The Story of India

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!!!

Dear Readers,

I started with the first episode with a little doubt in mind that " how it would be to see my own home through the eyes of others" but no doubt it was excellent.

Michael Woods style of presenting and his vast experience in filming would never distract you throughout the episode, he would travel across the nations to reveal about a subject and research it vastly.

Besides that all the participants behind the scenes were equally complimenting each other in their respective areas. The background score changes with the demand of scene which really is commendable.

Being an Indian, I myself enjoyed the series and a very good experience to know more about my own home. A Must watch.... from me.

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.

It is great to see the history of a people of the world being developed as a life experience of revisiting the places and taking in glimpses of the present and the past. History is not an abstract science; it is about what people did. Sharing what we have learned in a humble and open way, Michael Wood has shown how learning history can be a great experience.

Michael Wood has kept the people perspective throughout rather than stating the facts in a dry manner like most historians do.

Having lived most of my early years in various parts of India, I can appreciate how Michael has captures the essence of the cultural side so well. Great experience.

I wish I could learn about others parts of the world in this style.

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 !