Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann first made LSD in 1938 while researching compounds derived from ergot, a fungus. In 1943 he experienced its psychedelic effects after unintentionally taking an unknown amount, possibly by absorbing it through his skin. Hofmann then deliberately took a small dose on 19 April 1943 and rode his bicycle home, an event now known as Bicycle Day. The experience showed that the compound had powerful effects on the mind at very low doses. His discovery led to decades of research into its effects and eventually to strict controls on the drug.

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, India, with more than 1,600 surviving remains spread over 4,100 hectares. It was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire from 1336 to 1565. Travellers from Persia and Portugal described it as a prosperous, wealthy and grand city with temples, markets and farms along the Tungabhadra River. By 1500 it was estimated to be the world's second-largest city after Beijing, and probably India's richest at the time. In 1565 a coalition of Muslim sultanates defeated the Vijayanagara Empire, its capital was conquered and destroyed, and the city was left in ruins. Hampi remains a religious centre, with the active Virupaksha Temple at its heart.