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, History, People

Unravelling the Mysteries of the Red Fort, Delhi

The story of the Red Fory is linked intimately with the rise and fall of the Mughal empire. Storytrails brings you this podcast which explores the Red Fort complex with Anisha Shekar Mukherjee, a conservation architect who will share her knowledge of this grand monument.

Culture, History, Places

The Vaigai River Valley Excavations

The ongoing excavations at Keeladi are unearthing new and exciting information about a highly advanced civilization. The excavations throw up many questions as well. Join us on the Storytrails podcast, and listen in as we put these questions to Dr Rajan, a noted archaeologist who led many of these excavations.

Culture, History, Places

Krishna’s Butterball, Mamallapuram – the mystery, myths and the history

In Mamallapuram, there is a big rock that stands precariously on a slippery incline. No one, no king or commoner, have been able to move this rock or roll in the past 1200 years. Who put this rock there? There are many stories and myths surrounding it.

Culture, Religions

Why do we celebrate Diwali? | The Festival of Lights

The festival of Diwali has many stories behind it. It is celebrated on different days, at different times and for different gods. But the common factor in each of these is the victory of good over evil. Here are some of the tales.

Culture, People, Places, Religions

Who are the village gods of Tamil Nadu? | Aiyanar, Mariamman

In a small village near Madurai, the village gods are quite unlike the Vedic gods. They may look fearsome and grim, but have colourful and human personalities. They are the go-to gods in case of any trouble, illness or grief. The ancient village gods of Tamil Nadu are the personal guardians of the village, the protectors of the people and have a specific role to play in the lives of Keezha Kuil Kudi village people.

Culture, History, People

How did the Matrilineal system of Kerala work? | Thiruvananthapuram

In the 1800s, the Kingdom of Travancore followed the matrilineal system. This meant that the king’s heir was his nephew, not his son. His sister was the queen, not his wife. This inheritance system was followed not only by the royals but also by most Hindu communities in Kerala. This system had its advantages and disadvantages. This is the story of the matrilineal system of Kerala.

Culture, History

The temple of treasures | Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram

In 2011, the Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala made headlines when vast treasures were discovered in the secret vaults under the temple. Gold, silver, gems and jewels on a scale that boggles the mind were stored in them. How did the treasure get there? How much wealth is there? And who does it all belong to? This is the story of the richest temple in the world