Cover art for podcast The History of India Podcast

The History of India Podcast

145 EpisodesProduced by Kit PatrickWebsite

A light weekly podcast covering the history of India, from 6th century B.C. Enjoying the podcast? Please consider donating to the Snehal Sidhu Memorial Fund (http://tinyurl.com/prkvwll)

145 Episodes | 2015 - 2024

Farewell

February 22nd, 2024

0:39

An important message from RadioPublic

6.2 Tale of two princes: Dantidurga and Nandivarman

December 8th, 2023

49:47

The Pallava Empire is sliding into anarchy. All its hopes are pinned on a twelve year old boy from Cambodia. We follow his winding path to power. …

6.1 Ascending the peak: Dantidurga and the founding of the Rashtrakuta empire

December 1st, 2023

56:31

A young prince rises to found an empire. We tell the story of his rise in three ritual baths. Also in this episode: how running a medieval Indian court is like writing an essay, the most imperial of all imperial …

5.E By the dry heart of empire

January 13th, 2021

57:03

What was life like in the heart of the Chaulkiya empire? How did they survive in such a dry environment? How was the city defended? In this episode, …

5.D Workers stranded by the lockdown

May 1st, 2020

48:55

**Special episode on the current crisis** People are stranded all across India. They left to find work. Now the lockdown has come, they are out of work, out of money and out of food. We get to talk to Anushka and Nithya …

5.C Chalukyas by the book

April 26th, 2020

49:07

  (www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This week we chat to comic book author, novelist and fellow fan of the Chaulkiya period Dr. Shalini Srinivasan about …

5.B By the whim of the master (part 2)

April 18th, 2020

1:04:22

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) ***Warning: contains upsetting details.*** The second special episode on slavery. This week, we hear about the lives of female slaves. We meet slaves in Buddhist monasteries. And we meet a …

5.A By the whim of the master

April 11th, 2020

59:03

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) ***Warning: contains upsetting details.*** This week, we learn a little about what life was like for slaves in ancient and early medieval India, from becoming a slave to being free. India …

5.23 Overtaken by the bogeyman

April 4th, 2020

43:56

  (www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This week, we meet some of the bogeymen of ancient India; a group among the most feared of the Barbarians. The mighty Kamboja horsemasters. And yet, these are real people. In this …

5.22 By the back of the five great kings

March 26th, 2020

44:39

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This is the week of small kings. The Pratihara empire has ruled for as long as anyone can remember. But a small king …

5.21 By half a metre

December 14th, 2019

49:23

  (www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This week, Mahendrapala extends his empire downstream, towards the sea. But nothing is what it seems: not the emperor, nor his empire, nor his conquest. All will be revealed only half a …

5.20 Assault by salt

December 5th, 2019

51:27

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) A journey through one of emperor Bhoja's lands. With the emperor far away in the Imperial city, we find out what life …

5.19 Drawn by the sun

October 21st, 2019

44:54

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) In this episode, young king Bhoja will grow into his throne. He will draw together allies and subordinates and wait patiently. When the time is right he will strike at his ancestral …

5.18 Drawn by greatness

October 8th, 2019

1:01:53

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) For too long the empire of the east has dominated North India. Bhoja, the descendant of the western emperors is determined to bring change. But he starts with almost nothing, for the once …

5.17 By the tip of the quivering sword

August 23rd, 2019

41:31

( The victorious Palas build their empire. Poets gather in their courts. Kings flee before their armies. All seems well, but an old enemy is …

5.16 By the setting of the eastern sun

August 10th, 2019

1:00:56

() This week, the build up to the great battle continues. We join the navy of the East, as it brings infantry and elephants up the river. Then we …

5.15 By the light of the western dawn

August 3rd, 2019

50:10

() This week, we witness the build up to a great battle of the age: the Pratihara king has brought his army from the east, thick with warhorses. The Pala king has brought his army from the west, loaded with mountainous …

5.14 By the help of a hundred scholars

June 20th, 2019

44:44

() Emperor Dharmapala constructed an education system across his empire, so great it surpassed all that had come before. For half a millennium, it …

