Brutal Torture Techniques Used in the History of Mankind

Torture has been a common theme when we take the history of brutality into consideration. Time and again, humans have found unique ways to torture their counter parts just because they were consumed with power, ego and money.

From religious genocides to treating people like animals, innocent people have faced a lot in the past. All we can do is hope that by learning more about the past, people can learn from the mistakes of their ancestors.

Here are some of the brutal torture technique ever used in the history of mankind:

The Rack

The Rack was considered as one of the most gruesome torture techniques in the medieval times. It was a wooden rack with two ropes on top and another two on the bottom that were used to tie victim’s hands and legs.

Once the victim was fixed on the rack and couldn’t move, the torturer would start turning the handle which in turn would pull the rope nearer to the edges. The handle was turned till the victim was so stretched out that all of his limbs were dislocated.

And that did not even stop the torturers; they would keep turning till they were convinced there was no functional bone left in the victim’s body.

Tongue Tearer

This metal device was also heavily used during the medieval times by kings’ guards to get rid of anyone who spoke against the king. First the mouth of the victim was fixed open, and then this device, which looked like a big pair of scissors was used to dissect and tore out the victim’s tongue.

Rat Torture

Rat torture has to be one of the most sadist forms of torture, and it’s not about leaving someone trapped with rats in a room, it’s even worse. This method takes ordinary torture to a whole another level.

The victim was first laid down and tied so that he couldn’t move even if he wanted to, then a cage with one side open was kept over him. First, a big rodent was put inside the cage and the side opposite to the victim was heated with a device. The rodent, going by his instincts, would try to escape the heat by borrowing inside the victim’s body. Some torturers used this mechanism to kill their victims, while others just used it to torture victims every day.

The Chair of Torture

Also known as the Judas Chair, this chair was introduced in medieval ages, and was used by kingdoms in Europe till the 1800s. The chair was made of metal and every surface of the chair was filled with spikes, most of them had 500 to 1500 spikes.

Heating elements could also be used beneath the chair to heat it up, since the chair was made up of metal, it hardly took any time to get the spikes heated up. This chair was mostly used for getting out confessions from the victims.

Cemented Shoes

This method of torture was used by American crime mafia to get rid of their traitors, spies or enemies. The victim was first made to stand inside cinder blocks which was then filled up with wet cement. After the cement dried up, the victim was thrown into the sea or a deep water body, and was left to die.

Republican Marriage

During the French Revolution, Jean-Baptiste Carrier was known for using torturous techniques to kill those who spoke against him. As if burning people at the stake and guillotine wasn’t enough, Carrier thought of a different way to kill large number of people together.

He would tie up naked bodies of men and women and then throw them into an icy river to drown. If the waters weren’t available, his guards use swords to kill the people after tying them up. Carrier often used this method during his time to execute priests and nuns.

Hanged, Drawn and Quartered

This method was used in the British Kingdom to kill people accused of treason. In this method, the victims were first hanged on a wooden plank till they neared their death, then they were removed from the hanging rope, their genetilia was drawn and burnt in front of them. To kill the victim, his body was divided in four pieces. This form of punishment was abolished in 1814.

9 Things That Make Life On Mars Sound Bizarre

It has been quite long since our obsession with life on Mars began. We have had varied theories and arguments. The red planet has fascinated us humans for its proximity to Earth, literally and otherwise. There have been discussions about how habitable Mars is, but there have been no concrete conclusion. Currently, NASA has placed two rovers on Mars to explore the enticing planet – Opportunity and Spirit. There are pictures released from these Rovers regularly by NASA and every time a new picture hits the internet, it goes viral. For some reason, the land on Earth is not big enough for people anymore, they now want to vacation in even more exotic locations, and that includes Mars. Considering these theories and research papers, here is a list of 9 things that make life on Mars bizarre.

1.    Dull Landscapes and Placid Scenery

With all due respect to the red planet, it is not even close to being called beautiful. Earth offers not only diversity but also amazing scenic beauty that is peaceful. Wanderlust would be an imaginary feeling on Mars. Everything would either seem gray or red, and that also includes the sky. The planet is not as colorful as the human race has subjected it to be.

2.    Always Low on Rocket Fuel

Rocket Fuel will obviously be needed to travel to Mars and most importantly, to come back. In spite of being extensively stored, hydrogen has a tendency of escaping fuel tanks. Hence, there will be a permanent shortage and travelling back and forth would be difficult.

A solution to this problem can be manufacturing Rocket Fuel on Mars itself. But storing and keeping it chilled will require insulation and electric coolers. And not to forget, the raw materials would still be needed from the Earth.  

3.    The Unbearable Cold Temperatures

Even the coldest region on Earth, Antarctica, has way more temperature than Mars.

On Mars, even the areas that are closer to the Equator have a temperature ranging from -70°C to -100°C. CO2 will freeze at such low temperatures, and a human will not be able to survive without technology on Mars.

