Podcasts about Aurangzeb

Before the Hope Diamond had a name or a curse, it passed through the hands of one remarkable Frenchman. This episode tells the story of Jean Baptiste Tavernier, a 17th-century merchant whose six voyages to the East changed the way Europeans understood gemstones forever. Born in Paris in 1605 to a family of map-makers and engravers, Tavernier grew up surrounded by maps and the merchants who traded in them. By 22 he had already visited most of Europe and learned the languages to go with it. He was only getting started. Matthew and Fenya trace his first five voyages from Istanbul to India, from the Golconda mines to Dutch-controlled Batavia, ending just as Tavernier is about to open the imperial jewel casket of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Part 2 is on the way Key Takeaways Your environment shapes your ambitions. Growing up in his father's map shop on the Ile de la Cite, surrounded by merchants talking about faraway countries, Tavernier later credited those conversations as the spark behind everything he did.Going against the established route can be a competitive advantage. With the Dutch and English East India Companies dominating the sea lanes, Tavernier revived the overland Silk Road instead, avoiding bigger rivals and trading along the way.Diplomatic skill matters as much as commercial skill. He carried European clocks and jewellery specifically as gifts for local rulers, smoothing his passage across dozens of borders without the backing of a powerful company behind him.His book is one of the best records we have of this era. Tavernier documented diamond mining operations, grading standards, currency exchange, and cultural customs. Historians and gemologists still reference "The Six Voyages" today.The Hope Diamond's curse may have been a marketing story. Tavernier never mentions where he acquired the blue diamond in his own accounts, and notably lived to around 80 with a long and successful life. Quotes 00:08:07 "If the effect of education may be linked to a second birth, I may truly say that I came into the world with a desire to travel... inspired me betimes with a design to see some part of those countries, which were represented to me in the maps from which I never could keep off my eyes." (Tavernier, read aloud from his book) 00:24:48 "The art of trading is the art of understanding men and their desires, whether they be in Paris or in the Indies." (Tavernier) Resources The Six Voyages of Jean Baptiste Tavernier by Jean Baptiste Tavernier www.courtville.ie www.gempursuit.com Get social with Courtville, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok This podcast was produced for Courtville by Tape Deck

What if the villains of history, mythology, religion, and politics were never the real villains?In this thought-provoking episode of Kaka Balli Punjabi Podcast, we challenge some of the most powerful narratives ever told and ask a controversial question: Who decides who is a hero and who is a villain?From Mahabharata and Ramayana to world history, religion, politics, psychology, and modern pop culture, we explore how society creates heroes, villains, and enemies. Is history really written by the winners? Are we taught facts, or are we taught narratives?We discuss Duryodhan, Karna, Krishna, Ravana, Aurangzeb, Churchill, Hitler, Thanos, and many other figures who continue to divide opinion. Some are remembered as heroes, some as monsters, but what happens when we examine their stories from a different perspective?In the Mahabharata, was Duryodhan simply a power-hungry villain, or was he a loyal friend who stood by Karna when society rejected him because of caste? If Krishna is considered divine, why did he allow or encourage tactics that broke the rules of war? Can the end ever justify the means?In the Ramayana, Ravana is remembered as one of the greatest villains in Indian mythology. But what happens when we look at the story through the lens of family honor, power, pride, and perspective? Does every story have two sides?We also discuss the idea that many of history's most hated figures genuinely believed they were doing the right thing. From Aurangzeb to modern political leaders, how often do people commit questionable actions while believing they are serving a greater cause?The conversation then moves beyond mythology into modern history and geopolitics.• Is America really the world's police?• How do governments use propaganda?• How are wars justified?• Why are some leaders celebrated while others are condemned?• Does power influence morality?We explore the idea that public perception is often shaped by media, politics, religion, education systems, and cultural narratives. The same person can be viewed as a hero by one group and a villain by another.The podcast also examines religion, faith, heaven, hell, divine punishment, and the human tendency to believe that the religion we are born into is the ultimate truth. Are beliefs chosen, or are they inherited?Beyond history and religion, we look at fictional villains such as Thanos and characters from The Boys. Why do modern audiences increasingly relate to villains? Why do so many fictional villains have understandable motivations? Why are morally grey characters becoming more popular than traditional heroes?We also discuss an uncomfortable truth: villains may play an essential role in human progress.Throughout history, crisis has often created innovation.World wars accelerated medicine, engineering, aviation, and technology.The Cold War accelerated space exploration, computing, and the digital revolution.Periods of famine and hardship led to agricultural breakthroughs and large-scale reforms.In nature, predators force prey to evolve. Pressure creates adaptation. Competition creates growth. Could the same principle apply to human civilization?Perhaps villains, rivals, enemies, and crises act as society's ultimate stress tests.This episode is not about glorifying violence, hatred, dictators, or harmful actions. It is about questioning assumptions, challenging narratives, exploring different perspectives, and encouraging critical thinking.Topics Covered:• Heroes vs Villains• Duryodhan and Karna• Krishna and Mahabharata• Ravana and Ramayana• Bhagavad Gita• Aurangzeb• Churchill vs Hitler• America and Global Politics• Propaganda and Media Narratives• Religion and Faith• Heaven and Hell• Philosophy and Critical Thinking• Thanos and The Boys• Psychology of Villains• History Written by Winners• Power, Morality and Perspective• Why Society Needs Villains• Human Nature• Politics and Ideology• Indian History and Mythology

Dr. Nasir Akhtar claims Wazir Khan was a sinner acting against Islam when he ordered the execution of the Chote Sahibzade at Sirhind. This episode exposes that claim as a deliberate and calculated lie.What Dr. Nasir Akhtar conceals is Surah Al-Kahf of the Quran which explicitly sanctions the execution of children who will grow up to spread kufr and fitnah. Wazir Khan was not acting against his faith. He was acting in complete accordance with it. Dr. Nasir Akhtar knows this which is why he never calls Aurangzeb a kafir despite his own misconstruction of the term, because contemporary Mughal sources explicitly confirm Aurangzeb killed Sikhs for Islam not for political reasons.Dr. Nasir Akhtar is not an isolated academic. He belongs to the same school of thought as Puneet Sahani. Where Sahani attacks Sikhs openly for resisting Hindutva, Akhtar does it subtly, presenting Muslims as viable Sikh allies while concealing centuries of Hindu Muslim cooperation against Sikh sovereignty in Punjab.The Chote Sahibzade died for Sikhi. The historical record confirms it. The theological sources confirm it. This episode proves it.

