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So consider doing some legwork while turning to already-prepped stuff to do a lot of the heavy lifting—for example, combining boxed linguini, jarred marinara and shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein-rich pasta dish, or adding a scrambled egg and fresh spinach to microwavable ramen for a more complete noodle bowl.

6. Select a versatile main

Picking a main ingredient “that you’re going to plan to use multiple ways” is a great way to simplify the process, Dada says. You want something not only tasty and nutritious enough to eat multiple days in a row but that can also be easily adapted to a wide range of recipes. It’s the tenet behind component cooking, which has you prepare different meal elements rather than full-on dishes, so you don’t have to eat the same thing day after day. You can do it with any ingredient, from sauces to sides, but choosing a main—say, grilling up a bunch of chicken at once—can really make those weekdays easier.

But! To cut the stress even more, you don’t even have to cook it yourself. Take a store-bought rotisserie chicken, for instance: “You could turn that into quesadillas, a chicken salad for a sandwich, or tacos, or you could pair it with pasta and pesto,” Dada says. In this case, there’s really two major benefits: Since you already have the chicken handy, you’ll dodge the mental gymnastics of deciding on a new main every time (at least until it’s all used up), and since the chicken is precooked, a big portion of the work is already complete.

7. Meal prep on the weekends

Yes, this still involves frontloading on the work—there’s no real way to get out of that—but doing it when you’re not crunched for time (or wiped from the office) makes it feel a little easier, we swear. So devote a few hours over the weekend to meal prep, whether the component cooking kind or the more traditional version: chopping veggies, making sauces, grilling meat. Investing the time and effort during your free hours will really “take the pressure off the weeknights when you’re tired,” Nielsen says. Besides, she adds, “The more that you do it, the faster it becomes, and the less of a chore it becomes.”

8. Build a meal entirely from the ready-to-eat stuff

In this case, you’re not “actually cooking” at all, Dada says. “You’re just assembling.” Think: Throwing together a sandwich from whole-grain bread, cheese, cold cuts, lettuce, pickles and mustard, or making a custom burrito bowl from microwavable rice, chopped veggies and the aforementioned rotisserie chicken.

9. Pair a ready-to-eat meal with a homemade side

And we’re not necessarily talking anything fancy, either. You can keep it as low-effort as making a green salad to go with a canned soup or frozen pizza. Of course, you’re not locked into these shortcuts for the rest of your home cooking career; you can always get more creative down the road. “As your interest grows, you can say, ‘Okay, I’m ready to tackle some new things,’” Nielsen says.

10. Choose meals that will allow you to multitask if that’s what you need

If time is an issue for you, you might find it helpful to opt for a meal that doesn’t require a ton of supervision during the cooking process—say, a simple sheet-pan recipe. In this case, “I find that your hands are free, so you could be doing two things at once,” Dada says—like giving your child a bath while your meal is cooking in the oven. Similarly, a one-pot meal like a soup, curry, chilli or rice dish involves minimal effort since—as the name suggests—everything ends up in a single receptacle.

Quick Answer

Blue light glasses help reduce eye strain and improve sleep by blocking blue light from screens and artificial lights. Here’s when you should wear them:

• Using Smartphones – Wear them during long phone use to prevent eye discomfort.
• Gaming Sessions – Use them during extended gaming to reduce eye fatigue.
• Computer Use – Essential for long hours on computers to help with focus and comfort.
• Working Under Artificial Lighting – Useful in fluorescent or LED-lit areas to ease eye strain.
• Evening and Nighttime Use – Wear them before bed to help sleep better by reducing blue light exposure.
• Graphic Design or Detailed Work – Improve clarity and reduce glare for detailed tasks.
• For Children and Teenagers – Protect young eyes from digital eye strain due to excessive screen time.

To check if your glasses block blue light, look at the product details or do a simple test using a blue light torch.

