The Mumbai the world knows today is the result of a series of tremendous changes. Whether geographically, politically, or even name-wise, the city has travelled quite a lot! The Portuguese ruled the city, which they referred to as bombaim – Portuguese for ‘good bay’ – from the year 1534 till 1661. However, things changed in the year 1662, …
One fort, many masters: The Uparkot fort
The Uparkot fort in Junagadh, Gujarat, is one of the most unique forts in India. And it has its reasons. The Uparkot fort was built by Chandragupta Maurya in the year 319 BCE. The Mauryan Empire declined in 184 BCE, and the fort changed hands. It remained under possession till 6th century CE, and was lost into oblivion for the next …
India: The world’s largest democracy
India has the second highest population in the world, and is the largest democracy in the world. The country has around 1.2 billion residents, of which 834 million are eligible to vote. Universal Adult Franchise gives every Indian citizen the right to vote after reaching the age of 18. This essential right is the backbone …
Nohkalikai Falls: The Angel Falls of India
A plunge waterfall is one where water falls from a height to the ground without being interrupted. Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall, has a plunge of 2,650 ft. The total height of the falls is 3,212 ft! The highest plunge waterfall in India is Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. The water there falls 1,115 …
Unsung heroes of India: U. Kiang Nongbah
The Jaintia Kingdom was an empire that ruled for around three centuries, in present-day Bangladesh and northeast India. The kingdom fell into British hands in the year 1835. King Rajendra Singh, their last ruler, was now deprived of his kingdom. The brutal British rule led to an uprising led and guided by a brave young …
Routes off roots: Living root bridges of Meghalaya
There is a reason why Meghalaya, ‘the abode of clouds’, stands apart from any other region in the world. Living root bridges found in the eastern part of this little, picturesque northeastern State are a unique organic wonder. The root bridges are a fine example of ‘tree shaping’ – the art of shaping trees into desired …