After the execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the Maratha Empire stood on the brink of collapse. Leadership was uncertain. The Mughals were advancing. And the idea of Swaraj seemed close to fading. But history didn't unfold the way it was expected to. In this conversation, Medha Bhaskaran — author of Queen Tara: Kali of the Deccan — joins Bharatvaarta to trace the rise of Maharani Tarabai, a leader who emerged from the margins of power to take charge in one of the most critical moments in Indian history. We explore how Tarabai, initially far removed from succession, became a “destiny queen” — shaped not by circumstance alone, but by training, political exposure, and conviction. From her unconventional upbringing to her early understanding of power, the episode examines how her leadership was forged long before she formally took control. The conversation moves through the chaos following Sambhaji Maharaj's death — the fragmentation of authority, the pressure of Mughal expansion, and the difficult decisions that defined this phase. It highlights how survival itself became strategy, and how resistance was sustained not through brute force alone, but through adaptability and intelligence. We also unpack the nature of warfare in this period — from guerrilla tactics and disruption of supply lines to psychological warfare and misinformation — and how these methods allowed a smaller force to withstand a far larger empire. At its core, this episode is not just about a historical figure. It's about leadership under uncertainty, the role of women in moments of crisis, and how power can emerge from the most unexpected places. And above all, it is the story of a ruler who refused to let a collapsing moment define the future of a civilisation. ⸻ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – 01:10 • Opening Hook: Collapse of the Maratha Empire 01:10 – 04:30 • Sambhaji Maharaj's Execution & Aftermath 04:30 – 08:30 • Aurangzeb's Expansion & The Deccan Crisis 08:30 – 12:30 • The Idea of Swaraj Under Threat 12:30 – 16:30 • Who Was Tarabai? Background & Early Life 16:30 – 20:30 • Training, Influence & Formation of Character 20:30 – 24:30 • Crisis Leadership: How Tarabai Took Charge 24:30 – 28:30 • War-Time Realities: Fear, Loss & Survival 28:30 – 32:30 • Women in Power: Beyond Traditional Roles 32:30 – 36:30 • Strategy Beyond Strength: Thinking Over Force 36:30 – 41:00 • Guerrilla Warfare & Maratha Adaptability 41:00 – 46:00 • Psychological Warfare & Misinformation 46:00 – 52:00 • Unorthodox Tactics That Challenged the Mughals 52:00 – 57:00 • How Tarabai Outmaneuvered Aurangzeb 57:00 – 01:01:00 • Leadership Under Pressure & Civilisational Stakes 01:01:00 – 01:04:00 • Legacy of Tarabai & Forgotten Histories ⸻

बाळाजी विश्वनाथ यांनी शून्यातून सुरुवात करून पुण्याचे सरसुभेदार होण्यापर्यंत मजल मारली होती... पण १७०४ ते १७०७ या काळात स्वराज्यावर एक भयंकर टेन्शन पसरले होते! खुद्द औरंगजेब लाखोची फौज घेऊन महाराष्ट्रात ठाण मांडून बसला होता. आणि सर्वात भयंकर गोष्ट म्हणजे... साक्षात छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांचे नातू, शाहू महाराज... हे लहानपणापासून मुघलांच्या लाल रंगाच्या तंबूंच्या कैदेत अडकले होते! शाहू महाराजांची सुटका करण्यासाठी बाळाजी विश्वनाथ यांनी थेट मुघल छावणीत अत्यंत गुप्तपणे संपर्क साधायला सुरुवात केली. साक्षात मृत्यूच्या जबड्यात हात घालण्याचा हा प्रकार होता! अखेर २० फेब्रुवारी १७०७ मध्ये तो ऐतिहासिक प्रसंग घडला... मराठा साम्राज्य संपवण्याची प्रतिज्ञा करणारा औरंगजेब स्वतःच अहमदनगर जवळ मातीत कायमचा मिसळला! औरंगजेबाच्या मृत्यूनंतर सत्तेसाठी झालेल्या रक्तरंजित संघर्षात आझम शाहने शाहू महाराजांची मुक्तता केली. तब्बल १८ वर्षांच्या भयंकर तुरुंगवासानंतर हा खरा वारसदार मायभूमीत परतत होता! पण पिक्चर अभी बाकी होता... महाराणी ताराबाई यांनी शाहू महाराजांना राजा मानण्यास स्पष्ट नकार दिला आणि त्यांना तोतया ठरवले! स्वराज्याच्या गादीसाठी आता घरातच भयंकर आणि रक्तरंजित यादवी युद्ध पेटणार होते... ताराबाईंनी आपले सर्वात बलाढ्य सेनापती धनाजीराव जाधव यांना शाहू महाराजांना संपवण्यासाठी अंगावर सोडले! संपूर्ण महाराष्ट्रात एकच हाहाकार उडाला. आता शाहू महाराज कसे वाचणार? धनाजीराव जाधव यांची ती भयंकर तलवार कुणाचे रक्त सांडणार? आणि संकटात धावून येणारा बाळाजी आता कोणता डाव टाकणार? ... [Music Fades Out] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

India's past is often told as a sequence of empires rising and falling — but few moments were as decisive as the 18th century, when one power came remarkably close to reshaping the entire subcontinent. In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Uday S. Kulkarni joins Bharatvaarta to trace the rise of the Marathas — from the early vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to a force that expanded across India, challenged the Mughals, and altered the balance of power in the subcontinent. We unpack how Swaraj was not just a political idea but a civilisational response to centuries of upheaval, how military innovation, mobility, and leadership enabled rapid expansion, and why Delhi became the ultimate symbol of power for the Marathas. The conversation moves through defining moments — the encounter with Afzal Khan, the confrontation with Aurangzeb, the resilience after Sambhaji Maharaj's execution, and the long 27-year war that hardened Maratha resolve into an unstoppable force. It also examines the rise of the Peshwas, the expansion into North India, alliances and conflicts with regional powers, and the moment when the Marathas stood as the dominant force across much of the subcontinent. This episode isn't just about history. It's about how power is built, lost, and remembered. ⸻ ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – 00:40 • Opening Hook: The Power That Almost Ruled India 00:40 – 05:30 • The World Before the Marathas: Fragmentation & Invasions 05:30 – 10:30 • Shivaji's Vision: Swaraj as a Civilisational Idea 10:30 – 15:30 • Afzal Khan & The Turning Point of Power 15:30 – 22:00 • Aurangzeb, Agra & The Limits of Empire 22:00 – 30:00 • War, Resistance & The Making of Maratha Strength 30:00 – 38:00 • Sambhaji Maharaj & The Cost of Defiance 38:00 – 50:00 • The 27-Year War: How the Marathas Outlasted the Mughals 50:00 – 01:05:00 • Expansion Beyond the Deccan: The Road to Delhi 01:05:00 – 01:18:00 • The Rise of the Peshwas & Maratha Dominance 01:18:00 – 01:28:00 • Alliances, Conflicts & Control of North India 01:28:00 – 01:37:00 • Legacy, Decline & Lessons from Maratha Power ⸻

The year 1687 remains one of the most chaotic in Bengaluru's history. Ramjee Chandran details the short-lived but pivotal Mughal intervention that almost derailed the sale of the city. As Ekoji Bhonsle finalised the deal with Mysore, the imperial machine of Aurangzeb—fresh from crushing Golconda and Bijapur—reached out to seize the prize. Under General Qasim Khan, the Mughals occupied the fort for just three days, not to rule it, but to flip it for profit. This episode explores the high-stakes game of "city-flipping," where Chikkadevaraja Wadiyar had to pay for the same city twice, eventually securing Bengaluru for the Mysore Kingdom and setting the stage for the modern era of the state. Key Details from the episode: The Imperial Surge: Following the collapse of the Bijapur and Golconda Sultanates, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered his generals to mop up the remaining southern territories, including Bengaluru. Qasim Khan's Strike: While Ekoji and the Mysore representatives were busy negotiating, the Mughal General Qasim Khan swept in and occupied the Bengaluru fort. The Three-Day Occupation: The Mughal flag flew over the Bengaluru mud fort for only seventy-two hours. Double Payment: Chikkadevaraja Wadiyar, desperate to prevent Bengaluru from becoming a permanent Mughal garrison, agreed to pay Qasim Khan the same three lakh varahas he had promised Ekoji. The Handover: In July 1687, the Mughal forces withdrew, and the Mysore Kingdom finally took formal possession of the city, ending nearly half a century of Maratha and Sultanate influence. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234⁠⁠⁠⁠ iHeartRadio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to ⁠⁠⁠⁠hob@explocity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

