# Storytrails

> Every sight has a story to tell


## Posts

- [What Do Japan’s Torii, China’s Paifang & Korea’s Hongsalmun Have in Common?](https://storytrails.in/culture/what-do-japans-torii-chinas-paifang-koreas-hongsalmun-have-in-common/): What’s common to the Torii of Japan, China’s Paifang and Korea’s Honsalmun? All these ceremonial gates have a shared inspiration - the toranas of the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh. In the 1st c. BCE, the Satavahas built these magnificent gateways, inviting donors to sponsor panels on them. Their names are still inscribed on the railings around the stupa. 
- [The Prison That Secured Aurangzeb’s Throne | Gwalior Fort](https://storytrails.in/history/the-prison-that-secured-aurangzebs-throne-gwalior-fort/): Beneath the palaces of Gwalior Fort lies one of the most dreaded prisons of medieval India. Here, princes vanished and rivals were erased from politics. This was the prison that secured Aurangzeb the Mughal throne.
- [Why the Original Sanchi Stupa Had No Images of Buddha | Sanchi](https://storytrails.in/religions/why-the-original-sanchi-stupa-had-no-images-of-buddha-sanchi/): Did you know the first human images of the Buddha appeared nearly 500 years after his death? Before that, artists used symbols to represent him. You can see many such symbols at the Sanchi Stupa.
- [The Strange Partnership that saved Bateshwar | Madhya Pradesh](https://storytrails.in/places/bateshwar-restoration-of-the-largest-temple-ruins/): In the ravines of Chambal  in Madhya Pradesh, lies Bateshwar, a complex of 200 ancient temples. For centuries they lay in ruins, swallowed by forest. Until about 20 years ago, when, K.K. Muhammed, an archaeologist with the Archaeological Survey of India, teamed up with Nirbhay Singh Gujjar, one of Chambal’s most feared dacoits, to bring the heritage site back to life. This is the story of an unusual partnership that saved Bateshwar.
- [Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, Madhya Pradesh](https://storytrails.in/places/bhimbetka-rock-shelters-madhya-pradesh/): The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters in Madhya Pradesh are among the 10 oldest prehistoric cave painting sites in the world. Some of these paintings are at least 30,000 years old! What did our early human ancestors think and dream of? 
- [Chausath Yogini Temple | Mitaoli](https://storytrails.in/places/chausath-yogini-temple-mitaoli/): The yoginis are at once, both alluring and fearsome. They had special, circular temples built for their worship, the nature of which remained esoteric. But about a thousand years ago, the cult of Yogini worship completely disappeared from public knowledge. What do we know about this strange cult of goddess worship in India?
- [Ahobilam | Andhra Pradesh](https://storytrails.in/mythology/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 falling in love? In Ahobilam, he is said to have married a local tribal goddess, Chenchu Lakshmi. 
- [Belum Caves | Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh](https://storytrails.in/history/belum-caves-nandyal-andhra-pradesh/): The Belum Caves in Andhra Pradesh are just over 3 kms long, but the history they hold is billions of years old. Here’s a story of how the Indian subcontinent formed millions of years ago from supercontinents like Rodinia and Gondwana. 
- [Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary | Kakinada](https://storytrails.in/history/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 the deadliest cyclones in recorded history.  Today, the mangroves of Coringa stand as a reminder of how nature protects and heals.
- [The Discovery of Chola Murals | Brihadisvara Temple](https://storytrails.in/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 300 year old Nayak murals, he accidentally discovered Chola frescoes that were over 1000 years old!
- [The Andhra town that dressed the world | Pedana](https://storytrails.in/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 once dazzled royal courts and European fashion houses alike, were born in the neighbouring towns of Machilipatnam and Pedana in Andhra Pradesh.
- [Bhang | The Holy Holi Drink](https://storytrails.in/culture/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, bhang thandai, bhang laddoos... What makes it ‘sacred’?  
- [India’s first sports superstar | Dhyan Chand](https://storytrails.in/people/indias-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 hockey legend, Jhansi’s Dhyan Chand.
- [The Jain temples of Deogarh | Uttar Pradesh](https://storytrails.in/places/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 with over 2,000 sculptures from the 8th to the 17th centuries.  
- [Kanwar Yatra | Har Ki Pauri](https://storytrails.in/religions/kanwar-yatra-har-ki-pauri/): Kanwar Yatra is one of India's largest pilgrimages. It sees over 30 million devotees walk barefoot for miles, carrying Ganga water to Siva temples across North India. What’s the story of this pilgrimage?
