Stories written by
Blake Smith
-
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
-
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
-
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
Trending
-
Opinion: Why is Modi the only prime minister who is haunted by Nehru’s ghost?
-
DU professor gets bail after being held for post on shivling claimed to be found in Gyanvapi mosque
-
‘The bell-eared demon’: When Swami Vivekananda warned how worship could become fanaticism
-
In Varanasi, worried Muslims flock to Gyanvapi mosque in greater numbers after part of it is sealed
-
Assam NRC coordinator files FIR against predecessor for ‘anti-national activities’
-
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
-
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
-
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
Video
-
‘A topic that should be discussed freely’: Singer Selena Gomez advocates for mental health support
-
Eco India Episode 183: How young eco warriors are saying yes to a sustainable, plastic-free world
-
‘William Bowery’: Actor Joe Alwyn reveals why he used a pseudonym to write songs with Taylor Swift
-
Watch: Dog cannot contain her excitement on meeting her favourite character at Disneyland
-
‘How may I help you?’: This robot is assisting commuters at Bengaluru airport
-
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
-
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
-
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
The Reel
-
‘Stranger Things’ season 4: Watch the first eight minutes
-
‘Escaype Live’ review: A cautionary tale of the desperate pursuit of fame and success
-
‘Baymax!’ trailer: ‘Big Hero 6’ spin-off follows the adventures of the friendly healthcare companion
-
Watch: ‘Mad Max’ director George Miller returns with fantasy film ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’
-
‘12th Man’ review: Oversharing between friends is overrated (it can lead to murder)
-
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
-
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
-
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
The Field
-
Hockey: Rajani Etimarpu to lead Indian women’s team in inaugural edition of FIH Hockey 5s
-
Hockey, FIH Pro League: Savita Punia to lead India, Rani Rampal set for a comeback in Europe leg
-
Badminton, Thailand Open Super 500: PV Sindhu loses to Chen Yufei in semis, India’s campaign ends
-
Chess: India’s Praggnanandhaa beats world champion Magnus Carlsen for the second time in 2022
-
Badminton, Thailand Open, SF as it happened: PV Sindhu loses against Olympic champ Chen Yufei