The transition of power in Bengaluru often happened not through the clash of steel, but through the scratch of a pen. Ramjee Chandran navigates the complex and often overlooked chapter of Bengaluru's Maratha years following the death of Shahaji Bhonsle. As his son Ekoji I took the reins, he found himself caught in he middle of the ambitions od Aurangzeb from the noth, his brother Chhatrapati Shivaji from the east and the expanding rising Wadiyars from Mysore. This episode explores the internal family fractures of the Bhsales, the exhaustion of Ekoji, and the monumental decision to treat Bengaluru as a commodity rather than a fortress—leading to its sale for three lakh varahas. It is a story of shifting loyalties and the cold pragmatism that eventually brought the city into the fold of the Mysore Kingdom. Key Details from the episode: The Succession: After Shahaji's death in 1664, his younger son Ekoji I (also known as Vyankoji) took over the Bengaluru jagir. Family Friction: Chhatrapati Shivaji, Ekoji's half-brother, eventually demanded his share of the southern jagir, leading to a brief but significant military confrontation in 1677. The Strategic Trap: Ekoji found Bengaluru increasingly difficult to defend against the aggressive expansionism of Chikkadevaraja Wadiyar of Mysore and the looming shadow of the Mughals. The Sale of Bengaluru: Feeling the city was a "white elephant," Ekoji entered negotiations with Chikkadevaraja Wadiyar to sell Bengaluru for a price of three lakh varahas. The Mughal Intervention: Just as the sale was being finalized in 1687, the Mughal general Qasim Khan seized the city, forcing the Wadiyars to buy it from the Mughals instead of the Marathas. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Prestige Group, that makes this podcast possible. Follow The History Of Bangalore on social, here: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/historyofbangalore/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/HistoryOfBangalore⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/HistoryOfBLR⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@HistoryOfBangalore?si=mnH3BsYfI4BUU234⁠⁠⁠ iHeartRadio: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1323-the-history-of-bangalore-163453722/⁠⁠⁠ Follow Ramjee Chandran on Instagram and Twitter: @ramjeechandran The theme music for the show was composed by German-Indian Koln based percussionist, Ramesh Shotham. Ramjee Chandran's photos by Asha Thadani. RESEARCH AND SOURCES: All our episodes are based on published research and archive records. To request information about our sources, write to ⁠⁠⁠hob@explocity.com⁠⁠⁠. Let us know if you are a researcher (either institutional or independent) and also provide some information about why you need this information. Researchers will get priority. We only have time to engage serious, academic queries so please understand if we do not respond to casual requests.

This echoes of war podcast, hosted by Craig Watson and Gaurav explores the Third Carnatic War (1756–1763) as the Indian theater of the Seven Years' War. It details the decline of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb's death in 1707, leading to fragmented provinces like Bengal and the rise of the Maratha Empire as a dominant power. European influences are highlighted: the British East India Company with bases in Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta, and the French with strongholds like Pondicherry. The narrative focuses on key events starting with the Black Hole of Calcutta in 1756, where Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah imprisoned British captives in horrific conditions, prompting retaliation. Robert Clive's victory at the Battle of Plassey in 1757, aided by betrayal from Mir Jafar, secured British control over wealthy Bengal (20-25% of India's GDP). The episode covers the Siege of Madras (1758–1759), where French forces under Comte de Lally failed due to supply issues and British reinforcements. The decisive Battle of Wandiwash in 1760 saw British General Eyre Coote defeat the French, leading to the Siege of Pondicherry (1760–1761), which ended French influence. Britain's naval superiority, alliances, and strategies established dominance, marking 1759 as the "Annus Mirabilis." The podcast emphasizes colonial expansion parallels with North America, using maps and portraits for a documentary feel. It concludes with the Treaty of Paris, where France regained possessions but without fortifications, ensuring British ascendancy in India. Don't forget I have a Youtube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbp8JMZizR4zak9wpM3Fvrw/ join or my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pacificwarchannel where you can get exclusive content like "What if Japan invaded the USSR during WW2?"

In the final episode of this podcast series, we journey through the most defining chapter of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's life - the ultimate expression of courage, compassion, and faith.This episode explores the moment Guru Ji stood fearlessly against tyranny to defend the sacred right of others to follow their own faith. Experience the profound exchange between Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the oppressive Aurangzeb - a timeless confrontation between light and darkness.We also reflect on Guru Ji's final moments, as they speak words of peaceful strength even to his executioner. The episode unveils the spiritual depth behind Salok Mahalla 9 - Guru Ji's final teachings to their family, to us the Sangat, and to humanity.If you've followed this journey so far, this concluding chapter will leave you with a renewed understanding of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's supreme sacrifice - one that will forever change the way you commemorate their Shaheedi.——————————————————

Hindus have long whitewashed Shivaji as a paragon of ethics while demeaning the tenth Guru. The reality is very different. Today, as Sikhs push back against Hindu imposition, the Guru is insulted and disparaged both academically and on social media. Yet their own hero Shivaji was once the fiercest nemesis of their people, a vassal of Muslim states who even begged Aurangzeb for the same privilege. Guru Gobind Singh Ji stood higher than any patriot, teaching the oppressed to stand up for themselves without ever compromising on their dignity. This episode exposes the truths Hindus tries to hide.

IANR 2601 010326 Line Up4-6pm INTERVIEWSHere's the guest line-up for Sat, Jan 3, 2026 from 4 to 6pm CST on Indo American News Radio (www.IndoAmerican-news.com), a production of Indo American News. We areon 98.7 FM and you can also listen on the masalaradio app.By Monday, hear the recorded show on Podcast uploaded on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Radio Public and Breaker. We have 6 years of Podcasts and have had thousands of hits.TO SUPPORT THE SHOW, SELECT FOLLOW ON OUR FREE PODCAST CHANNEL AND YOU'LL BE NOTIFIED OF NEWUPDATES.4:20 pm Monday, January 5 is celebrated as the 360th birth anniversary of the Tenth Guru of the Sikh faith, Guru Gobind Singh. He was a warrior, poet, and philosopher. In 1675, at the age of nine, he was formally made the leader of the Sikhs after his father Guru Tegh Bahadur—the ninth Sikh Guru—was executed by the emperor Aurangzeb. We asked Bhupinder “Bo” Singh, an avid history buff of Sikhism, to describe the fateful events in Guru Gobind Singh's life and the everlasting effect on the community.4:50 pm The Trump Administration has rounded up immigrants and deported or detained them in rapidly deployed detention facilities and has sent National Guard to protect heavy handed ICE agents from being harassed and “spit upon”. It has made it much harder to get a H1B visa and Embassies are even checking if applicants are overweight or unhealthy! Immigration attorney George Willy talks aboutthese issues and the process for getting an EB-5 financial visa in lieu of the H1B visa.5:20 pm Six years ago when we started the show, the first person who called in to say he liked our format was Nick Madhani who owns Country Cleaners on Hwy 6. His business went through a severe downturn during COVID but he stuck in there, survived …. and thrived. We bring him back - like a good luck charm - to see how business is now and for some unique words of wisdom.Also stay tuned in for news roundup, views, sports and movie reviews. TO BE FEATURED ON THE SHOW, OR TO ADVERTISE, PLEASE CONTACT US AT 713-789-NEWS or 6397 or at indoamericannews@yahoo.comPlease pick up the print edition of Indo American News which is available all across town at grocery stores. Also visit our website indoamerican-news.com which gets 90,000+ hits to track all current stories.And remember to visit our digital archives from over 18 years. Plus, our entire 45 years of hard copy archives are available in the Fondren Library at Rice University.

