There were 10 to 15 rises, the last one being at 08:30 in the morning."[46] In Talca, the capital of Maule region, many dead were trapped in the rubble. The administrative building was uninhabitable, and the authorities had to be set up in the parade ground.[47] All but two of the local hospital’s thirteen wings were in ruins. Dr. Claudio Martínez was quoted as saying, “We’re only keeping the people in danger of dying.” Hospital staff attempted to transport some patients to Santiago on Sunday morning, but roads were blocked.[48]
USGS shake map of the earthquake

Damaged buildings and fires were reported in Concepción.[49] Rescue teams had difficulty accessing Concepción because of the damaged infrastructure.[25] The fifteen-storey residential building "Alto Río" fell backwards, horizontally lay on the ground, and trapped many of the residents. As the building was newly completed, 19 of the apartments were occupied and 36 were unknown if there were habitants therein.[50][51][52] A 2.34 m (7.68 ft) tsunami wave hit Talcahuano, a port city and part of the Concepción conurbation. The tsunami caused serious damage to port facilities and lifted boats out of the water.[53] In the fishing town of Dichato, which has 7,000 residents, it was the third tsunami wave that ended up being the most damaging.[54]

Dilapidated buildings could be seen on the streets of Temuco, about 400 km (250 mi) from the epicenter. The adobe of some buildings fell. Façades fell in pieces and crushed cars. Two people were reported dead because of not having been able to escape from a discothèque. On February 27, it was reported that "to find a business open is almost impossible" ("Encontrar un negocio abierto es casi imposible").[55][56]

In Chile, at least 500,000 homes are estimated to be damaged.[57] At least 723 people were reported killed, although later reports from Chilean officials indicated that the death toll was significantly overestimated, with the actual identified death toll being only 279 as of March 4, 2010.[12]

The Chilean National Emergency Office (Oficina Nacional de Emergencia) estimated that the intensity of the earthquake was 9 on the Mercalli scale in the Biobío Region and 8 in Santiago.[25][58] USGS put the intensity in Talcahuano at MM VIII, in Santiago and Concepción at MM VII and in Valparaíso at MM VI.[1]
[edit] Humanitarian response
Main article: Humanitarian response to the 2010 Chile earthquake

Despite President Michelle Bachelet's earlier statement that Chile did not need international aid,[59] leaders of many countries and intergovernmental organizations, including the United Nations and European Union, responded to the earthquake and sent messages of condolence to the government and people of Chile over the loss of lives and property. Argentina, the United States, United Kingdom, People's Republic of China, Singapore, Haiti, and Pakistan were among the countries that responded earliest following the quake.[60][61] Appeals for humanitarian aid were issued by the UK-based Oxfam, Save the Children and others.

Chilean television host Don Francisco created a charity event called Chile helps Chile to be released in Santiago on March 5 and March 6, 2010.[62]
[edit] Conditions in the aftermath
Main Beach of Pichilemu after the Earthquake, Saturday February 27, 2010.
Wiki letter w.svg This section requires expansion.
[edit] Chaos and disorder

Nearly half the regions in the country were declared "catastrophe zones", and curfews were imposed in some areas of looting and public disorder.[63] On February 28, 2010, a day after the earthquake, some affected cities were chaotic, with extensive looting of supermarkets in Concepción. Items stolen included not only food and other necessities, but also electronic goods and other durable merchandise. To control vandalism, a special force of carabineros (the "GOPE") was sent to disperse rioters with tear gas and water cannon.[64] However, despite these and other government acts (including the curfews), pillaging continued in both urban and rural areas of the affected zones.[65] Reportedly, military police arrested 160 in Concepción on March 1st and 2nd.[66]
The damaged Museum of Contemporary Art

On March 1, 2010, pillaging of supermarkets in Concepción and in some districts of Santiago continued. In Santiago, the police were forced to shoot into the air in order to disperse mobs which, again, were stealing both necessities such as food and water and durable goods such as electronic devices and home appliances).[65] In Concepción, despite the militarization of the zone, mobs continued to steal from supermarkets and went as far as to set one store ablaze.[67]

According to the BBC on March 5th, the city and fishing port of Talcahuano, which lies but a few kilometers down the coast from Concepción, has been left largely to fend by itself. Neighborhood vigilante groups, including one led by a public works employee with a gun license, and the few police present allow such behavior as residents' siphoning fuel from tanks at a petrol station, but step in if someone starts to attack a cash machine. One man stated, "I've personally saved dozens of people from attack in this apartment block."[68]

Chileans living in regions not affected by the earthquake (including those living abroad) also grieved, as they sought to learn more regarding kinsmen and friends affected by the earthquake. In the hardest-hit zones there was no communication with the exterior because of the failure of electricity and the destruction of telephone lines.[65]
[edit] Prison escape and riots

In the prison of El Manzano in Concepción, a prison riot began after a failed escape atempt by the inmates. Different parts of the prison were set afire and the riot was brought under control only after the guards shot into the air and recieved help from military units.[69]

By March 1st, prison guards in Chillán had recaptured 36 of 203 prisoners who had escaped following the earthquake. During their escape, prisoners burned seven houses close to the prison. A witness in Chillán asserted that he had robbed by prisoners with a machine gun who also had forced his girlfriend to kiss them. Another witness alleged sexual molestation by around twenty men who were believed to be escaped prisoners. The leading Chilean newspaper El Mercurio described the situation in Chillán as reminiscent of the "Wild West".[69]
[edit] Government response

Four hours after the earthquake, when the death count was still low, President Bachelet provided a press conference in which she informed the population of the situation and stated that Chile did not yet need international aid.[59] However, about two million people have been affected by the quake with more than 500,000 houses completely damaged. In many cities, people slept in tents in parks or simply on streets, for fear of aftershocks. The government was prepared to begin distributing food and other vital aid around the country.[70]

On February 28, President Bachelet stated that her government had reached an agreement with the major supermarkets that would allow them to give away stocked basic foodstuffs to people affected by the earthquake.[71] As of February 28, the Santiago Metro rapid-transit network was already partially available and was expected to be fully operative on the following day, March 1.[72]

On March 4, President-elect Sebastián Piñera, who assumes office on March 11, was quoted as saying that his goals are "to cope with the emergency needs of citizens, find people who are still missing, provide prompt and timely assistance to the sick and wounded, and restore law and order so that people can return to peace."[73]
[edit] Economic recovery

As of March 3, the central port city of San Antonio has said it has returned to 80% capacity. In addition, for Valparaiso port, Raul Maturana, a spokesman for the Federation of Port Workers Union, has stated that Valparaiso is operating normally. However, ports in southern Chile, which are closer to the epicenter, remain closed.[74]

On March 4, President Bachelet said Chile will need international loans and three to four years to rebuild.[75]
[edit] Tsunami
Ambox outdated serious.svg
Parts of this article (those related to section) may no longer be up to date. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information, and remove this template when finished. Please see the talk page for more information. (March 2010)
Crystal Clear app kedit.svg
This section needs reorganization to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. There is good information here, but it is poorly organized; editors are encouraged to be bold and make changes to the overall structure to improve this article. (March 2010)

A tsunami warning was first declared for Chile and Peru,[76] and a tsunami watch for Ecuador, Colombia, Antarctica, Panama and Costa Rica.[77][78] The warning was later extended to a Pacific Ocean-wide warning, covering all coastal areas on the Pacific Ocean except the west coast of the United States, British Columbia, and Alaska.[79] Hawaiian media reported that tsunami warning sirens sounded at 6 am local time.[80] The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center issued advisories about potential tidal waves of less than 1 m (3 ft 3 in) striking the Pacific Ocean coastline between California and most of Alaska late in the afternoon or through the evening 12 or more hours after the initial earthquake.[81]

The tsunami warning was cancelled for all countries except Japan and Russia in PTWC Bulletin 18 of 00:12 UTC on 28 February 2010.[82]

In general, tsunamis tend to come in several waves, of which the first may not be the highest.[83][84]
The tsunami's passage as recorded by National Data Buoy Center Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoy 34142, located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean 630 nautical miles (1170 km) southwest of Lima, Peru.

The U.S. National Weather Service's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning throughout a huge swathe of the Pacific region, including Antarctica.[85] In the Americas, the warning extends to Chile (including Easter Island), Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Panama.[85] A warning was also issued for the Oceania and Pacific Islands nations and territories of American Samoa, Australia, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia (including the FSM states of Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap), Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Jarvis Island, Johnston Island, the Kermadec Islands, Kiribati, Marcus Island, the Marshall Islands, Midway Island, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna and Wake Island.[85] Tsunami warnings are also in effect as far away as East and Southeast Asia including Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Russia and Taiwan.[85]

Coastal areas of Canada's westernmost province British Columbia were under a tsunami advisory.[86] No large wave was expected to strike British Columbia, but strong local ocean currents combined with a wave put low-lying coastal regions at risk of flooding.[86] The first wave was expected to reach southern British Columbia at 3:11 p.m. local time.[86] Residents were advised to avoid beaches, harbours and marinas.[87]

A tsunami advisory was also issued for coastal areas of California, Oregon, Washington and southern Alaska in the United States.[88] This tsunami advisory was canceled as of 7:13 AM UTD on February 28.[89]

Russian authorities lifted a tsunami alert for the Kamchatka coast, after the arrival of a 0.8 m (2.6 ft) surge that caused no damage.[90] The tsunami was also reported to be small along the Japanese coast passed without incident. Many coastal areas in Japan had been evacuated as a precaution.[91]

The projections use DART (Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis) gauges spread along the sea floor, which is a fairly new technology. Initial deep sea readings showed wave height of 25 centimeters, which is huge for deep water according to Gerard Fryer of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. He went on to say, “although it was huge, we didn't quite know what it meant because we haven't much experience with those. As we get more under our belts, we'll get better."[92]
[edit] Chile

Some 30 minutes after the first shock, consecutive tsunami waves hit coastal towns, among which Constitución suffered the hardest damage;[93] subsequently, a tsunami amplitude of up to 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) high was recorded in the sea at Valparaíso.[25][94][95] A wave amplitude of 2.34 m (7.68 ft) was recorded at Talcahuano in the Biobío Region.[2] Robinson Crusoe Island, the largest of the Juan Fernández Islands, was struck by a large wave led to the deaths of four people on the island, with eleven people reported as missing, according to Provincial Governor Ivan De La Maza. President Bachelet is reported to have sent an aid mission to the remote island.[96][97]

As a precaution against the coming tsunami, partial evacuation was ordered in Easter Island, about 3,510 km (2,180 mi) away from the coast of Chile. The tsunami wave arrived in Easter Island at 12:05 UTC, measuring 0.35 m (1.15 ft).[98][99]

On 27 February, defense minister Francisco Vidal said that the Chilean Navy had made a mistake by not immediately issuing a tsunami warning after the earthquake, a step that could have helped coastal villagers flee to higher ground sooner. However, an alarm was later sounded by port captains and saved some lives.[100]
[edit] Oceania

New Zealand

Initially, the New Zealand Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management (CDEM) said they did not expect a tsunami to reach New Zealand,[101] but later issued a warning stating that waves of up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) high were likely for the eastern[102] and later the entire New Zealand coast.[103] By 7:55 pm UTC (8:40 am local), Civil Defence reported wave activity of 50 cm (1.6 ft) in the Chatham Islands,[104] and 2 m (6 ft 7 in) surges were reported there later in the morning.[105] A surge 2.2 m (7 ft 3 in) high hit the South Island's Banks Peninsula,[103][106] while surges up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) high were reported in the northern North Island.[107] By mid afternoon (local time), Civil Defence had downgraded the tsunami warning to an alert, while still advising that sea levels could change quickly for up to 24 hours from the initial surge.[108]

Antarctica

The U.S. Antarctic Program's coastal station along the Antarctic Peninsula, Palmer Station, went on a tsunami alert shortly after the earthquake struck Chile. To prepare for a possible tsunami, station personnel removed all Zodiac boats from the water and moved any materials from low-lying areas that waves could have swept away. Personnel also retreated to the station’s highest building, GWR, while the tsunami warning was in effect, Ellis said. Palmer personnel developed a tsunami emergency plan following the 2004 earthquake in the Indian Ocean that created a tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people in 14 countries. While no noticeable tsunami occurred at Palmer, the station tide monitor displayed bumps of several centimeters, signifying that a small wave had indeed reached the shores of Anvers Island.[109]

Australia

The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Center (JATWC) sent out tsunami warnings for New South Wales, Queensland, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, Tasmania, and Victoria. The organization warned of the possibility of dangerous waves, strong ocean currents and foreshore flooding to occur on the east coast of Australia for several hours on Sunday.[110] As a result of the warnings, patrolled beaches in New South Wales and Queensland remained closed (red flags) and lifeguards ushered people to leave the water. However beach goers and surfers ignored the warnings. Numerous onlookers also crowded parts of the shore to view potential effects of the tsunami.[111] The beach ban was lifted by the end of the day and there was no reports of damage, flooding or other emergencies. Tsunami waves of between 10 cm and 50 cm were recorded and their surges were believed to have created strong currents. Increases in sea levels include: Norfolk Island 50 cm, Gold Coast (Qld) 20 cm, Port Kembla (NSW) 14 cm, Southport (Tas) 17 cm.[111]

French Polynesia

A wave measuring up to 6 ft (1.8 m) high struck portions of French Polynesia between 3:50 pm to 5:50 pm UTC (6:50 am to 6:50 am local), with no reports of injuries as of February 28, 2010 (2010 -02-28)[update].[112] A wave 4 meters high is reported to have struck Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands.[113] The first waves were expected to hit the main island of Tahiti at approximately 4:50 pm UTC (7:50 am local).[114] Cars and other automobiles were banned from roads closer than 500 m (1,600 ft) from the Pacific Ocean.[114]

Réseau France Outre-mer in Papeete reported that a wave measuring less than 1 m (3 ft 3 in) passed east of the Gambier Islands with no damage, according to Monique Richeton, the mayor of Rikitea.[112][114] Residents of the Tuamotus, which are low-lying, were told to move to the highest points on the island.[114]

American Samoa

The first wave was expected to reach American Samoa, which is still recovering from the 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami, at 8:51 local time.[114] Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia urged residents not to rush to A'oloau, a high elevation area on Tutuila, as it could cause traffic jams, putting safety at risk.[114] Many coastal towns, including the main city of Pago Pago, had already been heavily damaged in the 2009 tsunami. The first wave arrived on Pago Plaza at 21:58 UTC.

