Empire: World History
Goalhanger
The rise and fall of empires and the events that shaped world history.
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.
From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?
Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the intricate stories of revolutions, imperial wars, and the people who built and lost empires.
From the British Empire to the Ottomans to Ancient India, history is shaped by power struggles and territorial conquests. How does it continue to affect the world today?
Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, our exclusive newsletter, and access to our members’ chatroom on Discord! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.
For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
48 snips
Feb 3, 2026 • 33min
330. The Iranian Revolution: 1979 vs. 2026 (Ep 1)
Ramita Navai, Iran-born journalist and documentary-maker who reports on contemporary society and protests. Scott Anderson, author and historian who studied the 1979 revolution. They compare 1979 and 2026 protests. They discuss the Shah’s US visit and its fallout. They explore how reform demands shifted to calls for regime change, the scale of repression, and economic drivers of unrest.
Jan 29, 2026 • 42min
329. Indian Uprising 1857: The British Raj is Born (Part 8)
A dramatic finale centered on Lucknow’s role in the 1857 uprising. The story follows Begum Hazrat Mahal’s coalition-building and the desperate sieges and relief attempts. It covers Campbell’s brutal counterattacks, massacres like Secunderbagh, cultural destruction, and the political aftermath that ended Company rule and reshaped Indian society.
Jan 27, 2026 • 48min
328. Indian Uprising 1857: The Reign of Terror (Part 7)
A dramatic retelling of the brutal siege that ended Mughal rule and reshaped Delhi. They cover the ten-day bombardment, ladder assaults at Kashmiri Gate, and high urban casualties. They explore how a solar eclipse shifted loyalties and the terrifying reprisals, public executions, and looting that turned the city into a wasteland.
8 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 48min
327. Indian Uprising 1857: The British Strike Back (Part 6)
Discover how the 1857 uprising in India faced a turning point as British reinforcements, led by the feared John Nicholson, gathered strength. Explore the chaos within rebel Delhi, where class tensions erupted amid the struggle. Learn about Nicholson's brutal tactics that shifted the momentum and the plight of the Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, as his city faced inevitable despair. The episode paints a vivid picture of trench warfare, dwindling resources, and the fierce complexities of loyalty during a pivotal moment in history.
13 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 1h 4min
326. Indian Uprising 1857: India’s Joan of Arc – Rani of Jhansi (Part 5)
Ira Mukhoty, a historian and author specializing in late Mughal and princely India, dives deep into the legend of Rani Lakshmibai, the warrior queen of Jhansi. She reveals how Lakshmibai's upbringing and martial training shaped her into a fearless leader. The discussion highlights the complexities of her life, including her legal battles against British annexation and the role of women soldiers in her army. Mukhoty also questions the myths surrounding her life, from the dramatic proclamations to the chaotic escape from Jhansi, showcasing the Rani's enduring legacy in Indian history.
11 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 54min
325. Indian Uprising 1857: The Siege of Lucknow (Part 4)
In a gripping tale, an entire city rises against British rule as Lucknow becomes a focal point of rebellion. Amid the chaos, 3,000 East India Company soldiers are trapped, sheltering in a compound besieged by relentless snipers. The emotional turmoil of the residents and the fierce leadership of Begum Hazrat Mahal highlight the struggle. Meanwhile, the fortification efforts of Henry Lawrence face dire consequences, leading to devastating battles, unexpected ambushes, and the arrival of reinforcements tasked with a daring rescue.
13 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 53min
324. Indian Uprising 1857: Massacre and Revenge in Kanpur (Part 3)
Delve into the harrowing Kanpur massacre during the 1857 rebellion, where chaos reigns as General Wheeler struggles with fragile defenses. Explore the motivations and grievances of figures like Nana Sahib and Azimullah Khan, and witness the dire consequences of the siege, including desperate shortages and brutal reprisals. The shocking details of the Bibighar massacre reveal the depths of violence on both sides, leading to a legacy of trauma that shaped British-Indian relations. It's a chilling tale of revenge and survival.
19 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 53min
323. Indian Uprising 1857: The Rebels March On Delhi (Part 2)
The podcast dives into the dramatic mutiny of sepoys that escalated into a national uprising. Rebels raced across a bridge towards Delhi, where tensions mounted around the Red Fort. Tensions of religion played a crucial role, with fears about cartridges igniting chaos. The reluctant Bahadur Shah Zafar faces a dilemma as he’s petitioned by the insurgents, leading to his pivotal support. As violence erupts, both British and natives endure harrowing tales of survival and conflict. The mix of class divisions and desperate SOS messages adds depth to this historical narrative.
76 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 51min
322. Indian Uprising 1857: The Mutiny (Part 1)
In a gripping tale, secret messages hidden in chapattis signal brewing rebellion in 1857 India. Tensions rise as soldiers discover their bullet cartridges are greased with pig and cow fat. The podcast delves into the cultural and political dynamics of the time, exploring Bahadur Shah Zafar’s fading power and his literary circle's contributions. The hosts discuss the mounting grievances of sepoys, religious fears, and the strained relationships between British officers and Indian soldiers. The stage is set for an explosive uprising.
13 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 50min
321. Exploding Rum-filled Coffins, Anglo-Indian Sisterhood, & Julia Margaret Cameron
Art historian Emily Burns joins to delve into the life of Julia Margaret Cameron, the pioneering photographer and great aunt of Virginia Woolf. Sparks fly as they discuss the captivating Anglo-Indian Pattle Sisters, who dazzled Victorian society and hosted many illustrious figures. Discover how Cameron’s self-taught innovation and distinctive pictorialist style redefined photography. Emily also explores the vibrant artistic community fostered at Little Holland House, a hub for creativity and intellect that echoed through time.
