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

People, Places, 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

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?

History, Places

The Taj Doppelgangers

The Taj Mahal, one of the Wonders of the World is considered the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. It has a beautiful facade that is immediately recognisable and it tells many poignant stories. But there are some lesser known monuments that bear a resemblance to the Taj, with equally intriguing stories behind them.

Culture, History, Places, Religions

The Buddhist Relics of Amaravati | Egmore Museum, Chennai

The 2000 year old Amaravati marbles at the Egmore Museum in Chennai are the remnants of a Buddhist stupa built by the mighty Satavahana kings. Who were these Hindu kings that created such beautiful Buddhist art? What does a small statue of Hercules sitting amidst Buddhist relics at the Museum tell us about the evolution of Buddhism? Watch this video to know all this and more!

Culture, Places

What date is it really? The Hindu Calendar

When is New Year's day? Well, that depends on who you ask. For many in the north, Diwali is New Year's day. But it falls on different days each year. The Tamil, Malayalees, Punjabis and Assamese celebrate their New Year on 14 April. But the Telugus, Kannadigas and Maharashtrians celebrate their New Year on different dates. How are these dates determined and why are calendars so different for people in the same country? This story will you through time of how calendars evolved, how ancient Indians and people across the world measured time.

History, Places

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

This podcast focuses on the son of Rajaraja Chola the great - Rajendra Chola. Who was the greatest Chola king? Listen in, as we tell you the story of a southern king who took his campaigns to the Gangetic plains, Srilanka, Maldives and South East Asia. This story takes you to Gangaikonda Cholapuram, the capital city he built a 1000 years ago, with a marvellous temple that still stands.

History, Places

The Magnificient Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves are filled with gorgeous paintings made over 2000 years ago. These ancient Buddhist paintings cast a long shadow, and have influenced many centuries of later art. In this episode, Dr Alamelu Nachiappan, a professor of Art History, helps us unravel some of the mysteries about the paintings and the caves themselves. Listen in as she takes us through the many stories of Ajanta.

Culture, History, Places

The Vaigai River Valley Excavations

The ongoing excavations at Keeladi are unearthing new and exciting information about a highly advanced civilization. The excavations throw up many questions as well. Join us on the Storytrails podcast, and listen in as we put these questions to Dr Rajan, a noted archaeologist who led many of these excavations.

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