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.
Can Permaculture Alleviate Poverty & Ensure Food Security?
Permaculture could help alleviate poverty & hunger. However, everyone has to be involved and progress can not be hasty.
Tacky, Whacky & Cool: Hand-Drawn Film Posters Are A Collector’s Delight
Hand drawn film posters from the 1970s & 80s – with their interesting & over-the-top illustrations – are now sought after art collectibles; they’re priceless assets.
Political Slurs Such As “Liberandu” & “Urban Naxal” Are Being Weaponised In “New India”: Here’s How
In “New India,” linguistic inventions, political slang, has been weaponised to accuse & incarcerate critics and political opponents.
The Curious Connection Between Chillies & Vasco da Gama
What’s the connection between Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama and Chillies?
Racism Is Embedded In Bollywood; It’s Time To Change That
To remove everyday racism, so deep rooted in society, is a slow process–one that would take years of awareness & effort. But if each of us takes baby steps, we might arrive there sooner.
Archaic Traditions That Ostracise Widows Still Thrive In India
Dying & being considered a heavenly goddess versus belong alive and living in hell: these seem to be the only two options today for widows in India.