Asia History
Manu S. Pillai: A secret history of the toilet, from assassins to ‘poop suitcases’
Defecation is the one essential, unavoidable part of life that strips away social pretensions, teaching us a basic humility about our place in the world—even on the highest of thrones.
5 min read14 Feb 2026What it takes to live a consequential life: Do good, love truly and keep trying
Status, time or place do not limit the ability to lead a meaningful life. Even failed efforts, small roles and forgotten moments can carry weight, shaping others through integrity, curiosity and the pursuit of justice—without recognition, power or the certainty of success.
4 min read24 Dec 2025Who was Raja Ravi Varma’s son? The lost story of India’s forgotten artist
As auction prices for Ravi Varma go through the roof, his son Rama Varma’s art finds new appreciation, strangely mirroring the dynamic they shared while they lived
8 min read8 Nov 2025Manu S. Pillai: Facial hair as a symbol of identity and resistance in Indian history
Across centuries, Indian facial hair has meant more than masculinity—symbolising status, sparking revolt, and surviving cultural policing
5 min read11 Oct 2025Manu S. Pillai: How gossip shaped dynasties and destroyed reputations
More than just idle chatter, gossip has a powerful history as a tool of statecraft and a means to start wars and destroy reputations.
5 min read13 Sep 2025The Vietnam war made American culture bolder and more varied
The conflict, which ended 50 years ago, precipitated new styles of music and film
6 min read10 Jul 2025Singapore has voted for familiarity and stability in uncertain times
The ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) had been in charge since the city-state’s independence in 1965 and delivered much prosperity. Amid trade worries, it has been re-elected. But the government under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong mustn’t take the electorate for granted.
4 min read6 May 2025The neglect of Asia was the great failure of Yalta, writes Stephen Kotkin
Black grouse and caviar helped Stalin get much of what he wanted, but his Red Army counted for more, says a notable historian of Russia
6 min read13 Apr 2025Aurangzeb's tomb: ‘Correcting’ historical wrongs is a slippery slope
Making sense of Aurangzeb is a complicated affair; we must be wary of simplistic explanations and propositions. Historians can take a step back and analyse the ways in which historical events are remembered, but societies engage with history more emotionally
5 min read12 Apr 2025The British Raj extracted $65 trillion from India: Fact or fiction?
Is there a case for reparations? Oxfam’s huge estimate of the money drained from India by Britain’s colonial rule does not withstand scrutiny, as it makes too many feeble assumptions.
4 min read28 Jan 2025