- [Kunjapuri Devi Shakti Peeth | Uttarakhand ](https://storytrails.in/places/kunjapuri-devi-shakti-peeth-uttarakhand/): The Kunjapuri Mata Mandir, nestled high up in the Shivalik mountains in Uttarakhand, is a temple dedicated to the mother goddess and is one of the Shakti Peethas in the Indian subcontinent. What is a Shakti Peeth?   
- [The Excavations at Adichanallur | Tamil Nadu](https://storytrails.in/history/the-excavations-at-adichanallur-tamil-nadu/): About 150 years ago, a series of excavations at Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu threw up many ancient artefacts that were dated to about 900 BCE. That included skeletons of people from all over the world! What explains this ancient, international, multi-racial cemetery?
- [Salkhan Fossils Park | Sonbhadra](https://storytrails.in/history/salkhan-fossils-park-sonbhadra/): Did you know that India is home to one of the oldest fossil parks in the world? About 100 kms from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, is a secluded forest called Salkhan, or Sonbhadra Fossils park. Here, you can see traces of a forest that was formed 1.4 BILLION years ago!
- [Ganga and the Gangetic Plains](https://storytrails.in/culture/ganga-and-the-gangetic-plains/): What makes river Ganga special? After a long descent from the mountains, Ganga first enters the plains at Haridwar. The fertile Gangetic plain, home to 40% of India’s population, has shaped mighty empires and nurtured ancient civilisations.
- [The Everest House, Mussoorie](https://storytrails.in/people/the-everest-house-mussoorie/): Mount Everest bears Sir George Everest's name. But did you know that it was an Indian mathematician named Radhanath Sikdar who first identified it as the tallest peak? 
- [The Indian Standard Time (IST)](https://storytrails.in/history/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.
- [The Origins of Ganga](https://storytrails.in/culture/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. 
- [Qutb Minar, Delhi](https://storytrails.in/history/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. 
- [The Oldest Lighthouse - Olakannesvara temple](https://storytrails.in/history/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. 
- [Raja Desingu of Gingee](https://storytrails.in/history/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?
- [Yale and Slave Trade](https://storytrails.in/history/yale-and-slave-trade-fort-st-george-chennai/): 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.
- [The Celestial Wedding That United a Town | The Chithirai Festival, Madurai](https://storytrails.in/religions/celestial-wedding-that-united-a-town-chithirai-festival-madurai/): Every year in April-May, tens of thousands of people visit Madurai to take part in the Chithirai festival. Huge, colourful chariots are drawn through the streets of Madurai in a re-enactment of the celestial wedding of Lord Sundareshwarar and Goddess Meenakshi. The festivities are centred around two ancient temples, the Kallazhagar temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the Meenakshi temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi. But did you know that the festival in its current form was the creation of a king Thirumalai Nayak, who ruled over Madurai in the 17th century? What is the story behind this grand festival that connects two prominent temples and brings a whole town together? 
- [William Lambton: The Soldier Who Mapped India](https://storytrails.in/people/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. 
- [Lord Ripon: The ‘Father of Self-Government in India’](https://storytrails.in/history/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. 
- [Day 10: Chennai-a-Maze by Storytrails](https://storytrails.in/chennai-a-maze/hint-day10/): 1. Down Fort Exchange 2. Across Peacock
- [Day 09: Chennai-a-Maze by Storytrails](https://storytrails.in/chennai-a-maze/hint-day09/): 1. Down This was rebuilt by the British in the 1890s. 2. Across A facial feature where the double curve of a human upper lip is said to resemble the bow of Cupid.
- [Day 07: Chennai-a-Maze by Storytrails](https://storytrails.in/chennai-a-maze/hint-day07/): Hints 1. Down This Anglican Church has 4 feet thick walls and roofing, to resist enemy bombardment 2. Across In 1856, a line connected this place with the titular capital of the local king.
- [Day 06: Chennai-a-Maze by Storytrails](https://storytrails.in/chennai-a-maze/hint-day06/): Hints 1. Down He built the Chepauk Palace 2. Across His name is part of a famous pact which Gandhi made with a Viceroy of India, although the shared name is just a coincidence.
- [UVeSa: The Man Who Rediscovered Ancient Tamil Literature](https://storytrails.in/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.
