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)
…
continue reading
Now moved. Itunes users should re-subscribe to the history of India podcast. New url: http://tinyurl.com/ph54oq4. New feed: http://historyofindiapodcast.libsyn.com/rss. So sorry for inconvenience.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
6.2 Tale of two princes: Dantidurga and Nandivarman
49:47
49:47
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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. Also in this episode: the origin story of a poet-saint, some brutal medieval punishment, and an elephant hat. https://tinyurl.com/hw5mezkhOleh Kit Patrick
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
6.1 Ascending the peak: Dantidurga and the founding of the Rashtrakuta empire
56:31
56:31
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 banners, and death himself dies. https://tinyurl.com/hw5mezkh
…
continue reading
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, we chat with Dr Hemanth Kadambi about stone horse hurdles, his youthful misadventures, must-see places if you visit Badami, and how the sacred survives the test of time.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5.D Workers stranded by the lockdown
48:55
48:55
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 who are chatting to these workers every day, and hear some of their stories. They work for SWAN - the stranded workers action netw…
…
continue reading
(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This week we chat to comic book author, novelist and fellow fan of the Chaulkiya period Dr. Shalini Srinivasan about the book she's been writing set in the Chaulkiyan empire. She tells us about how comic books get made, we share our favourite parts of the ruins, and I learn about how and why she writes. [Patchy audio …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5.B By the whim of the master (part 2)
1:04:22
1:04:22
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 young woman being sold into slavery. Also in this episode: how to construct a Buddhist cave, a boy survives seven attempted murder…
…
continue reading
(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 might have been the best place in the ancient world to be a slave, but slave life was often still brutal. In this episode: four way…
…
continue reading
(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 episode we hear the tales told about them, but we also get to know a bit about how they really lived, and even them described in their own …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5.22 By the back of the five great kings
44:39
44:39
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 from the south will destroy the emperor's army and send him fleeing. And a small king from the north will restore him to his throne. Also in this episode: book reading in Baghdad, a rant about early med…
…
continue reading
(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 meter down. Also in this episode: how to tell whether you are living on top of a monastery, more than twenty early medieval Indian in…
…
continue reading
(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 is like for the merchants and city folk under him. Also in this episode: a practical guide to salt making in medieval India, the garden of the snake kings, and the origin of candy.…
…
continue reading
(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 enemies, defeating them, and achieving what none of his forefathers could ever do: founding an empire. Also in this episode: how to missp…
…
continue reading
(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 great western empire as been reduced to just a minor kingdom. In this, the first of three episodes, we look at Bhoja's first falter…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5.17 By the tip of the quivering sword
41:31
41:31
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 regathering strength. Also in this week's episode: religious rivalry told through a hymn about toenails, a pun about grief, and a practical guide to buying and selling in medieval Assam.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5.16 By the setting of the eastern sun
1:00:56
1:00:56
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 launch into the battle itself, following the commander's choice of battle formation. This is the battle to decide who will rule north India supreme, though the victor is not always who it seems to be. Als…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5.15 By the light of the western dawn
50:10
50:10
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 elephants. They meet for battle on the shores of the Ganges. In this episode, we spend time with a Pratihara horsemen. We hear the …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5.14 By the help of a hundred scholars
44:44
44:44
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 shaped Eastern India. This week, we go inside the system. We follow the great Buddhist teacher Atisha in his long and uncommon adventure through the system, and we find out what it was like to live there…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5.13 By a graceful move of the eyebrows
48:16
48:16
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 fighting to gain control. In this episode, a new emperor of India will win it, and then give it away. Included: a trip to a hidden g…
…
continue reading
(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 summary of all the important points of Indian philosophy. Featuring: the first ever summmary of the six schools of philosophy, a bonus …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5.12 Back by the withering sand
41:59
41:59
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 defeated and flees across the mountains into the great desert. We uncover the stories of the people and places, and find out what life was like there under his rule.…
…
continue reading
(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 become the first emperor from his land. Their armies will reach out towards the imperial city until they come upon one another in ce…
…
continue reading
(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 Umayyad empire will collapse in on itself. This week, we piece together the story. In this episode: powerful poets send soldiers hom…
…
continue reading
(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This week, a tale of bridge engineering, bloodthirsty generals, widowed queens, the first mosque in South Asia, and lots and lots of gold. We tell the story of how the Ummayid caliphate came to invade Sind.Oleh Kit Patrick
…
continue reading
(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 had emerged? The answers might not match with the familiar story.Oleh Kit Patrick
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5.7 How to prevent fish on fish crime
38:56
38:56
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 legend is true. This episode, we witness an empire emerge from chaos. The Pala emperors are here.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
