Postcards From Nowhere with Utsav Mamoria
308 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsPostcards from Nowhere is a travel podcast that takes you on journeys exploring culture, history, food and people in the form of stories. With over a decade of travel stories in his kitty, Utsav Mamoria narrates the stories of the strange, obscure and fascinating things about the world, often interspersed with practical tips and deep realizations, which would shape the way you travel.
Tune in to the new episode every Thursday.
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Episodes
The intertwined destinies of Ramen and Japan - Part 1
March 14, 2024 00:30 - 8 minutes - 8.01 MBDive into the fascinating world of ramen with our latest podcast episode! Meet Osaki Hoshiri, a man who eats 800 bowls of ramen a year and has dedicated his life to writing about this iconic Japanese dish. Discover how ramen evolved from a humble meal to a cultural phenomenon, with intriguing origin stories dating back centuries. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of ramen's past and celebrate its delicious present across Japan and beyond. Tune in now for a savory journey through culinary h...
The Social History of Tea
March 07, 2024 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.6 MBExplore the captivating journey of tea from its ancient origins to its modern-day significance in India and also we unravel the social, psychological, and poetic effects of this beloved beverage, delving into its rich history, cultural impact, and the rituals that surround it. From the colonial trade routes to the bustling streets of contemporary India, discover how chai has become more than just a drink—it's a symbol of hospitality, connection, and tradition. Till then Check out the other ...
The Strange History of the rise of Beer in Europe
February 29, 2024 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.5 MBUnlock the surprising history behind your favorite brew in this episode! Delve into the captivating tale of how two pandemics and the guidance of priests paved the frothy path for beer to become the beloved beverage it is today. Step back in time and discover the fascinating origins of beer that transcend centuries and pandemics alike. Tune in now to uncover the remarkable story brewing beneath the foam! Till then Check out the other episodes, The strange Polish notion of Holocaust Envy - ...
Sex, Drugs and Gobi Manchurian
February 22, 2024 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.64 MBDelve into Bangalore’s culinary obsession with Gobi Manchurian and explore how language influences our food experiences. Journey back to Calcutta's history of Chinese migration, uncovering the roots of Indian-Chinese cuisine. Discover the intriguing parallels between food and sex, as we uncover the hidden connections that tantalize our taste buds and ignite our passions. Tune in for a deliciously provocative journey where every bite tells a story of pleasure and desire. Till then Check out ...
Why East Asian food lacks Desserts
February 15, 2024 00:30 - 8 minutes - 8.07 MBEver wondered why do East Asian cuisine's lack of desserts. From the subtleties of taste to the deep-rooted philosophies, explore why sugar takes a backseat in Chinese culinary traditions. Discover how genetic predispositions, cultural norms, and historical contexts shape the palate of billions. Through insightful discussions and savory insights, we unravel the fascinating world where meals end without a sweet note. Tune in as we explore the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that make ...
The Ubiquitous Art of Cooking in Leaves
February 08, 2024 00:30 - 8 minutes - 8.03 MBEver wondered about the culinary secrets hidden within the folds of nature's humble leaves? Join us on a tantalizing audio journey that delves deep into the heart of global cuisine, where the simple leaf becomes a vessel of culinary creativity and cultural heritage. From the bustling streets of Mumbai's Matunga to the serene temples of Tamil Nadu, and from the aromatic kitchens of Gujarat to the historic recipes of medieval Karnataka, immerse yourself in the flavors and stories woven into ev...
Why we are all Hungarians from Rajasthan ?
February 01, 2024 00:30 - 7 minutes - 7.3 MBUnveil the enigmatic ties between Rajasthan and distant lands in this trivia-packed Episode ! From the exploits of Paan Singh Tomar to the fascinating history of the Tomar clan, embark on a journey through time and lineage. Explore the tantalizing theories linking Rajasthan's Chauhan kings to the Huns of Hungary, weaving a tale of shared heritage across continents. Delve into the world of genetics as we unravel the diverse origins of communities like the Jats and Rajputs, revealing the intri...
Why do we have Addresses at all?
January 25, 2024 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.63 MBDid you know that the famous 221B Baker Street, home to Sherlock Holmes, sparked a real-life address feud in London? Dive into the intriguing world of addresses with us this week as we uncover the unexpected drama behind this fictional location. From mysterious letters to a full-time job just to reply to them, the story gets crazier! Tune in for a wild ride through history, names, and the surprising reasons we have addresses. Till then Check out the other episodes, The strange Polish noti...
