In this episode of the Immortal India Podcast, Amish Tripathi is joined by historian and author Nick Collins for an eye-opening exploration of India’s maritime history and its pivotal role in ancient global civilization. Drawing from Nick’s groundbreaking book, "How Maritime Trade and the Indian Subcontinent Shaped the World: Ice Age to Mid-Eighth Century," the discussion uncovers how ancient Indian merchants, thinkers, and adventurers shaped the fortunes of the ancient world.

What’s Inside:

Learn how India’s influence sailed across seas—spreading innovations, ideas, and philosophy far beyond its borders.

Explore how the Indian subcontinent became a central hub of ancient maritime trade, influencing civilizations from Sumeria to Egypt and Greece.

Discover evidence and theories about Indian migrants shaping ancient cultures, including the Hittites, Mitannis, Greeks, and Trojans.

Delve into the history of Lothal and how its exports shaped interactions with Sumeria, highlighting the dynamic exchange of goods and ideas.

About the guest:

Nick Collins studied history at Magdalene College, Cambridge, and then embarked on a career in maritime trade with Clarkson, the world’s leading provider of maritime services. His book investigates how Indian trade and philosophy have left an enduring mark on world civilizations, making him an exciting and insightful guest on Immortal India.

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In this episode of Immortal India, Amish Tripathi is joined by bestselling authors Ashwin Sanghi and Akshat Gupta for an insightful conversation on the future of writing for upcoming writers. Together, they explore what truly determines success in the writing world, sharing powerful lessons- why everyone is a storyteller but not every storyteller is a bestseller, and how marketing is a very important element in this journey.

The discussion dives into essential writing skills, editing strategies, and the impact of artificial intelligence on creative expression.

Packed with practical advice, candid opinions, and personal experiences, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to thrive as a writer in today’s dynamic landscape.

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In this episode of Immortal India, Amish Tripathi is joined by historian and author Vikram Sampath for a deep, nuanced conversation on the history of Kashi’s Gyanvapi and the Kashi Vishwanath temple—its antiquity, repeated destruction, and the many attempts at reconstruction across centuries. The discussion also explores themes from Vikram’s latest book, “Waiting for Shiva: Unearthing the Truth of Kashi’s Gyan Vapi,” which traces the site’s layered past and the enduring resilience of devotees and the city of Kashi.

What’s inside:

• The sacred geography of Kashi and the legacy of Vishweshwara/Vishwanath in India’s civilizational memory.

• Early destructions and rebuilds: from Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s razing in 1194CE to notable reconstructions under Akbar-era nobles like Raja Todar Mal, and later completions under Jahangir’s period.

• Aurangzeb’s 1669 order, the demolition of the temple, and the mosque constructed on the site—plus how remnants of the old temple persist in the structure.

• The 18th-century revival nearby under Queen Ahilyabai Holkar and the ongoing civilizational impulse to rebuild and remember.

• The modern debate and legal-historical discourse surrounding Gyanvapi and what it tells us about India’s culture, law, and identity today.

• Vikram Sampath on “Waiting for Shiva”: why this story matters now, archival traces, and the blend of history, faith, and memory that shapes public understanding of Kashi.

About the Guest:Vikram Sampath is a renowned historian and bestselling author whose works include major biographies and civilizational histories; in “Waiting for Shiva,” he examines the long arc of Kashi’s Gyanvapi—from sacred origins through waves of iconoclasm to the steadfast resilience of its devotees.

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