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. 🔥 Apply to join over 400 founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj – SPONSORS: BEEHIIV | BABBEL Head to Beehiiv, the newsletter platform built for growth, to power your own. Connect with premium brands, scale your audience, and deliver a beautiful UX that stands out in an inbox. 🐝 to https://Beehiiv.com and use code “MOZ” for 20% off your first three months 🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at babbel.com/torenberg – Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episode is on Rubrik - which just IPO'd. Coming up this season: Databricks, Reddit + more, Spotify Apple – This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. – FOLLOW ON X: @whatifalthist (Rudyard) @eriktorenberg (Erik) @TurpentineMedia – 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