5.13 By a graceful move of the eyebrows

June 16th, 2019

48:16

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This week, we find out what happened to the great prize of North India: the Imperial city of Kanyakubja. Two dynasties: the Palas (protectors), and the Pratiharas (doorkeepers) have been …

5.a Philosophy, by the book

June 5th, 2019

24:30

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) Become a student of the great Jain thinker Haribhadra. His novels have thrilled you. His satires have scanadlised you. His logics have perplexed you. Now listen to his lightening fast …

5.12 Back by the withering sand

May 30th, 2019

41:59

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) We join the great Pratihara king Vatsaraja, at his lowest moment. With the whole of North India in his power, he is …

5.11 On taking two umbrellas

May 23rd, 2019

38:34

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) Everyone wants the imperial city of Kanyakubja lies at the center. The great Partihara king of the west wants to re-establish his family's image. The great Pala king of the west wants to …

5.10 On the way out

April 23rd, 2019

49:33

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) The Umayyad armies go beyond al-Sind, trying to establish a new province in al-Hind proper. But their successes won't last. They will be driven back, twice. And shortly after, the entire …

5.9 On the way to Hind

April 6th, 2019

55:20

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This week, a tale of bridge engineering, bloodthirsty generals, widowed queens, the first mosque in South Asia, and …

5.8 On the door

March 23rd, 2019

42:09

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This week, the Rajputs arrive on the scene with the earliest of Rajput clans, the Pratiharas. But where did they come from? Did they see themselves as Rajputs? What did they do after they …

5.7 How to prevent fish on fish crime

March 6th, 2019

38:56

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) Bengal's kings are dying daily. The land is in chaos. It's been this way for years. But, according to the legend, a man from the north will come and build a stable kingdom. This time, the …

5.6 Those who live on campaign...

February 2nd, 2019

54:58

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) Lalitaditya had grand plans. He would make Kashmir into an empire, spanning all of India and outside of it too. His …

5.5 On top of the world

January 26th, 2019

43:55

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) Travel to the top of India, the mountain valley of Kashmir. This is the story of the three brother-kings of Kashmir. The kind brother, the cruel brother, and the conqueror. Hear the story …

5.4 Onward, Mauryan empire

January 19th, 2019

45:31

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in)This week, the last of the Mauryan emperors. He will restore his family's glory, conquering the entire world. Well, more or less. Listen and meet a forgotten legend. WARNING: some gore, …

5.3 On the edge of renown

January 12th, 2019

30:37

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This week, two kingdoms tie themselves together with marriage. They expand their lands, regain their independence. They do everything to imitate the glorious rise of empires past. And …

5.2 The lake on the hills

January 3rd, 2019

49:44

  (www.historyofindiapodcast.in The story of Nepal, from the formation of the Himalayan lands, through it's earliest inscriptions, to the king who refused to be king. This episode, we get up to date with what is going …

5.1 Carry on, Pataliputra

December 26th, 2018

38:16

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) Emperor Harsha is dead. With him, the last great Indian empire of the first millenium collapses into chaos. Or so the …

5.0 Bumbling on bumbling

December 19th, 2018

23:22

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) A brief introduction to series 5: a preview as we plunge into the medieval age. We'll have a quick chat about Islam and whether there even was a medieval age. All wrapped up with one of …

4.K Joy in ruins

October 24th, 2018

57:50

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) A time-travellers tour through the heartlands of the Chaulikyan empire. See the new South Indian style of art being …

3.T By sea

October 5th, 2018

43:50

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, set sail across the ocean with Indian merchants. We follow the Chinese monk Faxian as he crosses Gupta …

3.S Engulfed by Jade

September 17th, 2018

50:35

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) We spend another week in the Indian-influenced land of the Tarim basin. This week, we spend time in the legendary city of Khotan. We hear stories of its founding, meet its king, and hear …

3.R Chewed over by the master

August 30th, 2018

56:32

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, we travel over the Himalayas, and climb down the other side into the great desert basin. We spend time in a city on the northern ring of the desert, Kucha. It's a city deeply …

4.J The smile on the skull

August 15th, 2018

53:35

() This is the tale of the land of the red river, North East India. Come on a journey along the banks, and hear the stories of this place: the tales of its legendary founder, a man named after hell itself; the rise and …