Why does Japan have no street names?
January 18, 2024 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.79 MBWhat if for a moment, I transported you into the heart of Tokyo, and you discover that the city has no street names? And not just Tokyo, all of Japan is like that. And what does that have to do with the 1987 U2 song 'Where Streets Have No Names', written in a completely different context in Ireland? This week, we travel to Japan and ask a simple question - What if we pay attention to the notion of addresses and street names? What if we stop and ask, why are our addresses and street names the...
Why dictators love town squares ?
January 11, 2024 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.69 MBEmbark on a journey from Poland to China in this riveting episode as we explore why dictators are drawn to town squares and how these very squares become the stages of their demise. From Tiananmen Square in Beijing, witness the poignant events of 1989, to the Grand Market in Krakow, a symbol of resilience against Nazi and Communist regimes. Discover the historical significance of town squares as dictators' theatres of power and learn how, in a twist of fate, these squares become the battlegr...
The Unkindness of History: Lenin in a Theme Park
November 30, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.83 MBIn this week's episode, join us on a journey to Krakow, Poland, where a statue of Soviet hero Vladimir Lenin undergoes a bizarre journey from a symbol of communism to a casualty of local disdain. Uncover the surprising twists that lead this statue to an unexpected home in a Wild West-themed park in Sweden. From failed bombings to aphrodisiac-laden cat antics, this tale is a rollercoaster of historical oddities. And if you are intrigued about Central Asia, Samosas and Hospitality, check out...
Two Billion Euros and the Polish Temple of Memory
November 16, 2023 00:30 - 9 minutes - 8.41 MBEmbark on a riveting journey with this week's episode as we trace the tumultuous odyssey of a priceless painting worth two billion Euros. From Hotel Lambert in 1830s Paris to the clandestine moves during World Wars, this painting, Leonardo Da Vinci's 'Lady with an Ermine,' becomes a symbol of Poland's resilience and identity. Through six generations of the Czartoryski Family and multiple hidden relocations, the collection at the Czartoryski Museum emerges as the memory of the Polish Nation. ...
The untold story of Holocaust heroism: 'Under the Eagle' Pharmacy
November 09, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.75 MBJourney back in time to Krakow's darkest hours during the Holocaust, where ordinary heroes emerged from the shadows. Explore the remarkable story of Tadeusz Pankiewicz and his team at the 'Under the Eagle' pharmacy, a symbol of hope in a sea of despair. As walls rose around the ghetto, this unassuming pharmacy became an embassy of solace, a lifeline to those in need. Join us to uncover the extraordinary acts of compassion and defiance that history often forgets. In a world consumed by darkne...
The complicated legacy of Schindler's List
November 02, 2023 00:30 - 10 minutes - 9.52 MBThis episode takes you on a journey through the complex legacy of Spielberg's Schindler's List. Beyond the heroism, we explore the enigmatic truth behind Oskar Schindler, and why it's not quite what it seems. We also contrast it with The Pianist, a Holocaust film that presents a different perspective - the victim's story. Join us to understand how cinema shapes our perception of reality and morality, and how we can respond to genocides around us. And if you are intrigued about Central A...
The surprising evolution of Polish food
October 26, 2023 00:30 - 9 minutes - 8.75 MB1981, Communist Poland At the peak of the Soviet rule in Poland, the country had run into enormous economic hardships. Food became scarce, and citizens marched on the streets protesting against hunger. Everything became rationed, and even then, sometimes the rationed needs could not be met. But this is not the story of the food shortages of Communist Poland. This is the story of the larger arc of Polish food, and how it came to evolve in surpising ways over 15 centuries. And if you are int...
The Oak Tree that chronicled Poland's Modern History
October 19, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 8.16 MBPrepare to be transported to the heart of Krakow, Poland, where an ancient Oak tree holds secrets of a nation's tumultuous history. Step back in time to November 6, 1939, when shadows of tyranny descended upon Poland, targeting its intellectual backbone. Unveil the riveting account of sacrifice, resilience, and a silent sentinel the Oak of Freedom that bore witness to Poland's fierce struggle for liberty. Join us for a compelling episode on Postcards from Nowhere, as we explore the haunting ...
