The Story of India

This is the first series by Michael Wood that I see and I really enjoyed watching it. The history of India is certainly so rich that one could do a sixty episodes series as well. Wood has a colloquial style that makes complex subjects attractive. Here he catches the pulse of the Indian history and of the diverse civilizations that succeeded on the sub-continent and brings them to life, filming on site and interviewing people who are not only experts but also survivors, continuators and keepers of the traditions of the different religions and peoples who lived and survived in this huge country. His style is never dry, although a little bit superficial, but in the limits of time he is doing quite well. Even folks who were very little familiar with the subject end by learning some useful information and especially by having their interest open to learn more.

a) Amazing never seen visuals.

b) Powerful all engaging presentation.

c) A honest interest in the subject of India.

d) On location shooting of the narrative subject matter.

e) Great background score.

f) Balanced and well researched topics, which have lessons for world as a whole.

I can go on listing points of greatness of this great work. Wish Michael Wood was my history teacher! I would have definitely majored in History.

If you really want to experience 'time travel' don't watch science fiction movies... just watch this series, you will be amazed. Take my word for it.

I have become the fan of Mr Woods after watching the series of The Story of India. I guess even an Indian presenter wouldn't have presented the way Mr. Woods have presented it. He has imbibed in himself the factor of Indianness which is very much required to explain something about India in this much detail. I should be right if I say most of us(Indians) ourselves wont be knowing about India as much the show is informative about. The show is almost comprehensive about not only about Indian history but whole of Indian subcontinent.

It rightly starts from the Indus valley through the vedic age etc along with mind-blowing visuals and silver-mouthed Wood's narration and it get better episode by episode. The documentary doesn't hesitate comparing India with other ancient civilizations while revealing the greatness of rich past and advanced society at the very ancient age.

It is very informant for those ignorant about their own past and have turned a blind eye towards their own culture which is very rich, diverse, full of life and colors. So it is a must watch for those who want to know more about India and to those Indians who are ignorant about their own past. Watch it completely to feel proud about your country. Jai Hind!!!

This was best work on Indian history i ever witnessed. Commerce, culture, politics, religion, literature, food, art- an astonishing and beautiful cinema. Thankyou for this special series defining Indian history as it should be. Loved it.

I started to watch this series with a fair degree of scepticism, being of Indian origin, but was hooked within the first 15 mins. The credit almost entirely goes to Michael Wood and the unending passion with which he has presented this masterpiece. It is a daunting task to be asked to cover India's vast and varied history in 6 short hours but Wood tells an intriguing and masterful tale, carefully taking into consideration all of the historical aspects and view points. I was delighted that as an Indian, there was a lot I got to learn and was pleasantly surprised at Wood's tenacity towards fact finding. Also, the history is told not so much in a chronological factual manner, but in Wood's fascinating and poetic story telling style, making it an extremely interesting and entertaining 6 parts to watch.

If I had to be picky, the only criticism I would have to offer would be on the lack of attention to the splendid Mughal era. Wood does touch upon it , but only when it is dying. The great Mughal emperors like Jahangir, Akbar and Shah Jahan have played a huge role in shaping Indian history and have given to India such splendid monuments such as the Taj Mahal.

But then again, it is a vast country with an over-abundance of history and tales.

A must watch in my book !