Which are the most bizarre incidents in Indian History?

India has a long and rich history filled with remarkable events and personalities. Some of these events are well-known while others are more obscure and strange. We have many fascinating tales and legends that continue to intrigue people to this day. Whether it’s the strange and unexplained phenomena like the dancing plague or the unusual practices of the Aghori Sadhus, these stories truly capture the imagination and leave us with a sense of wonder.

In this article, we will explore some of the most bizarre incidents in Indian history.

But before we do that, let’s get some perspective from our History educators. According to Ms Archana Chaudhary, a PGT educator in the subject at Apeejay Svran Global School, Sector 21-D, Faridabad, “There are many unexplained phenomena in the subject. One thing that interests me the most is The Iron Pillar of Delhi which is a 7-meter-tall pillar that has stood for over 1,500 years without rusting or deteriorating.” The pillar is believed to have been erected during the Gupta Empire which ruled from the 4th to 6th century AD. It is said that the pillar is made of 98% pure iron which is a remarkable achievement for its time. Scientists till date have not been able to determine how the pillar was made, how it has withstood the elements for so long, or why it hasn’t rusted. According to Ms Chaudhary, this is a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and skill of ancient Indian metallurgists.

Further, she advises students to practice caution before they get too involved in knowing about the past. “Always consider valid sources of information and analyse the sites you are using. Everything on the internet is not true so don’t believe in occurrences that don’t provide a valid source,” she says.

Another educator, Ms Maninder Kaur, who teaches Social Science at Apeejay School, Model Town in Jalandhar, “One thing which really stuns me in History is how dead people in Mehrgarh were buried with goats. Till date, I haven’t been able to find information on why it happened. It is said that the residents of that place believed in the idea of life after death, and so, as a mark of respect, they may have buried dead people with goats which were meant to serve as food in the next world.” She feels that there is no harm in having the hunger to know and find out. And such questions surely need answers through research and collaboration.  

So, here’s the list of incidents which you may or may not know. Check it out:

The Dancing Plague of 1518

In 1518, a strange phenomenon occurred in the town of Strasbourg, France, where hundreds of people began dancing uncontrollably for days on end. Surprisingly, a similar incident occurred in the Indian city of Thiruvananthapuram in 2006, where similarly a group of schoolgirls started dancing involuntarily. The bizarre incident was dubbed “mass hysteria” and remains unexplained to this day.

The Mystery of Shanti Devi

In 1930, a four-year-old girl named Shanti Devi claimed to remember her past life as a woman named Lugdi Devi. The case became famous and even Mahatma Gandhi took an interest in it. When Shanti Devi’s claims were investigated, many of her details were found to be accurate, leading people to believe in the possibility of re-incarnation.

The Unfinished Obelisk of Hampi

The Obelisk of Hampi, also known as the “Vanishing Obelisk,” is an ancient stone monument located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The monument was left unfinished, and it is said that the workers abandoned it overnight due to the belief that it was plagued by evil.

The Aghori Sadhus

A group of ascetic Hindu holy men who practice extreme and bizarre rituals, such as eating human flesh and meditating on cremation grounds, they are known for their unconventional and often shocking practices. ‘Aghoris’ are a monastic order of ascetic Shaivite sadhus based in Uttar Pradesh, India. They are believed to be the only surviving sect derived from the Kāpālika tradition, a Tantric, non-Puranic form of Shaivism which originated in Medieval India between the 7th and 8th century CE.

The Great Indian Rope Trick

This is an illusion that has fascinated people for centuries. It may be a magic trick said to have been performed in and around India during the 19th century. Sometimes described as “the world’s greatest illusion”, it reputedly involved a magician, a length of rope, and one or more boy assistants. According to the legend, a magician would throw a rope into the air, and a boy would climb up it and disappear. Despite many claims of witnessing the trick, it has never been proven to exist.

The Curse of Tipu Sultan’s Sword

Tipu Sultan was a famous Indian king, who died fighting against the British in 1799. It is said that his sword was cursed and brought bad luck to whoever possessed it. The sword has changed hands multiple times and is currently on display in a museum in London.

The Strange Disappearance of Indus Valley Civilization

The Civilization was one of the most advanced ancient civilizations with a well-structured urban system, sophisticated drainage and sewage systems, and a written language. However, it disappeared without a trace, leaving behind many unanswered questions. Many believed that it perished due to climate change.

The Haunted Bhangarh Fort

The fort in Rajasthan is considered one of the most haunted places in India. The legend goes that a sorcerer cursed the fort, causing all who entered it to die a horrible death. The fort remains abandoned to this day and visitors are not allowed inside after sunset.

The list is a reminder that there is still much we do not understand about the world and that there is always more to explore and discover. As we continue to uncover the mysteries of India’s past, we can also try to gain a deeper understanding of the people and culture that have shaped this incredible country.

According to Ms Geetha Guruvayurattan, a TGT History at Apeejay School, Nerul, “It is important to learn and understand incidents in the past from as many historians. History can be subjective and personal. So, I advise students to learn from different historical books and textbooks. Besides, as one digs deeper in the subject, there are many things to learn about such as the admirable qualities possessed by our national heroes. Students should try to learn and imbibe these moral and cultural values and be proud of what our nation has to offer to the world.”

So, whether it’s through archaeological discoveries, historical research, or simply listening to the stories and legends passed down through the generations, there is always something new to know.