Sunday, June 9, 2013

On the way - Part 3

Continuing with our journey. . . . . . . Crossing the Holkar bridge was a real pain as it was very narrow and the traffic moved real slow, till they came up with an alternate wide bridge. I must say that the construction of the new bridge was pretty fast.
For those who want to know the past of this bridge, it was built by Madhu Rao Peshwa and named after Malhar Rao Holkar who was accustomed to pitching his tent in the vicinity. (the Holkars were the Maratha rulers of the Malwa region)
There is a water colour painting by Lester John Fredrick dated as back as 1870 showing how the bridge looked during a flood that happened in July 1870.

I came across an old B&W photograph too, clicked maybe a century ago.


I tried to click a recent picture of the bridge from the same location.


One can visualize the passage of time by comparing the painting and the two photographs above. 

And to have a look at the new bridge that was built just an year ago, here is a view from the river bed. You can see the old bridge on the extreme left.


   
The city fathers planned well in advance and made this new bridge real wide with a bifurcation going to the highway via the Kirkee War Cemetery.  On some days we do take a detour from that side. (but we will explore that side later under the title Detour)

I appreciate the fact that very few trees were sacrificed to build this new bridge.
If you are lucky you will get to see some scullers rowing in the river


There are some washer men who wash their load of clothes, the traditional Indian way


And if you are really really lucky you may get to see these small birds moving around in hordes. It’s a wonderful sight to see a wave of yellow suddenly moving from one tree to another.


It is a lovely sight to see the new bridge disappearing into the jungle of trees.


And that takes us to one of my favourite roads of Pune. This road is lined with huge trees on either side giving ample shade.


Recently when I was clicking some pictures on this road, this vehicle overtook me and made the road all the more colourful.


At the end of this road there is this small quaint little Methodist church.


There is a dilapidated house that I see daily. I can’t help imagine how this house would have been a century ago. Could have been occupied by some British Military officer with his family, and an array of servants.




May be that tree could tell us some stories.  


Right next to this tree is an open playground. The best time to play football is on a rainy day and even if it is not pouring it is a lovely sight to see those youngsters engaged in a game of football.


But our love for cricket does not take a back seat. If you look closely you can see a game of cricket in progress in the midst the football players. (the guy in black stripes is bowling)



What do we call this?  Peaceful co-existence? 
To be continued in part 4.
For those who have missed out on Part-1 and Part-2.   

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

An interesting read with fab pics (as usual ?) AND it sure is peaceful co exixtence..wish it would extend to all aspects of our lives in India ...like in the "good old days "..cindy

Ms Sparrow said...

I appreciate city projects that don't destroy the trees. Your new bridges look very sturdy. Several years ago, the Twin Cities had a huge major bridge collapse and a lot of people were killed and injured. Of course, what they learn from the bridges that fall, makes all the new bridges safer.

Shelly said...

What lovely pictures- the color is gorgeous! I love the little yellow birds- what a sight they must be~

Beth said...

The pictures are wonderful. I really like the birds.

Ramakant Pradhan said...

A big shortage of available space which has resulted in people being more adjusting. Thus you can see quite a few sports played on the same ground at the same time. Lovely pictures!

Shweta said...

Beautiful post. interesting pictures also. my favourite is the one of the gorgeous bird.
& Thank you for visiting my blog:)

Rama Ananth said...

I loved everything. Why are people still addicted to cricket, which has earned such a bad name, I cannot understand. With such tainted cricketers one should not encourage them, and start taking in other neglected sports for a change, that would teach them a lesson, and stop them from thinking they are Gods.

monica said...

interesting pics..:) loved the pic with words...gr8 post..:)

Shivani Singh said...

Overwhelmed...btw that yellow bird i believe is the male of the weaver bird called Baya. Expect corrections on this but hey i'm just guessing.
And since i've been away i have to take this journey along with u in part 1 and 2. Have patience...will do...
Thank u for stopping by and pls pls stop by at my recent post and if u r busy then even an emoticon will do.
Oh! and before i quit have to tell u this... the way u have been describing bridges in the earlier part of this post i got reminded of Clint Eastwood in Bridges Of Madison County.

Susan said...

Wow, your photos are great.

I loved the balloon truck.

How nice that you paid my blog a visit! Thank you. And for your comment, too! Very nice that stopped by. Come anytime. Susan

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

How special to be able to compare the new with the old and see how some things have changed and some things have stayed the same.

We often see scullers at Boat House Row in Philadelphia. It is always a lovely sight.

The yellow bird looks like a gold finch, our state bird.

Love the photo of the truck piled high with colorful balls/balloons! :)

Dee said...

I am so enjoying this journey--your travelogue and the accompanying photographs. The three photos of the bridge really illustrated the growth of the trees. Then with the photo of the new bridge you mentioned that the trees hadn't been sacrificed and I'm glad to learn that. Peace.

Marie said...

You always have such interesting and beautiful photos and words. :)
Happy days to you!

Nancy said...

The balloon and washing photos are wonderful! Thanks for stopping by. xo

Sherry Ellis said...

It's always interesting to look at old pictures and see how familiar landmarks have changed through the years.

sage said...

Wonderful photos and I like how you added the older shots of the same bridge.

My Unfinished Life said...

nice clicks and narration... :)

http://www.myunfinishedlife.com