Bharat Ek Khoj, or, The Discovery of India: A 50-plus-hour documentary on the history of India

From the YouTube playlist blurb:

A Production of Doordarshan, the Government of India’s Public Service Broadcaster

To enhance your video entertainment experience, subtitles are provided in English.

Bharat Ek Khoj is a 53 episode television series that dramatically unfolds the 5000 year history of India from its beginnings to the coming of Indian Independence in 1947. It is a series of explorations into the different periods of Indian history - political, social and cultural. It traces the crucial and significant landmarks in the evolution of the great Indian Civilization; a unique combination of multi-cultural, mu|ti—religious and multi- ethnic communities constituting a pluralistic society unparalleled in the entire world. The episodes sometimes use the technique of a documentary, at other times drama, in their narratives.

Bharat Ek Khoj is based on Jawaharlal Nehru's celebrated book, The Discovery of India. The episodes are anchored by the actor Roshan Seth who plays the role of Jawaharlal Nehru. It was produced and directed by Shyam Benegal and telecast every Sunday on Doordarshan in 53 episodes that ran for a whole year. It is an excellent synthesis of Indian history, culture, myths, mythology, epics, drama, music and film technology. Even after twenty years, we can proudly say that a whole generation was moved by this informative serial which has not only enhanced the historical perspective, but also inspired viewers to have a deeper understanding of our glorious past.

Nehru came to India via the West, and looked at her, as a friendly Westerner might have done. But did he know India?- During the election campaign of 1936-37, he travelled most extensively throughout India: in towns, cities and villages alike. He was on a great voyage of discovery and the land of India and its people lay spread out before him. India with all her infinite charm and variety began to grow upon him more and more. She was like some ancient palimpsest on which layer upon layer of thought and reverie had been inscribed, and yet no succeeding layer had completely hidden or erased what had been written previously. At the Ahmednagar Fort prison, Nehru sat down in five solitary jail-months of 1944 to record his own voyage of the discovery of India.

Doordarshan Archives takes pride in offering this serial to its esteemed viewers in its endeavour to fulfill its commitment towards public service.

Uploaded by Public.Resource.Org as a public service for use on a noncommercial basis only. 

 This was back in pre-fascist days, of course.