India, a land of contrasts, is at once timeless yet
ever changing, traditional and dynamic, bucolic and
spirited. A cradle of civilization, India was also
the crossroads of cultures, where the West met the
East and a singular society of unique values and religious
systems was created.
Join Wellesley alumnae and friends
as we explore this magnificent land, with its
historic sites, vibrant bazaars, and inspired cuisine. Wellesley alumna Nikky
Singh ’78, a professor of religion at Colby College, and other experts
will accompany us along the way.
Our travels will begin in Old
Delhi, a labyrinth of streets, temples, shops,
and colorful bazaars, all accessible by rickshaw.
Continuing on to imperial New Delhi, we will explore the President’s
Palace, Parliament, and the tree-lined
avenues of Sir Edwin Lutyens. In Agra, we’ll uncover
the vast architectural legacy of the Mughal Empire, including Emperor Shah
Jahan’s glorious monument
to eternal love: the Taj Mahal. We’ll also enjoy another perspective
from our accommodations at the Amar Vilas Hotel, which boasts uninterrupted
views
of the Taj Mahal from every room. In Jaipur, we’ll learn ancient astronomical
techniques at the Jantar Mantar, ascend the Amber fort on elephantback, explore
the ancient bazaar, and admire the City Palace’s exquisite collection
of rare textiles. Also in Jodhpur are the restored Mehrangarh Fort and the
city
bazaar. From there,
crossing the Thar Desert, we will see the Jain Temples at Ranakpur, en route
to the lake city of Udaipur. From our base at the renowned
Lake Palace Hotel, we will enjoy high tea at the City Palace, an artistic
and architectural
masterpiece, and visit a painting school to observe students learning the
traditional technique.
Don’t
miss this opportunity to connect with northern
India’s people, legendary monuments,
and colorful traditions, as we enjoy activity-filled
days and comfortable
nights in the region’s finest palace
hotels.
|
Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh '78
is the Crawford Family Professor of Religious Studies
at Colby College, where she teaches courses on Asian religions. Singh’s
scholarly interests focus
on poetics and feminist issues. She has published extensively
in the field
of Sikhism, including
The Feminine Principle in the Sikh Vision of the Transcendent
(Cambridge: Cambridge University Press), The Name of My Beloved: Verses
of the Sikh Gurus (HarperCollins and Penguin), and
A Feminist Re-Memory of Sikh Identity (forthcoming
from SUNY). Born in India, Singh came to the US to attend Stuart Hall,
a preparatory school for girls in Virginia. As an undergraduate
at Wellesley, she double majored in Religious Studies
and Philosophy. She received her Masters from the University of Pennsylvania
and her Ph.D. from Temple University. |
