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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‘Saffronisation of Doordarshan’: After DD News unveils new logo, social media users express alarm
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Husna Bai: The tawaif who made Hindustani music a respectable profession for women artists
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Carnatic music: Violinist L Subramaniam’s new book looks at the 18th-century masters
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‘Do Aur Do Pyaar’ review: Adultery saga has a maths problem
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Is the 2024 Lok Sabha election India’s last chance before the point of no return?
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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: Mount Ruang erupts in Indonesia, spewing columns of ash and lava
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Watch: Unbelievable scenes of flooding in Dubai airport, streets, and malls after heavy rain in UAE
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Indian elections: How secure is the EVM-VVPAT process?
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Watch: Footballers of Indian clubs walk out on the pitch with dogs to get them adopted
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Watch: Dogs wag their tails to ‘conduct’ classical music orchestra
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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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‘Trap’ trailer: M Night Shyamalan’s thriller stars Josh Hartnett as a serial killer
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Watch: Five directors shoot on iPhones for MAMI Mumbai Film Festival initiative
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‘Do Aur Do Pyaar’ review: Adultery saga has a maths problem
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‘Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2’ review: Laboured and barely provocative
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‘Civil War’ review: An urgent film about a barely-distant future
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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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Shooting, Indian Olympic trials: Esha Singh, Bhavesh Shekhawat lead in respective 25m pistol events
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Wrestling, Asian Olympic Qualifiers: Deepak Punia, Sujeet Kalkal fail to make weigh-ins in time
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Chess, Candidates 2024: Gukesh Dommaraju picks up win to become joint-leader with two rounds to go
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Hockey: Salima Tete 2.0 – a speedster who is adding confidence and creativity to her improving game
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IPL 2024: Suryakumar, bowlers help Mumbai Indians seal thriller against Punjab Kings