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Antique Collection India, a country with rich history and traditions, which is evident not only in its buildings and books, but also in its architecture, culture, lifestyle, food and what not! But did you know that you can own a piece of its rich history?Yes! It is possible! Thanks to Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection that would not only be making you discover the treasures of India’s rich heritage, but also would make you experience the splendour of India’s rich antiquity. Handcrafted by the finest Indian artisans, our Antique Collection is the reminiscent of the rich past which has been kept alive by them. Right from the Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl to Indian National Flag, our Antique Collection bears witness to the historical phases India has underwent. Our Antique Collection makes you unearth the past in the pursuit of embracing beauty. So what are you waiting for? Explore Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection today! Historical Collections Now Discover the Treasures of India’s with the Historical Collections of Peepul Tree. Our Historical Collections enable you to unveil the majesty of Indian Antiques. Handcrafted, eco-friendly and sustainable, our Historical Collections make the patron step into the Timeless World of Indian Antiques. Varying not only in their source materials and the products, our Historical Collections offer you a wide range of historical phases, that India underwent. Visit Peepul Tree to get the finest of its Historical Collections. Antique Pieces Those were the rare days, when owning Antique Pieces were mostly far from reality. But did you know that you can now actually own Antique Pieces in just one Click? At Peepul Tree, you can now own Antique Pieces ranging from different regions of India, source materials, that belong to different historical eras too! Be it the Periplus Of The Erythraean Sea Map from the Ancient Era to the Preamble of the Indian Constituion of the Modern Era, Peepul Tree offers you the finest of the exquisite Antique Pieces that would make you own a piece of India’s rich history! Antique Collection Online Now give a new dimension to your shopping of Antique pieces. Visit Peepul Tree and explore its Antique Collection Online. With our Antique Collection Online, you can journey through centuries, through which you not only embrace elegance of Indian Antiques, but also elevate your home decor too. The products offered by Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection Online enable you to discover the soul of India, making you embark on an antique adventure, also preserving History, and celebrating Culture. So what are you waiting for? Explore the best of Antique Collection Online only at Peepul Tree! F.A.Q.’s1. What are the care instructions taken for Peepul Tree’s Antique collection?For metallic objects under Peepul Tree’s Antique collection , for maintaining the sheen, clean regularly with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from moisture and abrasive cleaning agents. These handcrafted products that may have sharp edges. For silver objects, rub with coconut oil if heavily tarnished. 2. Why Should I purchase Antique products from Peepul Tree?At Peepul Tree, one discovers the allure of owning antique products - a captivating journey through time and history awaits you. When considering the purchase of these cherished relics on our website, one is immediately drawn to the following compelling reasons:Timeless Beauty: Pur antique products boast an unparalleled beauty that transcends the ever-changing trends of modern times. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these pieces exude a sense of elegance, sophistication, and charm, making them stand out as unique additions to any space.Rich Heritage: Each antique product carries a fascinating story, a window into the past that connects us to the generations that came before us. Owning such items allows us to become custodians of history, preserving and cherishing the cultural heritage that shaped our world.Unmatched Craftsmanship: In an age when mass production reigns supreme, antique products represent a tribute to the skilled craftsmanship of yesteryears. These items were meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who poured their hearts and souls into creating enduring masterpieces.Investment Value: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Peepul Tree’s antique products are true valuable investments. As time passes, rare and sought-after pieces often appreciate in value, making them not only a source of joy but also a smart financial decision.Eco-Friendly Choice: Choosing antique products is an eco-conscious decision. By purchasing items that have stood the test of time, we reduce the demand for new manufacturing, thus minimizing the environmental impact of consumerism.Unique Character: Unlike mass-produced contemporary items, antique products possess a distinct character and soul. The slight imperfections and patina they acquire over time add to their allure, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.Emotional Connection: Owning an antique product can evoke nostalgic feelings and create a sense of wonder. These items often carry sentimental value, having been passed down through generations or acquired during significant moments in history. Conversation Starters: Antique products are excellent conversation starters. Their history and provenance can spark engaging discussions, encouraging the sharing of stories and knowledge among friends and family.Curating a Personal Collection: Collecting antique products can become a fulfilling and passionate hobby. As you acquire pieces from Peepul Tree that resonate with you, you begin to curate a personal collection that reflects your taste, values, and interests.Support for Heritage Preservation: By purchasing antiques from Peepul Tree, you contribute to the preservation and conservation of historical artifacts. Supporting antique dealers, collectors, and museums helps ensure that these treasures remain accessible for future generations to appreciate.In conclusion, purchasing antique products from Peepul Tree is not merely a transaction; it is an enriching experience that connects us to our past, enriches our present, and leaves a lasting legacy for the future. Embrace the allure of antiquity and embark on a captivating journey through time with these treasured pieces.

