Stories Of India Retold

How Droṇa, A Driven Warrior, Became Kuru’s Preceptor to Avenge An Insult

** Additional Notes:
**At first, the book says Drona and Drupada become friends when the latter visited Bharadvaja with his father, later in the book Drona tells Bhishma that they became friends when they attended Agnivehsya’s school together.
**Drona tells Bhishma that when they were young Drupada promised to share with him his wealth when he became king, this detail is not mentioned at first. Also, from Drona’s words to Drupada after defeating him, it seems like it was more about the insult and not really about the wealth. For the sake of simplicity these details were omitted in this retelling.
 
Drona was an elite warrior, the preceptor to the Kauravas and Pandavas and largely credited for training Arjuna to be the greatest warrior ever known.
Drona was incredibly skilled at Dhanurveda–one could say it was in his blood as his father Bharadvaja and his son Ashwatthama were also renowned warriors; through his marriage to Kripi he was also related to Sharadvat and Kripa, who were also renowned warriors and teachers of the Kurus.
What made Drona stand out was the fact that he was as driven as he was talented. He pursued any opportunity he got to further his career; he sought training from the great Parashurama himself. When his old friend King Drupada humiliates him, Drona makes it his life’s mission to exact revenge from Drupada and pursues it with the intense dedication and focus he does everything else.
 
#mahabharat #bharat #ancientindia #history #drona #ashwatthama #kripa
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Music: Peony Morning - TrackTribe; Yoga Style- Chris Haugen
References:
The Illustrated Mahabharata: The Definitive Guide to India’s Greatest Epic. (2017). Dorling Kindersley India.
The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)

Yayati, Devayani & Sharmishta: A Tale Of Love, Betrayal & Desire. Mahabharata Podcast in English

King Yayati, the son of Nahusha, is the ancestor of the Kauravas and Pandavas. Yayati is best known for his obsession with youth and living longer and the fact he was cursed to lose his youth prematurely and live as an old man.
But there is more to Yayati’s story. Yayati is involved in a love triangle between his wife, Devayani and her friend-turned-slave, Sharmishta–it was a complicated web he was in and Yayati was most definitely not ready to suffer the consequences of his actions.
In today’s episode, we will explore Yayati’s story through the stories of his wife, Devayani: Devayani’s relationship with Kacha, Devayani’s marriage to Yayati, Devayani’s friendship with Sharmishta; also, Yayati’s curse to age prematurely, his decision to instate his youngest son, Puru, as his heir, Yayati’s entry into heaven after his death, his fall back to earth, his ascent to heaven one more time. 
#mahabharat #podcast #bharat #ancientindia #history
 
#mahabharat #podcast #bharat #ancientindia #history
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Music: Peony Morning - TrackTribe; Yoga Style- Chris Haugen
References:
The Illustrated Mahabharata: The Definitive Guide to India’s Greatest Epic. (2017). Dorling Kindersley India.
The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)
Witzel, Michael (1995). “Early Sanskritization. Origins and Development of the Kuru State”. Electronic Journal of Vedic Studies. 1-4: 1-26

Bhishma:Son of Ganga, Cursed by Vasishta, Vow of Brahmacharya, Gift to Choose Time Of Death. Mahabharata

Bhishma, the supreme commander of the Kaurava forces, was destined to be a great warrior and to always uphold Dharma, but he was also destined to always keep his father happy and to never have children. Learn why!
 
Music: Peony Morning - TrackTribe
►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com 
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References:
The Illustrated Mahabharata: The Definitive Guide to India’s Greatest Epic. (2017). Dorling Kindersley India.
The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)
#bhishma #ganga #vasu