3.Q From dusk till dawn

August 1st, 2018

51:27

() This week, we return to the caves of Ajanta. But we have good company: an artist and college lecturer has come to tell us about her memories of …

4.I The cheer of twigs

July 25th, 2018

48:28

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, we see how the landscape of the Pallavas was shaped. We follow it from before history began, through the …

4.H The sport of drunkards and other stories

July 11th, 2018

49:51

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) We meet one of the great characters of the age: Mahendravarman, king of the Pallavas. We get to know his wicked humour, and listen to one of his sharp-tongued plays. In this episode: …

4.G The joy of serpants and other stories

July 4th, 2018

51:25

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com)All you ever needed to know about become an author in the court of Harsha, emperor of India. Find out a day in the …

4.F Once they lived in the town in joy and happiness

June 27th, 2018

54:11

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, the cities of North India empty. The traders lock down their stalls and move off with their baggage. The …

4.e The joys of the victory (part 2: the south)

June 20th, 2018

44:09

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) Jainism once dominated life and culture in South India: Jain kings ruled with Jain monk advisors, and at court they …

4 d. The joys of victory (part 1)

March 30th, 2018

52:15

  (www.historyofindiapodcast.com) Jainism has shaped Indian thought over the millenia, and continues to do so today. This week, we find out what life was like as a Jain in the time of Harsha. How did they worship? Where …

4.C The laughter of the monks grows silent

February 20th, 2018

49:54

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) In the marketplaces and fields of ancient India, would you notice that Buddhism was gradually disappearing? Many …

4.B Joy in the kingdom of brothers (part B)

January 27th, 2018

48:41

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) Second of the special episodes on ancient Gujurat. This week, we visit the internationally famous university of Vallabhi, and we hear how the story of the local kingdom weaves together …

4.A Joy in the kingdom of brothers (part a)

January 13th, 2018

43:35

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) We kick off our special episodes for the series with a tour of the smaller kingdoms and regions emerging around …

4.16 The end of mirth

December 30th, 2017

32:24

  (www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The great emperor Harsha's death and the destruction of his empire. Told through the eyes of the Chinese emissaries …

4.15 How to regain happiness

December 21st, 2017

42:07

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) When a great emperor suddenly falls, what happens to his empire? This week, we continue the story of Polekeshin II to …

4.14 The loss of mirth

December 13th, 2017

53:42

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) A young prince flees his capital city. The prince will go on to beat the great emperor Harsha, and establish his own empire. But his is not just the story of a dynasty. For in his story, …

4.13 The mirth of the monk

November 16th, 2017

43:08

() This week, emperor Harsha tracks down a famous chinese monk. When the emperor and monk eventually meet, there is a great meeting of minds. Along the way, towers will burn down, the treasury will be emptied, and the …

4.12 The mirth of the moon

November 10th, 2017

44:31

() We continue the story of Harsha, last emperor of ancient India. The thirty years of bloodshed has begun, when Harsha will send his armies around …

4.11 The clash of mirth

November 1st, 2017

43:17

() Harsha prepares for battle. We follow him through the battle day, from before he wakes up, through the inspection of his army, the preparation of …

4.10 The hero of mirth

October 25th, 2017

55:23

() We follow an ancient Indian king as he prepares for war. Should he fight openly and honourably? Should he use sneaky tricks? Or should he find a …

4.9 The rescue of mirth

October 18th, 2017

50:33

() We continue with the story of the great emperor Harsha. He is alone. His family have almost all passed away. Only one remains: his sister, last …

4.8 The march of mirth

October 12th, 2017

49:55

() The story of the great emperor Harsha continues as he finally sits on the throne. But there is much for the young king to learn. The ministers form factions and compete for his attention. The people of the …

4.7 The trials of mirth (reuploaded)

October 9th, 2017

47:18

***reuploaded due to itunes trouble***() The story of the great emperor Harsha continues with the bleakest of episodes. Harsha's family and friends will die around him. And modern historians have accused him of killing …

4.7 The trials of mirth

October 4th, 2017

47:18

() The story of the great emperor Harsha continues with the bleakest of episodes. Harsha's family and friends will die around him. And modern historians have accused him of killing his brother. Was he guilty? You are …

