Historical India Podcast

In this episode, we take a look at the beginning of formal philosophy in the Northern kingdoms of India. There was a climate of questioning and social change which then pushed thinkers to examine the fundamental nature of their world and reality itself. Much like the debates on dharma and karma, appropriate role and conduct and the best way to lead a fruitful life, these debates went deeper in to the asking the “secret of the universe” questions. Out of this developed, schools and universities and schools of thought and even religions. This episode should finally set on the track, as next we’ll see how the rulers and kings of the day used this time of change to make their own moves    

In this episode, we take a closer look at how society operated and some of the changes that were taking place. The beginnings of dissent and protest and social revolution, new philosophies and get a crash course in ancient inheritance law. Please note: Any crows you may hear cawing are my reincarnated ancestors come to bless this podcast. Website Twitter

With kings fighting for glory and gold, what did the regular citizens get up to? We’ll take a look at what their lives were like,  how ideas of social class and order developed. How much of an influence  ritual and religion were and how many ways could a woman be called wicked? Don’t worry, the men got their just deserts as well. Website Twitter

We’re at a time of change.  we’ll peel back the curtain on the different forces at work on ancient Indian society and see what it looked it before it changed. In this episode. we’ll look at the origin of kings and how the political establishment came to be.  How the powerful got to where they were and what they did with that power once they got it. What are the skills required to be a king? And can anybody stake a claim?  What was the life of a  king ? All this and more! Website Twitter

The Late Vedic Age;  sometime  between the 14th  and 7th centuries BC. Or thereabouts. A time when everyone wants to be king, and then has a hard time figuring how to hold on. There are many clans and families all vying for their space in the sun; this is about two such families –  who had illustrious pasts,  had very different ideas about how to rule –  but meet a very similar end. Website Twitter Late Vedic Kingdoms

We pick up at the Rajasuya and then watch things go down hill for Yudhishtra and the Pandavas.  After 13 years, things come to a head and it’s all out war. But in the end, it doesn’t feel like a win. Is the Mahabharata a commentary and appeal against the changes in society that were taking place in Ancient India?  The kings were being questioned but they don’t go away. We end with the last named king who links back to a misty past and maybe also to kings yet to come. Rajagopalachari – The Mahabharata Kisari Ganguli Website Twitter