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21 August 2024 at 3:50:16 pm

Static Warfare

Maharashtra’s politics has long resembled a murky theatrical production, but its latest act has descended into farce. A purported audio recording released by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, allegedly discussing a staggering Rs. 500-crore payment routed to him through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has plunged the ruling Mahayuti into fresh turmoil. While the recording’s authenticity remains unverified, the political fallout has...

Static Warfare

Maharashtra’s politics has long resembled a murky theatrical production, but its latest act has descended into farce. A purported audio recording released by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, allegedly discussing a staggering Rs. 500-crore payment routed to him through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has plunged the ruling Mahayuti into fresh turmoil. While the recording’s authenticity remains unverified, the political fallout has already exposed the fissures beneath the coalition’s carefully cultivated façade of unity. The first imperative is to establish the facts. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a forensic examination of the recording, including the identities of the speakers and the circumstances in which it was made. The investigation must go beyond determining whether the audio has been manipulated. Its provenance, completeness, context and circulation must also be established. The allegations are extraordinary. Jarange claims that the purported conversation points to efforts to blunt his influence ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections, when his agitation for Maratha reservation had become a significant political force. The recording allegedly refers to Rs. 500 crore being delivered through Shrikant Shinde. Both Eknath Shinde and his son have rejected the allegations, with the latter responding sarcastically that the money never reached him. Jarange, for his part, has denied receiving the sum and demanded an investigation. The recording has surfaced nearly two years after the alleged conversation, reportedly dating to October 2024. Fadnavis has himself questioned why it has emerged now and who stands to benefit. The allegations have become a test of trust within the Mahayuti itself. The BJP and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena remain partners in government, but their relationship is hardly free of friction. Shinde’s transition from chief minister to deputy chief minister after the 2024 Assembly election underscored the BJP’s ascendancy within the alliance. The latest controversy has revived questions about whether competing ambitions and suspicions are undermining the partnership. The danger lies in the ease with which political intrigue can displace governance. An allegation involving Rs. 500 crore is not a routine exchange of partisan accusations. If substantiated, it would raise grave questions about the use of money to influence a social movement and electoral outcomes. The Maratha reservation agitation has had profound consequences for Maharashtra’s social equilibrium. To reduce such a movement to an instrument of electoral management, if that is what occurred, would be a serious indictment of the political establishment. There is a further question that Maharashtra’s political class must confront: why does every major public controversy so quickly become a contest over factional survival? The state’s politics has grown increasingly transactional, shaped by shifting loyalties and the compulsions of coalition management. The government must therefore ensure that the inquiry is independent in substance, not merely forensic in name.

Khajuraho: The Eternal Poetry of Stone

Writer: Archita Redkar
Archita Redkar
Jun 4
3 min read

The vast majority of Khajuraho's carvings celebrate devotion, music, dance, nature and everyday life, reflecting the richness of mediaeval Indian society.

As a tour leader, one of my most rewarding experiences is introducing travellers to the timeless beauty of Khajuraho. Our Indology experts bring the temples alive through their insights, yet every visit still fills me with awe. Watching guests stand silently before these masterpieces, captivated by artistry carved more than a thousand years ago, reminds me why Khajuraho remains one of India's most extraordinary cultural treasures.


Nestled in Madhya Pradesh's Bundelkhand region, Khajuraho is one of the world's most remarkable heritage destinations. Located in Chhatarpur district, about 620 kilometres southeast of Delhi, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its magnificent temples and exquisite sculptures. Surrounded by forests, rocky hills, rivers, and rural landscapes, Khajuraho offers a remarkable blend of history, spirituality, architecture, nature, and culture.


The temples were built between 950 and 1050 CE by the powerful Chandela rulers, who transformed the region into a flourishing centre of religion, art, and learning. Historical records suggest that nearly 85 temples once stood here, spread across about 20 square kilometres. Today, around 25 survive, preserving the brilliance of mediaeval Indian craftsmanship and architectural vision.


The Western Group of Temples includes the magnificent Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, considered the pinnacle of Chandela architecture. Dedicated to Shiva, it rises like a sacred mountain adorned with intricate sculptures. Nearby, the Lakshmana Temple honours Vishnu and features carvings of celestial beings, dancers, musicians and scenes of daily life. Other notable temples include Vishvanatha, Chitragupta and Devi Jagadambi.


The Eastern Group highlights the region's Jain heritage, particularly the Parshvanatha Temple, admired for its delicate carvings. The Southern Group includes the Duladeo and Chaturbhuj Temples, demonstrating the continued evolution of Chandela artistry and temple design.


Perhaps the most discussed aspect of Khajuraho is its sculptural art. Contrary to popular perception, the famous erotic sculptures represent only a small fraction of the carvings. Most depict gods, goddesses, dancers, musicians, animals, warriors, and scenes of daily life. These sculptures reflect the ancient Indian philosophy that embraced Dharma (duty), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation) as essential aspects of a balanced life. They illustrate a society that celebrated human existence while recognising spirituality as its ultimate goal.


Architecturally, Khajuraho is among the finest examples of the Nagara style of temple construction. Built primarily from sandstone, the temples feature soaring shikharas, harmonious proportions, and richly carved walls. Remarkably, many were constructed without mortar, relying on precisely interlocked stones and exceptional engineering skill. More than a millennium later, these structures continue to astonish visitors and scholars alike.


Khajuraho is not merely a collection of monuments but a living cultural landscape. The region continues to celebrate traditions of music, dance, storytelling, and craftsmanship. Every year, the internationally acclaimed Khajuraho Dance Festival brings together leading classical dancers who perform Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, and other dance forms against the backdrop of illuminated temples. The festival showcases the enduring connection between art, spirituality, and heritage.


Beyond the temples, visitors can explore several fascinating attractions nearby. The spectacular Raneh Falls, formed as the Ken River cuts through colourful granite canyons, offer breathtaking scenery. The Ken Gharial Sanctuary protects unique river ecosystems, while Panna National Park is famous for its tigers, leopards, deer, and rich bird life. Historical treasures such as Ajaygarh Fort and Kalinjar Fort, along with Pandav Falls, add depth to the journey.


One of my most memorable visits involved a group of European travellers who arrived knowing only about Khajuraho's famous sculptures. As they explored the temples, they discovered a richer story of philosophy, devotion and creativity. Several later told me the experience had transformed their understanding of Indian culture.


Every traveller takes away something different from Khajuraho. Some are inspired by its artistic brilliance, others by its spiritual symbolism, and many by its celebration of life. For me, Khajuraho represents the soul of India—ancient yet timeless, deeply spiritual yet profoundly human.


At Global Voyages, we believe travel should go beyond sightseeing and create meaningful connections with people, places, and stories. Khajuraho is one of those rare destinations that achieves exactly that. Long after the journey ends, travellers remember the temple silhouettes against the evening sky, the craftsmanship carved into stone, and the insights they gained into India's cultural heritage.


To visit Khajuraho is to witness one of humanity's greatest artistic achievements. To truly experience it is to understand why generations of travellers, historians, artists, and spiritual seekers continue to be drawn to this remarkable corner of India. Khajuraho does not simply impress the eyes; it inspires reflection, sparks curiosity, and leaves an enduring place in the heart.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)


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