The Strange Polish notion of Holocaust Envy
October 12, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 8.03 MBExplore the chilling tale of Cywia Asterblum, a student condemned in 1936 Poland for protesting anti-Semitism, setting the stage for a dark period in history. The episode navigates through the haunting realities of Auschwitz and unveils the controversial 'Memory Laws' in modern Poland. Delving into the eerie concept of Holocaust Envy, the episode reveals the disturbing motivations behind historical distortion and its impact on society, past and present. And if you are intrigued about Centra...
Love European Cities? You are walking on Poop
October 05, 2023 00:30 - 7 minutes - 7 MBDiscover Krakow's dramatic transformation from devastation to grandeur after the Mongol invasion of 1241. Join us as we delve into the secrets buried beneath its cobbled streets witness the rise, struggles, and innovative solutions of a medieval city grappling with waste management. Uncover how the echoes of the past resonate through its architecture and ground levels, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of a European gem. Walk through history and realize that what lies beneath yo...
The Complicated Legacy of Tintin
September 28, 2023 00:30 - 9 minutes - 8.66 MBWhat could possibly be wrong or complicated about the legacy of the one of the most loved boy detectives in the world? Tintin has been and will continue to be a part of the childhood of millions, including mine. But what did a visit to Brussels in Belgium, home to Herge the creator of Tintin, mean for the adult Utsav reading Tintin? This week, we travel to the heart of Brussels in Belgium and uncover the complicated legacy of the famous comic book hero Tintin. We also ponder over how we coul...
The Neuroscience of Trying New Cuisines
September 14, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.48 MBImagine the last time you had some horrendous food. Like the kind which not only tastes bad, but also gives you a recoiling diarrohea. The one you take almost a week to properly recover from. Now imagine walking into your home after being drenched in the rain, and being greeted with smell of crisp frying pakoras and piping hot ginger tea. Turns out these two experiences are not very different from each other. This week, we uncover the connection between smell, taste and memory, and discover ...
Syncing Senses: The Neuroscience of Music, Grunting, and Eating with Hands
September 07, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.77 MBThink Tennis and Taekwondo. Two sports which could not be more different from each other, but they have one aspect in common. Grunting. But what's the big deal about grunting in sports? And if you thought these two were unrelated, may I introduce Indian classical music in the mix? What could possible connect grunting and Indian classical music? This week, we discover the neuroscience that connects grunting, Indian Classical Music and why we as Indians love eating with our hands. Check out t...
Endangered Pasts: Decoding Ancient Bonds between Gujarat & Tamil Nadu
August 31, 2023 00:30 - 7 minutes - 7.05 MBIn July 2023, Coke Studio Bharat dropped a song, Khalasi. It took only a few days for it to rake up over 20 Million listens on YouTube, making it an instant hit. It was a bunch of firsts - A Gujarati song, that too one which is not a Garba song, and comes from a completely different musical tradition. But what if told you that it had something to do with two endangered species in India - The Asiatic Lion and The Indian Wild Ass. This week, we travel across Gujarat and understand the hidden a...
Architecture as Statecraft: The Story of Jaipur
August 24, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.86 MBThis week on "Postcards from Nowhere. we unveil the hidden power of architecture in Jaipur's streets and discover how food-named lanes were tools of statecraft, intricately designed to influence politics and trade and explore how history's complexities defy simplistic narratives, as we delve into the strategic fusion of architecture and power. And if you are intrigued about Central Asia, Samosas and Hospitality, check out the episodes on Uzbekistan Beauty of Uzbekistan and the Geometry Box...
Pilgrimage to the Land of the Martyrs ft. Varun Oak-Bhakay
August 10, 2023 00:30 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBIf you consider yourself patriotic, do you know about Hussaniwala? It's a small village on the border of Indian Punjab and Pakistan and has a fascinating history that shaped both pre and post-independence India. This week, on the eve of our independence day, we speak with Varun Oak-Bhakay, who travelled to Hussainiwala, the Land of the Martyrs. Tune in, and discover this forgotten piece of Indian history. A detailed account of the skirmishes and battles at Hussainiwala on Varun's blog: http...
How Salt built the World's Greatest Civilizations - Part 2
August 03, 2023 00:30 - 7 minutes - 6.86 MBIn 1922, The tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered in the Valley of the Kings by excavators led by the Egyptologist Howard Carter. It was the first known largely intact royal burial from ancient Egypt and became one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. Inside the tomb, amongst thousands of objects, two vials stood out, for they were critical in the process of embalming and mummification. A close cousin of the contents of that vial was also found, and it brought to t...