4.6 The youth of mirth

September 28th, 2017

35:09

() The story of the great emperor Harsha continues. This week, the man himself finally enters the world. We hear about his birth, his childhood gang of friends. And we watch as, one by one, the children around him are …

4.5 The beginning of mirth

September 21st, 2017

53:06

() The great Emperor Harsha's family: from its beginnings in black magic and legend, through the long hard years serving greater kings, to the emerging of the family once again into the eye of history. Along the way, we …

4.4 The bard of mirth

September 15th, 2017

42:19

() This week the history of India podcast gets personal. We get to know the great writer, Bana. We hear about his tragic childhood. His wild, party driven youth. We hang out in his village, meet his friends. And then we …

4.3 The cruel pleasures of the moon

August 23rd, 2017

41:22

() The great city Pataliputra is at peace. But the good times cannot last. Soon, its start to squabble amongst themselves. A new power emerges to take advantage: the moon king will gain a tight grip on the city, and …

4.2 The end of excitement

August 10th, 2017

30:27

()  This week, two kingdoms wage war up and down the banks of the Ganges. In the great city of Pataliputra, the kings are fighting desperately to avoid the fate of fallen empires. They will win victories, only to jump …

4.1 Excitement at the end of empire

July 26th, 2017

34:42

() The Gupta empire is crumbling. A time of great uncertainty and fear for some, and a time of excitement for others. This week, we meet two kings working for the Guptas. But, before long, they will both be independent …

4.0 Happily bumbling into even more mishaps

July 12th, 2017

26:24

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) A brief introduction to series 4, apology for all the errors, with an ancient Indian story to compensate.

3.P You will now be seen by the doctor

June 29th, 2017

39:00

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) Doctors. Ancient Indians looked down on them. But this week, we'll be finding out what it would be like when an …

3.O zero by 7922851426433759354390336

June 21st, 2017

47:47

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The story of ancient Indian mathematics from its earliest days stacking bricks to build altars, to infinity and beyond. We meet the work of the great Gupta-era mathematician, Aryabhata. …

3.N By the bower of the heavenly tree

June 13th, 2017

52:57

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, we get to know the greatest poet and playwright of ancient India: Kalidasa. We hear the legend of how he found his talent through the strained relationship with his demanding …

3.M Infatuated by the empire

June 6th, 2017

55:51

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, get a job in the ancient Gupta empire. We look at the life of a soldier, a policeman, and a civil servant. …

3.L Soaked by gold

May 24th, 2017

50:18

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) According to legend, if you travel by sea east from India and eventually you will reach the land of gold. But only …

3.K A farm by the hills

May 18th, 2017

56:01

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) Ancient North East India. We take a podcasty walk from an ancient farm in the valleys up into the hills where the Kiratas live, walking through the landscape rich with trees and caves, …

3.J Bounded by the hills

May 10th, 2017

47:23

() Ancient North East India. Cut off from the world by a ring of mountains; it's people living uneventful and simple lives. Well...not quite. This …

3.i Don't buy the pyg in the poke

April 9th, 2017

51:52

() Everything you ever needed to know about buying and running a farm in ancient India. Learn how to navigate the paper work required to buy a farm. …

3.H Side by side (bonus material)

April 8th, 2017

36:15

() How best to get inside the shoes of ancient Indians? Through the stomach! This episode, some friends cook some ancient Indian meals and give them a tasting. Will we adopt an ancient Indian diet? Will we be up all …

3.G Side by side

April 1st, 2017

50:18

() We cook a meal for some ancient Indians. From buying ingredients down the market, to working in the Kitchen, to the meal itself. We might also …

3.F Study by the stupa

March 22nd, 2017

57:49

() Students from around the known world set out with their books. They are heading for one location. The great monastery in Northern India: Nalanda. We join them on their journey into the complex, and take part in …

3.E Chased by the dusk

March 18th, 2017

49:56

() We return to the Ajanta Caves for a second special episode. In this episode, the emperor is building his own cave, grander than all the others. The story of the cave is the story of the empire: it is constructed and …

3.D Captured by the dawn (part 1)

March 8th, 2017

46:27

() The Ajanta Caves. A world famous collection of caves where Buddhists worshipped for years.... well, not exactly. The caves were abandoned half way …

