Category: Heritage & History

Step back in time with Heritage & History and explore the monuments, traditions, and stories that shape our past and present. From ancient sites and architectural marvels to preserved cultural treasures, this category uncovers the narratives that connect generations. Heritage & History celebrates the richness of human legacy, offering insights into the traditions, events, and landmarks that continue to inspire and inform our world today.

Union Club & Library, Ranchi: A 160-Year Chronicle of Culture, Knowledge, & Community

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Cultural Currents, Heritage & History4 Comments

For over 160 years, the Union Club & Library has stood at the heart of Ranchi—an enduring sanctuary of intellect, culture, and community. Born in 1864 from the vision of a few Bengali scholars, it has evolved into a vibrant symbol of the city’s spirit, witnessing eras of colonial rule, India’s freedom movement, and Jharkhand’s emergence as a state. From literary gatherings under lamplight to musical evenings and impassioned debates, the Union Club remains a living chronicle of Ranchi’s cultural heartbeat—where the past and present continue to move together, true to its timeless motto: Sangachchadhvam—“Let us move together.”

Architects of a Forgotten Age: Unraveling the Mystery of the Ubaid Lizard Figurines

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History4 Comments

The Ubaid culture, existing in southern Mesopotamia around 5000 to 4000 BCE, laid the groundwork for Sumerian civilization. Notably, the Lizard Figurines, with their unique reptilian features, suggest complex societal beliefs, including possible connections to shamanism and fertility. These artifacts highlight Ubaid advancements in art, agriculture, and spirituality.

The Mighty Gangaridai: Power & Influence in Ancient India

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History10 Comments

The ancient kingdom of Gangaridai, located near the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, captivated Greek and Roman civilizations with its military strength and naval prowess. Known for its formidable war elephants, it deterred conquerors, including Alexander the Great. Archaeological finds in Chandraketugarh reveal its sophisticated culture and vibrant trade networks, highlighting Gangaridai's significant yet often overlooked role in early Indian history and commerce.

Celebrating International Literacy Day: The Legacy of Ashurbanipal’s Library

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History12 Comments

On International Literacy Day, we celebrate the Royal Library of Ashurbanipal, the world's oldest known library, founded in the 7th century BCE. This treasure trove of knowledge housed 30,000 cuneiform tablets, including the "Epic of Gilgamesh." Ashurbanipal, a martial commander with a passion for literature, amassed texts through conquests. Unearthed in the 19th century, its surviving tablets offer valuable insights into ancient Mesopotamia. Despite its destruction, the library's unintentional preservation through fire ensures the wisdom of the past endures.

In the Shadows of Freedom: The Anushilan Samiti & India’s Forgotten Revolution

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History7 Comments

The Anushilan Samiti, operating during British colonial rule in India, was a clandestine revolutionary organization that advocated armed resistance. It emerged as a reaction to the moderate methods of the Indian National Congress, emphasizing physical fitness, martial training, and social responsibility. Members engaged in propaganda and armed attacks on British officials. Despite facing repression, the Samiti continued to operate clandestinely and played a significant role in the independence movement, inspiring generations of revolutionaries.

May Day: Netaji’s Impact on Tata Steel Workers

On By Indrajit Roy ChoudhuryIn Heritage & History8 Comments

On May Day, we honour the labour movement and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's contributions to workers' rights, including his role in the Tata Steel trade union. His advocacy and leadership secured fundamental rights for workers, reshaping India's industrial landscape. His legacy demonstrates the intersection of freedom struggle and labour movements, inspiring solidarity and social justice.