How Salt built the World's Greatest Civilizations - Part 1
July 27, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.37 MBImagine the badlands of Chambal in the 70's, the setting of Sholay and Kaalia pleading to Gabbar for his life - Sardar, maine aapka namak khaya hai. Now imagine the greatest philosopher from China, Confucious reflecting about the nature of that very namak, and how should rulers rule with morality. What connects the two is Salt. This week, we trace the remarkable story of the condiment on your dinner table, and how it built one of the greatest civilisations the world has ever seen. And if yo...
The Satyagraha for the Soul of Odia Cuisine
July 20, 2023 00:30 - 9 minutes - 8.58 MBIn this episode of we delve into the little-known Salt Satyagraha in Odisha, which took place before Gandhi's famous Dandi March. Join us as we explore the fight to save the soul of Odia cuisine, uncovering the historical significance of salt and its impact on the region's traditional dishes. Discover the rich culinary heritage of Odisha. And if you are intrigued about Central Asia, Samosas and Hospitality, check out the episodes on Uzbekistan Beauty of Uzbekistan and the Geometry Box: htt...
The story of Milk from the Highlands of Tibet
July 13, 2023 00:30 - 9 minutes - 8.67 MBBy some counts, at its peak, the Mongol Empire stretched nearly 31 million square kilometres, an area of land roughly the size of the African continent. But what did this Empire led by Genghis Khan eat during the long conquests over highland passes and treachrous mountains? And what could it have to do with a bunch of scientists from the Max Planck instiute of Geoanthropology, looking at the teeth of Tibetans buried thousands of years ago? This week, we travel to the Highlands of Tibet and u...
Cycling through Asia and Europe ft. Pritam Sukumar
June 29, 2023 00:30 - 28 minutes - 26 MBHe quit his cushy job at Amazon and travelled from 2015 to 2019. He has jumped into lakes and seas in Argentina (more than a few times), watched soaring condors while trekking in the South of Chile (well, one condor but a really majestic one), walked from the end of Switzerland to the end of France, motorcycled for more than a year in India, cycled 6000-8000 kilometres from Tajikistan to Slovenia, become a certified paragliding pilot and mountaineer, and other such cool-sounding stuff. But ...
The Legendary Biryanis of Tamil Nadu
June 22, 2023 00:30 - 10 minutes - 9.92 MB1957 - Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. A humble betel nut seller decides to start a 4 seater Biryani hotel, with a recipe from his wife. Over 60 years later, that tiny hotel is a sprawling business valued at over 860 crores. So what is so special about the Biryani from Dindigul? Or for that matter of that from Ambur and Chennai? This week, we travel across North, Central and Southern Tamil Nadu to discover the Biryanis of the state, with their unique accompaniments like Dalcha and Ennai Kathrika, and ...
How Sangam Landscapes shaped Tamil Food
June 15, 2023 00:30 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MB27 Women poets, 102 anonymous and a total of 473 poets over centuries created a body of work, which came to define Tamil culture. And then most of it falls into oblivion for much of the second millennium AD. They were preserved by and rediscovered in the monasteries of Hinduism, particularly those related to the Shaivism sect, near Kumbakonam, by colonial-era scholars in the late nineteenth century. This week, we travel to Tamil Nadu and uncover how Sangam Literature shaped food in Tamil Nad...
How the Ice Age shaped Indian food
June 01, 2023 00:30 - 7 minutes - 7.03 MBIn the evolution from primates to humans, we lost our hair and developed a layer of fat. But as science is discovering now, we also lost our ability to synthesis a few compounds which were critical for the long term survival of humans. But what if I told you that the last Ice Age had a lot to do with it? This week, we uncover the fascinating story of how genetic mutations and climate change shaped Indian food, even before humans existed. Tune in, and discover the natural forces which impacte...
How India developed a tense relationship with Alcohol
May 25, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.72 MBThis week, we travel through time, through stories of Lord Buddha, and verses of Arthashastra to modern times, and understand how India developed a tense relationship with Alcohol. Till then Check out the other episodes, Anne Frank, Lootera and Endless Life of Trees The Trees that built Venice Elm Trees, National Revolutions and Modern Paper European Impressionism, Japanese Nationalism and Cherry Blossom Trees The tree that built New Zealand Living Fossils, National Identities and 200 MM y...
