Silence » Recreation & Sports

Hiran Minar, Shekhupura Pakistan

Dr Farrukh Malik — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 12:14:39 +0000

The Famous Hiran Minar is located in Shekhupura, near Lahore Pakistan. Its geographic position is at 31.45 degree Latitude North and 73.57 degree Longitude East and is one of the master pieces of Mughal Architecture. It is believed that this monument was built by Emperor Jahangir in the memory of his Pet deer Mansraj.

Description

The information on the website of UNESCO describes the architecture as follows:

Constructed in brick, the minar (tower) is circular and tapers towards the top, which is flat, with a parapet wall. There are 210 square holes on the outer surface of the minar, arranged at regular intervals i~ 14 rows. A spiral straircase consisting of 108 steps has been provided ins-.de the minar. Along6ide the staircase, there are 11 ascending rectangular arched openings provided for air and light The minar is divided into six tiers of different height. The base of each tier has projected moulding and the lowest tier has an arched opening for an entrance. The entire exterior as well as interior of the minar has lime plaster, apparently with some floral or lineal fresco paintings. The thick lime plaster applied over the surface of the lowest tier has been divided into decorative panels or arched niches and horizontal bands in high relief. Facing the grand minar on the east side is a big tank with a causeway leading to the octagonal baradari (pavilion) built in the middle There is a square pavilion at each corner with a gateway to the baradari. The tank is rectangular in shape, each side has a ramp and a parapet wall and is flanked by four staircases of 8 6teps. During Mughal days, a channel was cut from the Aik rivulet and connected with the tank at its north-west corner ; in addition, an elaborate system for filling up the tank with rain water from the catchment area was devised. The main gateway to the baradari is a rectangular vestibule with a pointed arch flanked by four other similar but smaller openings, built one upon the other. Inside the vestibule are two platforms. The inner walls have been decorated with recessed niches, while the soffit of the domeshaped ceilings has honeycomb decoration. The two flights of 13 stops cons-tructed at both the corners lead to the roof. The outer and inner sur-face has been plastered in the usual way and decorated with fresco paintings. A causeway, standing on 21 pointed arched pillars, connects the main baradari with the gateway. A square-shaped projected platform has been provided in the middle of thc causeway. In the centre of the tank has been erected an octagonal platform with a low parapet wall on all sides. Over the platform stands the beautiful baradari in the same plan, The baradari was constructed under the orders of the Emperor Jahangir in 1620 A.D. for use as a royal residence.

At the moment, it is a very fine tourist spot who want a place to sit and relax away from Urban Centers like Lahore.

World debut of 2009 Porsche Boxster and Cayman Models

Dr Farrukh Malik — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:05:09 +0000

It is reported that Porsche has unveiled its new-generation 2009 Boxster and Cayman models at a press conference at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. The special about the event was that the German sports car maker also displayed the first car to don the Porsche name, affectionately known as Porsche No. 1, as well as the company’s first-ever race car, the 550 Spyder, which is on loan from the collection of Jerry Seinfeld. Both are among the most historically significant sports cars of their eras and represent Porsche’s first mid-engine designs, the same engine configurations now thoroughly refined in both the new Boxster and Cayman.

So what’s new on the facelifted Porsche Boxster and Cayman?

Porsche’s mid-engined sports car duo gain much of the 911’s new tech, including direct injection for some of the flat-six boxer engines and the seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe transmission. Let’s just call it the PDK twin-clutch ’box, shall we? It replaces the Tiptronic gearbox and is geared for efficiency in a tall top ratio.

The new-look models have a pair of new engines. Basic Boxsters now come with a 2.9-litre six mustering 255bhp, while boggo Caymans have an upgrade to 265bhp.

Step up to the S models of each and you’ll be treated to the 3.4 with direct injection. Result? The Boxster S kicks out 310bhp, the Cayman S a stout 320bhp. That means that every facelifted model is between 10 and 25bhp meaner than before.

River Indus, Kids and Nomads

Dr Farrukh Malik — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 06:26:03 +0000

Few days back I suddenly started feeling lonely. When I was on my way to home from office, I asked my driver to move to some place aimlessly and I ended up being at the bank of river Indus near Theri, Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan. This place was very attractive with all its natural beauty and splendors. I started exploring it and captured few snaps. Having those snaps with me , I feel like sharing them with you. So, here you go:

This the first snap that I caught. The sun was setting and it was partly cloudy so clouds were hiding the sun behind them.

In no time, I found my company. These two kids with innocent looks came and joined me in my venture.

While moving around I came across this makeshift village of nomads who were there on their yearly trip. Every year these nomads use to come to Khairpur for earning their living in summer. They use to work for dates farmers on daily wages. They carrying along everything ranging from their families to cattle and settle where ever they find some space. It is a very good example of such communities that stay on go.

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