History Archive

The history of Indian laborers in foreign lands is a tale woven with threads of hope, despair, struggle, and eventual triumph. One of the most notable chapters of this narrative revolves around the Indian indenture system, a mechanism by which over 1.6 million workers from British India were sent to toil in European colonies. This system, which began as a substitute for slave labor after the abolition of the slave trade in the early 19th century, spread its reach far and wide. These workers became the backbone of labor in regions such as the Caribbean, East Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Fiji. Their efforts also shaped the Natal region of South Africa, as well as many other colonies under the British, French, and Dutch Empires. The indenture system continued for nearly a century, with British Indian indentureship formally ending in the 1920s.

The shadowy corridors of India's intelligence were shaken to their core when a spy scandal erupted, one that reached levels of treachery and deception previously unimaginable. As the arrests of those implicated in the country’s largest espionage ring continued, it became increasingly clear that the security breach was “frightening” in scale. Authorities, now deep into their investigations, began to voice a growing fear—"this case may only be the tip of the iceberg." What was uncovered thus far hinted at a deeper, more sinister network hiding beneath the surface, its roots possibly extending into places no one dared imagine.

Srivijaya Puram—the new name of Port Blair, comes with a fascinating history rooted in India’s rich maritime past. By renaming the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Modi government has taken a significant step towards discontinuing the legacy of British colonialism. Instead, it seeks to reconnect this historically important region with India's ancient naval and trade history. The decision, made official last week, reflects a broader effort by the government to honor India’s ancient connections. It is also part of a series of changes, as earlier the Modi government renamed three islands of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in honor of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, reinforcing a deeper connection with India's nationalist past.

Dr. Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi emerged as a pioneering figure in the annals of South Asian history, distinguishing herself as one of the first Indian and South Asian female physicians trained in Western medicine. Not only did she break cultural barriers, but she also became the first Indian woman to step onto American soil to receive a professional education and graduate in medical science, setting a precedent for future generations.

Snehalatha Reddy (1932 – 20 January 1977) was an Indian actress, producer, and social activist renowned for her contributions to Kannada cinema, Kannada theatre, Telugu cinema, and Telugu theatre. She was notably arrested for her involvement in the Baroda dynamite case and endured over 8 months of imprisonment during the Emergency in India. She co-founded the Madras Players in the 1960s, an amateur group known for staging significant productions such as Ibsen's Peer Gynt, directed by Douglas Alger, in addition to Twelfth Night and Tennessee William's Night of the Iguana, directed by Peter Coe. Her portfolio also includes acting in, directing, or producing plays like A View from the Bridge and The House of Bernarda Alba. In 2003, her husband Pattabhirama Reddy presented In the Hour of God, a play inspired by Sri Aurobindo’s Savitri, which he dedicated to her.

The "Pakistan Declaration", infamously known as "Now or Never; Are We to Live or Perish Forever?", emerged as a pivotal document when it was penned by Choudhary Rahmat Ali on January 28, 1933. This pamphlet, significant for its introduction of the term "Pakstan" — notably missing an 'i' — marked its first usage and subsequent presentation at the Round Table conferences that same year.

During a recent election campaign event in Mangolpuri, Delhi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his views on the inclusion of women in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He stated, "RSS does not include women; it is ingrained in their thinking that women should be kept as second-class citizens."

In the 16th century, Rajiv Lochan Ray, renowned as Kalapahad, stood as the formidable army general under King Gajapati Mukundadeva of Kalinga (Orissa). The very name 'Kalapahad,' signifying 'Black Hill,' mirrored the imposing physicality and stature of this military commander. Despite his Hindu roots, historical accounts from both Orissa and the Mughal records portray him as a Muslim General of the Gaur Sultanate. His legacy bears the weight of the Konark Sun temple and Jagannath temple assaults, prompting a profound inquiry into how the once indomitable Hindu general embraced Islam and, as a converted Muslim, turned against his own temples.

In the heart of Jodhpur, India, stands a testament to royal grandeur, the Umaid Bhawan Palace. This architectural masterpiece showcases the grandeur of Indo-Saracenic design, and its crowning glory lies in the unique Chittar sandstone that bestows upon it a truly dazzling appearance. As one of the largest private residences globally, this palace is not merely a structure; it's a living heritage.

The 1999 Kargil conflict stands out as a defining moment in South Asian geopolitics, reshaping the military and diplomatic contours between India and Israel. Nicolas Blarel, in his book "The Evolution of India’s Israel Policy," notes how this high-altitude standoff led India to seek advanced military support from Israel, a move that signified a profound shift from the previous decades of relative peace following the Liberation of Bangladesh War in 1971.