3.13 Goodbye to empire

February 23rd, 2017

46:16

() This week, two empires will fall. As the grand Gupta empire retreats to the east and falls apart, we see its inner workings exposed. And we watch the small states squabble and fight over its legacy. The stage is set …

3.12 Protected by the lion man

February 15th, 2017

45:35

() Two rulers fight over Northern India. The emperor of the Guptas, a gentle man devoted to Buddhism. The king of the Huns, a self-made man devoted …

3.11 Ruled by rebels

February 8th, 2017

38:16

() It's festival time, and the streets of Pataliputra are busy with the sound of celebration. But the celebrations won't last. Emperors will fall like flies. The empire will be filled with rebellious states. The Huns …

3.i The path between two rivers

February 1st, 2017

48:50

() Ever strolled through a museum absent mindedly, when all the exhibits seem to blur into one. What would happen if you took just one exhibit …

2.i The abduction of queen Kakati

January 18th, 2017

15:38

() A sculpture from an ancient Indian monastery carries us away on the wings of a bird of legend. Link to image: http://bit.ly/2jHcZbr

1.ii The Fly Whisker

January 11th, 2017

22:05

(). The Didarganj Yakshi, a beautiful life-size statue of a woman. We hear how she was discovered, and became an international agent, and her place …

1.i The artefacts bumble

January 11th, 2017

11:45

() Quick introduction to the mini-episodes on artworks and artefacts. Short ancient Indian story by way of compensation.

3.10 Protected by destruction (part 2)

January 4th, 2017

36:12

() The fortunes of the Gupta family are ruined. The empire has splintered into a dozen warring factions. The huns are already inside India, and at the gates of the empire. This is the tale of how emperor Skandagupta …

3.8 Protected by the prince

December 21st, 2016

46:16

() The Gupta empire enjoys a peaceful slumber, as its golden age draws on. Its borders are and provinces are run by a closely-knit, competent and …

3.7 Sculpted by iron

December 14th, 2016

40:16

() The tale of the famous Iron Pillar of Delhi and emperor Chandragupta II, from the construction of the pillar to the inscription of the emperor's tale.

3.6 Soaked by gold

December 7th, 2016

38:08

() The golden age of the Guptas is about to begin. A new emperor takes the throne in a wave of scandel: Chandragupta II. Despite his shaky start, he …

3.c Colored by sound (part 2)

November 30th, 2016

58:26

() What music did ancient Indians hear? What songs did they sing? We track down the folk tune and ritual chants of ancient Indians. Along the way, we …

3.b Colored by sound (part 1)

November 24th, 2016

42:05

() This week, we go hear the notes and beats of ancient Indian music, and hear some of the instruments. (2nd of 3 specials about Gupta performance art.)

3.a Sacrifice by sight

November 16th, 2016

45:07

() This week, we go to see an ancient Indian play. (1st of 3  specials about Gupta performance art.)

3.5 Killed by cowardice

November 9th, 2016

47:53

() Historians uncovered an ancient play about an unknown emperor, killed by his brother and the woman they both loved. The play turned out to have more truth than anyone suspected. It may have even been a cover-up, a …

3.4 South by southwest

November 2nd, 2016

41:29

() The great conqueror of ancient India turns his attention south. We follow him through forests, along sandy rivers, down the coast and into South …

3.3 Protected by the sea

October 26th, 2016

49:17

() The story of the great conqueror of ancient India. We follow him through his first campaign, the snake wars. And we see if he really earns his …

3.2 Hidden by the moon

October 18th, 2016

39:31

() The founding of the Gupta empire, built by alliance and war. In this episode, it emerges from the patchwork of small states and dominates the valley of the Ganges. But the first emperor's plan to pass the empire on …

3.1 Surrounded by small kings

October 11th, 2016

42:35

() It's the late 3rd century, and the world is changing. Empires which dominated India have crumbled, leaving a patchwork of small states. We see what this new world looked like from the great city of Pataliputra, and …

3.0 More mishaps by the bumbling historian

October 6th, 2016

14:52

() A brief introduction to the series and a story from perhaps the greatest Sanskrit writer of them all.

