Look at an Indian banknote and there is one face you will recognize immediately. Mahatma Gandhi. His portrait has been part of India’s banknotes for decades, and for many people it is difficult to imagine Indian currency without it. But Gandhi’s face was not always on Indian banknotes. In fact, the story is more complicated…
Category: History
The Hope Diamond: From India to the French Crown and the Smithsonian
Few gemstones have a history as complicated as the Hope Diamond. The deep blue diamond has passed through royal collections, survived the upheaval of the French Revolution, disappeared for years, resurfaced in London and eventually became one of the most famous objects at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Along the…
Legacy of Dr. Wu Lien Teh, The Story Behind the Manchurian Plague
Dr. Wu Lien Teh was a true game-changer when it came to fighting the deadly Manchurian plague. He came up with a new idea to stop the spread of infection. And the bold move ended up saving thousands of lives. His smart and practical methods are now used all over the world and even helped…
India’s First Billionaire and his Extraordinary Journey
The number of millionaires and billionaires in India is rising. Every day, we read about a businessman achieving great success. Can you imagine a time when wealth was hard to attain and only a few people could afford a luxurious lifestyle? Who was India’s first billionaire? Mir D, the last ruler of Hyderabad, was India’s…
The Hidden Story of India’s ₹10,000 Rupee Note Before 1947
You usually see banknotes of ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, and ₹500 in daily use. Before demonetization, you also used ₹1,000 notes. Some of you may have even seen old and rare notes like ₹1, ₹2, and ₹5. After demonetization, the government introduced a new ₹500 note and a new ₹2,000 note. You might think that…
How Darjeeling Became the British Summer Retreat
Darjeeling recently faced heavy rain and landslides, leaving hundreds of tourists and local residents stranded. If you are from Bengal, you probably know that Darjeeling is a favourite holiday spot, especially during the Durga Puja season. This tradition actually goes back to the colonial days. The quiet town that once had only a few local…
The Fascinating History Behind the Invention of Chainsaws
When I think of a chainsaw, I usually imagine a lumberjack cutting wood. Sometimes I also remember scenes from scary movies where a villain uses it to frighten people. But the real reason chainsaws were invented is very different. Medics know this history well, and it is quite surprising. Chainsaws were first made for a…
When an Indian Maharaja Saved Thousands of Polish Children the World Had Forgotten
History remembers wars through battles and treaties. It rarely remembers the people who simply refused to look away. In the middle of World War II, while Europe was tearing itself apart, an Indian ruler made a decision that had nothing to do with politics or power. It was a decision rooted in empathy, and it…
Operation Paperclip: How the U.S. Recruited Nazi Scientists After World War II
When World War II ended in 1945, the Allied nations did not just celebrate victory. They immediately started planning for the future. The United States saw both a major opportunity and a serious risk in the advanced scientific knowledge held by German scientists. Many German experts had deep experience in rockets, weapons, aviation, and engineering.…
‘Wagh Bakri Chai’ Story Standing Against Racism in the British Raj
Tea is a part of your everyday life in India. You start your morning with it, enjoy it in the evening, and often take a tea break during a busy day. No matter where you come from or how much you earn, tea connects everyone. It is not just a drink for you. It is…