The Story of India

The Story of India
Title	The Story of India
Genre	Documentary
Creator	Michael Wood
Narrated	Michael Wood
Country	United Kingdom
Network	BBC Two
First aired	2007

The Story of India is a major BBC documentary television series written and presented by the historian Michael Wood. First broadcast on BBC Two in 2007, the series explores the vast and complex history of the Indian subcontinent from its earliest human origins to its emergence as a modern economic power. Through extensive travel and on-location filming, Wood weaves together archaeological evidence, historical texts, and contemporary interviews to present a panoramic narrative of one of the world's oldest and most influential civilizations.

History

The series traces a chronological journey, beginning with evidence of early human migration out of Africa into the subcontinent, visiting sites like the Bhimbetka rock shelters. It covers the rise of the Indus Valley Civilisation, with its great cities Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, and the subsequent arrival of the Indo-Aryans and the composition of the sacred Vedas. Key historical epochs are explored in detail, including the life of the Buddha in Magadha, the expansion of the Maurya Empire under Ashoka, and the flourishing of the Gupta Empire during a "Golden Age". Wood travels the routes of the Silk Road, examines the impact of Islamic invasions and the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, and details the grandeur of the Mughal Empire under rulers like Akbar and Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal. The narrative continues through the era of East India Company rule, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Indian independence movement led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, culminating in the Partition of India and independence in 1947.

Geography and Demographics

Filmed across the entire subcontinent, the series visually emphasizes India's extraordinary geographical diversity, from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the tropical shores of Kerala and the arid expanses of the Thar Desert. It highlights how major river systems like the Ganges, the Indus, and the Brahmaputra have cradled civilizations for millennia. The documentary touches upon the demographic tapestry shaped by millennia of migration, trade, and conquest, resulting in a population encompassing countless ethnicities, languages, and religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, and Jains.

Culture and Society

A central theme is the exploration of India's enduring cultural and philosophical contributions to the world. The series delves into the origins of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It examines seminal texts like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, and the classical traditions of music, dance, and art that developed at courts like Vijayanagara. Wood investigates the profound intellectual achievements in mathematics, including the concept of zero, and the linguistic scholarship of Pāṇini. The documentary also portrays the vibrant continuity of village life, festival traditions like Diwali and Holi, and the complex social fabric of the caste system.

Economy and Development

The economic history of the region is framed through its role as a global hub of trade and industry. The series covers the ancient maritime trade from ports like Muziris with the Roman Empire, the medieval spice trade, and the production of coveted textiles like Dacca muslin. It addresses the economic exploitation under the British Raj and the subsequent adoption of a mixed economic model post-independence. The final episodes focus on India's rapid transformation since the 1990s economic reforms, highlighting the growth of information technology centers like Bangalore and the challenges of poverty and development.

Politics and Governance

Political evolution is charted from early republics and empires to the sultanates and the centralized administration of the Mughals. Significant attention is paid to the resistance against British colonial rule, the philosophy of Satyagraha, and the framing of the Constitution of India under B. R. Ambedkar. The series examines India's establishment as a secular parliamentary democracy, its non-aligned foreign policy during the Cold War, and its status as a nuclear power. Contemporary political dynamics and the workings of the world's largest democracy are also explored.

Science and Technology

The documentary celebrates India's historical scientific prowess, from early urban planning in the Indus Valley Civilisation to advancements in astronomy, medicine (Ayurveda), and metallurgy, such as the Iron pillar of Delhi. It covers the establishment of ancient centers of learning like Nalanda and traces the post-independence investment in science, leading to institutions like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and achievements such as the Mars Orbiter Mission. The series links this historical foundation to the modern IITs and the nation's booming software industry.

Category:2007 British television series debuts Category:BBC television documentaries Category:Television series about India