SPORTS
Pujara - The last pure test batsman
In recent times, Cheteshwar Pujara, more than any of his contemporaries, embodied grit at the crease. Absorbing blows on his body, bloody-minded in defending his wicket in adverse conditions, he was a throwback to an era where “intent” meant the willingness to battle it out when the team had its back to the wall. A tribute to the last of ‘test specialists’
INDIA
Forgotten foot-soldiers of Bharat’s freedom struggle
Revolutionary activity characterised by armed insurrection was a strand of India’s drawn-out independence struggle. Many foot-soldiers in this strand of the struggle have faded into obscurity. On the eve of Independence Day, here’s a look at three individuals whose valour and sacrifice bookended over a 100 years of struggle that brought an end to the British Raj
TRAVEL
Trailing Corbett sahib
It is 150 years since Jim Corbett was born but his legend lives on. His books which richly detail Himalayan forests remain the staple of many a library. A look at a man whose life and deeds tell a story of deep affection for India and her people, but one that was inextricably linked to idea of the British Raj as Independence saw him leave for another colony
TRAVEL
A heritage treasure in UP by the Betwa river
A walk through the forest, moving towards the riverbank, as the sculpted remains slowly emerge from the vegetation. This place evokes the thrill of an Indiana Jones-style adventure
TRAVEL
How medieval royals escaped the summer furnace
An Indian summer can be brutal. It catalyzed the latent inventiveness of medieval builders and designers to use water and stone to find ways to mitigate the effect of the heat. A journey through some cleverly built artistic structures in North India and the Deccan provide a glimpse of what the forerunners of contemporary engineers and architects were capable of
POLITICS
Raising the cost for Pakistan: Lessons from the past
Lt. Gen. R.K. Nanavatty’s military leadership, detailed in Shooting Straight, highlights India's strategic responses to Pakistan-backed terrorism, including plans like Operation Kabaddi, while exposing political indecision during key moments like Operation Parakram
BUSINESS
Three heritage cities that were coveted in their pomp, but are now forgotten
Former capitals, lovingly built, objects of pride, coveted and fought over – for their strategic importance, wealth or prestige. And now, forgotten! April 18th, World Heritage Day, is the occasion when people tend to look at UNESCO World Heritage sites. Today, let’s break that stereotype by plunging into some of India’s forgotten heritage locations, from across different periods of the past
TRAVEL
Ranchi’s profoundly sad link to WWII’s ‘Forgotten Army’
From 1942 through till 1945, the 14th Army fought its way into Burma, but its exploits were buried under other Allied successes. So pressing was the requirement of troops that they were brought in from across the entire Commonwealth. Only about 13% of this army was ethnic British, with Indians comprising about 65% of the troops and many of the fallen soldiers are now mere memories, save for their tombstones in the Commonwealth war cemetery
BUSINESS
Widening the lens on the Hoysala temples, a legacy at risk
The Hoysala dynasty's architectural wonders, beyond those in Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur, face neglect and theft. Despite being listed as ‘protected’, many lesser-known sites remain vulnerable. Experts stress the need for wider preservation efforts beyond the iconic landmarks
TRAVEL
Rajput Atelier: Rediscovering Rajasthan’s hidden Mughal-era art gallery
Bairat, near Jaipur, hosts a 17th-century Mughal-era hunting lodge with stunning medieval artwork. The structure, built by Raja Man Singh, features divine figures, royal court scenes, and unique depictions of Hindu mythology, offering a rich, untapped heritage
INDIA
On the trail of a Christian Agra: A legacy of Mughal-European interactions
Agra's Christian presence, born from interactions between Mughal emperors and European priests, is a fascinating tale of cultural exchange, marked by the construction of historic churches and cemeteries, reflecting the city's rich and intertwined history.
INDIA
Smog-hit Delhi: Four heritage destinations to escape high pollution levels
Here are four historical places in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh - close to Delhi, that are worth exploring and not just as a retreat from the haze of the national capital region
