Launched in 1983 as an affordable caramel-chocolate toffee, Parle's Melody has survived changing snack trends for decades. Now, after PM Narendra Modi gifted it to Italy PM Giorgia Meloni in Rome, the Re 1 candy has transformed into a viral diplomatic symbol tied to the internet-famous "Melodi" meme.
Women once carried essentials in hidden waist-tied pockets, but changing fashion gradually made them disappear. Today's tiny or fake pockets are not random. Design trends, cost cutting, and gendered choices shaped this shift, leaving many women still relying on handbags instead of functional clothing.
From beauty standards to marriage traditions, societies have historically imposed rules on women's bodies in the name of culture and honour. While some communities see them as heritage, others are increasingly questioning their impact on women's dignity and well-being.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategic waterways, but where did its name come from? Is it Persian, Zoroastrian, or something else entirely? Here's the layered history behind the name that has echoed across trade routes for centuries.
Iran is often grouped with Arab nations, but it is not an Arab country. Its people are largely Persian, its language is Farsi, and its history stretches back to ancient empires long before Islam. Here's a clear guide to Persian and Arab identity.
Israeli society is shaped by deep religious, cultural and political diversity. From ultra-Orthodox Haredim to secular Hilonim, Jewish communities differ widely in beliefs and lifestyle. Alongside Arab minorities, these groups form a complex social structure that continues to influence Israel's politics, identity and national debates.
The purpose of oral history is simple: to preserve people's experiences in their own words. It is more deliberate than casual conversation yet less rigid than written records. It documents the way people speak, their tone, hesitation, humour, and small but meaningful details, capturing aspects of lived experience that written records often overlook.
Valentine's Day has evolved from ancient Roman fertility rituals and Christian martyr legends into a global celebration of love, gifts and grand gestures. But behind the roses and chocolates lies a layered history of blood rites, myths and medieval storytelling.
Kissing is often labelled a Western import, but history tells a different story. From Vedic texts to Khajuraho sculptures and the Kama Sutra, India documented and studied the art of intimacy centuries ago. New global research on kissing only makes this cultural irony sharper and more fascinating.
Maharashtra has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites among Indian states. From Ajanta and Ellora caves to Mumbai's iconic architecture and the Western Ghats, here's why the state leads India's heritage map.
The Railways offered a diverse menu in the 1990s, ranging from vegetarian dishes to biryani. It had it all. Chai was served in traditional glass tumblers, and cutlets were especially popular among passengers. So what did the menu actually look like? Take a look. For many, it remains a journey of nostalgia.
A 129-year-old royal menu has gone viral. It was offered by the Maharaja of Baroda to the Maharaja of Gwalior and lists several French dishes, reflecting the global tastes of the era.
Known as the Temple City of India, Bhubaneswar boasts an extraordinary concentration of ancient shrines, sculptures and stone towers that span more than two millennia of history.
In Japan's volcanic valley of Owakudani, tourists line up to eat jet-black eggs believed to add seven years to life. The story blends folklore, geology and food culture — but what's myth, and what's science?
From bargain shopping to street food and culture, one Indian city stands out as the undisputed hub of street markets that attract locals, tourists and bargain hunters alike
Street food in India's food capital did not appear overnight. It grew with the rise and fall of empires, the movement of traders, and the daily needs of people who lived and worked in crowded markets. History shaped not only the city's streets, but also what was cooked and eaten on them.
At Jaipur Lit Fest, a panel featuring Stephen Fry explores why The Odyssey still matters today. Much like India's great epics, the Greek classic emerges as a story of exile, endurance, and return — one that continues to shape how we understand family, memory, and what it means to come home.
Hanging coffins and cliff burials were once widespread across parts of East and Southeast Asia, shaped by beliefs around honour, ancestry and spiritual elevation. New DNA research has now confirmed that the Bo tribe, one of the earliest practitioners of this ritual, still has living descendants, revealing rare cultural continuity from the Neolithic era.
A nation is home to around 840 living native languages. This makes it the most linguistically diverse country on Earth, according to Guinness World Records.
The idea of the Motherland runs deep not only in India but in Russia as well. The sculpture of Mother Russia visible behind President Putin during the recent interview reflected that pride clearly. It showed how strongly Russians connect their identity to the land, much like Indians do with Bharat Mata. History also records moments when this sentiment was defended, including the time Russia refused to sell the Mother Russia sculpture to the French President, saying it was not for sale. The shared reverence for the soil explains why both nations often find common ground beyond politics.
