Episodes

  • EP 28: | Universe 25 The Mouse Utopia That Became a Warning for Humanity
    Aug 11 2025

    Welcome to another episode of the Did You Know series with Amish Tripathi!

    In this thought-provoking episode, Amish unpacks the legendary Universe 25 experiment —an unsettling story where a mouse paradise turned into a cautionary tale for us all.

    Episode highlights:

    • Discover the story of John B. Calhoun, the pioneering ethologist behind the Universe 25 experiment.

    • Explore the “four phases” of the mouse colony — Strive, Exploit, Stagnation, and Death.

    • Reflect on powerful lessons for humanity: urban loneliness, loss of purpose, and rising mental health issues in crowded cities.

    Amish reminds us that the greatest lessons sometimes come from the smallest creatures — and calls on us to nurture compassion, meaning, and true community in our lives.

    #ImmortalIndiaPodcast #AmishTripathi #Universe25 #HumanSociety #BehavioralSink #Connection #MentalHealth #IndianPhilosophy

    References:

    The Scientist – Universe 25 Experimentthe-scientist

    Wikipedia – Behavioral Sinkwikipedia

    Disabled World – Universe 25: An Examination

    LinkedIn – Universe 25: A Mouse Experiment and the Terrifying Parallels to Modern Human Society

    Follow Amish Tripathi for more stories that bring science and history to life:

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    Below is a list of reliable sources documenting the Universe 25 experiment conducted by John B. Calhoun. These references include scientific publications, expert analyses, and historical summaries from established institutions.

    • Calhoun, J.B. "Death Squared: The Explosive Growth and Demise of a Mouse Population." Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine (1973): 66(1P2):80-88.This seminal paper authored by John B. Calhoun is considered the primary scientific account of the Universe 25 experiment, detailing the methods, results, and interpretations of the project.

    • Calhoun, J.B. "Population Density and Social Pathology." Scientific American Magazine (1962): 206(2):139.This earlier publication by Calhoun discusses his research on population density and its behavioral effects, which set the stage for Universe 25 and related studies.

    • The Scientist: "Universe 25 Experiment."An in-depth, recent article providing a scholarly overview and citing Calhoun's original work, including discussion of the experiment’s methods and scientific impact.

    • Science History Institute: "Mouse Heaven or Mouse Hell?"This historical summary describes Universe 25, its outcomes, and its significance to animal behavior studies.

    • Cabinet Magazine: "The Behavioral Sink" by Will Wiles.A detailed, accessible account of the setup, results, and cultural influence of Universe 25, referencing primary sources and Calhoun’s designs.

    • Nature: "Why the man behind a 'mouse utopia' disappeared from science."An authoritative science magazine summarizes the creation and outcomes of Universe 25, and its legacy in behavioral research.

    • Ramsden, E., & Adams, J. "Escaping the Laboratory: The Rodent Experiments of John B. Calhoun and their Cultural Influence." Bulletin of the World Health Organization / Journal of Social History (2009).Academic review discussing Universe 25 in the context of Calhoun’s career and the wider impact of his findings on science and society.

    • Wikipedia: Behavioral SinkThe entry is well-cited and summarizes the Universe 25 experiment with references to Calhoun’s original work and independent reviews.

    These references collectively provide both scientific and historical verification that the Universe 25 experiment was a real, well-documented event in behavioral science.


    Peer-Reviewed Papers and Original PublicationsReputable Science and History InstitutionsAcademic Reviews and Analysis

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    9 mins
  • EP 27: American Hero who fought for India's freedom
    Aug 7 2025

    Welcome to another episode of the Did You Know series with Amish Tripathi!

    Join Amish as he shares the inspiring journey of Samuel Evans Stokes — an American who fought for India's freedom. Discover how Stokes arrived in India as a missionary, questioned the values of his own community, embraced Indian culture, introduced the Red Delicious apple to Himachal Pradesh, and ultimately became Satyananda, a true freedom fighter and spiritual seeker.

    Learn about Stokes’ deep involvement in India’s independence movement, his close friendship with Lala Lajpat Rai, and his enduring legacy in the apple orchards of Himachal. Find out how one man bridged East and West, fought against injustice, and became the only American imprisoned for India’s freedom.

    If hidden stories and forgotten heroes of India’s past fascinate you, this episode is not to be missed.

    Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from India’s rich history!

    #DidYouKnow #AmishTripathi #SamuelEvansStokes #IndianHistory #UnsungHeroes #FreedomFighter #Podcast #AppleOfHimachal


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    7 mins
  • EP 26: WHAT YOUR FINGERS REVEAL ABOUT YOU: ANCIENT WISDOM EXPLAINED!
    Aug 4 2025

    Namaste, friends! Welcome to another episode of the ‘Did You Know’ podcast with Amish Tripathi. In this episode, we dive into the ancient secrets hidden in the palm of your hand.