Philippines

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued an advisory that tsunami wave(s) were expected to hit the eastern coast of the Philippines on Sunday between 5:00 am and 6:30 am UTC (1:00 pm and 2:30 pm local). Residents of 19 eastern provinces "are advised to prepare for possible evacuation."[115] However, at 3:15 PM on February 28, 2010, all warnings have been cancelled.[116]

Hawaii

United States Senators Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka issued a joint press release announcing the first tsunami evacuation in Hawaii since 1994.[117][118] Warning sirens were sounded throughout the state, as hotels in Waikiki evacuated tourists at 6 a.m. People in tall buildings were encouraged to move above the third floor. Waves measuring nine feet high were originally predicted to strike Hilo Bay on the Big Island of Hawai'i at 11:05 a.m. local time (2105 GMT),[119] but by 11:18 a.m., major receding and waves had not been reported on the shoreline. By 11:40, several waves hit the islands amounting to raising and lowering of the sea near the coast, and a fourth wave hit around 1:12 p.m. The tsunami warning for Hawaii was canceled in the early afternoon on Saturday, February 27.

Gerard Fryer, a geophysicist for the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center was quoted as saying: “We expected the waves to be bigger in Hawaii, maybe about 50 percent bigger than they actually were."[120] Early in the morning, the Center expected waves of 10 feet. In actuality, the highest tsunami waves ended up being about 5 to 6 feet peak to trough.[92]
[edit] North America

British Columbia

At around 11:00 pm UTC (3:00 pm local), a tsunami warning was issued for coastal British Columbia. Extra precautions were already in place due to the 2010 Winter Olympics being held in Vancouver at the time.[121]

California

Small waves were expected in California, and receding was reported at Long Beach. Minor damage was reported on some coastal areas. The tsunami damaged navigation buoys at Ventura.[122] Additionally, a boat was torn loose from its mooring and minor erosion occurred within Ventura Harbor. Damage to docks and pilings in the area was moderate.[123]

Guerrero

In Guerrero, surges of between 30 cm and 1 meter and receding of up to 10 m were reported, and three small vessels were sunk at Tecpán de Galeana. The state tourism authorities announced they would be sending a letter to the CNN news network to protest the "alarming" way in which it had forecast a tsunami for the major tourist destination of Acapulco.[124]
[edit]

Taj Mahal

2010-03-05T17:40:00.000-08:00

The mausoleum of the Taj MahalThe Taj Mahal (English pronunciation: /ˈtɑːʒ məˈhɑːl/; Hindi: ताज महल [taːdʑ mɛɦɛl];[dubious – discuss] Persian/Urdu: تاج محل) is a mausoleum located in Agra, India, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

The Taj Mahal (also "the Taj") is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.[1][2] In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."

While the white domed marble mausoleum is its most familiar component, the Taj Mahal is actually an integrated complex of structures. Building began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, and employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen.[3] The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision including Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.[4][5] Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer.[6]

Contents [hide]
1 Origin and inspiration
2 Architecture
2.1 The tomb
2.1.1 Exterior decoration
2.1.2 Interior decoration
2.2 The garden
2.3 Outlying buildings
3 Construction
4 History
5 Threats
6 Tourism
7 Myths
8 Replicas
9 Cultural references
9.1 Film
9.2 Other
10 See also
11 Notes
12 References
13 External links

Origin and inspiration
Main article: Origins and architecture of the Taj Mahal

Shah Jahan, who commissioned the Taj Mahal -"Shah jahan on a globe" from the Smithsonian Institution Artistic depiction of Mumtaz Mahal
In 1631, Shah Jahan, emperor during the Mughal empire's period of greatest prosperity, was griefstricken when his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died during the birth of their fourteenth child, Gauhara Begum.[7] Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, one year after her death.[8] The court chronicles of Shah Jahan's grief illustrate the love story traditionally held as an inspiration for Taj Mahal.[9][10] The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished five years later. Emperor Shah Jahan himself described the Taj in these words:[11]

Should guilty seek asylum here,
Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.
Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,
All his past sins are to be washed away.
The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;
And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.
In this world this edifice has been made;
To display thereby the creator's glory.

The Taj Mahal incorporates and expands on design traditions of Persian architecture and earlier Mughal architecture. Specific inspiration came from successful Timurid and Mughal buildings including; the Gur-e Amir (the tomb of Timur, progenitor of the Mughal dynasty, in Samarkand),[12] Humayun's Tomb, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb (sometimes called the Baby Taj), and Shah Jahan's own Jama Masjid in Delhi. While earlier Mughal buildings were primarily constructed of red sandstone, Shah Jahan promoted the use of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones, and buildings under his patronage reached new levels of refinement.[13]

Architecture
The tomb
The central focus of the complex is the tomb. This large, white marble structure stands on a square plinth and consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway) topped by a large dome and finial. Like most Mughal tombs, the basic elements are Persian in origin.

The Taj Mahal seen from the banks of river YamunaThe base structure is essentially a large, multi-chambered cube with chamfered corners, forming an unequal octagon that is approximately 55 meters on each of the four long sides. On each of these sides, a massive pishtaq, or vaulted archway, frames the iwan with two similarly shaped, arched balconies stacked on either side. This motif of stacked pishtaqs is replicated on the chamfered corner areas, making the design completely symmetrical on all sides of the building. Four minarets frame the tomb, one at each corner of the plinth facing the chamfered corners. The main chamber houses the false sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan; the actual graves are at a lower level.

The marble dome that surmounts the tomb is the most spectacular feature. Its height of around 35 meters is about the same as the length of the base, and is accentuated as it sits on a cylindrical "drum" which is roughly 7 metres high. Because of its shape, the dome is often called an onion dome or amrud (guava dome). The top is decorated with a lotus design, which also serves to accentuate its height. The shape of the dome is emphasised by four smaller domed chattris (kiosks) placed at its corners, which replicate the onion shape of the main dome. Their columned bases open through the roof of the tomb and provide light to the interior. Tall decorative spires (guldastas) extend from edges of base walls, and provide visual emphasis to the height of the dome. The lotus motif is repeated on both the chattris and guldastas. The dome and chattris are topped by a gilded finial, which mixes traditional Persian and Hindu decorative elements.

The main finial was originally made of gold but was replaced by a copy made of gilded bronze in the early 19th century. This feature provides a clear example of integration of traditional Persian and Hindu decorative elements. The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward. Because of its placement on the main spire, the horns of the moon and the finial point combine to create a trident shape, reminiscent of traditional Hindu symbols of Shiva.[3]

The minarets, which are each more than 40 meters tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry. They were designed as working minarets — a traditional element of mosques, used by the muezzin to call the Islamic faithful to prayer. Each minaret is effectively divided into three equal parts by two working balconies that ring the tower. At the top of the tower is a final balcony surmounted by a chattri that mirrors the design of those on the tomb. The chattris all share the same decorative elements of a lotus design topped by a gilded finial. The minarets were constructed slightly outside of the plinth so that, in the event of collapse, (a typical occurrence with many tall constructions of the period) the material from the towers would tend to fall away from the tomb.

South India

2010-03-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

Southern India, also known as the Dravida in the Indian anthem^[1], is the area encompassing India's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry, occupying 19.31% of India's area. South India lies in the peninsular Deccan Plateau and is bounded by the Arabian Sea in the west, the Indian Ocean in the south and the Bay of Bengal in the east. The geography of the region is diverse, encompassing two mountain ranges, the Western and Eastern Ghats, and a plateau heartland. The Godavari, Krishna, Tungabhadra and Kaveri rivers are important non-perennial sources of water. Inhabitants of South India are referred to as South Indians. A majority of South Indians speak one of the Dravidian languages: Telugu, Tulu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam being the widely spoken. During its history, a number of dynastic kingdoms ruled over parts of South India whose invasions across southern and southeastern Asia impacted the history and cultures of modern nation-states such as Sri Lanka, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. The region was colonised by Britain and gradually incorporated into the British Empire.

After experiencing fluctuations in the decades immediately after Indian independence, the economies of South Indian states have registered higher than national average growth over the past three decades. While South Indian states have improved in some socio-economic metrices,^[2]^[3] economic disparity, illiteracy and poverty continue to affect the region much like the rest of the country. Agriculture is the single largest contributor to the regional net domestic product, while Information technology is a rapidly growing industry. Literary and architectural styles, evolved over two thousand years, differ from other parts of the country. Politics in South India is dominated by smaller regional political parties rather than by national political parties.

South India ranks the highest in terms of social and economic development in areas such as fertility rate and infrastructure; the fertility rate of South India is 1.9, the lowest of all regions in India.^[4]

[hide]

1 Etymology
2 History
3 Geography
4 Flora and fauna
5 Subdivisions
6 Demographics
7 Economy
8 Politics
9 Culture and heritage
10 See also
11 Notes
12 References and bibliography
13 External links

[edit] Etymology

Apart from the English language terms South India and Peninsular India, southern India has been known by several other historic names. Adi Shankara coined the name Dravida in the 8th century as he called himself Dravida Shishu, meaning a child from South India (see etymology of Dravida). The term Deccan, an Anglicized form of the word "Dakhhin" which is a derived from the word dakshina meaning south, refers only to the area covered by the Deccan Plateau, a volcanic plateau that covers most of peninsular India excluding the coastal areas.^[5] The Carnatic is an English term derived from "Karnād" or "Karunād", meaning high country. The terms Karnād and Carnatic have long overgrown particular association with the plateau and refer to all of South India, including the coasts, the western of which is named the Carnatic coast. The name Karnātaka is derived from the same root.^[6]

[edit] History

Main article: History of South India

Hoysala Empire sculptural articulation in Belur.

Carbon dating on ash mounds associated with neolithic cultures in Southern India date back to 8000 BCE. Artefacts such as ground stone axes, and minor copper objects have been found in the region. Towards the beginning of 1000 BCE, iron technology spread through the region; however, there does not appear to be a fully developed Bronze Age preceding the Iron Age in South India.^[7] South India was a crossroads of the ancient world, linking the Mediterranean and the Far East. The southern coastline from Karwar to Kodungallur was the most important trading shore in the Indian subcontinent resulting in intermingling between locals and traders.^[8] The South Indian coast of Malabar and the Tamil people of the Sangam age traded with the Graeco-Roman world. They were in contact with the Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Syrians, Jews, and Chinese.^[9]

There were several significant rulers and dynasties in southern Indian history. Dynasties such as the Satavahanas of Amaravati, Kadambas of Banavasi, Western Ganga Dynasty, Chalukya dynasty of Badami, Western Chalukyas, Eastern Chalukya, Cheras, Cholas, Hoysalas, Kakatiya dynasty, Pallavas, Pandyas, and Rashtrakutas of Manyaketha have ruled over South India. The late medieval period saw the rise of Muslim power in South India. The defeat of the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal by Tughlaq forces of the Delhi Sultanate in 1323 CE heralded a new chapter in South Indian history. The struggle of the period was between the Bahmani Sultanate based in Gulbarga (and later, Bidar) and the Vijayanagara Empire with its capital in Vijayanagara in modern Hampi.

With the fall of Vijayanagara and the break-up of the Bahmani sultanate, the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda and Hyderabad became the dominant power in the region. Qutb Shahi dominance of the region continued until the middle of the seventeenth century, when the Mughals under Aurangzeb made determined inroads into the Deccan. Following Aurangzeb’s death, Mughal power weakened, and South Indian rulers gained autonomy from Delhi. The Wodeyar kingdom of Mysore, the Asaf Jahis of Hyderabad, and Marathas all gained power.

Charminar at Hyderabad

In the middle of the eighteenth century, the French and the British initiated a protracted struggle for military control of South India. Shifting alliances between the two European powers and the local powers marked the period with mercenary armies being employed by all sides causing general anarchy in South India. As the British consolidated power over much of India in the late 1850s, they allowed the French to retain their possessions over Pondicherry. The four Anglo-Mysore wars and the three Anglo-Maratha Wars saw Mysore, Pune and Hyderabad allying themselves with the British or the French. South India during the British colonial rule was divided into the Madras Presidency and Hyderabad, Mysore, Thiruvithamcoore (also known as Travancore), Kochi (also known as Cochin or Perumpadapu Swaroopam), Vizianagaram and a number of other minor princely states. British Residents were stationed in the capitals of the important states to supervise and report on the activities of the rulers.

The States Reorganisation Act (1956) created new states (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala) and reorganised modern-day Tamil Nadu along linguistic lines. Additionally, the enclaves of French India, which were ceded to India in the 1950s, were constituted into the union territory of Pondicherry.

[edit] Geography

Main article: Geography of South India

Sivasamudram Falls on the Kaveri River near Mysore.

South India is a peninsula in the shape of a vast inverted triangle, bounded on the west by the Arabian Sea, on the east by the Bay of Bengal and on the north by the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. The Narmada flows westwards in the depression between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges. The Satpura ranges define the northern spur of the Deccan plateau. The Western Ghats, along the western coast, mark another boundary of the plateau. The narrow strip of verdant land between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea is the Konkan region. The Western Ghats continue south, forming the Malenadu (Canara) region along the Karnataka coast, and terminate at the Nilgiri mountains, an inward (easterly) extension of the Western Ghats. The Nilgiris run in a crescent approximately along the borders of Tamil Nadu with northern Kerala and Karnataka, encompassing the Palakkad and Wayanad hills, and the Satyamangalam ranges, and extending on to the relatively low-lying hills of the Eastern Ghats, on the western portion of the Tamil Nadu - Andhra Pradesh border. The Tirupati and Annamalai hills form part of this range. The low lying coral islands of Lakshadweep are off the south-western coast of India. Sri Lanka lies off the south-eastern coast, separated from India by the Palk Strait and the chain of low sandbars and islands known as Rama's Bridge. The Andaman and Nicobar islands lie far off the eastern coast of India, near the Tenasserim coast of Burma. The southernmost tip of mainland India is at Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin) on the Indian Ocean.

The Deccan plateau is the vast elevated region bound by the C-shape defined by all these mountain ranges. No major elevations border the plateau to the east, and it slopes gently from the Western Ghats to the eastern coast. The plateau is watered by the east flowing Godavari and Krishna rivers. The other major rivers of the Deccan plateau are the Pennar and the Tungabhadra, a major tributary of the Krishna. The three major river deltas of South India, the Kaveri, the Godavari and the Krishna, are located along the Bay of Bengal. These areas constitute the rice bowls of South India.

