14. Vijayanagara - The Last Emperors of South India
On the rocky banks of South India's Tungabhadra River, an enormous ruined city lies crumbling...
In this episode, we look at the Vijayanagara Empire of Southern India, a civilization that has all but faded from memory in many parts of the world.
Find out how this remarkable society rose up out of an age of conflict and fragmentation, how it built one of the largest and most impressive medieval cities in the world, and developed an identity that was both South Indian in nature, and global in its outlook. With readings in Sanskrit, and the sounds of traditional Carnatic music, find out what happened to bring the great stone temples of Vijayanagara crashing down in fire and flame.
** Fall of Civilizations the book is now available to pre-order: linktr.ee/fallofcivilizations **
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Credits:
Voice actors:
Peter Walters
Michael Hajiantonis
Kim Heron
Nick Denton
Paul Casselle
Chris Harvey
Sound engineering by Alexey Sibikin
Join this channel to get access to perks:
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As a high school history teacher I can say, you and your team are beyond excellent. I tell my top students about you. They are now all devotees of yours. I am in awe. Do not stop.....please.
Thanks Peter, I hope they enjoy!
Pasig city manggahan by Steve de Asis from Augusto Mateo model Siapno Magdalena Cendaña Aster may Batangas Datu Puti may aliping namahay at aliping sagigilid ayaw ng dagger by Willie Kasner (Jose Rizal University)
@@FallofCivilizations My archeology professor spoke very highly of your content
@@FallofCivilizations SO WONDERFUL!!!!
Ya don’t let the dumb students in on this treasure trove. Just the top ones. 🤙
Seriously, the fact that you put out such lengthy, well produced, and well researched documentaries can't be overlooked. This channel is better than the History Channel. EDIT: People, stop dissing the History Channel in the comments. I'm giving this channel credit for outdoing a TV channel that has much greater resources, and the constant bashing of another channel isn't uplifting to anyone.
This channel is better than the History Channel ever was. The History Channel is to Fall of Civilizations as limp reheated fast food is to a lovingly home cooked meal.
The history channel is a complete and total joke. Its just ancient aliens and reality TV shows.
There are some great documentarys on HC, yet you are absolutely right in saying this channel is excellent compared to a company that has so many resources at their disposal
History Channel is just a name. No history there. Everybody knows that. Unfortunately, marketing works great, which is why I guess you even mention it at all. Weird to compare it to this. You might as well say that you make better hamburgers than Burger King. There are lots and lots of other great history related media though.
I used to watch the history channel back in the 90's, I feel like it actually gave me a great start with subjects such as the world wars and Central American colonization. For real though, this channel is unmatched, I watched all the older episodes in the space of a week and have been waiting to see more!
I visited this Kingdom as part of our High school tour . City of ruins overwhelmed me .Reflecting on it after 20 years ..Every WORD in this video is a fitting tribute to VIJAYANAGARA Kingdom .. In today's narrative war, your unbiased and well researched content stands testament to your commitment to truth.. Amazing storytellers ..
Thanks Ravikumar, much appreciated.
Empire. Not Kingdom. Your Indian name is very telling of the Dis-education where you are groomed to use Empire only for the Mughals and the Distant Mauryas. "Today's Narrative War". "Kingdom". Yeah that tells a lot.
How lucky!! Im envious!
I'm from Germany. Was there as a tourist in the early 1990s. I stayed for a few days, went on a guided tour, and bought every book and map about it I could get at the local bookstore. The ruins of Vijanagara are still deeply impressing, the more when you learn about the rise and fall of that kingdom. -- A piece of my heart still is in South India. Hope I'll be able to return some day.
My father was a history teacher but sadly passed away about 10 years ago. Wish I could have showed him this channel. Best presentation on ancient history I have ever seen. Thank you🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks my friend, very kind
@@FallofCivilizationswonderful presentation 👏🏼. Can you make a video on Tamil civilisation? It would be Very helpful
I visited Hampi in 1973 as a part of school excursions. My feeling was mixed as I saw the remains in AWE and at the same time sad due to the destruction of beautiful temples, architecture and vandalism. I still remember those beautiful days .
I have visited Hampi (ruins of Vijayanagara empire) and it is such a beautiful place! It looks like a different planet because of the strange rock formations and boulder landscape surrounding the ruins.
Been there myself. But you don’t really see the extraordinary landscapes filmed here (with the help of drones). A magical place nonetheless that I feel privileged to have witnessed.