- [Day 05: Chennai-a-Maze by Storytrails](https://storytrails.in/chennai-a-maze/hint-day05/): Hints 1. Down Tools of Trigonometry for this massive exercise. 2. Across Anglo Indians
- [Day 04: Chennai-a-Maze by Storytrails](https://storytrails.in/chennai-a-maze/hint-day04/): Hints 1. Down The British built an arterial road leading to this site The Armenians built the steps 2. Across
- [Day 03: Chennai-a-Maze by Storytrails](https://storytrails.in/chennai-a-maze/hint-day03/): Hints 1. Down They wore simple clothes – just a long brown robe with a large hood. 2. Across The church is St. Mary’s Church at Fort St. George
- [Day 02: Chennai-a-Maze by Storytrails](https://storytrails.in/chennai-a-maze/hint-day02/): Hints 1. Down Unscramble these letters: ALL AXLE CHI PEA 2. Across Both Subramanya Bharati and Rabindranath Tagore penned poems in praise of this Tamil Thatha.
- [Day 01: Chennai-a-Maze by Storytrails](https://storytrails.in/chennai-a-maze/hint-day01/): Hints 1. Down She studied in Chennai and later became the first woman M.D. of London University. 2. Across He was the son of a former British Prime Minister. He was a British Viceroy who resigned because he disagreed with British colonial policy. The building is named after his title.
- [The Parsi New Year: A Tale of Two Calendars](https://storytrails.in/religions/the-parsi-new-year-a-story-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.
- [The Indian Travelogue of Niccolao Manucci](https://storytrails.in/history/the-indian-travelogue-of-niccolao-manucci/): A lot of what we know of Mughal history has been pieced together from royal chronicles – and travellers’ accounts. Niccolao Manucci was an Italian adventurer who spent most of his life in India, during which he documented the Mughal reign in an epic work called Storia do Mogor. Read on for the story of his fascinating life.  
- [The Story of Bruce Foote: The British Scientist Who Discovered Madrasian Culture](https://storytrails.in/history/the-story-of-bruce-foote-the-british-scientist-who-discovered-madrasian-culture/): Why is Robert Bruce Foote, an Englishman, considered to be the ‘father of Indian prehistory’? What is the significance of ‘Madrasian Culture’? Read on for the fascinating story of a man who made Madras an unforgettable name in anthropology. 
- [The ‘Mad King' and the Mongols](https://storytrails.in/people/the-mad-king-and-the-mongols/): The Mongols were infamous for their remarkable conquests that spanned a vast expanse of the world. Yet, they were never able to conquer Delhi, despite it being within striking distance. Why? The answer is most likely – Alauddin Khilji. The Mongols’ repeated attempts to capture Delhi were thwarted by Khilji’s resolute defence.  
- [The Loan Sharks of the Carnatic](https://storytrails.in/history/the-loan-sharks-of-the-carnatic/): One of the many ways in which the British East India Company gained control over various regions of India was by forging advantageous friendships with local rulers and getting involved in internal politics. And some conquests were made simply through financial wheeling and dealing… 
- [The Portuguese Doctor Who Fled to India](https://storytrails.in/history/the-portuguese-doctor-who-fled-to-india/): His face can be seen on Portuguese bank notes. There are gardens in Lisbon and in Goa that are named after him. He wrote one of the first books printed in India. And yet, his body was actually dug up and burned in a posthumous public denouncement. This is the story of Garcia de Orta, a Portuguese physician who fled to India.
- [The Forgotten Fort of Sadras](https://storytrails.in/history/the-forgotten-fort-of-sadras/): Once a thriving Dutch colony, Sadras is an obscure town lost in the annals of history. Today, the echoes of its captivating past linger amidst the scattered ruins of Sadras Fort, where the legends of a ghostly Dutchman abound. Read on for its story. 
- [The Women Behind the Mughal Throne: The Story of Jahanara, Roshanara and Gauhar Ara](https://storytrails.in/history/the-women-behind-the-mughal-throne-the-story-of-jahanara-roshanara-and-gauhar-ara/): The women of the Mughal Empire were not mere ornaments in the imperial court.  They were educated, artistic and commercially and politically savvy, and significantly influenced government decisions even during  Aurangzeb’s dictatorial reign. Read on for the remarkable story of Aurangzeb’s sisters. 
- [The Story of Karaikal Ammaiyar](https://storytrails.in/religions/the-story-of-karaikal-ammaiyar/): The 63 Nayanmars – poet-saints devoted to Shiva – were among the earliest ambassadors of the Bhakti movement. Karaikal Ammaiyar was one of the three women who were part of the group. Once a great beauty, she is usually depicted as a ‘ghoul’, apparently a form she begged to be blessed with! This is her story. 