HDFC Investverse | Balancing Your Work, Finances, and Hobbies
May 23, 2023 00:30 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBDo you wish to buy a new car? Or build the house of your dreams? But don’t know how to plan for your goals financially. Well, worry no more we got you. In today’s episode of Investverse, an investor education initiative by HDFC MF, Anupam will be in conversation with Utsav Mamoria, a consumer insights expert, traveler, and host of the podcast Postcards From Nowhere. In this episode, we will cover everything from equity investment to the importance of setting long-term and short-term goa...
Vedic Vices: The Story of 'Chakna'
May 18, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 8.12 MBThe 1949 Prohibition Act in the Bombay Province gave rise to a clandestine alcohol operation in the city called Aunty Bars. Apart from serving locally brewed alcohol, they also saw hawkers selling snacks, which eventually came to be known as Chakna. But Chakna is not a modern invention, and in fact has documented history tracing back to Vedic times. This week, we travel from present-day India into ancient times and uncover the story of ‘Chakna’, the snacky necessity which accompanies every d...
Colonial Tamil Nadu's Coffee Puranam
May 11, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 8.26 MBWould you believe me if I said that Tamil Nadu once hated filter coffee? If this sounds absurd, this week we travel in time to colonial Tamil Nadu and discover the story uncover the story of how the state went from hating to loving coffee Till then Check out the other episodes, Anne Frank, Lootera and Endless Life of Trees The Trees that built Venice Elm Trees, National Revolutions and Modern Paper European Impressionism, Japanese Nationalism and Cherry Blossom Trees The tree that built Ne...
How food, caste and class defined Tamil worship rituals
May 03, 2023 18:30 - 8 minutes - 8.09 MBEvery year in early January, thousands of people, barefoot walk about 160 miles to the town in Tamil Nadu. They are devotees of the Tamil god Murugan, and carry a specific food item with them. Similarly, in the peak of summer, another set of men take the same journey, but carry a different food item with them. But why do they do so? This week, we travel to the Palani (Pazhani) region of Tamil Nadu, and uncover the complex food, caste and community dynamics of the worship of Lord Murugan, and...
How Buddhism shaped Sri Lankan food
April 27, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 8.22 MB543 BC, Lord Buddha had left the earth, and his body was cremated in a sandalwood pyre at Kushinagar, in modern-day Uttar Pradesh. His left canine tooth was retrieved from the funeral pyre by his disciple, Khema. Over the decades, it changed hands and found itself in Kandy, Sri Lanka. So important was this tooth, that palaces were built around it. And thus began a tradition of ritual offerings at these palaces. This week, we travel to Sri Lanka and uncover how Buddhism shaped the food of the...
How caste made foods taboo : The story of cooking dogs.
April 20, 2023 00:30 - 9 minutes - 8.93 MBEach year, Yulin in the Guangxi province of China catches the worlds attention for its dog meat festival, and receives harsh criticism. Closer home, activists have been trying to ban the dog meat among the tribes of Nagaland, even though the tribes enjoy protection under section 371A of the constitution. This week, we travel back in time, browse through the Manumriti and the Upanishads, discover the connections between dog eating and caste, and why we must not judge people for their food cho...
Catalonian Human Pyramids, Dahi Handi and Marathi Sants
April 13, 2023 00:30 - 9 minutes - 8.76 MBOn 16 November 2010, UNESCO declared this among the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This is usually seen in the Catalonian region of Spain, the Balearic islands and Valencia. This also has a sibling 7000 kms away on the coast of India. This week, we travel from Catalonia in Spain to the town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra to find the similarities between the two art forms. We uncover the Warkari movement, its impact on Hinduism and the story behind the much loved ...
The war influenced cuisine of Tamil Eelam
April 06, 2023 00:30 - 9 minutes - 8.6 MBThe midnight of 1st June 1981 is etched into the history of Jaffna. The city witnessed a one of its kind of violence, which was not just physical, but imaginative - aimed to strike at the heart of the city’s soul. And what eventually led to change the fate of a people. This week, we travel to north and eastern Sri Lanka, and discover how the decades long civil war impacted the food of its most notable minority - Jaffna Tamils. Tune in, and discover what it means to travel a country ravaged b...
The famine induced cuisine of North Korea
March 30, 2023 00:30 - 9 minutes - 8.91 MB27th April 2018 The supreme leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un stepped over the De-militarized Zone (or DMZ) boundary line and entered South Korea. It was the first time since the 1950 Korean War that a North Korean leader had entered South Korean territory. As a symbol of peace, the Kim Jong Un also got a chef from Pyongyang to cook a signature dish from North Korea, one that became a symbol of North Korean cuisine. This week, we travel to the border of the two Koreas, and discover the fam...
