History
Paddar Sapphire Mines
Peacock-blue stones from Sumcham to Geneva, a joint venture that died with the Assembly, and a mine the valley is still waiting to work.
Ashish Chouhan · 16 October 2026 · 6 min read
The shelf
History
What people built, copied, and argued over, told from the ground rather than the pedestal.
5 pieces
History
History of Paddar Needs Some Protein
Water fountains, stone plates, Naga carvings and a page of bhojpatra. An open invitation to fill out the lean history of Paddar.
Ashish Chouhan · 6 October 2026 · 21 min read
History
The Arrow at Leondi
At the door of Rana Sheetal Singh's house, a hole in the wood still marks the shot the Rana of Sohal is said to have fired.
Ashish Chouhan · 22 July 2025 · 2 min read
History
Ancient Social Engineering of Paddar
Naga legends, Chelagans, and the fear that kept a Himalayan society in order. A Daily Excelsior column.
Ashish Chouhan · 31 May 2026 · 8 min read
History
Waiting for the Next Chwass Moment in Paddar
Sapphires traded for salt, the Machail yatra, and the day a motorable road reached Atholi. A Daily Excelsior column.
Ashish Chouhan · 25 October 2022 · 5 min read