Economist Podcasts Below Delhi, the search for India's mythical past
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Feb 1, 2025 
Leo Mirani, The Economist’s correspondent and cultural investigator, dives into the rich tapestry of the Mahabharata, exploring its significance in modern India. He discusses recent archaeological discoveries in Delhi that may shed light on its mythical city, Indraprastha. The conversation touches on the complexities of historical narratives and who's entitled to tell them. Mirani also analyzes the moral dilemmas within the epic, like Arjun's struggle with duty and family, framing these timeless themes in today's context.
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The Mahabharata Story
- The Mahabharata tells of warring clans, gods, kings, palaces, and illusions.
- Archaeologists have searched for evidence of these events for 75 years.
Why Search for a Myth?
- Archaeologists search for Mahabharata evidence, raising questions about the story's factual basis.
- Government funding for this search highlights its importance to Indian identity.
Excavating Indraprastha
- Headlines announced excavations for Indraprastha, a mythical city in the Mahabharata.
- Raghu Karnad, an author, considers this preposterous but highlights the epic's significance in Indian culture.
