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Indian fighters with weapons. Source: Zzvet / Adobe Stock.

Cutting Edge: The Top 5 Deadliest Weapons From India (Video)

India has a rich history of impressive weapons that showcase the craftsmanship and martial traditions of the subcontinent. The Chakra is a circular throwing weapon used by warrior Sikhs, known for...
The Jain sculptures found at Moinabad, Hyderabad, India. Figures show a spiritual teacher of the dharma, seated in meditation and the top part adorned with Keerthimukhas. Source: E. Sivanagireddy/ The Hindu

1,000-Year-Old Sacred Sculptures of Jain Saviors Used for a Sluice

Almost exactly 2 years ago, two Jain sculptures from the 10th century AD were found in the southern Indian state of Telangana. Now history almost repeats itself, as two square pillars adorned with...
Holy couple. Source: Paolo Gallo / Adobe Stock.

The Kama Sutra: It’s Not Just About Sex (Video)

The Kama Sutra , known for its acrobatic sex positions, is often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, it lacks explicit pictures and covers more than just sex . Translated from Sanskrit , it...
Representation of Dwarka underwater. Source:  Amith / Adobe Stock.

Dwarka's Submerged Secret: Finding the Lost Kingdom of Krishna (Video)

Dwarka , a city steeped in mythical and historical significance, holds a unique place among the seven holy pilgrimage centers of India. Its prominence lies in its association with the ancient kingdom...
Indian martial arts fighters. Source: Zzvet / Adobe Stock.

India’s Ancient Martial Art Feared by the British Raj (Video)

Sanatan Shastar Vidya is an ancient martial art that traces its roots back thousands of years in northern India . Originally developed as a comprehensive system of combat techniques, it has evolved...
Detail of statue of Chandragupta Maurya to the right. Background of India. Source: Public Domain and HistoryDiscussion

The Rise of Chandragupta Maurya, and the Golden Age of the Mauryan Empire

Having conquered the mighty Achaemenid Empire, Alexander the Great set his sights on the north western region of the Indian subcontinent. Thus, in 327 BC, the Macedonian king began his campaign by...
Students studying at Nalanda University, India. Source: Amith / Adobe Stock.

1500-Year-Old Nalanda University Makes a Comeback (Video)

Founded over 1,500 years ago, Nalanda University in India is widely regarded as the world's first residential university , predating even Oxford University by more than 500 years. During its heyday,...
Representational image of an Aghori. Source: Dondon Gigantone / Adobe Stock.

Aghori: Exploring the Bizarre World of Extreme Asceticism (Video)

The Aghori are an intriguing sect of Hinduism known for their unconventional practices and ascetic way of life. They seek spiritual liberation through intense discipline and the transcendence of...
The Bedchamber Sword of Tipu Sultan (reg. 1782-1799), SOLD for $17.5 million. Source: Bonhams Auctioneers

Why this Warrior Sultan’s Sword Has Just Sold for $17.5million, Most Expensive Sword Ever

Tipu Sultan's sword was estimated to sell for an inordinate $2.5 million. However, yesterday, this prize weapon was auctioned in London and fetched a staggering $17.5million (£14 million). This not...
The awe-inspiring Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments in Madhya Pradesh, India. Source: sumit / Adobe Stock

India’s Gopachal Rock-Cut Jain Monuments: A Colossal Cultural Marvel

The Indian subcontinent boasts a rich history and is home to some of the world's most impressive ancient artworks. Among them are the awe-inspiring Gopachal rock-cut Jain monuments, which prompt...
Indian Tanpura. Source: Arash / Adobe Stock.

India’s Ancient Instruments Made from Pumpkins (Video)

The Abdul Majeed family has been hand-carving musical instruments out of pumpkins for seven generations, a craft that has been practiced for almost 200 years in the city of Mirage, in Western India...
Hand weaving jute crafts in India. Source: mitrarudra / Adobe Stock.