Genetics, Milk and the Great Indian Sweet Divide
March 23, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 8.11 MBIn the legends of the Puri Jagannath temple, an irate goddess Laxmi is placated by Lord Jagannath by offering her a sweet. Its the same sweet which led to a battle between Odisha and West Bengal with each claiming to be the original inventor of it. But the presence of the sweet itself is a testament of a pattern in sweets in Eastern India, and even in Southern India. This week, we uncover two food divides in India: one lesser-known and one well-known, both of which have the same underlying c...
Rashomon and the Kaavad storytellers of Rajasthan
March 16, 2023 00:30 - 9 minutes - 8.82 MBIn the early 19th century, the Maharaja of Travancore levied an absolutely bizzare tax: Any woman who had come of age and had breasts had to pay a breast tax, and bare her breasts to anyone who was of a higher caste to them. This was one amongst the hundreds of taxes the lower castes had to endure, which put them in a cycle of perpetual debt and poverty. And then came a revolt which led the Maharaja to revoke the tax. This week, in the fifth episode of India's Linguistic Heritage, we explore...
Malaria, Leeches and Wayanad Ramayanas
March 09, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 8.09 MB"Banasura Hill in Wayanad is one of the tallest mountains and is named after Banasura, son of the great demon king Mahabali and himself a legendary king with a thousand arms. But what could he have to do with the fact that Malaria is endemic in Wayanad? Meanwhile, the entire district is known to have leeches, with the exception of the town of Pulpally, which is Leech free? And what could it have to do with the famed Hindu epic Ramayan? This week, we travel to Wayanad in Kerala and discover t...
Integral Calculus, Women Circumnavigators and Bougainvillea
February 23, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.57 MB1756, France - A 27 year old man publishes two volumes on integral calculus. His work is recognized by his peers, he gets elected to the Royal Society in London, but his career as a mathematician also ends with those two volumes. A few decades later, a man circumnavigates the globe, but does not immediately get recognition for it. And all this is connected to one of the most popular flowers in the world. This week, we celebrate Women’s History Month and uncover the tragic history of the disc...
Egyptian Pharaohs, Incense Trade Routes and Agarbatti
February 16, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.88 MB1470 BC - A five-ship caravan by Egyptian Pharoah Hatshepsut undertakes a unique voyage, possibly the first plant-collecting mission masterminded by a woman. The voyage is successful as the touring party returns with 31 live plants of a certain species. Over 4000 kms away, in a port once considered one of the greatest in the world, an extract of the same plant is making its way around the world. But which plant is this, and why does it matter today? This week, we travel from Luxor in Egypt t...
An Empty Chair, Stalinist Russia and Rave Idli
February 09, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 7.49 MB1939, Edinburgh. The 7th International Congress of Genetics was being held, but it was not just another scientific conference. It was held after a gap of 4 years, and the most discussed subject had nothing to do with genetics. Everyone was discussing an empty chair. A few decades later, the prime minister of one of the largest nations in the world was frantically reaching out to the world to solve her food shortage problems. This week, we travel from Edinburgh to Stalinist Russia and then fi...
Black Death, Bahubali and the World's Most Expensive Spice
February 02, 2023 00:30 - 8 minutes - 8.05 MBAfter its arrival in Crimea in 1347, it rapidly spread through Constantinople, Spain, France and southern England. By 1350, it devastated Northern France, the British Isles, Germany and the Scandinavian region. It then crept up to Russia, touching Moscow in 1353. It killed an estimated 30% to 65% of European population. Thousands of kilometres in a town in Karnataka, a ritual which takes place every 12 years makes it an important piligrimage site for Jains all over India. What is that 'it' t...
Living Fossils, National Identities and 200 MM year old trees
January 26, 2023 00:30 - 10 minutes - 9.41 MBThis week, we travel from the Wollemi National Park in Australia to the Xingdoushan Nature Conservation Area in China to uncover the story of two living fossils, and how trees can shape national identities. Till then Check out the other episodes of "Ireland Untravelled" Lost Treasures, Dynamite and the Irish Nation : https://ivm.today/3okwxm5 Gaelic and the stunning decline of the Irish Language : https://ivm.today/3zmhE9i Trinity Long Room and the Soul of the Irish Nation : https://ivm.to...