<h1>Antique Collection</h1>
India, a country with rich history and traditions, which is evident not only in its buildings and books, but also in its architecture, culture, lifestyle, food and what not! But did you know that you can own a piece of its rich history? Yes! It is possible! Thanks to Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection that would not only be making you discover the treasures of India’s rich heritage, but also would make you experience the splendour of India’s rich antiquity. Handcrafted by the finest Indian artisans, our Antique Collection is the reminiscent of the rich past which has been kept alive by them. Right from the Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl to Indian National Flag, our Antique Collection bears witness to the historical phases India has underwent. Our Antique Collection makes you unearth the past in the pursuit of embracing beauty. So what are you waiting for? Explore Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection today! 
<h2>Historical Collections</h2>
Now Discover the Treasures of India’s with the Historical Collections of Peepul Tree. Our Historical Collections enable you to unveil the majesty of Indian Antiques. Handcrafted, eco-friendly and sustainable, our Historical Collections make the patron step into the Timeless World of Indian Antiques. Varying not only in their source materials and the products, our Historical Collections offer you a wide range of historical phases, that India underwent. Visit Peepul Tree to get the finest of its Historical Collections. 
<h2>Antique Pieces</h2>
Those were the rare days, when owning Antique Pieces were mostly far from reality. But did you know that you can now actually own Antique Pieces in just one Click? At Peepul Tree, you can now own Antique Pieces ranging from different regions of India, source materials, that belong to different historical eras too! Be it the Periplus Of The Erythraean Sea Map from the Ancient Era to the Preamble of the Indian Constituion of the Modern Era, Peepul Tree offers you the finest of the exquisite Antique Pieces that would make you own a piece of India’s rich history! 
<h2>Antique Collection Online</h2>
Now give a new dimension to your shopping of Antique pieces. Visit Peepul Tree and explore its Antique Collection Online. With our Antique Collection Online, you can journey through centuries, through which you not only embrace elegance of Indian Antiques, but also elevate your home decor too. The products offered by Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection Online enable you to discover the soul of India, making you embark on an antique adventure, also preserving History, and celebrating Culture. So what are you waiting for? Explore the best of Antique Collection Online only at Peepul Tree! F.A.Q.’s 1. What are the care instructions taken for Peepul Tree’s Antique collection? For metallic objects under Peepul Tree’s Antique collection , for maintaining the sheen, clean regularly with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from moisture and abrasive cleaning agents. These handcrafted products that may have sharp edges. For silver objects, rub with coconut oil if heavily tarnished. 2. Why Should I purchase Antique products from Peepul Tree? At Peepul Tree, one discovers the allure of owning antique products - a captivating journey through time and history awaits you. When considering the purchase of these cherished relics on our website, one is immediately drawn to the following compelling reasons: Timeless Beauty: Pur antique products boast an unparalleled beauty that transcends the ever-changing trends of modern times. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these pieces exude a sense of elegance, sophistication, and charm, making them stand out as unique additions to any space. Rich Heritage: Each antique product carries a fascinating story, a window into the past that connects us to the generations that came before us. Owning such items allows us to become custodians of history, preserving and cherishing the cultural heritage that shaped our world. Unmatched Craftsmanship: In an age when mass production reigns supreme, antique products represent a tribute to the skilled craftsmanship of yesteryears. These items were meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who poured their hearts and souls into creating enduring masterpieces. Investment Value: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Peepul Tree’s antique products are true valuable investments. As time passes, rare and sought-after pieces often appreciate in value, making them not only a source of joy but also a smart financial decision. Eco-Friendly Choice: Choosing antique products is an eco-conscious decision. By purchasing items that have stood the test of time, we reduce the demand for new manufacturing, thus minimizing the environmental impact of consumerism. Unique Character: Unlike mass-produced contemporary items, antique products possess a distinct character and soul. The slight imperfections and patina they acquire over time add to their allure, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Emotional Connection: Owning an antique product can evoke nostalgic feelings and create a sense of wonder. These items often carry sentimental value, having been passed down through generations or acquired during significant moments in history. Conversation Starters: Antique products are excellent conversation starters. Their history and provenance can spark engaging discussions, encouraging the sharing of stories and knowledge among friends and family. Curating a Personal Collection: Collecting antique products can become a fulfilling and passionate hobby. As you acquire pieces from Peepul Tree that resonate with you, you begin to curate a personal collection that reflects your taste, values, and interests. Support for Heritage Preservation: By purchasing antiques from Peepul Tree, you contribute to the preservation and conservation of historical artifacts. Supporting antique dealers, collectors, and museums helps ensure that these treasures remain accessible for future generations to appreciate. In conclusion, purchasing antique products from Peepul Tree is not merely a transaction; it is an enriching experience that connects us to our past, enriches our present, and leaves a lasting legacy for the future. Embrace the allure of antiquity and embark on a captivating journey through time with these treasured pieces.

Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl Showpiece

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Red & Black Handwoven Mirror & Thread-Work Table Runner

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Explore the ancient tradition and mythological story of Guliga and Panjurli, revered as daivas or bhutas in Tulunadu, as immortalised in the film Kantara. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Tulunadu through this story.

Guliga and Panjurli - The Divine Deities from Kantara

The Divine Deities from Kantara

‘Ponniyin Selvan’ is a five-volume piece of historical fiction written by Kalki Krishnamurthy in the 1950s. Considered one of the greatest works of modern Tamil literature, the novel is still considered a cult classic. Catch the story here

The Real Story Behind ‘Ponniyin Selvan’

This Ramnavami, embark on a pilgrimage with us as we trace Lord Ram's journey across the Indian Subcontinent. From his birthplace in Ayodhya to the scenic Chitrakoot, where he spent time during his exile, we'll visit the many places associated with Lord Ram's life. Join us as we explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of India and celebrate the auspicious occasion of Ramnavami.

In the Footsteps of Ram 

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Not very far to the north of Kolkata is a little town known as Adi Saptagram. Today, it is no more than a provincial town but in its heyday, Saptagram or ‘Satgaon’, as it was then called, was one of the most important cities in Bengal, and one of the region’s chief ports.

Cities in Bengal have risen and fallen with changes in the course of its fickle rivers, and this is what scripted the story of Satgaon. The city’s benefactor: the Saraswati River, a distributary of the Bhagirathi or the Hooghly, but a lifeline that all but dried up by the 17th century CE. Satgaon emerged as the biggest port in Eastern India after the port of 

, or Tamluk, south of Satgaon, went into decline after the 10th century CE, possibly due to the silting up of the Rupnarayan River or a change in its course.

The name ‘Saptagram’ or ‘Satgaon’ refers to the seven villages of Basudevpur, Bansberia, Khamarpura, Debanandapur, Shibpur, Krishnapur and Trishbigha, founded by the sons of the Rishi-King Pryavanta of Kannauj, writes historian J J Campos in his 

 The legend is that, disillusioned with a life of luxury in the palace, these seven sons set out in search of a quiet place where they could meditate. When they came to Tribeni, just north-east of Satgaon, they settled down to a hermit’s life in nearby villages. Trishbigha has been designated as ‘Adi Saptagram’, or the core area of Saptagram, and the town has a railway station by the same name.

