Juliana Dias da Costa was a prominent figure in the Mughal courts during the reign of Bahadur Shah I. We trace the Portuguese woman’s story, historical significance, and the reason why she has faded to obscurity since then.
"Better to die with dignity than live without self-respect. I have served my motherland for a long time, and at a time like this, I won't let it be stained. There is no option but to fight."
Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great wasn’t the first one to start this tradition of honouring learned men as the nine jewels of his kingdom - through his navratnas are certainly the most famous.
A little-known observatory that dates back to the 18th century, Madras Observatory marks the triumphal fusion of scientific knowledge and imperial power.