In this episode, Kaustubha shares deeply moving stories from his recent Vaishnava Scholars' retreat in Vṛndāvana—revealing why Vrindavan bhakti feels so alive and unmistakably different. Through encounters with Goswamis and sacred lineages, visits to the Rādhā-vallabha and Rādhā-ramaṇa temples, and time at the mystic Tatiyā Sthān—where the "soft sand" of Vrindavan is worshiped by off-the-grid sādhus—a vision of devotion emerges that isn't driven by rules or rituals, but by intimate love that captures Krishna's heart. With warmth, humor, and insight, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the four major Vrindavan bhakti lineages, why Śrī Chaitanya empowered the Six Goswamis to ground ecstasy in Vedānta, and how history, politics, and bhakti unexpectedly converged in Vrindavan through figures like Akbar, Aurangzeb, the Rajputs, and Shivaji. ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************

In this episode, Kaustubha shares deeply moving stories from his recent Vaishnava Scholars' retreat in Vṛndāvana—revealing why Vrindavan bhakti feels so alive and unmistakably different. Through encounters with Goswamis and sacred lineages, visits to the Rādhā-vallabha and Rādhā-ramaṇa temples, and time at the mystic Tatiyā Sthān—where the "soft sand" of Vrindavan is worshiped by off-the-grid sādhus—a vision of devotion emerges that isn't driven by rules or rituals, but by intimate love that captures Krishna's heart. With warmth, humor, and insight, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the four major Vrindavan bhakti lineages, why Śrī Chaitanya empowered the Six Goswamis to ground ecstasy in Vedānta, and how history, politics, and bhakti unexpectedly converged in Vrindavan through figures like Akbar, Aurangzeb, the Rajputs, and Shivaji. ******************************************************************** LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************

For centuries, many people have repeated the claim that “The sword spread Islam.” But what does actual history say? In this powerful conversation, Pablo, a historian specializing in Andalusian, Ottoman, and Mughal history, breaks down one of the biggest myths about Islam using academic sources, historical data, and on-the-ground evidence from Spain, Crete, Egypt, Cyprus, Sindh, Kerala, and beyond.This episode uncovers:Why did so many Jewish and Christian communities welcome Muslim ruleWhy forced conversion is historically unproven and inaccurateHow Islamic governance protected minoritiesWhy did people voluntarily embrace IslamHow Arab traders brought Islam to India long before any conquestThe real story behind Aurangzeb, Jizya, and Mughal ruleWhy modern Muslims must reclaim their intellectual legacyIslamic history is not just dates and dynasties — it is a story of justice, coexistence, courage, and dignity. And it is time Muslims learned their history from real historians.The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:“Allah grants gentleness for anything that is added to it.”[Sahih Muslim]This episode is a reminder that Islam's greatest strength has always been its justice, its ethics, and the hearts it transforms.If you want history, evidence, and truth — this is the episode for you.EPISODE BREAKDOWN00:00 – The biggest myth about Islam's spread03:12 – Why entire nations welcomed Muslim rule06:41 – Andalus: The treaty that changed everything09:58 – Egypt & Sindh: What history textbooks don't teach14:20 – When heavy taxation pushed people toward Muslims17:06 – India before “conquest”: The forgotten truth20:36 – Aurangzeb, Jizya & the distortion of Mughal history25:48 – Pablo's journey: From Christianity to Islam32:10 – Why people accepted Islamic culture willingly38:33 – The story of the Mughal Empire43:15 – Tipu Sultan, technology & the Mysore shock48:52 – The Muslim world's lost intellectual power54:20 – How modern Muslims can reclaim their identitySTAY CONNECTED WITH THE GROWTH MINDSET:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silawath_irshad/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGrowthMindsetwithSilawathIrshadFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/silawathirshad/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silawathirshad/You can get in touch with Pablo here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pablotalks_/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PabloTalks_

