Hindostan was a prosperous part of Indiana in the 19th century. So why did it die suddenly?

Founded by American trader Caleb Fellowes, the town of Hindostan was a tribute to the country where he amassed his wealth.

Blake Smith

· Jul 29, 2018 · 11:30 am

Who was Prince Rajaram II and why is there a monument in his memory in Florence?

The prince’s sudden death during a European tour in the 19th century forced the Catholic Church and the city government of Florence to bend their rules.

Blake Smith

· Jun 19, 2018 · 11:30 am

Why France fell in love with an Indian female author after her death in 19th century

Resentful after a defeat in war, France found comfort in the words of a Francophile from a country far away – Toru Dutt.

Blake Smith

· May 31, 2018 · 11:30 am

The French are weak degenerates: An Indian voyager’s account from Paris in early 19th century

While appreciative of French culture and art, Mirza Abu Taleb’s travelogue reflects his theories on empires and the concerns of the time.

Blake Smith

· Feb 01, 2018 · 11:30 am

How Mughal history inspired an American professor to weave a fantasy world that rivals Tolkien’s

Tekumel began as a complex role-playing game, and then turned into books.

Blake Smith

· Nov 05, 2017 · 03:30 pm

Behind the Madras Observatory lie the imperialist designs of the East India Company

For the British, astronomy held the key to ‘the sovereignty of a rich and extensive empire’.

Blake Smith

· Oct 14, 2017 · 03:30 pm

Europe’s aristocrats once celebrated (even forged) foreign ancestry

From the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, noble families across Europe insisted that they were not related to the populations they ruled.

Blake Smith

· Jun 10, 2017 · 11:30 pm

From Mysore to Patiala, Indian royals coveted French craftsmanship in jewellery

India’s cultural heritage, scattered by invaders and colonial armies, is being reassembled for a global audience by a Qatari royal.

Blake Smith

· Apr 25, 2017 · 03:30 pm

This Indian author wrote his stories in French. Is that why we don’t remember him?

K Madavane’s fiction in French explores the ironies of post-colonial identity.

Blake Smith

· Apr 01, 2017 · 09:30 am

How a translation mistake ended up making India a part of the Bible

Whether medieval Christians saw India as a symbol of evil or as the home of saints, the Subcontinent remained a source of fascination.

Blake Smith

· Feb 21, 2017 · 11:30 am

Writings of French Hindu who worshipped Hitler as an avatar of Vishnu are inspiring the US alt-right

Savitri Devi was born Maximiani Portaz in 1905.

Blake Smith

· Dec 17, 2016 · 12:30 pm

Before Indiana Jones, there was another 'Orientalist-adventurer' who visited India

Abraham Hyacinthe Anquetil-Duperron’s most lasting achievement might be his particular brand of self-promotion.

Blake Smith

· Nov 06, 2016 · 03:30 pm