Category Heritage

Buddha and Bodhisattva: what is the difference?

The simplest way to understand the difference between a Buddha and a Bodhisattva is this: a Buddha is one who has awakened completely, while a Bodhisattva is one who is dedicated to attaining Buddhahood and helping others along the way.…

The pigeons that became an obsession

Walk through the older parts of Hyderabad, and you may hear the flutter of wings before you notice the pigeons. They gather around mosques, dargahs, parks, bridges and old neighborhoods, sometimes in astonishing numbers. Dedicated kabutar khanas, or pigeon houses,…

M S Blue saree

MS Blue: the saree that became an icon

September 16 marks the birth anniversary of M.S. Subbulakshmi (1916), one of India’s most celebrated Carnatic vocalists. Her music carried Carnatic tradition to audiences across India and the world, while her distinctive stage presence became equally memorable. The sari, flowers,…

idol of clay Ganesha

In search of Ganesha beyond the celebration

There was a time when Ganesh Chaturthi carried a bigger purpose that went well beyond the rituals of the day. In the late 19th century, India was under oppressive British rule. Political meetings were watched, public gatherings faced restrictions and…

How Bobbili got its name

Bobbili in Andhra Pradesh has a fascinating connection to the town’s royal origins and the tiger, and its evolution reflects centuries of local history. Bobbili traces its origins to the 17th century, when Pedda Rayudu, a descendant of the Venkatagiri…

Horsley Hills and the story behind its name

Horsley Hills is a hill station in the Eastern Ghats in Annamayya district (formerly part of Chittoor district) in Andhra Pradesh. Located about 16 km from Madanapalle and 130 km from Tirupati, it stands at an elevation of around 1,290…