- [Begum Samru: The Story of India's Only Christian Queen](https://storytrails.in/history/begum-samru-the-story-of-indias-only-christian-queen/): Begum Samru was the first (and last) Catholic queen in India. Despite being an orphan and later a widow, she defied all odds as she became the ruler of Sardhana in Uttar Pradesh during a tumultuous time in the country. With her political acumen and military prowess, she emerged victorious in several significant battles. Read on to explore her remarkable story. 
- [Rani Abbakka: A Reign of Steel and Spice](https://storytrails.in/history/rani-abbakka-a-reign-of-steel-and-spice/): Centuries before the anti-colonial resistance in India, Rani Abbakka Chowta fought valiantly against Portuguese colonisation. As the queen of Ullal, she resisted the Portuguese navy's oppressive tactics, forged alliances, led a guerrilla army, and even eliminated their admiral. The tales of Abbakka's bravery live on in folklore and performing arts. Read on to know more about one of India's first female freedom fighters. 
- [The Sengol, the Sceptre and Shifting Symbolism](https://storytrails.in/history/sengol-sceptre-and-shifting-symbolism/): The Sengol may or may not have a place in contemporary India, but historically it was considered as a symbol of righteousness and justice, to be wielded only by a worthy leader. Interestingly, the British Crown Jewels also include a sceptre – not untainted by controversy. Read on for the story of the Indian Sengol and the British sceptre.   
- [The Cholas as Hydraulic Engineers](https://storytrails.in/places/the-cholas-as-hydraulic-engineers/): The Cholas were known to be passionate patrons of art and culture - and a number of grand temples in Tamil Nadu stand testament to that. But did you know that they also invested heavily in water resource projects? Some of those waterbodies still exist today.
- [The Ice King, the Ice Doctor, and the Ice War: The Story of Frederic Tudor ](https://storytrails.in/history/the-ice-king-the-ice-doctor-and-the-ice-war-the-story-of-frederic-tudor/): Thanks to a maverick American, Chennai was importing ice from the US even before refrigeration was invented! This is the cool story of the 'Ice King' – Frederic Tudor. 
- [The Other Great Rajas of the Chola Dynasty](https://storytrails.in/people/the-other-rajas-of-the-chola-dynasty/): The Cholas were one of the longest reigning dynasties in Indian history. And while Rajaraja is probably the most well known, he was only one among the many great Chola kings. How well do you know the other Chola emperors and their feats? Read on to find out. 
- [Women of the Imperial Chola Era](https://storytrails.in/history/women-of-the-imperial-chola-era/): The women in Kalki Krishnamurthy’s magnum opus, Ponniyin Selvan, are feisty, independent and influential. But what about the real-life figures that inspired these fictional characters? What kind of lives did they lead and what was their role in the shaping of Chola history? Read on to know more.   
- [Following the Lotus Around the World](https://storytrails.in/religions/following-the-lotus-around-the-world/): Why is the lotus held sacred in Hinduism and other religions and cultures around the world? This story explores the significance of the lotus as a sacred and mystical symbol across geographies. 
- [The Great Wall of Thorns](https://storytrails.in/history/the-great-wall-of-thorns/): Tax on salt was the third largest source of revenue for the British Raj. But with the alarming numbers of salt smugglers on the prowl, the British had to find a way to protect their revenue. So what did they do? They built a giant wall of thorns that went all the way from Punjab to Odisha! Read on to know more.
- [The Last Great Queen of Travancore](https://storytrails.in/people/the-last-great-queen-of-travancore/): It was because of the system of matrilineal succession in Kerala that Sethu Lakshmi Bayi became the queen, even though she wasn’t born into the ruling dynasty. But as fate would have it, she was the one who paved the way for the end of the practice. This is the fascinating story of one of the most dynamic rulers of the Travancore kingdom.  
- [Ancient Burial Practices in Tamil Nadu | Keeladi](https://storytrails.in/culture/ancient-burial-practices-in-tamil-nadu-keeladi/): Burial sites are among the most important sources of information for archaeologists. The excavations at Keeladi, Adichanallur, Korkai and other places in Tamil Nadu have thrown up a host of burial urns, skeletal remains and other grave goods. These finds reveal much about the oldest settlements in south India through the ways in which they dealt with death. This video, the latest in our series around the Keeladi excavations, explores the different burial rites and practices of ancient Tamils and how they help us understand our history and cultures of the past better. 
