Blood Lust & The Kohinoor Diamond
byThe Koh-i-noor––a diamond mined in India, adorned by Queen Elizabeth II of England, like many other diamonds mined across the world––has a history of blood lust.
Insight
From Eritrea To India: A Brief History Of Bhendi
byThe humble Okra, finely sliced & deliciously cooked, nourishes billions of people across the world. It is also a testimony to the history of globalisation.
What Idi Amin’s Expulsion Of Ugandan Asians Informs Us About Racism
byHistory offers many lessons. The most important lesson is that racism isn’t a black or white phenomenon.
The Bombay Scottish School
byFrom being a generous little orphanage for girls to becoming a school that gave education to multiple famous personalities, the Bombay Scottish School has come a long way.
Colonialism, Alcohol & Gandhi
byIn 2019, Indians consumed a whopping 131 million 700ml bottles of Scotch Whisky. Why are Indians so fond of getting drunk?
The Madras Regiment: The Oldest Regiment Of The Indian Army
byThe Madras Regiment, the oldest regiment of the Indian army, is known for its bravery & fearlessness.
Mythology, Mughals & The History Of Alcohol
byAlcohol played an important role in mythology. It was considered divine & purifying. It was also considered as an exilir.
Akbar & His Horses
byAkbar 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
byPashmina, 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
byBombay, 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?
bySoma takes a central role in the Rig Veda. Yet it remains a mystery. What could it be?
Elephants & Religious Myths
byElephants have played an important role in glorifying humans. But such myths have only harmed elephants.
How The Music Of An Ancient Rock Painting Was Brought To Life
byIn a new study, archaeologists try to “hear” the ancient past using acoustic methods. Read this fascinating story.
The Curious Connection Between Chillies & Vasco da Gama
byWhat’s the connection between Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama and Chillies?
Archaic Traditions That Ostracise Widows Still Thrive In India
byDying & 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.