@Chakrika this wonderful video details the rise and fall of Vijayanagara empire.
I am East Indian by birth, but I have to south India when I was younger. It was truly so magnificent. Out of this world really. I wish to recreate the same experience in the future.
@@sirrathersplendid4825 agreed
@@sirrathersplendid4825 Of course you do, if you go exploring. Been there myself, and quite frankly Hampi is stunning. Highly recommended to anyone visiting India if you're in the region/have time. Of course a drone helps for recorded views, but get off the roads and go exploring this magnificent landscape for yourself... Well worth it.
Thanks a lot for making a video on my culture. Nowhere in our goddamn school curriculum were we able to learn anything even close to this detail and emotional closeness. Thank you so much if I may, from all the Telugu speaking diaspora.
Fantastic!
+1 to this
This is all guess work and theory bro. His Story is history. And this content creator even believes in the silly theories of evolution. I am shocked he did not mention Big Bang Theory which is cultish. Cmon man! This is a joke.
This was honestly incredible. As an Indian and living in Karnataka, I’m surprised that I didn’t get learn the grand history of Vijayanagara even in school history classes. I remember learning about Mughal empire and British empire in India for years together but perhaps only a fleeting paragraph on Vijayanagara empire. I cannot thank you enough for making such an elaborate and detailed accounting of Vijayanagara empire. I feel like I have gained a lifetime’s knowledge in these 3 hours. I am even inspired to travel to Hampi and see these runs in real. Thank you!
Which school did u study?? I mean which syllabus because state syllabus has extensive chapters on all South Indian dynasties..... Right from Satavahanas to Mysore Wodeyars....
Bec Indian education system is co-opted by sickular traitors
beacuse Indian textbooks teach nothing except mughals. India is the only country that still glorifies its invaders
I remember studying about Vijaynagar in ICSC
@@ashwinvk4124 only in ICSC has Vijaynagar Story has bene found
That last bit starting 3:07:01 had me crying by the end. It reminded me so much of that lovely Chinese poem that detailed the destruction and collapse of the ancient Chinese capital of Luoyang in the late 200s AD that you profiled in an earlier video. The reality of life is so inescapable--its transcendence, its beauty, its utter impermanence and fragility. Thank you, again, for ending on the universal truths that define the cycles of life and death. We will never escape them as long as we're humans on this Earth.
Excellently put about life’s fragility and impermanence . What is the Chines poem you mentioned , would love to read it. Ot in which episode it was mentioned so that I can watch that too. Thanks.
These episodes are always quietly chilling, for all the empires of old that thought themselves Invincible, but are now almost forgotten no matter how powerful and impressive they were in their time.
And now, I believe, our twilight has come. But this time on a global scale ‘May you live in interesting times’
History teaches that Man learns nothing from History.
almost forgotten, your literally watching documentaries on them
@@limhan3209 Operative word "Almost". Ask yourself out of 4 billion people on the planet at present how many know about these ancient empires? Maybe 50 million? I doubt it. So yeah. "Almost forgotten". Just sayin'.
@@maximvsdread1610 do you get paid by KZhead grammar police or is it voluntary work ?
So happy for this film! I went to Hampi in 1996 as a photographer, shot film after film after film. Sadly, they were later all ruined by a photo lab in Dehli. I’ve been to many places but nothing compares to this. I rented a bike and got around quite a bit. In the warm, lazy afternoons I often went to a small cafe a kilometer upstreams from the village, had a tea and a refreshing bath in the river. Oh glorious memories. Thanks for telling the story of this part of India and letting me see Hampi again.
My pleasure Terje. It is a wonderful place.
Hope you visit again and this time a photo lab will not be needed.😊
Wow, what a story!
I've also been to Hampi and during an era when I could use my Phone's camera, however I certainly regret not owning or taking a better camera with me at the time!
Your story brought back many memories I have from there also! Such a magical place
Thank you for making this episode. My mother tongue is Telugu, and I was only briefly aware of the great VijayaNagara empire. Compelling storytelling! Kudos.
Thanks for watching, my friend.
Please consider making an episode covering the fall of Carthage? Thanks
@@kingietk The podcast on Carthage has recently been uploaded
@@kingietk hes already done carthage. Very in depth
@@osamafarooqtarar3541lmao that's got to be one of the best "little blessings" to happen, a favorite creator releases a new video... right after you finish watching one. Never gets old 🎉🎉🎉
This was so beautiful! Thank you so much for making this feature film length documentary about not just a lost Indian empire, but describing Indian culture at large!