Satgaon’s golden age is said to have started during Mauryan rule (4th – 2nd BCE), when it was a flourishing port which traded with the ancient Greeks and Romans. Fine Bengal textiles were in high demand in the West and were Bengal’s chief export. Archaeological digs in and around the area have revealed pottery shards and tiles which are said to be of Roman origin.

One of the earliest Western maps of the region was created by the ancient astronomer, geographer, and mathematician Ptolemy (2nd century CE). Ptolemy’s tenth map of Asia portrays India and South Asia, and although the map is nothing like modern maps, it contains a large amount of detail. The map identifies not just the Ganges, but also the Diamouna River (Yamuna) and the city of 

(Pataliputra), which was the capital of the Maurya Empire.

The map goes on to identify the port of Tamalites (Tamralipti), which corresponds to present-day Tamluk. However, Ptolemy in his book 

 also identifies a city by the name of Ganges Regia. While no corresponding modern city has ever been identified, many contend that Ganges Regia or ‘Gange’ is Satgaon, although 

Under the Pala Empire (8th – 12th CE) and the Sena Empire (11th – 12th CE), Satgaon remained a major hub of international trade. The Pala Empire enjoyed good trade connections with the Middle East and South-East Asia. Arab merchant and geographer, Ibn Khordadbeh, mentions that a 

 made of the finest Bengal cotton could pass through a finger ring!

Numismatic evidence shows that the notoriously whimsical Muhammad bin Tughlaq (r. 1325-51 CE), Sultan of Delhi, had established a mint at Satgaon and the first coins from that mint rolled out in 1328 CE. Silver was becoming increasingly scarce in Delhi at this point, but silver coins continued to be minted at Satgaon, and since there were no silver mines in the vicinity, it is assumed that all the silver was coming through overseas commerce.

By the early-14th century CE, Satgaon had become one of three city-states in Bengal under the Delhi Sultanate, the other two being Gaur in North Bengal and Sonargaon in East Bengal. When the local governor of Satgaon, Izuddin Yahya, died in 1338 CE, his deputy, Shamsuddin Ilyas, proclaimed himself the independent Sultan of Satgaon. After defeating Alauddin Ali Shah of Gaur and Ikhtiyaruddin Ghazi Shah of Sonargaon, he founded the Ilyas Shahi Dynasty (1342 – 1487 CE) and established the independent Sultanate of Bengal (1342 – 1576 CE).

, visited Satgaon and found it to be a prosperous town. While in Satgaon, Battuta became aware of the saint Shah Jalal, after whom Dhaka’s international airport is named, and decided to pay him a visit.

The Sultans of Bengal were great patrons of religious literature and under them, Hindu religious poetry emerged under the likes of Bipradas Pipilai and Bijay Gupta. Of particular note is the story of the trader Chand Saudagar which Pipilai wrote in his 

 around 1495-96 CE. In the story, Chand Saudagar travels to the sea through a number of villages such as Guptipara, Tribeni, Hooghly and Bhadreswar, all of which exist to this day. Among the towns mentioned in the poem is Satgaon, which Pipilai says is a major port and a town filled with large mansions of rich people.

It was during the reign of the last Sultan of the Hussain Shahi Dynasty, Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah (r. 1533-38 CE), that Europeans arrived at Satgaon. Joao De Silveira was the first Portuguese commander of an expedition to Bengal that reached Chittagong in Eastern Bengal in 1512 CE. Negotiations with Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah would prove fruitful and he laid the foundations of a major Portuguese settlement in Chittagong.

Unfortunately for the Portuguese, they would wind up getting involved in the local politics of the time. The Bengal Sultanate then was being threatened by the Pathans of Bihar, led by the formidable 

 (r. 1540-45 CE). The Portuguese supported Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah and although they offered a stubborn resistance to the Pathans, they were defeated and Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah’s capital city of Gaur was burnt down by Sher Shah Suri in 1538-39.

