In Search of India’s Soul: From Mughals to Modi

In Search of India’s Soul joins writer and journalist Aatish Taseer as he explores the religious and political power struggles in modern day India.

Here, Aatish shows us just how deeply tied India is with religion and how these religious powers are growing as a political tool in an otherwise secular nation.

Taking an in-depth look at tensions between Hindus and Muslims, he investigates how the hardline government of the country’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, has fuelled anger between Indians of different faiths.

Episode 1

Arriving in India, Aatish immediately starts exploring how religion plays a central role in many aspects of the Indian society.

Cows are a sensitive topic in India – holy to Hindus and a commodity to Muslims. Taseer meets the families of cow traders and herders who have become targets of Hindu nationalist anger.

Aatish also meets Hindus who believe Muslim men are forcing Hindu women to convert to Islam as some form of “Love Jihad” – and discovers the dangerous lengths they are prepared to go to stop Hindu women marrying Muslim men.

Episode 2

Episode two continues Aatish’s exploration of modern day India’s religious and political society.

Examining the country’s history of religious rule, stretching back to the Mughal Empire and beyond, we’ll search for the answers as to why India finds itself in this position today.

Furthermore, we’ll explore what lies ahead for this religiously diverse nation founded on secular principles.