It is a singular honor for a place, that to a beautiful one, being named after one. Historically, cities and regions have been named in honour of royalty as they had absolute power in their realm. Later, many were named after successful Generals. Some were also named after bureaucrats or engineers. Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak of world was named after Sir George Everest, the first Surveyor General of India. However, my favourites are certain beautiful locales that adopted names of beautiful actresses who were the heartbeat of masses owing to their beauty, charm and grace.
‘Nastachun Pass’ meaning “nose-cut “ pass in remote corner of Kupwara, Kashmir is a perfect example of “Dangerous Beauty”! The three thousand metre high altitude pass has been the gateway to “Karnah” Valley of Kashmir since time immemorial. Countless people have lost their lives and limbs trying to scale it in the winters. The Karnah or Tangdhar Valley has seen fierce battles between Indian and Pakistani forces since 1947.
It was after 1965 war that Bollywood heartthrob Sadhana (of Sadhana haircut fame) visited the pass to interact with the victorious and war weary Indian soldiers. Her timely gesture lifted the morale of jawans who named the place after her. Sadhana top offers mesmerizing views of the lofty Shamshabari ranges and Karnah valley. The army lounge where the visitors and travellers relax with a cup of steaming masala tea is adorned with some of the best posters of Sadhana from her hit movies.
Similar to this place, I came across a pristine lake in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh while posted in the region. Sangetsar lake was formed due to landslide blocking a hill stream as a result of an earthquake in 1973. Scores of Deodar trees got half submerged in the lake. These dried trees have now bestowed an exclusive beauty upon this exquisite waterbody nestled in high altitude location. The aquatic reflection of white wooly clouds floating around in rarefied crystal clear blue skies lend a heavenly feel. The lake is in vicinity of Khinzimane and Bumla – two of the sites that were witness to bloodiest battles during 1962 Indo – China war.
In 1990’s a Bollywood movie ‘Koyla’ starring Shahrukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit was released. A popular song of the film ‘Tanhai Tanhai’ was filmed at Sangetsar lake. That song brought this lake into limelight. The lake soon got another name as the film and song gained popularity. It’s called ‘Madhuri lake’ in honour of the ‘dhak – dhak’ girl since then. Since the time of renaming, the lake has generated a lot of interest amongst the tourists and has gained a lot in terms of footfall leading to a boost in earnings for locals.
Anti thesis to above two places is the case of Naldehra – a quaint beautiful meadow some 25 km from Shimla. It nestles the oldest 9 hole golf course of Asia that was designed by Lord Curzon, the then viceroy in 1903. It’s one of the most beautiful and challenging course of the country nestled at an altitude of 2200 meters and surrounded by thick Deodar forests. Curzon who loved outdoors, spent lot of time in Naldehra preferring the humble cottage there over the viceregal palace in Shimla.
He was so much in love with the place that he named his youngest daughter who was conceived at that place ‘Naldehra’. Alexandra Naldehra Curzon (1904-1995) was a celebrity in her own right and is famous for her philanthropic work through ‘Save the Children Fund’ worldwide. She has been portrayed in a number of TV series.
Dr Vikas Thakur is a Veterinary Pathologist who has worked extensively all over India, especially in the Himalayan region. A keen observer and thinker, he is much interested in local history, societal issues , nature and anything that arouses curiosity. After spending 4 years in Kashmir, he came out with his experiences and understandings of this most interesting region in the form of a critically acclaimed book -‘Pax Kashmir’ this year. A native of Shimla, he is currently based in Chandigarh. Besides reading and writing, he likes to spend his time Riding and Golfing.
He is currently – Executive Committee Member, Equine Welfare and Medication Control, Equestrian Federation of India.
