History and Culture – Page 3 – NICKELED AND DIMED

Culture, Capital, Commodity: On Shillong’s Mawphlang Forests and the Dangers of Ecotourism

By – Poorvanshi Tyagi Abstract The 1996 ecotourism initiatives at the Mawphlang sacred forests brought recognition to the essence of the area, transforming it into a wonder destination for many. A multitude of trip-advisory articles shed light on the systematic structure set in place for the exploration of these sacred groves. It raises a moral…
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The Price of India’s White Gold

By – Apoorva Lakshmi Kaipa Abstract This article examines how the industrialisation of dairy has transformed a culturally sacred practice into a system marked by cruelty, pharmaceutical manipulation, and consumer deception. It will explore the intersection of bioeconomics, cultural tradition, and ethical consumption through the lens of India’s dairy industry and the emerging vegan movement.…
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Meerut 1987: Memory, Erasure, & the Silences of Power

This article examines the 1987 Meerut riots, focusing on the systematic erasure of the massacre through state complicity and narrative manipulation. It explores how communal tensions, political interests, and biased investigations contributed to reframing the violence as a “riot” rather than a state-enabled massacre. By analyzing institutional failures, selective violence, and the withholding of justice,…
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From Enlightenment To Colonialism: A Look At India’s Lost History

By – Poorvanshi Tyagi Abstract Colonialism in India, among other things, resulted in the loss of Indian knowledge and culture. British imagination of India arose as a product of philosophical developments stirring in Europe during the Enlightenment in the 17th and 18th centuries. With the embarkation of the civilising mission, came knowledge production and modification…
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How Queerness Is Authentically Indian

By – Apoorva Lakshmi Kaipa Abstract This article will explore the vibrant and longstanding presence of LGBTQ+ identities within Indian culture, one that predates colonial influence and religious orthodoxy. This article examines sacred texts and traditional practices that reveal India’s historical acceptance of diverse gender identities and sexualities, while tracing how colonial influence distorted these…
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The Hidden Trailblazer of Indian Football

By – Sujal Bamal Preface For as long as I have known her, she has remained a bright light of joy and exuberance, illuminating everything that she sees and filling people up with hope and peace. Despite her struggles throughout her life, she has said that the driving forces fueling her actions are kindness and…
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It’s a Woman’s World: Catherine the Great and the Paradox of Rule

By – Aditi Lazarus Abstract Catherine the Great’s reign (1762–1796) was marked by significant political, social, and cultural transformations in Russia. Ascending the throne through a coup, she implemented reforms inspired by Enlightenment ideals, modernized governance, and expanded Russia’s territorial influence. While her rule balanced progressive reforms with political pragmatism, it also reflected the contradictions…
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Forgotten Voices: Women in World War II

By : Poorvanshi Tyagi Abstract War history for many, has been one of chronologically arranged vertically occurring events. This narrative leads to an erasure of war perspectives of marginalised subaltern racial and gender groups. Women, for instance, shouldered war turmoil alongside men, partaking in war effort in several ways. However, female experiences in war are…
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The Price of Pink

The “Pink Tax” is a form of gender-based economic discrimination wherein products and services marketed toward women are often priced higher than comparable items for men. This article explores the historical development of gendered marketing, tracing its roots from early consumer culture to modern-day advertising strategies. It examines the emergence of the Pink Tax through…
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A Look into the Kaleidoscope of Persian Art and Poetry

By : Sujal Bamal ABSTRACT Brimming with traditions as old as time, magnificent artistry and astounding philosophical depth, the Persian culture is a diorama of creativity and beauty of the human mind. The rich influence of the Iranian culture evades borders and inspires individuals across the world, be it finding comfort in the verses of…
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A look into the Kaleidoscope of Persian Art and Poetry

Brimming with traditions as old as time, magnificent artistry and astounding philosophical depth, the Persian culture is a diorama of creativity and beauty of the human mind. The rich influence of the Iranian culture evades borders and inspires individuals across the world, be it finding comfort in the verses of Rumi to being enamoured by…
Read more: A look into the Kaleidoscope of Persian Art and Poetry
Eminence of Persian Poetry

By : Apoorva Lakshmi Kaipa Abstract Persian Poetry has long been recognised for its unparalleled beauty and depth. It has the ability to encapsulate insightful philosophical, political and experimental realities. Persian poetry has fostered a culture where deep emotions and socio-political commentaries blend seamlessly giving rise to poignant verses. This article aims to explore the…
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