Long, Long Ago
The greek word mythos originally meant ‘word’ or ‘story’. But time wrought new meaning into it, limiting both its reach and scope. As Herodotus (Greek, 4c BCE) established the concept of historical fact, ‘mythos’ was debunked. It came to stand...
Drought Demons
Just what is it about drought that brings out the worst in mankind? How do we define drought – is it the tyranny of nature or should we say, it’s the sheer absence of nature? Major parts of our country is suffering from drought or drought-like...
The ‘history’ of Bharat Mata
nvoking Bharat Mata in the much-independent India sounds odd, at least keeping in mind its history. The goddess has become a rallying point in proving ones nationalism and patriotism, two very common words in the common lexicon of India today...
Women barred from entering temples: Discrimination or case of patriarchal hegemony?
Recent controversies regarding the age-old traditions of barring women from entering two temples have rekindled the debate on discrimination. Forced attempts to enter the Shani temple at Shingnapur in Maharashtra and the legal efforts to entire...
The Murder of Raj Verma
Col Verma was standing stoic, desperately trying to hold the tears from his red eyes that he had hidden behind the large sunglasses. The whole process of state funeral being accorded to his son, could be so torturous for a father, could not be...
The Lipstick-Stained Cup
He kept staring at the cup of tea lying on the table, untouched. The tea was ordered about an hour or was it two? He then looked at the half-empty tea-cup opposite his, with the maroon lipstick stain. She had left those stains when she lifted the...