There has been a sizeable increase in the cultivation of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) in the North Eastern state of Mizoram in the districts of Aizawl, Mamit, Kolasib, Serchhip, Saiha, Lunglei and Lawngtlai since 2005. The extracted oil palm has various uses as food, household products, biodiesel, cosmetics and others. Mizoram is largely an... Continue Reading →
A traditional alcoholic beverage known as Bhaati Jaanr is prepared by the Nepali community who reside in Sikkim. This delicious drink is prepared from the locally available glutinous rice and medicinal herbs found in the Himalayan foothills. The starter cake known as marcha is prepared by soaking glutinous rice and mixing it with the roots of... Continue Reading →
Though Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was at peace with Bijapur, the threat of a Mughal invasion loomed large. It was necessary to arrange for more funds to support the army and man the forts. Maharaj conceived a plan for acquiring territory down south in the rainy season of 1676 as he resided in Panhala. Ekoji,... Continue Reading →
The picturesque city of Maheshwar, located on the banks of the sacrosanct Rewa River is synonymous with history, culture, art, architecture, faith, spirituality, courage, patriotism and romanticism. Every square inch of this ancient city has a story that will be leave you spellbound. Maheshwar is one of the most important kshetras on the Narmada Parikrama and... Continue Reading →
The Kaal Bhairav Mandir located in Bharonath is one of the most mysterious and interesting temples of Varanasi. Popularly known as Kashi ke Kotwal (Kōtavāla) that translates to the guardian or officer of Kashi, this temple is said to have existed since the ancient times. Legend has it that one time Lord Vishnu and... Continue Reading →
One of the biggest fallouts of the ill-fated Khilafat movement which would be a precursor of more heinous acts was the horrific atrocities committed by the Moplahs (Mapillas) of the Malabar in August 1921. The Moplahs (Muslims) were tenants at will of Hindu landlords (jenmi) and were extremely animus towards their masters who charged high... Continue Reading →
One of the most exotic fruit crops of Goa is the famous Myndoli banana or Moira banana. Known as Myndoli kellin or Myndoli keli in Konkani, this banana is one of the most popular and tastiest found in this region. This native banana is cultivated in Pernem, Bardez and Bicholim talukas in North Goa district. Myndoli banana plantations are... Continue Reading →
A long stretch of the Konkan coast had come under the Marathas but, it was imperative that this coast was secured and therefore, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent a great deal of time to ensure the loyalties of the local nobility by either destroying them or receiving a substantial tribute from them. The Abyssinian State... Continue Reading →
The world's first Adi Shiva Linga is found in the Gupteshwar Mahadev Temple in Mandleshwar on the banks of the Rewa River. This temple is considered to be the oldest Shiva temple in the world and has been described in detail in the Puranas. Legend has it that a pindi (upper part of the Shiva... Continue Reading →
Situated on the western bank of the sacrosanct Ganga River in Varanasi is the grand temple of Kashi Vishwanath. As the name suggests, this ancient temple is dedicated to Vishwanatha or Vishweshwara meaning 'Ruler of the Universe' and is the first and only Jyotirlinga located on the banks of the Ganges. Varanasi also known... Continue Reading →
The next in our series of rice brews of the ethnic groups of India is Atingba made by the Meiteis living in Imphal Valley of Manipur. This alcoholic beverage is prepared from the locally available glutinous rice. Like other native rice beverages, Atingba is prepared from starter cakes called hamei and medicinal herbs. This traditional drink has... Continue Reading →
The incredible citrus genetic diversity that is found in the wild, semi-wild and backyards of Manipur is not found anywhere else in the world. Different strains of rough lemon, mandarin and semi-wild heiribob (Citrus macroptera) are grown across Manipur. Orange is one of the most important horticultural crops of Manipur with Tamenglong district producing more... Continue Reading →
The Rana of Mewar, head of the illustrious Sisodia Rajput lineage refused to become a vassal of the Mughals. Akbar had captured his capital Chittorgarh after a bloody siege in 1568 and occupied the eastern part of his kingdom but Maharana Pratap eluded him. Akbar sent Raja Man Singh I, heir to the Kachhwaha... Continue Reading →
Three temples that have existed since the ancient times in Varanasi are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Maa Annapurna Devi Mandir and Durga Kund Mandir. A visit to Varanasi is deemed complete only after one offers prayers at the Durga Kund Mandir, better known as the Monkey Temple (because of the number of monkeys that reside here).... Continue Reading →
The Narmada Parikrama, a 3500-km journey that starts near the Arabian Sea in Gujarat takes one to the origin of the Narmada River at Amarkantak. Known as Amarkuta in Kalidasa's Meghaduta, Amarkantak has been mentioned in the Hindu scriptures as a mountain of incalculable sanctity. Amarkantak is one of the most frequented places of pilgrimage in... Continue Reading →
The Rabha tribe of Assam, largely found in Lower Assam and south bank of the Brahmaputra River prepare their own unique rice brew called Choko or Jonga-mod (Jongamod). This popular rice beverage is made from ten medicinal herbs that are found locally. The starter cake known as bakhor or surachi or phap is prepared from the locally available sticky rice... Continue Reading →
An exotic variety of green cardamom, often known as the 'Queen of Spices' has been cultivated in Coorg, on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats on the Karnataka - Kerala state border for centuries. This native variety known locally as malay yalakki is a variety of the Malabar category and is grown by a... Continue Reading →
Six months after the return of Vasco da Gama, another fleet of thirteen armed ships sailed for India in March 1500. This fleet was commanded by Pedro Álvares Cabral who had a torrid time on his way to Calicut. Some ships were blown off course to South America while four ships sank in a storm... Continue Reading →
One of the most interesting and lesser-known temples of Varanasi is the centuries-old Karkotak Nageshwar Mahadev Temple located in Nag Kuan Mohalla in Jaitpura. Also known locally as Nag Kund or Nag Koopa or Nag Kuam, this ancient temple literally means well of serpents. Interestingly, the Karkotak Nageshwar Mahadev Linga remains submerged under water... Continue Reading →
One of the most exotic places along the Narmada River is Junaraj, located in the Satpura Range, in the catchment area of Karjan Dam. This reservoir project is built on the Karjan River, a left-bank tributary of the sacrosanct Rewa River and surrounded by the dense forests of Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. Junaraj is the... Continue Reading →
Sadhier or Kiad is a traditional rice brew prepared by the Pnar people also known as the Jaiñtia or Synteng living in the West Jaintia and East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. This ancient beverage (since the 1800s) is a necessity for all religious ceremonies and important events. It is a common custom for the head priest... Continue Reading →
The crown jewel of Malda is undoubtedly the deliciously sweet Laxman Bhog mango. Often considered to be a rival of the famed Alphonso, the smooth and juicy Laxman Bhog simply melts in your mouth! Malda is already known for its native mangoes like Gopal Bhog, Brindaban, Langra, Khirsapati (Himsagar), Kishan Bhog, Kalapahar, Bombai, Fazli and Aswini. Mango orchards are found along the bank... Continue Reading →
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