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:

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

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?

Discover the hidden stories of India’s ancient past with Amish Tripathi in this episode of “Did You Know?”—where we explore the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a site older than the pyramids, Harappa, and even the invention of writing!

Journey with us to the heart of Madhya Pradesh, where over 100,000 years of history come alive on stone walls. Bhimbetka isn’t just a collection of rocks—it’s a living museum showcasing India’s earliest humans, the first artists, and perhaps, the first prayers. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhimbetka boasts more than 750 rock shelters and nearly 400 caves adorned with prehistoric paintings, making it one of the world’s largest and oldest rock art complexes.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How ancient paintings from 10,000 BCE depict daily life, rituals, and mythical beasts

• The mysteries of the Auditorium Cave and the symbolic meaning behind these ancient artworks

• Archaeological treasures from every phase of the Stone Age, including Acheulean handaxes and microliths

• The enduring legacy of Bhimbetka in the art of today’s Gond and Korku tribes, reflecting an unbroken thread of cultural continuity

Learn the fascinating folklore behind the name ‘Bhimbetka’ and why this site is not just India’s pride, but a treasure for all humanity.

If you think India’s story begins with Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, think again. It began even earlier—at Bhimbetka, with the first dancers, hunters, artists, and prayers.

Like, share, and subscribe for more untold stories from Indian history!

Stay curious. Keep learning.

#Bhimbetka #AmishTripathi #DidYouKnow #IndianHistory #RockArt #UNESCOWorldHeritage

References:

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

• V.S. Wakankar & R.R. Brooks, Stone Age Paintings in India

• M.K. Tiwari, “Prehistoric Rock Art of India”

• Upinder Singh, A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India

• Archaeological Survey of India Reports

In this episode of Amish Tripathi’s Did You Know? series, unlock the cosmic secrets of ancient Indian temples. Did you know that many Indian temples were designed not just as places of worship, but as intricate monumental instruments? Journey with us as we uncover how temple architects aligned majestic structures with the movements of the sun, stars, and even sacred hills—revealing a profound connection between architecture, astronomy, and spirituality.

Highlights from this episode:

• Discover how the temples of Vijayanagara face the rising sun, welcoming each day with its first rays.

• Explore the Vidyashankara Temple in Sringeri, where 12 zodiac pillars create a living solar calendar.

• Marvel at the Nilurallu stone alignment in Andhra Pradesh, an ancient marker for equinoxes and solstices.

• Witness the precision of the Modhera Sun Temple, where sunlight illuminates the deity on the equinox.

• Learn how the Brihadisvara Temple’s cosmic ratios and the Konark Sun Temple’s stone wheels reflect the universe itself.

• Understand the deep symbolism of Vāstu Śāstra and the sacred geometry behind temple layouts.

Even in regions where ancient temples were lost to time and conflict, their ruins inspire a new era of temple-building—rooted in the same cosmic harmony our ancestors cherished.

Step into the world where science, art, and devotion meet. Next time you visit a temple, look for the sunlight, the directions, the sacred design—each detail is a testament to India’s timeless wisdom.

Subscribe for more fascinating stories from India’s incredible past!#AmishTripathi #DidYouKnow #IndianTemples #AncientIndia #TempleArchitecture #VastuShastra #Astronomy #History #CosmicDesign

Special thanks to Harshit Katoch for contributing to this episode.

Welcome to a new episode of Did You Know? with your host, Amish Tripathi. Today, we dive deep into the mystery and meaning behind one of the most sacred numbers in Indian culture — 108.

From chanting mantras 108 times, to mala beads, Upanishads, and even Sun Salutations in Yoga, the number 108 keeps showing up. But why? Is it just tradition, or is there a deeper cosmic and spiritual logic behind it?

 Discover how 108 connects:

• Ayurveda and energy points in the human body
  

• Yoga and the heart chakra’s 108 nadis
  

• Astronomy: The mind-blowing cosmic harmony between the Earth, Sun, and Moon
  

• Vedic astrology and numerology
  

• And how 108 is revered not just in Hinduism, but also in Buddhism, Jainism, and even Japanese New Year rituals.
  

Could 108 be the universe’s subtle nudge, reminding us of the connection between the self and the cosmos?

If you’re curious about spirituality, science, and sacred numbers — this episode is for you.

Watch now, and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fascinating explorations from Amish Tripathi’s Did You Know? Series.

Follow Amish Tripathi for more stories that bring science and history to life: Instagram: @authoramish Facebook: Author Amish X/Twitter: @authoramish LinkedIn: Amish Tripathi

Life on Earth isn't just about animals, plants, and insects. There's an entire microscopic world of bacteria and viruses all around us—and inside us too! 

In this seventeenth episode of the Did You Know series, Amish Tripathi takes you on a fascinating journey into the unseen universe of bacteria and viruses. From their ancient origins to their role in shaping life on Earth, this episode reveals surprising facts about these invisible but mighty creatures.

Did you know that bacteria outnumber humans by trillions, and some have even survived in extreme environments like boiling geysers and deep underground? What if we told you that you're more bacteria than human?

Discover the life-changing impact of bacteria like Cyanobacteria, the first organisms to pump oxygen into the air, making life as we know it possible. And viruses? Not all of them are harmful! Some help fight bacteria and even contributed to our evolution.

