पूर्वोत्तर राज्य आसाम के बारे में शायद बहुत से लोग इस बात से अनजान हैं कि यह राज्य जैविक विविधता, विभिन्न वनस्पतियों और जीव जंतुओं से समृद्ध राज्य है। आसाम अपनी उष्णकटिबंधीय वर्षा वनों, बांस के बगीचों, राष्ट्रीय उद्यानों साथ ही विभिन्न प्रकार की स्थानीय खेती और फलों के उत्पादन के लिए भी जाना जाता... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Maratha Navy and The Battle of Basrur
The Kanara coast which extends from Majali in the North to Someshwar Mangaluru in the South was controlled by Sondha and Bednore chiefs who though, were feudatories of Bijapur had become independent after the death of Mohammad Adil Shah. The Europeans were slowly but steadily stamping their importance and power over this coastal area by... Continue Reading →
Baba Bhusandeswar Temple, Bhograi Village, Balasore District, Odisha
One of the largest Shiva Lingas in India and possibly in Asia is the Baba Bhusandeswar Temple located in the charming village of Bhograi in the coastal district of Balasore. This temple lies almost on the bank of the scenic Subarnarekha River also called Swarnarekha because of the traces of gold found on the river... Continue Reading →
Sisupalgarh, Khurda District, Odisha
Sisupalgarh is an early historic fortified city estimated to be of the period of 500 BCE - 400 CE. Historians differ over the origin of this city with some claiming that it is Toshali, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kalinga while others say it is the city of Kalinganagara that was glorified by... Continue Reading →
Mau Saree, Uttar Pradesh
The historically and archaeologically significant city of Mau produces one of the rarest types of sarees called Mau saree that derives its name from the city. Popularly called as the ‘city of weavers’, the weaving industry has been prevalent for at least 200 years if not more. The origin of the Mau saree is traced... Continue Reading →
Dahanu Gholvad Chikoo, Maharashtra
A sea of Zoroastrians seeking refuge landed on the shores of Western India sometime during the 7th century. The local ruler Jadhav Rana was a little sceptical and sent the leader a glass of milk filled to the brim with a seemingly cryptic message of “There is no place here. We are full”. The Zoroastrians... Continue Reading →
त्रिपुरा की क्वीन पाइनएप्पल (Tripura Queen Pineapple)
ऐसा माना जाता है कि अप्रतिम सुन्दरता से परिपूर्ण पूर्वोत्तर राज्य त्रिपुरा का नाम वहां की देवी त्रिपुरसुंदरी के नाम पर पड़ा है। हालांकि १८०० से १९०० के आरम्भ के दशक में त्रिपुरा राज्य अपनी सुगंधित चाय के लिए सुप्रसिद्ध था, परन्तु आज इसने अपनी सार्वभौमिक पहचान उष्कटिबंधीय फल और सब्जियों की विस्तृत श्रृंखला के... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: General Mahadji Shinde and The Battle of Wadgaon
The death of Shrimant Peshwa Madhavrao Bhat I, considered to be the architect behind the resurrection of the Marathas post the Third Battle of Panipat sent the Marathas into a huddle. The British wanted to take advantage of this turmoil by favouring Raghunathrao rather than allowing the astute Nana Phadnavis and the council of ministers... Continue Reading →
Khimeshwar Mahadev Temple, Kuchhadi Village, Porbandar, Gujarat
The quaint seaside village of Kuchhadi, located at a little distance from Porbandar has many archaeological sites of historic importance. One of the hidden gems found on this unexplored seashore is the ancient Khimeshwar Mahadev Temple. Legend has it that the Pandavas along with Draupadi spent a great deal of time in this place... Continue Reading →
Bhuragarh Fort, Banda, Banda District, Uttar Pradesh
Banda district in Bundelkhand region has carved a unique identity for itself synonymous with great wars, patriotism and rich heritage. Mighty rulers like the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, Bundelas, Marathas and others have contributed significantly to its history, culture and tradition. One of the most picturesque forts built in this region which is the resting place... Continue Reading →
Banaras Metal Repoussé Craft, Uttar Pradesh
The ancient repoussé craft, considered to be even older than the Banarasi Silk handloom industry has flourished in the heritage city of Varanasi since the Vedic times. Traditional artisans use the repoussé technique to make faces of gods and goddesses, gold and silver dresses, traditional ornaments, doors, wall decorations in temples and unique gold and... Continue Reading →
Jalna Sweet Orange, Maharashtra
Jalna district is the largest producer of sweet oranges in Maharashtra with more than 85 percent of the geographical area under agricultural cultivation. Jalna has many agro-climatic advantages that aid the growth of this traditional variety of sweet orange. Located in the upper Godavari basin, the rich black soil along the river banks of Ambad... Continue Reading →
मणिपुर का कचि नींबू (Kachai Lemon, Manipur)
