This is the first series by Michael Wood that I see and I really enjoyed watching it. The history of India is certainly so rich that one could do a sixty episodes series as well. Wood has a colloquial style that makes complex subjects attractive. Here he catches the pulse of the Indian history and of the diverse civilizations that succeeded on the sub-continent and brings them to life, filming on site and interviewing people who are not only experts but also survivors, continuators and keepers of the traditions of the different religions and peoples who lived and survived in this huge country. His style is never dry, although a little bit superficial, but in the limits of time he is doing quite well. Even folks who were very little familiar with the subject end by learning some useful information and especially by having their interest open to learn more.
19 Reviews
Even Indians discover themselves
mangesh-soni16 February 2009
Dear Readers,
I started with the first episode with a little doubt in mind that " how it would be to see my own home through the eyes of others" but no doubt it was excellent.
Michael Woods style of presenting and his vast experience in filming would never distract you throughout the episode, he would travel across the nations to reveal about a subject and research it vastly.
Besides that all the participants behind the scenes were equally complimenting each other in their respective areas. The background score changes with the demand of scene which really is commendable.
Being an Indian, I myself enjoyed the series and a very good experience to know more about my own home. A Must watch.... from me.
I started with the first episode with a little doubt in mind that " how it would be to see my own home through the eyes of others" but no doubt it was excellent.
Michael Woods style of presenting and his vast experience in filming would never distract you throughout the episode, he would travel across the nations to reveal about a subject and research it vastly.
Besides that all the participants behind the scenes were equally complimenting each other in their respective areas. The background score changes with the demand of scene which really is commendable.
Being an Indian, I myself enjoyed the series and a very good experience to know more about my own home. A Must watch.... from me.
A passionately presented and well researched series
julymermaid8 January 2010
I started to watch this series with a fair degree of scepticism, being of Indian origin, but was hooked within the first 15 mins. The credit almost entirely goes to Michael Wood and the unending passion with which he has presented this masterpiece. It is a daunting task to be asked to cover India's vast and varied history in 6 short hours but Wood tells an intriguing and masterful tale, carefully taking into consideration all of the historical aspects and view points. I was delighted that as an Indian, there was a lot I got to learn and was pleasantly surprised at Wood's tenacity towards fact finding. Also, the history is told not so much in a chronological factual manner, but in Wood's fascinating and poetic story telling style, making it an extremely interesting and entertaining 6 parts to watch.
If I had to be picky, the only criticism I would have to offer would be on the lack of attention to the splendid Mughal era. Wood does touch upon it , but only when it is dying. The great Mughal emperors like Jahangir, Akbar and Shah Jahan have played a huge role in shaping Indian history and have given to India such splendid monuments such as the Taj Mahal.
But then again, it is a vast country with an over-abundance of history and tales.
A must watch in my book !
If I had to be picky, the only criticism I would have to offer would be on the lack of attention to the splendid Mughal era. Wood does touch upon it , but only when it is dying. The great Mughal emperors like Jahangir, Akbar and Shah Jahan have played a huge role in shaping Indian history and have given to India such splendid monuments such as the Taj Mahal.
But then again, it is a vast country with an over-abundance of history and tales.
A must watch in my book !
I wish 'History' were taught this way.
RatanTata21 May 2011
a) Amazing never seen visuals.
b) Powerful all engaging presentation.
c) A honest interest in the subject of India.
d) On location shooting of the narrative subject matter.
e) Great background score.
f) Balanced and well researched topics, which have lessons for world as a whole.
I can go on listing points of greatness of this great work. Wish Michael Wood was my history teacher! I would have definitely majored in History.
If you really want to experience 'time travel' don't watch science fiction movies... just watch this series, you will be amazed. Take my word for it.
b) Powerful all engaging presentation.
c) A honest interest in the subject of India.
d) On location shooting of the narrative subject matter.
e) Great background score.
f) Balanced and well researched topics, which have lessons for world as a whole.
I can go on listing points of greatness of this great work. Wish Michael Wood was my history teacher! I would have definitely majored in History.
If you really want to experience 'time travel' don't watch science fiction movies... just watch this series, you will be amazed. Take my word for it.
A Carefully Cafted Mosaic of Living History
politicon200315 February 2009
Warning: Spoilers
The man is incredible I have also watched his long trek in the series he produced "In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great" and his voyages to pursue Jason and the Argonauts , as well as the Himalayan myth of Shangri-La and biblical one of the Queen of Sheba I in his "Myths and Heroes" series for the BBC.
This series is a brilliant and unorthodox cinematographic account of India (which also includes what are now Pakistan and Bangladesh) and its entire history from its prehistoric times, through its ancient civilisations, the invasions of the middle ages and the later arrival of the Moguls to the East India Company, superseded after the 1857 uprising by the ninety years of the British Raj and thence the 1947 independence and partition to the present day .
Michael Wood is truly an intrepid traveller in the Victorian mould who seems to be prepared to take all kinds of personal risk in his quest to produce this compelling documentary epic. The term "documentary" is perhaps, misleading as he has succeeded in producing a work of art much different for the usual dull, albeit informative programmes of that genre so often sat through while watching TV on a rainy day. His approach to demonstrate that history is a living phenomenon and not just something that dwells in the past. He emphasises the way that the historic past is ever fresh and present in Modern India. He walks the souks and the bazaars, follows pilgrims, cruises on the Ganges, toils up the steps of numerous mosques, palaces and temples and climbs the remotest and most difficult mountain paths in the Himalayas and struggle along jungle tracks of the Tamil south to make his points.
Culture, religions, traditions, festivals and daily life of the Indian people and its symbiotic relationship with animals of all kinds, tigers, elephants, holy cows and urban or temple simians is well covered here in a carefully crafted mosaic. He's not afraid to discus India's relatively untroubled sexual relations with an attractive high-caste Indian woman clad in a sari who has written a book in English about the Karma Sutra "It's not all about different positions" she says with a smile over a cup of tea in her garden. He also discusses the importance for Hindus of cremation with the low-caste foreman in charge of lighting the funeral pyre from a charcoal fire that has been burning continuously for 3000 years on the banks of the River Ganges (where the ashes are scattered) : "Well you see most people won't touch us. They will avoid us in the street but even if they are the prime minister when a relative of theirs dies they must come only to us, "the untouchables" as no other caste may light the funeral fire".
Mr. Wood also hobnobs with the maharajahs in their palaces. Nevertheless, he seem to greatly enjoy his long journeys across the sub-continent in shabby third-class overcrowded railway carriages whose only form of air conditioning are pane less windows and dangerously open doors. He has really spurred my own interest to plan some future trip to the sub-continent and see first hand some of the images he has so cannily projected through my TV screen.
This series is a brilliant and unorthodox cinematographic account of India (which also includes what are now Pakistan and Bangladesh) and its entire history from its prehistoric times, through its ancient civilisations, the invasions of the middle ages and the later arrival of the Moguls to the East India Company, superseded after the 1857 uprising by the ninety years of the British Raj and thence the 1947 independence and partition to the present day .
Michael Wood is truly an intrepid traveller in the Victorian mould who seems to be prepared to take all kinds of personal risk in his quest to produce this compelling documentary epic. The term "documentary" is perhaps, misleading as he has succeeded in producing a work of art much different for the usual dull, albeit informative programmes of that genre so often sat through while watching TV on a rainy day. His approach to demonstrate that history is a living phenomenon and not just something that dwells in the past. He emphasises the way that the historic past is ever fresh and present in Modern India. He walks the souks and the bazaars, follows pilgrims, cruises on the Ganges, toils up the steps of numerous mosques, palaces and temples and climbs the remotest and most difficult mountain paths in the Himalayas and struggle along jungle tracks of the Tamil south to make his points.
Culture, religions, traditions, festivals and daily life of the Indian people and its symbiotic relationship with animals of all kinds, tigers, elephants, holy cows and urban or temple simians is well covered here in a carefully crafted mosaic. He's not afraid to discus India's relatively untroubled sexual relations with an attractive high-caste Indian woman clad in a sari who has written a book in English about the Karma Sutra "It's not all about different positions" she says with a smile over a cup of tea in her garden. He also discusses the importance for Hindus of cremation with the low-caste foreman in charge of lighting the funeral pyre from a charcoal fire that has been burning continuously for 3000 years on the banks of the River Ganges (where the ashes are scattered) : "Well you see most people won't touch us. They will avoid us in the street but even if they are the prime minister when a relative of theirs dies they must come only to us, "the untouchables" as no other caste may light the funeral fire".