The Brave Women Preserving India's Tribal Weaving Legacy (Video)

In the face of cheaper alternatives flooding the market, women from the Rajbanshi ethnic group in West Bengal, India have been fighting to keep an ancient weaving tradition alive. Jute, one of India'...
Detail of the 1,900-year-old statue of the Buddha found at Berenike, an ancient port city in Egypt by the Red Sea. Source: Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities

Statue Reveals Buddhists Likely Mingled with Roman’s In Egypt

Ancient history is replete with examples of cross-cultural ties that have transcended all kinds of boundaries, even before telecommunications and travel existed the way we know today. A reminder of...
The teaching of Darwinian evolution is under threat in India. Source: Andrea Izzotti / Adobe Stock

Outrage as India Deletes Darwinian Evolution from Textbooks

Never shy about courting controversy, the Hindu nationalist government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has removed references to Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution from some school...
Pehlwani, also known as kushti, is a form of mud wrestling in South Asia. (Nikhilmore nimo / CC BY-SA 4.0)

The Exacting World of Kushti Mud Wrestling in India

Classical wrestling has its roots hidden far back in the history of the world. It has been present - in some form or other - in many of the world’s oldest civilizations. The ancient Greeks were mad...
Detail of a painting depiction the Sati of Ramabai, the wife of Madhavrao Peshwa the ninth Peshwa of the Maratha Empire who reigned from 1761 to 1772. Source: Public domain

Sati Widow-Burning: A Dark Chapter in Indian History

Sati, the practice of a widow self-immolating on her husband's funeral pyre, remains one of the most controversial and emotive issues in South Asian culture. While some view it as a sacred funerary...
Paper bag maker in India. (© Jorge Royan / http://www.royan.com.ar / CC BY-SA 3.0)

How One Town Keeps India's 500-year-old Papermaking Industry Alive (Video)

The town of Sanganer, located in the western state of Rajasthan in India, is home to a 500-year-old papermaking industry. The paper factories in Sanganer still produce handmade paper the traditional...
Sari weaving. Source: ananaline / Adobe Stock.

The Sari Weavers Keeping a 16th Century Craft Alive (Video)

In the narrow alleys of Varanasi , India, a group of skilled artisans are keeping an ancient craft alive through their nimble fingers and artistic vision. They are the sari weavers , who continue to...
A bronze sculpture, representational. Source: DivineWorld / Adobe Stock

How Metal Artists In India Are Keeping A 4,500-Year-Old Craft Alive (Video)

Despite the challenges, metal artists in India are working to keep the ancient craft of Dhokra art alive. This traditional craft involves the use of a non-ferrous metal, often brass or bronze, to...
The ruined remains of Kuldhara village in India. Source: bluesea / Adobe Stock

Abandoned for Love and Cursed for Eternity: What Happened in Kuldhara?

The Indian village of Kuldhara is shrouded in mystery. Once a prosperous and thriving community, the village was suddenly abandoned in the 19th century and has remained uninhabited ever since...
Kushti mud wrestlers. Source: Michal Svec / Flickr.

Why Mud Wrestlers Give Up Everything for An Ancient Sport (Video)

Kushti is an ancient and revered mud-wrestling sport that has captivated sports fans in India for over 2,500 years. Today, there are many young athletes who still willingly sacrifice personal...
The tomb of Colonel John Hessing in Agra, a copy of the Taj Mahal in red sandstone.  Source: DeepanjanGhosh/CC BY-SA 4.0

The Red Taj Mahal and the Dutch Hessings of India

When we ask an average European family on a trip to India what they are hoping to see, their preference and plan, the answer we tend to get is: ‘the beautiful Taj Mahal, manifestation of a husband’s...
Left; Replica of the Koh-i-Noor diamond. Right; The Hope Diamond, one of the largest of all blue diamonds. Source: Left; Public Domain, Right; Public Domain

The Dark yet Glittering History of the Cursed Golconda Diamonds

The history of the Golconda diamonds is steeped in rich tradition and legend. Dating back to the 16th century, the region of Golconda, located in present-day Andhra Pradesh, India, was renowned for...
The palace at Wat Phra Keaw, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located in Bangkok, Thailand. It was built in 1782 by King Rama I as the royal residence and center of government. The palace complex has undergone several expansions and renovations throughout the years and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. Source: Travel mania / Adobe Stock.

Photographic Marvels: 12 Stunning Historic Palaces You Need to See to Believe

Throughout history, palaces have been built by various civilizations and kingdoms to showcase the wealth and power of their rulers. These palaces are not only impressive in terms of their size and...

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