A rare type of tall coconut variety with immense historical, religious and commercial importance known locally as Eathamozhy or Eathamozhi tall coconut thrives in Kanyakumari district. The unique morphological traits found in this variety are of a superior genetic constitution and it is unsurprising that there is great demand for the seedlings of Eathamozhy tall... Continue Reading →
Along with the wily Chanakya, Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya dynasty built one of the largest empires in Akanda Bharat. He abdicated the throne in favour of his son Bindusara who was equal to the task. Bindusara not only consolidated the control over the empire but also extended it further south. Travellers' documentation and... Continue Reading →
One of the best-preserved brick temple complexes of the 9th - 10th century is found in the sleepy village of Nibiya Khera in Bhadwara. Though no inscription has been found, it is likely that the Gurjara - Pratihara dynasty who ruled over a large part of Northern India built this temple. This temple complex... Continue Reading →
The historically important village of Karnagarh in Medinipur district which was once the seat of the Midnapore royal family is most famous for its Chuar Bidroha, a rebellion led by Rani Shiromani, who is called as the Rani Laxmibai of Medinipur against the highly exploitative land revenue policy of the British in 1798. The British were... Continue Reading →
One of the most beloved traditional handloom sarees of West Bengal is Dhaniakhali saree deriving its name from the place Dhaniakhali in Chinsurah subdivision in Hooghly district. Hooghly district is home to some of the oldest cottage industries like silk and cotton handloom weaving, brass and bell metal manufacturing, oil pressing, village tanning and others.... Continue Reading →
Erode, popularly called as the 'Turmeric City' is the third largest turmeric market in India after Nizamabad in Telangana and Sangli in Maharashtra. There are approximately 30,000 farmers in Erode alone and around 55,000 farmers in Tamil Nadu engaged in the cultivation of turmeric. According to historical records, turmeric was grown by peasants in... Continue Reading →
The resounding victories of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Pratapgarh and Panhala was very difficult for Ali Adil Shah II of Bijapur to stomach since he had been at the receiving end of many humiliating routs. He decided to join forces with the Mughals to either capture young Shivaji or if possible, even kill him in... Continue Reading →
The temple town of Ranipur Jharial in Balangir or Bolangir district is renowned for its prowess in Tantra Vidya. This historical town of inestimable importance was part of Dakshin Kosala where Lord Rama spent a great deal of his time. Ranipur Jharial is mentioned as Soma Tirtha in the scriptures and deemed to have many... Continue Reading →
Tucked away in the beautiful village of Khaspur in Cachar district are the ruins of the centuries-old fort of the Kachari kings. Cachar, derived from the Dimasa word kachari was originally a part of the ancient Tripura kingdom and then passed on to the Koch kingdom, the Dimasa kingdom and finally to the British. ... Continue Reading →
Medinipur or Midnapore, considered to be one of the largest districts of West Bengal after independence is rich with ancient history, archaeological sites, culture and heritage that is deeply influenced by the royal families. It is home to some of the oldest crafts that date back to the Indus Valley Civilization. One among them is... Continue Reading →
One of the most famous produce of the North eastern state of Assam is Kaji Nemu also called as Assam Lemon. Assam has as many as seventeen species, fifty-three varieties and probably seven if not more hybrids of citrus. Locals say that this variety originated as a chance seedling raised in a plantation, Burnihut... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
sahasa.in 