5 riveting history podcasts every history buff should tune into
From delving into how empires came about, to unearthing facts about relics, they do it all.
Who said history has to be a sleep-inducing subject? Boring and bland textbooks aside, there is much we can learn from our past, and a proliferation of history podcasts, in recent years, have not only made the topic more approachable, but fun, too. From deep dives into the stories behind artefacts, to a guide on Indian history, they are on a mission to demystify the subject.
Read ahead to discover five podcasts that deserve a spot on your playlist.
Empire
There is something enchanting about empires—how are they born? How do they take over the world? And why do they fall? If you’re looking for answers to such questions and more, then give Empire a listen. Hosted by celebrated British historian and author William Dalrymple and journalist Anita Anand, it explores the history of empires around the world and how they have shaped the world around us today. The first series delves deep into the British in India—it covers the East India Company, the Raj, Mahatma Gandhi, and finally Independence and Partition. Expect episodes on topics like the Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Indian diaspora in Southeast Africa, and more.
Echoes of India: A History Podcast
This podcast is dedicated to the rich and complex history of India, and takes you through an illuminating journey of the country—from stories of Deccan queens and tales of a Chinese monk in ancient India, to the impact languages had on shaping the subcontinent. Hosted by public historian and author Anirudh Kanisetti, it is a must-listen if you’re a history enthusiast or want to understand your heritage better.
Stuff the British Stole
Looking for a history podcast that is as fun as its educational? Add Stuff the British Stole to your playlist right now for an informative, tongue-in-cheek take on the history of the Commonwealth through the things that the British empire stole from the colonies. Helmed by Australian journalist Marc Fennell, the episodes are guides about the many artefacts taken from other nations and displayed in museums across the UK and the world with simple, surface-level descriptions, when, in fact, they have a complicated history attached to them.
The Memory Palace
This podcast, hosted by Nate DiMeo, has been running for a long time—it started way back in 2008 and is the most eccentric of the lot. DiMeo narrates about objects, people, and places throughout history in great detail, so much so that you’ll be transported in time. He keeps things interesting by giving abstract names to each episode and omitting the description, so you have no idea what you'll discover.
A History of the World in 100 objects
It may not have started as a podcast, but BBC’s succinct and educative series on the history of the world through 100 objects has lived on in that format. It was initially broadcasted in 2010 and has art historian Neil Macgregor, then director of the British Museum, take the listener through the history of human civilisation through antiquities that were unearthed in different eras—from the primitive age to recent times. Each episode is precisely 14 minutes long, but you’ll come away with a wealth of information and trivia.