The region has a very tropical climate with the monsoons playing a major part. The South - West Monsoon accounts for most of the rainfall in the region and much of it falls from about June to October. The south-west monsoon starts from Kerala during June and moves up towards the northern parts of India. Tamil Nadu and southeast Andhra Pradesh receive rains from the North - East Monsoon from about November to February. Much of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka has a distinct dry season from about October - May when there is not much rainfall. This region also experiences cooler nights from October to March while the days are pleasantly warm. In the northern parts of the region temperatures can fall below 10 degrees Celsius on occasions at night during this time. Days are very hot from March to June when temps can go over 40 degrees. The southern coastal region has an average minimum temperature of 20 degrees and maximum of 35 degrees.

[edit] Flora and fauna

Main articles: Wildlife of Karnataka, Wildlife of Tamil Nadu, and Wildlife of Kerala

Bangaram Island in the union territory of Lakshadweep.

There is a wide diversity of plants and animals in South India, resulting from its varied climates and geography. Deciduous forests are found along the Western Ghats while tropical dry forests and scrub lands Deccan thorn scrub forests are common in the interior Deccan plateau. The southern Western Ghats have high altitude rain forests called the South Western Ghats montane rain forests. The Malabar Coast moist forests are found on the coastal plains.^[10] The Western Ghats itself is a biodiversity hotspot.^[11]

Some of India's famous protected areas are found in South India. These include Project Tiger reserves Periyar National Park, Kalakad - Mundanthurai and Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve. Important ecological regions of South India are the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, located at the conjunction of the borders of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the Nilgiri Hills including Mudumalai National Park, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park Silent Valley National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary and the Anamalai Hills including the Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjacentThe Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park of the Western Ghats. Important bird sanctuaries including Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Neelapattu Sanctuary and Pulicat Sanctuary are home to numerous migratory and local birds. Other protected ecological sites include the backwaters like the Pulicut Lake in Andhra Pradesh, Pitchavarum in Tamil Nadu and the famed backwaters of Kerala formed by the Vembanad Lake, the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kayamkulam Lake.

Banana, Musaparadisiaca and Moringa oleifera are found extensively in Lakshadweep while coconut plantations provide economic support to the islands. Lashadweep has been declared a bird sanctuary by the Wildlife Institute of India.^[12] Crabs, chiefly hermit crabs, parrot fish and butterfly fish are also found on the islands.

[edit] Subdivisions

Map of South Indian states prior to the States Reorganisation Act (1956).

South India consists of the four southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union territories of Puducherry and the Lakshadweep archipelago. Together with Pondicherry, each South Indian state has an elected state government, while the Lakshadweep islands are centrally administered by the President of India. The modern states of South India were created as a result of the States Reorganisation Act^[13] (1956), which established states and union territories based on linguistic boundaries. As a result of this act:

Andhra Pradesh was formed with the transfer of all districts from Hyderabad State and some taluks from Raichur, Bidar, and Gulbarga to Andhra State,
Kerala was created with the transfer of Malayalam-dominated territories from Madras State, Kasaragod taluk and Malabar district to unapportioned districts of Travancore-Cochin State,
Mysore State was formed with the transfer of Belgaum, Bijapur, Dharwad and Canara districts from Bombay State, Kollegal taluk of Coimbatore from Madras State, unapportioned taluks of Raichur, Bidar and Gulbarga from Hyderabad State and all territories of Coorg to the erstwhile Kingdom of Mysore,
Madras State was reorganised with the transfer to some talkus from Travancore-Cochin to form the districts of Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli,
Pondicherry was formed out of the territories that were under the control of France,
Lakshadweep was formed out of the archipelago under the Malabar district of Madras State.

Madras State was renamed Tamil Nadu in 1968, while Mysore State was renamed Karnataka in 1973.

Each subregion is further divided into districts; the region of South India has over 100 districts. Each state is headed by a Governor, who is a direct appointee of the President of India, while the Chief Minister is the elected head of the state government and represents the states ruling party or coalition (the role of the Governor is largely ceremonial).

[edit] Demographics

Main article: Dravidian languages

Proto-Dravidian

Proto South-Dravidian

Proto Central Dravidian

Proto Tamil-Kannada

Proto Telugu

Proto Tamil-Toda

Proto Kannada

Proto Telugu

Proto Tamil-Kodagu

Kannada

Telugu

Proto Tamil-Malayalam

Proto Tamil

Malayalam

Tamil

This tree diagram depicts the genealogy of the primary Dravidian languages spoken
in South India.

The estimated population of South India is 233 million.^[14] The largest linguistic groups in South India include the Telugus, Tamils, Kannadigas, Malayalis, Tuluvas, Kodavas and Konkanis. About 83% of South Indians follow Hinduism. Islam has the second-highest number of followers in the region, with 11%, while 5% follow Christianity.

The average literacy rate of South India is approximately 73%, considerably higher than the Indian national average of 60%.^[15] Kerala leads the nation with a literacy rate of 91%. The sex ratio in South India is fairly equable at 997; Kerala is the only state in India with a favourable sex ratio.^[14] The population density of the region is approximately 463. Scheduled Castes and Tribes form 18% of the population of the region. Agriculture is the major employer in the region — 47.5% of the population is involved in agrarian activities. About 60% of the population lives in permanent housing structures. 47.8% of South India has access to tap water. Wells and springs are other major forms of water supply.

The languages of South India are the Dravidian represented by Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu, besides Gondi and other minor dialects, and the Austro-Asiatic by the Munda languages.^[16] South India's predominant language family is Dravidian, a family of approximately seventy-three languages^[17] spoken in South Asia.^[18] The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 divided states in India along linguistic lines and led to the creation of separate states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu in areas where Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil respectively were dominant.

In the 2001 Census, Telugu had the third largest base of native speakers in India (74 million), after Hindi and Bengali and was awarded the status of classical language in 2008 [1] . Tamil was accorded the status of classical language by the Government of India in 2002 and had about 60 million native speakers. Kannada has 38 million and was awarded the status of classical language in 2008 [2], while Malayalam had 33 million native speakers.^[19] Each of these languages is listed as an official language of India, per the Official Languages Act (1963).

Urdu is spoken by over half of the 25 million Muslims in southern India.^[19]^[20] South Indian Muslims in some regions of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka speak a dialect of Urdu called Dakhni, while some in the Dakshina Kannada region of Karnataka and regions in Kerala speak Beary bashe.^[21] Both Dakhni and Beary bashe are influenced by other South Indian languages.^[19] Tulu, a Dravidian language prevalent in coastal Kerala and Karnataka, is spoken by about 1.5 million people in the region, while Konkani, an Indo-Aryan language, is spoken by over half a million people in the region. English is also widely spoken in urban areas of South India.^[22]

[edit] Economy

Main article: Economy of South India

[hide]Economic and demographic indicators ^[23]
Parameter	South India	National
Per capita net state domestic product (SDP)	Rs. 25,027.75 (US$ 538.1)	Rs. 23,222 (US$ 499.27)
Percentage share in total FDI approved (1993-2003)	5.48	NA
Average annual growth of SDP	5.6	5.6
Percentage of population below poverty line	17.41	26.10
Percentage of urban population	32.82	27.81
Percentage of households with electricity	89.32	67.9
Literacy rate	72.87	61 ^[24]

India's economy after independence in 1947 conformed to a socialist framework, with strict governmental control over private sector participation, foreign trade and foreign direct investment (FDI). Through 1960-1990, South Indian economies experienced mixed economic growth. In the 1960s, Karnataka and Kerala achieved above average economic growth, while Andhra Pradesh's economy declined during this period. Similarly, Kerala experienced economic decline in the 1970s while the economies of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu consistently exceeded national average growth rates after 1970. Karnataka experienced the highest positive differential in economic growth after the liberalisation of the Indian economy in 1991, while Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were noted by some to be more reform-oriented in terms of economic policy when compared to other Indian states.^[25]

Over 48% of South India's population is engaged in agriculture, which is largely dependent on seasonal monsoons^[14] Some of the main crops cultivated in South India include paddy, sorghum, pearl millet, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, chilli, and ragi. Areca, coffee, tea, vanilla, rubber, pepper, tapioca, and cardamom are cultivated on the hills, while coconut grows in abundance in coastal areas. Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of rice in India,^[26] while Karnataka produces 70% of India's coffee. Frequent droughts in northern Karnataka, Rayalaseema and Telangana have left farmers debt-ridden, forcing them to sell their livestock and sometimes even to commit suicide.^[27] The region also suffers from water scarcity, especially during summer. Since the liberalisation of the Indian economy, South India has seen a decrease in revenue from agriculture and agriculture related services ^[28].

Traditionally, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have been home to large, public sector industries (referred to as Public Sector Undertakings, or PSUs), with both states posting above average growth rates in this sector following economic liberalisation.^[28] Chennai, The Detroit of South Asia accounts for about 35% of India's overall automotive components^[29] while the registered headquarters of 42% of all Central PSUs in South India are located in Karnataka.^[30] Additionally, the growth of information technology (IT) hubs in the region have spurred economic growth and attracted foreign investments and job seekers from other parts of the country. Hyderabad and Bangalore the IT hubs of India are home to software giants. In fiscal 2006-2007, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka attracted the third and fourth highest total FDI approvals in India, respectively, totalling to over Rs 41,700 crore (US$ 8.97 billion) ^[31] Software exports from South India grossed over Rs 64,000 crore (US$ 13.76 billion) in fiscal 2005-06.^[32]

Though Kerala lags behind many of the Indian states in terms of industrialisation,it has got enormous intellectual capital which enables a lions share of keralities to be employed overseas and hence in terms of quality of life^[33]per capita income and standard of living it ranks first in the country.

[edit] Politics

Main article: Politics in South India

A Left Democratic Front rally in Kerala.

AIADMK ID card of founder and former chief minister of Tamil Nadu MG Ramachandran.

Politics in South India is dominated by a mix of regional parties and larger national political parties like the Congress (INC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). With the exclusion of Karnataka, each state has at least two parties dominating politics in that state.^{[citation needed]}

Pre-independence politics in the Madras Presidency was dominated by the Justice Party and the INC. Periyar Ramasami who started the Dravidian movement was elected leader of the Justice Party in 1938 and in 1944 renamed it to Dravidar Kazhagam, with its initial aim being the secession of Dravida Nadu from the rest of India on independence.^[34] Following independence, Periyar strongly believed that the party should not participate in elections in the newly created India, something his closest followers disagreed with. In 1948, C. N. Annadurai, a follower of Periyar and a Joint Secretary of Dravidar Kazhagam parted ways with Periyar to form the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam political party.^[34] INC's political influence over Tamil Nadu gave way to the rise of the DMK which formed its first government in 1968 and again in 1978. The following year, a split in the DMK resulted in the formation of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), lead by M. G. Ramachandran. Together, the AIADMK and the DMK currently command a 60% share in Tamil Nadu state elections.

The main facets of state politics in Tamil Nadu included language — the distinction between Tamil and non-Tamil speakers was an important tool used by the DMK in the 1960s and caste — such as the Self-respect Movement. The imposition of Hindi on non-Hindi speaking areas of India has often been a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu. In January-February 1965, large scale anti-Hindi agitations, a cause championed by the DMK,^[35] occurred in Tamil Nadu.

In 1982, the establishment of the Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh by former Telugu actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) broke the dominance of the INC in Andhra Pradesh politics. NTR successfully challenged the INC's supremacy in the state and his party was voted into power a total of four times. In 1996, a year after winning the state assembly election by a landslide, a dispute between NTR, his wife Lakshmi Parvati and his immediate family resulted in a split in the TDP. Concerned over undue influence over NTR and his policies, the bulk of the party favoured the family under the leadership of NTR's son-in-law, N Chandrababu Naidu, who later became Chief Minister of the state. Naidu was regarded as a visionary who promoted the growth of information technology in the state. On August 26, 2008 Chiranjeevi, the leading actor of the Telugu film industry launched a new party at Tirupathi, called Prajarajyam. He said he would be constesting for the elections scheduled in the next year.

The Janata Dal has been far more successful in Karnataka than it has been in national politics. National political parties such as the BJP and INC have experienced more comparative success in Karnataka than they have in other states of South India. Karnataka's political environment is dominated by two rival caste groups — the Vokkaligas and the Lingayats.^[36] Ramakrishna Hegde played an integral part in the ascent of the Janata Dal into the national foray in the late 1980s. However, it was his political rival H. D. Deve Gowda, then the Chief Minister of Karnataka, who later went on to become the Prime Minister of India.

Kerala hosts two major political alliances: the United Democratic Front (UDF, led by the Indian National Congress) and the Left Democratic Front (LDF, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist)). Kerala numbers among India's most left-wing states. An interesting phenomenon of Kerala politics is the alternate election of Congress and the Communists to power.

[edit] Culture and heritage

Main article: South Indian culture

A Tamil couple c. 1945; the wife is wearing a madisara sari.

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, A famous temple located in Tirupati, Andra Pradesh.

According to some experts, the weltanschauung of South Indians is essentially the celebration of the eternal universe through the celebration of the beauty of the body, and motherhood, which is exemplified through their dance, clothing, and sculptures.^[37] South Indian women traditionally wear the Saree while the men wear a type of sarong, which could be either a white pancha or a colourful lungi with typical batik patterns.

Rice is the staple diet, while fish is an integral component of coastal South Indian meals. Coconut is an important ingredient in Kerala whereas Andhra Pradesh cuisine is characterized by pickles and spicy curries. Hyderabadi cuisine a legacy of the past, is popular for its Biryani. Dosa, Idli, Uttapam are popular throughout the region. There are large coffee estates in southern Karnataka and parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The traditional music of South India is known as Carnatic music, which includes rhythmic and structured music by composers like Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa, Tyagaraja, Annamacharya, Muthuswami Dikshitar, Shyama Shastri,Kshetrayya, Subbaraya Shastri, Mysore Vasudevachar and Swathi Thirunal. The contemporary singer Dr. K. J. Yesudas is a cultural ambassador of Carnatic music.Thiruvarur Bakthavathsalam is a cultural ambassador of carnatic instrumentals. The motion picture industry has emerged as an important platform in South India, over the years portraying the cultural changes, trends, aspirations and developments experienced by its people. Some movie classics like Nammukku paarkkaan munthiri thoppukal (1986) by Padmarajan, Adi Shankara (1984) by director G V Iyer, and Perumthachan (1990) by Ajayan have gained worldwide acclaim. South India is home to several distinct dance forms — the Koodiyattam, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Yakshagana, Theyyam, Ottamthullal, Oppana, Kerala Natanam and Mohiniaattam.