Anil Ramdas was schrijver, journalist en programmamaker. In 2017, vijf jaar na zijn dood, hebben De Groene Amsterdammer (waar hij redacteur was), De Balie (waar hij directeur was) en zijn familie het initiatief genomen tot een Anil Ramdas Essayprijs. Tijdens deze avond wordt de winnaar van de vierde editie van de prijs bekendgemaakt. Daarnaast gaan we in gesprek over het thema van dit jaar: waar schuilen de tegenkrachten?Het thema van dit jaar is ontleend aan de columns en essays die Anil Ramdas schreef na het aantreden van het kabinet Rutte 1. Hij keerde zich tegen wat hij het normaliseren van wat hij “onbeschaafdheid” noemde. Nog meer dan door de massale steun voor Wilders, werd hij geraakt door het wegkijken en zwijgen van de rest. “Wie beschavingsregels overtreedt, kwetst iedereen die de beschaving in stand wil houden. Passief toezien is een zeer bijzondere vorm van medeplichtigheid.”Tijdens deze avond onderzoeken we de werking van die passieve medeplichtigheid. In de geest van Ramdas vragen we ons af: wie draagt verantwoordelijkheid als de beschaving afbrokkelt en haatzaaierij de overhand krijgt? Is niet alleen de hoogst verantwoordelijke schuldig, zoals hij schreef, maar ook “de laagst verantwoordelijke, die naliet hulp te bieden. Die naliet de beschaving in stand te houden”? En hoe kan de beschaafde burger vandaag de dag zijn verantwoordelijkheid nemen?Programmamaker Rokhaya SeckIn samenwerking met De Groene AmsterdammerZie het privacybeleid op https://art19.com/privacy en de privacyverklaring van Californië op https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Iconic. Few world landmarks exemplify the full meaning of that word quite like the Taj Mahal. I've just enjoyed freshly communing with the wondrous masterpiece in Agra, as part of a private tour of Classic India with Wendy Wu Tours. Four hours drive from New Delhi, Agra is rough and ready in places, much like the driving standards on India's roads. As my delightful Wendy Wu Tours driver Mr Singh observed, “There are three golden rules when driving in India. You need a good horn, good brakes and good luck.” Before savouring the gleaming Taj, my Wendy Wu Tours guide Nadeem led us on an enlightening tour around Agra Fort. En-route, we passed a decrepit sandstone building that Nadeem remarked had become nicknamed the “Monkey House” by locals. Apparently a vast tribe of 200 Rhesus macaques inhabit the crumbling building, running riot on the adjoining road when they head out to find food. Agra Fort is a marvel, a mighty red sandstone fortress overlooking the Yamuna River. It was established by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century, who was a descendant of Genghis Khan. The sprawling fort served as a military base and a royal residence, as well as the seat of government when Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire. The complex is a delight to explore, radiantly reflecting the architectural grandeur of the Mughal reign – a fusion of Persian and Indian design flourishes. Highlights include the Pearl Mosque, constructed by Shah Jahan. This tranquil and perfectly proportioned structure is made entirely of white marble. The splendid Palace of Mirrors (Sheesh Mahal), had its walls and ceilings inlaid with thousands of small mirrors. The fort also served as a prison and Nadeem led us to gaze at where Shah Jahān sadly spent the last eight years of life, in his gilded cage. Aurangzeb, his son and successor as emperor, incarcerated him there in 1658. At least Jahan could gaze across to his finest triumph, his sublime Taj Mahal, rising proudly on the horizon, around the river bend. Another headline sight at Agra Fort is the Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah in Agra, India. Nicknamed the baby Taj, it's considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal. It was built 30 years earlier, for the father of the Mughal Empress Nur Jahan. The alarm clock was set for an early wake-up the following morning, to witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise. The last time I visited the Taj fourteen years ago, we timed it for sunset – but the crowd crush detracted from the experience. Wendy Wu Tours strongly recommended a sunrise visit – and they weren't wrong. There were barely a hundred people on site for the dawn of a new day and the absence of crowds enhances the encounter immeasurably. (Nor will you battling extreme heat.) After duly posing for photos on the marble bench immortalised by Princess Diana's visit, it was positively soothing to size up this colossal marble mausoleum from every angle and vantage point, as a yolky sunrise stamped its presence on proceedings. I felt lost in awe-inspired reflection in the ornamental gardens. Built as a memorial by Shah Jahan for his third wife, who died giving birth to their 14th child, it is arguably the world's greatest monument to love. The emperor was apparently so heartbroken by her death, his hair turned grey overnight. Construction of the monument began within 12 months, with the bulk of the building taking 8 years to complete. 20,000 people from India and Central Asia worked on the building, while specialists from Europe were brought in to produce the exquisite marble screens and inlay work. Much of the gold and precious stones were later looted by British soldiers. Following his death, Shah Jahan was buried here, alongside his third wife. There are so many touches to his masterpiece to admire. Look closely and you'll notice that the four soaring minarets are all subtly tilted away from the main building, so that they won't fall on it, in the event of a major earthquake. I love how the building was purposefully positioned pointing north, so that it is bathed in maximum sunlight from dawn to dusk, heightening the creamy lustre of the marble. And nothing detracts in the background. Built on a raised platform with its back to the river, the backdrop is only sky – a masterstroke in design, which adds to its timeless enchantment. It was striking how serious they are taking the threat of air pollution around the Taj mahal, with an enormous perimeter area, clamping down on vehicle use and the forced closure of factories in proximity to the monument. Previously, the Taj Mahal has been spruced up with an ancient face-pack recipe known as multani mitti. This blend of soil, cereal, milk and lime beautifies the skin. I must try it. They're very proud of all things Mughal in Agra so why not tuck into some Mughlai cuisine? This rich, meaty and aromatic culinary style blends Indian flavours with Persian, Turkish, and Central Asian influences. It is known for its creamy, rich gravies, elaborate dishes, and the liberal use of aromatic spices, almonds, cashews, dried fruits, and dairy products. Famous dishes chicken biryani, chicken korma and rogan josh. A decadent dessert steeped in Mughal Empire tradition is Shahi Tukda. Translating as royal bread, this version of bread pudding consists of crisp, fried bread slices soaked in sugar syrup and adorned with a creamy blend of milk, cornflour, spices, and nuts. Delicious! Great street snacks include peitha, a square sweet made from pumpkin and glucose and flavoured with rosewater, coconut or saffron. Also try gajak, a slightly spicy sesame-seed biscuit strip. I sampled some great local dining while staying at the Grand Imperial Hotel, in the heart of Agra. Standing proud since the early 1900s, this British colonial-era property with its soothing arches and colonnades and sprawling garden is a haven of elegant heritage and affordable luxury. It was built for the British as the Colonial Hotel and the property is steeped in period furnishings. This heritage gem gracefully merges historical charm with contemporary comfort. Every corner of the property reverberates with history's echoes and nods to ancient royalty, adorned with plush Lahori bricks, regal arches, and exquisite paintings. The sparkling swimming pool and lush gardens are a serene sanctuary to unwind the body, after a hot, sticky day of sightseeing. Hospitality is flawless and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the bargain accommodation rates. Strike it lucky and the hotel may well be hosting a bling-bling Indian wedding, while you're in-house. That is quite the spectacle! Delve into India with the award-winning tour specialists across Asia and beyond. Choose a tailor-made private holiday to optimise your itinerary and accommodation preferences, as much as you wish. The itinerary can be as active or as laid back as you are, with full flexibility over included meals and excursions. You'll be in the best of hands with Wendy Wu Tours. www.wendywutours.co.nz/india From New Zealand, it's just a one-stop connection to a multitude of destinations in India, including New Delhi, with Singapore Airlines, on their various daily services from Auckland and Christchurch to Singapore. Enjoy well-timed connections for an easy transit in Singapore. Across all classes of travel, the award-winning carrier has not only fostered a world-beating reputation for its exceptional customer service and in-flight product, but also its innovation. Become a KrisFlyer member and enjoy complimentary in-flight WiFi. For best fares and seats to suit head to https://www.singaporeair.com Mike Yardley is our resident traveller on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aurangzeb, History & the Politics of Memory – Saurabh Lohogaonkar on India's Distorted Past ⚔️

Prof. Kanwaljit Singh (Punjabi Department, Sri Guru Angad Dev College, Khadoor Sahib) delivered this insightful lecture at Khalsa College, Patiala on 18 August 2025 during a special seminar dedicated to the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

In this podcast, Kushal and Aabhas Maldahiyar discuss the latest controversy surrounding the revision in the NCERT history texbooks where the new curriculum brings to light the brutality of Mughals. The new textbooks are covering the massacre at Chittorgarh, enslavement, and destruction of temples by emperors like Akbar and Aurangzeb. Follow Aabhas: X: @Aabhas24 Book: https://amzn.in/d/8zRrmQT #islamism #mughals #hindutvapolitics #akbar ------------------------------------------------------------ Listen to the podcasts on: SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/kushal-mehra-99891819 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rVcDV3upgVurMVW1wwoBp Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-c%C4%81rv%C4%81ka-podcast/id1445348369 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-carvaka-podcast ------------------------------------------------------------ Support The Cārvāka Podcast: Buy Kushal's Book: https://amzn.in/d/58cY4dU Become a Member on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKPx... Become a Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carvaka UPI: kushalmehra@icici Interac Canada: kushalmehra81@gmail.com To buy The Carvaka Podcast Exclusive Merch please visit: http://kushalmehra.com/shop ------------------------------------------------------------ Follow Kushal: Twitter: https://twitter.com/kushal_mehra?ref_... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KushalMehraO... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarvakap... Koo: https://www.kooapp.com/profile/kushal... Inquiries: https://kushalmehra.com/ Feedback: kushalmehra81@gmail.com

Joining us today is Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senior Minister in the Government of Punjab and a leader in PMLN, also an associate of Maryam Nawaz. She has a background in economics and environment from King's College London, and has held major portfolios including Information, Planning & Development, Climate Change, and Education.In this episode, we unpack the Punjab Budget 2025, what it really means for the average Pakistani, and how the government plans to fix key issues like female education, public transport, water distribution, digitization, and more. This episode answers: What are the focus areas in Budget 2025? How is PMLN approaching reform this time? Is Maryam Nawaz focused on education? What is being done for water and smog? Can digital governance actually work in Pakistan?Watch till the end for a glimpse into what Pakistan might look like by 2050.Socials:TBT's Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thoughtbehindthings/TBT's Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tbtbymuzamilTBT's Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thoughtbehindthingsMuzamil's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzamilhasan/Muzamil's LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/muzamilhasan/Marriyum's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marriyum/Marriyum's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marriyum_aurangzeb/

Dr Kedar Phalke is a historian of medieval India who has written several books on the Maratha Empire.

