The Story of India

[aeolium]

Having in the past criticised the Beeb for its failure to commission series on the history of civilisations other than our own, I must pay tribute to the excellence of Michael Wood's series The Story of India which I think was first shown a few years back and which is being repeated on BBC4. It provides a fine historical introduction to this extraordinarily diverse country, combining original sources, archaeology, surviving monuments and traditions (of which there are many) and local experts but always held together by a concise and eloquent narrative. It is also visually stunning.

I do hope Wood is given the chance to do more series of this kind, perhaps on Middle Eastern history.

[eighthobstruction]

Yes this has been a very rich series....an amazing mixture of cultures and conquests that has made India....

[gurnemanz]

Good to hear your recommendation. Coincidentally, we've just got back from two weeks in India - an amazing experience - and I have recorded the programme on series link, but not seen it yet. The temples at Aihole, just as one example, were being built when we were in our Dark Ages.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aihole

[Serial_Apologist]

Agreed - a wonderful series on an amazing civilisation I previously had little knowledge about, delivered by a sympathetic and enthusastic presenter who doesn't block the view too much, unlike some that have been noted. Two new acquaintances I have made in the block where I live, who are Tamils, have vouched for it

I missed it first time around, not having had a digibox.