Heritage & History steps into the past to illuminate the present. It explores monuments, traditions, personalities, and events that shape our shared legacy. From ancient sites and architectural marvels to cultural treasures and forgotten narratives, this space connects generations through stories that continue to inform, inspire, and endure.
From the silent yogis of the Indus Valley to the fiery Vedic altars, from Buddha’s forest meditations to the soaring philosophy of the Upanishads, Sanatan Dharma evolved like a living river of consciousness. This journey through India’s spiritual evolution reveals how ritual, meditation, devotion, and Advaita Vedanta fused into a timeless civilisation—renewed again by Ramakrishna and Vivekananda for the modern world today, globally
This Valentine’s Day, let us travel back nearly 4,000 years to ancient Sumer, where a bride whispered her passion to King Shu-Sin through The Love Song for Shu-Sin. “Bridegroom, dear to my heart, Goodly is your beauty, honeysweet… My precious caress is more savory than honey.” Composed long before the biblical Song of Songs, these words reveal that love, desire, and devotion are timeless. From clay tablets to chocolates, from whispered poems to modern Valentine’s cards, humans have always sought to speak to the heart. Today, we celebrate that eternal, universal language: love. ❤️
The Chhotanagpur plateau, home to the Asur tribe, reveals a rich cultural tapestry shaped by ancient metallurgical practices. Once adept at eco-friendly iron smelting, the Asurs, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, face declining traditions amid modern industrialisation. Despite cultural erosion and economic challenges, efforts to preserve their heritage are emerging, highlighting the importance of maintaining their unique connection to history and ecology.
In 1852, Radhanath Sikdar, a Bengali mathematician, discovered that Peak XV was the world's highest mountain, later named Mount Everest. His groundbreaking calculations were overshadowed by British imperial bias, as the peak was named after a British official. Sikdar's contributions to the Great Trigonometrical Survey were largely ignored, encapsulating the colonial erasure of non-Western intellectual achievements.
Beneath Bengal’s quiet soil once lay the mineral that shaped world empires—saltpetre. This unassuming white crystal powered Europe’s guns, fueled its navies, and altered global history, even as the people who produced it remained unaware of its immense value. In a tragic twist, Bengal’s own natural wealth became the lever that enabled its colonization.
A modest clay tablet preserves a snapshot of life in the Ur III dynasty. It records messengers’ rations—soup, fish, and mutton—alongside their missions. From carrying royal offerings to capturing fugitive workers, these couriers kept the empire connected. Four millennia later, the tablet speaks across time, showing the ingenuity, discipline, and human heartbeat behind one of history’s earliest bureaucracies.
On 11 August, we respectfully remember Khudiram Bose, one of India’s youngest freedom fighters, who was martyred in 1908 at just 18. His bravery in the face of colonial rule inspired the nation. Khudiram faced death fearlessly, leaving a lasting legacy. Today, we honour him by renewing our commitment to justice, courage, and service to the country.
Cholera is a deadly disease often overlooked in global health agendas, overshadowed by issues like HIV/AIDS and malaria. Indian scientists Dr. Shambhunath De and Dr. Dilip Mahalanabis made crucial contributions to cholera treatment, yet remain largely unrecognized. Dr. De identified the cholera toxin's role in causing death, while Dr. Mahalanabis demonstrated the effectiveness of oral rehydration therapy during a crisis. Their legacies deserve acknowledgment and commemoration in India, highlighting their profound impact on global health.
The ideological conflict between Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar illustrates the tension between tradition and social reform in 19th-century Bengal. Vidyasagar championed women's rights and advocated for radical social change, notably through the Widow Remarriage Act, while Bankim emphasized cultural revivalism and gradual reform. Despite their disagreements, both figures significantly impacted Bengal's intellectual landscape, shaping its evolution and illustrating different paths toward progress.
A recent article from The Independent reveals that ancient ridges and canals in Southern Iraq, previously attributed to an agricultural system, were likely built using slave labor, particularly by the enslaved Zanj. This discovery connects their construction to the 9th-century Zanj Rebellion, underscoring the significant but overlooked contributions of enslaved Africans to the region's landscape. The findings challenge existing historical narratives and bring attention to the hidden legacy of these individuals.