आमतौर पर "मणिपुर का गौरव" नाम से प्रसिद्ध, वहां का अनोखा "कचि चंपरा" या कचि नींबू , उत्तरपूर्व के मणिपुर राज्य के ऊखरूल जिले के सुदूर गांव कचि में पाया जाता है। यह गांव नींबुओं का सबसे बड़ा उत्पादक है, परन्तु इस नींबू में ऐसी क्या खासियत है? इसका कारण है वहां की उपोषणकटीबंधिय... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Chimaji Appa and The Battle of Vasai
It all started in 1498 when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached the shores of Calicut around the Cape of Good Hope opening up a whole new sea route that would change the course of Indian history. On the pretext of expanding the Indian spice route to Europe, the Portuguese soon established their authority on... Continue Reading →
Jagannath Mandir, Behta Bujurg, Kanpur District, Uttar Pradesh
A most curious metrological temple has piqued the interest of scientists, historians and devotees for centuries. This temple has the uncanny ability to accurately forecast rainfall in the region! Villagers say that about 5 - 7 days before the onset of rains, water droplets start dripping from the monsoon patthar (monsoon stones) that have been... Continue Reading →
Devgarh Fort, Deogarh, Chhindwara District, Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, called as kubera ka khajānā attributes this title to the unrivalled, undiscovered treasure hidden in its many splendid forts. One of the grandest forts built at the zenith of the Gond dynasty is the Deogarh or Devgarh Fort at its capital city of Deogarh. Built in the 18th century by King Jatav and perhaps... Continue Reading →
Farrukhabad Prints, Uttar Pradesh
One of the oldest and most famous industries that has flourished for more than a thousand years in Farrukhabad is the artistic cotton printing industry. India has long been considered to be a pioneer in the art of calico printing with many craftsmen across the country engaged in creating designs that are typical of their... Continue Reading →
Beed Custard Apple, Maharashtra
Beed’s most famous fruit, the deliciously sweet custard apple has been thriving in the dry Balaghat Range for more than four centuries. This organically grown fruit attributes its name to Sita Mata who used to eat this fruit during her exile. Sitaphal derives its name from the Sanskrit words śīta which means cold and phala which means fruit and custard apple... Continue Reading →
कंधमाल हल्दी (Kandhamal Haladi, Odisha)
ओडिशा राज्य के दक्षिणी मध्य भाग में बसा कंधमालअपनी सुगंध से भरपूर हल्दी के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इस स्थान पर हल्दी आदिवासियों द्वारा सदियों से उगाई जा रही है। यहां का लगभग साठ से सत्तर प्रतिशत क्षेत्र पहाड़ी है और घने जंगलों से ढका हुआ है। जलवायु के हिसाब से, हल्दी के अलावा यह... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Battle of Umberkhind
The imposing persona of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, undisputedly the greatest, most astute strategist the world has seen is imprinted in the lush green picturesque Sahyadri mountains. He possessed all the virtues extolled by Vidura Mahātma in his treatise Vidura Neeti of a king who can oversee the three worlds and it is unsurprising that he... Continue Reading →
Dashavatara Temple, Deogarh, Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh
One of the most impressive edifices built by the Guptas is the Dashavatara Temple at Deogarh village in Jhansi division of Uttar Pradesh. Deogarh or Devgarh derives its name from dev which means God and garh which means fort. Though only a single temple with a square sanctum sanctorum is seen today, excavations have revealed the... Continue Reading →
Narwar Fort, Narwar, Shivpuri District, Madhya Pradesh
The ancient city of Narwar is a glorious example of art, culture, heritage and historical ups and downs! Derived from the words nara which means man and vara which means excellent or exemplary match, Narwar has been the birthplace of many romantic stories like Raja Nala and Damayanti, Raja Man Singh Tomar and Gujari Rani Mrignayani and Prince Dhola... Continue Reading →
Puneri Pagadi, Maharashtra
Pagadi or turban has historically been a sign of culture, wisdom, virility and often used identify the different sections of community. Puneri pagadi is an inseparable part of Pune which is the cultural capital of Maharashtra. Puneri pagadi is conceptualized from the Peshwe turban worn by the Peshwas which itself was inspired by the traditional Chakribandh... Continue Reading →
Waghya Ghevada, Maharashtra
One of the most famous cash crops of Western Maharashtra is Waghya ghevada. Grown extensively in North Koregaon taluka of Satara district, this rajma was first cultivated in 1950 by the late Kashinath Mahajan who bought seeds of this variety from a trader in Pune. This variety soon became popular with the locals and was... Continue Reading →