Eras

Prehistoric

Ancient

Medieval

Modern

People

From History

Cultural Icons

Women In history

Explorers

Writers

Rulers

Freedom fighters

Quirky History

Places

Regions

Cities

Geology and Natural History

Monuments

Religious Places

Forts

Palaces

Caves

Heritage Sites

Archaeological Sites

Living Culture

Handcrafted For You

Food History

Festivals

Arts of India

Weaves of India

Literature 

Folklore and Mythology

Art History

Sculptures

Jewels

Paintings

Coins

Artefacts

Heritage Matters

State of our Monuments

Conservation

Revival 

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

Candle Stand in Bastar Wrought Iron | Handmade in India

Dhokra Metal Handmade Harappan Dancing Girl Replica Statue Showpiece

Terracotta Harappan Pashupati Seal Replica with Frame

Tealight Holder Handmade in Wrought Iron | Bastar Craft |Tribal Forest Showpiece

Candle Stand Handcrafted Bastar Tribal Art | Tea Light Holder

Terracotta Harappan Bull Seal Replica with Frame

Dhokra Bankura Horse Figurine Showpiece

Terracotta Harappan Peepul Tree Seal Replica with Frame

Ganesha Showpiece Handmade in Metal |  Dhokra Craft

The History Shop

Blue Sparkle Handmade Mud Art Wall Hanging

Rust Coloured Handwoven Cushion Cover

Mustard & Black Handwoven Tribe Inspired Table Runner

Marble Coaster Set with Red Inlay| Set of 2/6 | Handcrafted In India

Wall Hanging Handmade in Mud | Lippan Art Home Decor | Desert Oasis

Hand Embroidered Mirror & Thread-Work Table Runners - Lambani Table Runners in Scarlet

Multi-purpose Wicker Basket From Kashmir

Black & White Handwoven Cotton Table Runner

Red & Black Handwoven Mirror & Thread-Work Table Runner

Handcrafted Wall Decor in Lime Green with Mirror Work | Lippan Art

Handcrafted Home Decor For You

Peepul Tree Bestseller Collection

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 

India’s first Republic Day celebrations were far from the impressive show we see today. And guess what? There was no grand pageant on Rajpath. We bring you some stunning details that marked the day India became a republic

What India’s First Republic Day Celebrations Looked Like

Best of Peepul Tree Stories

Global Template

The Secrets of Ladakh: A Rare Journey

Dholavira: Tracing the Story of the Harappans

South Asian Masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Revisiting India’s First Port City: Lothal

Join us on unforgettable journeys week after week and meet those who are defining the way we look at history

Quarterly

Yearly

The Story of Mohenjo-daro

Explore the Story of India Through Objects

The Caves of Meghalaya

Uncovering the Life and Legacy of Dara Shukoh, the Beloved Mughal Prince

Your Gateway to Exclusive History Content one Story at a Time

Trails

The Making of Jaipur

Lost Cities

Pune before the Peshwas 

Tales of Shahjahanabad

Handmade Harappan Dancing Girl Replica in Dhokra Metal

MARBLE INLAY ROSELLE COASTER

Lippan White Wall Mirror

Imagine crossing the Khyber Pass on your way to Afghanistan and encountering two rhinoceroses, “

each the size of an elephant, with a horn on their nose about two inches long”. 

Or, under every palm tree, in today’s dry state of Gujarat, imagine finding a “

drinking booth selling arrack called ‘tari’ “. 

It’s hard to imagine these scenarios but these are the recollections of a man who ‘accidentally landed in India under even stranger circumstances, in 1554 CE, and left a detailed travelogue of what he saw here.

Seydi Ali Reis (1498-1563 CE) was the Admiral of the Ottoman Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, who accidentally landed on the Indian coast in 1554 CE, when his fleet was hit by a typhoon.

He landed on the Gujarat coast, where the Gujarat Sultanate was in the middle of a civil war.

From here, he travelled to Sindh, which was in the throes of an uprising, and then onward to Delhi exactly at the time when Mughal Emperor Humayun slipped and fell down a staircase and died. Seydi recorded what he witnessed on this extraordinary adventure in his travelogue titled 

Mir’ât ül Memâlik (The Mirror of Countries, 1557),

 which gives us a valuable account of India of those times.

