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India

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Features

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Maharaja’s gamble

Gaj Singh was to the palace born, with a lavish inheritance but little income. He reinvented his future and along the way championed royal Rajasthan’s preservation

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India’s Jurassic Park

The most significant site for dinosaur remains in India is also home to a princess who conjures stories of prehistoric life from a surreal landscape

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North to the Mountains

A grandson retraces adventurer Francis K. I. Baird’s mysterious trek to the Himalaya

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Wonder in the caves

In the South of India, ancient temples are carved into cliffs

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A faith as old as the Apostles

Christianity came to Kerala as early as the first century

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This is their livelihood

An interview with Jaya Jaitly, author of the "Crafts Atlas of India"

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Colors of Life

India’s rainbow hues hold many shades of meaning

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Incredible Yoga

Photographer Michael O'Neill spent a decade documenting the practice that saved his life

Departments

Atlas of Eating

Comfort foods on the road

Known as dhabas, these roadside eateries serving classic meals offer a glimpse into India's culture and customs

Touchstone

From hatha yoga, cosmic pieces of art

Paintings recently discovered in Jodhpur's royal palace depict Nath yogis' understanding of the cosmos

Local Lens

In the courtyards and alleyways of Old Delhi

Instagram photographer Arjun Chhabra captures raw moments in the city's alleyways and courtyards

Like a Local

Mehndi: a fanciful imprint of India

In anticipation of her daugher's wedding, Shoba Narayan set out to hone her mendhi craft

Like a Local

The language of hands

Unlock the meaning of these ancient gestures

Essay

A Skeptic's Journey

A window on the world from a four-bunk sleeper car

Resources

Resources

Contributing writers and experts from the Smithsonian submitted their suggestions for India-themed books, movies, and online resources to enjoy before traveling

Last Stop

All together now

A meditation retreat in 1968 offered the British rock group heightened awareness and peace of mind