- [Chettur Sankaran Nair: The Forgotten Voice of Jallianwala Bagh](https://storytrails.in/history/chettur-sankaran-nair-the-forgotten-voice-of-jallianwala-bagh/): On the 13th of April, 1919, the British Army carried out a brutal assault on a large crowd of Indians who had gathered to peacefully protest against British atrocities at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. The massacre was one of the darkest episodes in the history of the Indian freedom struggle. C. Sankaran Nair, a nationalist and a celebrated lawyer, was one of the most vociferous voices against the act. This is his story.  
- [Of Grave Matters and Buried Treasures](https://storytrails.in/history/of-grave-matters-and-buried-treasures/): According to archaeologists, grave goods are practically buried treasures that can offer valuable information about life in ancient civilisations, strange as it may seem. This story dives deep into the world of grave goods and the fascinating secrets that have been unearthed from various burial sites in India.  
- [Charles Masson: The Man Who Discovered Harappa](https://storytrails.in/history/charles-masson-the-man-who-discovered-harappa/): Meet Charles Masson, a soldier turned archaeologist and numismatist. During his lifetime, he was largely unacknowledged for the staggering amount of excavation work he carried out in Afghanistan and parts of modern-day Pakistan, which led to the discovery of entire new chapters in history. He was also the first European to discover the ruins of Harappa, one of the most important the Indus Valley Civilisation sites. This is his story. 
- [The Oldest Settlements in South India: The Keeladi Excavations](https://storytrails.in/culture/the-oldest-settlements-in-south-india-the-keeladi-excavations/): How old are the oldest settlements in south India? This video explores the story of the recent excavations at Keeladi, which revealed the existence of a sophisticated Tamil civilisation dating back at least to the 6th century BCE. But did you know that archaeological digs carried out over a 100 years earlier at sites like Adichanallur and Pallavaram had already hinted at human habitation sites in Tamil Nadu dating back thousands of years? How have these path-breaking excavations changed our understanding of ancient south Indian history? 
- [The Story of Indian Scripts - Part 2 | The Potshard Inscriptions of Keeladi](https://storytrails.in/culture/the-story-of-indian-scripts-part-2-the-potshard-inscriptions-of-keeladi/): What can a few fragments of pottery tell us about how people wrote 5000 years ago? Quite a lot, as it turns out.   The Keeladi excavations of 2015 pointed to the existence of a literate ancient Tamil civilisation that could go as far back as 800 BCE. Among the most significant finds was a series of potshards with different inscriptions, which offered many fascinating insights about  the evolution of scripts in India. 
- [Aurobindo Ghosh and the Alipore Conspiracy Case](https://storytrails.in/history/aurobindo-ghosh-and-the-alipore-conspiracy-case/): The story of freedom fighter Aurobindo Ghosh is rather unique. He began by stirring up Indians from a life of passivity to passionate action; and then himself turned to spiritualism and mysticism. 
- [Subramania Bharati: The Poet Who Sang of Freedom](https://storytrails.in/people/subramania-bharati-the-poet-who-sang-of-freedom/): Subramania Bharati was more than just a poet. He was a journalist, a linguist and a passionate freedom fighter. Above all, he lived life on his own terms.
- [Muziris: The 'First Emporium' of India](https://storytrails.in/history/muziris-the-first-emporium-of-india/): The ancient town of Muziris in southern India attracted traders from all around the world as far back as the first century BCE. Traders from Rome came with gold and left with something they considered even more precious – black pepper. The port thrived until a catastrophic flood wiped out all traces of it in the 1300s. For many years after, Muziris remained shrouded in mystery until recent excavations revealed some of its fascinating history.
- [The Story of Indian Scripts - Part 1 | The cave inscriptions of Mamallapuram](https://storytrails.in/history/the-story-of-indian-scripts-part-1-the-cave-inscriptions-of-mamallapuram/): Which are the oldest languages and scripts in India? Is there a mother of all scripts, in a land that is as diverse and variegated as India? What similarities or differences exist between the south Indian scripts, and do they have anything in common with the ones used in north India?  The first of this two-part video story explores these fascinating questions and more as it traces the evolution of Indian scripts over the last 2500 years.
- [Makar Sankranti: A Chronicle of Calendars](https://storytrails.in/culture/makar-sankranti-a-chronicle-of-calendars/): Was Makar Sankranti always celebrated on the 14th of January? Why are some festivals celebrated on different dates every year while others have fixed dates? Different cultures have used different calendar systems to map time and consequently, significant events like festivals. What methods did they use, and how accurate were they? And what exactly is the Hindu calendar? This fascinating article explores all this and more! 
