The Deccan Plateau is generally believed to have been “conquered” by the Mauryan empire of the Gangetic Plains – but the reality of its early history is far more complex and thought-provoking. Anirudh Kanisetti speaks to Prof. Namita Sugandhi...
How did a bean from West Asia become one of India’s most popular morning drinks? It’s a story of innovation, trade, capitalism, and media. Anirudh Kanisetti speaks to food blogger Sujata Shukla about how coffee took root in South...
The late 11th and early 12th centuries saw the origins of two remarkable religious traditions that have continued to survive to this day: Virashaivism and Srivaishnavism. Anirudh Kanisetti speaks to history scholars Revanth Ukkalam and Prathik Sudha Murali to...
Theyyam rituals in Kerala, performed annually by communities across the state, contain fascinating subaltern mythologies and musical practices passed down through centuries. Archaeologist and musician Aditya Mohanan joins Anirudh Kanisetti to discuss his latest research, an ethnomusicological study of Theyyam...
The 16th century saw the emergence of famous Rajput aristocratic households such as the Sisodias of Mewar – but it also saw the career of remarkable military entrepreneurs from relatively humble backgrounds, such as Silhadi of Raisen. Anirudh Kanisetti...
The Tibetan Plateau is one of Asia’s most important geopolitical regions, and it has shaped the history and culture of the continent in deep and abiding ways. Anirudh Kanisetti speaks to researcher Shivam Bahuguna to understand the intricacies of...
Every year, hundreds of clay sculptures of horses, cows, and bulls are dedicated across Tamil Nadu to the god Ayyanar. Anirudh Kanisetti speaks to photographer and filmmaker Julie Wayne about the worship of this deity and what it tells...
From 160 years, the often forgotten medieval Kakatiya kingdom sprawled across modern Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Odisha and Karnataka. In its brief life, this extraordinary kingdom experimented with new forms of political organisation and warfighting, while commissioning...
The arrival of the Portuguese and other European powers on India’s shores profoundly impacted the subcontinent’s militaries, polities, and societies – but also its food. Anirudh Kanisetti speaks to food blogger Sujata Shukla about how the arrival of new...
The French Parliament has passed a bill that will increase the state’s power over mosques. President Emmanuel Macron argues the law will bolster the country’s secular values, but will it really work? Anirudh Kanisetti and Aditya Ramanathan talk to...