Don't Miss this Discussion on Aurangzeb | What Really Happened to Temples | Prof Makhan Lal

In this special recap episode, we revisit the grand saga of the Mughal Empire—its rise, zenith, and eventual decline. From Babur's bold conquests to Aurangzeb's vast reign, we reflect on the emperors, battles, culture, and legacies that shaped South Asia's history. Join us as we connect the threads of this epic journey and set the stage for what's next. Want to see my notes for this episode? Join us on Telegram and search for "10-12".

In Nagpur, a full-blown riot has erupted over Aurangzeb's tomb, which Hindutva groups are demanding be removed. The timing is hardly coincidental. The sentiments brewing over Chhaava, a film that depicts Aurangzeb's atrocities against Sambhaji Maharaj, have reignited old hostilities, framing the era as a battle of Hindu defiance against Islamic rule. Once again, historical figures—long buried in textbooks and monuments—are being summoned to the present, not as subjects of scholarly debate but as catalysts for political tensions.

In today's episode we discuss Pakistan becoming a hard state, Journalists being arrested, PTI boycotting the NSC, Counter Insurgency, Ahmad Noorani, Erdogan, Aurangzeb's Tomb and 4 shadiyan.Uzair Younus and Shehzad Ghias do the round up of this week's news in our new show 'This Week in Pakistan. Watch all episodes of This Week in Pakistan:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzTU8aQikWU&list=PLlQZ9NZnjq5rCn6IgBjTRXnRjsS03Ty8OThe Pakistan Experience is an independently produced podcast looking to tell stories about Pakistan through conversations. Please consider supporting us on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/thepakistanexperienceTo support the channel:Jazzcash/Easypaisa - 0325 -2982912Patreon.com/thepakistanexperienceAnd Please stay in touch:https://twitter.com/ThePakistanExp1https://www.facebook.com/thepakistanexperiencehttps://instagram.com/thepakistanexpeperienceThe podcast is hosted by comedian and writer, Shehzad Ghias Shaikh. Shehzad is a Fulbright scholar with a Masters in Theatre from Brooklyn College. He is also one of the foremost Stand-up comedians in Pakistan and frequently writes for numerous publications. Instagram.com/shehzadghiasshaikhFacebook.com/Shehzadghias/Twitter.com/shehzad89Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC44l9XMwecN5nSgIF2Dvivg/joinChapters:0:00 Introduction and Hasan Nawaz2:00 What is a hard state?6:00 Counter Insurgency Operations10:30 PTI boycotting National Security Committee16:01 Can PTI afford to go against TTP?21:56 Journalists being arrested, Raftar and Ahmad Noorani27:20 News Wrap Up: Noshki, Hafiz Saeed, Palestine31:14 Donald Trump, Imran Khan and Haider Saede36:03 Ahmadis being targeted38:30 Hasan Nawaz, Ishaq Dar and Sugar Price40:02 World Watch: Erdogan, Aurangzeb's Tomb43:32 Absurd News of the Week46:11 Whats Trending. Grok Patwari nikala and Danish Taimoor48:09 Recommendations and Shout Outs50:22 Why Indian Diaspora is stronger than Pakistan's diaspora?

The gang gets to the job of reviewing that interview on that podcast. After which it is one rant after another rant along with intermittent display of gareebi.

Punjab में कुछ भयंकर हो रहा है | Aurangzeb | Sambhal New Ayodhya | Baba Ramdas, VN Bhatt

President Rule in Punjab? | Bhagwat Mann, Amit Shah | Waqf Aurangzeb | Dhirendra Pundir, Neeraj Atri

First, we talk to The Indian Express' Shubhangi Khapre who discusses the violence in Nagpur following the controversy over the Aurangzeb tomb demolition demand.Next, The Indian Express' Amitabh Sinha talks about Chandrayaan-3's new findings indicating the presence of water-ice on the Moon's polar regions. (18:07)Lastly, we speak to The Indian Express' Arun Sharma about the 17 mysterious deaths in Jammu's village last month and the impending investigation. (27:57)Hosted by Ichha SharmaProduced and written by Shashank Bhargava and Ichha SharmaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar

https://theprint.in/politics/how-vhp-bajrang-dal-protests-over-aurangzebs-tomb-spiralled-into-a-night-of-mayhem-in-nagpur/2553304/

A protest by VHP-Bajrang Dal, demanding the demolition of Aurangzeb's tomb, turned awry, leading to communal clashes in Nagpur. In Episode 1624 of #CutTheClutter, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta discusses the polarising legacy of the last consequential Mughal Emperor and the politics around his tomb and super-hit Chhaava with political editor D.K. Singh.----more----Watch Political Adda full episode here: https://youtu.be/-jWR9duUEc8

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Flora Swain.Today is the 18th of March and here are the headlines.Tulsi Gabbard, Director of US National Intelligence, emphasized strengthening security ties with India at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi. She highlighted collaboration in cybersecurity, emerging tech, and AI. Gabbard acknowledged India's security concerns and reaffirmed that “America first is not America alone.” She stressed the importance of continuing a long-standing partnership, taking advantage of the new administration's momentum to explore further opportunities for collaboration.Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis described the violence in Nagpur on Monday as a “planned incident.” It followed a protest by VHP and Bajrang Dal members demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb. Police were attacked, vehicles set on fire, and tear gas was used to disperse crowds. The violence spread across several areas of Nagpur, leaving several injured.Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, calling it a milestone for an awakened nation. Speaking in Lok Sabha, he linked the event's success to the spirit of the nation, reflecting the progress towards the next 1,000 years. Modi also noted how the Ram Mandir ceremony last year foreshadowed the national collective consciousness, reinforcing the country's strength and unity.Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the 'Make in India' initiative in the Rajya Sabha, stating it had gained significant momentum, contrary to Opposition claims. She highlighted the success of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, which attracted Rs 1.5 lakh crore in investments and generated 9.5 lakh jobs, countering criticisms of the government's manufacturing policies.Israel launched major airstrikes on Gaza early Tuesday, killing at least 326 Palestinians, including women and children, as reported by hospital officials. The airstrikes targeted Hamas positions, escalating tensions as ceasefire talks stalled. Israel's military vowed to continue its offensive against Hamas, accusing the group of rejecting multiple ceasefire proposals. Prime Minister Netanyahu's office stated that Israel would intensify its military response.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by the Indian Express.

