Ancient India

This episode of History 102 dives into ancient India, exploring its rich civilizations, philosophical divergences from the West, and the profound influence of the caste system on its society. WhatifAltHist creator Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg also debunk myths and explore the real impact of the caste system, Hindu nationalism, and the arrival of Islam on ancient Indian civilization.

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FOLLOW ON X:

@whatifalthist (Rudyard)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@TurpentineMedia

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:43) A Deep Dive into Ancient India: Uncovering Hidden Histories

(07:30) Exploring the Indus Valley Civilization: The Bronze Age's Forgotten Empire

(10:07) The Aryans and the Birth of the Caste System

(25:06) Sponsor: Beehiiv | Babbel

(26:10) Buddhism vs. Hinduism: A Battle for India's Soul

(39:56) The Mauryan Empire: India's Golden Age

(42:09) India's Dark Age and the Rise of Hindu Conservatism

(53:44) Controversial Takes: The British Impact on India

(58:51) Recommended Readings

Recommended Books:

The Soul of India by Amaury de Riencourt 

The Rise of the West

Our Oriental Heritage: The Story of Civilization, Volume I by Will Durant