So 😊like 😊m
I watch documentaries every day. Yours are among the best!!!! Please make more on biblical topics or archeological topics. Thank you so much.
Each culture has something to teach us but It feels India culture just has so much more than others. I remember watching A little Princess as a very young girl and being fascinated by the girl's memories of India. Ive been in love with India ever since.
Easily one of the best podcasts available. Paul Cooper and his team do an absolutely brilliant job. Gratitude from the US o/
The only podcast i ever cared for, it's basically a documentary :D
@@GrandDukeMushroom I tried to use it to fall asleep but it has many brain tickling truts, so it makes me wonder but IF you suffer from sleepless nights, you better spent them wondering about those fallen empires (I only HATE the piano sound logo at the beginning)
@@worfoz amen brother :P
I b v I ononojojojo Jon I of
@@worfozit’s very important for me to not listen to something new if I want it to put me to sleep, tge trick is to listen to it over and over and know what comes next in tge story so you can look forward to the “best parts”
As as Indian, this documentary makes me proud of the rich heritage we have inherited but also sad about countless other countrymen who are unaware and are not able to appreciate this age of Indian history. Thank you Paul for all the hardwork you put into these videos. You should keep in mind that so many out there are always waiting for another one of your podcasts to be released.
Imagine one day time travel will be possible and we can go back into the past and experience these times.
@@dietlindvonhohenwald448 It's my wildest dream to be able to go back in history and witness/experience some of these ancient civilizations, and see how it really was, and to go back to a time before recorded history, because I'm convinced there has been many advanced civilizations that is more or less complete forgotten, only remembered as myths at best.
@@erikkarlsson9192 I agree. There’s just way too much evidence to continue pretending there weren’t.. also worth consideration is the hundreds of thousands of years since modern human arrived on the scene. We went from telegram’s & electric light bulbs to having the internet, & rovers on mars in 100yrzs, so wth was peeps doing for the 300000yrs prior?? If humans 300000yrs avo had exact same cognitive ability as us humans today then surely it’s just plain rude to suggest we hadn’t 🤷♀️
@@littlemissgumflette3204 But the real question remains . . . If all this great culture and these advancements existed in India, then why does it smell like feces today? It seems the opposite of sophisticated and advanced.
@@christoffesedao3579 You know why. Its not rocket science, is it?
Great Kannada empire 💛♥️. They conquered whole South India and patronized all languages along with official language Kannada Jai Karnata empire
As a history lover I am blown away by the quality of these documentaries. Never seen so much research and video quality in any documentary video yet. Keep going strong!
The addition of video is nice and I only ever listen while I work so I love that the audio doesn’t need the video! All so well done!
As a child I watched as many history documentaries as I could get my hands on. The narration very much brings back a sense of nostalgia and wonder from then. Your work is more polished than many documentaries I've see, about topics I've rarely seen covered-if at all. Thank you very much! I enjoy every video of yours.
The narration gets me as well , reminds me of Ray Mears
Thanks, as an American witt guy, I am fascinated by the history of India. Like most other places, what a beautiful place. I'll never go there but I love you India 🇮🇳.
Why?
@@trolllovindaddy Two words: Super. Pooper.
@@AndrewTheMandrew531 🐖⚔️
@@trolllovindaddy you need money to travel
The fact that they discussed the geology and geography of southern India to put context to human history is just perfection.
Only just discovered this excellent site and gladly subscribe to it! During the two decades, I lived and worked in India I learned to speak Hindi and Sanskrit and studied the history, culture and Hindu religion and I can testify that this documentary is very informative and comprehensive, the best I have ever had the pleasure to watch! Whist in India I spent a month in Hampi, sleeping in the ruined temples at night. It truly is a wondrous place, the accumulated ruins hint at the splendour that must have greeted the eyes of visitors during its heyday! I believe it is a world heritage site and long may it bear witness to a once-great empire! Jai Hind!
I'm not too familiar with Vijayanagara, and when I listened to podcast version of this episode, it was a little hard for me to visualize. Thank you for such a beautiful video documentary!
My pleasure!
The "tv" episode is very wonderful. The pictures I'm seeing are so beautiful I would love to go there, and I'm not one that likes to travel but you can't beat countries of ancient civilizations, in my opinion.
