Immortal India with Amish

In this episode of Immortal India, Amish Tripathi is joined by historian and author Vikram Sampath for a deep, nuanced conversation on the history of Kashi’s Gyanvapi and the Kashi Vishwanath temple—its antiquity, repeated destruction, and the many attempts at reconstruction across centuries. The discussion also explores themes from Vikram’s latest book, “Waiting for Shiva: Unearthing the Truth of Kashi’s Gyan Vapi,” which traces the site’s layered past and the enduring resilience of devotees and the city of Kashi.What’s inside:The sacred geography of Kashi and the legacy of Vishweshwara/Vishwanath in India’s civilizational memory.Early destructions and rebuilds: from Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s razing in 1194CE to notable reconstructions under Akbar-era nobles like Raja Todar Mal, and later completions under Jahangir’s period.Aurangzeb’s 1669 order, the demolition of the temple, and the mosque constructed on the site—plus how remnants of the old temple persist in the structure.The 18th-century revival nearby under Queen Ahilyabai Holkar and the ongoing civilizational impulse to rebuild and remember.The modern debate and legal-historical discourse surrounding Gyanvapi and what it tells us about India’s culture, law, and identity today.Vikram Sampath on “Waiting for Shiva”: why this story matters now, archival traces, and the blend of history, faith, and memory that shapes public understanding of Kashi.About the Guest:Vikram Sampath is a renowned historian and bestselling author whose works include major biographies and civilizational histories; in “Waiting for Shiva,” he examines the long arc of Kashi’s Gyanvapi—from sacred origins through waves of iconoclasm to the steadfast resilience of its devotees.Follow Amish Tripathi:Instagram: @authoramishFacebook: @authoramishX/Twitter: @authoramish

Welcome to a new episode of Immortal India with Amish Tripathi!Join bestselling author Amish as he sits down with celebrated historian William Dalrymple for a journey through the rich tapestry of India’s ancient connections with the world. This episode draws on insights from Dalrymple’s latest book, The Golden Road, and delves into how ancient India shaped religion, trade, language, and culture far beyond its borders—from China and Tibet to Southeast Asia and beyond.Instagram: @authoramish Facebook: Author Amish X/Twitter: @authoramish LinkedIn: Amish Tripathi

Join bestselling author Amish as he sits down with renowned scholar Prof. Lavanya Vemsani for a thought-provoking episode of Immortal India. Together, they unravel the complexities surrounding the Aryan Invasion/Migration theories—narratives that have shaped our understanding of India’s ancient past for generations.Key Highlights:Debunking Colonial Narratives:Discover how the Aryan Invasion theory, rooted in 19th-century colonial linguistic interpretations, was used to justify foreign rule and divide Indian society. Amish and Prof. Vemsani discuss how these ideas were more fictional than scholarly, and driven by deeply political and racist aims.Linguistic Theory Under Scrutiny:Explore the limitations of the linguistic evidence that underpinned the invasion/migration models, and why many modern scholars now question its validity as the sole basis for such sweeping historical claims.Revelations from Rakhigarhi:The conversation highlights groundbreaking DNA research from the Rakhigarhi archaeological site, which challenges the very foundation of the Aryan Invasion and Migration theories. Recent studies reveal that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization were most likely indigenous, and that most modern Indians are direct descendants of the IVC people, with no significant genetic input from Central Asian steppe populations—contradicting the idea of a large-scale so-called Aryan invasion or migration.A New Understanding of India’s Past:Delve into how these findings suggest a remarkable cultural and genetic continuity from the Harappan era to present-day Indians, and why this compels a re-evaluation of long-held historical assumptions, and suggests an underlying unity across all regions of the Indian Subcontinent.Why Listen?This episode is essential for anyone interested in India’s history, identity, and the ongoing debates that shape our collective memory. Amish and Prof. Vemsani offer a balanced, evidence-based discussion that moves beyond colonial-era myths, inviting listeners to see India’s ancient heritage in a new light.

In this latest episode of Immortal India with Amish, Amish Tripathi is in discussion with Dr. Brishti Guha, Associate Professor of Economics at the Centre for International Trade and Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University.In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Guha and Amish explore the enigmatic Indus Valley script—one of the world’s oldest undeciphered writing systems. They discuss the groundbreaking work of Dr. Bharath Rao, who approached the Indus script as a mathematical puzzle, using advanced techniques to propose a decipherment. Highlights of this episode:The story behind the Indus script and why it has puzzled scholars for decadesDr. Rao’s innovative methodology for decipherment.The significance of these findings for Indian history, culture, and the ongoing debate about the origins of SanskritHow the decipherment suggests a remarkable continuity between the Harappan civilization and later Indian traditionsJoin us as we unravel the secrets of the Indus Valley, question established historical narratives, and discover what these ancient symbols reveal about India’s cultural and linguistic heritage.Subscribe for more episodes that delve into India’s rich history, legends, and living traditions!#ImmortalIndiaWithAmish #IndusValley #Sanskrit #AncientIndia #BrishtiGuha #AmishTripathi #IndianHistoryFollow Amish Tripathi:Instagram: @authoramishFacebook: @authoramishX/Twitter: @authoramish

