Colonialism, Alcohol & Gandhi
In 2019, Indians consumed a whopping 131 million 700ml bottles of Scotch Whisky. Why are Indians so fond of getting drunk?
Raja Deen Dayal: The ‘Bold Warrior of Photography’
Dayal brought to photography what Verma had brought to paintings, the elegant depiction of opulence and grandeur in lifelike documentation.
Charles Metcalfe: ‘Liberator Of The Indian Press’
Charles Metcalfe chose to see Indians as people with feelings & independent thoughts. The Press Act of 1835, which he passed, allowed Indian newspapers to flourish.
Fa Xian’s Journey To India
Fa Xian’s writings are still helpful in learning about the South Asian people of those times.
The Madras Regiment: The Oldest Regiment Of The Indian Army
The Madras Regiment, the oldest regiment of the Indian army, is known for its bravery & fearlessness.
Mythology, Mughals & The History Of Alcohol
Alcohol played an important role in mythology. It was considered divine & purifying. It was also considered as an exilir.
Lady’s Slipper Orchid: The Meghalayan Orchid That Was Popular With The English
The Kew Royal Botanic Garden in the UK keeps track of all the Lady’s Slippers in the world, including the Splendid Slipper in Meghalaya.
Akbar & His Horses
Akbar loved horses. The Emperor personally chose people to swat flies off his precious horses when they were in the stables.
Pashmina: India’s Global Treasure
Pashmina, made from Changthangi and Chegu goats in Kashmir and Ladakh, is now one of the world’s most sought after fabric.
Bombay: Catherine Braganza’s Dowry To King Charles II
Bombay, now a vast metropolis teeming with people, was once upon a time a set of seven islands. The Portuguese who ‘owned’ the islands gave them to King Charles II as dowry.
Is Soma, The Mythical Potion Mentioned In The Vedas, A Fungi With Superpowers?
Soma takes a central role in the Rig Veda. Yet it remains a mystery. What could it be?
The Clouded Leopard
The clouded leopard is endangered. Due to large-scale deforestation & commercial poaching, there are fewer than 1,000 leopards.
With Lockdowns, Protests & A Failing Economy, China Is Facing A Crisis
Chinese people will find new phrases, scream at the top of their lungs, and protest as much as they are allowed to. The government can’t ignore their cries for long.
Elephants & Religious Myths
Elephants have played an important role in glorifying humans. But such myths have only harmed elephants.
The World Is Facing A “Food Insecurity & Hunger Crisis”
Given the impending food insecurity and hunger crisis, the Government of India needs to make the necessary preparations to ensure that millions of India’s poor do not face hunger and mass starvation.