Explained Culture

EXPLAINED CULTURE NEWS

Railways discontinues 'colonial uniform': Evolution of the bandhgala, a 'made in India' fashion statement

January 14, 2026 1:10 pm

Often called the “prince suit” or the “prince cut” in common parlance, the bandhgala originated in the princely state of Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Take a look at its fascinating journey.

PM Modi opens ‘The Light & The Lotus’: History of Piprahwa Gems returned to India after 127 years

January 03, 2026 10:46 am

The relics, which were taken by an Englishman from their resting place in India in 1898, were returned to the country last year, the Ministry of Culture said

Portland Frog: The cultural reinvention of the amphibian, now as a symbol of resistance

December 31, 2025 7:23 pm

The frog suits in the 2025 Portland protests and the appearance of Pepe in the 2019 Hong Kong protests herald an increasingly popular trend of weaponising humour and absurdity to respond to perceived excesses

5 board games played in ancient worlds, from India’s Chaturanga to The Royal Game of Ur

December 30, 2025 7:03 pm

A recent exhibition showcased India’s ancient board games, but their archaeological evidence has also been found globally, with some dating back thousands of years.

100 years of Radio Ceylon: How it once made a fractured region hum to a shared frequency

December 23, 2025 7:29 pm

Radio Ceylon was the first radio broadcaster in Asia. As it completes 100 years, we look back at the role it has played for the subcontinent.

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ in theatres : The debate on the lasting impact of James Cameron's series

December 22, 2025 8:14 pm

Despite its box-office triumphs, discussion around the Avatar franchise continues to centre on its perceived lack of cultural relevance. Does the series have a cultural footprint — and does it matter?

Recalling Rob Reiner, the versatile writer-director who helped shape today’s Hollywood

December 16, 2025 7:16 pm

Reiner’s sudden demise has triggered an outpouring of grief from Hollywood elites, several of whom he worked with. Here is everything to know about the prolific writer-director and comedian

Why does Jane Austen remain so popular? Because of craft, commerce, and common sense

December 18, 2025 10:45 am

On Jane Austen's 250th birth anniversary, we try to answer in 3 condensed points the subject of countless doctoral theses: just what is so great about her?

Ranveer Singh’s ‘Dhurandhar’ mints Rs 300 crore: Why action films are Bollywood's favourite comeback vehicle

December 14, 2025 4:27 pm

Dhurandhar Box Office Collection: When a Bollywood star is battling flops or returning after a break, they often don’t go for love stories or comedies. They come back swinging, literally, and for good reason.

A glowing recognition: How Diwali made it to UNESCO heritage list

December 11, 2025 11:16 am

Diwali UNESCO heritage, Intangible heritage list 2025: Diwali is the 16th Indian element to be inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The list now features around 700 elements, including 16 from India.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement