Immortal India with Amish

Episode from The Immortal India Podcast with Amish Tripathi & Jijith Nadumuri RaviIn this illuminating episode of The Immortal India Podcast, author Amish Tripathi welcomes Jijith Nadumuri Ravi, a former ISRO space scientist and author of Rivers of Rigveda. Together, they explore a fascinating perspective on human origins and migrations — the idea that while Homo sapiens first evolved in Africa, India became the central cradle for populations outside the continent.What's Inside:Trace the remarkable journey of the early explorers who left Africa, followed coastal routes across now-submerged Arabian and Iranian shores, and established themselves in the Indian subcontinent.Understand the science behind this theory, supported by genetics and insights from the Human Genome Project. About the Guest:Jijith Nadumuri Ravi is a former ISRO scientist and the author of Rivers of Rigveda, which delves into the geo-chronology of the Rigveda and offers a fresh update on the Out of India Theory. His other acclaimed works include Geography of Ramayana and Geography of Mahabharata, where he intricately maps ancient Indian texts to real-world geography.(Amish, Jijith, Africa, India, Human origins, Human Migrations, Human Genome Project) Like, share, and subscribe for more from the Immortal India Podcast.Social media channels:Instagram: @authoramishFacebook: @authoramishX/Twitter: @authoramish#ImmortalIndiaPodcast#AmishTripathi#JijithNadumuriRavi#HumanOrigins#HumanMigration#OutOfAfricaTheory#OutOfIndiaTheory#AncientIndia#IndianCivilization#HumanGenomeProject#GeneticsResearch#Rigveda#RiversOfRigveda#IndianHistory#VedicHistory#Archaeogenetics#Anthropology#SciencePodcast#HistoryPodcast#IndiaAfricaConnections#AncientMigration#ISROScientist#AmishInterviews#IndianKnowledgeSystems

Relationships & Marriages in Ancient IndiaAmish x Brishti Guha | The Immortal India PodcastWhat did love, marriage, and relationship really mean in ancient India? Were these rigid and conservative institutions, or did they flourish in an environment of freedom, understanding, and mutual respect?In this captivating episode, Amish speaks to our special guest, Dr. Brishti Guha, Associate Professor of Economics at the Centre for International Trade and Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Together, they explore the truths about relationships & marriages in India’s past—revealing a society richer and more open-minded than modern preconceptions might suggest.The discussion spans stories of polyandry, such as Draupadi’s marriage to five Pandavas in the Mahabharata, to the encouragement of widow remarriage across ancient texts, including the Rigveda, Arthashastra, and even theMahabharata. These examples show that the understanding of relationships in ancient India could be surprisingly modern, inclusive, and diverse.Dr. Guha tells us about the fascinating range of marriages featured in ancient scriptures:Gandharva Vivaha (marriage by mutual love)Rakshasa Vivaha (marriage by abduction)Pisacha Vivaha (marriage by force)Inter-caste and cross-varna marriagesTraditional arranged marriagesAnd many more—each demonstrating the complexity and inclusiveness of social life in ancient IndiaThrough this thoughtful conversation, the podcast brings to life a world where individual choice, love, and dharma harmonize with duty, family, and respect for personal will.If you are passionate about Indian heritage, culture, and philosophy, this episode will transform the way you view the past—and offer valuable lessons for today.Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful conversations!Find Brishti Guha on Instagram: @brishtiguha12Social media channels of Amish Tripathi:Instagram: @authoramishFacebook: @authoramishX/Twitter: @authoramishReference Links — For Deeper Exploration1. Mahabharata(Adi Parva, Chap 122: Pandu tells Kunti how marriages used to be open until Shvetaketu changed the custom.Adi Parva, Chap 168: Polyandry, Draupadi marries five Pandavas and Yudhishthir mentions other such marriages in older times.Adi Parva, Chap 217: Arjun and Chitrangada's "contract" marriage, Arjun gives up rights to his future children with ChitrangadaUdyog Parva, Chaps 114-117: story of Madhavi and her multiple marriagesA link to an English translation of the Sanskrit Mahabharata online is https://sacred-texts.com/hin/maha/index.htm2. RigVeda (hymn 10.18 is the famous "burial hymn" or "funeral hymn" which talks about widow remarriage). The best translation of the RigVeda is the Jamison and Brereton translation, which also contains a discussion of the word "didhishu" in the hymn, which means "second husband". Here is a link to the Sanskrit hymn:https://sacred-texts.com/hin/rvsan/rv10018.htm3. Arthashastra, Book 3, chapters 2 to 4 talk about widow remarriage and inheritance laws relating to children of women who marry more than once4. Kamasutra, Book 4, chapter 2 also talks about widow remarriage.5. Harita Dharmasutra talks about "sadyovadhus" and "brahmavadinis", the latter usually didn't marry.6. Ashvalayana Grihyasutra gives a list of highly respected teachers and many women (Gargi, Sulabha, Maitreyi, Vadava Pratitheyi) are on the list.7. Baudhayana Dharmasutra, Book 1, chapter 11.20.16 talks about gandharva vivaha being the most popular with everyone.8. Texts with examples of gandharva vivaha include:Avimaraka (of Bhasa), a play where a princess marries a shepherdChaurapanchasika (of Bilhana), written when the poet was caught having a secret relationship with a princessAbhigyana Shakuntalam (of Kalidasa)BrihatkathaDashakumaracharita9. Ancient Indian Historical Tradition by F.E Pargiter explains how there were many mixed castes because intercaste marriages were extremely common.

In this episode of the Immortal India Podcast, Amish Tripathi is joined by historian and author Nick Collins for an eye-opening exploration of India’s maritime history and its pivotal role in ancient global civilization. Drawing from Nick’s groundbreaking book, "How Maritime Trade and the Indian Subcontinent Shaped the World: Ice Age to Mid-Eighth Century," the discussion uncovers how ancient Indian merchants, thinkers, and adventurers shaped the fortunes of the ancient world.What’s Inside:Learn how India’s influence sailed across seas—spreading innovations, ideas, and philosophy far beyond its borders.Explore how the Indian subcontinent became a central hub of ancient maritime trade, influencing civilizations from Sumeria to Egypt and Greece.Discover evidence and theories about Indian migrants shaping ancient cultures, including the Hittites, Mitannis, Greeks, and Trojans.Delve into the history of Lothal and how its exports shaped interactions with Sumeria, highlighting the dynamic exchange of goods and ideas.About the guest:Nick Collins studied history at Magdalene College, Cambridge, and then embarked on a career in maritime trade with Clarkson, the world’s leading provider of maritime services. His book investigates how Indian trade and philosophy have left an enduring mark on world civilizations, making him an exciting and insightful guest on Immortal India.Social media channels of Amish Tripathi:Instagram: @authoramishFacebook: @authoramishX/Twitter: @authoramish

In this episode of Immortal India, Amish Tripathi is joined by bestselling authors Ashwin Sanghi and Akshat Gupta for an insightful conversation on the future of writing for upcoming writers. Together, they explore what truly determines success in the writing world, sharing powerful lessons- why everyone is a storyteller but not every storyteller is a bestseller, and how marketing is a very important element in this journey.The discussion dives into essential writing skills, editing strategies, and the impact of artificial intelligence on creative expression. Packed with practical advice, candid opinions, and personal experiences, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to thrive as a writer in today’s dynamic landscape.Like, share, and subscribe for more from the Immortal India Podcast.#ImmortalIndiaPodcast #AmishTripathi #AshwinSanghi #AkshatGupta #WritingTips #StorytellingSocial media channels:Instagram: @authoramishFacebook: @authoramishX/Twitter: @authoramish

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.