The Story of India (2007)
The Story of India is a captivating BBC documentary series that delves into the rich and ancient history of India. Presented by the esteemed historian Michael Wood, the show originally aired on BBC Two in six episodes during August and September 2007. It was part of the BBC season “India and Pakistan 07,” which commemorated the 60th anniversary of India and Pakistan’s independence.
In this sprawling epic, Wood takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through time, tracing the evolution of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. Let’s explore the key themes covered in each episode:
- Beginnings:
- Wood unravels the earliest human migrations out of Africa, weaving together oral traditions and ancient manuscripts.
- His travels lead him from the tropical backwaters of South India to the lost cities of the Indus Valley civilization in present-day Pakistan.
- Archaeological discoveries in the Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex in Turkmenistan shed new light on India’s past, including references to horse-drawn carts mentioned in the Rig Veda.
- Wood even attempts to recreate soma, an ancient drink recorded in the Rig Veda.
- The Power of Ideas:
- This episode focuses on the revolutionary years after 500 BCE, known as the Age of the Buddha and Mahavira.
- Wood’s journey takes him to ancient cities along the Ganges plain, through Northern Iraq, and down Pakistan’s Khyber Pass.
- He reveals how Alexander the Great’s invasion of India inspired the Mauryan Empire, ruled by Chandragupta Maurya.
- Spice Routes and Silk Roads:
- The bell rang for India as it became a hub of global commerce due to spice and gold trading with ancient Romans and Greeks.
- Peninsular India found its place on the map of global business through the exchange of pepper, rice, and silk.
- The Kushan Empire from Central Asia, led by Emperor Kanishka, established major trading cities in Peshawar and Mathura, while also contributing to the spread of Buddhism to China.
- Ages of Gold:
- India’s golden age witnessed remarkable achievements, including the discovery of zero, the calculation of Earth’s circumference, and the creation of the world’s first sex guide—the Kama Sutra.
- In the south, the magnificent Tanjore temple built by Emperor Rajaraja Chola stands as a testament to India’s architectural prowess.
- Traditional bronze casters continue their craft, working as their ancestors did a thousand years ago.
Throughout the series, Wood immerses himself in majestic landscapes, explores monumental treasures, and sheds light on India’s profound impact on world history. From Buddhism to Bollywood, mathematics to outsourcing, India remains at the heart of our collective story for over two millennia.