- [Devanagari](https://storytrails.in/picture-a-story/devanagari/): In human civilisation, languages evolved first, and then came scripts. The Devanagari script is one of the oldest scripts of India, having evolved from the ancient Brahmi script. It came to be adopted widely from around the 7th century CE, and is the world’s fourth most used script after Latin, Chinese and Arabic. It is used in nearly 120 languages and dialects, including Nepali, Marathi and, of course, Hindi. It is also the script in which Sanskrit, the language of holy Hindu scriptures, is written. In fact, the word Devanagari means ‘that from the city of gods’. Its distinguishing feature […]
- [Bheema Pul](https://storytrails.in/every-place-has-a-story/bheema-pul/): This rock formation, known as the Bheema Pul (‘Bheema’s Bridge’), is near Badrinath in Uttarakhand. And yes, it is named after a story around Bheema from the Mahabharata. Towards the end of the Mahabharata, the epic’s protagonists — the five Pandavas and their wife Draupadi — undertake a journey across the Himalayan terrain to reach swarga (heaven). At one point, they reach the rocky edge of a cliff, below which a river rages on, and they can’t find a path to cross over to the adjacent cliff. Bheema, the strongest Pandava brother, promptly uproots a nearby rock and throws it […]
- [Golghar](https://storytrails.in/every-place-has-a-story/golghar/): The Golghar (meaning ‘circular building’) in Patna, Bihar is a gigantic igloo-like granary that was built several years after the Bengal famine of 1770. Millions died in this disastrous famine, which affected Bihar, Bengal and other neighbouring regions. As a precautionary measure against another similar catastrophe, Governor-General Warren Hastings ordered the creation of granaries. In 1786, Captain John Garstin of the Bengal Engineers built this 29-metre tall, pillar-less structure to store surplus grain. A staircase was built around it for workers to carry sacks easily and empty them into the Golghar through the hole at the top. Strangely, the granary […]
- [Open Hand Monument](https://storytrails.in/every-place-has-a-story/open-hand-monument/): The Partition of India in 1947 into two separate nations – India and Pakistan – was a violent and bitter event. Punjab was one of the regions that was split between the two new countries. The Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier was commissioned to design the Indian Punjab’s capital, Chandigarh, a new home for the vast numbers of displaced people. Corbusier was keen on building a structure that would symbolize peace and harmony in the city. Today, his brainchild, the Open Hand monument, an icon of peace and reconciliation, stands in the Capitol Complex in Chandigarh, and is also the official […]
- [Boat Museum](https://storytrails.in/every-place-has-a-story/boat-museum/): Over a century ago, boats were an intrinsic part of life in Bengal. Skilled craftspeople built different kinds of vessels for different kinds of rivers and other waterbodies, based on locally available materials. The purpose – such as transport of passengers, cargo, fishing, racing, or even leisure – dictated the engineering. Even the kind of goods the vessel was meant to carry had a say in its design! Traditional boat making and river navigation are now dying skills, thanks to modern technology. But the Boat Museum of Kolkata has preserved the region’s rich maritime history and indigenous methods of boat […]
- [Sankranti: A Sky Full of Kites](https://storytrails.in/culture/sankranti-a-sky-full-of-kites/): Kite flying is an inseparable part of the Makar Sankranti celebrations, a festival that is celebrated all over India in some form or the other. How old is the tradition of kite flying in the country? And why is it connected to the spring festival of Sankranti? 
- [Banking with the Gods](https://storytrails.in/history/banking-with-the-gods/): India is home to some of the richest temples in the world. Have you ever wondered how these temples came into such wealth? Here's where powerful Indian kings and their financial management skills played a significant role.
- [The Unforgettable Legacy of James Prinsep](https://storytrails.in/people/the-unforgettable-legacy-of-james-prinsep/): Meet James Prinsep, a gifted English scholar who produced a remarkable body of work across a diverse range of fields in the arts and sciences. But perhaps his greatest achievement as far as Indian history is concerned was his work on Brahmi, the ancient Indian script that unlocked the story of Emperor Ashoka.
- [Coja Petrus Uscan: The Pious Armenian of Madras](https://storytrails.in/history/coja-petrus-uscan-the-pious-armenian-of-madras/): Armenians have been known to travel far and wide in pursuit of trading opportunities for centuries. And India happens to be one of the places that they share a special connection with. Coja Petrus Uscan was one of the prominent members of the Armenian community of Madras in colonial times. A rather remarkable personality, he was known for his fierce loyalty to the British in India. Read on to find out just what made him so extraordinary. 
