My Adventure in India!
Throughout my 2018 World Food Prize Borlaug-Ruan internship at the World Vegetable Center, I have been able to experience the many historical monuments and attractions of Hyderabad, India. Ranging from the largest film studio in the world to ancient tombs of royalty, I have gained insight into the rich culture and history of India.
Birla Mandir Temple:
In the second week of my internship I visited the Hyderabad Birla Mandir Temple, dedicated to the deity Venkateswara. Birla Temples are Hindu temples or Mandirs that were built by the philanthropic Birla family. It was constructed out of white marble and blends a mixture of influences from Dravidian, Rajasthani and Utkala artitecture.
Salar Jung Museum:
The Salar Jung Museum holds one of the largest private collection of artifacts collected by a single man Salar Jung III. One of the most recognizable artifact in the collection is the The Veiled Rebecca sculpture created by Giovanni Maria Benzoni. The museum hosts 38 galleries in total.
Ramoji Film City:
Ramoji Film City is the largest film studio in the world and is an amusement park open to the public. It is spread around 1666 acres and features many permanent sets such as a train station and airport. There are also beautiful gardens and bonsai displayed.
Qutb Shahi Tombs:
Qutb Shahi Tombs contain the tombs and mosques belonging to the royal family of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. In the center of each tomb lies a sarcophagus that covers the burial chamber below. In the past the tombs were adorned with blue and green tiles which reflect the mixtures of Persian and Indian artitecture present throughout the tombs.
Golkonda Fort:
Golkonda Fort served as a citadel for the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The fort used to have a vault that once contained some of the world’s most valuable jewels namely the Koh-i-Noor and Hope diamonds.
Chowmahalla Palace:
Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of power during the Asaf Jahi dynasty and the residence of the ruling family the Nizams. The miraculous throne room features 19 Belgian glass Chandeliers and marble flooring.
I am grateful for the opportunity the World Food Prize has given me to travel and intern in India this summer and can’t wait to present my research at the 2018 Global Youth Institute!