(01:21) Tessel Blok over haar zus Dieuwertje Blok (29:26) Naeeda Aurangzeb over Palestijns-Amerikaanse journalist Shireen Abu Akleh (57:56) Herhaling van De Publieke Tribune waarin Coen Verbraak met Dieuwertje en Tessel Blok sprak (01:49:05) Muziek van componist en producer Roy Ayers. Hij overleed 4 maart op 84 jarige leeftijd (01:51:42) De Zin van de Dag door Stine Jensen, met een levenswijsheid van Eddy Terstall

This week on Hafta, Newslaundry's Abhinandan Sekhri, Manisha Pande, Raman Kirpal, and Anand Vardhan are joined by Dr Sumeet Mhaskar, professor of sociology at Jindal School of Government and Public Policy, and Ajoy Bose, veteran journalist and author of Behenji: The Rise and Fall of Mayawati.The panel first discusses the controversy triggered by Samajwadi Party legislator Abu Azmi's remarks on Aurangzeb while addressing the Mughal emperor's portrayal in the film Chhava.Sumeet provides historical context to the interpretation of Aurangzeb and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's legacies in Maharashtra. Explaining how they are shaped by competing narratives, he says: “Much more communalised interpretation is projected through movies, history textbooks, and plays”. The return of Aurangzeb to headlines shows that we are using the present to judge the past, rather than letting history inform our present, he notes.Commenting on Aurangzeb's legacy, Manisha adds, “When you look at the Mughals, I would say Aurangzeb was the worst of them...He's an odd hill to die on, especially for current politicians.”The panel then analyses the “political decline” of Mayawati, and her decision to suspend nephew Akash Anand from the Bahujan Samaj Party.Ajoy terms the suspension as a “significant moment”. Commenting on Mayawati's “disruptive” thinking, he says: “If Kanshiram was the strategic genius who thought of using Dalits to become a political force, Mayawati was the person who delivered”. On where things went wrong for Mayawati, he remarks, “She got quite distracted by her prime ministerial dream being thrashed and made fundamental mistakes in handling the social alliance which brought her to power.”As Abhinandan and Sumeet point to BSP's cadre being the strength of the party, Anand underlines Mayawati's “lack of political agility” as one of the reasons for BSP's decline. This and a lot more. Tune in!We have a page for subscribers to send letters to our shows. If you want to write to Hafta, click here. Check out the Newslaundry store and flaunt your love for independent media. Download the Newslaundry app. Contribute to our latest NL Sena here.Timecodes00:00:00 – Introductions and announcements00:03:09 – Headlines 00:03:09 – Was history always controversial?00:17:24 – Aurangzeb's return to headlines 00:53:19 – Mayawati and the future of BSP01:32:03 – Sumeet's recommendation01:39:30 – Ajoy's recommendation01:51:06 – Letters 01:59:40 – Recommendations Check out previous Hafta recommendations, references, songs and letters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today my guest Katherine Butler Schofield who is a professor of South Asian Music and History at King's College London. She is the author of the recent book Music and Musicians in Late Mughal India: Histories of the Ephemeral, 1748–1858.  She also hosted a podcast series called The Histories of the Ephemeral on the same theme. We talked about the history of classical music in India - from Natyasastra to Dhrupad and to khayals and qawallis. about Aurangzeb's relationship with music, the sacking of Delhiand it's influence on hindustani classical music, the powerful tawaifs of that time, and much more. Recorded January 24th, 2025. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Connect with Ideas of India Follow us on X Follow Shruti on X Click here for the latest Ideas of India episodes sent straight to your inbox. Timestamps (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:17) - The Nāṭyaśāstra and Tasting Music (00:09:29) - Raga Style and Persian Influences (00:18:35) - The Influence of Intoxicants (00:19:42) - Aurangzeb and Other Courtly Characters (00:33:37) - Aurangzeb's Demise and Its Effect on Music (00:43:15) - Traveling Musicians and the Spread and Rise of Different Forms (00:49:49) - Development of Tomri (00:55:37) - What Makes Punjab So Different (00:59:17) - The Tawaif (01:02:06) - The Stories of Sophia Plowden and Khanam Jan (01:18:07) - Outro

Aurangzeb is arguably the most controversial figure in Indian History. The mere mention of his name provokes fierce debate. Aurangzeb succeeded in seizing the throne by betraying his father and brothers. Infamous for his cold and ruthless vengeance against those in his way, Aurangzeb imposed puritan policies of religious intolerance on his subjects. He forced conversions and banned the wine and hashish so adored by his forbears. Aurangzeb would become defined by his battles with the Marathas. Despite his powerful autocracy, how did the end of his reign leave him broken? Why did it herald the beginning of the end for the Mughals? And what might have been, had he not won the war of succession?  Listen as Anita and William explore how Aurangzeb's reign led to the disintegration of the Mughal Empire. Twitter: @Empirepoduk Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com Goalhangerpodcasts.com Assistant Producers: Anouska Lewis & Becki Hills Producer: Callum Hill Exec Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With their father in very bad health and rumours of his death swirling around the empire, Shah Jahan's four sons decide it is their time to take his place. Only one has been chosen by Shah Jahan… The accomplished oldest son Dara Shukoh. However the war of succession has begun, and it will be brutal and stained by betrayal.  The people of Delhi are terrified at the coming storm. Shops are boarded as they prepare for a possible bloodbath. Two of Shah Jahan's sons, Murad and Shuja, make the first move. They go through coronation ceremonies while Aurangzeb bides his time. He sends his father letters and fruit from the Deccan, acting like a loyal son.  Miraculously Shah Jahan does not die but begins to recover, only to see his sons tear each other apart and in open rebellion against him. Dara Shukoh, his anointed heir, rallies the imperial army to protect the weakened emperor. Aurangzeb, springs into action, rallying his own armies to advance not only on his brother but his father too. This will be one of the most crucial battles in the subcontinent's history… Listen as William and Anita are joined again by Supriya Gandhi to discuss the rise of Aurangzeb, one of the most controversial historical figures in India today. Twitter: @Empirepoduk Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com Goalhangerpodcasts.com Assistant Producers: Anouska Lewis & Becki Hills Producer: Callum Hill Exec Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The battle of succession that erupted during a severe illness of Shah Jahan is often regarded as one which determined the fate of India. The eldest of Shah Jahan's sons was Dara Shukoh—the Glory of Darius. Contemporary miniatures show that Dara bore a striking resemblance to his father, and like him he was luxurious in his tastes and refined in his sensibilities. He preferred life at court to the hardships of campaigning; he liked to deck himself in strings of precious stones and belts studded with priceless gems; he wore clothes of the finest silk and from each ear lobe he hung a single pearl of remarkable size. Dara was a tolerant Sufi and composed a study of Hinduism and Islam, ‘The Mingling of Two Oceans', which stressed the affinities of the two faiths and what he believed to be the Vedic origins of the Quran. Then there was Aurangzeb, unloved by his father, a bitter and bigoted puritan, as intolerant as he was grimly dogmatic. He was a ruthlessly talented general and a brilliantly calculating strategist, but entirely lacked the winning charm of his predecessors.  Listen as William and Anita are joined by Supriya Gandhi, author of The Emperor Who Never Was: Dara Shukoh in Mughal India, to discuss the brothers who fought for the crown, and with it the future of India. Twitter: @Empirepoduk Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com Goalhangerpodcasts.com Assistant Producers: Anouska Lewis & Becki Hills Producer: Callum Hill Exec Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first half of Episode 2 - Hostile Takeover. Listen to the full episode here: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/ARML6837257429?selected=ARML4090812395 After the death of Aurangzeb, the United East India Company benefitted from the political chaos of 18th century India. Allying with, fighting against, and eventually dominating the Nawabs of Bengal and Arcot, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy, and the Sultans of Mysore. At the Battles of Plassey and Buxar, Company generals like Sir Robert Clive asserted British authority over massive territories, and the Carnatic Wars hobbled their European rivals. The British Empire in India was on the rise, but what goes up must come down. Subscribe to the mailing list at LangnessMedia.com Thank you to my guest historians: Philip J. Stern, Professor of History at Duke, and author of The Company-State: Corporate Sovereignty and the Early Modern Foundations of the British Empire in India (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011) and Empire, Incorporated: The Corporations that built British Colonialism (Harvard: Harvard University Press, 2023). Jon Wilson, Professor of Modern History at King's College, London, and author of India Conquered: Britain's Raj and the Chaos of Empire (London: Simon & Schuster, 2016) Rupali Mishra, Associate Professor of History at Auburn University, and author of A Business of State: Commerce, Politics, and the Birth of the East India Company (Harvard: Harvard University Press, 2018) Benjamin R. Siegel, Associate Professor of History at Boston University, and author of Hungry Nation: Food, Famine, and the Making of Modern India (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018) Christina Welsch, Assistant Professor of History at the College of Wooster, and author of The Company's Sword: The East India Company and the Politics of Militarism, 1644-1858 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2022) Thank you to my guest voice actors: Robin Pierson, host of the History of Byzantium Podcast. David Crowther, host of the History of England Podcast Go to AirwaveMedia.com to find other great history shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aurangzeb's piety & struggles with his dimwit son. Written by Jadunath Sarkar. Follow : Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/indologia⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/indologia/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@indologia⁠ Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va55D2lBPzjRND3rPC0A Telegram: https://t.me/indologia