In this fascinating episode of Immortal India with Amish, Amish Tripathi, joined by Bhavna Roy, explores the Surya Siddhanta, a 2500-year-old text that forms the cornerstone of Indian astronomy, time calculation, and astrology. Together, they delve into its complex topics, including planetary movements, solar and lunar eclipses, planetary conjunctions, and precise time calculations.This ancient text is a testament to the brilliance of our ancestors, who used trigonometry and advanced methods to calculate distances between celestial bodies with remarkable accuracy. Amish and Bhavna also discuss the workings of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar and its enduring relevance in modern times.Join them to uncover the scientific marvels and timeless wisdom embedded in this extraordinary text!#ImmortalIndiaWithAmish #SuryaSiddhanta #AmishTripathi #BhavnaRoy #IndianAstronomy #AncientScience #HinduCalendar #LuniSolarCalendar #PlanetaryMovements #SolarEclipses #LunarEclipses #IndianAstrology #Trigonometry #AncientWisdom #TimeCalculation #CulturalHeritage #ScienceInAncientIndia #CelestialCalculations #VedicKnowledge #AstronomyAndAstrologyCHAPTERS -SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLESInstagram - https://instagram.com/authoramishFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/authoramishX/Twitter - https://x.com/authoramish- https://www.linkedin.com/in/amish-tripathi-60080719bWhatsapp - https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaiNhDh3WHTdPS2lAQ3RThreads - https://www.threads.net/@authoramishLinktree - https://linktr.ee/AuthorAmish?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c9bd23bd-d825-4cc8-b3ba-b4821f77728a

In this insightful conversation, celebrated economist and historian Sanjeev Sanyal, who serves as the Prime Minister's economic advisor, shares his expertise on the enduring relevance of Chanakya's wisdom for today's geopolitical landscape. Sanyal examines the global shift in power, particularly concerning China, and emphasizes the need for India to embrace hard power and strategic autonomy. He draws parallels between ancient governance principles and modern challenges, advocating for intelligent diplomacy and a proactive role for India in the evolving international order.

In this eye-opening episode of Immortal India with Amish, bestselling author Amish Tripathi is in conversation with renowned economist and historian Sanjeev Sanyal to dissect how foreign statistics misrepresent India—and the flawed methodologies behind them.From freedom of press rankings to poverty indices, democracy indices to hunger statistics, they break down how global institutions use outdated or biased frameworks that often distort India’s reality. Are these figures truly reflective of India’s progress, or do they serve a larger narrative designed to undermine its achievements?Sanjeev Sanyal and Amish Tripathi challenge these miscalculations, highlighting the need for Indians to critically analyze international reports rather than blindly accepting them. They explore how colonial-era biases persist in modern data collection and discuss why India must build its own frameworks for self-representation.This episode is a must-watch for those who seek to understand the deeper flaws in global data narratives and why reclaiming the truth is essential for India’s future.#ImmortalIndiaWithAmish #SanjeevSanyal #AmishTripathi #MisrepresentedIndia #ForeignStatisticsExposed #ColonialNarratives #DataManipulation #IndianEconomy #TruthAboutIndia #GlobalBias #HistoricalAccuracy #DecolonisingNarratives #MediaMisinformation #IndianProgress #MythVsRealitySocial Media Handles:Instagram - https://instagram.com/authoramishFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/authoramishX/Twitter - https://x.com/authoramish- https://www.linkedin.com/in/amish-tripathi-60080719bWhatsapp - https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaiNhDh3WHTdPS2lAQ3RThreads - https://www.threads.net/@authoramishLinktree - https://linktr.ee/AuthorAmish?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c9bd23bd-d825-4cc8-b3ba-b4821f77728a