With the fall of Gaur, Chittagong started losing its importance. One of the reasons it had been a major port was because the overland route to the capital began there. Portuguese attention now shifted to Satgaon. The Portuguese had named Chittagong ‘Porto Grande’, meaning ‘great’ or ‘grand port’. They named Satgaon ‘Porto Pequeno’, meaning ‘smaller’ or ‘lesser port’. They had secured permission from Ghiyasuddin Mahmud Shah in 1537, before the fall of Gaur, to establish a trading post in Satgaon. Trading from here would continue until at least until 1622 CE, when the East India Company outpost in Patna reported the arrival of Portuguese boats from Satgaon with goods from South-East Asia.

However, a shift in the riverine geography of the region had already begun in the 16th century CE. Aniruddha Ray, in the book 

, cites an inscription from 1505 CE, stating that Sultan Alauddin Hussain Shah of Bengal was having a bridge built from Satgaon to Tribeni. Ray argues that this is the first sign that the Saraswati stream (it was now no longer a river) to Satgaon was becoming difficult to navigate, probably due to silting. This probably necessitated a shift to Tribeni, which was at the mouth of the river, rather than Satgaon, which was further inland.

What was in fact happening was that the flow of the river had begun to change, and the majority of its waters were now pouring into the Bhagirathi, which is now the Hooghly River. Traffic to Satgaon began to reduce as big ships found it difficult to get to the port without getting grounded. The Portuguese took to unloading their ships in Betore in Howrah District, and rowing them on smaller boats to Satgaon.

The last mention of big ships in the port of Satgaon is in the 1560s CE, by traveller Cesare Federici. When French traveller Vincent Le Blanc visited Satgaon in the 1570s, after Mughal Emperor Akbar’s conquest of Bengal, he made no mention of large vessels at the port. The town, inexplicably, remained prosperous even in 1583 CE, according to the report by the English traveller Ralph Fitch.

When the Portuguese secured permission to trade from 

 in 1579 CE, they were allowed to build a settlement in Hooghly, which implies that Satgaon was already in decline. After the Mughal conquest of Hooghly in 1632 CE, the Customs office was transferred from Satgaon to Hooghly, which signalled the fall of the port of Satgaon.

Today, Saptagram is nothing more than a nondescript, small town in West Bengal. Of the proud trading station, nothing remains save the terracotta mosque of Syed Jamaluddin. A unique example of Bengal’s terracotta mosque architecture, the now roofless structure still contains a stone plaque which records that it was built during the reign of Sultan Nasiruddin Nasrat Shah and was completed in May 1529 CE, by Syed Jamaluddin Hussain, son of Sayyid Fakhruddin, who hailed from the Iranian city of Amol. There is also the 

 or Vaishnava seminary of Uddharan Dutt and Raghunath Das, both disciples of Bengali religious reformer, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. But the port of Satgaon or Saptagram now exists only in the history books.

 From a money-spinner for great empires to an unremarkable railway halt today, it’s been a very long journey for the former port city of Saptagram. Catch the incredible story of its earlier avatar, Satgaon, whose fortunes rose and fell with Bengal’s shifting riverine geography

Saptagram: A Port that Ran Aground

Not very far to the north of Kolkata is a little town known as Adi Saptagram. Today, it is no more than a provincial town but in its heyday, Saptagram or ‘Satgaon’, as it was then called, was one of the most important cities in Bengal, and one of the region’s chief ports.

Cities in Bengal have risen and fallen with changes in the course of its fickle rivers, and this is what scripted the story of Satgaon. The city’s benefactor: the Saraswati River, a distributary of the Bhagirathi or the Hooghly, but a lifeline that all but dried up by the 17th century CE. Satgaon emerged as the biggest port in Eastern India after the port of Tamralipti, or Tamluk, south of Satgaon, went into decline after the 10th century CE, possibly due to the silting up of the Rupnarayan River or a change in its course.