I understand you saying it was hard to visualize the audio version. However, seeing the images now I think they did a great job in describing the scenery and contextualizig it. This is pretty much what I had in mind, maybe aided a little bit by haveing googled some pictures as I listened!
@@FallofCivilizations Thank you very much... We highly appreciate your great work.
Vijaynagara is known to anyone who studies South Indian history; you cannot dodge the Vijaynagara empire if you study Tamil history.
Ah I'm so happy to see the visuals for this society! I love every one of your videos, the production quality just keeps improving. Thanks so much for your hard work
Thanks Chaney, much appreciated!
@@FallofCivilizations me
Ditto I love these
I waited for the visuals
Add me to the I waited list
I am really enjoying the Fall of Civilizations podcast! I watch a lot of videos about history, and this series is the most comprehensive and enjoyable one I've come across. Thank you very much for your dedication to writing and editing each episode is such a spectacular manner.
Op onto o ooooo Oooooooooo oo kon n😊
I truly support this statement
The Vijayanagara empire is epitome of musical and literary prowess with Karnatic music and Kannada literature. And the architectural feats achieved are unfathomable to even todays visitors.
I read the upanishad 10 years ago. There really is no other ancient document more beautiful, and more pure of spirit.
Read it in Sanskrit?
There definitely is better. Something being great ≠ there's nothing as great
@@yeshuadot630 You disgracing the Upanishad bruh?...
@@walterazbill463 I don't think so. A counter opinion to an opinion isn't a disgrace to the original opinion.
@@dansonsaldanha4132 The Upanishad is not an opinion. It is an ancient text depicting a way of life, a mindset, that was very real, and which definitely still resides deep within us, smothered by the untested opinions of those who have never had the strength to leave the tin umbrella of their manufactured surroundings, to even begin to understand what beautiful and pure of spirit actually is. So, beware! Your "counter opinion" may be angering the ancient gods! They are still with us, and are only waiting for our current "opinions" to crumble from the weight of their own failures, to reveal the truth of our true natures once again.
Oh awesome! Vijayanagar is one of those countries I only really knew about from EU4. Glad to see someone doing a documentary on it!
I know nothing about it 🙈 Time to change that.
I can't adequately express how much Paradox games have helped with my geography and historical understanding. lol
Do you think any EU4 players know it as "Victory City"?
@@ajrobbins368 I used to know a guy from Alabama who called it “Vaginagar” because he struggled with pronouncing it lol
EUR GANG! ALL HAIL THE ULM EMPIRE!
Perhaps the single most comprehensive history podcast on any topic I have ever seen. I'd love to see similar content covering any and all civilizations. I really hope you stick to these super long videos, because the background and extreme detail adds to the buildup and makes your content unique. Great work! Keep it up!
I agree. When i saw the 3 hour long podcast i thought i will lose interest. But after listening fully I can say this length is totally justified...
Thank you Paul for the well researched and illustrated history of the Vijayanagar empire! Looking forward to more from South India, the thalassocratic Chola!
Thanks my friend, very kind of you!
Having traveled in India for some years myself including a visit to Hampi 30 years ago I have just one comment. "Huge Wow" for this monumental wonderful work.
one of the most unique landscapes on the planet. I've never seen anything similar anywhere else
I am from Karnataka state and there is an old Kannada movie song "Apaara keerti galisi....." which beautifully tells that the Karnata empire came into existence on the banks of holy Tungabhadra which washes away all sins and protected by Lord Virupaksha and guided by Sage Vidyaranya the brothers Hakka & Bukka cleared the dense forests of this fertile region where hills abound & clouds float like cotton. They encouraged art, architecture, literature to flourish & gave refuge to all seekers of dharma and after becoming big & famous, they spread peace & prosperity all around. Well, this presentation of Vijayanagara is close to that bard song and is probably the best one on KZhead. Last time I saw there was an audio version but now there is a new video version. Well done and thanks Fall of Civilizations for this wonderful episode!
Thanks a million for creating such high-quality history content. I follow many related channels, but yours is really in another league. I've watched a few episodes, and with each I feel I'm transported to that era, and it's fascinating to see how empires begin, sustain, and that die out - it's great storytelling. You don't just focus on that empire, but also the pre-period, what conditions led to their rise, and what happened after them - which is great context. I'm a North Indian living in US for many years, and this one made me realize how little I know about my country's history. South Indian empires like Vijayanagara were like a passing comment when I was in school, and it's only over recent years I've come to know of their magnificence (incl Cholas, Pandyas etc.). This video has inspired me to go and visit Hampi the next time I visit my family (fingers crossed). Just brilliant work, and thank you once again.
