Selective Amnesia

CBZ Chronicles II

I passed through some great villages during the Chola Nadu trip. The rivers were a-flowing, the birds were a-flying. The green fields were really green and not a dull brown. The people I met on the way were happy and it showed in the way they spoke about their fields, life, work etc.

Those who say Tamil Nadu is a dry state ought to have their tongues cut. Every river I passed through (some 20), major and minor, are full to overflowing with water.

Palar, Chunnambu-Ar(just outside Pondicherry, and is the inspired the name of the island resort, Chunnambar, that Pondicherry is trying to sell to visitors), Vellar, Pennar, Ponnaiar, Gadilam, Kollidam are all absolutely gung ho, and can’t wait to show off themselves. The recent rains really did good to Tamil Nadu’s psyche.

But the rains have also wrecked havoc on roads.

My first stop was Gangai Konda Chola puram. The temple at Gangai Konda Chola puram, built to commemorate the capture of the kingdom of Ganga by the Chola King Rajendra Cholan, is styled after the Big Temple/Brihadeswara Temple at Thanjavur. The entire temple is built like one friggin English Castle, with huge ramparts and fortified walls and all. And well maintained too. The Archeological Survey of India is really doing good work.

I shall post pictures soon. Meanwhile, I am planning another trip, during the Christmas Holidays, to either Thanjavur and Kumbakkonam, or to Kodikarai, on my bike. If any of you guys or gals, with a bike, wanna come along, just mail me, or buzz me.

Which reminds me – my mobile number has changed – 98844 67463.