South India has an independent literary tradition going back over 2500 years. The first known literature of South India are the poetic Sangams, which were written in Tamil between 2500 to 2100 years ago. The 850 CE Kannada classic Kavirajamarga written by King Amoghavarsha I makes references to Kannada literature of King Durvinita in the early sixth century CE. Tamil Buddhist commentators of the tenth century CE Nemrinatham make references to Kannada literature of the fourth century CE. Distinct Malayalam and Telugu literary traditions developed in the following centuries.

South India has two distinct styles of rock architecture, the pure dravida style of Tamil Nadu and the Vesara style (also called Karnata dravida style) present in Karnataka. The inspirational temple sculptures of Hampi, Badami, Bhattiprolu,Simhachalam, Sri Kalahasti, Pattadakal, Aihole, Belur, Halebidu, Lakkundi, Shravanabelagola, Mahabalipuram, Tanjore, Madurai and the mural paintings of Travancore and Lepakshi temples, also stand as a testament to South Indian culture. The paintings of Raja Ravi Varma are considered classic renditions of many a scenes of South Indian life and mythology.Murudeshwara, a town in Uttar Kannada district is known for the world's tallest Shiva statue.

The main spiritual traditions of South India include both Shaivite and Vaishnavite branches of Hinduism, although Buddhist and Jain philosophies had been influential several centuries earlier. Shravanabelagola in Karnataka is a popular pilgrimage center for Jains. Ayyavazhi is spread significantly across the southernmost parts of South India.^[38] Its followers are more densely populated in South Tamil Nadu^[39] and Kerala.^[40] There is a large Muslim community in South India, particularly in the Malabar coast, which can trace its roots to the ancient maritime trade between Kerala and Omanis and other Arabs. Christianity has flourished in coastal South India from the times of St. Thomas the Apostle who came to Kerala in 52 and established the Syrian Christian tradition today called as Saint Thomas Christians or Nasranis.^[41] Kerala is also home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world who are supposed to have arrived in the Malabar coast during the time of King Solomon.^[42] The oldest surviving Jewish synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations is the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi, Kerala.

Bhagawan Nityananda

2010-03-05T09:33:00.000-08:00

For other uses, see Nityananda (disambiguation).

Bhagawan Nityananda (November/December, 1897?^[1] – August 8, 1961) was an Indian guru. His teachings are published in the "Chidakash Gita". Nityananda was born in Quilandy (Pandalayini), Kerala, South India.

[hide]

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early Life

Details about Nityananda's birth are relatively unknown. According to his disciples, Nityananda was found as an abandoned infant in Tuneri village, Kozhikode, India by a lady named Uniamma Nair, who was married to Chathu Nair. The Nair couple adopted this child and took care of him along with their own five children. Nityananda was named as Raman by his foster parents. The Nair couple worked as farm labourers on a farmland owned by a wealthy lawyer named Ishwar Iyer, who greatly trusted them. Nityananda's foster father died when he was three and his foster mother when he was six. Before dying she handed over her responsibility of Nityananda to Ishwar Iyer.^[2] Even in childhood, Nityananda seemed to be in an unusually advanced spiritual state, which gave rise to the belief that he was born enlightened. He was eventually given the name Nityananda, which means, "always in bliss".^[3]

Before the age of twenty, Nityananda became a wandering yogi, spending time on yogic studies and practices in the Himalayas and other places. By 1920, he was back in southern India.^[4]

[edit] Adult Life

Bhagawan Nityananda as a young Yogi.

Settled in southern India, Nityananda gained a reputation for creating miracles and wonderful cures. He started building an ashram near Kanhangad, Kerala state. The local police thought he must be producing counterfeit money to pay for the building, so Nityananda took them to a crocodile-infested pool in the jungle. He dived in and then produced handfuls of money, which was apparently enough to satisfy the police. The beautiful hill temple and Ashram in Kanhangad are now pilgrim centres. The Guru Van, a forest in the hills nearby where Bhagawan sat on penance, is now a pilgrim retreat.^[4]

By 1923, Nityananda had wandered to the Tansa Valley in Maharashtra state. There, his reputation as a miracle worker attracted people from as far away as Mumbai, though he never took credit for any miracles. He said, "Everything that happens, happens automatically by the will of God."^[2]^[3] Nityananda gave a great deal of help to the local adivasis, who were despised by the population at large. Nityananda set up a school, as well as providing food and clothing for them.

As a guru, Nityananda gave relatively little by way of verbal teachings. Starting in the early 1920s, his devotees in Mangalore would sit with him in the evenings. Most of the time he was silent, though occasionally he would give teachings. A devotee named Tulsiamma wrote down some of his teachings and his answers to her specific queries. Later, these notes were compiled and published in the Kannada language and came to be known as the Chidaksha Geeta.^[2]

Some believe that Nityananda had the power to transmit spiritual energy (shaktipat) to people through non-verbal means. He could also be extremely fiery and intimidating in his behaviour, even to the point of throwing rocks on occasion. This was his way of deterring people who were not serious in their spiritual aspirations, or who came to him with ulterior motives.^[3]

In 1936, he went to the Shiva temple in the village of Ganeshpuri and asked if he could stay there. The family that looked after the temple agreed and built a hut for him. As his visitors and followers increased, the hut expanded and became an ashram. To the people around him, he was an avadhuta: one who is absorbed in the transcendental state.

Nityananda died on August 8, 1961. His samadhi is located in Ganeshpuri at the Samadhi Mandir. There is also a shrine dedicated him in the Gurudev Siddha Peeth ashram at Ganeshpuri. His ashram, tourist hostel, and other buildings associated with his life in Ganeshpuri are preserved by the Shree Bhimeshwar Sadguru Nityanand Sanstha Ganeshpuri. This trust is also responsible for his samadhi shrine in Ganeshpuri, which is a pilgrimage site.

A trust at Kanhangad looks after the Ashram and temples located there. The trust also runs a few educational institutions and a dharmasala.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Nityananda’s Guru

According to Nityananda's biographers, the identity of Nityananda's guru is a mystery. Some believe that he had no guru. In one of his talks, his student Swami Muktananda said Nityananda’s Guru was an unknown Siddha Purusha from Kerala.^[5] At least one photograph has been identified showing him with a teacher named Swami Sivananda when Nityananda was a young man.^[6]

[edit] Further reading

Bhagawan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri, by Swami Muktananda. Siddha Yoga Publications, 2nd edition (1996). ISBN 0911307451.
Life of Bhagawan Nityananda & Chidakasha Geeta, by Deepa Kodikal. Surendra Kalyanpur, 2007.
Nityananda: The Divine Presence, by M.U. Hatengdi, 1990.

IPL 2010 Schedule

2010-03-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

IPL 2010 Schedule

August 14, 2009

Indian Premier League 3 Fixtures (IPL 2010 Schedules - Revised)

Sr	Day / Dt	IST	GMT	Team vs Team	Venue
Mar-2010
1	Fri-12	20:00	14:30	Deccan Chargers vs Kolkata Knight Riders	DYP - Mumbai
2	Sat-13	15:00	09:30	Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals	Mumbai
3	Sat-13	20:00	14:30	Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Daredevils	PCA - Mohali
4	Sun-14	16:00	10:30	Kolkata Knight Riders vs Bangalore Royal Challengers	Eden - Kolkata
5	Sun-14	20:00	14:30	Chennai Super Kings vs Deccan Chargers	MAC - Chennai
6	Mon-15	20:00	14:30	Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Daredevils	Ahmedabad
7	Tue-16	16:00	10:30	Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Kings XI Punjab	MCS - Bangalore
8	Tue-16	20:00	14:30	Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings	Eden - Kolkata
9	Wed-17	20:00	14:30	Delhi Daredevils vs Mumbai Indians	FSK - Delhi
10	Thu-18	20:00	14:30	Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Rajasthan Royals	MCS - Bangalore
11	Fri-19	16:00	10:30	Delhi Daredevils vs Chennai Super Kings	FSK - Delhi
12	Fri-19	20:00	14:30	Deccan Chargers vs Kings XI Punjab	Nagpur
13	Sat-20	16:00	10:30	Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders	Ahmedabad
14	Sat-20	20:00	14:30	Mumbai Indians vs Bangalore Royal Challengers	Mumbai
15	Sun-21	16:00	10:30	Delhi Daredevils vs Deccan Chargers	Nagpur
16	Sun-21	20:00	14:30	Chennai Super Kings vs Kings XI Punjab	MAC - Chennai
17	Mon-22	20:00	14:30	Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders	Mumbai
18	Tue-23	20:00	14:30	Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Chennai Super Kings	MCS - Bangalore
19	Wed-24	20:00	14:30	Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals	PCA - Mohali
20	Thu-25	20:00	14:30	Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings	Mumbai
21	Fri-26	20:00	14:30	Rajasthan Royals vs Deccan Chargers	Ahmedabad
22	Sat-27	16:00	10:30	Kings XI Punjab vs Kolkata Knight Riders	PCA - Mohali
23	Sat-27	20:00	14:30	Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Delhi Daredevils	MCS - Bangalore
24	Sun-28	16:00	10:30	Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings	Ahmedabad
25	Sun-28	20:00	14:30	Deccan Chargers vs Mumbai Indians	Nagpur
26	Mon-29	20:00	14:30	Delhi Daredevils vs Kolkata Knight Riders	FSK - Delhi
27	Tue-30	20:00	14:30	Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab	Mumbai
28	Wed-31	16:00	10:30	Chennai Super Kings vs Bangalore Royal Challengers	MAC - Chennai
29	Wed-31	20:00	14:30	Delhi Daredevils vs Rajasthan Royals	FSK - Delhi
Apr-2010
30	Thu-01	20:00	14:30	Kolkata Knight Riders vs Deccan Chargers	Eden - Kolkata
31	Fri-02	20:00	14:30	Kings XI Punjab vs Bangalore Royal Challengers	PCA - Mohali
32	Sat-03	16:00	10:30	Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals	MAC - Chennai
33	Sat-03	20:00	14:30	Mumbai Indians vs Deccan Chargers	Mumbai
34	Sun-04	16:00	10:30	Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab	Eden - Kolkata
35	Sun-04	20:00	14:30	Delhi Daredevils vs Bangalore Royal Challengers	FSK - Delhi
36	Mon-05	20:00	14:30	Deccan Chargers vs Rajasthan Royals	DYP - Mumbai
37	Tue-06	20:00	14:30	Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians	MAC - Chennai
38	Wed-07	16:00	10:30	Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab	SMS - Jaipur
39	Wed-07	20:00	14:30	Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Daredevils	Eden - Kolkata
40	Thu-08	20:00	14:30	Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Deccan Chargers	MCS - Bangalore
41	Fri-09	20:00	14:30	Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians	PCA - Mohali
42	Sat-10	16:00	10:30	Deccan Chargers vs Chennai Super Kings	DYP - Mumbai
43	Sat-10	16:00	10:30	Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Kolkata Knight Riders	MCS - Bangalore
44	Sun-11	16:00	10:30	Delhi Daredevils vs Kings XI Punjab	FSK - Delhi
45	Sun-11	20:00	14:30	Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians	SMS - Jaipur
46	Mon-12	20:00	14:30	Deccan Chargers vs Bangalore Royal Challengers	DYP - Mumbai
47	Tue-13	16:00	10:30	Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Daredevils	Mumbai
48	Tue-13	20:00	14:30	Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders	MAC - Chennai
49	Wed-14	20:00	14:30	Rajasthan Royals vs Bangalore Royal Challengers	SMS - Jaipur
50	Thu-15	20:00	14:30	Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Daredevils	MAC - Chennai
51	Fri-16	20:00	14:30	Kings XI Punjab vs Deccan Chargers	Dharmasala
52	Sat-17	16:00	10:30	Bangalore Royal Challengers vs Mumbai Indians	MCS - Bangalore
53	Sat-17	20:00	14:30	Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals	Eden - Kolkata
54	Sun-18	16:00	10:30	Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings	Dharmasala
55	Sun-18	20:00	14:30	Delhi Daredevils vs Deccan Chargers	FSK - Delhi
56	Mon-19	20:00	14:30	Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians	Eden - Kolkata
57	Wed-21	20:00	14:30	1nd Semi-Final - Team 1 vs Team 2	MCS - Bangalore
58	Thu-22	20:00	14:30	2nd Semi-Final - Team 3 vs Team 4	MCS - Bangalore
59	Sat-24	20:00	14:30	Play-off for 3rd Place - Team A vs Team B	DYP - Mumbai
60	Sun-25	20:00	14:30	Final of IPL 2010 - Team 1 vs Team 2	DYP - Mumbai

Sachin Tendulkar

2010-03-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

"Tendulkar" redirects here. For the Marathi writer, see Vijay Tendulkar. For the actress, see Priya Tendulkar.

**Sachin Tendulkar**
Personal information

Full name	Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar
Born	24 April 1973 (1973-04-24) (age 36) Mumbai, India
Nickname	Little Master, Tendlya,^[1] Master Blaster,^[2] The Master,^[3]^[4] The Little Champion^[5]
Height	5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Batting style	Right-handed
Bowling style	Right-arm leg spin / Right-arm off spin
Role	Batsman
International information
National side	India
Test debut (cap 187)	15 November 1989 v Pakistan
Last Test	6 February 2010 v South Africa
ODI debut (cap 74)	18 December 1989 v Pakistan
Last ODI	24 February 2010 v South Africa
ODI shirt no.	10
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1988–present	Mumbai
2008–present	Mumbai Indians (Indian Premier League)
1992	Yorkshire
Career statistics
Competition	Test	ODI	FC	LA
Matches	166	442	266	527
Runs scored	13,447	17,594	22,123	20,946
Batting average	55.57	45.12	59.15	45.53
100s/50s	47/54	46/93	72/100	56/111
Top score	248*	200*	248*	200*
Balls bowled	3,982	8,020	7,347	10,196
Wickets	44	154	69	201
Bowling average	52.22	44.26	60.72	42.01
5 wickets in innings	0	2	0	2
10 wickets in match	0	n/a	0	n/a
Best bowling	3/10	5/32	3/10	5/32
Catches/stumpings	104/–	132/–	172/–	167/–
Source: CricketArchive, 11 February 2010

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar pronunciation (help·info) (Marathi: सचिन रमेश तेंडुलकर [səʨin rəmeˑɕ t̪eˑɳɖulkər]; born 24 April 1973) is an Indian cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. He is the leading run-scorer and century maker in Test and One Day International cricket.^[6]^[7]^[8] He is the only male player to score a double century in an innings in the history of ODI cricket.^[9]^[10] In 2002, Wisden ranked him the second greatest Test batsman of all time, next to Donald Bradman, and the second greatest one day international (ODI) batsman of all time, next to Viv Richards.^[11] In September 2007, the Australian leg spinner Shane Warne rated Tendulkar as the greatest player he has played with or against.^[12] Others, including the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee, Nasser Hussain and Sunil Gavaskar have described him as the greatest batsman ever.^[13]^[14]^[15] ^[16]Tendulkar was the only player of the current generation to be included in Bradman's Eleven.^{[nb 1]} He is sometimes referred to as Little Master or Master Blaster.^[18]^[19]

Tendulkar is the first player to score fifty centuries in all international cricket combined, he now has 93 international centuries. On 17 October 2008, when he surpassed Brian Lara's record for the most runs scored in Test Cricket, he also became the first batsman to score 12,000 runs in that form of the game,^[20] having also been the third batsman and first Indian to pass 11,000 runs in Test cricket.^[21] He was also the first player to score 10,000 runs in one-day internationals, and also the first player to cross every subsequent 1000-run mark that has been crossed in ODI cricket history. In the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Tendulkar surpassed Australia's Allan Border to become the player to cross the 50-run mark the most number of times in Test cricket history, and also the second ever player to score 10 Test centuries against Australia, after only Sir Jack Hobbs of England more than 70 years previously.^[22] Tendulkar passed 30,000 runs in international cricket on 20 November 2009, and has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award, India's second highest civilian award, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India's highest sporting honour.

