In this lavish six-hour BBC series, British pop historian Michael Wood takes viewers on a guided tour of the history of the Indian subcontinent: from the emergence of the Sanskrit language in prehistoric times through the end of British rule and the ultimate division of what had been the Raj into predominantly Muslim and Hindu realms. Along the way, viewers will see excellent segments on the development of philosophical and religious thought (particularly Buddhism), burgeoning trade with the West during the Roman and medieval periods, noted achievements in art and culture, and the centuries of Mogul rule that ended in European conquest. Wood is his usual ebullient self throughout this visually impressive series that boasts magnificent footage of both historic sites and contemporary life. The Story of India is not without weaknesses—the use of clips from filmed adaptations of Indian classics are distracting, and the treatment of British rule is too gentle (surely it's not enough to say that the English “were tested and found wanting”)—but overall this is a fine example of popular history, especially timely now that the country is becoming such a remarkable global economic powerhouse. DVD extras include the brief montage featurette “The Sights and Sounds of India.” Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)
The Story of India
(2008) 2 discs. 360 min. DVD: $34.99 ($64.95 w/PPR), Blu-ray: $39.99 ($69.95 w/PPR). PBS Video. Closed captioned. ISBN: 0-7936-7015-2 (dvd). Volume 24, Issue 3
The Story of India
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