- [The Story of the First Indian Bible](https://storytrails.in/people/the-story-of-the-first-indian-bible/): How did a German missionary preach to the locals who spoke neither Danish nor German in the Danish colony of Tranquebar? He learnt Tamil, of course. And he became so proficient at it that he translated the Bible into Tamil. This is the story of Bartholomaus Ziegenbalg, the man who published the first ever translation of the Bible in an Indian language.
- [Alai Minar and Alai Darwaza: Alauddin Khilji's Grand Designs](https://storytrails.in/places/alai-minar-and-alai-darwaza-alauddin-khiljis-grand-designs/): Like most kings, Alauddin Khilji wanted everlasting fame, and that’s why he commissioned grand monuments like the Alai Darwaza and the Alai Minar, a tower that was meant to be even more magnificent than the Qutub Minar.
- [Mariamman: The Village Goddess Who Travelled](https://storytrails.in/culture/mariamman-the-village-goddess-who-travelled/): The worship of village gods in rural India is older than the Vedic tradition. Did you know that the most powerful of these deities is actually a goddess of rain, who is said to cure diseases? Read on for an interesting peek into the evolution of religious traditions in the villages of south India.
- [Mark Twain in Mumbai](https://storytrails.in/people/mark-twain-in-mumbai/): The city of Bombay (now Mumbai) has charmed visitors from all over the world, including a certain famous American author. And while he was enthralled by the city, the most interesting thing about his visit was his fascination with a common Indian bird!  
- [Dancing with Deities: Five Unique Folk Traditions of India](https://storytrails.in/culture/dancing-with-deities-five-unique-folk-traditions-of-india/): India is a land where folk traditions thrive in abundance and are practised with zeal and devotion. Spirit possession rituals are often an integral part of these colourful traditions and are celebrated in grand festivals. Read on to know more about 5 spectacular spirit possession rituals from across India.
- [Elihu Yale: The Selfish Philanthropist ](https://storytrails.in/people/elihu-yale-the-selfish-philanthropist/): Elihu Yale was a British merchant and a Governor of Fort St. George during the British colonial rule in India. He amassed a huge amount of wealth through illegal private trading, and he supported a horrific practice that was prevalent in those times. So why is Yale University, a premier institution, named after him? 
- [Raja Ravi Varma - The Royal Indian Artist](https://storytrails.in/people/raja-ravi-varma-the-royal-indian-artist/): Perhaps no Indian artist’s work is as instantly recognisable as Raja Ravi Varma’s. Picture a Hindu goddess in your mind, and chances are that the image is in a Ravi Varma-esque style. Read on to find out more about his journey and legacy.
- [The Portuguese Soldier Who Saved Kochi](https://storytrails.in/history/the-portuguese-soldier-who-saved-kochi/): Most people believe Vasco da Gama to be the founder of Portuguese power in India. But did you know that there was another Portuguese captain who had a major role to play in India’s colonial history?
- [Rash Behari Bose - The Patriot and the Chef](https://storytrails.in/history/rash-behari-bose-the-patriot-and-the-chef/): Kare Raisu or Curry Rice is a popular dish in Japan. But what is the connection between this dish and an Indian revolutionary?  
- [How to Deceive the Evil Eye](https://storytrails.in/culture/how-to-deceive-the-evil-eye/): The concept of the "evil eye" has existed for thousands of years and in cultures around the world. And every society has, understandably, developed unique rituals to thwart the evil eye and the misfortunes it brings, some of which are practised even today. What does India do to deceive this malevolent glare? This light-hearted article explores some magic Indian fixes. 
- [The Dutch Defector and the Kerala King](https://storytrails.in/history/the-dutch-defector-and-the-kerala-king/): In the 17th century, Marthanda Varma, the king of Travancore, refused to trade with the then most powerful multinational in the world, the Dutch East India Company. It led to a war which Marthanda Varma won. But this was only a minor victory. Marthanda Varma, in fact, had bigger ambitions – to chase out the Dutch once and for all with the help of one Dutch military commander, De Lannoy. How did this king make it happen? 
- [Seven Mythical Creatures of India](https://storytrails.in/culture/seven-mythical-creatures-of-india/): India’s bestiary of mythical creatures is as rich, varied and diverse as its multitude of art forms, cultural artefacts and storytelling traditions. Read on to meet (from afar) seven marvellous, monstrous creatures from Indian myth and folklore from around the country that are sure to send shivers down your spine. 