Introduction

With screens being such a big part of our lives—from work and studying to gaming and scrolling-our eyes are always bombarded with blue light. That can cause tired eyes, trouble sleeping, and may even cause long-term damage to the eyes. This is where blue light glasses come in: they help block out the harmful blue light, making it easier on the eyes. Knowing when to wear these glasses, like during long sessions of screen time or at night, can make a big difference in how your eyes feel and function.

Why Are Blue Light Glasses Important and How Do They Work?

In our screen-filled world, blue blockers have become popular as an easy fix for issues related to excess screen time. These glasses help minimize eye strain and sleep disruptions caused by blue light coming from screens and indoor lighting. Knowing what blue light glasses do, how they work, and the types available can help you make a decision on whether they’re right for you.

What Exactly Are Blue Light Glasses?

Blue light glasses are designed primarily to filter out or block blue light coming from digital screens, LED lights, and even fluorescent bulbs. Blue light belongs to the visible spectrum, has a short wavelength, and has high energy; therefore, it causes eye discomfort with prolonged usage. With these blue light glasses, exposure will be lowered, thereby potentially reducing the incidence of eye fatigue and promoting protection of the eyes over longer periods.

How Do Blue Light Glasses Work?

These glasses use specially designed lenses that either absorb or reflect a part of the blue light, reducing the intensity before it reaches the eyes. It is during this filtration process that signs and symptoms of digital eye strain, including but not limited to dry eyes, headache, and blurred vision, begin to decrease. Moreover, since blue light inhibits the production of melatonin and interferes with sleeping patterns, the use of these glasses, at least in the evening, permits your body to take the normal course of its daily rhythm.

Why You Should Wear Blue Light Glasses

Wearing blue light glasses can really make a difference if you’re glued to screens all day. Here’s how they help:

• They reduce eye strain and fatigue, making it easier to focus on your work.
• By cutting down on the discomfort from long screen time, they help you stay more comfortable and efficient throughout the day.
• Some people even find that these glasses improve their sleep quality after a long day in front of digital devices.

Different Lenses for Your Blue Light Glasses

Blue light glasses aren’t one-size-fits-all; there’s a variety to suit different lifestyles. Here’s what you can choose from:

• Clear lenses offer a simple, everyday look while still blocking harmful blue light.
• Tinted lenses provide extra protection and are ideal for high-screen exposure environments.
• Advanced lenses come with smart coatings for added benefits like anti-glare, scratch resistance, and anti-reflective properties, boosting comfort and clarity even more.

When Should You Wear Blue Light Glasses?

Knowing when to wear blue light glasses can help you get the most out of them for your eye health and overall well-being. Here’s a look at situations where these glasses can be especially helpful:

Using Smartphones

It is also important to wear blue light glasses during prolonged use of smartphones, as these devices emit a lot of blue light. Long screen time on the phone can cause digital eye strain, which is manifested by symptoms such as dry eyes, headaches, and difficulty focusing. Wearing blue light glasses will reduce these effects and make it easier and more comfortable to use your phone for extended periods.

Gaming Sessions

For avid gamers who spend hours immersed in gaming, blue light glasses can be highly beneficial. Games often involve intense visual engagement, which can exacerbate eye fatigue and blur vision over time. Blue light glasses help filter out harmful light, reducing eye strain and allowing gamers to play comfortably without sacrificing their gaming performance.

Computer Use

Office workers and students tend to spend more time operating computers, so blue-blocker glasses are a necessary tool. They would help people ease the strain on their eyes from constantly looking at a computer screen and make the person more comfortable and productive throughout the day. They also serve to keep people focused and avoid possible headaches from long-term use of the computer.

Working Under Artificial Lighting

The blue light glasses are helpful for workers who work in an environment with artificial lighting conditions like fluorescent and LED lights. Such lights also emit blue light, adding to the overall exposure that causes discomfort. Wearing blue light glasses while working in such an environment will relieve eye strain and give clarity of vision, thus making it a comfortable environment to work in.

