But what still remains uncertain is whether it has all the facts laid right? However, it turned out to be one of the best made in the Indian TV history. "Bharat: Ek Khoj" was a small-budgeted non-glamorous project not threatening to sweep away the viewership ratings. The only other TV series that gives it a competition is "Chanakya", with similar taste in music and art direction. It was extremely melodious and pioneer-idea.
This comment cannot be completed without the mention of the shloka chanted in the series. There have been tele serials that have lasted longer, that have presented the epics in a greater detail, but none could match the depiction of a detached narrator in the background. At the same time it became an informative tool for students to remember the major historical events in chronological order. While making it descriptive, it also maintains the interest of the audience. A huge time span has been depicted on the screen. It brings to life the history of India from the earliest times known- Indus Valley Civilization to the Aryans to the present day India, covering epics like Ramayan, Mahabharat and works of Kalidas. It was and still remains one of the notable TV series of India. This is an impressive presentation made in the eighties, of the history of India based on a book. Music of Vanraj Bhatia gave whole production cinematic value rather than being a mere documentary series. Now this may be depiction of Portuguese Mughal conflict for trade interests or an episode where small songs for each of six seasons were sung in traditional tones.
It is evident that more emphasis is placed on social and economic moorings. There were some episodes with more philosophical value rather than historical like one in which India law on parentage is illustrated by a boy being branded shudra though his mother was a vaisya, his biological father a Brahman and his adopted father was a kshatriya king or the one involving Ashoka's brother and how he turns to become a Buddhist monk. Costumes of all the ages have been captured very efficiently and some of the episodes are my favorite like one on civil disobedience in 1930, quit India in 1942, Shivaji one ( It is the only televised account of Shivaji in which his conflicts with local Hindu chieftains are shown). Title song are a simple version of verses of Rigveda and anyone who keeps on branding Veda communal will have an idea of deep philosophy inherent in them by listening to these samples. It has a characteristic Shyam benegal style of concentrating on mental conflicts rather than showing war details or opulence of courts. This series has been telecast-ed many times on Doordarshan and is a must for any student of Indain History.
0 kommentar(er)
