History Archives - Storytrails

Did you know, History, Places

The Indian Standard Time (IST)

Did you know that until 1948, India had three official time-zones? Today we have one time-zone for the entire country, aligned with a Meridian that passes through the city of Mirzapur. The beautifully crafted Ghanta-Ghar in Mirzapur tells the story of Indian standard time.

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.

History, People, Places

Raja Desingu of Gingee

A Rajput prince from Bundelkhand named Tej Singh came to Gingee in Tamil Nadu and became a local hero named Raja Desingu. His story is still told in local ballads and street performances like Therukoothu and Poi-Kal-Kuthirai, and even the Burra-Katha tradition of Andhra. It was even made into a Tamil biopic in the 1960s, featuring MGR. Who was Raja Desingu?

History, People, Places

Yale and Slave Trade

Did you know that Yale University was built on donations made from ill-gotten wealth, largely from slave trade in the 17th century? Madras or present-day Chennai is where the University’s benefactor, Elihu Yale, made much of his money.

History, People, Places

William Lambton: The Soldier Who Mapped India

The Great Trigonometrical Survey of India was the largest measurement of the Earth’s surface ever attempted. Apart from mapping the country, the project measured the height of Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world, and even corroborated Newton’s theory about the shape of the Earth. This is the story of the man who led this massive project – Col. William Lambton.

History, People

Lord Ripon: The ‘Father of Self-Government in India’

How did a British administrator come to be known as the ‘father of local self-government in India’? Read on for the story of Lord Ripon, a Viceroy of India whose liberal policies were way ahead of his times – a man who championed the cause of Indians even as his own compatriots plotted his downfall.

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, History, Religions

The Parsi New Year: A Tale of Two Calendars

Different communities across the world celebrate their New Year’s Day on different days of the year, based on the calendars they follow. The Parsis celebrate their New Year, Navroze, twice a year! Read on to find out why.