Abandoned @ Rajahmundry

     I am in a town close to the east coast, called Rajahmudry. It is a very old town named after a king called Rajah Mahendravaram. It is called the cultural capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is said that the Telugu language originated here. It is full of tidbits of history. Just outside my hotel, on a hillock, saw some old abandoned bungalows. Was told that they dated back to the British times. Wanted to explore them but the road leading to the top had disappeared in thick shrubs. There was actually no way to reach the top. Finally sat down in a parking lot at the base of the hillock and did this plein air work. I think I did manage to catch the atmosphere and hope you all like it.

Fly Helicopters, Paint Helicopters.

     Well, as usual have been missing from the cyberspace for some time. Was busy with flying commitments and the exhibition which went off well. Finally managed to complete a request which had been pending for quite some time. My friends usually request paintings of helicopters. But this one came with a rider... The Umaid palace as the backdrop. This gentleman had emotional attachments with this place as he had commanded a helicopter unit here. And I believe art is incomplete without emotions. Had to take up the challenge. The composition was difficult as there was no ready reference material. Getting the angles and the perspective correct proved to be a herculean task. After numerous failures managed to get it right. Hope you like it.

     Oops, forgot the history bit. This palace was constructed by the Maharaja of Jodhpur. The architect was a British gentleman Henry Vaughan Lanchester. The construction started in 1929 and finished in 1943. But with Indian independence in 1947 and the Maharajas losing their seats of power and their purses, they found the upkeep of this property difficult. Presently a section is the private residence of their descendants and the major part is a five star hotel. Those of you who want a taste of the luxuries of the erstwhile maharajas of India, must try this out.