Places

The Strange Partnership that saved Bateshwar | Madhya Pradesh

In the ravines of Chambal in Madhya Pradesh, lies Bateshwar, a complex of 200 ancient temples. For centuries they lay in ruins, swallowed

Culture, History, 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

Culture, History, Mythology, 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.

Culture, History, Mythology, Places, Religions

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

History, People, Places

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?

History, Places

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.

History, People, Places

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?

Culture, Places, Religions

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?

History, People, Places

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?

Culture, History, People, Places

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.

History, Places, Religions

Mackenzie: The Man Who Found Amaravati

Buddhism, during its golden age, inspired several unique contributions to art and architecture in India. But by the 13th century, there was almost no trace of the religion left in the country, and many of the creations inspired by Buddhism too had vanished, buried deep under layers of earth, where they lay forgotten for centuries…. Until one man named Colin Mackenzie made a spectacular discovery - the relics of Amaravati.

History, Places, Religions

The Satavahanas and India’s Ancient Tollgates

The Ajanta Cave paintings in Maharashtra date back to the 1st century BCE. These caves and their paintings were created not long after Buddha’s death under the patronage of a dynasty called the Satavahanas, a dynasty that ruled for over three centuries and greatly influenced Indian art. Who were they and what made them so successful? Historians are still figuring out the answer to that question. But a 2200-year-old pot that can be seen in Naneghat pass in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats holds a clue.

History, People, Places

Chennai’s Own Grand Nawab: Wallajah

What is the connection between the Chepauk Cricket Stadium in Chennai and Nawab Wallajah of Arcot? Find out why this historical figure’s memory lives on in the various landmarks of Chennai.

History, Places, Religions

The Satavahanas at Sanchi

History textbooks teach us that the Sanchi Stupa was built by emperor Ashoka. However, the credit doesn't entirely go to him. Who built the stupa that stands in Sanchi today?

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