Thanks Abhinav, that's very kind of you, and thank you for the kind words too. I'm really glad you enjoyed.
I actually ended up going to Hampi on my latest trip to India. What an amazing place, and honestly your video was playing in my brain as I was going through various temples and ruins. Thank you for the inspiration again.
@@abhinavg6 it's a great place! Like nowhere else on earth.
❤❤❤
My fiance is South Indian and when we first got together, he couldn't wait to leave India. When I tried talking to him about the culture he would be dismissive or change the subject to my culture. We are living in the Netherlands now and I can tell he misses home .. especially how inexpensive food was there. He hates Dutch food with a passion 😅 Once he's finished with his master's, we are going to this place and a few other places. I think he finally realizes how special his home is.
Absolutely edifying account of the complex intersection of politics, religion, ethnicity, art, and music that has been the long history of the Indian subcontinent. I confess that, though I’ve taught classes on Hinduism, the *Bhagavad Gita,* excerpts from the *Rg Veda,* the *Ramayana,* the *Upanishads,* the *Mahabharata,* and some of the *Brahmanas* and *Puranas,* I was unfamiliar with much of the history of Vijayanagara, and am humbled by this podcast. I’ve immensely enjoyed every episode of Fall of Civilisations.
Vijayanagar empire brought the golden era in south india. It brought renaissance in temple architecture, Virupuksha temple. One must visit the ruins of hampi
I am sorry to disagree... There were many great kingdoms even before Vijaynagara smarajya..... U just have research
@@vickyv4707Bro , read his comment properly. He said great Hindu temple architecture has been reborn during Vijayanagara empire. Can you name atleast one great empire that existed after fall of Vijayanagara empire?
@@vickyv4707 last south indian greatest empire.
@@pt-7890 read it bro... he says it brought renaissance..... to be honest... renaissance was already don't buy earlier empires.... Vijaynagara was the last piece....sadly.
@@nknkannadiga9742 yes sir.... recently read a book about Krishnadevaraya.... our ancestors were great people....
I have been several times to Hampi since 1972, stayed for tree month on the first visit. The grandeur described in this great documentary can be guessed by the grandeur of its ruins. I just want to mention a detail of one of the temples that still stands, the Vitala temple , the temple of hundred columns also known as the music temple, the great stone columns have smaller columns carved around them that give perfect musical notes when struck , in the past sticks of sandal wood seem to have been used but even with the hand the musical sound is clear. Different columns have different scales, I guess that any musical composition could be played on this great stone instrument. The last times I was there the temple is protected with a fence, to prevent the increased number of tourists, everyone wanting to hear the sounds, to put in danger the old structure .
I just did an image search for Vitala Temple = awestruck... whoa!?!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I genuinely feel like my life is better now that I know it exists.
@@AstralMarmot hampi still exists and majority of south india is still Hindus. Not islam. Because of them our 1000 years old tenples throughout South India is still intact. Meanwhile North Indian temples are discreted😢. Hindusism still exists because of vijayanagar empire and maratha empire.
Absolutely fascinating. I was familiar with the history since im from karnataka.I was puzzled by where you started started with the delhi sulthanate. But I see the global context much better now. Easily the best channel on history and one that ive recommended to all my friends.
2:49:00 from whatever i have read about vijayanagar , it's that vijaynagar's army was betrayed by the two muslim officers who joined the deccan sultanates with 30,000 men each.
One European account suggests that this happened, but it is not reported elsewhere by eyewitnesses, and it seems that the writer was speculating rather than reporting.
I can't wait to watch this later this weekend! Thank you so much for this series. I'll be sharing this video far and wide as this series has been powerfully enriching so far.
Thanks Mathew, I appreciate you spreading the word!
Paul cooper and his team are the reason I keep my you tube premium membership up to date … you guys are marvelous, greetings from the USA by a Argentine fan of your channel
These videos are all written and produced brilliantly, thank you
Cheers Oskar
This was beautifully executed. I latched onto every word. I learned more about this culture in 3 hours than I did in 13 years of schooling. Thank you!