Evening and Nighttime Use

Blue light exposure during the evening and night disrupts the circadian rhythm and interferes with melatonin production, which may reduce sleep quality. Wearing blue light glasses before bed, especially when using electronic devices or watching television, can enhance sleep by minimizing the impact of blue light on your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

Graphic Design or Detailed Work

They would increase comfort and accuracy in tasks such as graphic design that involve long periods of near-sighted work with digital media. Glasses of this nature also cut glare and improve contrast, enabling clear, prolonged periods of attention to fine detail without eye fatigue.

For Children and Teenagers

Given the rising screen exposure for both education and entertainment among children and teenagers, protecting young eyes is important. These blue light glasses can help protect developing eyes from potential digital eye strain, making sure young people remain comfortable and focused during their screen time activities.

How to Tell If Glasses Are Blue Light Filtering

Identifying whether glasses are truly designed to filter blue light is important to ensure you’re getting the protection you expect. Here are some reliable methods and tips to help you determine if your glasses have blue light filtering capabilities:

Check Manufacturer Specifications

Probably the easiest way to check if your glasses are blue light filtering is by looking at the manufacturer’s specifications. Find information in the product description or on the packaging indicating specifically that it blocks blue light, usually in percentage terms, such as “blocks 30% of blue light.” Most good manufacturers would always specify this clearly.

Use a Blue Light Torch Test

A practical method to test blue light filtering glasses is using a blue light torch. Shine the blue light through the lenses onto a white piece of paper. If the lenses are effective, they should block or significantly reduce the amount of blue light that passes through and reaches the paper. This can show a visible difference compared to shining the light without the lenses acting as a filter.

Identify Blue Light Lenses by Tint and Reflection

Another way to identify blue light filtering glasses is by examining the lenses themselves. Many blue light glasses have a slight tint, usually yellow or amber, which helps filter out the blue light spectrum. Additionally, when you hold the glasses under a light source, you might notice a subtle blue or purple reflection on the lens surface, indicating the presence of a blue light coating.

Protect Your Eyes, Enhance Your Life

Using blue light glasses can make a big difference in how comfortable and healthy your eyes feel, especially with all the screen time we have these days. These glasses help cut down on eye strain, support better sleep, and prevent long-term eye issues from too much exposure to screens and artificial lights. Knowing when to wear them—like while using your phone, gaming, working on the computer, or watching TV at night—can really improve your daily life. So why wait? Find a pair of blue light glasses that suits your needs and start taking better care of your eyes today.

In a recent appearance, Tamannaah Bhatia paired her all-black ensemble with minimal makeup. Dressed in a Dolce & Gabbana sheer black dress and matching pointed-toe heels. Tamannaah Bhatia styled her straight, side-parted hair falling loosely over her shoulder. Stylist Leepakshi Ellawadi accessorised the actor with gold statement earrings and rings.

Makeup artist Sonam Chandna Sagar gave Bhatia second-skin-like makeup with an even-toned, radiant complexion. For her eyes, Sagar picked a soft shade of brown, black smudged winged eyeliner, minimal faux lashes for an eyes-wide-open look and mascara. A rose pink blush added dimension and warmth to the actor’s complexion and the brown contouring around her forehead and cheekbones added definition to her features. The look was completed with well-groomed, defined brows and light pink lipstick topped with a sheer glaze for a fresh and polished finish.

