History

Did you know the traditional vegetable-dyed plaid 'lungi' of the fishermen in Tamil Nadu first came to global attention over 800 years ago?

According to a popular lore, the potters of Kumortuli were unaware of the image of a lion (Durga’s pet) and sculpted a horse-like creature with a stout mouth, large teeth and a ferocious look. That early rendition of a lion is still replicated for one of the oldest Durga pujas in the region!

Defying the times with her unconventional choices, Venu Chitale decided not to marry and moved to London in pursuit of higher studies—where she went on to become a spokesperson for India’s freedom struggle.

This plucky man from Mumbai went on to build one of the greatest film production houses in history. And yet few Indians know his story. #History #UntoldTales

“150 years ago, I would have been burned at the funeral pyre with my husband’s body," A Lalitha had famously said in a New York conference. Instead, she went on to make history!

When a sarkari babu (government officer) or baniya (Marwari businessman) stepped out of his home in a safari suit, the sheen of the outfit accorded him a sense of respectability and sincerity.

"All played brilliant hockey, but as always some were superb: Prithipal Singh, who scored 11 of India's 22 goals in the tournament will be remembered particularly for he was like the Rock of Gibraltar," said legendary radio commentator Melville De Mellow, when describing the Indian team's performance in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Did you know that, 4,000 years ago, the Harappans were probably eating almost exactly what you ate last night? Find out how this was revealed and more as we trace the origins of the ubiquitous curry.

Honoured with the Padma Shri, he was instrumental in completing the construction of the Srinagar – Leh road in the 1950s and also served as India's first ambassador to Mongolia! #ForgottenHeroes

D Hemchandra Rao is a proud owner of dhow models, anchors, coins with ships engraved on them, models of brass ships, wooden houseboats, pocket watches, clocks, ship lanterns, postcards, stamps of lighthouses and canals collected over a span of two decades!