- [The ‘Other’ Qutub](https://storytrails.in/history/the-other-qutub/): Iltutmish named Qutub Minar after his own master and predecessor, Qutub-ud-din Aibak. But some historians think that Iltutmish christened the tower after another "Qutub" - Qutub-ud-din Bakhtiyar Kaki! Read on to know why.  
- [Of Diwali and Deepavali](https://storytrails.in/culture/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?
- [How Bombay Fought the Plague](https://storytrails.in/history/how-bombay-fought-the-plague/): In May 1894, Hong Kong was struck by the deadly bubonic plague. As it was a busy port city with ships travelling in and out carrying valuable cargo and many people every day, the seaborne plague soon arrived in Bombay (present-day Mumbai), which even in those days housed over 8,20,000 people. How did the city survive? 
- [Why Is Diwali Not a Festival for Some Hindu Communities?](https://storytrails.in/culture/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?
- [Ponniyin Selvan and a Thousand-Year-Old Murder Mystery](https://storytrails.in/history/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?
- [How Tej Singh Became Raja Desingu of Gingee](https://storytrails.in/history/how-tej-singh-became-raja-desingu-of-gingee/): Raja Desingu is a popular local hero whose stories continue to be told in street performances like Therukoothu, Poi-Kal-Kuthirai, and even the Burra-Katha tradition of Andhra. But the true story of the king of Gingee Fort is quite different from the romantic folk versions. So what is the real story? 
- [The Somaskanda sculptures: The story of the missing Ganesha](https://storytrails.in/history/the-somaskanda-sculptures-the-story-of-the-missing-ganesha/): What can a popular icon tell us about the religious landscape of the territories ruled by the Pallava dynasty 1400 years ago? This video explores the story of the Somaskanda, a divine family portrait that seems to be missing an important member. 
- [Rembrandt’s Mughals](https://storytrails.in/history/rembrandts-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.
- [A Story of Two Indian Festivals](https://storytrails.in/culture/a-story-of-two-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. 
- [Umayamma Rani: The Fierce Queen of Kerala](https://storytrails.in/history/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. 

## Pages

- [Audio Tours](https://storytrails.in/apps/): Location-Aware Audio Tours Every sight has a story to tell Award-winning tours, now on your mobile phones! There’s a story behind everything you see. Let your mobile phone guide you through the city and her stories; in your own time, and at a pace you set. FEATURED TOURS Stories that set a context; Help you connect the dots… CHENNAI Kapeleeshwara Temple Trail Explore 45 mins Mamallapuram Shore Temple and Five Rathas Explore 45 mins Singapore Veeramakaliamman Temple Trail Explore 45 mins Explore the app Award-winning content – now as audio tours Storytrails is a pioneer in designing unique, story-based walking […]
- [About App](https://storytrails.in/apps/about/): Everyday sights, exciting stories About Storytrails Audio Tours Storytrails audio tours is a location-aware mobile application that turns your mobile phone into a virtual guide. Explore a destination and its stories at a pace you set. Award-winning tours, now on your mobile phones! Deeply researched content presented through a series of short, snackable stories Curated routes that guide you through the best of each monument or neighbourhood. Location triggers that alert you to stories around you based on your current location.  Clickable map interface to select the stories you want to play Works on both Android and iOS phones Download […]
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- [Trails Inner Page](https://storytrails.in/trails-inner-page/): Everyday sights, exciting stories Come, experience Chennai with Storytrails Explore Chennai’s rich history, culture and cuisine with Storytrails. Join us on our city walks, food trails and local experiences in this bustling metropolis. This is where Storytrails was born. With over 10 unique, thematic trails to choose from, you can see and experience the many hues of the city and local life. Whether you are a history buff, a culture addict, a foodie, or just a curious wanderer, we have something for everyone. Why visit Chennai Here’s what the city has to offer…https://storytrails.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Temple-of-Treasures-Trailer-5.mp4 Gallery Come, join us as we explore […]
- [Cities](https://storytrails.in/cities/): Chennai Mamallapuram The city of Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is one of the earliest cities established by the British in India. But its history goes much further back in time with some of the city’s neighbouhoods having a documented history of over 1500 years. Colourful temples, grand colonial buildings, bustling markets, spicy south Indian fare, iconic filter coffee, classical music and dance, the finest silk and jewellery stores and the larger than life movie stars – there are many unique cultural encounters that a visitor can look forward to in Chennai. Tours in Chennai Explore Just south of Chennai […]
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