To recreate Tamannaah Bhatia’s look, follow the steps below:

• Start by cleansing your face and applying a hydrating moisturiser to create a smooth base. Follow with a primer to help the makeup last longer.
• Apply a lightweight, buildable foundation or a tinted moisturiser using a damp makeup sponge or brush for a natural, even finish.
• Dab on concealer under the eyes and on any blemishes to even out your complexion. Blend it well to avoid harsh lines.
• Apply a soft brown eyeshadow on your eyelids, blending it into the crease for depth.
• Smudge a bit of brown eyeshadow along your upper lash line for soft definition.
• Coat your lashes with mascara to open up the eyes. Add minimal faux lashes for fullness, applying them close to your lash line.
• Sweep a rose-pink blush onto the apples of your cheeks, blending it towards your temples for a lifted look.
• Use a brown contour powder to define your cheekbones, forehead, and jawline. Blend well for a soft, natural contour.
• Define your brows with a brow pencil or powder, following your natural shape. Set them in place with a clear brow gel.
• Line your lips with a nude or pink lip liner to define the shape, then apply a light pink gloss for a soft, natural finish.
• Finish with a setting spray to lock in your makeup and give your skin a fresh, dewy glow.

Also read:

From Tamannaah Bhatia to Ananya Pandey, soft glam dominated the best beauty looks of the week

How to ace the wedding guest beauty game like Tamannaah Bhatia

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Understanding ovulation allows for understanding many of the essential subtleties involving fertility and menstruation. A segment of the menstrual cycle, in this sense, defines a time wherein the ovary ejects the egg, starting conditions whereby one gets pregnant. Due to a process of changed sequences of various hormonal changes leading up to several physical symptoms or emotional issues in their seriousness, much turmoil is afflicted within both body and brain. These changes are not only of great importance in family planning but also shed light on how the reproductive system works, therefore allowing one to make relevant choices regarding their health and well-being.

1. Hormonal Changes at Ovulation

LH Surge and Its Participation

The surge of luteinizing hormone is one of the major events that result in ovulation. This generally occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle and serves as a signal for the release of a mature egg from the ovary. It represents the peak in hormonal activity in the course of the cycle, signifying that the body is ready for possible fertilization. It lasts about 24 to 36 hours and is thus crucial for correctly timing ovulation.

Increase in Estrogen Levels

Estrogen levels in the body increase significantly as ovulation nears. In most respects, this is because of the developing follicles in the ovaries, each of which, as it matures, will produce estrogen. Higher levels of estrogen serve a number of purposes: thickening the lining of the uterus in preparation for a fertilized egg and creating cervical mucus that allows sperm to move through easily. This hormonal shift prepares the body for ovulation and creates an optimal environment for implantation if fertilization occurs.

2. Physical Symptoms and Signs of Ovulation Changes in Cervical Mucus

Your Cervical Mucus Changes

Besides, at the time of ovulation, cervical mucus also shows evident changes to signal fertility. The consistency of the mucus becomes more translucent, elastic, and slippery, taking on the appearance of raw egg whites. This change, mediated through increased estrogen levels, allows sperm to more successfully pass the cervix into the uterus for fertilization.

Your Temperature Rises Slightly

After ovulation, most women have a slight elevation in basal body temperature (BBT). This is due to progesterone, a hormone produced by the ovary after the release of the egg. BBT can be helpful in monitoring ovulation because the elevated temperature will usually stay until menses begin.

You Might Feel Mild Pain

Some women experience mild pelvic pain or discomfort at the time of ovulation, called mittelschmerz. It is typically a one-sided pain, on the same side as the ovary that is releasing the egg. Usually, mittelschmerz is not severe enough to interfere with daily activities and usually resolves spontaneously in a few minutes to hours. It is reassuring to remember that mittelschmerz is a normal part of the ovulatory process.

Your Breasts May Feel Tender

The hormonal change during ovulation can also lead to increased sensitivity of the breasts or tenderness. Many females complain of greater sensitivity in their breasts due to high levels of estrogen and progesterone. This is usually temporary and may go away after ovulation is over or after a period of time when menstruation begins.

3. Behavioral and Sensory Changes At Ovulation

Your Sex Drive Increases

For many women, at the point of ovulation, there is an increase in sexual desire; it is sometimes described as heightened libido. It is primarily driven by hormonal factors, which include a rise in estrogen on the eve of ovulation. The body gets ready to conceive, thereby enhancing sexual attractiveness and interest at this point of the menstrual cycle.

