Author Archives: Aneesh Gokhale
Rudra Singha – The greatest king of North East India
Originally published in DNA on 26 Feb 2017 When we speak of medieval Assam, Lachit Barphukan is perhaps the only name known to us, for his exploits against the Mughals. But the person who took Assam to its cultural and political zenith was a king named Rudra Singha, who ruled between 1696 and 1714 AD.Continue reading “Rudra Singha – The greatest king of North East India”
The Maharaja Takhta Singh Observatory of Pune !
First published in DNA on 15 September 2019 The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics or IUCAA has put Pune on the astronomy map of the country for over 30 years. The radio telescope at Narayangaon (GMRT) is another feather in the astronomy cap. But, while these are well-known recent modern day developments, what isContinue reading “The Maharaja Takhta Singh Observatory of Pune !”
SS Enterprise – First Steamship to India
Originally published in DNA on 20 Jan 2019 Many of you must have read about the first train in India — the famous 1853 run from Boribunder to Thane. It heralded a new dawn for communications, industry and transport in India. An equally important event happened 30 years prior to that, in 1825 in Calcutta.Continue reading “SS Enterprise – First Steamship to India”
The Post Office, the Telegraph and 1857
“We must leave office; all the bungalows are being burnt down by the sepoys of Meerut. They came in today morning. Mr. Todd, we think, is dead. We are off.” – This short message sent on a telegraph line from Delhi into the Punjab in 1857 probably changed the course of India’s First War ofContinue reading “The Post Office, the Telegraph and 1857”
Purandar Fort – A post 1818 history.
Originally published in DNA on 8 Sept 2019. When things had reached the breaking point between the East India Company and the Peshwa Baji Rao II in 1818, the British set out on a campaign to capture the forts in the Sahyadris. Purandar, along with Sinhagad, Raigad and Trimbak, commanded a status of importance evenContinue reading “Purandar Fort – A post 1818 history.”
Battles of the Maratha Empire
The following battles and other important events of Maratha history are covered in the author’s latest book – “Battles of the Maratha Empire” Purchase in Paperback or Kindle on Amazon Chhatrapati Shivaji and the science of hill forts. Chhatrapati Shivaji v/s Afzal Khan , Pratapgad , 1659. Chhatrapati Shivaji & Chhatrasal Bundelada Chhatrapati Shivaji v/s MughalsContinue reading “Battles of the Maratha Empire”
Battles of the Maratha Empire – Contents page
Available on Amazon India & Kindle — Purchase here Chhatrapati Shivaji and the science of hill forts. Chhatrapati Shivaji v/s Afzal Khan , Pratapgad , 1659. Chhatrapati Shivaji & Chhatrasal Bundelada Chhatrapati Shivaji v/s Mughals , Salher , 1672. Chhatrapati Shivaji – Importance of correct policies Maratha War of Independence – 27 year Mughal –Continue reading “Battles of the Maratha Empire – Contents page”
How Indian was the Mughal Empire ?
This article shall explain how, from the time of Babur to that of Aurangzeb, foreign born nobility always formed the major component of Mughal nobility. No, not descendants of the original bunch who accompanied Babur or Humayun, but fresh recruits or their sons, arriving at every Mughal’s court. This component was very high during the reigns ofContinue reading “How Indian was the Mughal Empire ?”
Garden to Cup – A history of tea !
A piping hot cup of tea is something we routinely drink and also offer any and every guest. In fact, it is so common a courtesy, that not being offered a cup of tea would seem rude to many people! Let us see how tea began it’s journey in the jungles of Assam as aContinue reading “Garden to Cup – A history of tea !”
