THE CARD ROOM

 

 THE CARD ROOM

I was reminded of king Midas. He got a boon that whatever he touches will turn to gold. As an ardent lover of gold, he was ecstatic till everything around him including furniture, walls, floors turned to gold on his touch. The food he wanted to eat turned to gold. So much so - his daughter turned into a gold statue! Are we not like King Midas today? We have lost everything at the alter of information - News, music, entertainment – have surrounded and submerged us leaving us gasping us for  much needed respite which is simply out of reach!!

 

Maharaja Patiala was one of the most opulent kings of India ever. He owned a fleet of Rolls Royce cars. He had most magnificent jewels. He sent a trunk full of diamonds and precious stones to Cartier for fabrication of a necklace - it was the largest they ever did. He had 350 concubines in his harem. He got them dressed as per his whims and fancies as per latest trends worldwide. He even employed western plastic surgeons to change their looks as per his wish. The Maharaja was lover of good food and indulged in overeating his favourite dishes. He was a good sportsman - an excellent cricketer and polo player - He maintained 500 polo ponies and his team - 'Patiala Tigers' - were champions. It is alleged he planned and organised most lavish and colourful orgies. And it is suspected that he died of – hold you breath – boredom!  

In mid-nineties, we came across the term - Internet. We were told it was ' a kind of superhighway on which information flowed and was accessible freely to one and all'. We didn't understand much but repeated this sentence ad - nauseum in various exams/papers/essays. 

'Card Room' - A small weather beaten wooden plate fixed on an ancient deodar announced. It was a small wooden cabin with glass windows in midst of the thick coniferous forest. A narrow footpath led up to it. Beyond it, higher up , was the 'Seog Rest House' - a wooden cottage which had played host to viceroys, Presidents, Commanders - in - Chief, Chief Justices etc over the years. I was in 'Shimla Catchment Area' - just at the city limits, below kufri.

In late 19th century, the British had acquired the forest from Rana of Koti for proper management of the watershed. Existing villages were shifted out of the area and their land was planted with deodar saplings. The large uninhabited forest offers the best view from the road to Kufri and one comes across dozens of vehicles parked at the view point with tourists enjoying the green vistas today. The British built water reservoir with masonary stone and lime that was completed in 1888 for new water scheme for fast growing town of Shimla. The tank is still existing and serving its intended purpose! 

The wildlife department has opened the area for visitors in a regulated manner. One can pay the entry fee and then walk or cycle down to the reservoir enjoying the virgin forest with its eternal springs and birds chirping and butterflies fluttering. The forest is home to .............. flora, .........................birds including ..........................and mammals like ........................

 

'The Card Room' transported me back to an era when the mankind was not invaded yet by the 'entertainment and information' arsenal left right and centre. One had time and inclination to walk around forest, sit down for a game of cards or chess in the log hut thinking of nothing else. Alas! today, everyone is glued to his or her screen, oblivious of the everything else.