[hide]

Early years and personal life

Tendulkar was born in Bombay (now Mumbai). His father, Ramesh Tendulkar, a Marathi novelist, named Tendulkar after his favourite music director, Sachin Dev Burman. Tendulkar's elder brother Ajit encouraged him to play cricket. Tendulkar has two other siblings: a brother Nitin, and sister Savitai.

Tendulkar attended Sharadashram Vidyamandir (High School),^[1] where he began his cricketing career under the guidance of his coach and mentor, Ramakant Achrekar. During his school days he attended the MRF Pace Foundation to train as a fast bowler, but Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee, who took a world record 355 Test wickets, was unimpressed, suggesting that Tendulkar focus on his batting instead.^[23]

When he was young, Tendulkar would practice for hours on end in the nets. If he became exhausted, Achrekar would put a one-Rupee-coin on the top of the stumps, and the bowler who dismissed Tendulkar would get the coin. If Tendulkar passed the whole session without getting dismissed, the coach would give him the coin. Tendulkar now considers the 13 coins he won then as some of his most prized possessions.^[24]

While at school, he developed a reputation as a child prodigy. He had become a common conversation point in Mumbai circles, where there were suggestions already that he would become one of the greats. His season in 1988 was extraordinary, with Tendulkar scoring a century in every innings he played. He was involved in an unbroken 664-run partnership in a Lord Harris Shield inter-school game in 1988 with friend and team mate Vinod Kambli, who would also go on to represent India. The destructive pair reduced one bowler to tears and made the rest of the opposition unwilling to continue the game. Tendulkar scored 326* in this innings and scored over a thousand runs in the tournament.^[25] This was a record partnership in any form of cricket until 2006, when it was broken by two under-13 batsmen in a match held at Hyderabad in India.

When he was 14, Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar gave him a pair of his own ultra light pads. "It was the greatest source of encouragement for me," he said nearly 20 years later after surpassing Gavaskar's top world record of 34 Test centuries.^[26] In 1995, Sachin Tendulkar married Anjali (born 10 November 1967), a paediatrician and daughter of Gujarati industrialist Anand Mehta. They have two children, Sara (born 12 October 1997), and Arjun (born 24 September 1999).^[27]

Tendulkar sponsors 200 underprivileged children every year through Apnalaya, a Mumbai-based NGO associated with his mother-in-law, Annaben Mehta.^[28]

Early domestic career

On 11 December 1988, aged just 15 years and 232 days, Tendulkar scored 100 not out in his debut first-class match for Bombay against Gujarat, making him the youngest Indian to score a century on first-class debut. He followed this by scoring a century in his first Deodhar and Duleep Trophy.^[29] He was picked by the Mumbai captain Dilip Vengsarkar after seeing him negotiate Kapil Dev in the nets,^[1] and finished the season as Bombay's highest run-scorer.^[30]^[31] He also made an unbeaten century in the Irani Trophy final,^[32] and was selected for the tour of Pakistan next year, after just one first class season.^[33]

His first double century was for Mumbai while playing against the visiting Australian team at the Brabourne Stadium in 1998.^[1] He is the only player to score a century in all three of his Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy debuts.^[34]

In 1992, at the age of 19, Tendulkar became the first overseas born player to represent Yorkshire^[1]^[35] Tendulkar played 16 first-class matches for the county and scored 1070 runs at an average of 46.52.^[36]

International career

Early career

Tendulkar played his first Test match against Pakistan in Karachi in 1989 aged just 16. He made just 15 runs, being bowled by Waqar Younis, who also made his debut in that match, but was noted for how he handled numerous blows to his body at the hands of the Pakistani pace attack.^[37] In the final test in Sialkot, he was hit on the nose by a bouncer, but he declined medical assistance and continued to bat even as he gushed blood from it.^[38] In a 20 over exhibition game in Peshawar, Tendulkar made 53 runs off 18 balls, including an over in which he scored 28 runs off Abdul Qadir.^[39] This was later called "one of the best innings I have seen" by the then Indian captain Kris Srikkanth.^[40] In all, he scored 215 runs at an average of 35.83 in the Test series, and was dismissed without scoring a run in the only One Day International he played.^[41]^[42]

The series was followed by a tour of New Zealand in which he scored 117 runs at an average of 29.25 in, Tests including an innings of 88 in the Second Test.^[43] He was dismissed without scoring in one the two one-day games he played, and scored 36 in the other.^[44] On his next tour, to England in 1990, he became the second youngest cricketer to score a Test century as he made 119* at Old Trafford.^[38] Wisden described his innings as "a disciplined display of immense maturity" and also wrote:^[45]

"He looked the embodiment of India's famous opener, Gavaskar, and indeed was wearing a pair of his pads. While he displayed a full repertoire of strokes in compiling his maiden Test hundred, most remarkable were his off-side shots from the back foot. Though only 5ft 5in tall, he was still able to control without difficulty short deliveries from the English paceman."

Tendulkar further enhanced his development during the 1991–1992 tour of Australia, that included an unbeaten 148 in Sydney and a century on a fast, bouncing pitch at Perth. Merv Hughes commented to Allan Border at the time that "This little prick's going to get more runs than you, AB."^[46]

Rise through the ranks

Tendulkar waits at the bowler's end.

Tendulkar's performance through the years 1994–1999 coincided with his physical peak, in his early twenties. On the day of the Hindu festival Holi, Tendulkar was told to open the batting at Auckland against New Zealand in 1994.^[47] He went on to make 82 runs off 49 balls. He scored his first ODI century on 9 September 1994 against Australia in Sri Lanka at Colombo. It had taken him 79 ODIs to score a century.

In 1996 against Pakistan in Sharjah, Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin was going through a lean patch. Tendulkar and Navjot Singh Sidhu both made centuries to set a record partnership for the second wicket. After getting out, Tendulkar found Azharuddin in two minds to bat out. Tendulkar boosted Azharuddin to bat and Azharuddin subsequently unleashed 29 runs in mere 10 balls. It enabled India post a score in excess of 300 runs for the first time. India went on to win that match.

Tendulkar's rise continued when he was the leading run scorer at the 1996 Cricket World Cup, whilst scoring two centuries.^[48] He was the only Indian batsman to perform in the infamous semi-final of that World Cup. When Tendulkar's wicket fell, the Indian batting lineup collapsed and India conceded defeat after the crowd began angry demonstrations.

This was the beginning of a period at the top of the batting world, culminating in the Australian tour of India in early 1998, with Tendulkar scoring three consecutive centuries. These were characterized by a premeditated plan to target Australian spinners Shane Warne and Gavin Robertson, to whom he regularly charged down the pitch to drive over the infield. This technique worked as India beat Australia. The test match success was followed by two scintillating knocks in Sharjah where he scored two consecutive centuries in a must-win game and then in finals against Australia tormenting Shane Warne once again. Following the series Warne ruefully joked that he was having nightmares about his Indian nemesis.^[49] He also had a role with the ball in that series, including a five wicket haul in an ODI. Set 310 runs to win, Australia were cruising comfortably at 3 for 203 in the 31st over when Tendulkar turned the match for India taking wickets of Michael Bevan, Steve Waugh, Darren Lehmann, Tom Moody and Damien Martyn for just 32 runs in 10 overs.^[50]

Tendulkar single-handedly won the ICC 1998 quarterfinal at Dhaka to pave way for India's entry into the semifinals, when he took four Australian wickets after scoring 141 runs in just 128 balls.

A chronic back problem flared up when Pakistan toured India in 1999, with India losing the historic Test at Chepauk despite a gritty century from Tendulkar himself. The worst was yet to come as Professor Ramesh Tendulkar, Tendulkar's father, died in the middle of the 1999 Cricket World Cup. Tendulkar flew back to India to attend the final rituals of his father, missing the match against Zimbabwe. However, he returned with a bang to the World cup scoring a century (unbeaten 140 off 101 balls) in his very next match against Kenya in Bristol. He dedicated this century to his father.^[51]

Captaincy

Tendulkar's two tenures as captain of the Indian cricket team were not very successful. When Tendulkar took over as Captain in 1996, it was with huge hopes and expectations. However, by 1997 the team was performing poorly. Azharuddin was credited with saying "Nahin jeetega! Chote ki naseeb main jeet nahin hai!",^[52] which translates into: "He won't win! It's not in the small one's destiny".^[53]

Tendulkar, succeeding Azharuddin as captain for his second term, then led India on a tour of Australia, where the visitors were comprehensively beaten 3–0 by the newly crowned world champions.^[54] Tendulkar, however, was at his usual best and won the player of the tournament award as well as player of the match in one of the games. After another Test series defeat, this time by a 0–2 margin at home against South Africa, Tendulkar resigned, and Sourav Ganguly took over as captain in 2000.

Tendulkar remains an integral part of the Indian team's strategic processes. He is often seen in discussion with the captain, at times actively involved in building strategies. Former captain Rahul Dravid publicly acknowledged that Tendulkar had been suggesting moves such as the promotion of Irfan Pathan up the batting order which, although only temporary, had an immediate effect on the team's fortunes.

Injuries and apparent decline

Tendulkar continued his good form in Test cricket in 2001 and 2002, with some pivotal performances with both bat and ball. Tendulkar took three wickets on the final day of the famous Kolkata Test against Australia in 2001. Tendulkar took the key wickets of Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist, centurions in the previous test.

In the 2002 series in the West Indies, Tendulkar started well, scoring 79 in the first test, and 117 in the first innings of the second. Then, in a hitherto unprecedented sequence, he scored 0, 0, 8 and 0 in the next four innings, getting out to technical "defects" and uncharacteristically poor strokes. He returned to form in the last test scoring 41 and 86. However, India lost the series. This might have been the beginning of the "decline" phase in his career which lasted till 2006.

Tendulkar made 673 runs in 11 matches in the 2003 Cricket World Cup, helping India reach the final. While Australia retained the trophy that they had won in 1999, Tendulkar was given the Man of the Tournament award.

He continued to score heavily in ODI cricket that year, with two hundreds in a tri series involving New Zealand and Australia.

The drawn series as India toured Australia in 2003/04 saw Tendulkar making his mark in the last Test of the series, with 241* in Sydney, putting India in a virtually unbeatable position. He followed up the innings with an unbeaten 60 in the second innings of the test. Prior to this test match, he had had an unusually horrible run of form, failing in all six innings in the preceding three tests. It was no aberration that 2003 was his worst year in test cricket, with an average of 17.25 and just one fifty.

He scored an unbeaten 194 against Pakistan at Multan in the following series. The 194 was controversial in that he was stranded prior to reaching his double century as a result of a declaration by Rahul Dravid. In meeting with the press that evening, Tendulkar responded to a question on missing 200 against Pakistan by stating that he was disappointed and that the declaration had taken him by surprise.^[55] Many former cricketers commented that Dravid's declaration was in bad taste.^[56]^[57] The media noted at the time that the decision had apparently been made by Sourav Ganguly,^[58] and Ganguly himself later admitted that it had been a mistake.^[59] The controversy was put to rest when Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and coach John Wright spoke to the media after the team's victory and stated that the matter was spoken internally and put to rest.^[60]

Tennis elbow then took its toll on Tendulkar, leaving him out of the side for most of the year, coming back only for the last two tests when Australia toured India in 2004. He played a part in India's victory in Mumbai in that series with a fast 55, though Australia took the series 2–1.

On 10 December 2005 at Feroz Shah Kotla, Tendulkar scored his record-breaking 35th Test century, against the Sri Lankans.

In the test series in Pakistan in 2006, Sachin failed to get going in all three innings despite the pitches being flat tracks. In the third of those three innings, he was bowled comprehensively after making 26, and ended up on all fours. This prompted The Times of India to publish an article entitled "Endulkar" in which TOI opined that Tendulkar's batting prowess had declined and his career had slid permanently.

On 6 February 2006, he scored his 39th ODI hundred, in a match against Pakistan. He followed with a run-a-ball 42 in the second one-day international against Pakistan on 11 February 2006, and then a 95 in hostile, seaming conditions on 13 February 2006 in Lahore, which set up an Indian victory.

On 19 March 2006, after scoring an unconvincing 1 off 21 balls against England in the first innings of the third Test in his home ground, Wankhede, Tendulkar was booed off the ground by a section of the crowd,^[61]^[62] the first time that he had ever faced such flak. Tendulkar was to end the three-Test series without a single half-century to his credit, and news of a shoulder operation raised more questions about his longevity. Tendulkar was operated upon for his injured shoulder. In July 2006, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Tendulkar had overcome his injury problem following a rehabilitation programme and was available for selection, and he was eventually selected for the next series.

Tendulkar's comeback came in the DLF cup in Malaysia and he was the only Indian batsman to shine. In his comeback match, against West Indies on 14 September 2006, Tendulkar responded to his critics who believed that his career was inexorably sliding with his 40th ODI century. Though he scored 141*, West Indies won the rain-affected match by the D/L method.