Don’t miss this mind-blowing exploration of the microscopic world that’s always with us, shaping our past, present, and future.

#DidYouKnow #Bacteria #Viruses #MicroscopicWorld #Science #Biology #HiddenLife #AmishTripathi #Education

Follow Amish Tripathi for more stories that bring science and history to life: Instagram: @authoramish Facebook: Author Amish X/Twitter: @authoramish LinkedIn: Amish Tripathi

In this episode of the Did You Know series with Amish Tripathi, we explore one of the most astonishing truths of our planet—that the very continents we live on are constantly moving.

Did you know that the east coast of South America fits perfectly with the west coast of Africa—almost like a jigsaw puzzle? Or that India was once a part of Africa and drifted thousands of kilometres to crash into Asia, giving rise to the Himalayas?

From the forgotten genius of Alfred Wegener, who first proposed the idea of continental drift, to the brilliant Marie Tharp, whose maps of the ocean floor revealed the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, this episode uncovers how our planet has reshaped itself over hundreds of millions of years. We also look ahead to the future—where tectonic forces could split Africa in two and give birth to a brand-new ocean.

Whether you’re a geography geek, a science lover, or just someone who’s ever stared at a world map in wonder—this episode will change the way you look at Earth forever.

Follow Amish Tripathi for more stories that bring science and history to life: Instagram: @authoramish Facebook: Author Amish X/Twitter: @authoramish LinkedIn: Amish Tripathi

REFERENCES:

1. "Plate Tectonics: Continental Drift and Mountain Building" by Wolfgang Frisch, Martin Meschede, and Ronald C. Blakey. This textbook explains how mountains are formed, reconstructs Earth's paleogeography, and discusses the fit between South America and Africa. 

Springer Link

1. "The Continental Drift Controversy" by Henry R. Frankel. This comprehensive four-volume work delves into the historical and scientific debates surrounding continental drift and the development of plate tectonics theory.

2. "Plate Tectonics and Great Earthquakes" by Lynn R. Sykes. This book provides firsthand accounts of the development of plate tectonics and its relation to seismic activity, offering insights into Earth's dynamic crust. 

cup.columbia.edu

1. "Mysteries of the Deep: How Seafloor Drilling Expeditions Revolutionized Our Understanding of Earth" by Walter H. F. Smith. This book discusses the transition from continental drift to plate tectonics, highlighting key scientific discoveries that reshaped our understanding of Earth's geology. 

direct.mit.edu

1. "Plate Tectonics: History of the Revolution in Earth Sciences" by Naomi Oreskes. This work explores the historical development of plate tectonics theory, including Harry Hess's proposal of seafloor spreading and mantle convection. 

In this episode of the Did You Know series with Amish Tripathi, we take you on a thrilling journey across India—tracing real-world locations mentioned in the Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of all time.

Did you know that Hastinapur, the capital of the Kuru dynasty, still exists near modern-day Meerut? Or that Indraprastha, the Pandavas' grand palace city, is believed to be where Delhi’s Purana Qila now stands? From Gandhara in present-day Afghanistan to Panchala in UP, and even ancient kingdoms stretching into Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan, every corner of Bharatvarsha holds echoes of the Mahabharata.

Discover where Draupadi was born, where Shakuni’s dice changed history, where Arjuna meditated, and where the great war of Kurukshetra took place. This is not just a legend—it’s living history, written into the very soil of India.

Whether you’re a history buff, a Mahabharata lover, or just curious about India’s cultural roots—this episode will open your eyes to how deeply the epic is embedded in our land.

Follow Amish Tripathi for more insights into India’s rich history and heritage: Instagram: @authoramish Facebook: Author Amish X/Twitter: @authoramish LinkedIn: Amish Tripathi

In this episode of the Did You Know series with Amish Tripathi, we bring you the inspiring story of Chand Bibi of Ahmednagar — a warrior queen who stood tall against the might of the Timurid-Mughals.

Born around 1550 into royal lineage, Chand Bibi defied the traditional expectations of princesses. Skilled in swordsmanship, horse riding, diplomacy, and fluent in Arabic, Persian, and Turkish, she was destined for greatness. After a political storm forced her return to Ahmednagar, she took charge during a time of internal strife and external Mughal aggression.

Leading her armies from the fort walls with sword and bow in hand, Chand Bibi not only defended Ahmednagar but outsmarted Mughal siege tactics. Her leadership saved the kingdom multiple times, even as betrayals from within weakened her position. Ultimately, it was not the mighty Mughals but treachery within her own ranks that led to her tragic end in 1599.

Join us as we delve into the life and sacrifices of a truly remarkable leader who fought to the very end to protect her people.

Follow Amish Tripathi for more insights into India’s rich history and heritage: Instagram: @authoramish Facebook: Author Amish X/Twitter: @authoramish LinkedIn: Amish Tripathi

References:

• Sampath, Vikram. Bravehearts of Bharat: Vignettes from Indian History (Penguin India, 2022)
  

• Eaton, Richard M. A Social History of the Deccan, 1300–1761: Eight Indian Lives (Cambridge University Press, 2005)
  

• Sarkar, Jadunath. Fall of the Mughal Empire (Orient BlackSwan, reprint 1991)