The History of India Podcast

A twelve-year-old boy from Cambodia becomes the unlikely hope for the crumbling Pallava Empire. The tale unfolds with riveting journeys through diverse landscapes, from perilous deserts to lush plains. Explore the vibrant yet fading glory of Kanchi City, once a bustling trade hub. Witness the dramatic rise of Nandi Varman, marked by exile and political intrigue, and delve into the mesmerizing poetry dedicated to Vishnu that captures the essence of the era's cultural richness.

A young prince rises to power, transforming his destiny through three ritual baths. Discover the intriguing parallels between running a medieval court and crafting an essay. Marvel at the most impressive imperial banners and hear about a fascinating moment when death himself takes a backseat. Explore Dantidurga's military triumphs as he establishes the Rashtrakuta empire, along with the captivating tales woven into ancient cave sculptures, reflecting on complex devotionals and royal legacies in India.

What was life like in the heart of the Chaulkiya empire? How did they survive in such a dry environment? How was the city defended? In this episode, we chat with Dr Hemanth Kadambi about stone horse hurdles, his youthful misadventures, must-see places if you visit Badami, and how the sacred survives the test of time.

**Special episode on the current crisis** People are stranded all across India. They left to find work. Now the lockdown has come, they are out of work, out of money and out of food. We get to talk to Anushka and Nithya who are chatting to these workers every day, and hear some of their stories. They work for SWAN - the stranded workers action network. They can help you give money to stranded workers directly here: You can get more facts and figures here: or search twitter for @strandedworkers History returns in the next episode.

Shalini Srinivasan, a comic book author and novelist, shares her passion for the Chalukya period. She discusses her ongoing novel set in the Chalukyan empire and her experiences crafting comics, particularly about Hampi. The conversation dives into the blend of history and fantasy, emphasizing the importance of ordinary lives from this era. Shalini also reflects on her visit to Badami, exploring its historical significance and architecture, while highlighting how modern visits to ancient sites enrich our understanding of history.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) ***Warning: contains upsetting details.*** The second special episode on slavery. This week, we hear about the lives of female slaves. We meet slaves in Buddhist monasteries. And we meet a young woman being sold into slavery. Also in this episode: how to construct a Buddhist cave, a boy survives seven attempted murders, and a vengeful woman crosses the ocean.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) ***Warning: contains upsetting details.*** This week, we learn a little about what life was like for slaves in ancient and early medieval India, from becoming a slave to being free. India might have been the best place in the ancient world to be a slave, but slave life was often still brutal. In this episode: four ways you might become a slave, bad food sends a slave running for freedom, another annoying rant about academia, and an ancient Indian slave talks about cold baths and Buddhism with her master.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This week, we meet some of the bogeymen of ancient India; a group among the most feared of the Barbarians. The mighty Kamboja horsemasters. And yet, these are real people. In this episode we hear the tales told about them, but we also get to know a bit about how they really lived, and even them described in their own words. Also in this episode: the moon kings rise, an ocean gets drunk up, I get lost in a rant about pacifist kings, and why you should try some dynastic identity theft. Last week of the regular episodes of season 5; special episodes start next week.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This is the week of small kings. The Pratihara empire has ruled for as long as anyone can remember. But a small king from the south will destroy the emperor's army and send him fleeing. And a small king from the north will restore him to his throne. Also in this episode: book reading in Baghdad, a rant about early medieval boasting, and our first glimpse of the world famous Khajuraho temples.

(www.historyofindiapodcast.in) This week, Mahendrapala extends his empire downstream, towards the sea. But nothing is what it seems: not the emperor, nor his empire, nor his conquest. All will be revealed only half a meter down. Also in this episode: how to tell whether you are living on top of a monastery, more than twenty early medieval Indian insults, and how to call someone beautiful and aggressive at the same time.