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 →
Himachali Lakucha
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 →
On the history trail: Tulja Bhavani and The Battle of Pratapgad
The capture of the hill forts of Purandar, Kalyan and Bhiwandi and the death, ruin and defection of feudatories like the Mores of Javli and the Sawants of Wadi respectively effected by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his able aides brought the crippling Bijapur kingdom to its knees. The construction of the new hill fort of... Continue Reading →
Kurumbera Fort, Gaganeshwar Village, Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal
An interesting fort complex built during the glory days of Bengal relegated to obscurity is the Kurumbera Fort which is at a little distance from Kharagpur. Kurumbera Fort which derives its name from kurum which means stone and bera which means fence and collectively means an area fenced by stone in the local language is located in the historically... Continue Reading →
Santipore Saree of West Bengal
One of the most exquisite weaves in cotton and silk is found in the Bengal heartland of Shantipur - Phulia. Called as Shantipuri, this centuries-old tant (traditional Bengali saree) derives its name from Shantipur in Nadia district. The ancient handloom industry in Shantipur has been mentioned in manuscripts glorifying the life of Advaita Acharya as... Continue Reading →
Eathamozhy Tall Coconut of Tamil Nadu
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 →
On the history trail: Chandashoka and The Kalinga War
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 →