Mr. Wood also hobnobs with the maharajahs in their palaces. Nevertheless, he seem to greatly enjoy his long journeys across the sub-continent in shabby third-class overcrowded railway carriages whose only form of air conditioning are pane less windows and dangerously open doors. He has really spurred my own interest to plan some future trip to the sub-continent and see first hand some of the images he has so cannily projected through my TV screen.
Makes an Indian proud and other more proud!!!!
vicky008722 June 2011
I have become the fan of Mr Woods after watching the series of The Story of India. I guess even an Indian presenter wouldn't have presented the way Mr. Woods have presented it. He has imbibed in himself the factor of Indianness which is very much required to explain something about India in this much detail. I should be right if I say most of us(Indians) ourselves wont be knowing about India as much the show is informative about. The show is almost comprehensive about not only about Indian history but whole of Indian subcontinent.
It rightly starts from the Indus valley through the vedic age etc along with mind-blowing visuals and silver-mouthed Wood's narration and it get better episode by episode. The documentary doesn't hesitate comparing India with other ancient civilizations while revealing the greatness of rich past and advanced society at the very ancient age.
It is very informant for those ignorant about their own past and have turned a blind eye towards their own culture which is very rich, diverse, full of life and colors. So it is a must watch for those who want to know more about India and to those Indians who are ignorant about their own past. Watch it completely to feel proud about your country. Jai Hind!!!
It rightly starts from the Indus valley through the vedic age etc along with mind-blowing visuals and silver-mouthed Wood's narration and it get better episode by episode. The documentary doesn't hesitate comparing India with other ancient civilizations while revealing the greatness of rich past and advanced society at the very ancient age.
It is very informant for those ignorant about their own past and have turned a blind eye towards their own culture which is very rich, diverse, full of life and colors. So it is a must watch for those who want to know more about India and to those Indians who are ignorant about their own past. Watch it completely to feel proud about your country. Jai Hind!!!
One of the first beginning of the human life in order.
Reno-Rangan12 November 2014
Sorry guys, I was busy last week and I have not seen a single movie. Saw this one recently, so here's my review. One of the interesting documentary series about the human civilization. Mainly focused on the birth and traveled path of the sub-continent culture and religions. This 6 episode documentary series was told right from when humans are beginning to migrate from the Africa through briefing some important historical events that took place in the last two millennia till the present time.
Each episode tells different timeline of the all good and bad occurrences including some of them we already know and that we are not. The British historian and archaeologist Michael Woods travels across the South Asian countries, revealing what he had found in his expedition. In my opinion, what everything he says or find in the quest are probably not accurate, but 'might be like this', 'might be like that' kind of very close truth that we can get. Mainly because of the Indian culture and civilization were assorted with myth. So that's not an easy task to disclose in a short time of the research, the top to bottom of thousands years of the rich history with lots of ups and downs.
1. Beginnings:
In the first episode, it tells one of the first human migration out of the Africa which took place 75,000 years ago who sailed to the west coast of the southern India. Few millenniums later the agriculture began with the idea of domesticating wild animals. While population increasing they moved towards the north where the great Indus civilization began which gave the name India and Hindu to identify the present sub-continent people.
2. The Power of Ideas:
In this part the story commence around 7,000 years ago, that mean 5,000BC where the system of life order begins. Later chronicled the first ever king Chandragupta Maurya who stood against Alexander the Great. Afterwards the birth of Buddhism and Jainism, and the spiritual side of the India. The fascinated thing was India is a place where it changes the people from their desire of thirst to the spirituality. In this episode that is what you learn, men with swords to the enlightenment.
3. Spice Routes and Silk Roads:
It is one of the best part of the story narration. The first east and west encounter. It's all about trade and business between India and, Greeks and Romans. Indian spices and, silk and cotton weaving made the subcontinent the world's first economic powerhouse. In return, most valuable metals and liquor what India gathered that lead to become rich to richer. The India's famous story 'The Ramayan' was first written before the hundreds of its version come into the different languages in the later years.
4. Ages of Gold:
The golden era which mainly focuses on the southern kingdom during the Chola dynasty. One of the ancient surviving languages of the world is the Tamil like the Greek. The perspective of Tamil culture, especially the birth story of classical dance, Bharathnatyam and world first sex guide book Kama-sutra was told. Many rituals and festivals that still followed in an old method was revealed. Overall, it is a south Indian slice of the whole sub-continent's long standing history.
