Podcast · History

A Century Of Stories

by IVM Podcasts · English · History

Join Kunal Vijayakar and Cyrus Broacha as they unravel the enchanting stories of India's last century. From groundbreaking innovations to cricketing legends, A Century of Stories is a captivating blend of humour and history, inviting you to relive and discover the tales that shaped modern India.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 42 min
Latest: 5 Aug 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

5 Aug 2026 · 44 min

What Happened When Art Deco Reached Bombay? | A Century of Stories: India ft. Parineeta Katgaonkar

Mumbai is home to the world's second-largest concentration of Art Deco buildings - yet few people know how or why it happened. In this episode, architect and sustainability practitioner Parineeta Katgaonkar traces the rise of Art Deco in Bombay, from reclaimed land and modern housing to jazz culture, Bombay Deco, and the city's evolving identity. A conversation about architecture, culture, memory, and the making of modern Mumbai. Watch the full episode of A Century of Stories: India featuring Parineeta Katgaonkar - out now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E93 · 18 May 2026 · 48 min

The Bhor Ghat Story and Its Hidden Cost | ft. Ananth Rupanagudi (IRAS) | India

In this episode of A Century of Stories: India, Kunal Vijayakar is joined by Ananth Rupanagudi to explore the story of the Bhor Ghat railway line - one of the most challenging engineering feats in India’s history. Built across the steep and unforgiving Western Ghats, this line connected Bombay to Pune, reshaping trade, travel and colonial governance. But behind the tunnels, viaducts and engineering brilliance lies a far more complex story - of the people who built it, the immense financial and human cost, and the thousands of Indian lives that were never recorded. From colonial…
S1 · E92 · 7 Apr 2026 · 48 min

The Untold History of Tea and Coffee in India | A Century of Stories: India

For most Indians, the day begins with a cup of chai. But India’s relationship with tea and coffee has a far more fascinating history than we often realize. In this episode of A Century of Stories: India, Kunal Vijayakar sits down with Bhavi Patel to explore how tea and coffee travelled across continents and eventually shaped India’s drinking culture. From the legendary story of Baba Budan bringing coffee seeds to India to the rise of South Indian filter coffee, this episode traces the cultural and historical history of Indian beverages. They also examine the dominance of chai…
S1 · E91 · 31 Mar 2026 · 43 min

How Kabaddi Became India’s Fastest Growing Sport | A Century of Stories: India

Kabaddi has travelled a remarkable journey - from dusty village fields to packed stadiums, prime-time television, and a professional league that has transformed the sport in India. In this episode of A Century of Stories: India, host Kunal Vijayakar sits down with Suhail Chandhok, CEO of U Mumba and broadcaster, one of the most recognizable voices in Indian sport, to explore the fascinating rise of Kabaddi. The conversation traces the sport’s ancient roots, its presence across Asia, and its evolution from a traditional rural pastime into one of India’s fastest-growing…
S1 · E90 · 24 Mar 2026 · 51 min

India's 3000 Year Old Perfume Legacy ft. Pranav Kapoor

What does the smell of rain have to do with a 3,000-year-old city on the banks of the Ganges? In this episode of A Century of Stories India, host Kunal Vijayakar sits down with Pranav Kapoor, 8th-generation perfumer and a trained chef from Kannauj, to explore Petrichor, the science behind scent and memory, and India’s ancient distillation techniques that predate modern perfumery. From copper stills and raw botanicals to the rise of perfume tourism, this conversation traces how fragrance shapes culture, ritual, identity, and the future of Indian craftsmanship. Watch the full episode now…
S1 · E60 · 12 Sep 2025 · 31 min

How did the BCCI rise to its current status? ft. Amrit Mathur | Cricket

The BCCI has grown from strength to strength in the past couple of decades to become the strongest cricketing board in the world, also aided by the riches brought to it by the success of the Indian Premier League. Writer and administrator Amrit Mathur, who was at the centre of it all in the ‘90s, tells the story of how BCCI moved from being on the periphery of the cricketing world to sitting on the throne in a matter of three decades in this episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E59 · 4 Sep 2025 · 33 min

