One of the most iconic and celebrated sweets of Kashi is Tirangi Barfi. Also known as Rashtriya Barfi, this unique creation is the handiwork of Shri Raghunath Das Gupta of Shree Ram Bhandar in Thatheri Bazar. The British from the late 1700s right up to the mid - 1940s had managed to successfully loot the ancient... Continue Reading →
The endangered hatkora (Citrus macroptera Mont.) that grows in the hilly areas of Mizoram is perhaps one of best kept secrets of this exotic state. Known to be a semi-wild citrus variety, this native fruit is revered by locals for its medicinal, healing and nutritional properties. Hatkora is used in traditional medicine to treat fever,... Continue Reading →
The decisive win for Nizam-ul-Mulk over Mubariz Khan in the Battle of Sakhar Kherda established his undisputed dominance over the Deccan. The Marathas had been watching the battle on the sidelines with keen interest knowing full well that the Nizam's victory would dent their prospects of expansion in the south. Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj was... Continue Reading →
One can truly experience the blessings and energy of Lord Hanuman, revered as the protector of the sacred land of Sikkim and the Indian Army at Hanuman Tok located at a little distance away from Gangtok. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman rested here briefly while returning to Lanka with the Dronagiri Parvat after failing to... Continue Reading →
The spiritual centre of the south known as Dakshina Kedara is the ancient city of Balligave. Also referred to as Balligavi, Belagami, Balligamve, Balligame, Ballegavi, Belagavi, Balligrama, Ballipura and Balipura in several inscriptions, this city derives its name from Chirañjīvī Mahabali who was sent to the nether world by Lord Vamana. This city was ruled... Continue Reading →
One of the best chaats of Varanasi is its very own stuffed aloo tikki served at Kashi Chat Bhandar. This delicious chaat is unbelievably flavoursome with a bit of everything - crunch, spice and wholesomeness. Potatoes are first boiled and divided into two portions. One portion is grated when hot and mixed together with... Continue Reading →
Maize (Zea mays L.), the third most important crop in India after rice and wheat is grown across the country throughout the year. In fact, it is perhaps known only to a few that India is the fifth largest producer of maize in the world. Though each state cultivates both indigenous and hybrid varieties,... Continue Reading →
Muhammad Amin Khan, the cousin of Nizam-ul-Mulk who was appointed as the Wazir died in February 1721 creating a vacancy that the ruler of Delhi felt only the experienced Nizam-ul-Mulk could fill. However, the Nizam was not keen on getting stuck in the political intrigues of the court as that would greatly curtail his ambition to... Continue Reading →
Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple dating back to the Dwapura Yuga seated in the midst of stunning natural beauty. This temple is located along the Rangeet River and is accessed by a quaint bridge decked with talismans and prayer cloths. As the name suggests, this temple derives its name from Lord Shiva, who... Continue Reading →
Kotipura referred to as Devasthanada-hakkalu in the historical records and as Kuntalapura or Kuntalanagara, capital of Maharaja Chandrahasa of the Mahabharat boasts of the ancient Kaitabheshwara Temple. As the name suggests, the Shiva Linga was consecrated in the Krita Yuga by Madhu and Kaitabha who were killed by Lord Vishnu after a gruelling battle that went... Continue Reading →
The traditional breakfast of the ancient city of Kashi is the piping hot puri sabzi, kachori and droolworthy jalebi! Interestingly, the lightly spiced raswale aloo sabzi with greasy puris followed by kachori served with chana, meethi chutney and hari chutney and topped off with sinfully sweet jalebis (normal serving is four in a plate) really hits the spot! The batter is made by... Continue Reading →
The fertile plains and lower and middle hills of Himachal Pradesh particularly Kullu, Solan and Sirmaur have seen record production of off-season cash crops like peach, tomato, cauliflower and cabbage in recent years. This is largely attributed to excellent implementation of the central government pro-farmer schemes, fertilizer subsidies, seed management, impetus to drip irrigation and... Continue Reading →