The Story Behind Mahabharata–The Greatest Story Ever Told

All about the Mahabharata and its author, Krishna Dwaipayana (Veda Vyasa), why he composed it, why Mahabharata is considered the greatest story ever told, who and what it is about, why it is considered sacred, why the stories found in this great epic is relevant to this day and more!
Music: Peony Morning - TrackTribe
►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com 
Watch the Video Podcast:
► YouTube: hhttps://youtu.be/ZCOFbiqtU3c
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References: Jha, V. (2016). The Mytho-epic Re-imagination. Indian Literature, 60(6 (296)), 183–193.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/44754735 Joshi, N. (2010). MAHĀBHĀRATA: HISTORY OR MYTH? Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, 91, 47–60.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/41692159 Mohanty, P. K. (2005). The “Mahabharata”: A Reading in Political Structuring. Indian Literature, 49(1 (225)), 146–151. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23346584
The Illustrated Mahabharata: The Definitive Guide to India’s Greatest Epic. (2017). Dorling Kindersley India.
The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)
Tribal 'Mahabharat' has epical deviations: Ahmedabad News - Times of India Paul John / TNN / Sep 6 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/tribal-mahabharat-has-epical-deviations/articleshow/168318.cms
Witzel, Michael (1995). “Early Sanskritization. Origins and Development of the Kuru State”. Electronic Journal of Vedic Studies. 1-4: 1-26
Women, Gender & Power in Bheel Mahabharata 1 http://innertraditions.blogspot.com/2009/09/women-gender-power-in-bheel-mahabharata.html

ANNOUNCEMENT: 2.0 Version Stories Of India Retold Plus Video Podcast

Dear Listener,
Welcome to the new and improved version of the Stories of India Retold Podcast. We will start from the beginning of the Mahabharata (yet again) but with better story telling and even a video element to it. 
I hope you will listen to the new episodes. 
Thank you so much for your continued support.
Much Love,
Nivi. 
►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com 
Watch the Video Podcast:
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Ep:30.Burning Of The Khandava Forest-Krishna, Arjuna Vs. Indra. (The Mahabharata)

The heroes Arjuna and Krishna are involved in the burning of the Khandava forest–a dark episode in the Mahabharata known as the Khandava Daha(burning). Thousands died-particularly the people belonging to the Naga tribe; their leader Takshaka and his son survive and they would never forget or forgive this injustice. This story from the Khandava Daha Parva or episode, tells us the story of:
-Arjuna and Krishna's deal with Agni.
-The reasons for burning the Khandava tract
-Arjuna and Krishna's fight against Indra.
-The few who escaped the fire. 
-New allies and enemies.
 
Podcast website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com 
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iheart Radio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-stories-of-india-retold-93474409/
Player fm: https://player.fm/series/3321447
Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/stories-of-india-retold-storiesofindiaretold-r1EbLGtHzZM/embed/
 
References:
Anand, S. (1990). KHĀṆḌAVADĀHA : A LESSON IN ECOLOGY. Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, 71(1/4), 25–59. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41693516
Bhargava, P. L. (1982). A FRESH APPRAISAL OF THE HISTORICITY OF INDIAN EPICS. Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, 63(1/4), 15–28. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41692964
The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)
 
Music: Les-ly - Mini Vandals; Hopeless - Jimena Contreras 
 
 
#ancientindia #india #indianhistory #bharat #mahabharata #ancientindianhistory #mahabharatainenglish #mythology  #stories #indianstories #indiatravel #newpodcastepisode #podcastrecommendation #arjuna #dharma #realmahabharata #pandavas #indianpodcast #krishna #khandavaforestburning #forestfire #nagas #takshaka

Ep.29 Arjuna’s 12-year Exile: Adventures, Travel, Allies, Romance (The Mahabharata)

Arjuna’s actions lead to his exile from Khandavaprastha for 12 years. Arjuna spends the 12-years traveling, building allies and falling in love a few times. Come, follow Arjuna’s adventures!
In order to avoid any chance of breeding resentment amongst themselves, the Pandava brothers decide to set rules regarding their marriage–the rule was simple–if, when a brother was in a room with Draupadi, another brother may not enter that room. Did any brother break that rule? What consequence would they face if they–wittingly or unwittingly–break the rule?
Listen to the stories of:
- Reasons for Arjuna’s exile from Khandavaprastha and brahmacharya.
- Places and tirthas Arjuna visited
- Arjuna’s adventures and valor
- Arjuna and Ulupi
- Arjuna and Chitrangada
- Abduction of Soubhadra
- Meeting Krishna in Dwaraka
Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com
Podcast website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com 
Instagram: @storiesofindiaretold
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stories-of-India-Retold-105376315392520
 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-of-india-retold/id1612002041
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iheart Radio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-stories-of-india-retold-93474409/
Player fm: https://player.fm/series/3321447
Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/stories-of-india-retold-storiesofindiaretold-r1EbLGtHzZM/embed/
 
Music: Beyond- Patrick Patrikios
 
#ancientindia #india #indianhistory #bharat #mahabharata #ancientindianhistory #mahabharatainenglish #lovestories #love #mythology #indianmarriage #stories #indianstories #indiatravel #newpodcastepisode #podcastrecommendation #indianromance #polygamy #arjuna #brahmacharya #exile #dharma #realmahabharata #pandavas #indianpodcast

