The Story of India Season 1 Episode 2 The Power of Ideas

Focusing on the dawn of the "Axial Age" from about 800 to 200 BC, episode 2 of The Story of India, "The Power of Ideas," explores India's vast philosophical, spiritual, and scientific legacy. In this episode, presenter Michael Wood takes viewers on a journey from the ancient Indus Valley cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, through the Buddhist monasteries of the Himalayas, to the great universities of Nalanda and Taxila.

Wood examines how India's ancient civilization had a profound influence on the world, particularly through the emergence of Buddhism and the teachings of the Buddha. He travels to Bodh Gaya, the site where the Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment, and delves into the core teachings of Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Wood also explores the impact of Buddhism on Indian society, such as the Buddhist emperor Ashoka's adoption of non-violence and the emphasis on universal compassion.

In addition to Buddhism, the episode also explores the rise of Jainism, a religion that emphasizes non-violence towards all living beings, as well as the growth of Hinduism and the emergence of yoga as a means of achieving spiritual insight. The episode draws a connection between these spiritual and philosophical movements and their impact on society, including the creation of a caste system and the development of a culture of intellectual inquiry.

The episode also highlights the scientific contributions of ancient India, including the development of the decimal system and the concept of zero. Wood visits the site of the ancient university of Nalanda, which at its peak housed 10,000 students from all over the world and was a center of learning in fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.

Throughout the episode, Wood interweaves stories of key historical figures, such as the philosopher-sage Kapilavastu, whose teachings on the nature of reality influenced the development of Hinduism, and the mathematician-astronomer Aryabhata, who made important contributions to trigonometry and astronomy.

Overall, "The Power of Ideas" portrays the richness and complexity of India's intellectual history and how its ideas and philosophies helped to shape the world. The episode presents a compelling argument for how India's ancient civilization has enduring relevance today, particularly in its emphasis on the power of ideas and the importance of seeking truth and knowledge.