Places like Surat, Ahmedabad, Lahore and Peshawar were probably beyond Seydi‘s imagination, when one day, in 1552 CE, the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, summoned him to his winter palace in Aleppo in present-day Syria. A captain who had previously served in the Ottomans’ Mediterranean Sea fleet, Seydi was promoted as Commander of the Ottoman Indian Ocean Fleet, based in the Suez and with ports in Aden (Yemen) and Basra (Iraq). The mandate was to fight the Ottoman Empire’s greatest enemy on the seas, the Portuguese.

The Ottoman state of the 16th century was one of the three ‘Gunpowder Empires’ of Asia, the other two being the Safavids in Iran and the Mughals in India. They were thus called as they made large-scale use of gunpowder and artillery to win battles. But while these empires controlled the land, the sea routes were completely in the control of the Portuguese. There had been several attempts by the Asian powers to break Portuguese dominance, most notably in 1509 CE, when a joint armada of the Mamluks of Egypt, the Gujarat Sultanate and the Zamorin of Calicut had unsuccessfully fought the Portuguese fleet in the Battle of Diu in 1509 CE.

In 1554 CE, Seydi engaged the Portuguese fleet in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, with limited success. After the second naval engagement, his ships drifted from the Arabian coast into the open sea and reached the port of Gwadar (Balochistan province in present-day Pakistan). With the assistance of the friendly Governor there, Seydi was able to replenish and repair his fleet and sail to Yemen. But on his way back, he ran into a great storm, which he calls “Fil Toofani” or the 

The storm raged for ten days and when it abated, they realized they were heading straight into an enormous whirlpool “

that are found …. in the neighbourhood of Sind ….., and hardly ever a ship has been known to escape their fury”. 

That’s when they realized they were near the coast of India. Passing through the islands of Diu and the temple town of Somnath, they managed to land two miles off the port of Daman, in the Sultanate of Gujarat.

"You have come to Gujarat in troubled times…”

 is not something you want to hear after you have survived a naval battle, a typhoon and a whirlpool, but that’s how Seydi Ali Reis was greeted in Gujarat by its prominent citizens. The Sultanate of Gujarat was in the middle of a civil war, between Sultan Ahmed Shah III (1554 – 1561CE) and the rebel chief, Nasir-ul-Mulk, who had seized the fortress of Burudj (modern day Bharuch). Sultan Ahmad Shah asked Seydi for help, and he loaned him 200 Ottoman gunners and infantrymen. The Sultan defeated his rival and in gratitude invited Seydi to Ahmedabad.

Seydi wanted to return to his homeland, but there were difficulties. The Portuguese had heard of the arrival of the Ottoman fleet and were determined to capture its Commander as a prize. Besides, Seydi’s own men had taken up service in the Sultanate of Gujarat saying, "

It is now nearly two years since we have received any pay, our goods are lost, and the ships dismantled; the hulks are old, and our return to Egypt is practically made impossible."

Over the next year, Seydi travelled to Surat, Ahmedabad, and later Delhi and Lahore, hoping to get a ‘permit’ to cross borders. He also recorded his recollections of his experiences as he travelled from one place to another. In his recollections of Gujarat, Seydi mentions the easy availability of 

“There is in Gujarat a tree of the palm tribe, called tari agadji. From its branches cups are suspended, and when the cut end of a branch is placed into one of these vessels a sweet liquid, something of the nature of arrack, flows out in a continuous stream; and this fluid, by exposure to the heat of the sun, presently changes into a most wonderful wine. Therefore at the foot of all such trees drinking-booths have been placed.”

Seydi left Surat for Ahmedabad at the end of November 1554 CE. En route, probably passing by an area that is today’s Vadodara, he was amazed to see Banyan trees. He writes, 

“The most curious part about the trees, however, was that the roots hung down from the branches and, when touching the ground, planted themselves and produced new trees.”

In Ahmedabad, Seydi was received by the Sultan, who offered him a position as the Governor of Bharuch. But Seydi politely declined, saying he had to reach Istanbul at the earliest.

The following day, the Sultan permitted his visitor to leave, after making sure he was amply provisioned.

Seydi makes an interesting note of how the ‘Bhatt’ community of Gujarat used to escort travellers. He writes: 

“Amongst the learned of this land of Banians, there is a tribe which they call the ‘Bats’, whose business it is to escort merchants or travellers from one land into another, and for a very small remuneration they guarantee their perfect safety.”

