In 1960, a Tamil fiction film called Raja Desingu was released, starring the swashbuckling matinee idol, MGR. It flopped. But after centuries, Raja Desingu stories continue to be told in street performances like Therukoothu, Poi-Kal-Kuthirai, and even the Burra-Katha tradition of Andhra. In fact, many boys in Tamilnadu are named Desingu even today, after the legendary hero of Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. 

Any history textbook will tell you that Shahjahan was a great Mughal emperor. But did you know that he was neither the rightful legal heir nor a favourite son? Yet, he managed to ascend the most coveted Mughal throne.

Subramania Bharati was more than just a poet. He was a journalist, a linguist and passionate freedom fighter. Above all, he lived his life on his own terms.

It is possibly the oldest STONE monument in India. Your history teacher taught you that it was built by Ashoka the Great of the Mauryan dynasty. And you have seen it in umpteen travel brochures. You know the Sanchi Stupa, of course.  Can you conjure up a mental picture of the monument? Does it look like this? Good. Now, guess which part of the structure was built by Ashoka? If you answered  “ALL OF IT” – Congratulations; you remembered everything your history teacher taught you. But your teacher was wrong. The right answer is, “NONE OF IT”! Surprised? The original […]