History Archive

The process of independence was not a simple one for India in many matters. The problems ahead were manifolds, ranging from the future political setup, Economic system, the vast migration, the national integration. In the context of the prevailing circumstances of that time, the integration of the region into one country was undoubtedly the most complex. India at the time was a region composed of more than 550 sovereign princely states. 

Indian history is filled with the chivalry of not only the kings, cavalry, or infantry but also the horses. Yes! Chetak is the one who gained immense respect for his loyalty to his master, Maharana Pratap. But Chetak is not the only example of a valiant animal serving his master. Shubhrak was another such horse that became synonymous with bravery, courage, and fearlessness.

You must have heard about the Great Wall of China — the longest wall in the world, built more than a millennium ago. But what if we told you that one of the longest walls in the world is in India? Yes, that indeed is true. Built-in the 15th century, this wall is nestled between thirteen towering mountain peaks in the desert of Rajasthan and surrounds the ancient fort of Kumbhalgarh, some 80 km from the city of Udaipur.

Sleep is a luxury for those who struggle to get a good night’s rest. While the inability to sleep well can be frustrating in the middle of the night, the necessity for sleep in pre-electricity days produced its own violence in colonial India.

The princely states of pre-independent India threw up many charismatic leaders, political stalwarts, and influential princes. Among the more dynamic was Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner (1880-1943).

One of the oldest board games in history, the game of kings, Chess, is still a popular game and sport that intrigues millions across the globe. While there are many people who play chess, most players wouldn’t know who invented chess, how chess originated, and its intriguing history.

Felice Beato was a British photographer of Italian origin. He travelled through India after the so-called ‘mutiny’ or uprising of the Indian army against their British officers in 1857. Beato took photographs of sites associated with the uprsing, as well as more general photographs of the most important monuments of the cities he visited, as in this example.

Hotee was a Bengali Hindu widow. She was a scholar of Sanskrit Poetry, Law, Mathematics and Ayurveda. She established a School in Varanasi for women. She was awarded the title "Vidyalankar" by Kashi Pandits.

Throughout ancient India, women were esteemed, and their contributions to the welfare of Throughout ancient India, women were esteemed, and their contributions to the welfare of the family and the community were vital. The elevated social standing of the ladies helped them feel good about themselves and gave them a sense of purpose. In order to develop their intellectual and spiritual capacities, they were provided with the chance. During this period, there were several female rishis.

Where the Kadamba by pass converges at Old Goa stands a tall and slender column. It is a very intriguing pillar. This elegant pillar quitely narrates a tale of woe. In local it is popularly called the ‘Hatkatro Khambo’ literally meaning a pillar where hands were chopped.