Saamagri Aur Sampatti - E1 Silver, Gold, Copper

Cotton in India can be traced back to the times of Rigveda and the Ramayana. Considered so precious during the Indus Valley Civilization that it was stored in silver vessels. Silk originated in China, but the Indus valley civilization too saw a great deal of silk cultivation, which declined with the civilization. Another valued commodity, Pearls, the discovery of which can be traced back to references in Indian mythology and still holds an important place in Indian markets. Discover more about the fascinating history of these commodities in this episode.

Sandalwood, one of the most expensive kinds of wood in the world also has some truly amazing properties that can treat lung disorders, skin ailments, and other diseases. Saffron, according to historians, has been in India for over 2,500 years! Cashew has several beneficial qualities that make it an important ingredient for medicinal and cosmetic uses. Find out more about these commodities and how they shaped Indian trade and history in this engrossing episode!

Indigo has played an important role in the Independence of India through the Indigo Revolution where farmers rose in revolt for the injustice done to them by the British. Did you know that the Taj Mahal in Agra stands on the piles of ebony wood, adding to its durability? Ivory was used extensively in China and Egypt around 5,500 years ago and is today considered a status symbol. Learn more interesting facts about indigo, ebony, and ivory in this episode.

India has always been at the centre of the spice trade since time immemorial. Spices like pepper and turmeric were so valuable five centuries ago that it drove nations to sail across mighty oceans searching for new routes to the spice rich Orient. Today India is still the world greatest producer and consumer of most of these spices. Learn the history of these spices, which today seem commonplace, but at one time were responsible for tipping the balance of world power.

It is said that Gautama Buddha used mustard as a reference to symbolise many things in his books and sesame seed was the first-ever spice in history from which oil was extracted. Did you know that there are 400 types of chillies available around the world? Watch this enlightening episode to find out more about the journey of chilli, mustard, and cardamom.

Some historians argue that if Modern Age had a definitive beginning it was sparked by the Spice Trade. Spices like clove, fennel and cardamom not only made merchants rich, they also established vast empires, revealed entire continents to Europeans and formed ship paths like webs across the world’s oceans. Know many more thrilling stories about these spices and how they gained popularity across the world.

The journey of coffee started with a Sufi saint called Baba Budan who smuggled seven coffee beans to India. Today, coffee in India has grown exponentially, with acres and acres of coffee plantations. Tea originated 4,700 years back in China. But today tea from India is famed for its high-quality the world over. Learn about the journey of coffee, tea, and cinnamon and how India plays a crucial role in their stories.

As the third largest producer of natural rubber, India surely knows its value. Rubber and its uses vary greatly across industries like automobile, footwear, and accessories. One of the most used metals after copper is zinc. Easily one of the most important inventions till date, it’s main attribute is that it helps products remain rust-free. Ebony is one of the most expensive woods in the world. In fact, the Taj Mahal in Agra stands on the piles of ebony wood, adding to its durability. Know more about the history of rubber, zinc, and ebony in this episode.