A History of British India Season 1 Episode 1

Ep 1. Introduction to India

  • TV-PG
  • January 6, 2017
  • 32 min

A History of British India season 1 episode 1 titled 'Introduction to India' delves into the vivid, vibrant and complex sub-continent that is India. India is a land full of contradictions- a country of extreme poverty, yet the spiritual home of four major religions, a place of chaos and order, all blended into one. In this episode, the viewers are introduced to the magnificent land of India and its rich history.

The episode starts by highlighting the importance of India on the global stage, as the Indian subcontinent has always been a vital transit hub for people, culture and religion and a major center of trade at the juncture of land and sea routes. As the episode progresses, we learn about the various indigenous communities that have existed in India for more than 70,000 years, the birth of the Vedic civilization and Hinduism, the grand Buddhist period and the rise of the Mughal Empire.

The viewers get an overview of the cultural significance of the various dynasties that ruled over India, as well as the importance of the Indian caste system and the Indian Ocean trade. The episode also provides an insight into the unique religions born in India that later spread to other parts of the world, such as Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism.

Moving on, the episode gives us a glimpse into the arrival of the Portuguese, Dutch and English in India, and their attempts to establish trade monopoly in the Indian subcontinent. The British, in particular, soon emerged as the dominant force in India, with the East India Company taking over large parts of the country. The viewers are then given an insight into how the Mughal Empire came to an end, replaced by the British Raj, and the systematic exploitation of India's resources and people that followed.

In terms of the visual experience, the episode is quite comprehensive in depicting the history of India, showcasing a wide range of culturally and visually unique locations such as the ancient city of Varanasi and the Ajanta Caves. The picturesque visuals are complemented with expert historians, scholars and authors who help delve deeper into India's vast history and rich cultural heritage.

Overall, 'Introduction to India' serves as a comprehensive overview of the rich tapestry that is the history of India, highlighting the evolution of one of the world's oldest and most complex civilizations. The show does an excellent job in highlighting the beauty, diversity, and richness of the Indian sub-continent while also depicting the pain, suffering, and exploitation that followed with the colonial era. The episode sets a strong foundation for the rest of the series, leaving the viewers with a deep appreciation for the culture, tradition, and history of India.

Description
Watch A History of British India - Introduction to India (s1 e1) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
A History of British India, Season 1 Episode 1, is available to watch and stream on The Great Courses Signature Collection. You can also buy, rent A History of British India on demand at Apple TV Channels, Amazon Prime, Amazon online.
  • First Aired
    January 6, 2017
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    32 min
  • Language
    English