Lala Lajpat Rai

Lala Lajpat Rai (1865–1928) was an author, freedom fighter and politician, chiefly remembered as a leader in the Indian fight for freedom from the British Raj. He was popularly known as Punjab Kesari (The Lion of Punjab) or 'Sher-e-Punjab' .  

In 1928, Lajpat Rai led a procession with Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya to demonstrate against the Simon Commission. During this procession, Rai became the target of a lathi charge  led by British police. 

During World War I, Lajpat Rai lived in the United States, but he returned to India in 1919 and in the following year led the special session of the Congress Party that launched the non-cooperation movement. 

Imprisoned from 1921 to 1923, he was elected to the legislative assembly on his release. When the commission visited Lahore on 30 October 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai led the protest against Simon Commission in a silent non-violent march, but the police responded with violence. Lala Lajpat Rai was beaten with lathis at the chest. 

He later succumbed to his injuries. Bhagat Singh, who was an eyewitness to this event, claimed that it was this act that caused him to 'vow to take revenge' against the culprits of this violence.

Medium: Pencil
Info source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lala_Lajpat_Rai

Amaltas in Watercolor

• This is a watercolor painting of a tree known as 'Amaltas' or 'Cassia Fistula' . 
• This yellow tree is ubiquitous in India.
• The original picture was clicked by a friend and is there on her Flickr stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/meghachandola/

My Fair Lady

Diana, Princess of Wales (Diana Frances; née Spencer; 1 July 1961 – 31 August 1997) was a member of the British royal family and an international personality of the late 20th century as the first wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, whom she married on 29 July 1981. The wedding, which was held at St. Paul's Cathedral, was televised and watched by a global audience of over 750 million people. The marriage produced two sons: Princes William and Harry.

Info source: Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana,_Princess_of_Wales)

Medium: Pencil color

The Famous Afghan Girl

1. Sharbat Gula, an Afghan lady was photographed by the famous journalist Steve Mc Curry
2. Gula was living as a refugee in Pak, during the time of the war when she was photographed.
3. This image was featured on the cover of the June 1985 issue of National Geographic Magazine. Gula was then around 12 years old.
4. The team relocated Gula, then around the age of 30, in a remote region of Afghanistan in the year 2002.
5. She had married and returned to Afghanistan from the refugee camp in 1992. She had never seen her famous portrait before it was shown to her in January 2003.
6. She is now living with her husband and three daughters.

Medium: Pencil Color

Info Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_Girl

Scenery in Wash Effect

1. This particular style of painting in water color is known as the 'Wash-Effect'.
2. Precise and sharp lines are not made and colors are intermixed to create effect.
3. Lots of water is applied afterwards as well to make the painting give a blurred feel.

Medium: Water colours.
This is reproduced from a cover page.

The Long Tailed Shrike

1. The Long Tailed Shrike is a member of the bird family Laniidae, the shrikes.
2. It is generally found in on bushes in scrubby areas and cultivation.
3. This bird preys on lizards, insects, rodents and even small birds.
4. Its feet are not suited for tearing, beak is used for preying purpose.

*Medium: Pencil color
*Reproduced from an old calender

Girl sitting (Madhubani style)

• This was printed on a packet of incense sticks. 
• This particular style is known as 'Madhubani'. 
• It is an ancient Indian style originally from the state of Bihar.
• This style  originated at the time of the Ramayana.
• The medium is pencil color.

Vidya Balan

This is a wax crayon sketch of actress Vidya Balan. This pic appeared in the newspaper Delhi times (Jan8/2011). In her new movie 'No one killed Jessica' she has played the role of Sabrina Lall, the real life sister of late Jessica Lall.