5.6 Those who live on campaign...
54:58
54:58
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 armies would walk the deserts of the silk road, sail the seas of the bay of Bengal, and walk the Western Ghats. And they would bring back enough gold to build a house fit for God. Did he succeed in all h…
…
continue reading
(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 of their parents, how their kingdom was first won, and what they did to make it their own.…
…
continue reading
(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, blood, descriptions of death.Oleh Kit Patrick
…
continue reading
(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 then... they fade to nothing.Oleh Kit Patrick
…
continue reading
(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 on in the kingdom to the North of Pataliputra. Along the way: a mountain split by a sword, the first record of attempted sati, Nepal's…
…
continue reading
(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) Emperor Harsha is dead. With him, the last great Indian empire of the first millenium collapses into chaos. Or so the story goes. Down in the ruins of Pataliputra, things seem a bit different. The old families ruled before Harsha's empire was formed, and they rule still. And one of the old families starts to build a n…
…
continue reading
(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 my favorite stories.
…
continue reading
(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) A time-travellers tour through the heartlands of the Chaulikyan empire. See the new South Indian style of art being invented, stage by stage. Spot the hidden gems, the out of the way sites, the temples which slowly give up their secrets.Oleh Kit Patrick
…
continue reading
(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, set sail across the ocean with Indian merchants. We follow the Chinese monk Faxian as he crosses Gupta North India. We see the rituals of sea travelers, sample the sights and sounds of the great port of ancient East India, see the biggest and smallest of Indian ships, endure wrecks, strandings, and many mo…
…
continue reading
(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 how the children of the city are educated with Indian tales and religion.Oleh Kit Patrick
…
continue reading
(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 influenced by Indian thought and Indian people. We follow the most famous son of that city, Kumarajiva the great translator. Born to…
…
continue reading
() 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 fall of the friend of Harsha; and the tale of the dynasty of outsiders who would, just for a moment, rule much of Northern India.…
…
continue reading
() 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 visiting, what she saw, and the special place of the paintings in modern Indian art. Includes gratuitous Jataka tale. Sound quality will be sorted by next episode (sorry!).…
…
continue reading
(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) This week, we see how the landscape of the Pallavas was shaped. We follow it from before history began, through the years as irrigation is built. Warning: some sound issues including, but not limited to, making fun of historians and saying the wrong country.Oleh Kit Patrick
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
4.H The sport of drunkards and other stories
49:51
49:51
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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: drunken priests, lusty monks, booze spilling from a white skull, cunning puns, and all this to cover up for taking a second wife. Confu…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
4.G The joy of serpants and other stories
51:25
51:25
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 life of an author. Try your hand at solving some of their puzzles. Meet the leading authors at court, each of whom are worth a book on their own.Oleh Kit Patrick
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
4.F Once they lived in the town in joy and happiness
54:11
54:11
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 craftsmen's tools fall silent. And the king and his generals are left in the silent husk of the city. How did these exoduses happen? How did the townsfolk make a new life away from the city? And how did…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
4.e The joys of the victory (part 2: the south)
44:09
44:09
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 listened to epic tales written by Jains, and ruled over their people many of whom followed Jainism. By early modern times, all that had changed. Jains were no longer found in such big numbers, and their…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
4 d. The joys of victory (part 1)
52:15
52:15
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 did they fit into society? What did others in ancient India make of them? Listen, and find out. Health warning: no accurate claims a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
4.C The laughter of the monks grows silent
49:54
49:54
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
49:54
(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) In the marketplaces and fields of ancient India, would you notice that Buddhism was gradually disappearing? Many ancient Indians did. And we take a layman's view as the monasteries withdraw from the world and at the same time become more part of it. Come, listen to the beginning of the great decline of Buddhism in In…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
4.B Joy in the kingdom of brothers (part B)
48:41
48:41
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 with the stories of great empires. All of this is bookeneded with two scandalous tales of love and betrayal telling us how people fro…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
4.A Joy in the kingdom of brothers (part a)
43:35
43:35
Main Kemudian
Main Kemudian
Senarai
Suka
Disukai
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 India. This week, we are in the peninsular of Gujurat, in a strange kingdom where they pass the throne down to their younger brothers.Oleh Kit Patrick
…
continue reading
(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) The great emperor Harsha's death and the destruction of his empire. Told through the eyes of the Chinese emissaries Harsha loved.Oleh Kit Patrick
…
continue reading
(www.historyofindiapodcast.com) When a great emperor suddenly falls, what happens to his empire? This week, we continue the story of Polekeshin II to his sudden disappearance. For 13 years, his empire is plunged into darkness. But an heir will emerge, and will rebuild the empire higher and firmer than it ever was before. Including bonus 20 seconds …
…
continue reading
(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, the state of Karnataka emerges and establishes itself as the seat of emperors and a major power in South India.…
…
continue reading