2 J Poets and archers (part 2 of 2)

September 15th, 2016

49:08

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The Cheras: crowned kings of South India. They ruled ancient Kerala and beyond as a family estate. This episode, we …

2 I Poets and archers (part 1 of 2)

September 14th, 2016

35:41

() The Cheras: crowned kings of South India. They ruled ancient Kerala and beyond as a family estate. This episode, we cover the first dynasty of the …

2 H The civilized and the barbarian

September 7th, 2016

37:44

() This week, we meet the barbarians. Outsiders from tribes in the hills to kings from foreign lands. What was it like to live as an outsider? What was it like to live alongside them? Listen, and find out.

2 G Women, law and life

August 24th, 2016

43:22

() If you were an ancient Indian woman, would you choose to be a nun or a wife? This episode has all you need to decide this thorny question, from …

2 F Poets and Fish

August 10th, 2016

48:01

() The Pandiyas: crowned kings of South India, famous for hosting the legendary 'Sangam' academies of poets. We dig into those legends of the patrons and their poets, and unearth the truth within. Plus, a bonus …

2 E Poets and tigers

July 27th, 2016

38:15

() The Cholas: crowned kings of South India, people of the sun, their tiger flags leading their armies into battle. We meet their kings and poets and …

2 D Stupas and stupefaction

July 13th, 2016

49:08

() In this special episode we take a virtual tour around the famous Buddhist monuments at Sanchi. We find a hidden stupa, search for the stories in the carvings, see through the invisible Buddha figures. And we see how …

2 C India, Rome, and the Red Sea

June 28th, 2016

42:04

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) We continue our business trip from ancient India to Rome. We stop at Islands populated by Indian sailors, cross the …

2 B India, Rome, and the High Seas

June 16th, 2016

43:18

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) A business trip from Ancient India to Rome, stopping along the way to peer into spice carts heading for the coast, Indian ships, and the curious story of the Romans and the monsoon winds.

2 A The householder, the slave, and the wardrobe

June 2nd, 2016

44:39

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) In this special episode, we live a morning in the life of a rich householder in Kushana India. Where did they wake …

2.14 The Kushans and the menace from the West

May 5th, 2016

44:19

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, the end of the Kushan empire. The old order is crumbling. Roman emperors are slaughtered, China splinters, …

2.13 Kanishka and the wonder of the world

April 27th, 2016

47:59

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The Kanishka stupa deserves
its place amongst the wonders of the world. But
its splendor has been long forgotten, and the stupa itself has been
wiped out. This week, we set about …

2.12 Kanishka and friends

April 20th, 2016

39:33

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) Kanishka the Great has conquered India. This week, we get to know him intimately, by getting to know his friends: the doctor, the minister and the poet-monk. We hear their stories, how …

2.11 Kanishka and the city of flowers

April 13th, 2016

44:27

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The great city of Pataliputra had been destroyed. In this episode, the city will be rebuilt. But as soon as it reappears on the world stage, it will attract the attention of one of the …

2.10 India and the edge of the world

March 29th, 2016

40:14

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The story of the Kushans. An empire caught between two continents: its body is in India, but it left its heart back in central Asia. So all its central Asian customs are brought into …

2.9 Out of the steppe and into the city

March 17th, 2016

33:00

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) We travel with a tribe of nomads from China across the vast grasslands to central Asia. There, they finally settle down into the cities on India's doorstep. They unite, form an empire, …

2.8 Kings and calendars

March 10th, 2016

55:28

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) Old tales tell of a king who threw out the invaders, full of cleverness and wisdom, a man so generous that he was …

2.7 The conqueror and his mother

March 2nd, 2016

40:22

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The Indian empires strike back. For too long, the Shaka invaders have dominated the land, and plundered its riches. This week, a new Indian king will take the throne. By force and guile …

2.6 Poet-kings and politicians

February 24th, 2016

40:20

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) India is being invaded by outsiders. But the rulers of its last empire are distracted by more sensual matters. As the …

2.5 India and the Great Wall of China

February 17th, 2016

34:42

() India is under attack. Tribes fleeing from the great wall of China pour into India. We watch the first invasions sweep in from the North West. How far did these alien people get? How alien were they? Listen, and find …

