Below Delhi, the search for India's mythical past

This interview podcast explores the intersection of archaeology, mythology, and national identity in India, focusing on the search for Indraprastha, the legendary city from the Mahabharata epic. The episode begins by introducing the Mahabharata and its significance in Indian culture, then delves into the archaeological efforts to locate Indraprastha, highlighting the discovery of painted greyware pottery as potential evidence. The discussion then shifts to the political and social implications of interpreting this historical narrative, contrasting scholarly approaches with popular interpretations fueled by media portrayals like B.R. Chopra's Mahabharata television series. Finally, the podcast examines how different stakeholders, including archaeologists, historians, and heritage organizations, shape and reshape historical narratives, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based interpretations over myth-making. A key takeaway is the ongoing debate surrounding the interpretation of historical sites and the potential for nationalistic agendas to influence the presentation of history.