Bardhaman Mihidana of West Bengal (1/5/2021) - The delectable Bardhaman Mihidana that literally means fine grains was first prepared along with Sitabhog in honour of Maharaja Mahtab Chand Bahadur by the late Khettranath Nag according to his grandson, the late Nagendranath Nag. Seventy-two years later, both these dishes were served to Lord Curzon in 1904 when he visited Bardhaman on the invitation... Continue Reading →
Bardhaman Sitabhog of West Bengal (1/6/2021) - The lip-smacking Sitabhog served with nikhuti (tiny gulab jamuns) will assuredly send you to a heavenly place! This century-old sweet of Bardhaman along with Mihidana is an invention of the late Khettranath Nag. The city of Bardhaman derives its name from Mahavira or Vardhaman Swami (around the 6th century B.C.E.) and is famous for its... Continue Reading →
Rasmancha, Bishnupur, Bankura District, West Bengal (1/7/2021) - The long-established tradition of rasa leela (Dance of Divine Love) has been prevalent in West Bengal for centuries. This auspicious occasion is either celebrated on Krishna Janmashtami or on Kartik Purnima where Lord Krishna is brought from different temples and placed on a viewing pavilion called rasmancha or dolmancha. One of the most famous rasmancha is the Rasmancha at... Continue Reading →
Madan Mohan Temple, Bishnupur, Bankura District, West Bengal (1/8/2021) - Bishnupur or ‘land of Vishnu’ has many stunning terracotta temples to its credit but the Madan Mohan Temple stands tall with its outstanding detailed relief work. This centuries-old temple was built by the devout Durjan Singha Dev of Mallabhum around 1695 CE. Legend has it that the original idol of Madan Mohan in ashtadhatu was actually... Continue Reading →
Pattamadai Pai (Pattamadai Mats) of Tamil Nadu (1/11/2021) - The quaint village of Pattamadai in Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu is famous for its centuries-old handwoven mats made of korai grass. These exquisite mats found its place on the international market when it was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II on her coronation in 1953 and since then has been presented to dignitaries around the world.... Continue Reading →
Baluchari Saree of West Bengal (1/12/2021) - The history of Baluchari that literally means sandy river bank can be traced back to 1704 CE when Murshid Quli Khan, the Nawab of Bengal who patronized the flourishing weaving tradition brought several weavers from Dhaka in Bangladesh and helped them establish a small weaving community in Baluchar village on the bank of the Bhagirathi... Continue Reading →
Joynagar Moa of West Bengal (1/13/2021) - The ancient city of Joynagar-Majilpur derives its name from the local goddess and presiding deity, Ma Joychandi and over time, came to be called Joychandinagar and then Joynagar. Joyangar is popularly known as ‘the cradle of moa’, a unique winter sweet that is placed in high esteem by Bengalis. It is said that the... Continue Reading →
Lakshmi Janardhana Temple, Debipur, Purba Bardhaman District, West Bengal (1/15/2021) - One of the finest terracotta temples that has stood the test of time is the Lakshmi Janardhana temple in Debipur village in Burdwan district in West Bengal built around 1844 CE by Narottam Singha, a Zamindar of Debipur. A gigantic arched ornate doorway frames the impressive shikhara and the spectacular terracotta relief work that is... Continue Reading →
Tulaipanji Rice of West Bengal (1/18/2021) - Dinajpur district in West Bengal is renowned for its indigenous rice diversity finding mention in many important scriptural texts dating back to 1100 CE One of the oldest native varieties found here is Tulaipanji or Tulai that has been cultivated for centuries with traditional methods. Folk songs glorifying this scented rice, its cultivation practices and... Continue Reading →
Wooden Mask of Kushmandi, West Bengal (1/19/2021) - The quaint village of Mahisbathan in Kushmandi district in the heritage belt of Dakshin Dinajpur is famous for its unique wooden masks. The origin of this craft of mask making is unknown but the stylization, designs and motifs of the masks suggests a deep connection to their religious beliefs. These masks are an intrinsic part... Continue Reading →
Swamimalai Bronze Icons of Tamil Nadu (1/20/2021) - Shilpa Shastra, broadly classified as the ‘Science of Arts and Crafts’ is the supreme authority on the Chatushashti Kalas (Sixty-four arts) of the universe. The subject of Shilpa Shastra is dealt with at length in the Vedas, Puranas, Agamas and others scriptures and has been assiduously adopted by kings, craftsmen and patrons of art since time immemorial. This highly... Continue Reading →