Even if scientists do come up with synthetic, climate controlled areas, there is no way they can do this for the entire planet. So, whenever you would be traveling on Mars, you would have to wear the same helmets like the astronauts wear.

4.    No Atmosphere At All

What’s atmosphere on Mars is just laboratory vacuum by Earth standards. To escape this pressure, a human will always have to be in a spacesuit. Even a minor leakage can fatal and life-threatening. While being on Mars does sound exciting, risking your own life is definitely not worth it.

5.    Long Days on Mars

The typical day at Mars will be 40 minutes more than the Earth’s average day. But no matter how good these extra 40 minutes sound, it will be difficult for humans to adjust to it. The human circadian rhythm is programmed for 24 hours and living on Mars will lead to perpetual jet lag.

6.    The Absence of Surface Gravity

The effects of spending long period in the small gravity of Mars are still unknown. It might lead to a loss of bone density and muscle mass. The low surface gravity will create great difficulty, and it would be highly difficult for the humans to adjust to it.

7.    Extended and Frequent Dust Storms

Martian summers that occur every two Earth years have a serious chance of dust storms. These storms are quite severe, and the light from the Sun reduces by 95%. Not only will this lead to loss of light during the day but this kind of dust is harmful to humans as well.

8.    Constant Static Electricity

We Earthlings face static electricity when we comb our hair or touch the doorknob. This static electricity on Mars can create a serious problem. The soil on Mars will generate static electricity because it is dry and fine like rubber. The current rovers deal with this issue with ultrafine needles, but the same will be difficult to manage if people build houses on Mars.

9.    Uneven Martian Terrain

Martian terrain is extremely rocky. In fact, the rocky terrain is very much similar to the moon. Now, for landing, there is usually a flat plain required. These rocks could possess a huge threat and even damage parts of the aircraft.

Is China's Great Wall Visible From Space?

Keeping space-myths aside, many of us even remember reading in our school textbooks about the Great Wall of China being the ONLY man-made structure that’s visible on earth from outer space! Some have even mentioned about this gigantic marvel being visible from the moon!

With the sole intent of ‘clearing the air’ as far as such theories are concerned, even NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has dedicated an exclusive page on its official website, explaining why these beliefs are part of a space misconception! So here’s a look at some hardcore facts to give you a glimpse of reality:-

• If you rely on the unaided eye, the Great Wall of China is not visible to astronauts even from the Lower Earth Orbit! In fact, no man-made structure on earth is visible from outer space when viewed using your naked eye.

• What’s actually visible to astronauts are the natural contours and landscape of the earth, along with the blue hues of the oceans, and although the Great Wall is pretty huge (roughly measures 5500 miles in length), it’s definitely not wide enough to be visible without a visual aid!

• In 2003, when Yang Liwei , the first Chinese Astronaut forayed into outer space, it’s obvious that the first glimpse that he strived to get from his shuttle window was that of the Great Wall! But he clearly stated that the structure was not visible to him. Even when he took an aerial photograph using a 180 mm zoom lens, he couldn’t identify the wall on it. Talk about hearing it from the horse’s mouth!

• On the contrary, the Ancient Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Toyota Center in Texas and even well-lit cities have been visibly demarcated in radar images produced by satellites and also manually!

• It needs to be remembered that what’s visible and what’s not, specifically depends upon the ongoing weather and atmospheric condition, the camera resolution, the shape, age and illumination of the structure and so on!

5 Greatest Unsolved Mysteries That Have Baffled Mankind!

Think of unsolved mysteries, and the Bermuda Triangle, or the recent MH370 disappearance are what we think of immediately. But there are many more whacky happenings that have baffled mankind for ages, with still no rational explanation till date! We picked out the 5 most intriguing ones, to take a look:-

1.      Mary Celeste
On the 4th December 1872, the crew members of Dei Gratia (a Canadian Ship) found a deserted ship by the name of Mary Celeste, afloat on the Atlantic Ocean, next to the Azores Islands. There were absolutely no signs of a pirate attack, forced struggle or a natural calamity, as the ship appeared to be under partial sale, and was definitely not shipwrecked. While all 10 of the crew members, along with the lifeboat were missing, their belongings and supplies were absolutely intact! Conflicting theories range from natural waterspouts to foul play and insurance fraud, but none can completely explain what exactly happened aboard!

      2.      The Taos Hum

A small town located in the Taos County of New Mexico, Taos sprung to fame for the Taos Hum, a consistently low-frequency noise that’s surprisingly audible to only some people and the source of which, has never been identified till date! People who can hear it have described it as some sort of humming, droning or rumbling noise, which is highly disturbing and has also driven some to suicide!

      3.      The Shroud of Turin

The Shroud of Turin is a piece of linen cloth with the image of man on it, closely resembling Jesus Christ. The exact origin of the shroud, in terms of which period it dates back to, who found it and when, and how exactly the image was formed on the cloth, has been a matter of intense speculation. The religious perspective remains that it was the burial shroud of Christ, although radiocarbon dating traces it to the Medieval Age. As of today, the Shroud of Turin has been carefully encased at the Saint John Cathedral in Turin, Italy.