Ep.28:Pandavas Return Home;Build Khandavaprastha (The Mahabharata)

Pandavas are finally returning home! Their very advantageous marriage to Draupadi proves to be a brilliant strategy as the Kauravas are taking notice and are calling them back home. This absolutely does not mean that all the Kauravas are glad to see them. Still, the pressure on the Kauravas to do the right thing is intense. The Pandavas are coming home, and there is nothing they can do about it.
Listen to the stories of:
-How things changed for the Pandavas after their marriage to Draupadi.
-Kauravas react to news that Pandavas were alive
-Pandavas return to Hastinapura
-How things were settled between the cousins
-The city of Khandavaprashta and why it is also called Indraprastha.
Podcast website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com 
Instagram: @storiesofindiaretold
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@storiesofindiaretold
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stories-of-India-Retold-105376315392520
Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com
Music: At Depth- Lish Grooves
Gupta, K. (1939). THE NĀGAS AND THE NAGA CULT IN ANCIENT INDIAN HISTORY. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress, 3, 214–229. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44252377
 
MATE, M. S. (2012). RIDDLE OF THE “NAGAS.” Bulletin of the Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, 72/73, 331–335. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43610709
 
The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)
 
#mythology #indianmyth #indianmythology #history #indianhistory #draupadi #swayamvara #polyandry #newpodcastalert #podcast #culture #indianculture #desiweddings #indianweddings #indianmarriage #polygamy #feminism #podcastrecommendation #mahabharata #mahabharat #indianhistory
 

Ep.27. Draupadi’s Polyandrous Marriage:Stories and Attitudes (The Mahabharata)

How acceptable was a marriage like that of Draupadi and Pandavas in their time? How did society evolve with respect to attitudes about different types of relationships and marriages? Dig deeper into the stories of why Draupadi was destined to have five husbands and look into the concept of polyandry and its practice in ancient India.
Polygamy: marriage in which a spouse of either sex may have more than one mate at the same time
Polygyny: the state or practice of having more than one wife or female mate at a time
Polyandry: the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at one time
Fraternal Polyandry: polyandry in which several brothers share one wife
Source: Merriam-Webster
 
Listen to:
-attitudes regarding relationship and marriages in vedic society and its evolution
-stories supporting or justifying the decision for Draupadi’s marriage to five brothers
 
Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com
Podcast website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com 
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Threads: https://www.threads.net/@storiesofindiaretold
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References:
  Darshini, P. (2014). FEMINISM A HISTORICAL INTERFACE BETWEEN LITERATURE AND HISTORY DURING GUPTA PERIOD. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress, 75, 107–115. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44158368
 
  Sahgal, S. (2005). Indian History Congress Prize Essay: POLYANDRY WITHIN PATRIARCHY; REITERATION OF MALE HEGEMONY IN THE SOCIO-SEXUAL CONTEXTS OF EARLY INDIA. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress, 66, 199–214. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44145838
 
  The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)
 
#mythology #indianmyth #indianmythology #history #indianhistory #draupadi #swayamvara #polyandry #newpodcastalert #podcast #culture #indianculture #desiweddings #indianweddings #indianmarriage #polygamy #feminism #podcastrecommendation #mahabharata #mahabharat #indianhistory
 
 

Ep.26:Pandavas Marry Draupadi (The Mahabharata)

Draupadi was a catch. She was the princess of Panchala, a kingdom which was both wealthy and influential. The young Pandavas needed a powerful ally and Panchala fit the bill perfectly. When they heard that Drupada had arranged for a swayamvara for his daughter Draupadi, the Pandavas joined numerous other kings and princes to try and win her hand. Things get a little complicated because they attended the swayamvara disguised as brahmanas. 
 
Music: Venkatesananda-Jesse Gallagher; At Depth-Lish Grooves; Yoga Style-Chris Haugen
Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com
Podcast website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com 
Instagram: @storiesofindiaretold
Resources:
Sahgal, S. (2005). Indian History Congress Prize Essay: POLYANDRY WITHIN PATRIARCHY; REITERATION OF MALE HEGEMONY IN THE SOCIO-SEXUAL CONTEXTS OF EARLY INDIA. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress, 66, 199–214. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44145838
The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)
 
#mythology #indianmyth #indianmythology #history #indianhistory #draupadi #swayamvara #polyandry