World History
Islamic State Accused of Involvement in Antiquities Smuggling
The illegal trade in antiquities has long been a shadowy but profitable enterprise, and in recent years it has gained global attention due to the involvement of extremist groups. Among these groups, the so-called Islamic State (IS) has been widely accused by international investigators and cultural heritage experts of participating in the looting and smuggling of priceless historical artifacts. These activities not only threaten humanity’s shared cultural heritage but also provide a significant source of funding for militant operations.
By Irshad Abbasi a day ago in History
Birthplace of the Buddha Threatened by Rising Air Pollution
Lumbini, located in the southern plains of Nepal near the border with India, is one of the most sacred sites in the world for Buddhists. It is widely recognized as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism who lived more than 2,500 years ago. The site, centered around the Maya Devi Temple and its surrounding sacred garden, attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. However, this historically and spiritually significant location is now facing an alarming threat: increasing air pollution.
By Irshad Abbasi a day ago in History
Ancient Buddhist Heritage in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Echoes of a Spiritual Past
The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in present-day Pakistan is widely known for its rugged mountains, vibrant cultures, and strategic historical importance. Yet beneath its modern landscape lies a remarkable legacy that dates back more than two thousand years: the heritage of Buddhism. Scattered across valleys, hills, and ancient cities are centuries-old Buddhist monuments—stupas, monasteries, sculptures, and archaeological sites—that reflect the region’s deep connection with one of the world’s oldest religions.
By Irshad Abbasi a day ago in History
A Window into the Ancient History of the Khyber Region
The historic town of Jamrud has recently gained renewed attention after archaeologists reported the discovery of 110 archaeological sites in and around the region. Located at the mouth of the famous Khyber Pass, Jamrud has long been known as a strategic and cultural crossroads between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The newly identified sites provide remarkable evidence that the region was home to vibrant human activity stretching back thousands of years.
By Irshad Abbasi a day ago in History
History of New York
1. Early Times New York was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, mainly the Lenape people. They lived off rivers, lakes, and forests, relying on hunting, fishing, and farming for survival. Life was simple, connected closely with nature.
By Fawad Ahmada day ago in History
Why Is the Modi Government Searching for the Tomb of Dara Shikoh?
In recent years, discussions about the legacy of the Mughal Empire have become increasingly prominent in India. One intriguing development is the reported effort by the government led by Narendra Modi to locate the burial site of the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh. The search has sparked debate among historians, politicians, and the public alike. Many observers see it as part of a broader attempt to reinterpret India’s past and highlight figures who symbolize cultural harmony.
By Irshad Abbasi 2 days ago in History
From Repeated Defeats to the Founder of the Mughal Empire
In the early sixteenth century, the political landscape of Central and South Asia was shaped by ambition, warfare, and shifting alliances. Among the many princes struggling for power during this period was Zahir‑ud‑Din Muhammad Babur, a young Timurid ruler whose life was defined by repeated setbacks. Ironically, it was these failures that ultimately pushed him toward the Indian subcontinent, where he would establish the Mughal Empire, one of the most influential empires in world history.
By Irshad Abbasi 2 days ago in History
Shaping South Asia’s Historical Narrative
In the annals of South Asian history, few figures evoke as much discussion and debate as Mahmud of Ghazni. The ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire, Mahmud (971–1030 CE), is remembered not only for his military campaigns but also for his repeated raids into the Indian subcontinent, culminating in the infamous attack on the Somnath Temple in 1025 CE. This episode has become a central reference point in the region’s historical narrative, influencing perceptions of conquest, religion, and politics for centuries.
By Irshad Abbasi 2 days ago in History
When Hundreds of Khudai Khidmatgars Were Slaughtered in Charsadda
The Babra Massacre stands as one of the most harrowing episodes in the history of the Indian subcontinent’s struggle against colonial oppression. It occurred in the Charsadda region, in what is now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, during the 1930s—a period marked by political upheaval, the rise of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement, and widespread resistance against British colonial authorities.
By Irshad Abbasi 2 days ago in History
When Bullets Silenced a Peaceful Crowd
On April 13, 1919, a quiet garden in the city of Amritsar became the site of one of the most horrifying incidents in the history of British colonial rule in India. The event, now known as the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, shocked the world and exposed the brutal reality of imperial power.
By Irshad Abbasi 2 days ago in History
When Bullets Turned a Garden into a Graveyard
On April 13, 1919, a peaceful gathering in the northern Indian city of Amritsar turned into one of the most tragic and defining events in the history of British colonial rule in South Asia. The incident, now known as the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, left hundreds of unarmed civilians dead and thousands wounded. More than a century later, the bullet marks that remain on the walls of the garden serve as a silent reminder of the brutality that unfolded that day.
By Irshad Abbasi 2 days ago in History
