Stories written by
Blake Smith
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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
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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
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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
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Readers’ comments: Freedom to choose religion is constitutional, but did not include ‘missionaries’
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‘Who will stage the inaugural walkout?’: Cartoonists chuckle over India’s new Parliament building
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New Parliament building seeks to legitimise Hindutva victory over India’s multicultural past
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The real issues that have been lost in the debate on who should inaugurate new Parliament building
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Watch: Director forgets scroll after winning Palme d’Or at Cannes, Jane Fonda throws it at her
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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
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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
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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
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Watch: Director forgets scroll after winning Palme d’Or at Cannes, Jane Fonda throws it at her
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Watch: Climate activists storm rugby field, scatter orange powder, disrupt match
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Watch: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar plays volleyball with police personnel in Dehradun
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Watch: Excavator falls into sea with operator inside during embankment construction in Kerala
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Eco India: How can the practice of agroforestry boost food security in Meghalaya?
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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
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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
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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
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‘Citadel’ review: Secrets, lies and banality
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‘City of Dreams’ season 3 review: Political drama is running out of ways to deliver the shocks
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‘Jogira Sara Ra Ra’ review: Funny in bits and bobs
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‘2018’ review: A heart-tugging Kerala story
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‘Agra’ isn’t for the faint-hearted – and director Kanu Behl won’t have it any other way
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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
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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
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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
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Malaysia Masters: HS Prannoy and the sweet satisfaction of long-awaited success
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Watch highlights: HS Prannoy clinches Malaysia Masters with superb win over Weng Hong Yang
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IPL 2023, Final, CSK vs GT as it happened: Match postponed due to rain, to be played on Monday
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In visuals: Protesting wrestlers Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat detained by Delhi Police
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Malaysia Masters Super 500 final as it happened: HS Prannoy clinches his first BWF World Tour title