2.4 Chess and the emptiness of Pataliputra

February 11th, 2016

41:27

() 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 …

2.3 The Prince and the Greek

February 4th, 2016

36:24

() 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 …

2.2 The Greeks and the Indian homeland

January 27th, 2016

37:53

() Ancient Afghanistan: rich and fertile. Its Greek kings are powerful and ambitious enough to try to carve a new empire in India, cutting through …

2.1 The kingslayer and his horses

January 20th, 2016

30:33

() 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 …

2.0 The bumbling historian and his mad plan

January 20th, 2016

13:25

() 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 …

1.G The sayings of seers (part 2)

December 22nd, 2015

45:57

() 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 …

1.F The Merchants of Magadha

December 2nd, 2015

42:56

() 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 …

1.E The Sayings of Seers

November 18th, 2015

54:08

() In this episode, we look at how religion affected the life of the average ancient Indian.What rituals and sacrifices did an ancient Indian …

1.D The carving of society - a conversation

November 4th, 2015

30:32

() 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

November 4th, 2015

47:57

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

1.C The three crowned kings of Tamilakam

October 21st, 2015

47:10

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week we travel down to the three great kingdoms of South India: the Cholas, the Pandyas and the Cheras. Sources …

1.11 The end of an empire

October 7th, 2015

48:35

() A generation after Ashoka's death his empire had vanished. This week, we meet some of the emperors desperately hanging on as their world decays …

1.10 Kingdom without sorrow

September 30th, 2015

46:33

() Sovereignty is only possible with assistance; a single wheel cannot move alone. Ashoka the Great took this maxim to heart, and built a huge government machine to assist him. This week, Ashoka must struggle to avoid …

1.9 Virtue without sorrow

September 23rd, 2015

53:08

(). On the battlefield at Kalinga the victorious emperor Ashoka decided to follow his conscience, no matter what. This week we find …

1.8 Conscience without sorrow

September 16th, 2015

41:29

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The first of three podcasts on the great emperor Ashoka. We meet his wives, and hear of his path to power over the bodies of his brothers. We go right up until the defining moment of his …

1.7: The honesty of ambassadors

September 8th, 2015

37:06

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week we look at the tall tales about India told by three Greek ambassadors to the courts of Mauryan emperors.

1.6 The removal of thorns

September 1st, 2015

35:26

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, we look at the cunning statesman Kautilya. He wrote a book crammed full with cunning ideas on how to rule …

1.5 The throne of the peacock

August 25th, 2015

34:17

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, we witness the founding of the great Mauryan empire. It will become unmatched in its size and power until the modern era. But it all starts with a young man, Chandragupta …

1.A The legacy of foreign emperors

August 18th, 2015

37:05

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The first special episode on matters away from the main storyline. In this episode we look at the Persian empire in India. Health warning: the second part of this episode contains strong …

1.B The ignorance of foreign kings

August 18th, 2015

30:35

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) A bonus special episode on Alexander the Great's stampede through North-West India. How he was ushered into India a conquering hero without a fight, and how his army massacred those who …

1.4 The treasure of low-born kings

August 11th, 2015

32:31

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week we breeze through three dynasties of kings in one jam-packed episode. None of them end well. The dynasty of Bimbisara comes to an end in bloody infamy. The dynasty of Sushinga …

1.3 The Envy of Princes

August 3rd, 2015

40:02

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The downfall of Bimbisara king of Magadha. The rise of his son Ajatashatru to the throne, and two of his wars.

1.2 The Shrewdness of King Bimbisara

July 28th, 2015

35:51

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The story of Bimbisara, ancient king of Magadha. He was a contemporary of the Buddha and Mahavira, and by cunning marriages and warfare doubled the size of Magadha and more than doubled …

1.1 The 16 great houses of ancient India

July 25th, 2015

38:32

(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) A wander through the mahajanapadas who dominated northern India during the 6th cenutury b.c. This is the world of Buddha and Mahavira.

1.0 The apology of a bumbling historian

July 25th, 2015

21:57

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) Introduction to the podcast. What we will be talking about, where, and how I'll screw it up. Includes a favourite Indian story as part compensation. Updated Feb 2018.

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