In the preparation for the 2007 Cricket World Cup, Tendulkar was criticized by Greg Chappell on his attitude.^[63] As per the report, Chappell felt that Tendulkar would be more useful down the order, while the latter felt that he would be better off opening the innings, the role he had played for most of his career. Chappell also believed that Tendulkar's repeated failures were hurting the team's chances. In a rare show of emotion, Tendulkar hit out at the comments attributed to Chappell by pointing out that no coach has ever suggested his attitude towards cricket is incorrect. On 7 April 2007, the Board of Control for Cricket in India issued a notice to Tendulkar asking for an explanation for his comments made to the media.^[64]

At the Cricket World Cup 2007 in the West Indies, Tendulkar and the Indian cricket team, led by Rahul Dravid had a dismal campaign. Tendulkar, who was pushed to bat lower down the order by the Greg Chappell had scores of 7 (Bangladesh), 57* (Bermuda) and 0 (Sri Lanka). As a result, former Australian captain Ian Chappell, brother of the then Indian coach Greg, called for Tendulkar to retire in his column for Mumbai's Mid Day newspaper.^[65]

During this period from about 2002 to 2006–7, Tendulkar's batting often seemed to be a shadow of its former self. He was inconsistent, and his big knocks mostly came in sedate, accumulative, uncharacteristic fashion. He seemed to have either cut out or lost the ability to play many shots, including the hook and pull and many other aerial strokes. He also developed a tendency to go without scoring much for long periods and become overtly defensive. While players such as Ponting and Kallis were at the peak of their careers, Sachin's seemed to be in terminal decline. There were several calls from him to retire too.

However after the 2007 World Cup, his career had a second wind and his consistency and form have returned.

Return to old form and consistency

In the subsequent series against Bangladesh, Tendulkar returned to his opening slot and was Man of the Series. He continued by scoring two consecutive scores of 90+ in the Future Cup against South Africa. He was the leading run scorer and was adjudged the Man of the Series.^[66]

Tendulkar celebrates upon reaching his 38th Test century against Australia in the 2nd Test at the SCG in 2008, where he finished not out on 154

On the second day of the Nottingham Test (28 July 2007) Tendulkar became the third cricketer to complete 11,000 Test runs.^[67] In the subsequent One day series against England, Tendulkar was the leading run scorer from India^[68] with an average of 53.42. In the ODI Series against Australia in October 2007 Tendulkar was the leading Indian run scorer with 278 runs.^[69]

Tendulkar was dismissed seven times in 2007 between 90 and 100, including three times at 99, leading some to suggest that he struggles to cope with nerves in this phase of his career. Tendulkar has got out 23 times between 90 and 100 in his international career. On 8 November 2007 he got out on 99 against Pakistan in an ODI at Mohali to the bowling of Umar Gul caught by Kamran Akmal. In the fourth ODI, he got out on 97 (off 102 balls with 16 fours) after dragging a delivery from Umar Gul on to his stumps, falling short of another century in ODIs in 2007.

2007/08 tour of Australia

In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, 2007–08, Tendulkar showed exceptional form, becoming the leading run scorer with 493 runs in four Tests, despite consistently failing in the second innings. Sachin scored 62 runs in the first innings of the first Test at the MCG in Melbourne, but couldn't prevent a heavy 337-run win for Australia. In the controversial New Years Test at Sydney, Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 154 as India lost the Test. This was his third century at the SCG, earning him an average of 221.33 at the ground. In the third Test at the WACA in Perth, Sachin was instrumental in India's first innings score of 330, scoring a well compiled 71, as India went on to record a historic triumph at the WACA. In the fourth Test at Adelaide, which ended in a draw, he scored 153 in the first innings, involving in a crucial 126 run stand with V.V.S. Laxman for the fifth wicket to lead India to a score of 282 for 5 from 156 for 4. He secured the Player of the Match award.

In the One-Day International Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series involving Sri Lanka and Australia, Tendulkar became the first and only batsman to complete 16,000 runs in ODIs. He achieved this feat against Sri Lanka on 5 February 2008 at Brisbane. He started the CB series well notching up scores of 10, 35, 44 and 32, but could not convert the starts into bigger scores. His form dipped a bit in the middle of the tournament, but Tendulkar came back strongly in India's must-win game against Sri Lanka at Hobart, scoring 63 off 54 balls. He finished the series with a match winning 117 not out off 120 balls in the first final,^[70] and 91 runs in the second final.^[71]

Home series against South Africa

In the first test of a three-test series against South Africa at home, Tendulkar made a duck in the first innings. He missed the rest of the series, which was drawn 1–1, with an injury.

Sri Lanka Series

Before the three-Test series in Sri Lanka in mid-2008, Tendulkar needed just 177 runs to go past Brian Lara's record of 11,953 runs in test cricket. However, he failed in all six innings, scoring a total of just 95 runs. India lost 1–2.

Return to form and breaking the record

In the following ODI series against Sri Lanka, Tendulkar was sidelined due to injury. However, during the following Australia tour of India, he returned to fitness and form, scoring 13 and 49 in the first test before making 88 in the first innings of the second test, thus breaking the record for most number of Test runs held by Brian Lara. He also reached the 12,000 run mark when he was on 61. He made a fifty in the third test and 109 in the fourth, as India won the series 2–0 and regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

ODI and Test Series against England

Tendulkar was again out due to injury from the first three ODIs of a 7-match ODI series at home against England, but he made 11 in the fourth ODI and 50 in the fifth, before the ODI series was called off due to the Mumbai terror attacks, the scoreline being 5–0 to India.

England returned for a 2-match test series in December 2008, and in the first test in Chennai, chasing 387 for victory, Tendulkar made 103 not out in a 163-run unbroken fifth wicket stand with Yuvraj Singh. This was his third century in a fourth match innings, and the first which resulted in a win. This was redemption for the Chennai Test of 1999 when chasing 271 against Pakistan, Sachin had made 136 with severe back pain and was out 17 runs short of the target, precipitating a collapse and a loss by 12 runs. He dedicated this century to the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks. Tendulkar failed in both innings in the second test, India won the series 1–0.

Sri Lanka ODIs

In early 2009, India revisited Sri Lanka for five ODIs, as the Pakistan series had been cancelled due to the security situation in Pakistan and the attacks in Mumbai. In the first three ODIs, Sachin made 5, 6 and 7. Then he was injured again.

New Zealand Series

India's next assignment was the away series against New Zealand. It consisted of three Tests and five ODIs. In the ODI series, Tendulkar started off with 20 in the first match followed by 61 in the second. Then he made a 163 not out in the third ODI, an innings ended by stomach cramps that forced him to retire hurt. India made 392 and won easily. Sachin was out of the next two ODIs due to injury but India won the series 3–1 with one game washed out. Tendulkar made 160 in the first test, his 42nd Test century, and India won. He made 49 and 64 in the second test and 62 and 9 in the third, in which India were prevented from winning by rain on the last day. India won the series 1–0.

Compaq Cup in Sri Lanka

Tendulkar rested himself for the ODI tour of West Indies, but was back for the Compaq Cup (Tri Series) between India, SL and New Zealand in early September 2009. He made 46 and 27 in the league matches before notching up 138 in the final, as India made 319 and won by 46 runs. This was Tendulkar's 6th century in ODI finals and his third consecutive score of over 50 in such finals. India has won all six times that Tendulkar has made a hundred in an ODI final.

ICC Champions Trophy 2009

Tendulkar played just one innings in the ICC Champions trophy in South Africa, scoring 8 against Pakistan as India lost. The next match against Australia was washed out and he was out with food poisoning in the third match against the Windies, as India were eliminated after beating the Windies and finishing third in their group.

India-Australia ODI Series

Australia returned for a seven-match ODI series in India in October, and Tendulkar made 14, 4, 32 and 40 in the first four games.

In the fifth match, with the series tied at 2–2, Australia amassed 350/4 in 50 overs. Tendulkar made his 45th ODI hundred, a 175 off just 141 balls. Just when it seemed that he would steer India to the large victory target, he paddle-scooped debutant bowler Clint McKay straight to short fine leg, with India needing 19 from 18 balls with four wickets left. The Indian tail collapsed, and they lost by 3 runs, being all out for 347.

During this match, Tendulkar also became the first player to reach 17,000 ODI runs, and achieved his personal best against Australia, as well as the third highest score in a defeat. He described it as one of his best innings but said it could have been better had India won the match.

Sri Lanka Series

In the ODIs against Sri Lanka in 2009–10, Tendulkar scored 69, 43, 96 not out and 8, as India won 3–1.

In the Test Series, he scored a 100 no out in the first test, which was drawn, and a fifty in the second. India won the series 2–0.

Bangladesh Test Series

Sachin rested himself for the ODI tri series in Bangladesh in 2010. In the Tests against Bangladesh, he made 105 not out and 16 in the first test, and 143 in the second. India won 2–0.

Series against South Africa in 2010

In the 2-Test Series against South Africa, Tendulkar made seven and 100 in the first test and 106 in the first innings of the second test. In the course of the second 100 (his 47th Test Hundred) he achieved several landmarks. Firstly, he now has four hundreds in his last four matches. Secondly, the hundred against South Africa in the first Test was the first at home against South Africa. The century was also his hundredth score over 50 in International Test cricket, moving him to 92 international hundreds (Tests and ODIs combined). In the subsequent ODI series, Tendulkar was run out in the first ODI for four runs, but made a strong comeback in the second match, scoring a brisk hundred off just 90 balls. This also took his tally of hundreds to 46 in ODIs and 93 in tests and ODIs combined. He finished the match on 200*, thus becoming the first batsman in the history of ODI cricket to score a double century, eclipsing Saeed Anwar's 194 against India and Charles Coventry's 194* versus Bangladesh.^[72]^[73] Only Belinda Clark of Australia has scored a double century in an ODI before, 229 not out in 1997 Women's World Cup in Mumbai.^[74]

Indian Premier League

Tendulkar was made the icon player and captain for his home side, the Mumbai Indians in the inaugural Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition in 2008.^[75] As an icon player, he was signed for a sum of US$1,121,250, 15% more than the second-highest paid player in the team, Sanath Jayasuriya.^[76]

Style of play

Tendulkar plays a wristy leg-side flick

Tendulkar is cross-dominant: He bats, bowls and throws with his right hand, but writes with his left hand.^[77] He also practices left-handed throws at the nets on a regular basis. Cricinfo columnist Sambit Bal has described him as the "most wholesome batsman of his time".^[1] His batting is based on complete balance and poise while limiting unnecessary movements and flourishes. He appears to show little preference for the slow and low wickets which are typical in India, and has scored many centuries on the hard, bouncy pitches in South Africa and Australia.^[1] He is known for his unique punch style of hitting the ball over square. He is also renowned for his picture-perfect straight drive, often completed with no follow-through. Recently, legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar, in an article he wrote in the AFP, remarked that "it is hard to imagine any player in the history of the game who combines classical technique with raw aggression like the little champion does".^[5]

Sir Donald Bradman, considered by many as the greatest batsman of all time, considered Tendulkar to have a batting style similar to his. In his biography, it is stated that "Bradman was most taken by Tendulkar's technique, compactness and shot production, and had asked his wife to have a look at Tendulkar, having felt that Tendulkar played like him. Bradman's wife, Jessie, agreed that they did appear similar."^[78]^[79]

Tendulkar at the crease, getting ready to face a delivery

Former Australian cricket team coach John Buchanan voiced his opinion that Tendulkar had become susceptible to the short ball early in his innings because of a lack of footwork.^[80] Buchanan also believes Tendulkar has a weakness while playing left-arm pace.^[80] He was affected by a series of injuries since 2004. Since then Tendulkar's batting has tended to be less attacking. Explaining this change in his batting style, he has acknowledged that he is batting differently due to that fact that (1) No batsman can bat the same way for the entire length of a long career and (2) He is a senior member of the team now and thus has more responsibility. During the early part of his career he was a more attacking batsman and frequently scored centuries at close to a run a ball. Ian Chappell, former Australian player, recently remarked that "Tendulkar now, is nothing like the player he was when he was a young bloke".^[81]

Tendulkar has incorporated several modern and unorthodox strokes into his repertoire in recent times, including the paddle sweep, the scoop over short fine leg and the slash to third man over the slips' heads, over the last seven or eight years. This has enabled him to remain scoring consistently in spite of the physical toll of injuries and a lean period in the mid-2000s. By his own admission, he does not bat as aggressively as he did in the 90s and early 2000s, because his body has undergone changes and cannot sustain aggressive shotmaking over a long period. He is often praised for his ability to adapt to the needs of his body and yet keep scoring consistently.

While Tendulkar is not a regular bowler, he is adept at bowling medium pace, leg spin, and off spin with equal ease. He often bowls when two batsmen of the opposite team have been batting together for a long period, as he can often be a useful partnership breaker. With his bowling, he has helped secure an Indian victory on more than one occasion.^[82] He has taken 44 test match wickets and is the ninth highest wicket taker for India in ODIs.^[83]

Controversies

Mike Denness incident

Main article: Mike Denness and Indian cricket team incident

In the second test of India's 2001 tour of South Africa, match referee Mike Denness fined four Indian players for excessive appealing as well as the Indian captain Sourav Ganguly for not controlling his team.^[84] Tendulkar was given a suspended ban of one game in light of alleged ball tampering. Television cameras picked up images that suggested Tendulkar may have been involved in cleaning the seam of the cricket ball in the second test match between India and South Africa at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth.^[85] This can, under some conditions, amount to altering the condition of the ball. The match referee Mike Denness found Sachin Tendulkar guilty of ball tampering charges and handed him a one Test match ban.^[86] The incident escalated to include allegations of racism,^[87] and led to Mike Denness being barred from entering the venue of the third test match. After a thorough investigation, the International Cricket Council revoked the official status of the match and the ban on Tendulkar was lifted. Tendulkar's ball tampering charges and Sehwag's ban for excessive appealing triggered a massive backlash from the Indian public and even the Indian parliament.^[88]

Controversy over Ferrari customs waiver

In commemorating Sachin Tendulkar's feat of equalling Don Bradman's 29 centuries in Test Cricket, automotive giant Ferrari invited Sachin Tendulkar to its paddock in Silverstone on the eve of the British Grand Prix (23 July 2002) to receive a Ferrari 360 Modena from the legendary F1 racer Michael Schumacher.^[89] On 4 September 2002 India's then finance minister Jaswant Singh wrote to Sachin telling him that the government will waive customs duty imposed on the car as a measure to applaud his feat.^[90] However the rules at the time stated that the customs duty can be waived only when receiving an automobile as a prize and not as a gift. It is claimed that the proposals to change the law (Customs Act) was put forth in Financial Bill in February 2003 and amended was passed as a law in May 2003. Subsequently the Ferrari was allowed to be brought to India without payment of the customs duty (Rs 1.13 Crores or 120% on the car value of Rs 75 Lakhs).^[91] When the move to waive customs duty became public in July 2003, political and social activists protested the waiver^[92] and filed PIL in the Delhi High Court. With the controversy snowballing, Sachin offered to pay the customs duty and the tab was finally picked up by Ferrari.^[93] Tendulkar has been seen taking his Ferrari 360 Modena for late-night drives in Mumbai.