Your Senses Become Sharper

Some women also develop an increased sensitivity to smell or taste around the time of ovulation. Again, this symptom can be a result of the hormonal changes associated with ovulation. Not every woman experiences these changes, but for those who do, this heightened sensitivity may create a more acute awareness of their environment and, correspondingly, a greater sensory awareness.

4. Emotional and Psychological Effects of Ovulation

Many women experience irritability or emotional highs and lows during ovulation due to hormonal changes. It is brought on by changes in neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, produced by the increase in estrogen and progesterone levels. Some people feel more energetic and happy, while others may experience irritability or mood swings. It has to be taken into consideration that these effects range widely; some women may not record any or very minimal change in their emotional state during this phase of the menstrual cycle.

5. Reproductive System Preparations for Ovulation

Your Egg Gets Released

During ovulation, because of the peak of the LH, the fully formed egg from the ovarian follicle passes through the rupturing of the follicular cell and out into the fallopian tube. Once the egg travels down the tube, fertilization may result since the egg has also met the sperm. The cycle midpoint of release allows for natural conception to occur only from this form.

Your Uterus Prepares for Pregnancy

In the case of ovulation, dramatic changes take place in the uterine lining in preparation for a pregnancy. The lining thickens and becomes well vascularized in preparation for the best environment for embryo implantation as the levels of estrogen increase in the days preceding ovulation. If fertilization occurs and the fertilized egg reaches the uterus, this thickened lining will support the early stages of pregnancy. If no fertilization occurs, the lining is shed as menses.

Track Your Cycle with an Ovulation Calculator

Want an easier way to track your fertile days? An online ovulation calculator can help you understand your cycle better. It’s like having a personal calendar that highlights your most important dates.

How to Use the Calculator

It’s simple – you just need two pieces of information:

• The first day of your last period
• Your typical cycle length (how many days from the start of one period to the start of the next)

What You’ll Learn

• After entering these details, you’ll see:
• When your next few periods should start
• Your most fertile days (when you’re likely ovulating)
• A potential due date if you conceive during this cycle

Your Personal Fertility Calendar

The ovulation calculator creates a visual calendar that marks:

• Your period start dates in dark red
• Your fertile window in pink (usually 5-6 days each cycle)
• The next 6 months of your cycle

You can set up reminders on your phone to help you keep track of your most fertile days.

While these ovulation calculators are helpful tools, they work best if you have regular cycles. Every woman’s body is different, and other signs of ovulation (like changes in cervical mucus and body temperature) are also important to track. For the most accurate family planning, consider using the ovulation calculator alongside other fertility awareness methods and always consult with your healthcare provider.

Know Your Body Better: Understanding Your Ovulation Signs

Think of ovulation as your body’s monthly preparation for potential pregnancy – it comes with clear signs you can learn to recognize. From changes in your cervical mucus to slight shifts in body temperature, these signals help you understand when you’re most fertile. Some women might notice they feel more energetic or even experience mild pain, while others might not feel anything at all – and that’s completely normal.

What matters most is paying attention to your own body’s patterns. Whether you’re planning a pregnancy or just want to understand your cycle better, knowing your ovulation signs puts you more in tune with your body’s natural rhythms. And remember, if you have questions about your cycle or notice unusual changes, your healthcare provider is always there to help.

The wide-leg trouser has taken poll position in the slacks stakes in recent years, making its presence felt across the sartorial spectrum: from the designer runways of Saint Laurent and Peter Do, to the rails of high-street favourites, Cos and Arket.

Of course, the wide-leg trouser is by no means a modern phenomenon, and its history stretches back to the ’20s where the It-girls of the day wore them as a sign of liberation from the burden of traditional skirts. And while we no longer wear them as an act of rebellion, the wide-leg trouser still retains that sense of ageless elegance, thanks to their tailored construction that hasn’t changed much in the last 100 years and their flattering, leg-lengthening credentials.

