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Jaipur Sunrise & Sunset Photo

Statue And The Human Connections

I often wonder what purpose does a statute holds in our lives? I captured this picture with a statue of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, the last king of Jaipur in Ram Niwas Garden.

sawai-man-singh-ii-statute-ram-niwas-garden-jaipur-skywatch-friday
Statue of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II in Jaipur.

Maharajah Man Singh II was extraordinary in many ways. Trained at Royal Military Academy at Woolwich, England he became a Maj General and offered his services in WW II. He was a passionate polo player and served as an ambassador of India. There are many more things that I can write here, but the question is does all that matter to anyone anymore?

Humans have always resorted to ways in which they will be remembered even after their death. The building of statutes probably owes its origin to this basic concept. In many cases, statutes are built by their relatives years after their death in commemoration. While it means nothing to the current generation, often, they have served as a reference point. One of the best examples is the Egyptian civilization as are many other excavation sites where historians have been able to link events and lives.

We all are mortal and the fact is that we only remember people who have touched our lives. More so if someone has made a positive impact. I feel posters, statutes, books, and all other forms have a limited appeal. In this context I would like to share these excellent lines which I read somewhere, written by Joybell C.

Our bodies have five senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, hearing. But not to be overlooked are the senses of our souls: intuition, peace, foresight, trust, empathy. The differences between people lie in their use of these senses; most people don’t know anything about the inner senses while a few people rely on them just as they rely on their physical senses, and in fact probably even more.

It was a chance event where I could capture this beautiful sunlight and the statute. I love the symmetry of the shot. Finding a clutter-free frame in public places is very difficult especially in cities like Jaipur which is always buzzing. What are your thoughts on this picture and life? Do share your opinion.

Posting this for Friday Skywatch and Thursday Tree Love

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61 thoughts on “Statue And The Human Connections”

  1. You are right about the limitations of man built structures, statues, temples, churches, and the like. They often have been built on the backs of the poorest people on behalf of the grandeur of just one person. What counts in our lives is how much we love and care for each other. Your post always gives me something to think about, Arv!

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    1. I always feel that it’s the connection you make that matters. Everything else will fade…sooner or later!
      I’m happy to hear that you find my posts interesting. Like-wise I learn so much from yours…especially the wooing and courting of a bygone era. 🙂

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    1. Absolutely, Lalitha! Nature is much more powerful than human efforts. We have lost many powerful civilizations which proves that humans cannot dominate nature. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Lalitha! 🙂

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  6. It is indeed true that time wipes out everything, no matter how hard one tries. Time always prevails.. But yes, you are also correct on the point that we are often influenced by the people who have touched our lives.

    Every human being from the start of his life till the end tries to do something which will define his identity. Few make a lasting impression, to go on the records. Most, wither away with time. We all search for inspirations… all the time..

    Some see mere statutes. Most, just pass by. Few, from nowhere, discover their inspirations…

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    1. Rajat, I feel it is human insecurity which leads them to fund statutes and biographies…and all sorts of things. Everything will fade, eventually! I’m a firm belief in these lines – people will always remember how you treated them!

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  7. This is an amazing shot of the statue, its glory seems to touch the sky but human connections…I wonder if statues evoke any emotion! What comes to my mind immediately is the famous poem of Shelley “Ozymandias” which highlights that even statues fail to immortalise a mighty king as the last lines of the poem convey a profound message:
    “Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
    Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare
    The lone and level sands stretch far away.”

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    1. Lovely words. I have never heard this poem. Never heard about this poet either. I feel human efforts can be completely wiped out by mother nature. We have seen so many civilizations wiped out with little remains. It’s just human insecurity which forces them to seek such measures by way of statutes, biographies…… everything can fade! That’s the reality which we humans must accept. Our efforts should be to spread as much happiness around as possible. Let me also add here that I find it amusing that people ignore poor and needy but take all pains to please the “unknown” force. The biggest religion is humanity rest all is a mystery!

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      1. You must read the sonnet, it is beautifully written and P.B. Shelley is a renowned poet of Romantic era.
        I absolutely agree with your thoughts arv…only if the rich and the mighty realise the futility of pleasing the unknown would they be truly powerful!

        Liked by 2 people

  8. Great take, Arv. It looks really empty other than the statue, which stands out really clearly. And on life? Fame / immortality? I don’t mind if I’m forgotten when I’m gone. I won’t matter anymore, anyway.