    Your fingers are more than just tools—they carry centuries of wisdom, symbols of philosophy, and spiritual teachings from our ancestors. Join Amish as he unravels the meaning behind each finger:

    • Thumb (Angushtha): The commander, representing Agni (fire), willpower, and divine consciousness. See how the thumb’s energy leads your hand and your intentions.

    • Index Finger (Tarjani): The instructor, symbolizing Vayu (air) and our individual ego. Discover why this finger has always pointed the way for consciousness and expression.

    • Middle Finger (Madhyama): The middle path, connected to Akasha (space). Its subtle energy expands the mind and brings harmony in spiritual gestures.

    • Ring Finger (Anamika): The nameless one, rooted in Prithvi (earth). This finger binds us to traditions, grounding us with love and permanence and hence we wear our wedding rings here.

    • Little Finger (Kanishtha): The expressive youngest, channeling Jal (water), emotions, and adaptability. Don’t underestimate its power; ancient promises (like the pinky swear!) echo its emotional resonance.

    Explore how these fingers form powerful mudras in yoga, balancing your body and mind, and how every gesture holds a spiritual lesson.

    Your hand isn’t just anatomy—it’s a map of ancient wisdom and inner cosmology.

    Tune in to discover the hidden energies and meanings in your own palm.

    Subscribe, comment, and share this journey of knowledge!

    #DidYouKnow #AmishTripathi #Podcast #AncientWisdom #YogaMudra #PanchaBhuta #IndianPhilosophy #SelfDiscovery #Spirituality #Mudras

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    6 mins
  • EP 25: How the Cholas Conquered Oceans & Created Masterpieces! | Did You Know?
    Jul 28 2025

    In this video, we uncover the forgotten greatness of the Chola Empire, a dynasty that once dominated much of South and Southeast Asia. From military might to cultural brilliance, the Cholas have been tragically overlooked in mainstream history books. Yet, their achievements are nothing short of extraordinary.Discover how the Cholas, under the leadership of Rajaraj Chola and Rajendra Chola, not only conquered vast territories but also controlled key trade routes across the Indian Ocean. With their mighty navy, they established dominance over Sri Lanka, Java, Myanmar, and beyond, becoming central to Eurasian trade.The Cholas were not just warriors—they were visionaries in art, engineering, and devotion. Learn about their pioneering work in bronze casting, including the iconic Nataraj statues, and the massive temples they built, like the Brihadeshwara temple with its 80-ton granite block—constructed without cranes or electricity.But there’s more. The Cholas answered the call of dharma when North India faced constant attacks on its temples and culture. Their story goes beyond power and wealth—it’s about defending the soul of India.Join me, Amish Tripathi, as we dive into this remarkable story of a civilization that connected the East and West, transcended borders, and still inspires today. Don't forget to pre-order my upcoming book Chola Tigers, Avengers of Somnath, which brings this incredible tale to life.Like, share, and subscribe for more stories of India's untold history!Link to pre-order The Chola Tigers:https://bit.ly/m/TheCholaTigers

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    9 mins
  • EP 24: Rampyari Gurjar an unsung warrior of India | Amish Tripathi
    Jul 24 2025

    Welcome to another episode of the Did You Know series with Amish Tripathi!

    In this episode we travel back to 1398—Uttar Pradesh, to a city that thrived with vibrant life, ancient temples, and rich traditions. When this peace was destroyed by ruthless invaders brave Indian warriors—men and women—rose , united to defend their homeland.

    One such brave Indian was Rampyari Gurjar, an unsung woman warrior born into a Gurjar Chauhan family in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Rampyari was inspired by tales of warriors from a young age. Despite social expectations that discouraged girls from learning martial arts, she secretly trained in wrestling and weaponry, often disguising herself in boys’ clothes to avoid attention. Her bravery lives on in folk memories, though mainstream history often overlooks her.

    Explore how, at the age of 20, she led a regiment of 40,000 women against the feared conqueror Timur in 1398. While her role was downplayed as folklore by Marxist historians, she remains a power symbol of courage and valour for many in India.

    If you’re eager to uncover the hidden story of our remarkable warrior, this episode is for you.

    Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more fascinating stories like Rampyari Gurjar and more from India’s past.

    Follow Amish Tripathi for more stories that bring science and history to life:

    Instagram: @authoramish

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    5 mins
  • EP 23: Sariska’s Forgotten Marvel | The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Complex
    Jul 17 2025

    Journey with Amish Tripathi into the heart of Rajasthan’s Aravalli hills, where lies a haunting yet beautiful ruin—the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Complex, once the vibrant temple town of Rajyapura. In this episode of Did You Know?, discover a saga of grandeur, devastation, resilience, and hope that echoes through ancient stones.

