Epic India Epic States - Sea ...

A common mans dish which snuggled its way into the royal kitchen of the Nawabs, the Nihari is a mutton stew from Lucknow. Chef Ranveer also makes a flaky, crispy and soft Ulte Tawe Ka Paratha laced with ghee.

This episode of Lost Recipes tries to piece together enthralling old recipes from Lucknows past that take us beyond the now popular kebabs, niharis and kormas.

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest cities in India, probably older than any known history or tradition. Soaked in divinity and dipped in holiness, Varanasi is considered a melting pot, a place where both life and death merge together seamlessly. Hindus across the world believe in staying at Kashi during their final days to greet death and attain salvation Moksha. It is widely accepted among Hindus that permission to stay at Varanasi is granted by the most powerful form of Lord Shiva, Kaal Bhairav, also fondly referred to as the kotwal or the guardian of Kashi. Legend states that the aura of Kaal Bhairav is so fierce that even death is afraid of it, and therefore, worshipping him can wipe out any negativity or unpleasantness from one39s life. It is a place where the sun rises thanks to the magnanimity of Lord Shiva and sets steeped in the divine mysticism of the holy Ganga Aarti such is the enigma of Varanasi.

Amongst the many scattered battles of the First War of Independence of 1857, none has been eulogised in literature and popular culture as the Siege Of Lucknow. We experience the times rife with passions, valour and determination as the British fought for supremacy with the future of the subcontinent up for grabs.

A forgotten capital of a forgotten kingdom. Its name today means ruined city, but at the height of the Hoysala rule in the 12th century, Halebidu enjoyed an important status and was called ‘Dwarsamudra’. 

The Madras Engineers Group is one of the oldest regiments in the Indian Army, and is the first of the Corps of Engineers to come into existence. Also called Madras Sappers and Miners, the Bangalore Torpedo which is used even today to clear wire fences and mines during battles was invented in this regimental centre.

About 60 kms away from the industrious city of Mangalore is the peaceful hamlet, Udupi. Located here is a quaint matha of Lord Sri Krishna, a holy place for thousands of devotees who throng here to shower love on their favourite lord. The idol of Lord Krishna sits here in childlike innocence. 

Karnataka is a state where one of the most ancient Indian Martial art is still practiced in its traditional form Vajra Mushti. The term refers to a knuckleduster-like weapon and also a form of Indian wrestling with the weapon.

In the vast territories of the Kutch, on top of a forlorn hillock stands the fort of Roha. Once the biggest jaagir in the region, it lies neglected and forgotten. A close observer in the tragic death of 120 princesses, the seat of brave rulers, home to famous artists, a once burgeoning and rich principality, this is a story of riches to ruins as tempests of fate took charge of Roha and reduced the stone fortress to whispers in the wind

Visit the glorious past of Marathas and Peshwas who shaped Maharashtrian cuisine. Uncover food of communities like Saoji and Konkani Muslims and explore the legends behind the Modak and Puran Poli

Sara explores the story of Sita-Haran, the kidnapping of Sita by demon king Ravana and the name that got forever attached to the place Nashik.

This episode throws light on a weapon-based Indian martial art, Mardaani khel which originated in Maharashtra around the early 1600s. The Marathas were known to be homespun warriors whose martial art was distinctive as it employed the use of Pata sword and Vita corded lance

Lakhpat is the apocalytic setting of life if the river were to. Situated at the outh of the Kori Creek from where the Sinddisappearhu once met the Arabian Sea, ghost town whose walls overlook the desert sands as it preserves within it

Travel to the West coast of Gujarat to explore the myth associated with the formation of Dwarka, Krishnas city.

Admire the architectural genius of Do minara, popularly known as Jhulta Minara. These two tall towers or Minaras which are located in Ahmedabad are made of Sandstone and swing simultaneously without having any visible connections when one is pushed.

A mighty structure overlooking the Arabian Sea which is not just a symbol of faith but a historical, religious and cultural beacon that has stood the test of time - The Somnath Temple. Located in Saurashtra, Gujarat and believed to be created out of gold by the moon god Soma, it is regarded as 1st among the 12 jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva.