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• 5 Of The Best Books Ever Written On Delhi
• 17 Things You Should Know About Mangal Pandey – The Man Who Fired The First Shot Of 1857 Indian Revolt
• Secret Illusion: Watching 3D Clips Without Those Funny 3D Glasses
• Call Sherlock And Ask What TF Happened To Emma Watson’s Boyfriend
• Gujarat Riots Was The ONLY RIOT In India. At Least This Is What The Home Ministry Thinks
• 30 Insane Ways To Be A Shimla Head!
• A Common Cause Which Brought Bollywood Celebs On TV Screens Together The Only Time. And Thankfully So
• RIP Maruti 800! 5 Reasons Why Thousands Of Indian Families Will Miss The Car That Defined Modern India

5 Of The Best Books Ever Written On Delhi Posted: 10 Feb 2014 06:30 PM PST Delhi is similar to a surprise hamper basket – you can never guess what will come out of it. It is multifaceted and with a history so vivid and rich, that many a writers have tried to paint their version of it in their books. Some were mystified by the revolutions and the mutinies, some by the architecture, others by the cultural mix and food. Apologies in advance, for missing out your favorite, be sure to recommend it to fellow Dilliwallahs in the comments section. Find enclosed a list of 5 great books ever written on the national Capital. 5. City of Djinns (William Dalrymple, 1993) Even after two decades, it is the most widely read book ever written on Delhi. The writer spent a year in Delhi and gathered his memoirs in this book. His account of the visit to the Sikh family that was affected during the riots of 1984 or the nostalgic connection to Karachi, Mr. Dalrymple went about exploring the inner most shades of Delhi that are otherwise conveniently assumed or ignored in daily lives. He traced the journey of the city right from the time of Mahabharata to the Mughal Empire, till present day. Delhi has always served as a convenient punching bag when comparing other metros like Mumbai, Madras or Calcutta. It's over board impulses, lack of a original culture, taste on the borderline of giddiness, makes easy conversation. The writer glorified the fact by actual memoirs, the multi layers of culture, the rich civilization and cultural diversity, found in no other city of India. His wife Olivia Fraser did all the illustrations in the book. Check Reviews at goodreads! 4. Delhi: Adventures in a Megacity (Sam Miller, 2008) This book provokes different emotions and sets you thinking about the city of Delhi. He actually went and observed the real Delhi, as you might call it. He explored suburbs like Nehru Place, Rohini, Ghazipur and Gurgaon, mostly ignored by other travel writers. He captured the essence of the city by actually mentioning the real citizens if the city and not just the glorious monuments of the past. His encounters with a professor, a crematorium attendant to rag pickers paint an actual real portrait of Delhi. His humane side connects with the undercurrent of the city and the natural humor is very refreshing for all to read. There is actually a very funny story where he sees a Mercedes Benz parked next to the flag of Togo, while walking in the industrial area near Apollo Hospital. Upon enquiring, he discovered the embassy of Togo, actually operating in tandem from a car showroom. Read it if you want to learn a bit more about the real soul of the city. Check reviews at goodreads. 3. Unsettling Memories (Emma Tarlo, 2003) As the name suggests, Emma has tried to capture the turmoil of 1975, when Indira Gandhi declared a state of Emergency. It was a dark period for Delhi and she has managed to deliver an account of it in a very clean and systematic manner. The draconian campaigns run by Sanjay Gandhi and how they affected the basic existence of the common man have been captured in a gripping analysis. The sad fact that a poor man was left with no choice but to either undergo sterilization or stay homeless, was the sorry state of affairs. How she stumbled upon a colony set up for refugees and accounted their horror stories of Emergency, are gory details any government would like to brush under the carpet. Her explanation of how the state archives were working in a well planned manner to conveniently drop facts from the past, has been done very impressively. A real narrative of how the state can break or make lives of the ordinary citizens and that too at a mega scale! 2. Delhi by Khushwant Singh All of us who have read the book can never forget Bhagmati, from this controversial book that never evokes a similar reaction in two people who have read it. It is a magnum opus written on Delhi, infused with excesses of eroticism and bloodshed. His love for Delhi comes out in the most brutal form ever written. During his space travel that extends over 600 years, he meets different characters with their unique tales to share. You find them all poets, saints, sultans, eunuchs, traitors, just name it and he's there. Despite the wide criticism he manages to transform and immortalize these characters in our minds forever. You get to hear Aurangzeb's story from him and raise doubts in your head to now hate him or let it be. Also get educated about Sikhism and its core values. Like certain readers complain, the conflicts are a little over bearing. As in there are Hindus versus Muslims, Muslims versus Sikhs, Sikhs versus Hindus, thus not leaving out any permutations. Let's not forget Mr. Singh took 25 years to pen down his version, so some credit is due and confusion can be forgiven. Check reviews at goodreads. 1. Trees of Delhi, Pradeep Kishen This book is a nature lover's delight, as it goes into every possible detail about the flora and fauna in Delhi. In a fresh approach, Mr. Krishen used the leaves and created ten different groups of trees found in Delhi. If you ever wondered about the name of the tree you pass daily that never or rarely flowers, then this is the book for you. He gave a name to every such tree, put pictures of leaves, flowers, fruits and characteristics details. He didn't stop here, actually went further and tells you where to find them, exact location in Delhi. This is not a normal guide, but a man's love for the trees of his city, transformed on paper. There are personal stories of trees with people, which make a good read. Mr. Krishen's love for exotic plants has inspired him to write such an extensive book. It inspires you to look around and preserve the few trees left around now. He mentions over two hundred and fifty species of trees in his book and how the topography has changed over the years. Check reviews at goodreads. The post 5 Of The Best Books Ever Written On Delhi appeared first on TopYaps.

17 Things You Should Know About Mangal Pandey – The Man Who Fired The First Shot Of 1857 Indian Revolt Posted: Although after the British imposed their rule over India, resistance came from royalties across the country, but none were enough to shatter the British will. It was, however, in 1857, that the first blow came from the Indians. It awoke a new hope among them about and a vision to see independent India. In many ways, it ushered the spark of nationalism among the fellow Indians. The man behind this, as we all know, was a mere soldier in the Imperial Army, Mangal Pandey. Well, to tell the truth, we still don't know much about him except for the obvious stuff—so, what are you waiting for? Read the list and know more about this personality: 17. As known to all, Mangal Pandey started the Sepoy Mutiny in India. 16. Mangal Pandey was born in Nagwa village in the Balliya district of Uttar Pradesh on 19th July 1827. 15. He joined the British in the year 1849, at the tender age of 18 and became a soldier with the 6th Company of the Bengal Infantry. 14. During his office at the Bengal Infantry at Barrackpore, the British introduced a new type of cartridge which was, apparently, made of cow and pig fat. Now, both the Hindus and the Muslims couldn't use the cartridge, as they had to tear it off with their teeth, for religious reasons. It was Pandey who led a group of Indian soldiers to refuse the use of cartridge. 13. Perhaps Pandey was actually able to understand the true motive of the British—to divide the country into Hindus and Muslims to ease their dominance. Although many people term his rebellion as a portrayal of his "Dharma" as a Bhumihar Brahmin, a lot of people see this as a genuine effort to stop the atrocities of the British. 12. Whether out of his stubbornness or nationalistic zeal or religious ideology, we don't know, but Mangal Pandey was so much angry and disappointed that, after revolting, he had even vouched to kill the first English person he sees. 11. Well, he kept his promise, and fired at Lieutenant Baugh. Although he missed his shot, Pandey was able to overpower the Lieutenant with a sword—so much was the zeal that, it is said, the Lieutenant and Major Hudson had to run back to save their arses. 10. It was essentially Mangal Pandey's efforts that spread the Sepoy Mutiny from Barrackpore to Meerut, Delhi, Cawnpore and Lucknow. 9. It was due to Mangal Pandey's genuine efforts that later the British contemplated their action and ordered the soldiers to use their own greasing (of ghee) over the cartridges. In fact, to solve this dilemma, Lord Canning even sanctioned the proposal of Major-General Hearsey. 8. Mangal Pandey, for his rebellious act, was imprisoned and sentenced a death penalty. 7. Mangal Pandey was tried at the Military court where he was asked the names who participated in the "crime". And, he, like a true nationalist hero, kept mum which cost his own life. 6. Although he was scheduled to be hanged on April 18th, 1857, his death was rescheduled without any prior notification and was carried out 10 days beforehand. 5. Thus, Mangal Pandey became one of the first martyrs of India—since the day he died, he was referred to as Shahid Mangal Pandey. 4. It was due to the conglomeration sparked off by Mangal Pandey that the East India Company finally lost all the confidence of the British Empire and the colony of India went under direct rule of Queen Victoria. 3. The place where Mangal Pandey had attacked the British officers, and where he was later hanged, has been turned into a park now, and is known as "Shahid Mangal Pandey Maha Udyan". 2. Designed by the artist C.R. Pakrashi, the Government of India, finally in 5th October 1984, issued postage stamps which bore the image of Mangal Pandey. 1. Pandey's so-called treachery made him quite (in)famous among the British, so much so that he gave birth to a new English word! "Pandy" is a word in English Language which has been derived from his surname, and it means "Traitor". Although it was quite colloquial in those days, it has slowly become obsolete. The post 17 Things You Should Know About Mangal Pandey – The Man Who Fired The First Shot Of 1857 Indian Revolt appeared first on TopYaps.

Secret Illusion: Watching 3D Clips Without Those Funny 3D Glasses Posted: You will simply detect below images with 3D effect without even using those 3D clumsy glasses. Actually, these were just experimented by simply drawing a couple of lines through its flat screen and hence portraying an illusion of developing a movie or short clip. Indeed, sometimes diminutive changes work amazingly. Oh yeah! So, below are some amazing 3D clips that will surely carry the show :- 1.   2.   3. 4.   5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. The post Secret Illusion: Watching 3D Clips Without Those Funny 3D Glasses appeared first on TopYaps.

Call Sherlock And Ask What TF Happened To Emma Watson’s Boyfriend Posted:     Credit: diogowerner via tumblr The post Call Sherlock And Ask What TF Happened To Emma Watson’s Boyfriend appeared first on TopYaps.

Gujarat Riots Was The ONLY RIOT In India. At Least This Is What The Home Ministry Thinks Posted: 10 Feb 2014 05:07 AM PST The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently invited applications for the post of Security Assistant/Executive in the Intelligence Bureau. What is surprising is a question in the online application form; it asks applicants if they are victims of the 2002 Gujarat riots. Now, one is forced to wonder why the ministry would specifically consider Gujarat riots as a factor in the selection process. There are other riots, too, that have happened in the recent past including the Assam and Muzaffarnagar riots. Even if the MHA may argue that any likely biasness of a riot victim may make one unfit for an agency like the IB, it belies logic since the entire purpose of inserting this specific question remains vividly unclear. The post Gujarat Riots Was The ONLY RIOT In India. At Least This Is What The Home Ministry Thinks appeared first on TopYaps.

30 Insane Ways To Be A Shimla Head! Posted: 10 Feb 2014 02:30 AM PST You can call Shimla a small hill town still in the nascent stages of materialization, but young minds here are already touching the zenith of stylish dressing and hair dos. Geared up with latest Smartphone and attention-grabbing dressing styles, there is certain mode that classify Shimlaties on the trend graph. Unlike the Mumbaiya tapori language, Shimlaties (primarily youth) use soft melodious and respectful words that perfectly complement their flattering fashion lives. Far beyond the trailing fashion cultures of India, the trending town faces competition within and everyone seeks new ways to emerge as a style icon. So let's check out the thirty basic insane ways to become a Shimla head. 1. Roaming With no qualms, roaming or traveling is what the Shimlaties do best, whether it is Saturday Malling or a night trip of Sector 15 in Chandigarh. 2. Style Statement Shimlaties don't always follow trending styles, their looks are quiet self made, although one find reflection of several influences therein. From emo hairdos and the gothic t-shirts to the narrow bottom jeans and colorful sneakers. 3. Wacky hobbies Play snooker, play cards, off-roading on bikes and total metal heads, these are some crazy hobbies you will commonly find among teenagers in Shimla. 4. Meet the friends Listen the guy friend is much more important than the girlfriend and she can be fooled anytime. 5. Gadget convention Smartphone with all updated apps and iPods filled with trance, metal and pahari natties is our favorite. 6. Twisted Glossary That typical pahari slang and words like harkuch, kandi, Ma kasam, coma, Shankar, jayeka, kashkaa and that famous "be ki bhasha". 7. Dope heads "Bawa joint hai kya" (got stuff man?). A common question which sets a foundation for rest of the day. 8. Smoker's Junction Hard to believe but youngsters smoke king size cigarettes, papers and the biddi (Indian cigar) as style statement. 9. Bindass Attitude Followers of Rastman culture, Shimlaties don't give a crap about what people think about them and admire the statements like no women no cry. 10. Magic pockets Filled with all the essential requirements for the day, the cargos look packed but the wallet remains clear. 11. Dressing style Worn out jeans with shady batch on the top, Shimlaties can easily be noticed with their black Nirvana, Floyd, AC/DC, Pantera or Metallica t-shirts. 12.Mobile usage Hundreds of artists and songs but no balance or talk time. Need help give your friend a missed call or a "call kar" text. 13. Gaddie Route Packed in a car and walk the beat around St. Bedes on weekdays and a march on the mall of Saturday. 14. Night outs Mummy, I am going to Rohit's place tonight. Bye. 15. Herbal medicines No matter what the problem is, smoke a joint and all worries will be gone. 16. Contact numbers Forgetting your girlfriend's mobile number is not an issue until unless you have father's mobile number with you for urgent cash. 17. Art galleries Shimlaties beautify their room walls with black art posters featuring artists and celebs but the centre piece always remains Lord Shiva. 18. Daily consumption Chai (tea) + paranatha + cigarette = Breakfast, Chai + paranatha + cigarette = Lunch, Daru (Booze) + paranatha + cigarette = Dinner. 19. Respect and attitude Give Respect and take respect, the ones with attitude under their shoe. 20. Nick names Call their loved with wired nick names – Dope, Israeli, Budha, bawa, lola, tunda, psycho, terri, bhangi, chetu and kantar. 21. Brand freaks Shoes from woodland or converse, t-shirts from Nike or puma and jeans from Lewis or Wrangler. 22. Learning terms Roam around with your seniors and strictly avoid bookworms (they will ruin your career). 23. Date spots Take your partner on a date to Kali-Badi Mandir, Advance Studies, Jahku hills, Mashobra or Tallai. 24. Cutback the Expenses Minimum recharge of 10 and maximum of 50. Minimum patrol of 100 and maximum of 500. If no king size cigarettes, get me biddi bro. 25. Friends with benefits Make friends from Manali and Kinnuar for better quality stuff and traditional Angoori. 26. Blending customs Style up the looks with traditional pahari dresses with low waist jeans and perform natti on the dance floor. 27. Shiva followers Regard stuff as Parsad from lord Shiva and while smoking follow the right hand rule. 28. Strict rules No flip-flops, no combs, no ironing, no treachery, stay with love and always share. 29. Stay high Smoke two joints in the morning, smoke two joints in the afternoon, smoke two joints at night and it makes feel alright. 30. What's up One-liners that Shimlaties commonly use "Phir kya scam hai" "Koi sceen ni bawa", "yehi toh tashan hai bawa” and "Chalte hai araa kahin thulne". The post 30 Insane Ways To Be A Shimla Head! appeared first on TopYaps.