But the question is: how do we make wide-leg trousers feel directional in 2025? Allow us to be your guides. From layered jersey tops and cargo detailing, to corduroy fabrications and tough leather outerwear, we’ve compiled five outfits to experiment with this February. Scroll down to explore.

Cargo trousers + layered tees

Striped Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

Long-Sleeved Microfibre Top

Barrel-Leg Utility Trousers

Black trousers + vintage-inspired jacket

Appliquéd Colour-Block Fringed Suede Jacket

Mr Porter

₹ 2,83,500.00

00’s Men’s Boston Bruins Hockey T-Shirt

Relaxed Fit Cool Wool Trousers

Massimo Dutti

₹ 10,000.00

Leather jacket + high-waisted trousers

Leather Blouson With Shearling Collar

Bottega Veneta

₹4,66,000.00

Beige trousers + polo top

Contrast Trim Striped Polo

Oversized Faux Shearling Gilet

Classic Ultra Mini Shearling Boots

Net-a-porter

₹ 14,500.00

Relaxed Twill Wide-Leg Trousers

Cord trousers + parka

Technical Hooded Parka Jacket

Chunky Pure Cashmere Crew-Neck Jumper

This story first appeared on vogue.co.uk

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According to some of the best rom-coms out there, the answer to the age-old “Do opposites attract?” debate is a resounding yes. Unlikely pairings—a bookish introvert falling for the popular, social butterfly; the bubbly optimist drawn to the mysteriously brooding realist—make for some of the most swoon-worthy stories. But the real question is, do these types of matches actually last?

There’s something undeniably exciting about being with a person who’s, well, nothing like you. “The novelty is a huge part of the ‘opposites attract’ appeal,” says Chris Gonzalez, PhD, LMFT, professor and founding director of Lipscomb University’s Marriage and Family Therapy masters program in Nashville. “It’s like, ‘There’s something in you I don’t see in myself, and that’s what makes this dynamic so unfamiliar yet electric.”

But will that early chemistry translate into a happily ever after? According to Dr. Gonzalez, not necessarily: “There’s a difference between attraction, that initial spark, and compatibility, which refers to whether the relationship is built to last.” Some opposites can successfully challenge and complement each other in a way that strengthens their bond, he explains, while other times, competing personalities can be impossible to overcome. Below, we asked experts what makes some opposites click—and why others clash.

So why do opposites attract?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to why we may gravitate toward our polar opposites. Again, the unknown can be a big draw. But there are a few reasons why ending up with someone quite different might work in your favour, too, according to Molly Burrets, PhD, a Los Angeles-based psychologist and adjunct professor at the University of Southern California’s Department of Marriage and Family Therapy.

For starters, you probably don’t want to be with a carbon copy of yourself, says Dr. Burrets. There’s not much room to grow if you’re both always on the same page and never disagreeing or challenging each other. Plus things can get boring when you’re too similar—without any contrast, it’s easy to feel stagnant. In some cases, too many commonalities can also breed more conflict, Dr. Gonzalez points out—like if both of you are too stubborn to apologise during fights or so conflict-avoidant that important issues never get addressed.

We might not all like Valentine’s Day celebrations, but perhaps some cute Valentine’s Day nail art designs could put us in the mood for love? An at-home manicure is that little self-care moment that we all deserve—plus, there are so many ideas out there that your nails can very well become your canvas. To help inform your decision, we’ve put together an edit of the most beautiful nail ideas that work equally well across acrylic nails, gel nails and every different nail shape. There are options for everything, from long coffin nails to short and natural shapes.

Want something a little more themed? Red for Valentine’s Day may not be groundbreaking, but it’s an undeniable classic. We’ve come across some stunning manis that remix traditional pinks and reds in a modern, covetable way, whether it’s across the whole nail, ombréd out, or making a guest appearance as an accent, like a French tip or retro swirls (which are proving very popular). So get your nail polish collection out and create something you can truly crush on.