Nice production. A few points: 1. The Vijaynagar Hindu Empire ensured the continuation of Peninsular Hinduism in the face of Islamic Jihad for over three hundred years. 2. The cultural and intellectual and technological flowering achieved were sources of wonder to even the post-Renaissance Europeans. 3. The empire lasted far beyond Talikota-defeat though. It continued pushing back against the Turkish and Afghan invaders with many great victories ( look up the Aravidu dynasty). 4. This was done till the torch passed to the Maratha Hindus. The VIJAYNAGAR SAMRAJYA on the Krishna River basin served as a Bulwark of Peninsular India against raging Islamic Jihad. Modern Indian mainstream history needs to take a closer look at this important chapter of Indian history.
Ah man the smell of crisp butthurt sanghi brigade. Three words : seethe, cope, dilate.
Very true
Thank you for adding.
But didn't he say there was no consolidated Hindu identity at that time. He just considered then as enemies just like other enemies
Those raging Islamic jihadists stabilised Indian economy and made its GDP 24% of world economy. Unlike the sold out Marathas who sided with British against mughals and in the end lost India to British Raj.Britishers drained India's economy and caused man made famines killing millions. Soo much for 'passing the torch'.
ಈ ವೀಡಿಯೊ ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕವಾಗಿ ನಿಖರವಾಗಿದೆ. ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯವು ಅನೇಕ ಮಹಾನ್ ರಾಜರನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದೆ!
A visit to this place fills with a sense of melancholy, both civilization and nature are in ruins. Looks like another world. Thank you for this documentary, best documentary on vijaynagar.
Thanks for the next top notch documentary. An empire that was totally unknown to me (history master). Shame on me, now I praise you and your team. That awesome quality and depth of your documentaries convinced me to become Patreon some months ago and now I am a little bit proud that I could support your efforts.
Thank you, I really appreciate the support!
Dazzling scope, context and erudition beyond expectations. Here is the rare edification the documentary genre is capable of.
Watching this from Bangalore, Karnataka. Thanks for the well-researched video! Love the visuals and narration too.
I can’t believe I just watched a 3 hour plus KZhead video😀 I even rarely watch movies.. Well done👍 Really enjoyed it!
An excellent piece of work! - However, a small technical mistake has happened on the description of the Ganges River at 23:50. The river does not flow from the East to the West into the Bay of Bengal, but the opposite way from the West to the East... I am sad to have to mention this little mistake but cannot let it be unnoticed as it is an important fact. It does not devalue this great work at all but has to be noted. Nevertheless, all my respect for your great series of work which I have fully listed in my own channel. Thank you very much !!
Haha thanks, there's always something that slips through...
@@FallofCivilizations The Persian Flaw.
Well said!!
@Mike Wait til you see the anti-gravity waterfalls
What’s the name of the song during this bit?
I just wanted to say thank you for putting out quality documentaries like this. I do a lot of travel in my job and being able to listen to something interesting and educational like this on airplanes or the highway is a lot better use of that time then filling it up with things like Joe rogan's podcast.
Thanks, this is indeed a heart felt recounting of this glorious episode in the history of South India, and the Rise and Fall of a civilization that was rich in countless ways and yet laid waste by the ravages of time
Being a telugu speaking person. Sri krishna devaraya and vijaya nagara empire holds a special place in our hearts. His contribution to telugu language is invaluable. Thank you for this wonderful podcast. The visuals and your commentary made me feel like i was part of the day to day life in hampi.
This is what I've been waiting for. Thank you so much for these videos.
This was fantastic and a part of history that doesn't usually get the recognition it deserves! Nicely done
This is an amazing piece of work. Great narration and the chronology of the events chosen is absolutely spot on. I hope you will continue to produce more such publications on India’s history and its other dynasties. Kudos to you and your team. Namaste!
Thanks my friend!
Even though I am Indian, I never managed to learn about my country’s history, especially once I moved overseas. We give too much attention and importance to Western history, even in India, and India’s past empires, cultures, traditions and art is forgotten or ignored. Thank you for making this podcast about Indian history and teaching me something about my own country’s past. Words cannot explain how happy I was when I saw one of my fav history content creators had released something about India.
Because of them only south indian 1000 years old temples are still intact
Hats off man 🙏 I never thought you'd do am episode on an Indian civ 🇮🇳
Quiet mleccha! It is your ilk that has destroyed vast swathes of our civilization. You have no right to claim the glory what are ancestors made.
I really like that you give us a minute of the original language before fading into the translation. Nice touch! 👌👏
We travelled to this wonderful place from Goa by train. Our favourite trip ever, we stayed for two nights and will definitely return thanks to this wonderful narration.