Tipu Sultan, Aurangzeb of South, Fact-Checked on Tipu Jayanti by Vikram Sampath | Book Discussion

This is the Catchup on 3 Things by The Indian Express and I'm Niharika Nanda.Today is the 06th of November and here are the headlines.Starting with global news, Donald Trump scripted history today, becoming the first President in 120 years to return to power after being ousted after his first term. Addressing his supporters after winning three swing states of North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania, Trump laid the blueprint of his second term. With at least 51 Senate seats secured, Republicans will retake control of the chamber for the first time in four years. As soon as the results were officially declared, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated American President Donald Trump on his election and stated, quote “As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership,” unquote.The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today passed a resolution for the restoration of its special status, calling upon the “Government of India to initiate dialogue with elected representatives” of the Union Territory to work out “constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions”, even as the BJP protested the move. The resolution said that the Assembly “reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal”. It further added that “any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir”.Pulling up Uttar Pradesh authorities for their “high-handed” approach in demolishing a house for widening a road without giving notice, the Supreme Court today directed them to pay the owner Rs 25 lakh as compensation. The three-judge bench, which was presided over by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, was hearing a suo motu writ petition registered in 2020 based on a letter complaint by Maharajganj resident Manoj Tibrewal Aakash, whose house was demolished in 2019.  CJI Chandrachud said, quote “This is completely high-handed. Where is the due process followed? We have the affidavit that says no notice was issued. You only went to the site and informed the people through a loudspeaker,” unquote.The BJP expelled 37 office-bearers across the state today who are set to contest as Independents in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, citing “indiscipline”. Highly placed sources in the BJP confirmed the development and said that despite repeatedly urging the rebels to withdraw their candidature, these 37 candidates who hold different posts in their respective district units did not pay heed to the party's request. A senior party functionary stated, quote “In the BJP, there is no scope for anti-party activities. Party leaders tried to reason with each leader but those who fail to conform to party norms have to pay the price,”, unquote.With both sides of the border grappling with a common crisis, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senior Minister in the Government of Punjab in Pakistan, has told The Indian Express that it is “high time for India and Pakistan, and especially Punjabs on both sides of the border, to initiate a joint smog mitigation plan”. Two days ago, the air quality index in Lahore hit a high of 1900, briefly giving it the unenviable tag of the world's most polluted city. In an SOS from across the border, Aurangzeb, who also holds the environment protection and climate change portfolio in Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif-led Punjab provincial government, claimed the “Eastern corridor winds blowing from India towards Lahore” were taking the smog to dangerous levels.This was the Catch Up on 3 Things by The Indian Express.

One of the most notable pirates of his day, Henry Avery would go on to make potentially the most lucrative heist ever on the high seas. Originally a navy man, Avery then took the well-trodden path of starting out as a privateer and turning to piracy. Via a mutiny he soon found himself in the Indian Ocean looking to take the biggest prizes - Mughal ships - and in August 1695 the greatest appeared before him. The ships of Aurangzeb himself were heading for the Red Sea, so Avery hoisted his sail and went after them. Listen as William and Anita discuss one of the most infamous pirates of the age and his attempts to rob the Mughals. To buy William's book: https://coles-books.co.uk/the-golden-road-by-william-dalrymple-signed-edition Twitter: @Empirepoduk Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com Goalhangerpodcasts.com Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett Producer: Callum Hill Exec Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join AK Talk Show for a compelling episode as we explore the impact of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Zafarnama on Aurangzeb and uncover the true sources of this historical event. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on Sikh history and its significance.

Podcast Episode 204 of the Make Each Click Count Podcast features Aurangzeb (Zabe) Agha and Rameet Kohli, the co-founders of Metrical. Metrical is reshaping how e-commerce businesses approach customer retention and conversion through innovative AI and machine learning models. In this episode, Zabe and Rameet share their journey from bootstrapping their company to working with major clients like JCPenney, achieving remarkable increases in cart creation and revenue. They discuss the nuances of their technology, which goes beyond traditional exit intent methods to deliver personalized, real-time engagement that enhances customer experience and maximizes profitability. We also delve into their approach to privacy, the onboarding process, and the significant impact of AI advancements. Stay tuned as we explore how Metrical is making each click count in the world of e-commerce.Learn more:Zabe's LinkedInRameet's LinkedInMetrical websiteABOUT THE HOST:Andy Splichal is the World's Foremost Expert on Ecommerce Growth Strategies. He is the acclaimed author of the Make Each Click Count Book Series, the Founder & Managing Partner of True Online Presence, and the Founder of Make Each Click Count University. Andy was named to The Best of Los Angeles Award's Most Fascinating 100 List in both 2020 and 2021.New episodes of the Make Each Click Count Podcast, are released each Friday and can be found on Apple Podcast, iHeart Radio, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts and www.makeeachclickcount.com.

Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb exclusively speaks to World Business Report about the latest and 24th International Monetary Fund bailout for the country - and says it should be its last.In this extended podcast version of the interview with Mr. Aurangzeb, he talks to Will Bain about the steps he thinks are necessary for Pakistan to achieve economic stability.The country's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has previously said the disbursement of $1.1 billion by the IMF will help the country achieve that, amid discussions for a new loan programme. The funding was the second and final tranche of Pakistan's $3 billion standby arrangement with the IMF which it secured last summer to help avert a sovereign default. Also, in the programme, we look at how the risk of flooding or landslides are affecting people living in Kenya.

Oh yah, the Ram Janmabhoomi temple inauguration, Usama making spicy communal Hindu-Muslim content, differing historical timelines of the subcontinent. Gay. Full samosa on Patreon.

Why did Aurangzeb impose the jizyah?

The final days of Aurangzeb