How an American woman built one of India’s most prestigious medical schools

Beginning from a one-room dispensary, Ida Scudder’s vision led to the development of a world-class institution: Vellore’s Christian Medical College.

Anu Kumar

· Nov 01, 2023 · 11:30 am

How a mysterious diamond trader inspired the first American novel on India

Francis Marion Crawford’s meeting with Alexander Malcolm Jacob in Simla changed his life and produced a literary success.

Anu Kumar

· Sep 30, 2023 · 11:30 am

Who was William Borden, the American who helped take libraries to every corner of Baroda?

Borden’s cataloguing system gave readers across the state – including in towns and villages – access to 10 lakh books.

Anu Kumar

· Sep 10, 2023 · 11:30 am

While serving the poor, this ‘American in khadi’ ended up shaping the economy of Himachal Pradesh

Satyanand Stokes had many avatars – missionary, educator, Gandhi associate, apple cultivator. But at heart, he was a mystic in search of meaning.

Anu Kumar

· Aug 09, 2023 · 06:30 pm

When an American woman briefly became a spokesperson for anti-casteism in India

During her three-year stay in India in the 1930s, Nilla Cram Cook drew crowds and controversy.

Anu Kumar

· Jul 25, 2023 · 11:30 am

Sam Higginbottom wanted to help India. So he devoted his life to helping its farmers

The American missionary came to India in the early 20th century to spread the Gospel but ended up making significant contributions to agricultural economics.

Anu Kumar

· Jul 08, 2023 · 11:30 am

On a propaganda tour in India, the first Black Ivy League professor found complexities and paradoxes

Sent by the State Department to change Indians’ perception of the US, Jay Saunders Redding found that the story he wanted to tell didn’t have many takers.

Anu Kumar

· May 27, 2023 · 11:30 am

How an American helped revive Buddhism in Sri Lanka after moving to India

Henry Steel Olcott was a journalist and an agricultural expert before he founded Theosophy and became celebrated in Sri Lanka.

Anu Kumar

· Apr 22, 2023 · 11:30 am

After travelling the world, an artist couple’s existential search for truth ended in an Indian town

Achsah and Earl Brewster were united in their idealism. In a world riven with divisions, they travelled as if oblivious of borders.

Anu Kumar

· Mar 04, 2023 · 11:30 am

In an era of inequality, Fanny Workman climbed mountains in India and scaled new heights

A mountaineer, cyclist and writer, Workman never shied from adventure and while at it, espoused vocal support for women’s causes.

Anu Kumar

· Feb 04, 2023 · 11:30 am

Amid Mughal-Maratha battles, an East India Company man reaped the benefits of political neutrality

As president of Fort St George, Nathaniel Higginson steered the Company through tricky waters.

Anu Kumar

· Dec 31, 2022 · 11:30 am

Daniel Bandmann: The Shakespearean actor who sought a career makeover in India in the 19th century

One of the earliest globe-trotting actor-managers, Bandmann generally liked Indians but not theatre critics.

Anu Kumar

· Nov 09, 2022 · 11:30 am