Culture

The Ancient Motif Found from the Indus Valley to Egypt | Master of Animals

A 4500-year-old seal from the Indus Valley Civilisation shows a human figure grasping two lions. Known as the ‘Master of Animals’ motif, this enigmatic

Culture, History, Places, Religions

The Chausath Yoginis of Hirapur

Tucked away near Bhubaneswar lies one of India’s most mysterious temples, Hirapur’s Chausath Yogini Temple. This circular, roofless shrine, built in the 9th century,

Culture, History, People, Places, Religions

A 2000-Year-Old Inscription Holds The Clues | Hathigumpha Inscription

What happened to Kalinga after its devastating war with Ashoka? Did Buddhism simply sweep across the region? A 2000-year-old inscription offers some fascinating clues.

History, People, Places

What a 4,500-Year-Old Skeleton Reveals About Indian Ancestry

At Rakhigarhi in Haryana, archaeologists uncovered the 4500-year-old skeleton of a middle-aged woman from the Harappan period. Scientists recovered ancient DNA from her remains;

Culture, History, People, Places, Religions

The Story of the Heliodorus Pillar at Vidisha

An ancient pillar that has been worshipped for centuries. And a Greek ambassador who declared himself a devotee of Vasudeva. Around the 2nd century

Culture, History, Mythology, Places, Religions

The Udayagiri Ganesha: Why Historians Consider It Among the Earliest Ganesha Images

In the rock-cut shrines of the Udayagiri Caves in Madhya Pradesh sits a sculpture often described as the earliest datable image of Ganesha in

Culture, Religions

Of Diwali and Deepavali

The festival of Diwali unites most communities in India in joyful celebration. But did you know that different communities have different reasons to celebrate it?

Culture, Places, Religions

Why Is Diwali Not a Festival for Some Hindu Communities?

Diwali, or the ‘festival of lights’ is one of the most popular festivals in India. There are many myths and legends associated with it, and different regions in India celebrate it in different ways and for different reasons. But did you know that there are certain Hindu communities that don’t celebrate it?

Culture, History, People

Ponniyin Selvan and a Thousand-Year-Old Murder Mystery

Kalki Krishnamurthy’s magnum opus, Ponniyin Selvan, is a masterpiece in historical fiction. Based on the real events surrounding Raja Raja Chola's accession to the throne, the novel serves up an enticing concoction of espionage, deceit, desire and valour, topped with an ancient murder mystery. What is the real story? And can truth really be stranger than fiction?

Culture, History, People

Rembrandt’s Mughals

The Dutch painter Rembrandt is considered one of the masters of the Dutch Golden Age of painting. Among his paintings is a portrait of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. But Rembrandt had never met Shah Jahan. So how did he paint him? Here's the story.

Culture, History, Religions

A Story of Two Indian Festivals

The Varaha Mandapa, a 7th century rock-cut cave temple in Mamallapuram, is home to many fascinating tales set in stone. One of the most spectacular panels in the cave features the Trivikrama or Vamana avatar of Vishnu, in which he defeats the demon king Mahabali. This epic tale also happens to be the origin story of Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala.

Culture, History, People, Places

Umayamma Rani: The Fierce Queen of Kerala

At a time when only men ruled, and women had little or no power, a queen, let alone a powerful one, was an exception. But in the late 1600s, the most formidable and respected ruler in Kerala was a queen.

Culture, Religions

A Story of Two Indian Festivals

Rakhsha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is a popular festival in north India. Onam is the most important festival for the state of Kerala in south India. One celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters; the other celebrates the return of a much-loved king. But what connects these two completely different festivals?

Culture

Orange Oakleaf Butterfly

Did you know that India recently elected a National Butterfly?

Culture, History, Places, Religions

The Buddhist Relics of Amaravati | Egmore Museum, Chennai

The 2000 year old Amaravati marbles at the Egmore Museum in Chennai are the remnants of a Buddhist stupa built by the mighty Satavahana kings. Who were these Hindu kings that created such beautiful Buddhist art? What does a small statue of Hercules sitting amidst Buddhist relics at the Museum tell us about the evolution of Buddhism? Watch this video to know all this and more!

Culture, Places

What date is it really? The Hindu Calendar

When is New Year's day? Well, that depends on who you ask. For many in the north, Diwali is New Year's day. But it falls on different days each year. The Tamil, Malayalees, Punjabis and Assamese celebrate their New Year on 14 April. But the Telugus, Kannadigas and Maharashtrians celebrate their New Year on different dates. How are these dates determined and why are calendars so different for people in the same country? This story will you through time of how calendars evolved, how ancient Indians and people across the world measured time.

Culture

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