Hidden Treasure-Found & Lost

Ancient Mughal coins found in a village in U.P. are looted, in what has been described as an instance of archaeological plundering. Such artifacts or historic materials found fresh off the ground, are believed to be manna from heaven for antique smugglers, since they are not recorded and hence not traceable.

Click here to read the story about the ancient Mughal coins found in the village of Kithora recently.

The History of Archaeological Plundering

Accidental discovery of any treasure has almost always led to plundering. In India, it has been more so- since the administration and those supposed to prevent it are also frequently involved in the plunder. Nowhere is this more evident than in the archaeologically rich plains of Uttar Pradesh.

Click here to read about the history of archaeological plundering.

Burning onself to make a point

Ever since Rajeev Goswami made it popular during the anti-Mandal agitation, there has been a disturbing trend of people immolating themselves to draw attention to their cause. A recent attempt by a man, whose wife and children were kidnapped in Etawah and who resorted to burning himself to draw attention to his case, shows that self immolation still remains, unfortunately, the fastest way to grab headlines and register a protest in the world’s largest democracy.

Click here to read how self-immolation is being used, to make a point.

Time India acted tough ?

Does India need to get tough if it wants to seriously tackle cross border terrorism? This is a question that inevitably cropped up after the Mumbai blasts, especially in the context of Israel taking on Hezbollah and launching a veritable war against it for capturing two of its soldiers. This incident happened almost at the same time as thh Mumbai blasts- leading to the question "Can we do an Israel?"

Click here to read whether India can act tough.

Trapped in the Asylum

Countless inmates in mental asylums all across the country have been declared fit to be discharged, but have nowhere to go. Most have, in fact, been dumped here by relatives, who are not willing to take them back. According to a study carried out by the National Human Rights Commission, of the total 20,000 beds available in the 37 mental hospitals throughout the country, almost 48% are occupied by these long stay patients.

Click here to read about the patients trapped in mental asylums.

The many uses of rubber

Condoms are being gainfully employed in India for everything else, except for what they were intended. In a classic example of the Indian jugaad, the millions of condoms that have been distributed free by the Government over the years, have been used for things as diverse as carrying water to polishing Banarasi sarees.

Click here to read my article on the unusual uses of condoms, published in The Sunday Times of India.

Grave Secrets

This is a story about a 4,000 year old burial mound, discovered in Sinauli- a sleepy village in Western U.P., where about 126 skeletons were discovered, dating to the late Harappan period. This has got the State Tourism department excited, and it now wants to promote Sinauli as a tourist destination.

Click here to read my article on the secrets of Sinauli, published in The Sunday Times of India.