Whenever a caravan was attacked, the Bhatt escorts, who were Brahmins, would threaten to commit suicide. The fear of ‘Brahman Hatya’ or ‘Killing of a Brahmin’, a taboo in Hinduism, would make the thieves allow the caravan to pass!

From Ahmadabad, Seydi Ali Reis passed through Radhanpur (in Patan district of North Gujarat) before reaching Sindh, which was then ruled by a Turco-Mongol Arghun dynasty, and was also in the midst of a civil war. Seydi had hoped for a permit to cross the border to Iran, but he wouldn’t be able to get one till peace was restored in Sindh. But Seydi did get a Letter of Recommendation from the ruler of Sindh, Shah Hussein Mirza, addressed to Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi.

In 1555 CE, Mughal Emperor Humayun had regained his throne from the Afghans, with the assistance of the Safavids of Iran, and made Delhi his capital. Seydi writes in his travelogue that he was welcomed with 

“...spectacular pomp and circumstance”,

 as an entourage of some 400 elephants and all the magistrates of the realm greeted him as he approached Delhi. The noted Mughal General, Bairam Khan (1501-1561 CE), gave threw a great banquet in his honour.

Seydi desperately wanted a permit to return home, but Emperor Humayum made every effort to keep him in Delhi.

He even offered him Governorship of a Mughal province. Despite his polite refusal, Emperor Humayun told Seydi: 

"We are now close upon the three months of continuous Birshegal, (the rainy season). The roads are flooded and impassable, remain therefore till the weather improves. Meanwhile, calculate solar and lunar eclipses, their degree of latitude, and their exact date in the calendar. Assist our astrologers in studying the course of the sun, and instruct us concerning the points of the equator. When all this is done, and the weather should improve before the three months are over, then thou shalt go hence."

Seydi cursed his fate but he had no choice but to do as the Emperor decreed. He spent his time in Delhi visiting shrines of Sufi saints, making astrological calculations and composing 

. Finally, at the end of the rainy season, he received his permit to leave and letters of safe conduct – but there was more drama to follow.

Before Seydi could depart, on 24th January 1556 CE, Emperor Humayun fell down the stairs of his library (in Delhi’s Purana Qila) and died of his wounds two days later. Seydi writes how Humayun’s son Akbar was away from Delhi and there was chaos among the nobles. He suggested that the death of Humayun be kept a secret till Akbar returned to the Mughal capital. Bairam Khan wanted Seydi to stay back in India, but Seydi showed his exit permit that the late Emperor had signed. Finally, Seydi began his journey back home!

After crossing the Khyber Pass, where he encountered two rhinoceroses, Seydi passed through Kabul, Bukhana and Khiva. He reached Istanbul in 1556 CE. He met Sultan Suleiman in Edirne (Adrianople-Turkey). The latter received him most graciously and appointed him to the office of Muteferrika (Special Officer in Attendance on the Sultan). The Sultan returned to Istanbul at the end of July 1556 CE and appointed Seydi the Daftardar (Revenue Officer in Charge of Finances) of the province of Diyar Bakir (South-Eastern Turkey).

In 1557 CE, Seydi wrote his travelogue called 

Mir’ât ül Memâlik (The Mirror of Countries) 

and died in the 1560s CE. He left behind memories of his fascinating adventure, all because of a quirk of fate.

Ottoman Admiral Seydi Ali Reis was never meant to sail to India yet his journey was marked by a naval battle, a typhoon, civil wars and friendly Sultans who wouldn’t let him leave…all because a storm blew his fleet off course. Check out a tale more fantastic than fiction

Seydi Ali Reis: The Delightful Misadventures of a Turkish Admiral in India

Imagine crossing the Khyber Pass on your way to Afghanistan and encountering two rhinoceroses, “each the size of an elephant, with a horn on their nose about two inches long”. Or, under every palm tree, in today’s dry state of Gujarat, imagine finding a “drinking booth selling arrack called ‘tari’ “. It’s hard to imagine these scenarios but these are the recollections of a man who ‘accidentally landed in India under even stranger circumstances, in 1554 CE, and left a detailed travelogue of what he saw here. 

Seydi Ali Reis (1498-1563 CE) was the Admiral of the Ottoman Sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, who accidentally landed on the Indian coast in 1554 CE, when his fleet was hit by a typhoon.

He landed on the Gujarat coast, where the Gujarat Sultanate was in the middle of a civil war.