The dramatic fall of the Sayyid brothers put the Marathas and their plans of obtaining the grants as per the treaty in doubt. It was well known that Nizam-ul-Mulk, the sitting ruler and his mother and many others in the Delhi court had particular disdain for the Marathas and Hindus. Nizam-ul-Mulk was known never... Continue Reading →
The mighty Jhalas became a formidable force in the Saurashtra region by the late 11th century and formed seats of power at Santalpur, Halvad and Kankavati. They established the capital city of Dhrangadhra in the mid-18th century which eventually became a princely state till Independence. Dhrangadhra has been of tremendous interest to historians, archaeologists... Continue Reading →
Harihar situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River is often referred to as Guharanya Kshetra or Dakshina Kashi and has been revered for its religious and spiritual potency by yogis, tapasvis, saints and jnanis. Legend has it, Guhasura performed tapas (severe austerities and penance) by the Tungabhadra for years. Lord Brahma became pleased with him and granted him... Continue Reading →
Dahi bhalla with an overwhelming flavour of bada elaichi and adarak is a delightful innovation of Kashi. Also known as dahi pakodi or dahi vada or dahi gujiya, this vada made from urad dal makes its appearance in almost all festivals and celebrations. A certain measure of urad dal (sometimes moong dal) is rinsed and soaked overnight. It... Continue Reading →
Galgal (Citrus pseudolimon Tanaka), popularly known as pahadi nimbu or Hill lemon is one of the finest varieties of indigenous lemons in the country. Largely confined to rainfed areas in the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, this hardy fruit crop has immense medicinal, healing and nutritional properties and... Continue Reading →
The new ruler installed in Delhi by the Sayyid brothers in 1719 began to intrigue with their enemies to bring about their ruin. Chin Qilich Qamaruddin Khan (Nizam-ul-Mulk) the only worthy opponent of the Sayyids was appointed to the government of Malwa. He left Delhi on 15 March 1719 and upon reaching Ujjain, began gathering... Continue Reading →
Banavasi, an ancient city surrounded by the Varada River on three sides and dense forest was once the capital of the mighty Kadambas. Maharaja Mayurasharma considered to be the greatest king of this dynasty is venerated for his incredible contribution to literature, art, architecture and the Kannada language. In fact, the earliest inscriptions in... Continue Reading →
One of the most iconic chaats of Kashi is the scrumptious palak patta chaat served at Kashi Chat Bhandar. Better known as palak chaat, this delicious innovation has a bit of everything - crunch, spice, sweetness and tartness. Fresh palak is thoroughly washed and wiped down. It is then dipped into a thick batter of besan, turmeric powder,... Continue Reading →
Lakucha is one of the most revered native fruits that finds mention in several Hindu texts and treatises. Lakucha (Artocarpus lacucha), commonly known as monkey jack or monkey jackfruit is often taken to be the cousin of the more famous jackfruit and possesses a rare combination of sweetness and sourness accompanied with a fiery punch. In... Continue Reading →
Perhaps, one of the deepest stepwells in Gujarat, the Bhamaria vav located a little away from the hustle and bustle of Sojali village has remained in obscurity for centuries. This 15th century vav was built as a pavilion inside an existing well-laid out garden. Though the stepwell and the surroundings are in ruins today, the imposing... Continue Reading →
Hangal, the former bastion of the Kadambas, the Hoysalas, the Kalyani Chalukyas and the Vijayanagara Empire is best known for the 'Lotus of Hangal', a breathtaking architectural and structural marvel in the Tarakeshwara Temple. This centuries-old temple was built by the Kadambas in the 5th century with additions by the Hoysalas in the late 10th... Continue Reading →
A visit to the holy city of Kashi is deemed complete only if one samples their signature dish, the delicious, creamy and mildly sweet rabdi. This quintessential dessert makes it appearance in every festival and celebration across the country. Arguably the most preferred sweet of North India, rabri is prepared using traditional methods even today. The... Continue Reading →
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