Forgotten Nexus

When people think about history’s deadliest wars, they usually picture World War I, World War II, or the American Civil War. But hidden from many textbooks is one of the most destructive conflicts in human history—the Taiping Rebellion . Fought in China between 1850 and 1864 , this massive civil war led to the deaths of 20 to 30 million people , making it the bloodiest civil war ever recorded . This rebellion, led by a failed Chinese scholar who believed he was the younger brother of Jesus Christ, was more than a war. It was a mix of religious movement, social revolution, and anti-imperial resistance . Although it nearly toppled the Qing Dynasty and reshaped China's future, the Taiping Rebellion remains little known outside China. In this article, we explore the origins, rise, and fall of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom , the life of its leader Hong Xiuquan , and the deep scars the rebellion left on Chinese history. The Spark: Hong Xiuquan and His Heavenly Vision A Scholar’s Rep...

In the rugged mountains of Afghanistan and across the vast plains of Central Asia, two global superpowers— British India and Tsarist Russia —quietly battled for dominance in a contest known as The Great Game . Unlike traditional wars, this 19th-century rivalry unfolded through espionage , diplomacy , covert missions , and strategic takeovers . At stake was not only control over Central Asia but also the protection of British India , the crown jewel of the British Empire. As Russia advanced southward, Britain feared for its prized colony. This secretive struggle would redraw borders, destabilize native kingdoms, and set the stage for future geopolitical tensions across Asia. In this article, we will explore the origins , key regions , major incidents , and long-term effects of the Great Game—and explain why its impact still shapes international politics today. What Was the Great Game? A Hidden War for Influence The Great Game was a long-term political and military rivalry between...

The Chauri Chaura incident of 1922 remains one of the most significant and debated moments in India's journey toward independence. What began as a peaceful protest in a small town in present-day Uttar Pradesh quickly turned violent, resulting in the death of 22 policemen. This shocking event forced Mahatma Gandhi, the leading figure of India’s non-violent resistance, to call off the nationwide Non-Cooperation Movement . Gandhi’s decision deeply divided public opinion but highlighted his unwavering commitment to non-violence. More than just a violent clash, the Chauri Chaura episode tested the moral and strategic foundation of India’s independence struggle. In this article, we explore the background, key events, aftermath, and lasting impact of the incident that changed the course of India's freedom movement. Background: The Road to Mass Uprising Post-War Frustration and Rising Unrest After World War I, many Indians expected political reforms in return for their loyalty to ...

When we speak of the Revolt of 1857 — India's first major resistance against British rule — names like Rani Lakshmibai, Mangal Pandey, and Bahadur Shah Zafar usually take center stage. However, the northeastern region of India, especially Assam, also witnessed a brave yet often ignored chapter of this uprising. At the heart of Assam's resistance stood Maniram Dewan , an Assamese pioneer who turned from a loyalist tea entrepreneur to a fierce revolutionary. His story, along with the contributions of other forgotten heroes of the Northeast, deserves a rightful place in the national narrative of India’s freedom struggle. This article uncovers the untold story of the 1857 uprising in Assam, explores the leadership of Maniram Dewan, and highlights why remembering this chapter is essential for building a truly inclusive account of India’s road to independence. Who Was Maniram Dewan? Maniram Dutta Baruah , known as Maniram Dewan , was born in 1806 into an influential Assamese fami...

Hinduism presents one of the oldest and most profound understandings of time ever developed. Unlike the linear timeline followed in modern science or Abrahamic religions, Hindu cosmology views time as cyclical, endless, and divine . It unfolds through Yugas (ages) , Kalpas (aeons) , and is regulated by Kāla , the eternal force of time. In this article, we explore the fascinating structure of Hindu time—from the Four Yugas to the lifespan of Lord Brahma , and the powerful concept of Pralaya (cosmic dissolution) . Whether you are a spiritual seeker, history enthusiast, or curious learner, this detailed guide will give you deep insight into how ancient Indian thinkers perceived the universe—not as a beginning-to-end story, but as a repeating, divine cycle.  Eternal Time (Kāla) in Hindu Thought 1. Kāla as a Living Force In Hindu philosophy, Kāla (Time) is not just a measurement—it is a divine power . The Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas describe Kāla as a cosmic regulator: Lor...

Tucked away in the rugged highlands of Southeast Asia lies one of the most fascinating and overlooked regions in global history—the Zomia Highlands . Stretching across parts of India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia , and southern China , this vast mountainous region is home to millions of people who, for centuries, have lived beyond the control of kings, colonial powers, and modern governments. Unlike most societies that developed under centralized rule, Zomia thrived without a state . Its communities relied on oral traditions, flexible social structures, and self-rule instead of written laws, taxes, or borders. The concept of Zomia was brought into focus by political scientist James C. Scott , who described it as a region where people actively chose to stay outside the reach of empires . This article explores the geography, culture, and historical significance of Zomia—and how its people used the land, movement, and tradition to protect their freedom. Whether you're ...