Did the story end with the martyrdom of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj? Absolutely not. In this powerful episode of the Immortal India Podcast, bestselling author Amish Tripathi takes you beyond the final scenes of Chhava to uncover the true story of what happened next.Aurangzeb may have tortured Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, but he couldn’t crush the Maratha spirit. From Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj’s strategic resistance at Gingee to the fearless leadership of Queen Tarabai, the Marathas launched a relentless war spread over decades that bled the Timurid-Mughal Empire dry. You’ll also hear of valiant uprisings by the Jats, Sikhs, Satnamis, Ahoms, Naga Sadhus, and others — all united against the tyranny of Aurangzeb.Using sources like Maasir-i-Alamgiri, Futuhat-i-Alamgiri, and Storia-do-Mogor by Manucci, Amish uncovers how indigenous India fought back against the foreign rule of the Timurid-Mughals. The Maratha resistance wasn’t just military—it was a nationalist movement of Hindavi Swarajya that helped shape modern India.Tune in to rediscover stories of valour, strategy, and unity. And reflect—should we still honour Aurangzeb in our country?References:Maasir-i-Alamgiri by Saqi Mustaid KhanFutuhat-i-Alamgiri by Ishwardas NagarStoria-do-Mogor by Niccolao ManucciTarikh-i-Dilkasha by Bhimsen SaxenaAitihasik Farsi Sahitys (News Letters of the Mughal Court) edited by G.H. KhareMogal Darbarachi Batmipatre (News Letters of the Mughal Court) edited by Setumadhavrao PagadiMuntakhab-ul-Lubab by Khafi Khan Secondary SourcesHistory of Aurangzeb by Jadunath SarkarThe Economy of the Maratha Kingdom by Kedar PhalkeSOCIAL MEDIA HANDLESInstagram - https://instagram.com/authoramishFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/authoramishX/Twitter - https://x.com/authoramish- https://www.linkedin.com/in/amish-tripathi-60080719bWhatsapp - https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaiNhDh3WHTdPS2lAQ3RThreads - https://www.threads.net/@authoramishLinktree - https://linktr.ee/AuthorAmish?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c9bd23bd-d825-4cc8-b3ba-b4821f77728a

In this enlightening episode of Immortal India with Amish, author Amish Tripathi explores the misunderstood history of Sati, joined by renowned historian Padma Shri Prof. Meenakshi Jain. Together, they unravel the myths surrounding Sati and its colonial misrepresentation as a widespread, scripture-mandated practice.Prof. Jain provides compelling evidence, highlighting how British propaganda presented Sati to portray Indian culture as barbaric and justify colonial rule. A simple list of widows in the Ramayan & the Mahabharat, who did not commit Sati, would make it clear that Sati was not a scriptural practice of ancient India. Prof Jain & Amish discuss rare instances of ritual suicide in ancient India—practiced by both men and women—as acts of personal choice. And how Colonial propagandists presented the female suicides among them as Sati (while conveniently ignoring the ritual male suicides). They also speak of mischievous mistranslations of ancient Indian scriptures by the British to show some ancient justification for Sati.This episode challenges long-held misconceptions, celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage, and emphasizes the importance of historical accuracy & decolonisation in understanding our past.#ImmortalIndiaWithAmish #TheTruthAboutSati #AmishTripathi #MeenakshiJain #ColonialNarratives #IndianHistory #SatiDebunked #RitualSuicide #HistoricalAccuracy #CulturalHeritage #IndianWomen #MythVsReality #DharmicTraditions #AncientIndia #ColonialPropaganda #IndianCulture #MisrepresentedHistory #TruthAboutSati #IndiaThroughTheAgesSources - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cOGJ-0W8lbUShNPExP4OU4dOFKSLWsuzALDN80HnqEQ/edit?usp=sharingCHAPTERS-SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLESInstagram -https://instagram.com/authoramishFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/authoramishX/Twitter - https://x.com/authoramish-https://www.linkedin.com/in/amish-tripathi-60080719bWhatsapp -https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaiNhDh3WHTdPS2lAQ3RThreads -https://www.threads.net/@authoramishLinktree -https://linktr.ee/AuthorAmish?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c9bd23bd-d825-4cc8-b3ba-b4821f77728a

In this episode of Immortal India with Amish, celebrated author Amish Tripathi delves into the vital role of women in ancient Indian society. Challenging colonial narratives and misconceptions, he highlights how ancient India was among the world's most progressive societies, where women enjoyed significant autonomy and respect. From rulers like Ahilya Bai, to rishikas (equivalent to prophets) and scholars such as Gargi and Lopamudra, and even university founders like those at Vallabhi in Gujarat, women contributed profoundly to India’s intellectual and cultural legacy.Amish explains how foreign invasions and associated violence led to a gradual erosion of this egalitarian ethos, reinforcing patriarchal structures. Colonial narratives further distorted India’s image, to label it as a barbaric society in need of ‘White Saviours’. However, modern Indian women are reclaiming their rightful place, actively participating in the nation’s progress and contributing to the unfolding story of a resurgent India.#ImmortalIndiaWithAmish #WomenInAncientIndia #AmishTripathi #IndianHistory #ProgressiveIndia #WomenEmpowerment #AncientIndianCulture #RoleOfWomen #EqualityInIndia #IndiaGrowthStory #WomenScholars #IndianHeritage #BreakingStereotypesSources - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IcPLPlU3tOmlKFGfZjLZ1O4kOAJJzeErI6eeOROjNcU/edit?usp=sharingCHAPTERS -SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLESInstagram - https://instagram.com/authoramishFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/authoramishX/Twitter - https://x.com/authoramish- https://www.linkedin.com/in/amish-tripathi-60080719bWhatsapp - https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaiNhDh3WHTdPS2lAQ3RThreads - https://www.threads.net/@authoramishLinktree - https://linktr.ee/AuthorAmish?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c9bd23bd-d825-4cc8-b3ba-b4821f77728a