Project SHIVOHAM

Aravind Markandeya

Project Shivoham explores the history, wisdom, science, symbolism and forgotten stories of Indian civilization.

Episodes

  1. Why Does Karnataka Use a Two-Headed Bird? | The Story of Gandabherunda

    1 day ago

    Why Does Karnataka Use a Two-Headed Bird? | The Story of Gandabherunda

    Why does Karnataka use a mysterious two-headed bird as its official emblem? For centuries, the Gandabherunda has appeared in South Indian art, royal insignia, temple sculptures, and the banners of powerful kingdoms. But this extraordinary creature is far more than a decorative symbol. Associated with immense strength, divine power, and imperial authority, the Gandabherunda became one of the most recognizable emblems of the Vijayanagara Empire and later the Kingdom of Mysore. In this episode of Project SHIVOHAM, we explore the origins of the Gandabherunda, its connection to Hindu mythology, the Narasimha tradition, the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire, and the fascinating story of how a mythical two-headed bird became the official symbol of Karnataka. #Gandabherunda #Karnataka #Vijayanagara #Narasimha #IndianHistory #HinduMythology #Mysore #SouthIndia #ProjectSHIVOHAM #HistoryPodcast #IndianCivilization

    10 min
  2. Did Indian Scientists Finally Find Saraswathi in 2026?

    1 day ago

    Did Indian Scientists Finally Find Saraswathi in 2026?

    For centuries, the Saraswati River has stood at the center of one of India's greatest historical mysteries. Revered in the Rig Veda as a mighty river and remembered in tradition as part of the sacred Triveni Sangam, Saraswati eventually vanished from the landscape—leading many to dismiss it as mythology. But what if the story is more complicated? Recent scientific investigations at Prayagraj have reignited the debate. Researchers studying sediments, groundwater, and ancient river channels believe they may have uncovered evidence of a buried paleo-channel beneath the Sangam region. Could this represent the remnants of a long-lost river system? Could the memories preserved in ancient texts contain a historical core? In this episode of Project SHIVOHAM, we examine the latest scientific findings, the geological evidence, the Rig Vedic descriptions of Saraswati, satellite imagery, paleohydrology, and the arguments both for and against the identification of a lost river beneath northern India. Is Saraswati merely a symbol? A vanished river? Or one of the greatest archaeological and geological mysteries of the ancient world? Join us as we explore where science, history, geology, and tradition meet.

    13 min
  3. Who Invented the Dosa? The 2,000-Year Journey of India's Iconic Dish

    1 day ago

    Who Invented the Dosa? The 2,000-Year Journey of India's Iconic Dish

    Dosa is one of the most famous foods in India today, but where did it come from? Who first created it? And what ancient innovations made it possible? In this episode of Project SHIVOHAM, we trace the remarkable history of dosa from early South Indian culinary traditions and the science of fermentation to the technologies of rice cultivation, wet grinding, and stone griddles that transformed simple ingredients into a revolutionary food. Discover how a humble fermented batter evolved into one of the world's most recognizable dishes, and why the story of dosa is also a story of Indian ingenuity, food science, and civilization itself. #Dosa #IndianHistory #FoodHistory #AncientIndia #SouthIndia #Fermentation #ProjectSHIVOHAM #IndianCivilization #HistoryPodcast #IndianFood

    15 min
  4. SINDHU: The River That Gave India Its Name

    3 days ago

    SINDHU: The River That Gave India Its Name

    Most rivers in the Rig Veda are remembered as mothers. They nourish, protect, and sustain civilization. But there is one extraordinary exception. Sindhu. Unlike every other major river, Sindhu is described not as a mother, but as a king, a warrior, and a protector. Why? In this episode of Project Shivoham, we explore the Nadi Sukta of the Rig Veda, the unique position of Saraswati and Sindhu in the Rig Vedic world, the fascinating connection with the ancient Iranian tradition of Hapta Hindu, and how a single river eventually gave rise to the words Hindu, Hindustan, and India. Could the masculine nature of Sindhu reveal something deeper about how the composers of the Rig Veda understood their geography and civilization? And what questions does it raise about some of the most debated chapters of ancient Indian history? Join us as we journey into one of the most fascinating rivers in human history. Exploring the past. Understanding the present.

