History

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary | Kakinada

What is the connection between Kakinada and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and how did Hope Island form?

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, Places, Religions

The Jain temples of Deogarh | Uttar Pradesh

How did a small town in Bundelkhand become a pilgrimage site for Jains? Deogarh’s Karnali Fort houses a remarkable complex of 31 Jain temples

History, Places

Humayun’s tomb stands in all its majestic glory in the heart of Delhi, ensconced in its own lush gardens, one of the earliest mausoleums to be built this way. But who else is buried in this tomb complex? And what happened to this imposing monument when the Mughals lost power?Join us on the Storytrails podcast, and listen as Ms Swapna Liddle takes us through this glorious monument called Humayun’s tomb.

History, People, Places

The triumphs and tragedies of Shah Jahan | Taj Mahal, Agra

The Mughal succession wars were brutal; princes killed their own siblings, and family ties were broken in a mad scramble for the throne. The mighty emperor Shah Jahan was no exception. This is the story of an unforgiving system that catapulted Shah Jahan to the throne of the richest kingdom in the world, but reduced his personal life to a terribly tragic one.

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.

History, People, Places

Yale and its Madras connection | St. Mary’s Church, Chennai

Yale University in Connecticut has an interesting connection to Chennai. Elihu Yale, a Governor of Madras, who gave his name as well as his money to create Yale University had a rather scandalous life in India.

History, People, Places

Alai Minar: The victory tower of Alauddin Khilji | Qutub Minar, Delhi

The ambitious Alauddin Khilji of the Khilji dynasty earned fame through his ruthless methods. And just like any other king, he wanted to leave behind a lasting legacy. A minar taller and grander than the Qutub Minar in Delhi. The ruins of Alai Minar seen today tell us a different story. This story explores why a king known to ravage kingdoms in whole could not finish the tower of his dreams.

History, People, Places

Why is Vivekananda Museum called the Ice House of Madras? | Chennai

In the 1800s, the British in Chennai had no way to cool down during Indian summers. The many layers of their clothes didn’t help either. But an enterprising American found a way for the British to stay cool. He sent them ice. But how did ice survive a journey from America to Chennai’s Vivekananda House or the Ice House? This is that hot story.

History, People, Places

Brahmi script: Decoding ancient Indian history | James Prinsep

What is the connection between an Englishman and the oldest Indian script in India? This is the story of how the determination of one Englishman to read the Brahmi script added volumes to Indian history. It is through this 2000-year old Indian script that India learnt about the greatest kings of India - Emperor Ashoka.

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.

History, Places, Religions

Ancient stone caskets that stored Buddha’s relics | Sanchi Stupa, India

Buddha died around 483 BCE. His remains were stored in 8 stone caskets. Emperor Ashoka had an idea – a vision to spread Buddhism through these relics. How did he do it? This story explores the journey of Buddha’s cremated remains from nearly 2500 years ago to locations that have become important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, one of which is the Sanchi Stupa.

History, People, Religions

When did Christianity come to India? | The story of St. Thomas | St. Thomas Basilica, Chennai

St Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus travelled to India as early as 52 CE making India among the earliest places in the world where Christianity spread. This story explores his life and the beginnings of Christianity in India.