This podcast not only covered the Vijayanagar Empire but also showed a glimpse of the India's history as a whole. The Vijayanagar Empire was one of the most important kingdom in Karnataka & South India. Krishnadeva Raya was one of its most important ruler & was from Tulu Nadu (coastal region of Karnataka). It was under his rule that the kingdom flourished. Tenali Rama was one of the wise Ashtadiggajas in his court. This video has provided us a gr8 glimpse of the rise and fall of Vijayanagar Empire. All civilizations rise, reach its zenith and fall. We may think that the life of a King is to live in splendor, but we can see that it is not the case. He has internal and external enemies. We as Kannadigas are proud of Vijayanagar Empire. The kingdom was prosperous in richness in wealth and knowledge. Thank you for this splendid podcast. This will help the younger generation to learn about our ancient history. Glory to Vijayanagar Empire, Glory to Karnataka, Glory to Bharat ❤
aw yessss!! i was just waiting for the visuals to be shown, cos i've been to hampi and it's very difficult to describe in words how strange the local landscape looks and how beautiful the city looks surrounded by giant stones from which it is made. a really lovely place, hope you can visit and check it out one day! :)
I can't express in words how much I enjoy these videos. They bring me into a sort of meditative trance, the same way reading can do. They awaken all senses and truly transports you through history and culture. I see, hear, smell, taste and feel all the beautifully described scenes and events. I refuse to do anything else while watching and listening to these, they deserve ones full attention and imagination. Truly, Thank you!
It's been out for less than two months and I have watched it at least 10 times. Every video in the series is so exceptional that I have lost count as to how many times I have watched or listened to them.
To describe this beautifully presented historical narrative as epic would not do it justice. I was immediately drawn in by the excellent story telling and knew that I would be here until the end.
these documentaries are literally better than any ive seen on tv in decades. i used to watch the history channel for documentaries when i was a kid and now its all "reality tv" trash. i cannot thank you enough for your dedication to information and education
Same thing happened to Historia, the French-Canadian history channel.
The best history channel on KZhead.
Indian culture and history is so underrated and amazing. I wish there was as much enthusiasm for it as there is for European-adjacent stories
I loved how you walked thru the history before getting to 15th century Vijayanagara... very well researched and narrated.. thankyou!!
I was so excited when I saw this was up! Thank you for your amazing historical videos they are my favorite
I spent a week or so at the ruins of Vijayanagara in 1989....a fantastic place that you have really brought to life........👍
Proud to be born here Our history our Pride Incredible Hampi ❤❤
Don't forget to mention your gift cards......
As an Indian I'm Ashamed that I was never taught about the rich history about Indian ruler of my country . All i was taught was about the Mugals Thank you for this eye opening documentry 🙏🏻
Indeed, India has neglected to educate young generations of her ancient history and vaste treasures of spiritual , astronomy and mind sciences…
I learnt about the vijayanagara empire from my NCERT history textbooks in school which followed the CBSE syllabus.
It's sad you didn't learn NCERTs properly. State syllabus? The rest of us learnt this in NCERTs.
There aren't any other podcasts I listen to at all, let alone again when the video version of the same appears. I get transported to these places and find myself there for a time. How amazing it would be to see these places in their hey day.
I would like to thank Paul and his team for another superb episode. I wish that the BBC etc would televise your series so that you could reach a greater number of people. Also to show them how to truly make a top quality program content, and not all about the presenter’s egos. 👍🏴
I have this playing in my earphones for about 2 months just to sleep with, recently started watching them while I'm conscious and I really like it. Thank you for the sleep and the knowledge😮
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Vijayanagara empire one of my fav and one of the best empires in india. But they were constantly at war wirh bahmani sultanate. But they archived great success. First i read this empire in grade 7. I love indian history. Actually i am addicted i read many indian history books. Brilliant doc. Love from Sri Lanka ❤️🔥. 🇱🇰🤝🇮🇳
Thanks for this video. South Indian and Tamil culture is my favorite. It's Old and golden and will always remain the richest and true culture of India. 🔱🙏🙏❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I live for these documentaries! You just made my Friday!
Thaaaank you Praveen! Such a fascinating temple that I will never see with my own eyes but have been blessed by Ma Duga to see through yours! People don't understand how exceptionally rich and historical India and her people are! Thank you for this small window into her fascinating history! It was presented in a professional, educational manner, equal or even superior to professional archeologists and their sites! Kudos to you!
