andrew otis

His Bengali is a bit rusty now but some years ago, US-based historian andrew otis spent a lot of time in Calcutta asking librarians, bureaucrats and other strangers: "Keno hobe na?" Why not? Over time, the question saw him gain access to copies of India's first newspaper, Hicky's Bengal Gazette. Run by James Augustus Hicky, a "fearless but flawed" Irishman who was sued for libel by governor general Warren Hastings, the 200-year-old paper--replete with expletives, poems and even frontpage bylines of a woman grocer--set the tone for press freedom before it was shut down by the government in 1782. In an interview, 33-year-old Otis, author of the recently-republished book 'Hicky's Bengal Gazette', tells Sharmila Ganesan Ram about this "unique" first draft of history.

Late vocalist Otis Redding recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.The star was accepted by Redding's daughter, Karla Redding Andrews.Karla even took to Instagram and shared pictures from the felicitation ceremony.

When Babur came to India, he brought with him the tandoor. For an army on the march, it was a kitchen that could be carried around. That’s a direct legacy of the Mughals, said authors Diana Preston and Michael Preston, who are collectively known as Alex Rutherford.

When Babur came to India, he brought with him the tandoor.

Two sessions at the Times Litfest Kolkata, titled ‘The Outsider’s view: Foreigners writing on India’ and ‘Empire of the Moghul: Epic Rise & Fall of a Dynasty’, were such refreshing eye-openers to several in the audience.

Zaheer Khan has been chosen as one of the Wisden's 'Five Cricketers of the Year' in their 2008 edition, to be released on Wednesday.

Engage with over 145 authors of multiple nationalities, and take part in a slew of workshops this weekend.

If Saturday morning is one of a pair of bookends, make Sunday evening the other. In between, pack in a weekend of books of all shades and covers, engage with over 145 authors of multiple nationalities, and take part in a slew of workshops.

Gene Barge, renowned saxophonist and producer known as 'Daddy G,' died at 98. His career included hits with Natalie Cole, Muddy Waters, and the Rolling Stones. Barge's work spanned genres and eras, contributing to iconic tracks like 'Quarter to Three.' He also enjoyed a successful acting career in his later years.