History

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

History, People

The curse of the Koh-i-noor | Red Fort, Delhi

The Koh-i-noor diamond once adorned the magnificent Peacock throne at the Red Fort in Delhi. Today, it sits pretty on the British Queen’s crown in London. In its 700 years of documented history, the Koh-i-noor was coveted by the most powerful kings, has changed hands many times and has travelled half-way across the globe. And wherever it went, it toppled kingdoms, ended dynasties and left a trail of destruction in its wake. Is it any surprise that it acquired a reputation of being a cursed stone?

History, People, Places

Humayun and Hamida: Love in Time of War

The love story of Mughal Emperor Humayun and Hamida Banu Begum, the mother of the future emperor Akbar is as intriguing as it was eventful. It was while he was living as a refugee in Sindh that they first met. But Humayun never hesitated in pursuing her and his steadfastness finally won her over.

History, People

Camels, Elephants, Village Goddesses and the End of an Epidemic

India in 2022 is still dealing with the Corona epidemic as it enters the third year. But this isn’t the first epidemic the world is facing, and it is certainly not the deadliest. The 1950s smallpox epidemic was worse. India's massive vaccination campaigns kept us relatively safe, but there were challenges.

History, People

The Woman Who Transcended Infinity

Great men often had selfless partners resolutely supporting them in pursuit of their dreams. This is the story of one such woman, Janaki Ammal, wife of the celebrated mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan.

History, Places

Marking History Through British Buildings

India is dotted with many old British buildings - some grand and iconic and some odd and quirky. Each of these buildings that the British left behind tells us something about their colonial journey in India.

Culture, History, Places

Tales That Pots Tell: Keeladi Excavations

In 2015, on the banks of the river Vaigai, near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, archaeologists unearthed several artefacts dating back to the 6th century BCE. They offered many clues to the archaeologists about that civilisation: it told them about the language and literacy levels, the social hierarchy, and the age of the civilisation. What are now known as the ‘Keeladi excavations’ point to the existence of a literate society in parts of South India nearly 2,500 years ago!

History, Places

Why Does the Dome of the Rashtrapati Bhavan Look Like the Sanchi Stupa?

The distinctive architecture of Rashtrapati Bhavan combines many elements of Mughal and Sultanate architecture. But it is the Sanchi Stupa, an icon of ancient India, that leaves the most visible stamp on Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Culture, History, Places

The myths and mysteries of the Big Temple, Thanjavur | Episode 2

The mighty Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur is a 1000 year-old engineering marvel and one of the tallest structures of its time. It is considered Rajaraja Chola’s magnum opus. Join us on this podcast by Storytrails, as we explore the rich history and the many myths that surround this famous temple.

History

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