5. The Meeting of Two Oceans:
So this is where collision begins between outside religion and the sub-continent's. Islam makes it way to the India during the eleventh century. It was not easy for the outsider to invade India that history says many great personalities were failing to do that. But Moghals are the first to invade the sub-continent. Very important aspect and time of the Indian history, especially religious perspective.
6. Freedom:
In this final episode, it chronicles the last invader of the subcontinent from the west, the English. They put an end to the Islamic ruling in the India and also brought the advanced technologies with them like guns, trains etc. Mahatma Gandhi himself a law graduate from London college who later fought for freedom with his Ahimsa tactic.
''In history there have been many empires of the sword. But only India created an empire of the spirit.''
With notifying Indian Independence struggle the story brings the curtain down to the narration. If you see the present India, it is not like what it was told from this documentary. Some people remained same from the centuries and generation after generation teaching art and technics to the children, but some are changed like the evolution happened. Especially, after living under different foreign rulers over the 1,000 years, the last 60 years of freedom is what gave them license to do everything they want. And that liberty is what the today's mess you can find in Indian sub-continent.
Can Indian once again rise to become the leader of the world economy like it did thousands of years ago is the future have to wait and see. In the next couple of decades, India is going to put the American economy behind and compete with China for the top position. Once again, I remind you, that many events were predicted, according to the proof the BBC got. So mostly about the possibility than actuality, especially the occurrence that took place before the Buddhism. It is a must see documentary, there are lots that we can learn from it or get some ideas overs those times lifestyles.
9.5/10
Each episode tells different timeline of the all good and bad occurrences including some of them we already know and that we are not. The British historian and archaeologist Michael Woods travels across the South Asian countries, revealing what he had found in his expedition. In my opinion, what everything he says or find in the quest are probably not accurate, but 'might be like this', 'might be like that' kind of very close truth that we can get. Mainly because of the Indian culture and civilization were assorted with myth. So that's not an easy task to disclose in a short time of the research, the top to bottom of thousands years of the rich history with lots of ups and downs.
1. Beginnings:
In the first episode, it tells one of the first human migration out of the Africa which took place 75,000 years ago who sailed to the west coast of the southern India. Few millenniums later the agriculture began with the idea of domesticating wild animals. While population increasing they moved towards the north where the great Indus civilization began which gave the name India and Hindu to identify the present sub-continent people.
2. The Power of Ideas:
In this part the story commence around 7,000 years ago, that mean 5,000BC where the system of life order begins. Later chronicled the first ever king Chandragupta Maurya who stood against Alexander the Great. Afterwards the birth of Buddhism and Jainism, and the spiritual side of the India. The fascinated thing was India is a place where it changes the people from their desire of thirst to the spirituality. In this episode that is what you learn, men with swords to the enlightenment.
3. Spice Routes and Silk Roads:
It is one of the best part of the story narration. The first east and west encounter. It's all about trade and business between India and, Greeks and Romans. Indian spices and, silk and cotton weaving made the subcontinent the world's first economic powerhouse. In return, most valuable metals and liquor what India gathered that lead to become rich to richer. The India's famous story 'The Ramayan' was first written before the hundreds of its version come into the different languages in the later years.
4. Ages of Gold:
The golden era which mainly focuses on the southern kingdom during the Chola dynasty. One of the ancient surviving languages of the world is the Tamil like the Greek. The perspective of Tamil culture, especially the birth story of classical dance, Bharathnatyam and world first sex guide book Kama-sutra was told. Many rituals and festivals that still followed in an old method was revealed. Overall, it is a south Indian slice of the whole sub-continent's long standing history.
5. The Meeting of Two Oceans:
So this is where collision begins between outside religion and the sub-continent's. Islam makes it way to the India during the eleventh century. It was not easy for the outsider to invade India that history says many great personalities were failing to do that. But Moghals are the first to invade the sub-continent. Very important aspect and time of the Indian history, especially religious perspective.
6. Freedom:
In this final episode, it chronicles the last invader of the subcontinent from the west, the English. They put an end to the Islamic ruling in the India and also brought the advanced technologies with them like guns, trains etc. Mahatma Gandhi himself a law graduate from London college who later fought for freedom with his Ahimsa tactic.
''In history there have been many empires of the sword. But only India created an empire of the spirit.''
With notifying Indian Independence struggle the story brings the curtain down to the narration. If you see the present India, it is not like what it was told from this documentary. Some people remained same from the centuries and generation after generation teaching art and technics to the children, but some are changed like the evolution happened. Especially, after living under different foreign rulers over the 1,000 years, the last 60 years of freedom is what gave them license to do everything they want. And that liberty is what the today's mess you can find in Indian sub-continent.
Can Indian once again rise to become the leader of the world economy like it did thousands of years ago is the future have to wait and see. In the next couple of decades, India is going to put the American economy behind and compete with China for the top position. Once again, I remind you, that many events were predicted, according to the proof the BBC got. So mostly about the possibility than actuality, especially the occurrence that took place before the Buddhism. It is a must see documentary, there are lots that we can learn from it or get some ideas overs those times lifestyles.
9.5/10
Engaging, Passionate & Ambitious in Scope!
rai-gandalf8 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Superlative stuff!!
1) Covering a history of a country as vast, diverse, complex, chaotic and ever-changing as India over a period of 10K years is obviously biting more than you can chew. I think the narrator and the BBC guys deserve a lot of credit for handling it in the exceptional way that they did.
2) Like it usually goes with such sweeping historical documentaries, you either get a vast overview like a powerpoint presentation without meaning (a bread first search) - or you get a selective investigation of individual threads/stories which might not be comprehensive but provides emotional depth (iterative depth first search).
3) Some people might be put off after the first episode where Sri Lanka was shown as Tamil Nadu on the map. Granted this is misleading, however point to note: TN was highlighted with contrast and the caption "Tamil Nadu" was appearing beside it (ditto with Kerala) - the fact that the graphics guys decided to caption it on top of Sri Lanka.
4) As an Indian, and as someone who has read history of all kinds, I was more than blown away by the sheer number of facts I pleasantly discovered by watching this series.
5) By and large, the narrator is affable and likable and his enthusiasm is quite infectious. His sense of wonder seemed very genuine to me. If there is a criticism, I do agree that sometimes the narrator did seem to excessively gush and praise (and portray historic India as a utopian paragon of civilization - I am sure that historic India also had its own set of vices) - this did seem to be because of some sub-conscious sense of guilt that the narrator clearly felt at European imperialism in the past. While that did appear a little contrived, it was a very minor distraction.
6) Because this format relied on micro-threads and unconventional sources (a lot of it hearsay and word-of-mouth), some of the awe-filled facts might turn out to be fiction. Furthermore, I would like to point out - that civilization and history is as much about the legends and the tales and the fables as it is about facts.
Bottomline: This is a fabulous and awe inspiring effort. Definitely a must-watch for Indians and non-Indians alike. BBC as always proves itself to be the only broadcaster/producer of any content of repute.
1) Covering a history of a country as vast, diverse, complex, chaotic and ever-changing as India over a period of 10K years is obviously biting more than you can chew. I think the narrator and the BBC guys deserve a lot of credit for handling it in the exceptional way that they did.
2) Like it usually goes with such sweeping historical documentaries, you either get a vast overview like a powerpoint presentation without meaning (a bread first search) - or you get a selective investigation of individual threads/stories which might not be comprehensive but provides emotional depth (iterative depth first search).
3) Some people might be put off after the first episode where Sri Lanka was shown as Tamil Nadu on the map. Granted this is misleading, however point to note: TN was highlighted with contrast and the caption "Tamil Nadu" was appearing beside it (ditto with Kerala) - the fact that the graphics guys decided to caption it on top of Sri Lanka.
4) As an Indian, and as someone who has read history of all kinds, I was more than blown away by the sheer number of facts I pleasantly discovered by watching this series.
5) By and large, the narrator is affable and likable and his enthusiasm is quite infectious. His sense of wonder seemed very genuine to me. If there is a criticism, I do agree that sometimes the narrator did seem to excessively gush and praise (and portray historic India as a utopian paragon of civilization - I am sure that historic India also had its own set of vices) - this did seem to be because of some sub-conscious sense of guilt that the narrator clearly felt at European imperialism in the past. While that did appear a little contrived, it was a very minor distraction.
6) Because this format relied on micro-threads and unconventional sources (a lot of it hearsay and word-of-mouth), some of the awe-filled facts might turn out to be fiction. Furthermore, I would like to point out - that civilization and history is as much about the legends and the tales and the fables as it is about facts.
Bottomline: This is a fabulous and awe inspiring effort. Definitely a must-watch for Indians and non-Indians alike. BBC as always proves itself to be the only broadcaster/producer of any content of repute.
A great way to develop a perspective
babujyoti7 January 2012
It is great to see the history of a people of the world being developed as a life experience of revisiting the places and taking in glimpses of the present and the past. History is not an abstract science; it is about what people did. Sharing what we have learned in a humble and open way, Michael Wood has shown how learning history can be a great experience.
Michael Wood has kept the people perspective throughout rather than stating the facts in a dry manner like most historians do.
Having lived most of my early years in various parts of India, I can appreciate how Michael has captures the essence of the cultural side so well. Great experience.
I wish I could learn about others parts of the world in this style.
Michael Wood has kept the people perspective throughout rather than stating the facts in a dry manner like most historians do.
Having lived most of my early years in various parts of India, I can appreciate how Michael has captures the essence of the cultural side so well. Great experience.
I wish I could learn about others parts of the world in this style.
Beautiful, a magnificent story teller
ankdav0022 January 2019
This was best work on Indian history i ever witnessed. Commerce, culture, politics, religion, literature, food, art- an astonishing and beautiful cinema. Thankyou for this special series defining Indian history as it should be. Loved it.
Absoulte Farce and full of flase narrative!
thakkenc16 September 2022
This documentary is full of misleading facts and embellishments. The research done is abysmal and disappointing. True Indians who watch this will be outraged and put down by the blasphemous narration of this great Indian history. A disgrace in the name of a documentary! While the western past has been given proper treatment, Indian history has been reduced to myth. The entire documentary is quite narrow-sighted in its portrayal, which defies the name it goes by. The unwanted addition of Bollywood songs and scenes has taken away the respect due to the rich and original music of India. A truly disappointing watch!
Spactaculer Work by Michael Wood
yogi-essy928 April 2015
Hats of to Michael Wood for his extensive research and such a wonderful representation. Your enthusiasm mesmerizes me while watching the series. Also we have watched it with a view of foreigners. it is full of information. It has all the thing needed to be a great documentary be it direction, representation, music, sites etc. Really I felt enormous pleasure watching all the episodes. :)
It describes the beauty of culture and a great history of the India. I would like to admit that, even after being an Indian I did not know some minute things which I have come to know after watching the documentary. So a great thanks to BBC for presenting such a great series in India. I am looking forward to upcoming series. please bring more such series on India.
It describes the beauty of culture and a great history of the India. I would like to admit that, even after being an Indian I did not know some minute things which I have come to know after watching the documentary. So a great thanks to BBC for presenting such a great series in India. I am looking forward to upcoming series. please bring more such series on India.
Well written and presented
anandhurajuan7 November 2020
Amazing Documentary
short_tan_cool6 August 2013
The Story shows real history of India. Not from the books taught in the school all over the country. The voice and face expression of Micheal Wood is fantastic and heart touching. Its the Real History of India. Specially the Part of Buddhism and Chandragupta Mourya is very informative. The culture followed since so many years. The belief of people. Why do they believe in reincarnation. "Ages of Gold" - mind blowing "Freedom and Liberation" - its focuses on stories unheard by the Indians till date. Go buy a DVD right now. Its a must collection item. I have enjoyed every scene of this documentary and strongly recommend it.
Fantastic and informative work
abhishekmirgude16 December 2020
history lesson
SnoopyStyle25 May 2020
This is a 2007 BBC 6 part documentary. Historian Michael Wood presents history by visiting places and interviewing local experts. One is never sure that he's at the right spot but it's always appreciated that he tries. It is the most powerful of Michael's appeal. He's a white guy in a colored world but he is always inquisitive and always respectful. He is willing to dive into the local flavors head first. It is a general presentation of a vast complicated history and it becomes a digestible meal. The six parts are divided into time periods from the beginnings of prehistory to liberation from British rule.