In popular culture

Fan following

Sudhir Kumar Chaudhary, a die hard fan of Sachin who earned the privilege to get tickets to all home games of India for lifetime

Sachin Tendulkar's entry into world cricket was very much hyped up by former Indian stars and those who had seen him play. By scoring his first half-century in his second match and his first century aged 17, Tendulkar's consistent performances earned him a fan following across the globe, including amongst Australian crowds, where Tendulkar has consistently scored centuries.^[46] One of the most popular sayings by Sachin's fans is "Cricket is my religion and Sachin is my God".^[94] Cricinfo mentions in his profile that "... Tendulkar remains, by a distance, the most worshipped cricketer in the world."^[95]

At home in Mumbai, Tendulkar's fan following is so great that he is unable to lead a normal life. Ian Chappell has said that he would be unable to cope with the lifestyle Tendulkar was forced to lead, having to "wear a wig and go out and watch a movie only at night".^[81] In an interview with Tim Sheridan, Tendulkar admitted that he sometimes went for quiet drives in the streets of Mumbai late at night when he would be able to enjoy some peace and silence.^[96]

Business interests

Tendulkar's immense popularity has led him to numerous profitable business dealings in the past. He currently has the most sponsorships out of all players in world cricket. Sachin Tendulkar was an early pioneer in India on cricket business dealings when he signed a then record sports management deal with Worldtel in 1995, the value of the deal being 30 crore rupees over five years.^[97] His next contract with WorldTel in 2001 was valued at 80 crores over five years.^[98] In 2006, he signed a contract with Saatchi and Saatchi's ICONIX values at 180 crores over three years.^[99] He is the highest earning cricketer in the world.

Making use of his popularity, Tendulkar has opened two restaurants: 'Tendulkar's'^[100] (Colaba, Mumbai) and 'Sachin's'^[101] (Mulund, Mumbai). Sachin owns these restaurants in partnership with Sanjay Narang of Mars Restaurants. He has also got a new restaurant in Bangalore called Sachin's.

In 2007, Tendulkar also announced a JV with the Future Group and Manipal Group to launch healthcare and sports fitness products under the brand name 'S Drive and Sach'.^[102] A series of comic books by Virgin Comics is also due to be published featuring him as a superhero.^[103]

Product and brand endorsements

Sachin Tendulkar endorses the following products:

Pepsi: 1992–Present^[104]
Canon: 2006–2009^[105]
Airtel: 2004–2006^[106]
Nazara Technologies: 2005–2008. License for Mobile Content development based on Sachin.^[107]
- Reliance Communications sub-licensed brand 'Sachin Tendulkar' to update the user of the latest 2007 Cricket World Cup scores and news in Sachin's voice. Hutch – ICC's prime communication sponsor protested calling Reliance's plan as 'ambush marketing', a charge that Reliance Communication denies.^[108]
Britannia: 2001–2007^[109]
HomeTrade: 2001–2002^[110]
Sunfeast: 2007–2013/14^[111]
National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC): 2003–2005^[112]
Boost: 1990–Present^[113]
Action Shoes: 1995–2000^[114]
Adidas: 2000–2010^[115]
Fiat Palio: 2001 to 2003^[116]
Reynolds: 2007–Present^[117]
TVS: 2002–2005^[118]
ESPN Star Sports: 2002–Present^[119]
G-Hanz: 2005–2007^[120]
Sanyo BPL: 2007–Present^[121]
AIDS Awareness Campaign: 2005^[122]
Colgate-Palmolive^[123]
Philips^[123]
MRF^[123]
VISA^[123]
Aviva
Royal Bank of Scotland Group

Biographies

Sachin Tendulkar has been the subject of various books. The following is the listing of books focused on Tendulkar's career:

Sachin: The Story of the World's Greatest Batsman by Gulu Ezekiel. Publisher: Penguin Global. ISBN 978-0-14-302854-3^[124]
The A to Z of Sachin Tendulkar by Gulu Ezekiel. Publisher: Penguin Global. ISBN 978-81-7476-530-7^[125]^[126]
Sachin Tendulkar-a definitive biography by Vaibhav Purandare. Publisher: Roli Books. ISBN 81-7436-360-2^[127]^[128]
Sachin Tendulkar – Masterful by Peter Murray, Ashish Shukla. Publisher: Rupa. ISBN 81-7167-806-8^[129]^[130]
If Cricket is a Religion, Sachin is God by Vijay Santhanam, Shyam Balasubramanian Publisher: HarperCollins India ISBN 978-81-7223-821-6^[131]

Career achievements

Main articles: Achievements of Sachin Tendulkar and List of ODI Awards for Sachin Tendulkar

An innings-by-innings breakdown of Tendulkar's Test match batting career, showing runs scored (red bars) and the average of the last ten innings (blue line)

Sachin Tendulkar is the most prolific run scorer in one-day internationals with 17,598 runs. With a current aggregate of 13447 Test runs, he surpassed Brian Lara's previous record tally of 11,953 runs as the highest run scorer in test matches in the second Test of Australia's 2008 tour of India in Mohali.^[20] ^[132] Sachin described "It is definitely the biggest achievement in 19 years of my career" on the day he achieved the record.^[133] He also holds the record of highest number of centuries in both Test (47) and ODI cricket (46). Throughout his career, he has made a strong impact on Indian cricket and was, at one time, the foundation of most of the team's victories. In recognition with his impact on sport in a cricket-loving country like India, Tendulkar has been granted the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India. He was also chosen as one of hte five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 1997 and is ranked by the Wisden 100 as the second best test batsman and best ODI batsman of all time.

Tendulkar has also consistently done well in Cricket World Cups. Tendulkar was the highest run scorer of the 2003 Cricket World Cup and 1996 Cricket World Cup. Tendulkar has scored over 1000 runs in a calendar year in ODIs 7 times, and in 1998 he scored 1894 runs, easily the record for the highest number of runs scored by any player in a single calendar year for one day internationals. Tendulkar is also one of the very few players who are still playing in international cricket from the 1980s. On February 24, 2010, Sachin broke the previous world record for highest individual run scorer in an ODI and became the first cricketer to score double century in ODI. He scored 200 runs and broke the previous record of 194 runs jointly held by Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar and Zimbabwe's Charles Coventry.^[134]

He has been Man of the Match 13 times in Test matches and Man of the Series four times,^[135] out of them twice in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The performances earned him respect from Australian cricket fans and players.^[46] Similarly he has been Man of the Match 60 times in One day International matches and Man of the Series 14 times.

Individual honours and appreciations

Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian award, 2008.^[136]
ICC World ODI XI: 2004, 2007
Rajiv Gandhi Awards – Sports: 2005^[137]
Player of the tournament in 2003 Cricket World Cup
Maharashtra Bhushan Award, Maharashtra State's highest Civilian Award in 2001 ^[138]
Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, 1999^[139]
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India's highest honour given for achievement in sports, 1997–98.^[140]
Wisden Cricketer of the Year: 1997
Arjuna Award, by the Government of India in recognition of his outstanding achievement in Cricket, 1994.^[141]

In January 2008, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown suggested that Sachin should be conferred with an honorary knighthood for his contribution to international cricket.^[94] He was mentioned in the TIME magazine as "The greatest living exponent of his craft

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

2010-03-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Name:	Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

Date built:	Earliest records date to 300 A.D (probable)
Primary deity:	Lord Venkateswara, form of Lord Vishnu

Location:	Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh
Coordinates:	13°40′59″N 79°20′49″E / 13.68306°N 79.34694°E / 13.68306; 79.34694Coordinates: 13°40′59″N 79°20′49″E / 13.68306°N 79.34694°E / 13.68306; 79.34694

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Telugu : తిరుమల వెంకటేశ్వరస్వామి మందిరము) (Tamil:திருமலை திருப்பதி வெங்கடேஸ்வரக் கோவில்) is a famous Hindu Temple of Lord Venkateswara located in the hill town Tirumala of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is built on the Venkatadri hill, one of the seven hills of Tirumala, and hence is also known as the Temple of Seven Hills (Saptagiri in Sanskrit,. The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Venkateswara, is also known by other names - Balaji or Srinivasa.

The temple is the richest and the most visited place of worship in the world.^[1] The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily, while on special occasions and festivals, like the annual Brahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most visited holy place in the world.^[2]

According to the legend, the temple has a self-manifested idol murti of Lord Vishnu, with the Lord believed to have resided here for the entire Kali Yuga. In Sri Vaishnava tradition, the temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desam sites.

[edit] The temple and the hill

TirumalaTemple Entrance

Outside view of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.

[edit] Location of main shrine

Venkateshwara's abode is in the Venkatam hills (the hills are more often referred to as ThiruVenkatam) near Tirupathi. Thus, the main temple of Venkateshwara is the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The Tirumala temple is believed to be the richest of all the temples in the world. The temple is located in Andhra Pradesh (southern India) in Chittoor district. It is around 500 km from Hyderabad , 150 km away from Chennai and 250 km away from Bangalore

The Tirumala Hill is 3200 ft above sea level, and is about 10.33 sq miles in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus earning the name, Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. The sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara ^[3] is located on the seventh peak, Venkatadri (Venkata Hill), and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. The temple complex comprises a smaller traditional temple building along with a number of modern queue and pilgrim lodging sites. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala.

The varied names ascribed to the main deity are Balaji, Srinivasa, Venkateswara and Venkatachalapathy. The goddess Sri or Lakshmi (Vishnu's consort) resides on the chest of Venkateswara, and thus he is also known by the epithet Srinivasa (the one in whom Sri resides). Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Padmavathi reside on his either chests. The deity is considered the Kali yuga varada, that is 'the boon-granting Lord of Kali yuga' (the fourth and final age of the Hindu cycle of ages). The temple is held in particular reverence by the Vaishnava sect of southern India, known as the Sri Vaishnava.

For worshippers, the deity Venkateswara symbolises goodness. When people travel to Tirupati, they chant "Yedu Kondala Vada Venkataramana Govinda Govindaa" (in Telugu).

With his conch he creates the cosmic sound from which the creation has manifested.And with his disc he destroys ignorance and ego in the beings,thus liberating them. Lord Venkateswara is believed by followers to be a very merciful deity form of Vishnu, being the fulfiller of every wish made to him by the devotees.

The Holy mantra chanted is Om Namo Venkateshaya. "The Venkateswara Suprabhatam", the morning recital of prayers and songs of awakening, is written by Prativadi Bhayankaram Annan of Kanchipuram.^[4] Several composers composed beautiful kirtanas about Lord Venkateswara, the most notable amongst them being Tyagaraja and Annamacharya, who composed mostly in Telugu. Annamacharya or Annamayya is a legendary devotee of Lord Venkateswara and composed songs almost exclusively about the deity.

[edit] The Seven Hills

The seven hill represent the Saptarishi. They sometimes called the Sapathagiri. Hence the Lord is named Saptagirinivasa. Following are the seven hills in order.

Vrushabadri ( Hill of Nandi, the vahana of Lord Shiva)
Anjanadri ( Hill of Lord Hanuman)
Neeladri ( Hill of Neela Devi) - When Lord Balaji was hit by a shepard on his head, a small portion of his scalp becomes bald. There is no hair growth over there and this is noticed by a Gandharva princess Neela Devi. She feels "such an attractive face should not have a flaw". Immediately she cuts a portion of her hair and with her magical power she implants it on his scalp. Then Lord Balaji notices her sacrifice as hair is the beautiful aspect of Female, he promises her that all his devotees who come to his abode should render their hair to him and she would be the recipient of all that hair received. Hence it is believed that hair offered by the devotees is collected by Neela devi.
Garudadri ( Hill of Garuda, the vahana of Lord Vishnu)
Seshadri ( Hill of Sesha, the dasa of Lord Vishnu)
Naraynadri ( Hill of Lord Vishnu)
Venkatadri ( Hill of Lord Venkateswara)

[edit] The "Vimanam"

The Roof with Shining Golden Exterior of the Inner Temple that houses The Main Presiding Deity is named "Vimanam" in any Hindu temple. In the Tirumala temple, it holds a very special place as the "Ananda Nilayam" (meaning Abode of Happiness or Bliss literally) with its imposing view, magnificence, and readily recognizable identity to any devotee familiar with the temple and its fame.

[edit] Bangaru Vakili

From the Tirumamani Mandapam, you can enter the Bangaru Vakili to reach the inner sanctum sanctorum. There are two tall copper images of the dwarapalakas Jaya and Vijaya on either side of the door. The thick wooden door is covered with gilt plates depicting the dasavataram of Sri Maha Vishnu.

The doorway is directly in line with the Padi Kavali and the Vendi Vakili. It admits pilgrims to the Snapana Mandapam.

Suprabhatam is sung in front of this door.

[edit] Legend

Tirumala temple, showing nighttime lighting

Main article: Legend of Tirumala

Sri Venkatachala Mahatmyam is the most accepted legend with respect to Tirumala and provides the history of the temple across the various yugas. Of the other legends, the following are most known:

Ranganathaswamy at Srirangam (the main deity) is believed to have manifested on its own without any human endeavour (Swayambhu)
Discovery of the Venkateswara deity is described as an act of divine providence: there was a huge anthill at Tirupati, and one day a local farmer heard a voice from the heavens asking him to feed the ants. By chance the local king heard the voice and began supplying milk for the ants himself. His compassion resulted in the liquid uncovering the magnificent deity form of Venkateswara hidden beneath the anthill.

[edit] History

[edit] Ancient history

The origins of the site are legendary ^[5] . Its beginnings are shrouded in great antiquity and its origins are still a matter of scholarly debate. Srivaishnavite experts opine that the Rig Veda verse X.155.1 makes an indirect reference to the temple ^[6]^[7]. One such translation goes as ^[7]:

“

The person, devoid of wealth and vision, is implored to go to the hill which burns up all evil (vikata for Venkata) and drives away all obstacles to peace and prosperity. The call of the rishi Sirimbitha has obviously not gone in vain.

