Product Description

The story of India is one of fabulous dynasties and kings, timeless belief systems and golden ages of culture. This fascinating program journeys through the centuries to demonstrate how glories such as the Taj Mahal reflect the character of a unique people. Authoritative and entertaining, this program features a stunning graphic re-creation of an Indus Valley City of the Second Millennium BC. Features superb 3D graphics, State-of-the-art computer generated animation, all new location footage, and expert commentary and analyses.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #30096 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-01-31
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 50 minutes

Customer Reviews

a good reference
Quite informative for a 50 minute program, but it helps to have a little background knowledge on the subject matter. As with other DVD's from this series, the subject is too broad to be adequately covered in that amount of time. So topics such as the Sikh and Jain religions are not really discussed. I found this DVD is a good reference to be used in conjunction with other sources of information.

commentary by:
Rakesh Dayaz (historian)
Derek Kennet (research fellow, Archaeology, Durham University)
Sunil Kumar (cultural historian)
Dr Vivek Nanda (Institute of Archaeology, University College, London)
Dr David Hardiman (history lecturer, Warwick University)

Chapters:
1. Opening
2. Origins of Indian Civilization
3. Cities of the Indus Valley
4. Indus Valley Beliefs
5. The Vedic Period
6. The Caste System
7. The Mauryan Empire
8. Rise of Buddhism
9. The Ajanta Caves
10. The Gupta Dynasty
11. The Rajput Empire
12. Rise of Islam
13. Islamic Architecture
14. The Mogul Empire
15. The Taj Mahal

Good overview of Indian history
This 50-minute documentary is a good overview of the history of India through the 17th century, with special attention to archaeology and architecture. Topics include the Indus Valley civilization, the Aryans, the Vedic period, karma and reincarnation, the caste system, the Mauryan Empire, Ashoka and the rise of Buddhism, the Gupta Dynasty and the resurgence of Hinduism, the Rajput Empire, the rise of Islam, the Mughal Empire, and the Taj Mahal.

If you're considering using this video in the classroom or watching it with children, note that one of the architectural treasures from the Rajput Empire is a temple covered with explicitly sexual sculptures.

Also recommended: "The Soul of India," a 90-minute guided tour of India.

Good Review for AP World History
The film covers Indian history from the Indus Valley civilization (Harappa) through the Mughals. It hits all the major points needed for a good review of Indian history prior to the AP World History exam. It is also good for discussions on change-over-time in India. The film can also be shown in segments to reinforce instruction as you go along.