2022

Bhang | The Holy Holi Drink

Is bhang legal in India? From Holi celebrations to Siva worship, bhang has been consumed in India for centuries in various forms— bhang lassi,

History, People, Places

India’s first sports superstar | Dhyan Chand

This young sepoy’s sporting achievements are so remarkable that his birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day in India. This is the story of

History, Places, Religions

The Jain temples of Deogarh | Uttar Pradesh

How did a small town in Bundelkhand become a pilgrimage site for Jains? Deogarh’s Karnali Fort houses a remarkable complex of 31 Jain temples

People, Places, Religions

Kanwar Yatra | Har Ki Pauri

Kanwar Yatra is one of India’s largest pilgrimages. It sees over 30 million devotees walk barefoot for miles, carrying Ganga water to Siva temples

History, People, Places

The Excavations at Adichanallur | Tamil Nadu

About 150 years ago, a series of excavations at Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu threw up many ancient artefacts that were dated to about 900

History, Places

Salkhan Fossils Park | Sonbhadra

Did you know that India is home to one of the oldest fossil parks in the world? About 100 kms from Varanasi in Uttar

History, People, Places

Coja Petrus Uscan: The Pious Armenian of Madras

Armenians have been known to travel far and wide in pursuit of trading opportunities for centuries. And India happens to be one of the places that they share a special connection with. Coja Petrus Uscan was one of the prominent members of the Armenian community of Madras in colonial times. A rather remarkable personality, he was known for his fierce loyalty to the British in India. Read on to find out just what made him so extraordinary.

History, People, Religions

The Story of the First Indian Bible

How did a German missionary preach to the locals who spoke neither Danish nor German in the Danish colony of Tranquebar? He learnt Tamil, of course. And he became so proficient at it that he translated the Bible into Tamil. This is the story of Bartholomaus Ziegenbalg, the man who published the first ever translation of the Bible in an Indian language.

History, People, Places

Alai Minar and Alai Darwaza: Alauddin Khilji’s Grand Designs

Like most kings, Alauddin Khilji wanted everlasting fame, and that’s why he commissioned grand monuments like the Alai Darwaza and the Alai Minar, a tower that was meant to be even more magnificent than the Qutub Minar.

Culture, Religions

Mariamman: The Village Goddess Who Travelled

The worship of village gods in rural India is older than the Vedic tradition. Did you know that the most powerful of these deities is actually a goddess of rain, who is said to cure diseases? Read on for an interesting peek into the evolution of religious traditions in the villages of south India.

People, Places

Mark Twain in Mumbai

The city of Bombay (now Mumbai) has charmed visitors from all over the world, including a certain famous American author. And while he was enthralled by the city, the most interesting thing about his visit was his fascination with a common Indian bird!

Culture, Places

Dancing with Deities: Five Unique Folk Traditions of India

India is a land where folk traditions thrive in abundance and are practised with zeal and devotion. Spirit possession rituals are often an integral part of these colourful traditions and are celebrated in grand festivals. Read on to know more about 5 spectacular spirit possession rituals from across India.

History, People, Places

Elihu Yale: The Selfish Philanthropist

Elihu Yale was a British merchant and a Governor of Fort St. George during the British colonial rule in India. He amassed a huge amount of wealth through illegal private trading, and he supported a horrific practice that was prevalent in those times. So why is Yale University, a premier institution, named after him?

Culture, History, People

Raja Ravi Varma – The Royal Indian Artist

Perhaps no Indian artist’s work is as instantly recognisable as Raja Ravi Varma’s. Picture a Hindu goddess in your mind, and chances are that the image is in a Ravi Varma-esque style. Read on to find out more about his journey and legacy.

History, People

The Portuguese Soldier Who Saved Kochi

Most people believe Vasco da Gama to be the founder of Portuguese power in India. But did you know that there was another Portuguese captain who had a major role to play in India’s colonial history?

History, People, Places

Rash Behari Bose – The Patriot and the Chef

Kare Raisu or Curry Rice is a popular dish in Japan. But what is the connection between this dish and an Indian revolutionary?

2022

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