    • Historical Brilliance (6th–10th centuries CE):Get to know of a thriving spiritual center built by the Pratihara king Mathanadeva Bargujar, featuring over 200 Nagara-style temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Jain Tirthankaras.

    • The Fall (17th century):Uncover the tragic destruction during Aurangzeb’s reign—nearly all temples razed, save for one miraculous survivor, spared by legend and faith.

    • Resilience:Witness the enduring spirit of local villagers who, despite devastation and neglect, preserved the temple’s sacred flame through prayers and devotion.

    • Rediscovery:Learn how the Archaeological Survey of India worked to stabilize and protect this heritage—now known to a few as the 'Khajuraho of Sariska,' but still largely untouched by tourism.

    Experience a story that’s not just about stone and history, but about the temple within our hearts. Destruction may scar, but it cannot erase the memory of a civilization kept alive by its people.

    “For civilisation is not the worship of ashes, it is the preservation of fire.”

    If this episode moved you, share it to keep these forgotten stories burning bright.

    Next time you’re near Sariska Tiger Reserve, remember—some secrets are best found by the curious. Om Namah Shivaya!

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more untold stories of India’s majestic heritage.

    #Sariska #NeelkanthMahadev #AmishTripathi #IndianHistory #DidYouKnow #HiddenIndia #AncientTemples #CivilizationalMemory

    Episode content:

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    7 mins
  • EP 18: The Forgotten Warrior Queen of South India – Rudrama Devi
    Jul 14 2025

    We’ve all heard tales of brave kings… But what about a queen who wielded a sword, mastered politics, and shattered the limits society placed on her?

    Welcome to a brand new episode of Did You Know?, hosted by Amish Tripathi, where we uncover the untold stories of India's glorious past.

    This time, we travel back to 13th-century South India to rediscover Rani Rudrama Devi — a fearless warrior, a visionary ruler, and a trailblazer who proved that leadership is not defined by gender but by courage and competence.

    Born into the powerful Kakatiya dynasty, Rudrama Devi was trained like a male heir by her father, King Ganapati Deva. In a bold and unprecedented move, he named her his successor, defying feudal norms. Her rise was met with resistance, but she overcame every challenge—military, political, and societal.

    How did she win over a reluctant court and feudal lords? What legacy did she leave behind—and why do most history books barely mention her?

    Join us as we bring to life the inspiring journey of a queen who ruled like a king—and left behind a legacy of strength, intelligence, and justice.

    Watch now to rediscover a chapter of Indian history that deserves to be remembered.


    #AmishTripathi #DidYouKnow #RudramaDevi #UnsungHeroes #IndianHistory #WomenInPower #KakatiyaDynasty #WarriorQueen


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    7 mins
  • EP 22: Colonial Laws in Modern India | Amish Tripathi
    Jul 10 2025

    Have you ever wondered how much of India’s legal system still carries the imprint of the British Raj? In this eye-opening episode of Did You Know?, Amish Tripathi explores the surprising legacy of colonial laws that continue to shape our daily lives—even 75+ years after Independence.What’s Inside This Episode?

    • The Police Act of 1861: Discover how a law designed to control a colonized population still governs police administration in most Indian states.

    • The Indian Treasure Trove Act of 1878: Uncover the story behind this quirky, Indiana Jones-style law about hidden treasures.

    • Major Legal Reforms of 2024: Learn about the historic repeal of three foundational colonial laws—the Indian Penal Code, Indian Evidence Act, and Code of Criminal Procedure—and their replacement with modern, citizen-focused legislation.

    • The End of the Sedition Law: Find out how Section 124A, once used to silence freedom fighters, has finally been removed from Indian law.

    • Other Colonial Holdovers: From the Dramatic Performances Act to the Aircraft Act and even the Flag Code, see how India is steadily replacing outdated rules with democratic, homegrown laws.

    • Historical Insights: Get an understanding of how colonial history continues to influence India’s present.

    • Legal Evolution: Reflect on the most recent and significant changes in Indian law.

    • Inspiring Perspective: Reflect on India’s journey from being governed to self-governance, and what it means for our future.

    Join Amish Tripathi as he unravels the stories behind India’s legal transformation, reminding us that history isn’t just in the past—it lives in the laws, the systems, and the spirit of our nation today.

    Subscribe, like, and share if you want to keep discovering the soul of India with every episode!

    #DidYouKnow #AmishTripathi #IndianHistory #LegalReform #ColonialLaws #India75 #Podcast

    For more thought-provoking stories, tune in every week and keep questioning, keep learning, and keep discovering!

    Watch now and be part of the conversation on India’s evolving identity!

    Why Listen?

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    10 mins