063 - The Western Group of Temples at Khajuraho and the Chandelas

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS EXPLICIT CONTENT. A group of temples sits in the hills of central India, stunningly studded with sculptures. Built by the Chandela dynasty, they are remarkably well preserved testaments to medieval power, but they are best known for their many erotic images. Anirudh Kanisetti of the Echoes of India podcast returns to discuss the Chandelas, their connection with tantra, their views of sex, their run-ins with the famed Turkic warlord Mahmud of Ghazni, and how all of that relates to India's political environment today. Medieval India shows the panoply of human experience in all its colors and shades. Nothing is a simplistic black and white. Sources: Bose, Nemai Sadhan. History of the Candellas of Jejakabhukti Desai, Devangana. Khajuraho Desai, Devangana. The Religious Imagery of Khajuraho Dikshit, R.K. The Candellas of Jejakabhukti Keay, John. India: a History Lonely Planet India Miller, Sam. Blue Guide India Mitra, Sisir Kumar. Early Rulers of Khajuraho Nasr, Mohamed. The Emergence of Muslim Rule in India Ramadurai, Charukesi. "India's Temples of Sex" BBC Travel Tammita-Delgoda, Sinharaja. A Traveller's History of India

Om Podcasten

In this podcast, we'll visit 200 Wonders of the World, from the Pyramids to the Great Barrier Reef, to tell the story of our people, our civilization, and our planet. My name is Caroline Vahrenkamp, and I'm a travel junkie. The world is filled with amazing places that reflect the greatest achievements of human accomplishment. In these uncertain times, understanding our great shared history may help to bridge the divides between us. And if not, it will be a fun ride anyway! We'll discuss the history of each place and the story of the men and women who lived there. We'll cover travel notes, examine what else to see while you're in the area, and dig into the local cuisine. Expect a new episode every two weeks. And thanks for listening!