Masala History

Are there water fountains on the roof of the Rashtrapati Bhavan? Why is Mehrauli Park so green? Why is New Delhi called Lutyens' Delhi?

Built at the beginning of the end of the British rule, from a symbol of imperial might to becoming India's beacon of hope to its present state as one of the most endangered heritage cities in the world, New Delhi's story is as colorful and problematic as can be expected. In this podcast, we explore the history of making India's capital city which was also the last imperial capital city in the world.

Did Tipu Sultan truly circumcise adult men to convert them into Muslims? Or, was he the generous benefactor of the Sringeri Matha, a Hindu monastery in the interiors of Karnataka? Why did he write down his dreams in such vivid and fanciful ways? Why did he hate the British so much? What is his connection to Bengaluru International Airport?!

Tipu is perhaps one of the most controversial figures in Indian history. His life, a narrative of battles, bravery, cruelty, and sorrow is the stuff of cinemas and legends. This podcast covers Tipu's birth, battles, faith and patronage, perceived and actual faults as an eighteenth-century empire builder, and his untimely and anticlimactic death.

In this episode, we discuss the history and myths associated with one of India's most controversial historical figures, Tipu Sultan.

Content copyright: Masala History, ©2018. www.masalahistory.com.

Special Note: We are just beginning this podcast journey and we ask you to bear with our initial sound quality hiccups. We are recording from different continents, over different time zones, with introductory podcast equipment, and less than optimal internet connectivity. But we have terrific content on our pods and will continue to work on our production quality. Hang in here with us and we promise very interesting content on South Asian history, culture, books, and more!

In this initial episode of Masala History podcast, we review Santi Kavuri Bauer's book on post-Mughal identity of Mughal architecture in India, published by Duke University Press in 2011. We discuss the book's treatment of British, nationalist, and capitalist interests that have affected and continue to make an impact on some of India's most glorious historical structures.

For show notes including related links, images, and other information, please visit our podcasts page at Masala History.

Content copyright: Masala History, ©2018. www.masalahistory.com.

Special Note: We are just beginning this podcast journey and we ask you to bear with our initial sound quality hiccups. We are recording from different continents, over different time zones, with introductory podcast equipment, and less than optimal internet connectivity. But we have terrific content on our pods and will continue to work on our production quality. Hang in here with us and we promise very interesting content on South Asian history, culture, books, and more!