Negligence or incompetence?
navjit-dhillon21 November 2012
It takes immaculate skill to make a documentary about the Indian civilization without even once mentioning some of the greatest names that ever walked on this part of the world. Steering the story of India completely clear of the likes of Guru Gobind Singh, Maharana Pratap, Shivaji Marhatta, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Tipu Sultan, Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose, as if they never existed on the face of earth, takes a lot of creativity and improvisation. My compliments to Michael wood and his team for their profoundly negligent research and erudite incompetence that distorts and twists the story of India like never before. In no other version of India's story will you find the East India company, Aurangzeb and Jahangir as contenders for the most benevolent regime that Indians witnessed.
Not As Expected
rutambhtrivedi18 June 2018
I thought It will be Great, There are so many things Missing!
From Episode 1 to 4 (/6) They Only Coverd South India, I think They were finding Culture of India Because those People even Today's Generation Follow that Very Well
But They didn't Covered The Yoga ,The Different foods Of India, The Natural Beauty Of India, The Beautiful Difference in Our Languages (They Covered Sanskrit very Well Though), Rather Taking Different Part Of India They took Pakistan! There is a reason for that but I don't think It was Necessary! They also didn't Covered Different Festivals Of India! They should have Covered History of India More But They didn't!
Overall its Good!
But Research Was not very well!
Outcome of poor research
chaitanyaraghav21 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
1) I smell the British colonialism in the Series on India
2) What happened to Adi Shankaracharya? what on earth BBC is doing? Adi Shankaracharya is as important as Buddha, you understand that?
3) Where is Sri Krishnadevaraya?
4) Soma, the tree, may be produced in India, who knows exactly the climatic conditions in India 4000 years ago?
5) Where is Konark temple? what about the temple at Utharakand built by AdiShankaracharya? 6) You have not mentioned the greatness of Sanskrit
7) In ancient days, Vedic hymes are chanted by three varnas, not only Brahmans.
8) Sudra was the classification given based on nature of a person, but not by birth
9) Buddha eating pork? You gotta kidding me
10) Meat was never part of diet of Indians, not for first three Varnas, only Sudras are regular consumers of meat
11) As per Indian texts caste is brought in to divide the work
12) untouchability was never part of Ancient Indian history, I believe you English started concept of untouchability, Please read Bhagawad Geeta for proof
13) You have not mentioned Indian schools of Philosophy, ASthika and nasthika
14) Ancient Engineering marvels of India, no show on it
15) There is no way you could kill a animal or bird, or anything that moves on earth during Yagas. In Ashwamedha yaga, you will not Kill Horse. (Deep understanding of Vedas, Homas, Yagnas will give insight of Sacrifice but there is no killing I tell you)
16) Where is the reference of Andhra Pradesh?!
17) Speed of light is mentioned in Rig veda, you have not mentioned it
18) There are several interpretations of the word Hiranya Gharbha
19) You also neglected to mention Vimanika Shastra Very important, Ancient Indian education can shape human in perfect manner.
2) What happened to Adi Shankaracharya? what on earth BBC is doing? Adi Shankaracharya is as important as Buddha, you understand that?
3) Where is Sri Krishnadevaraya?
4) Soma, the tree, may be produced in India, who knows exactly the climatic conditions in India 4000 years ago?
5) Where is Konark temple? what about the temple at Utharakand built by AdiShankaracharya? 6) You have not mentioned the greatness of Sanskrit
7) In ancient days, Vedic hymes are chanted by three varnas, not only Brahmans.
8) Sudra was the classification given based on nature of a person, but not by birth
9) Buddha eating pork? You gotta kidding me
10) Meat was never part of diet of Indians, not for first three Varnas, only Sudras are regular consumers of meat
11) As per Indian texts caste is brought in to divide the work
12) untouchability was never part of Ancient Indian history, I believe you English started concept of untouchability, Please read Bhagawad Geeta for proof
13) You have not mentioned Indian schools of Philosophy, ASthika and nasthika
14) Ancient Engineering marvels of India, no show on it
15) There is no way you could kill a animal or bird, or anything that moves on earth during Yagas. In Ashwamedha yaga, you will not Kill Horse. (Deep understanding of Vedas, Homas, Yagnas will give insight of Sacrifice but there is no killing I tell you)
16) Where is the reference of Andhra Pradesh?!
17) Speed of light is mentioned in Rig veda, you have not mentioned it
18) There are several interpretations of the word Hiranya Gharbha
19) You also neglected to mention Vimanika Shastra Very important, Ancient Indian education can shape human in perfect manner.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
