The Doll-Maker of Secunderabad, and a Story of Feminist Resilience
A daughter recounts her mother’s unusual profession and her quiet feminism in 1960s’ India.
Tag: history
The Truth Behind the Grandeur of a Greek Holiday
Travelling to Greece with 17 strangers, one Indian girl has an unexpected realisation.
4 Reasons Why You Should Read Elizabeth Gilbert’s ‘City of Girls’
There are many treasures within the pages of ‘City of Girls’ that will keep you hooked as a reader.
Two Women and a War: How ‘The Mother’ Mirra Influenced Indira Gandhi in 1971
Mirra Alfassa not only influenced thousands of followers as ‘The Mother’ whom Sri Aurobindo had anointed as his spiritual successor, she also had a role to play in Indira Gandhi’s decision to go to war with Pakistan in 1971.
Why India in 2019 Can Take Lessons on Love and Women’s Desire from Its Ancient Past
Nayanjot Lahiri’s new book ‘Time Pieces: A Whistle-Stop Tour of Ancient India’ is as much an eye-opener about social mores in ancient India as it is a great read.
4 Jewellery Designers Inspired by Travel and History This Season
These four women designers took a walk through history for their latest jewellery collections.
“The Sabarimala Conflict is a Case of Brahminical Patriarchy” – Author Lekshmy Rajeev
What’s the historical and ground reality of women’s entry into Sabarimala? Author Lekshmy Rajeev, who has done extensive research on the temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala, shares her views.
How a Mughal Empress Broke the Glass Ceiling Five Centuries Ago
Ruby Lal’s new book ‘Empress: The Astonishing Reign of Nur Jahan’ is a much-needed study of one of the most legendary female icons in Indian history.
Nandita Das on Manto, #MeToo, and Stories That Need to be Told
Nandita Das has donned many hats, from actor to filmmaker, but the one that has stayed consistent is the steel-willed activist, unafraid to speak out. In this exclusive interview, she talks about her life journey, inspirations and why certain stories need to be told.
She Studied Till Class 5 in a Village, He Got a Post Doctorate from Europe, They’ve Been Happily Married for 68 Years!
Jasho’s story is that of an ordinary, primary-school educated woman from a nondescript village, who became the ‘Rock of Gibraltar’ for her ambitious, globe-trotting husband. Her daughter Anita Panda traces her mother’s journey.
Veil No More: A Tehran Girl on Why She Took Off Her Hijab in Protest
Melika, the Iranian girl in this viral picture shares why she stopped by the side of the road in Tehran one evening and took off her veil.
Former Lawyer Pays Ode to Mahatma Gandhi Through Exquisite Kathak
Former lawyer and Kathak maestro Shivani Varma weaves history, politics and technical innovation in her performances.
She Makes Carpets from Recycled Silk Saris – And Her Designs Will Floor You
Ishrat Sahgal makes luxurious carpets out of sari scrap, giving upcycling a new meaning, says Anupam Dabral.
Who Are We to Judge What Padmavati Does With Her Body?
There are two battles being fought in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmavat. One is the grim reality of war fought from Khilji’s side without honour. The other: fought by the women, fought with honour, to have a final say on their bodies.
Royal Swag! When Queen Victoria’s Granddaughter Met Her Indian Secretary, Abdul
In the twilight years of her reign, the British Queen Victoria was devoted to her Indian assistant and Urdu teacher, Abdul Karim, much to the scandal of the royal court. Here is one fascinating anecdote about their controversial relationship.
Between Lahore and Delhi: An Indian Woman’s Memories of Partition 1947
As India celebrates 70 years of Independence, Sheela Kapur recalls her memories of Partition and wonders at the senseless boundaries between those born of the same earth.
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