Economist Podcasts
Below Delhi, the search for India's mythical past
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.
42:37
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Quick takeaways
- The Mahabharata acts as a multifaceted cultural cornerstone, merging religious, moral, and entertainment values while continuously shaping contemporary identities through oral and popular narratives.
- Current archaeological pursuits aim to validate historical connections to the Mahabharata, illustrating the tensions between public expectations and the complexities of uncovering nuanced historical truths.
Deep dives
The Role of Stories in Identity and History
Stories are integral to understanding both personal and collective identities, as they shape how we perceive ourselves and our histories. The narratives we tell often evolve, highlighting the subjective nature of memory and truth across generations. This variation in storytelling can lead to conflicting interpretations of history, influencing power dynamics among different groups. The discussion emphasizes that the way stories are framed can have significant real-world implications, particularly in contexts of cultural and political conflict.
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