     4.      Loch Ness Monster

Loch Ness is a well-known freshwater lake located in the Scottish Highlands and the Loch Ness Monster was first formally reported in 1933 by a George Spicer, a British tourist who was motor-boating on the lake with his wife. Hearsay stories about this monster, have been circulating right from the 7^th century, describing the so-called monster as being huge, dragon-like, sea serpent-like etc. Though there has been no pin-point explanation, this creature has been denoted as a Cryptid, a living being whose existence has not been certified by the scientists.

      5.      The Babushka Lady

It’s been 53 years since John F Kennedy, the 35^th President of the United States, was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald; yet the alleged presence of a ‘second gunman’ and varied conspiracy theories have been unable to holistically explain the assassination. To add to the mystery, the presence of an unknown woman wearing a headscarf (similar to the ones worn by elderly women in Russia who are referred to as ‘Babushka’), who was photographed at the venue, ‘photographing the entire incident’ with her own camera, left all investigating authorities baffled! What’s weird is that even though many eye-witnesses saw her, she was never identified since her own camera was hiding her face all along during the footage!

5 Regressive Patriarchal Practices Still Followed In Urban India!

Everywhere you look around-on TV, social media, newspapers and billboards; there are hi-flying talks of women’s equality. About how a ‘new era’ has ushered in India, with women making their mark in all walks of life.

But amidst all this talk of equality, liberty and emancipation, each one of us still privy to regressive patriarchal practices. And what’s shocking is that you don’t need to step into rural India to witness them; they’re very much a part and parcel of our lives in so-called modern, urban India, and many of us (including women) shockingly encourage them! Still not convinced? Well then, let’s take a look:-

1. The Big Fat Indian Wedding!

As responsible citizens of this great country, reading the newspaper is a must every morning! Including the Sunday Paper and the wonderful Matrimonial Section. If I had a rupee for every time I came across the line, “Wanted Slim, Fair and Beautiful Bride”, I would probably be a millionaire by now! Not to forget the incessant drills and parading that happens when a prospective groom and his family come over to ‘see’ you! If the girl happens to be ‘dusky’, ‘fat’, ‘short’ or (gasp!) ‘Maanglik’, she will forever be the subject of sympathy amongst family members, for failing to comply with the standards of the ‘Indian Marriage Market’!

2. When Marriage Becomes An Economic Transaction!

In most cities of the Hindi Heartland, you’ll find a brand new car that’s stationed outside each wedding venue. Lest you think it’s the car in which the betrothed couple is going to drive away post the ceremony, these are ‘special gifts’ from the girl’s family to the guy’s family. Because getting your son a woman who’ll remain devoted to him lifelong is just not enough! You also need a car, cash and gold jewellery.

In short, dowry is a full-fledged practice, very much prevalent amongst the most well-educated families, and no matter how many re-runs of Aamir Khan’s ‘Satyamev Jayate’ we watch on Sunday, all we’ll do is to send the SMS as instructed, put up a social media post in support of women and then get back to our usual ‘family traditions’ of receiving ‘gifts’ from the bride’s father!

3. Fast For Your Husband’s Long Life!

Of course, a good wife fasts all day long for the health and long life of her ‘God’, lest any evil spirit befall him! While Karva Chauth happens to be the most popular occasion in this realm (thanks to Bollywood!), there are several other occasions like Teej (a rigorous 36-hour fast) and Joootiya (when a mother fasts for her son, widely prevalent in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh). As renowned journalist Sagarika Ghosh penned in one of her columns, “Men are worshipped as husbands, brothers and sons. Devi-Puja is acceptable, but Patni-Puja is frowned upon!”

4. The Black Shroud Is Here To Engulf You!

Very often on the sub-way, in buses and trains, you’ll find girls as young as 4 to 5 years being covered from head to toe, in that stifling black outfit (if you may call it so; I on the other hand would prefer to call it a shroud). What’s interesting to note is that their male siblings are conveniently clad in shorts and t-shirts. So is there a point of printing those Social Science text books that harp on and on about ‘the Indian constitution bestowing women’s equality’? What notion of gender equality will these young boys grow up with, when they see these regressive practices encouraged by parents?

5. The Quest For A Male Child!

Irrespective of which economic strata or geographical zone you belong to, I’m fairly confident that you’re aware of the ‘marathon run’ for a male child. Daughter-in-laws are considered inadequate till they’ve successfully produced a virulent ‘male heir’ to carry on the ‘family name’! And till then of course, the process of production keeps going, the first daughter, the second daughter, the third daughter and so on shrines are visited, astrologers are consulted, fervent prayers are made and then God Almighty showers his blessings! It doesn’t strike anybody then that of the 330 million Gods revered in India, more than half are female deities!