Gondeshwar Temple, Sinnar, Nashik District, Maharashtra (1/21/2021) - One of the finest examples of the Hemadpanthi style of architecture is the Gondeshwar Temple at Sinnar. Considered to be the largest, most complete and best preserved medieval temple of the Deccan, Gondeshwar Temple bathed in the golden hue effulgence of the sun at sunrise and sunset is a spectacle to behold! According to... Continue Reading →
Markandeshwar Temple, Chamorshi, Gadchiroli District, Maharashtra (1/22/2021) - Located at the bank of the sacred Wainganga River in Markanda village in Gadchiroli district, the ancient temple complex of Markandeshwar is popularly called as the ‘Khajuraho of Vidarbha’. Titled by historians and architects as the ‘Most Picturesque Temple Complex’, the iconic Markanda Mahadev Temple is steeped in spirituality, heritage and culture. This temple... Continue Reading →
Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri Kokum, Maharashtra (1/25/2021) - Kokum (Garcinia indica) called as the ‘The Kool King’ of Indian fruits flourishes in the dense forests of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Konkan kokum is a perennial fruit of commercial value that thrives in the scenic Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. According to the locals, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts have about 43,000 centuries-old kokum... Continue Reading →
Roha Fort, Roha Village, Nakhatrana Taluka, Kutch, Gujarat (1/27/2021) - One of the oldest forts in Gujarat which at its zenith would have been an outstanding example of the grandeur and architecture typical of the Kutch region is the Roha Fort located at a little distance from Bhuj. Standing tall at 800 feet on the Roha hill overlooking the vast town of Roha, this centuries-old... Continue Reading →
Anandeshwar Temple, Lasur Village, Amravati District, Maharashtra (1/28/2021) - One of the most interesting and lesser-known rock temples of Maharashtra is the Anandeshwar Temple at Lasur village in Daryapur taluka in Amravati district. Built on the bank of the Purna River on raised ground, this temple built in black stone looks very much like a fort from a distance. Historical records state that this... Continue Reading →
Bhitargaon Temple, Bhitargaon, Kanpur District, Uttar Pradesh (1/29/2021) - One of the finest brick temples of India is the Bhitargaon Temple at Bhitargaon village in Ghatampur tehsil in Kanpur Nagar district. Considered to be the earliest surviving temple built by the Guptas, this architectural masterpiece is constantly in the news for its innovative construction as well as its mysterious background. Though the plan of... Continue Reading →
Waghya Ghevada, Maharashtra (2/1/2021) - 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 →
Puneri Pagadi, Maharashtra (2/2/2021) - 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 →
Madur kathi, West Bengal (3/2/2021) - 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 →
Kachari Fort, Khaspur Village, Cachar District, Assam (3/3/2021) - 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 →
Indralath Temple, Ranipur Jharial, Balangir District, Odisha (3/4/2021) - 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 →
On the history trail: Veer Baji Prabhu Deshpande and The Battle of Pavan Khind (3/5/2021) - 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 →
Erode Manjal (Erode Turmeric) (3/8/2021) - 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 →
Dhaniakhali Saree of West Bengal (3/9/2021) - 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 →
Karnagarh Rani Shiromani Fort, Karnagarh Village, Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal (3/10/2021) - 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 →
Nibiya Khera Temple, Bhadwara, Kanpur Dehat District, Uttar Pradesh (3/11/2021) - 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 →
On the history trail: Chandashoka and The Kalinga War (3/12/2021) - 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 →
Eathamozhy Tall Coconut of Tamil Nadu (3/15/2021) - 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 →
Santipore Saree of West Bengal (3/16/2021) - 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 →
Kurumbera Fort, Gaganeshwar Village, Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal (3/17/2021) - 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 →
