Habba Khatoon: Kashmir’s Poet Queen

How did a 5,000 sq. km. lake transform into the Kashmir we know today? A look at Kashmir’s prehistoric past...

All eyes are on Kashmir, with the central government revoking the special status it enjoyed since independence. Let us put this decision in context and look at the ironies that litter the region’s political history, which has come full circle

Queen Didda was a powerful and formidable ruler, who has often been described as ruthless by Kashmiri writers. Has history been fair on her?

One of India’s best Neolithic sites is being destroyed – believe it or not – by a local cricket tournament being played plum in the middle of the archaeological zone. On the outskirts of Srinagar, the site has been damaged irreversibly even as those meant to protect it look the other way. Let us rally together to salvage what remains of Burzahom

In the rugged mountains of North Pakistan is a cave that was an important centre of Hinduism dating to the 2nd century CE. And, yet, its true significance was discovered only 20 years ago. Catch the story of Kashmir Smast and its explosive revelations

The buzz surrounding the upcoming film 'Napoleon' has cast a worldwide spotlight on the love story between Napoleon and his first wife, Josephine. But did you know that there is an interesting 'Pashmina' connection to their romance? Catch the story

Kashmir experienced its Golden Age in the 8th century CE under a ‘Serpent King’ named Lalitaditya Muktapida, who ruled from present-day Srinagar. Catch the story of the Karkota Kings, their intriguing origin story, exploits and expeditions, and fabulous archaeological legacy.

The Martand Sun Temple is the only surviving reminder of the great Kashmiri Emperor Lalitaditya, whose empire stretched from Central Asia to the Gangetic plain

For decades, conflict has eclipsed all else in Kashmir but archaeologists, historians and heritage experts might just have a balm for these troubled times. Our weekly online talk show, Heritage Matters, focused on how we can revive interest in a region that was once a confluence of cultures

The tragic story of Habba Khatoon, or ‘Zoon’, one of the greatest poets of Kashmir isn’t very widely known. But her ballads are sung in the valley even today, 400 years after her death!

Lal Ded was a 14th century mystic-poet whose verse laid the foundation of the Kashmiri language and literature. Catch the story of this naked mendicant, who rose above her miserable life to become a spiritual icon for centuries to come

King Lalitaditya was one of Kashmir’s most famous rulers. But did you know, that his capital Parihaspora, near Srinagar remains one of the most confounding sites in India. Why are there thousands of stones scattered all around, its once grand buildings? Find out

Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin was a progressive ruler of the Shah Miri dynasty of Kashmir and was known for his innovative socio-economic reforms that could teach us a thing or two even today. More than 500 years later, his legacy continues in the music and handicrafts of the region.

On the occasion of Buddha Purnima we bring to you the story of Harwan monastery in Kashmir where 2000 years ago 4th Buddhist council was held and scholars from all over the subcontinent congregated

As the ‘New Great Game’ plays out across the Himalayas, we revisit the original Great Game, where an Indian spy played a pivotal role in aiding British missions in Central Asia and Afghanistan. After a life of action, drama and intrigue, Mohan Lal died in obscurity

The Verinag spring, from which emerges the Jhelum river, is flush with history and legends

Fine hand woven, Pashmina shawls or Cashmeres as they are known, are prized for their beauty & quality. Literally meaning ‘soft gold’ in Kashmiri, the Pashmina has a truly illustrious and ancient past

Srinagar’s irresistible allure emanates from its top draws like the Dal Lake, markets, beautiful shrines and picture-perfect landscape. But there is a lot more to see. Here’s a list of lesser-known but remarkable monuments that will take your breath away.

How did a 5,000 sq. km. lake transform into the Kashmir we know today? A look at Kashmir’s prehistoric past...

All eyes are on Kashmir, with the central government revoking the special status it enjoyed since independence. Let us put this decision in context and look at the ironies that litter the region’s political history, which has come full circle

Queen Didda was a powerful and formidable ruler, who has often been described as ruthless by Kashmiri writers. Has history been fair on her?

One of India’s best Neolithic sites is being destroyed – believe it or not – by a local cricket tournament being played plum in the middle of the archaeological zone. On the outskirts of Srinagar, the site has been damaged irreversibly even as those meant to protect it look the other way. Let us rally together to salvage what remains of Burzahom

In the rugged mountains of North Pakistan is a cave that was an important centre of Hinduism dating to the 2nd century CE. And, yet, its true significance was discovered only 20 years ago. Catch the story of Kashmir Smast and its explosive revelations

The buzz surrounding the upcoming film 'Napoleon' has cast a worldwide spotlight on the love story between Napoleon and his first wife, Josephine. But did you know that there is an interesting 'Pashmina' connection to their romance? Catch the story

Kashmir experienced its Golden Age in the 8th century CE under a ‘Serpent King’ named Lalitaditya Muktapida, who ruled from present-day Srinagar. Catch the story of the Karkota Kings, their intriguing origin story, exploits and expeditions, and fabulous archaeological legacy.

The Martand Sun Temple is the only surviving reminder of the great Kashmiri Emperor Lalitaditya, whose empire stretched from Central Asia to the Gangetic plain

For decades, conflict has eclipsed all else in Kashmir but archaeologists, historians and heritage experts might just have a balm for these troubled times. Our weekly online talk show, Heritage Matters, focused on how we can revive interest in a region that was once a confluence of cultures

The tragic story of Habba Khatoon, or ‘Zoon’, one of the greatest poets of Kashmir isn’t very widely known. But her ballads are sung in the valley even today, 400 years after her death!

Lal Ded was a 14th century mystic-poet whose verse laid the foundation of the Kashmiri language and literature. Catch the story of this naked mendicant, who rose above her miserable life to become a spiritual icon for centuries to come

King Lalitaditya was one of Kashmir’s most famous rulers. But did you know, that his capital Parihaspora, near Srinagar remains one of the most confounding sites in India. Why are there thousands of stones scattered all around, its once grand buildings? Find out

Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin was a progressive ruler of the Shah Miri dynasty of Kashmir and was known for his innovative socio-economic reforms that could teach us a thing or two even today. More than 500 years later, his legacy continues in the music and handicrafts of the region.

On the occasion of Buddha Purnima we bring to you the story of Harwan monastery in Kashmir where 2000 years ago 4th Buddhist council was held and scholars from all over the subcontinent congregated

As the ‘New Great Game’ plays out across the Himalayas, we revisit the original Great Game, where an Indian spy played a pivotal role in aiding British missions in Central Asia and Afghanistan. After a life of action, drama and intrigue, Mohan Lal died in obscurity

The Verinag spring, from which emerges the Jhelum river, is flush with history and legends

Fine hand woven, Pashmina shawls or Cashmeres as they are known, are prized for their beauty & quality. Literally meaning ‘soft gold’ in Kashmiri, the Pashmina has a truly illustrious and ancient past

Srinagar’s irresistible allure emanates from its top draws like the Dal Lake, markets, beautiful shrines and picture-perfect landscape. But there is a lot more to see. Here’s a list of lesser-known but remarkable monuments that will take your breath away.