    14 min
  5. Why Gada is Deadlier than Sword?

    5 days ago

    Why Gada is Deadlier than Sword?

    What made the Gada one of the most feared weapons of the ancient world? Long before it became associated with Hanuman and Bhima, the Gada was already shaping history. Archaeological discoveries from the Indus Valley Civilization reveal that versions of this weapon existed more than 4,500 years ago. From Harappan stone mace-heads to medieval iron Gurjs, from royal courts to wrestling Akharas, the Gada evolved into far more than a battlefield weapon. In this episode, we explore the complete history of the Gada, the physics behind its devastating power, why it was so effective against armor, its connection to kingship and warfare, its influence beyond India, and how it eventually transformed into a symbol of strength, discipline, and devotion. Topics covered: • The earliest Gadas of the Indus Valley Civilization • Why the Gada was more dangerous than many bladed weapons • Gurj, Shaspar, Piyazi and other mace variants • Hindu kings and the symbolism of the Gada • Hanuman and the sacred meaning of the weapon • The Mugadar, Akhara tradition and physical training • The Persian Meel connection • The 4,500-year journey of one of humanity's oldest weapons A journey from Harappa to Hanuman. 🎙️ Project Shivoham Podcast 📺 YouTube: Project Shivoham 🌐 Exploring Indian history, philosophy, civilization and forgotten knowledge.

    11 min
  6. Sinauli: The Forgotten Warriors of Ancient India in 2000 BCE

    9 Jun

    Sinauli: The Forgotten Warriors of Ancient India in 2000 BCE

    In 2018, archaeologists excavating the village of Sinauli in western Uttar Pradesh uncovered one of the most remarkable discoveries in Indian archaeology: warrior graves, copper-covered coffins, antenna swords, shields, helmets and three ancient chariots. Dating to around 2000–1800 BCE, these finds offer a rare glimpse into a forgotten warrior culture that flourished nearly 4,000 years ago. In this episode of Project Shivoham, we explore the evidence, the discoveries and what they reveal about ancient India.

    13 min
  7. Dhanurveda: The Sacred Science of War

    7 Jun

    Dhanurveda: The Sacred Science of War

    Ancient India did not view warfare as mere violence. It elevated warfare into a science. A sacred science. Known as Dhanurveda, the Upaveda of military knowledge, this remarkable tradition combined weapon engineering, metallurgy, archery, battlefield formations, military psychology, physical conditioning, ethics, and spiritual discipline into a single integrated system. According to traditional accounts, this knowledge flowed through an extraordinary lineage: Shiva → Vashishta → Agastya → Parashurama → Drona → Arjuna In this episode of Project Shivoham, we explore the fascinating world of Dhanurvedam....

    17 min
  8. Did Ancient India Discover Atoms? | The Vaiseshika Philosophy

    6 Jun

    Did Ancient India Discover Atoms? | The Vaiseshika Philosophy

    Did ancient Indian philosophers believe in atoms thousands of years before modern science? In this episode of Project Shivoham, we explore the Vaisheshika Darshana of Maharishi Kanada—one of the oldest systematic attempts to understand reality. From atoms (Anu) and gravity (Gurutva) to space, time, mind and the mysterious force called Adrishta, discover how ancient Indian thinkers tried to reverse-engineer the universe itself. Was Kanada merely a philosopher? Or was he one of history's earliest physicists? Join us as we journey into one of the most remarkable intellectual traditions of ancient India.

    17 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Project Shivoham explores the history, wisdom, science, symbolism and forgotten stories of Indian civilization.

Information

  • Creator
    Aravind Markandeya
  • Years Active
    2k
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Aravind Markandeya
  • Show Website
    Project SHIVOHAM