New Delhi (PTI): Karnataka's tableau in the 76th Republic-Day parade here on Sunday depicted the exquisite and artistic temples of the historic city of Lakkundi.
Located in Gadag district of Karnataka, about 70 km from Hubballi, Lakkundi is called the "Cradle of Stone Craft" for its stunning stone architecture.
The front part of the tableau that rolled down Kartavya Path had the Brahma statue from the Brahma Jinalaya temple, the oldest Jain shrine in Lakkundi dedicated to Lord Mahaveera.
It was followed by the open-pillared mantapa of the Brahma Jinalaya temple.
The main section of the tableau had on display the grand and ornate Kashi Vishweshwara temple and Nanneshwara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temples of Lakkundi reflect the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka and celebrate all faiths and religions. The southern state has always been a "SarvaJanangadaShaanthiya Thota", a quintessential garden of peace.
Lakkundi is home to beautiful temples, stepwells and inscriptions from the Chalukya dynasty.
Besides being a cultural powerhouse, Lakkundi was a large thriving city and a commercial hub between the 10th and 12th century AD.
The city was ruled by several dynasties but the most important of them were the Chalukyas.
Lakkundi is a paradise for antiquarians and architecture enthusiasts. It has 50 temples, most of which are dedicated to Lord Shiva, 101 stepwells and 29 inscriptions.
It is an epitome of the Kalyani Chalukyas' excellence in art, culture and architecture.
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Jinxi, China: A homeowner in Jinxi, a town southwest of Shanghai, has become the centre of attention after refusing to vacate his house for a motorway project. Workers built the highway around the property after he declined the government's compensation offer, transforming the house into a peculiar landmark.
Huang Ping, the owner of the two-storey house, was offered 1.6 million yuan (approximately Rs 1.9 crore) along with two properties, later increased to three. However, dissatisfied with the deal, he chose to stay. With the highway set to open in spring, Huang now lives at its centre, requiring passage through a large pipe to access the home.
Although Huang regrets the decision, calling it "a big bet" he lost, the house has become a local attraction. Residents and visitors frequently stop by to take pictures of the unusual setup.
To escape the noise and dust from construction, Huang and his grandson spend their days in the town centre, returning home only after work hours. There are concerns that the constant noise from the operational motorway will make peaceful living impossible.
The stubborn old Chinese man who refused to sell his house for a government project now regrets his decision.
— Ibra ❄️ (@IbraHasan_) January 25, 2025
Huang Ping, from Hunan province, hoped for more money but lost everything. The government built a road around his house, leaving it in the middle of a busy street. Now,… pic.twitter.com/it0rYe2fhd