EP: 22 Relationships & Marriages in Ancient India: Amish x Brishti

<p>Relationships &amp; Marriages in Ancient India</p><p><br></p><p>Amish x Brishti Guha | The Immortal India Podcast</p><p><br></p><p>What did love, marriage, and relationship really mean in ancient India? Were these rigid and conservative institutions, or did they flourish in an environment of freedom, understanding, and mutual respect?</p><p><br></p><p>In this captivating episode, Amish speaks to our special guest, Dr. Brishti Guha, Associate Professor of Economics at the Centre for International Trade and Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Together, they explore the truths about relationships &amp; marriages in India’s past—revealing a society richer and more open-minded than modern preconceptions might suggest.</p><p><br></p><p>The discussion spans stories of polyandry, such as Draupadi’s marriage to five Pandavas in the Mahabharata, to the encouragement of widow remarriage across ancient texts, including the Rigveda, Arthashastra, and even theMahabharata. These examples show that the understanding of relationships in ancient India could be surprisingly modern, inclusive, and diverse.</p><p><br></p><p>Dr. Guha tells us about the fascinating range of marriages featured in ancient scriptures:</p><p>Gandharva Vivaha (marriage by mutual love)</p><p>Rakshasa Vivaha (marriage by abduction)</p><p>Pisacha Vivaha (marriage by force)</p><p>Inter-caste and cross-varna marriages</p><p>Traditional arranged marriages</p><p>And many more—each demonstrating the complexity and inclusiveness of social life in ancient India</p><p>Through this thoughtful conversation, the podcast brings to life a world where individual choice, love, and dharma harmonize with duty, family, and respect for personal will.</p><p><br></p><p>If you are passionate about Indian heritage, culture, and philosophy, this episode will transform the way you view the past—and offer valuable lessons for today.</p><p><br></p><p>Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful conversations!</p><p><br></p><p>Find Brishti Guha on Instagram: @brishtiguha12</p><p><br></p><p>Social media channels of Amish Tripathi:</p><p>Instagram: @authoramish</p><p>Facebook: @authoramish</p><p>X/Twitter: @authoramish</p><p><br></p><p>Reference Links — For Deeper Exploration</p><p><br></p><p>1. Mahabharata</p><p>(Adi Parva, Chap 122: Pandu tells Kunti how marriages used to be open until Shvetaketu changed the custom.</p><p>Adi Parva, Chap 168: Polyandry, Draupadi marries five Pandavas and Yudhishthir men