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    1. Mick, there’s a military truck on the left side but with very little light and the shadow, it’s hardly visible. I think that people who have reached some status in terms of power and money are the ones who are more concerned about leaving their footprints. There are exceptions too. I think the whole concept is relative. It’s hard to find people like you who are so clear in their thoughts.

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      1. I hadn’t noticed the truck, or the soldiers. The lighting is such that the eye is drawn straight to the statue.
        I’ve never truly understood this imperative many people have to preserve their memory, Arv. It somehow seems rather arrogant and pointless. Better to focus on the here and now.

        Liked by 2 people

  11. Arv, I do like everything about your post, the symmetry of the image and those wise lines of Joybell. It is true that so many people are not aware of their senses, yet it is our purpose and responsibility in life to share our thoughts and experiences in order to have other’s to awaken to their sensibility and therefore happiness. It is all about sharing what other’s can relate to. Have a wonderful Sunday, my Jaipur friend

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    1. Thanks, Cornelia, for sharing what you enjoy in my pictures. Over the period of time, I have started using all sorts options to capture images -DSLR, super-zoom compact camera, and lately the mobile phone. These are just mediums. DSLR does offer better control but sometimes, mobile phones do the job well. You are right that we should share our thoughts and experiences. I generally, share anything which I feel is worth sharing and offers insights. Thanks for sharing your views, Cornelia! have a great weekend. 🙂

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  12. Love the way you captured the statue, Arv. Front and centre but in the background, sun right overhead – fitting the sentiments of figures and stories are in the past but never forgotten. That is such a thought-provoking quote. Have to agree that inside of us there are senses as well – they are feelings and the feelings we feel as we perceive the world. A lot of the time I like to stop and try to sense what’s going on around me, like what people might be thinking or feeling, or how my actions may have an impact on others. Sometimes we have to be open to others and let others in in order to not just leave an impression, but help others in the way they most need it. Hope you are having a good weekend, Arv 🙂

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    1. Mabel, I appreciate the fact that you can sense the words and context correctly! The quote I wrote has an interesting observation. These senses make us unique. For example, there are people who are kind or have a better sense of perception. It is an integral part of our persona. You are right that we need to be open and not judge others or place us on a higher pedestal than others leading to a difficult situation.

      Thanks for the insight. I always look forward to your comments and observation, Mabel. Thanks for the good wishes, wishing you a great weekend! 🙂

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      1. ‘It is an integral part of our persona.’ You described our inner senses perfectly, Arv. They are right within us but they manifest in our actions and how we treat others. Some might be more on hand to help – they might be more content with their lives. Others who might hold back helping others – maybe they need to work their inner senses out. You have a good week ahead 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer. I’m happy to
      know that you are guided by your inner senses​. Not everyone has such abilities. Those who do… radiate with a different energy. 😃

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  17. I really like the composition of the photo, Arv. It’s so balanced and I feel every element is connected to each other. Speaking about life, I think the kindness and good things done by someone is another type of statute. Even though it’s invinsible but stay forever in others’ heart.

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    1. There you are…. touching someone’s life with good deeds is all that matters. Ain’t they say that people will forget everything but they will always remember how you treated them? Happy to know you liked this picture, Nurul. 😃

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    1. Parul, for some people these statue are symbolic. I remember when Saddam Hussein was dethroned people destroyed all his statues because they hated him.
      I like the serenity that this picture conveys. Happy to participate in your TTL. 😃

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  19. This is a very balanced pic. The light and the dark pair up very well here. As for statues, i guess humans like to remind themselves of the gretnes of certain people by capturing their likeness in stone, mud and pictures.

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    1. Thanks, Pardita. I’m happy to know you liked this picture. There is some sort of balance between darkness and light, as you pointed out. I’m not sure how far it is correct to erect statues and posters. We have seen this in so many cases….Saddam Hussein, Col. M. Gaddafi… In India, Jayalalitha, Stalin, Mamta, Mayavati have actively been involved in self-propaganda using this mode. The fact is, someday it all will erase. Just look at ancient civilizations in Sumer, China, Harappa…

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      1. That’s true it will but until we last, we like to commemorate the greatness of people this way. Self-propaganda of course is bad, but these statues have also the power to stir strong gee emotions in people. So that’s worth something.

        Liked by 1 person

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