Lalji Temple, Ambika Kalna, Purba Bardhaman District, West Bengal (3/18/2021) - The ancient city of Ambowa now known as Ambika Kalna located on the west bank of the Bhagirathi River in Purba Bardhaman district has some of the most unique and beautiful temples built in the various styles of architecture typical to Bengal. Chala, rekha, ratna, mancha and plain roofed temples are scattered across Kalna built by the various dynasties who... Continue Reading →
On the history trail: Tulja Bhavani and The Battle of Pratapgad (3/19/2021) - 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 →
Chokuwa Rice of Assam (3/22/2021) - Assam is home to many indigenous rice varieties commonly called as ‘unique gifts of nature’ that are not found in any other part of the world. The most famous varieties are the aromatic Joha rice, Bora, Red Bao and Chokuwa that have been grown here for centuries. The rice varieties which exhibit glutinous properties are termed as waxy rice and are... Continue Reading →
Gamosa of Assam (3/23/2021) - Gamosa, a symbol of the rich culture and heritage of Assam is one of its oldest handloom products. Also known as phali in the ancient days, this textile has been held in high esteem and represents the spirit, unity and history of the people of Assam. Essentially, it would appear that the gamosa was a fabric used to wipe... Continue Reading →
Govind Mahal, Datia, Datia District, Madhya Pradesh (3/24/2021) - The ancient city of Datia located at a little distance from Gwalior is considered to be one of the most sacred kshetras of India. This historical city is mentioned as Daityavakra in the Mahabharat and is titled as Laghu Vrindavan (Little Vrindavan) for its numerous Shree Krishna Temples. It is also home to the Shri... Continue Reading →
Temples of Chandrakona, Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal (3/25/2021) - Chandrakona like nearby Bishnupur and Ambika Kalna is often referred to as the ‘city of temples’. This city grew in eminence during the reign of the Hindu Malla kings of Bishnupur whose architectural ingenuity in using the locally available terracotta to build their stupendous temples was adopted by successive rulers. It would appear that at... Continue Reading →
Sirumalai Hill Banana of Tamil Nadu (3/29/2021) - One of the most unique crops of Tamil Nadu are the Hill Bananas of Sirumalai and Virupakshi grown extensively in the eastern parts of the Western Ghats and lower Palani hills, Sirumalai and other parts of the Eastern Ghats. The aromatic and delicious Hill Bananas have been grown here for centuries by marginal farmers. ... Continue Reading →
Dindigul Locks of Tamil Nadu (3/30/2021) - One of the earliest examples of the exemplary craftsmanship of the ‘Lock City’ of Dindigul, famous for its unique handmade locks is seen on the door of the Dindigul Malai Kottai (Hill Fort). This lock on the fort’s door is at least 400 years old if not more and was commissioned by the Madurai Nayak king Muthu... Continue Reading →
Garh Kundar Fort, Tikamgarh Village, Niwari District, Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh (3/31/2021) - One of the most mysterious forts of India is located in the sleepy village of Tikamgarh about 70kms from Orchha. A curious aspect about this fort is that the entire fort is clearly visible at a distance of 12 kms but completely vanishes as you near the assumed location of the fort! Even if this... Continue Reading →
Ananda Bhairavi Temple, Sukhria Village, Somrabazar, Hooghly District, West Bengal (4/1/2021) - The quaint village of Sukharia located on the busy Somrabazar railway line in Hooghly district has some of the finest terracotta temples and old mansions that you will find in Bengal. Somrabazar has historically been the home of some of the oldest Zamindar families whose wealth, grandeur and affluence has had a significant influence on the culture... Continue Reading →
Sridhar Temple, Sonamukhi, Bankura District, West Bengal (4/8/2021) - Sonamukhi, located in Bankura district is home to some of the most exquisite terracotta temples built in Bengal that are widely considered to be far superior to those seen in nearby Bishnupur. Sonamukhi derives it names from the powerful local deity Swarnamukhi Devi with Swarna meaning gold and mukhi meaning face and literally means gold face or golden face.... Continue Reading →
Char Bangla Temple, Baranagar, Jiaganj Azimganj, Murshidabad District, West Bengal (4/15/2021) - The centuries-old Char Bangla Mandiralaya at Baranagar is one of the most picturesque and interesting temple complexes built in Bengal. Located on the bank of the Bhagirathi River, this temple is a short boat ride upstream from Azimganj Sadarghat on the opposite bank. This temple is one of many built by the affluent philanthropist, Rani Bhabani... Continue Reading →
