The Myths in Indian history

Irish dramatist Denis Johnston had once said that myths are not created -- they create themselves, and then find their expression in those who serve their purpose. Perhaps, it’s time, we helped dispel some of the tales that go under the guise of historical fact in our country --since our culture has had a long tradition of legends and story telling. Myths, in fact, have a way of getting intertwined in history and sometimes even overshadowing it. Like, for instance, the fictional Salim- Anarkali romance which is probably more popular than the real Jahangir- Noorjahan love story. Here's exploring some popular myths.

Click here to read about the great myths in Indian history.

Earthquake shaking heritage

That earthquakes have been a major threat to the country’s cultural heritage is no secret. Turmoil within the earth is a constant process. Our planet, on an average, faces at least one great earthquake in a year, whereas, nearly 9000 earthquakes of very minor category shake it daily. Monuments, especially those that have been around for centuries are therefore quite naturally susceptible to such tremors.

Click here to read about the threat that monuments face from earthquakes.

Caste in the constitution

When the founding fathers of the Indian Constitution decided to incorporate the concept of reservations for SC, ST and other backward classes in the constitution, they had in mind a clear vision -- of creating social reform. However, the benefits of caste based reservations have failed to percolate downwards to where it is needed the most. Instead, they have just benefitted the upper sections among the backward castes, thus negating the original vision of the constitution's founding fathers.

Click here to read about the original thought behind putting caste reservations in the constitution.

Facing the heat

Climate change is now affecting the world’s monuments. Not surprising, when you consider that most ancient monuments were built at a time when global warming was unheard of and their construction did not take into account factors like dramatic weather patterns. A recent watch list compiled by the World Monument Fund listed 5 Indian sites as being endangered, because of global warming, political conflict, commercial exploitation and unchecked development. I spoke with a few conservationists to find out what has been the extent of the damage and what can be done now. The following story resulted.

Click here to read the story.

Tribal Triumph

For most people in Jharkhand, the Koel Karo dam project has been a familiar name since the last three decades- mainly because of the agitation and wide-spread protests that the project has seen. Ever since its announcement, the tribals in Gumla, Ranchi and Singhbhum districts of Jharkhand have been up in arms against implementation of the project, which they say, would have devastating effects on their land as well as environment. I recently went to Torpa and Lohajhimi- 2 areas where the tribal agitation has been at its peak, for this story, which was published on World Environment Day.

Click here to read about the agitation of tribals against the Koel Karo project.

The Shooting Star

Ever since he began his adventures almost 80 years ago, Tintin,the snub nosed reporter with his trademark quiff of hair- who makes news more often than he reports it- has endeared himself to millions of fans, cutting across age, nationality and boundaries. India too, has been no exception. Interestingly, Herge, Tintin's creator, wanted to set an adventure in Calcutta, since the city, he felt offered immense comic possibilities. Although that didn't happen, Tintin's association with India has still been strong. Not only has the country featured in 2 Tintin adventures, the boy reporter's fan following in India is also immense, especially in Bengal, where he enjoys cult status.

Click here to read my tribute to Herge on his 100th birth anniversary.

Unity across borders

Almost sixty years ago, the British divided India and Pakistan. And now, an Englishman has brought some of them together again. More than a hundred old students, from India and Pakistan came together recently to celebrate the centenary of their teacher- Hugh Catchpole - an Englishman, who taught at the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in Dehradun as well as at schools in Pakistan. What made this gathering unique was that most of these old boys are either serving or retired officers of their respective country’s armies. I interacted with a few of them and the following story resulted.

Click here to read the story.