Culture

Ahobilam | Andhra Pradesh

Narasimha, the fierce half-lion, half-human form of Vishnu, is usually remembered for his wrath. But did you know there’s also a legend of him

History, Places

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary | Kakinada

About 200 years ago, the city of Kakinada rose from the ruins of a once-thriving seaport of Coringa that was destroyed by one of

Culture, History, Places

The Discovery of Chola Murals | Brihadisvara Temple

In 1931, a history professor decided to explore a narrow corridor on the 1st floor of the Brihadisvara temple. There, under a layer of

Culture, History, Places

The Andhra town that dressed the world | Pedana

What links a quiet Andhra town to the global fashion boom of the 17th century? Kalamkari and Chintz – intricate, handcrafted textiles that

Culture, People

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

Culture, History, Mythology, Places, Religions

Narasimha, the fierce half-lion, half-human form of Vishnu, is usually remembered for his wrath. But did you know there’s also a legend of him falling in love? In Ahobilam, he is said to have married a local tribal goddess, Chenchu Lakshmi.

Culture, History, Places

The Discovery of Chola Murals | Brihadisvara Temple

In 1931, a history professor decided to explore a narrow corridor on the 1st floor of the Brihadisvara temple. There, under a layer of 300 year old Nayak murals, he accidentally discovered Chola frescoes that were over 1000 years old!

Culture, History, Places

The Andhra town that dressed the world | Pedana

What links a quiet Andhra town to the global fashion boom of the 17th century? Kalamkari and Chintz - intricate, handcrafted textiles that once dazzled royal courts and European fashion houses alike, were born in the neighbouring towns of Machilipatnam and Pedana in Andhra Pradesh.

Culture, People

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, bhang thandai, bhang laddoos... What makes it ‘sacred’?

Culture, History, Places

Ganga and the Gangetic Plains

What makes river Ganga special? After a long descent from the mountains, Ganga first enters the plains at Haridwar. The fertile Gangetic plain, home to 40% of India’s population, has shaped mighty empires and nurtured ancient civilisations.

Culture, History, Places

The Origins of Ganga

Where does river Ganga originate? In Hindu tradition, it begins at Gangotri. But hydrologically, its main stem actually begins at Devprayag, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers unite.

Culture, History, Places

Qutb Minar, Delhi

Did you know that Qutb Minar is one of the tallest free-standing stone minarets in the world? But when Qutubuddin Aibak built it in 1192, it wasn’t nearly as tall. It grew over time with many subsequent kings adding to the tower.

Culture, History, Places

The Oldest Lighthouse – Olakannesvara temple

Which is the oldest lighthouse in India? The Olakannesvara temple, an 8th century Siva temple in Mamallapuram, is one contender for the title. According to local legend, this structure served as a beacon guiding sailors over 1200 years ago.

Culture, Places, Religions

The Celestial Wedding That United a Town | The Chithirai Festival, Madurai

Every year in April-May, tens of thousands of people visit Madurai to take part in the Chithirai festival. Huge, colourful chariots are drawn through the streets of Madurai in a re-enactment of the celestial wedding of Lord Sundareshwarar and Goddess Meenakshi. The festivities are centred around two ancient temples, the Kallazhagar temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the Meenakshi temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi. But did you know that the festival in its current form was the creation of a king Thirumalai Nayak, who ruled over Madurai in the 17th century? What is the story behind this grand festival that connects two prominent temples and brings a whole town together?

Culture, History, People

UVeSa: The Man Who Rediscovered Ancient Tamil Literature

Dr. U.V. Swaminatha Iyer was only 32 when he published an edition of the great Tamil epic, Jeevaka Chintamani, on paper for the first time. This was the culmination of a seven-year quest that had taken him to the remotest corners of Tamil Nadu. Read on to know the story of the man who unearthed a treasure mine of ancient classical Tamil literature.

Culture

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