Glitter hearts

Heart tips

Chrome pink with dinky red heart

Chrome aura

Kisses

Karisma Kapoor’s style is a lesson in “how not to try too hard”, especially when it comes to beachwear. She clearly enjoys spending time by the ocean and is often serving up delicious resort wear looks. Earlier, we had witnessed her in an all-black beach outfit, perfect for those with a penchant for dark neutrals. Her recent pick? A printed hand-draped kaftan dress from Verandah, a conscious luxury brand founded by Anjali Patel Mehta.

Inspired by the laid-back Goan susegaad life, Kapoor’s kaftan, from Verandah’s Parra collection, features diaphanous motifs around the borders, alluding to the azulejos tiles found across colonial Portuguese houses in the state. Wearing her hair in a sleek bun and keeping her makeup clean, Karisma Kapoor proved that beach style can be both chic and comfortable. She stayed true to the monochromatic feel of the look, adding a statement only with a stack of zebra-printed resin cuffs.

As seen on international runways, such as Saint-Laurent and Chloé’s coveted spring summer ’25 shows, stacking cuffs set against bohemian, billowing silhouettes seems to be the next big trend. Case in point, Tripti Dimri‘s stack with an ivory Iqbal Hussain lehenga, Kareena Kapoor Khan’s more disco-esque rendition of the trend, or Sobhita Dhulipala‘s sequinned version paired with archival Sabyasachi – bohemian, easy-going offerings that stray away from overdone minimalism.

History, by default, has been a male dominion. Tucked inside school textbooks are tales of valour and conquests, wars and spoils, almost always performed by men. Reading about fearless souls striding onto the battlefield or flouting societal expectations, be it Akbar the Great, Bhagat Singh or Kabir, has always felt manly.

After all, who has ever got their blood pumping over Mirabai’s Sita-like devotion or Sarojini Naidu’s role in the freedom struggle with her docile title, the ‘Nightingale of India’? Women of the past have been considered exceptional only as saints and celebrated in monochrome shades, even if it is the warrior queen of Jhansi.

It’s why contemporary female historians in India are enlisting their words to rescue women like the Sufi poet-spy Noor Inayat Khan, who fought to defeat Nazi tyranny, from the blank page, and shining a new light on figures like Mirabai, who audaciously left behind her husband, his family and dominion to stray alone in the wild.

Sophia Duleep Singh (fourth from left) fought for causes like women’s suffrage and better treatment of Indian soldiers in World War I, enraging the British government.

Topical Press Agency/Getty Images

At the recently concluded Jaipur Literature Festival (January 30 to February 3, 2025), Vogue India invited three leading Indian female historians to discuss whether heroism truly lies in the eyes of the beholder. British historian and TV presenter Anita Anand discussed how Sophia Duleep Singh, a Punjabi-Indian suffragette, saved her sanity while Shrabani Basu, an Indian historian and journalist, shared that even 20 years after writing about the legacy of Noor Inayat Khan, a British secret agent and Tipu Sultan’s descendant, she is haunted by the spy extraordinaire. Leading Indian historian Ira Mukhoty, who has penned audacious biographical accounts of Mirabai, Lakshmibai, Draupadi and several Mughal women, divulged how her quest to redefine womanhood happened by chance. All of them agreed that it is not only the future that is female, but also the past.

Ira Mukhoty (IR): I want to start by saying that I am a trained scientist. Writing happened by accident. When my girls were small and growing up in Delhi, I looked for Indian language stories to counter the pervasive influence of Western culture. Looking at our mythology, I thought about how Indian womanhood had been homogenised through popular culture, like the image of Sita. Men have been writing all the stories and records, especially those concerning men. Barely anything had been written about the women of the Mughal Empire. Trusted male academics told me I was wasting my time. It’s just that I approached writing with a certain point of view, looking for certain details, which I knew I would find. It’s not impossible, but you have to have that gaze.