Stambh, a Heritage Podium

Brahmyoni Hill, Gaya (Source: Author) Nature reflects the beauty of the city and when we talk of Bihar, Gaya district has been endowed with the rich natural heritage in form of hills, sarovars, kunds, springs, rivers and the scattered forests throughout the district. Today let’s open our arms and feel the scenic beauty of Gaya city. The city finds it’s mention in Vayu purana, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Buddha charit and has a rich historic importance from time immemorial.  When we talk of the city, it is surrounded by hills from three sides and river Falgu from the fourth side. There are many stand-alone hills, which are geographically located within the city boundary. Another hill has its range, which has even crossed the city boundary, the Brahmyoni hill. Let’s explore the historicity of the Brahmyoni hill and its scenic beauty and importance for Gaya city. Brahmyoni Hill, Gaya (Source: Author) Gaya is geographically located on the intermediary zone of chotanagpur plateau and gangetic

  Jhunjhunwala ki Haveli or Tilha Dharmashala, Gaya (Source: Author) The land of Gaya is full of architectural marvels. One of them is "Rai Surajmal Jhunjhunwala ki haveli" which is also commonly known as "Tilha Dharamshala". The elegant structure built in 1909 with eye- catching carvings, beautiful human figured cornices,  decorative parapets with mouldings and carvings is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture with colonial influence. In its construction, Rai Surajmal Prasad Jhunjhunwala Bahadur, the grandson of Seth Ramcharan Das ji and great-grandson of Tuganramji, resident of Ravetri Rajputana located in Chidwa area, played the main role. This Dharamsala was inaugurated by the then Governor of Bengal, Lord Walker.   Jhunjhunwala ki Haveli or Tilha Dharmashala, Gaya (Source: Author) The structure is situated on Ramsagar road of Navagarhi area in the old historic core of Gaya. Carved stucco works on the facade, Floral stucco on the spandrels of arc