Tag: Pakistan

The Hyderabad Saga: Part One

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August 1947 – India attains Independence, but at a cost. Three princely states are still posing fight, maintaining their sovereignity, refusing accession. One of these is situated in the heart of the Indian Union – Hyderabad.

There are several characters at play in this saga. The Nizam of Hyderabad, the head of an amataeur militant faction – Kasim Razvi, and the Indian Government led by Nehru and Sardar Patel. Who will prevail? How does Hyderabad ultimately accede to India and at what cost?

This is a tale of high-octane drama, theatrics, brutal politics and raging violence. The Hyderabad Saga narrates the on-ground realities and behind-the-scene politics that ultimately shaped India as the Independent Union it is today. Split in two parts, the first article traces the build-up to the violence that exploded in the months of August and Septembet 1948.

Click to know more! … Continue readingThe Hyderabad Saga: Part One

A Royal Riot – The Mystery of the ‘Royal’ Family of Awadh

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The decade is sometime in the early 1970s. A woman arrives at the New Delhi railway station and shakes up the atmosphere by proclaiming herself as Wilayat, the Begum of Awadh. Along with her, she brought an entire household to the platform and unloaded sets of royal crockery, carpets, two Great Danes and two young children. She settled in the V.I.P room and would stay there for almost a decade before the government finally gave into their demands.

But the story was about to get more and more twisted. As the decades passed by and the family’s demands to be handed over possession of all the properties held by the Awadhi Royal Kingdom grew dimmer and faded away, one journalist’s frenzy would soon bring them back into the limelight.

This is the fascinating story of the ‘Royal’ Family of Awadh. The article contains intricate details , photographs and videos about them and the truth that had so long been hidden in this mess of a Royal Riot. … Continue readingA Royal Riot – The Mystery of the ‘Royal’ Family of Awadh

Benazir Bhutto – A Woman Beyond the Extraordinary

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Remembering Benazir Bhutto on her 14th death anniversary.

Benazir Bhutto – The First Lady to Head an Islamic Nation, the first woman to have given birth while in office, a lady known for championing the cause of women empowerment and one who led the fight against a patriarchal society. This was the life of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister – Benazir Bhutto.

‘Illustrious’, only begins to describe Benazir’s life and political career. Born in the politicaly elite ‘Bhutto’ family, Benazir’s life from very early on itself was very out of the ordinary. She grew up in large house buzzing with prominent politician from all around the world. However, her life wasn’t as easy and priveleged as one would think.

Her entire life was wracked by murders and mysterious deaths of her immediate family; decades spent behind the bars and under detentions and house arrests; and lastly – numerous assassination attempts.

Click on the title above to unfold the story of this remarkable woman. Presenting the life and story of – “Benazir Bhutto – A Woman Beyond the Extraordinary” … Continue readingBenazir Bhutto – A Woman Beyond the Extraordinary

Jinnah – Beyond the Pages…

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‘Muhammad Ali Jinnah’ – a name that we know little about beyond his life as the founder of Pakistan. Jinnah’s career as a barrister and a lawyer is an extremely impressive one, and one that isn’t well-known to us.

As I wrote this article, so many details about this leader, who is now remembered as the ‘Quaid-e-Azam’ of Pakistan, came to light. From his campaigning for the creation of a secular India to his demand for the creation Pakistan, Jinnah’s life and story is a fascinating journey and makes for a riveting read!

Click on the title above to read about – “Jinnah – Beyond the Pages…” … Continue readingJinnah – Beyond the Pages…

Makli Nekropolis – The City of the Dead

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A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Makli Necropolis is the largest graveyard in the world. But, don’t let the word ‘graveyard’ fool you, because Makli is the most beautiful cemetery that you will ever come across. It’s architectural style ranges from Muslim to Hindu designs.
Makli is probably the only graveyard that you’ll be able to call – ‘A Stunning Necropolis’.
Click on the picture above, to know more! … Continue readingMakli Nekropolis – The City of the Dead