”

Thondaiman, ruler of the ancient Thondaimandalam (present day Kanchipuram) (capital: Kanchipuram, just south of modern day Chennai)^[8], is believed to have first built the temple after visualizing Lord Vishnu in his dream. He built the Gopuram and the Prakhara, and arranged for regular prayers to be conducted in the temple. Later on the Chola dynasty vastly improved the temple and gave rich endowments. To date, you will find the various Tamil Grantha script within the Temple prakara walls. The Sangam literature of Tamil such as that of Silapadikaram and Satanar Manimekalai, dated between 500BC and 300AD, mentions Thiruvengadam (now named Tirupati) by the appellation "Nediyon Kunram" as the northernmost frontier of the Tamil kingdoms ^[9]. In fact, a fairly detailed description of the deity is given in lines 41 to 51 of book 11 of the Silapadikaram ^[10]. Again, appellation "Nediyon" for the deity occurs in these verses:

“

High on Vengadam's towering crest, with

flowing streams in flood,

Betwixt the effulgent glory, of shining Sun and Moon,

Like unto a blue cloud in lightning dresst In all the brilliance of rainbow dight, The Red-eyed great One, majestic stands

In dress of flowery brilliance with garland bright,

One lotus hand with fearsome disc adorned, and milk white conch (the other held.)

”

Puranic literature which was composed roughly around the [[post-Mauryan]] and [[early-Gupta era ]]also mentions of Tirupati as the Aadhi Varaha Kshetra. The Puranas associate the site with Lord Varaha one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The Varaha shrine holds great importance in Tirupati and is said to be older than the main sanctum of Venkateswara. There is also the Ranga Mandapam, which is to the left side of the temple as we enter. This is where the main deity "Sri Ranganatha Swamy" of SriRangam Temple (Trichy) was protected, for a period of almost 60 years, during attacks byMalik Kafur in the 14th Century.

[edit] Medieval history

It was under the regime of the Vijayanagara emperors that the temple attained the majority of its current opulence^[11] and size with the donation of expensive jewellery made of diamonds and gold. The coronation ceremonies of the emperors were also held at Tirupati. In 1517, Krishnadevaraya, on one of his many visits to the temple, donated gold and jewels enabling the Vimana (inner shrine) roofing to be gilded. The Maratha general Raghoji Bhonsle visited the temple and set up a permanent administration for the conduct of worship in the temple. Among the later rulers who endowed large benefactions were the rulers of Mysore and Gadwal.

In 1843, with the coming of the East-India Company, the administration of the Sri Venkateswara temple and a number of shrines was entrusted to Seva Dossji of the Hathiramji Mutt at Tirumala as Vicaranakarta for nearly a century until 1932, when Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was established as a result of TTD Act, 1932.

[edit] Modern history

Swami Pushkarni of Tirumala

See TTD's Mandate for more details

TTD is operated by a Board of Trustees has increased in size through adoption of various Acts from five (1951) to fifteen (1987). The daily operation and management of TTD is the responsibility of Executive Officer (EO) who is appointed by the AP government.

The temple brings around 60,000 pilgrims every day.^[12] The popularity of the temple can be judged by the annual budget which was estimated at Rs 10 billion in 2008 with almost everything coming directly from donations. Devotees give donations which runs into millions. TTD, the organisation running the welfare of the temple, runs various charitable trusts whose funds are derived from the budget and donations from the devotees.^[13].

[edit] Prasadam

Laddu is the world famous prasadam given at Tirumala Temple.^[14] recently the Trust has taken copy right of Laddu prasaddam, hence, no one can prepare the same Laddu. Many other delicious prasadams are also available including curd rice, pulihora (tamarind rice), vada and chakkera-pongal (sweet pongal). Free meals are given daily to the pilgrims, and on Thursdays, the Tirupavadai seva occurs, where food items are kept for naivedyam to Lord Srinivasa.

[edit] Hair tonsuring

Many devotees also have their head tonsured as an offer. The daily amount of hair collected is over a ton.^[15] The hair thus gathered is sold by the temple organization a few times a year by public auction to international buyers for use as hair extensions and in cosmetics,^[16] bringing over $6M to the temple's treasury^{[citation needed]} .As per puranas hair given by devotees is to coverup the lost hair(it is a very small portion) of lord venkateshwara swamy^[15]

[edit] Darshan and queue system

This article is written like a travel guide and may require cleanup. Please help improve it by rewriting it in an encyclopedic style. (November 2009)

Tirumala Temple and Vaikuntam Queue Complex (Semicircular building in the foreground) as seen from Srivari Padalu on Narayanagiri hill

Tirumala possibly has the most elaborate arrangement in India to sequence and guide the visiting devotees through the holy shrine. Because of the ever increasing daily rush of devotees, the temple authorities have set up a virtual queue system, where the devotees are given a specific time, only after which they will be allowed into the queue complex. This has resulted in a steep drop (by a factor of five) in the time that devotees need to spend within the Queue Complex leading to the main temple.

There are two major kinds of Darshan (meaning "a glimpse of the Lord") at the temple. The first one being Dharma Darshanam - free darshan, which on average takes about 10 hours from the time you enter the Queue Complex. It is worth noting that during a high season (festivals, holidays, weekends and special occasions) Dharma darshanam can take as long as a whole day, while sometimes during low seasons it might take only an hour and can be quicker than any paid darshan. The second major type is Sudarshanam - costs Rs 50 and on average takes about 3 hours. Sheegra darshan - costs Rs 300 and takes only 0.45 - 1.5 hrs for darshan.There are also special queues for senior citizens (above 75 years old) and for people with kids (below 3 years). One other person is usually allowed to accompany the senior or the kid to assist them in the darshan line. Devotees who fall in this category should be sure to inquire with temple officials about the special queue, as it can significantly reduce the time and effort needed for darshan.

Individual devotees for Sudarshanam, as well as free darshanam are required to register (get a ticket/token) at any of the many queue offices situated near the main shrine, or at the local rail and bus stations in Tirumala and Tirupati, or at TTD offices in other key cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai,Delhi,Bhubaneswar and many more. At registration, devotees can choose the expected date and time of entry into the Vaikuntam Queue Complex. At the time of registration, biometrics (finger printing and photo) are taken to eliminate the involvement of middlemen. Devotees contributing for Special Darshan or Puja Darshan tickets are moved up the queue virtually as well as physically inside the temple complex, though all devotees are treated equally from the point of entry into the sanctum sanctorum. During high season (festival periods, holidays, weekends and special temple puja periods) the queues at the ticket offices itself can be quite overwhelming. Hence it is recommended that the devotee get his ticket (if possible) in advance from TTD offices nearest to their hometown and not in Tirupati.

The queue does not literally mean standing - these are huge halls in the queue complex each accommodating about 300 persons, where you can sit (and watch religious programs on a TV which also telecasts rituals from inside the temple). There are toilets, and for those seeking the free Dharma Darsanam, free food (sambar rice / curd rice) and coffee/tea served every couple of hours. Once the gates exiting the halls are opened, the devotee joins the actual queue, and from this point in the queue it might take about 60–90 minutes (standing/walking) to reach the sanctum sanctorum and have Darshan. Typically, one gets to see the idol of the Lord for about 10–15 seconds during high season to about sixty seconds during low season, and there's hustling by the volunteers to ensure that the queue progresses quickly.^[17] Despite the endless queues and the long waiting times,it is the faith that gives devotees the patience to keep moving step by step, for hours together, to get that ultimate glimpse of the Lord, before they are urged to move on forward-and-out so as to allow others behind them to have a darshan. That momentary glimpse alone, defying all logic, is worth all the queues, all the heat and the crush of the crowds as they surge towards the inner sanctum.

[edit] Arjitha seva (paid services)

Main article: Seva in Tirumala

Pilgrims can view and participate (in a limited fashion) in the various sevas performed to Dhruva bera (main idol), Bhoga Srinivasa, Sri Malayappa swami and other idols in the temple.

When pilgrims purchase arjitha seva tickets, they get the opportunity to see a seva performed to the Lord, obtain prasadam in the form of vastram (clothes), akshantalu (sacred and blessed rice) and food articles (laddus, vadas, dosas, pongal, rice items) and a darshan of the utsava murti.^[18]

[edit] Festivals

Elephants marching during festival at Tirumala

The town celebrates most Vaishnava festivals including Vaikunta Ekadasi, Rama Navami and Janmashtami with great splendor, while the Brahmotsavam celebrated every year during September is the most important festivals in Tirumala, when it receives millions of devotees over a short span of a week. Other major festivals include Vasanthotsavam (spring festival) conducted during March-April and Rathasapthami (Magha Shuddha Saptami) is another festival, celebrated during February, when Lord Venkateswara's deity is taken on procession around the temple chariots.

[edit] Related temples

Tirupati is one of the 108 holy temples in Vaishnavite system and is related to a number of other temples, including the ones in Uppiliappan temple, near Kumbakonam and Varagur temple, near Kumbakonam are considered to be the "divine brothers" of Lord Venkateswara.

This temple was built by ancient King "Thondaman". Ancient Hindu kings were extremely devout and patronised the arts. This temple at Thirupathi was part of a big plan. The ancient vaishnavaites did not want their religion to fade out with time. They built many temples across South India. These temples collectively became known as the Divyadesams. These temples are acclaimed for their historical and architectural significance. Encouraged by the Vaishnavaite saints and scholars, ancient kings built, maintained and donated large sums of money for the upkeep of these temples.

Traditionally Kurubas build temples on top of the mountains and worshiped the Almighty. Lord Venkateswara has strong following from the Backward Castes, who are traditionally Shiva worshipers in south India. Lord Venkateswara has a significant Dalit following also.is a Govindaraya Vishnu temple in the Tirupati town down below the hills with Vishnu in Yoga Nidra with Sridevi and Bhumidevi next to him.

Most of these temples that are related to Tirupathi are found in and around the post-independence state of Tamil Nadu (and a few in Kerala, Karanataka and North India/Nepal as well). If you are in Chennai, the related temples that you can visit in a matter of two - three days would be:

Veera Raghava Swamy temple - Thiruvallur - About 30 minutes from Chennai.
Lakshmi Narasimhar Temple, Ramapuram, Chennai
Bhakta Vatsala Perumal Temple - Thiruninravur - About 45 Minutes from Chennai.
ThirupputKuzhi - Midway from Chennai to Vellore, this temple can be seen by the side of the highway. It is the site where Lord Rama finds dying Jetaayu, after its battle with Ravana to rescue Sita.
Neervanna Perumal temple - Thiruneermalai village, near Pallavaram, in Chennai.
Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple - Thiru-ida-venthai (Thiruvidandai) - Kovalam, 30 minutes from Thiruvanmiyur bus stand in Chennai .
Thiruvallikeni (Parthasarathy Temple) - "Triplicane" - located in the city of Chennai.
Thirukadalmallai - Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, Mahabalipuram, about 1.5 hours from Chennai.
Thirukkadigai - Sholingur, near Arakkonam, about an hour and a half from both Chennai and Tirupati.

[edit] The Government of Andhra Pradesh & its involvement

Until Shri N T Rama Rao took over as Chief Minister, Government of AP never intervened in the happenings of TTD
It was Shri NTR who wanted TTD to support the Government's measures
It was Shri Chandra Babu Naidu who imposed lot of streamlining in the TTD
Y S Rajasekara Reddy was instrumental in inviting christian missioneries in and around TTD to distribute pamphlets about conversions. He was instrumental in putting in more non - Hindu (particularly christian) photographs in buses and other important areas, which invited world-wide criticism. YSR died in an air crash.

In the Divyadesams page is a detailed list of these 108 temples

Meenakshi Amman temple

2010-03-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

Meenakshi Sundereshwara Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple Tamil: மீனாட்சி அம்மன் கோவில்

Name:	Meenakshi Sundereshwara Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple Tamil: மீனாட்சி அம்மன் கோவில்

Date built:	Unknown
Primary deity:	Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati)
Architecture:	Dravidian architecture
Location:	Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple or Meenakshi Amman Temple Tamil: மீனாட்சி அம்மன் கோவில் is an historic Hindu temple located in the holy city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar or Beautiful Lord) and his consort, Goddess Parvati (in the form of Meenakshi). The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai. The complex houses 14 magnificent Gopurams or towers including two golden Gopurams for the main deities, that are elaborately sculptured and painted. The temple is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, and has been mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature, though the present structure is believed to have been built in 1600^[1]. The tallest temple tower is 51.9 metres (170 ft) high^[1].

[hide]

[edit] History

[edit] Hindu Belief

The divine marriage where brother Vishnu hands his sister Parvati to Shiva (from left, Vishnu, Meenakshi, Shiva)

Meenakshi deity at the temple

According to Hindu legend, Shiva came down to earth in the form of Sundareswarar to marry Meenakshi, an incarnation of [Parvati]. Parvati had earlier descended to earth in the form of a small child in response to the great penance of Malayadwaja Pandya, the ruler of Madurai. After growing up to adulthood, she began ruling the city. The Lord appeared on earth and proposed to her. The marriage was supposed to be the biggest event on earth, with the whole earth gathering near Madurai. Vishnu, the brother of Meenakshi, was traveling to preside over the marriage from his holy abode at Vaikuntam. Due to a divine play, he was tricked by god [Indra] and delayed on the way. Meanwhile, the marriage was presided over by a local god from Thirupparankundram [Pavalaakanivaai Perumal]. This is celebrated annually as 'Chitirai Thiruvizha' in Madurai. During the period of Nayakar rule in Madurai, the then ruler Thirumalai Nayakar linked the 'Azhakar Thiruvizha' and the 'Meenakshi Wedding'. Hence born the 'Azhaghar Thiruvizha' or 'Chithirai Thiruvizha'.

[edit] Modern History

The history of the original structure is not properly known, but Tamil literature speaks about the temple for the last couple of millennia. [Thirugnanasambandar], the famous Hindu saint of [Shaiva] philosophy, mentioned this temple as early as the 7th century, and described the Lord as Aalavai Iraivan. The temple was believed to have been sacked by the infamous Muslim invader Malik Kafur in 1310 and all the ancient elements were destroyed. The initiative to rebuild the structure was taken by Arya Natha Mudaliyar, the Prime Minister of the first Nayak of Madurai (1559-1600 A.D.), and the founder of the Poligar System. Then came the most valuable contributions of Thirumalai Nayak circa 1623 to 1659. He took considerable interest in erecting the Vasantha Mandapa of the temple complex.