A Common Cause Which Brought Bollywood Celebs On TV Screens Together The Only Time. And Thankfully So Posted: 10 Feb 2014 02:26 AM PST When was the last time you saw your favourite Bollywood celebs keep aside their differences and come together for a cause? Can't remember? No problem, you can be excused for that because they never actually came together in our recent memory. The last time they did was when Doordarshan enjoyed a monopoly. The leading stars of the day such as Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Govinda and others joined hands to deliver a message of unity in the aftermath of the Bombay Riots of 1992-93. You can see a younger Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, too, in the video of ‘Pyar Ki Ganga Bahe’ and leading stars of regional cinema sharing screen space. Sonam Kapoor – then a child – can be seen sitting on her father's lap. India’s current heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor was certainly podgy as a young boy. It looks nice to see them all, but if a riot brought them together on screen, hope they never come together again. Credit: Doordarshan National via official YouTube channel The post A Common Cause Which Brought Bollywood Celebs On TV Screens Together The Only Time. And Thankfully So appeared first on TopYaps.

RIP Maruti 800! 5 Reasons Why Thousands Of Indian Families Will Miss The Car That Defined Modern India Posted: 09 Feb 2014 10:47 PM PST Ask any 80s born person about their favorite car – you'll find most of them uttering a single name — Maruti 800. Inexpensive, compact and stylish—it was everyone's dream car: the rich would make it their sons' and daughters' first car whereas the middle-income group would see it as a nice, budget car which they could happily afford. In other words, it created a history in being India's most affordable but efficient car for ages. Now that the car's production has been stalled forever, let's look back why it had been so famous, and why we're going to miss it forever— 5. A Revolutionized Car since its Inception Now when we see a Nano or a Matiz or a Santro roaming up and down the roads and streets, we are not really taken aback by their size or their compactness. However, things weren't exactly the same two decades back during the age of grand fiats, ambassadors, Standard Gazels and Grand Padminis. This compact, fuel-efficient, inexpensive but air-conditioned car came as a surprise and swayed every person off their feet. Till that time, owning cars exemplified status but post its launch, cars became for everyone, irrespective of any social statuses. It became a symbol of modern Indian automobile industry. 4. A Car for Everyone In spite of having a meager 796cc petrol engine, it was quick to gain the support of common people who were too overwhelmed to finally get a car who they (the middle class people) could not only dream of owning but own and ride them too. It was a car for everyone—the common people and the spoilt brats too, and have been so for not a year or two, but for around 2 decades! No matter how many Santros or Altos or Zens we have, the streets would never be the same with diminishing number of Maruti 800s. 3. Flurry of Memories Well, Indians are hooked to nostalgia like no one, and to a person born in the late 80s and early 90s, Maruti 800 unfurls a flurry of nostalgic memories like no other cars. Seeing those hurrying past other cars in the roads and streets, people would be transported back to their childhood or their early adulthood in which the car had a major role to play in. These might seem a bit absurd to people who never owned any Maruti 800, but try asking about it to any person who've had the opportunity of spending much time with and in the car, you'll get your answer! 2. Small but Efficient There is a famous saying that big gifts come in small packages; and, this holds absolutely true for Maruti 800. It might be really small (even smaller than a Nano) but its brilliant sales record from Kashmir to Kanyakumari is enough to vouch for its efficiency. Be it the winding roads of Mussourie or the rough terrains of Ladakh or the dusty lanes of Jaipur or the muddy Kolkata streets, Maruti 800 has excelled everywhere and time and again proved its worth. Besides, the cost of repairing or maintaining the car is absolutely meager, which is an added bonus. Alas! All of these would really be missed from now on with the production of Maruti 800 being stalled forever. 1. A Super-Hit from the Start When Maruti 800 was first launched, it indeed took everyone by surprise so much so that people would queue up in front of the showrooms to book their "first car". Although Nano came with a tagline of 1,00,000 bucks during its launch, it was still insufficient to grab so much eyeballs as Maruti 800 did in its own days, and hence, was considered as, kind of, a failure. Besides, with a maximum speed of around 130 kmph, it was quite a steal at such a budget price (50,000 bucks when it was first launched).  Compared to the good ol' Maruti 800, the newer and technologically superior, the Tata Nano could only provide a maximum speed of 108 kmph. To the Indians who mostly understand the basic language of speed as well as mileage, there was no comparison of their very own Maruti 800. The post RIP Maruti 800! 5 Reasons Why Thousands Of Indian Families Will Miss The Car That Defined Modern India appeared first on TopYaps.

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