South Asia

The shocking murder of its royal family in June 2001 changed the course of Nepal’s history. On the massacre’s 25th anniversary, the country appears to be changing direction again.

The Edwardian era is often seen as a peaceful interlude between the violence of Victorian expansion and the First World War. In reality, Edward’s reign bore witness to dozens of conflicts across the Empire.

Adipurush, a controversial Bollywood film, has sparked anger in Nepal. For small states with big neighbours, details matter.

Edna Fernandes visits a madrassa in northern India founded in the wake of the Indian Mutiny. One of the first Islamic fundamentalist schools, its influence has spread into Pakistan and Afghanistan, among the Taliban and followers of Osama bin Laden.

Charlotte Crow describes how a recent visit to India on the 150th anniversary of the Indian Mutiny became a flashpoint for Indians and Britons over the commemoration by the two nations.

M. Naeem Qureshi on a remnant of empire which has moved beyond being a mere repository of the Raj.

By C.R. Boxer.