Palpara Brick Temple, Chakdaha, Nadia District, West Bengal (4/22/2021) - One of the lesser-known and earliest examples of the char chala style of architecture is the centuries-old brick temple at Palpara. Though there is not much information about the date of construction, this temple is deemed to have been built in the 17th century. Locals and historians differ over the builder of this temple with the former... Continue Reading →
Ichhai Ghosher Deul, Gourangapur Village, Paschim Bardhaman District, West Bengal (4/29/2021) - One of the most curious brick temples built in Bengal is the famous Ichhai Ghosher Deul located on the bank of the Ajay River at a little distance from Durgapur. This centuries-old brick temple is built in the rekha deul style of architecture that is more typical of Odisha than Bengal. There is little or no... Continue Reading →
Gobindabhog Rice of West Bengal (5/31/2021) - Archaeological excavations conducted in 1962 at Pandu Rajar Dhibi in Ausgram II block in the Sadar North subdivision of Purba Bardhaman district in West Bengal unearthed earthen pots using a mix of rice husk in the main mound. Based on scientific tests, archaeologists concluded that the ancient civilization that dates back to 2000 BCE... Continue Reading →
Chandranath Shiva Temple, Hetampur Village, Birbhum District, West Bengal (6/23/2021) - Undivided Bengal, often considered to be the richest province in Akhanda Bharat thrived under the patronage of the invaders namely the Delhi Sultanate, Mughals and the British. This province gradually imbibed the culture, language and religious norms of the invaders. Though the Mughals were less than pleased with Hindus and Hindu kings and went out of... Continue Reading →
Jora Bangla Durga Temple, Bali Dewanganj, Hooghly District, West Bengal (6/24/2021) - The Durga Temple in the quaint village of Bali Deewanganj (widely believed to be two villages – Bali and Deewanganj) is one of a kind temple harmoniously incorporating two distinctive styles of Bengali temple architecture namely the chala (hut type roof) and the ratna (pinnacle). This temple has captured the interest of architects, historians and heritage enthusiasts for two reasons... Continue Reading →
Navaratna Gopal Lakshmi Janardan Temple, Ghurisha Village, Illambazar Block, Birbhum District, West Bengal (6/30/2021) - The charming village of Ghurisha, once an important seat of Sanskrit and literature is dotted with many fine examples of terracotta temples built in the traditional Bengali style of chala and ratna. The temples of Ghurisha and surrounding villages have been documented at length by Mukul Dey of Shantiniketan and David McCutchion. One of the most interesting... Continue Reading →
Hath-tala Gauranga Mahaprabhu Temple, Illambazar, West Bengal (7/1/2021) - An exquisite 19th century terracotta temple commonly known as the ‘temple in the bazaar’ holds its own in the busy marketplace of Hath-tala (Hathtala) in Illambazaar. This temple draws the interest of visitors from across states for its unusual octagonal shape and stunning terracotta carvings. Hath-tala Gauranga Mahaprabhu Temple is one of the many temples... Continue Reading →
Malda Khirsapati (Himsagar) Mango (7/26/2021) - One of the most sinfully sweet and flavoursome mangoes of Malda is the famous Himsagar. Locally known as Khirsapati, this native mango thrives in the district of Malda especially along the banks of the Mahanadi and Kalindi rivers where, the entire stretch is dotted with old and new orchards appearing as an unbroken expanse of... Continue Reading →
Malda Laxman Bhog Mango (8/2/2021) - 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 →
Nungu (3/20/2024) - The humble nungu (Borassus flabellifer) as it is known in Tamizh (taati nungu in Kannada) is a seasonal fruit that is found in abundance in south Tamil Nadu, Salem, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli and other districts and makes its appearance in the peak summer. Commonly known as the date palm or palmyra, this kalpa vriksha has been mentioned... Continue Reading →
Gondhoraj Lebu (3/22/2024) - Gondhoraj lebu, an important component in Bengali and Odia cuisine has rightly earned the title of the ‘king of aroma’ or ‘king of fragrance’. This delightful native lime adds a fresh burst of flavour to any dish or drink with its distinctive aroma. This indigenous lime is grown extensively in West Bengal and Odisha... Continue Reading →
sahasa.in 