As the letters come into view in unison with the pianoic melody...THE FALL OF CIVILIZATIONS immediately I get chills. Absolutely love these videos!! Fantastic job sir!! Thank you!! 🙌
As superb as the audio podcasts are, Cooper's voice dovetails with this superb visual history of India. Four semesters of South Asian history, in a masterful three hour documentary.
Love the video too but it’s NOTHING without the narration
What an absolute masterpiece! Would love to see a similar documentary one day about Vijayanagara's arch rivals- the Gajapatis of Orissa/Odisha. Their empire is far less talked about than it deserves.
I have read about the Gajapatis and their predecessors, the Eastern Gangas. I'm not Odiya (I'm from Maharashtra), but I have a lot of respect for Odisha emperors like Anangabhimadeva III and Kapilendradeva (and his minister Gopinath Mahapatra). I have seen pictures of temples of the Odisha type of architecture, especially the Konark Sun Temple. Hopefully, I'll travel to Odisha and see them for myself:)
Excellent documentary. Highly cultured Krishnadevaraya, a just ruler, patron of arts and poets of highest calibre whose works are enjoyed even today, stands tall among India's all time greats. The buildings and temples might be in ruins or have vanished, But the values Krishnadevaraya stood for and promoted are alive even today and will live forever. Every ruler is like Ozymandias! I hail from the area and have been nourished in childhood with stories about him. Still, I learned from this documentary. Thanks for that. Look forward to the other documentaries.
Thanks my friend, very beautifully put.
Unbelievable work! I have NO interest in the history of India and I could NOT stop watching. Thank you for this extremely well done and educational program.
Funny that me too until I watched the whole thing and found it absorbing and fascinating
The modern world is just a dust of India’s glorious past.
Greatest podcast on KZhead. Please return to India, its an absolute goldmine of history:- Maurya Empire! (Largest Buddhist Empire ever) Maratha Empire! Satavahana! Gupta Empire (my favourite and one of the most influential in history)!
Very well done. This is a great extract at the end. Buddhism and Hinduism are quite similar in this sense.
I spent a couple months in 07 in India, it's cliche but it truly changed me. This is so beautiful
What a masterpiece !!!! Watching this from Madaraspattinam (Now its Chennai)!!
I can't wait to watch this tonight!!! Thank you for yet another wonderful episode of FoC. :)
I have travelled in India on several occasions but sadly Hampi has always somehow eluded me. Watching this superb documentary with all the excellent videography and story telling, I can feel that I have been there. Thank you so much.
It's a wonderful site, worth visiting next time you're in the south.
I keep rewinding because I am just taken in by the beautiful architecture of these buildings. For so long we keep seeing European buildings but these are on another level with detail and originality. Watching these episodes is like a deep meditation. 🙏
A very soft and strong account of the history of this great country India Soft in the sense of absorbed knowledge. Thank you
Thanx a lot man, You are several steps ahead of the institutional channels.
Started with the Byzantium and Aztec documentaries. Loving this one as well. Great work, educational and entertaining, calming yet intriguing. Thank you.
Can’t think of a better use of a few hours than your podcasts. As a lover of all varieties of history content, I can say unequivocally, these are the best. Absolutely fascinating and engaging. A wonder considering the modern attention span. I end every single one wanting more. Thank you!!
I loved this. There are too many reasons to state why, but it's an awesome, visually beautiful, in-depth and highly informative production. The Carnatic music brought tears to my eyes, I haven't heard any in years now and did not realise how much I missed it. So soothing. I think mostly this production touched me because being raised in the West, we never learn any of this. I mean NONE. When I took World Civilisation in University, we stopped at Mesopotamia. The professor wouldn't even entertain any history further East as tho there were no civilisatioms worth mentioning in the East. I really wish I knew some of this amazing history when I lived in India for a decade. It might have affected the places I visited. Jai Bharat.
these are the best tellings of history ,in history. I would rather my children hear these podcasts than any history class or show ive ever seen. ive watched every episode. I watch a lot of history documentaries, these are beyond anything. literally historical .
It seemed like just the other day I saw the audio version posted. _ah, I'll wait for the video version_ Ay, it's time! Thank you so much for your diligence and work making these
A new episode! Fab! I live these to fall asleep to, that's not a criticism, listening to things I'm really into helps me drift off! So looking forward to the next few weeks as I slowly work my way through this, picking up each night where I feel asleep the night before! Great job!
Yours is the most comprehensive account of the historical events, I've ever come across. Thanks, my friend.