The History of India Podcast

Latest Episodes:

2.4 Chess and the emptiness of Pataliputra Feb 11, 2016

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(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The once grand Imperial capital has lost its lustre. Its people watch as the great and good leave their city. Those that remain face repeated invasion from west, south and north. In this episode we meet these invaders, explore their caves, and tell their stories.

2.3 The Prince and the Greek Feb 04, 2016

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(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) An ancient Indian love poem leads us to the pinnacle of two great houses: the Shungas who inherited an Indian empire, and the Indo-Greeks. After their fateful meeting, we watch as both houses begin their steady decline, until at last they slip out of view. [Audio slightly fuzzy. Apologies]

2.2 The Greeks and the Indian homeland Jan 27, 2016

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(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) Ancient Afghanistan: rich and fertile. Its Greek kings are powerful and ambitious enough to try to carve a new empire in India, cutting through the ruins of the old empire all the way to the walls of its grand capital city. Will the Greeks break through? To find out, listen on.

2.1 The kingslayer and his horses Jan 20, 2016

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(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The story of the general who ended an empire. To consolidate his power, the general became a passionate supporter of the old-time religion. We look at the accusation that he persecuted the rival, Buddhist sect. And we learn how to perform his grandest ritual: the horse sacrifice.

2.0 The bumbling historian and his mad plan Jan 20, 2016

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(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) An introduction and apology for the series. What we'll be talking about, how I'll screw it up, and how a mysterious red liquor almost ruined ancient India.

1.G The sayings of seers (part 2) Dec 22, 2015

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(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) We look at the lost religion of ancient India. We see its doctrines and seemingly harsh practices through the eyes of rival sects. And we ask how the apparent hostility between these sects changed the lives of average ancient Indians.

1.F The Merchants of Magadha Dec 02, 2015

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(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The guilds of ancient India. Trusted by townsfolk, feared by kings. This week, we find out how to join an ancient guild, and what to expect once you're a member. Then we take a voyage across Mauryan India with a member of a merchant guild.

1.E The Sayings of Seers Nov 18, 2015

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(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) In this episode, we look at how religion affected the life of the average ancient Indian.What rituals and sacrifices did an ancient Indian householder perform? What different religious views and ways of life did an ancient Indian have to choose between? Download, and find out.

1.D The carving of society - a conversation Nov 04, 2015

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(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) We're joined by Prakhar Manas for a discussion of caste in ancient history, and it's effect on modern India.

1.D The carvings of society Nov 04, 2015

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(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, we tackle the thorny issue of caste, and how important it was to day-to-day life in ancient India.