Asia Cup Special ft. Amrit Mathur | Cricket

The 17th edition of the Asia Cup is upon us, and on this occasion we bring to you an episode on the storied history of this tournament that began with the idea of bringing the Asian cricket playing nations closer in the early 80s. While the tournament has had some great cricket over the years, it has also made news for reasons beyond the pitch. Amrit Mathur, who was once offered the role of the CEO of the governing body of this tournament takes us through the fascinating journey of Asia Cup on this episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See…
S1 · E58 · 29 Aug 2025 · 39 min

Yuvraj Singh’s Untold Stories ft. Sharda Ugra | Cricket

A proper box-office cricketer who entertained with both bat and ball, Yuvraj Singh’s life and career also had all the ingredients of a blockbuster movie. His father’s obsession to make a cricketer out of him, the change he brought to the Indian team, his struggles to find a place in Tests despite obvious talent and his comeback after a battle with Cancer are some of the many chapters that make Yuvraj’s career so fascinating. Ace journalist Sharda Ugra, who co-authored a book with the cricketer after his comeback to the game in 2013, tells us the stories that made Yuvraj…
S1 · E57 · 21 Aug 2025 · 52 min

Backstage with the Cricketing Greats ft. Gaurav Kalra | Cricket

We have all seen them on our screens, producing one superlative performance after another. But how are our favorite cricketers when the cricketing limelight isn’t on them? Journalist and TV host Gaurav Kalra who has worked in the television industry for decades talks candidly about the cricketers he had the opportunity to work closely with in his career in this special episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E89 · 19 Aug 2025 · 57 min

100 Years of Indian Couture & Fashion Culture ft. Rochelle Pinto | India

In this episode of A Century of Stories, Kunal Vijayakar sits down with Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, for a deep dive into the evolution of fashion — from red carpets to real life. Rochelle traces the biggest influences on Indian fashion, unpacks how today’s young generation's fashion reflects a world that’s constantly shifting and pulls back the curtain on the Met Gala. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E56 · 14 Aug 2025 · 42 min

The growth of Women’s cricket in the 21st century ft. Anjum Chopra | Cricket

Just a few months away from the Women’s 50-over World Cup at home, Team India has made a strong impression under Harmanpreet Kaur by winning a T20I and ODI series in England. The success of this team in the past few years is built on the groundwork laid by several generations of women cricketers who played the game for passion. Former team India Captain Anjum Chopra, whose 17-year long career for India began in 1995, tells us what all has changed in Indian women’s cricket in the past 25 years to bring it where it stands today in this special episode of A Century of Stories:…
S1 · E88 · 11 Aug 2025 · 45 min

How India’s Food Changed After 1947 ft. Kurush Dalal | India

Did you know that dishes like butter chicken and bread halwa were born out of survival and displacement? Or that gurudwaras became lifelines, serving food and comfort to thousands rebuilding their lives after 1947? In this episode of A Century of Stories: India , host Kunal Vijayakar is joined by historian and culinary anthropologist Dr. Kurush Dalal to explore how India’s kitchens transformed after Independence. From refugee-run dhabas to community kitchens, they uncover how migration shaped our plates, how food traditions adapted to new realities, and how some of India’s most…
S1 · E55 · 7 Aug 2025 · 40 min

What made Laxman Very Very Special? ft. Sharda Ugra | Cricket

The Kolkata Test of 2001 against Australia proved to be a major turning point in Indian cricket. And one man who will always be synonymous with that special Test is VVS Laxman who established himself as the batter who would produce the tough knocks for the team whenever needed, something he did admirably well over the next decade playing more than 100 Tests. Noted journalist Sharda Ugra looks back at the life and career of India’s crisis man in this special episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E87 · 4 Aug 2025 · 1 hr 5 min

What Indians Ate 200 Years Ago | Ancient Food History ft. Kurush Dalal | India

What did Indians eat 200 years ago? Dive into the fascinating world of traditional Indian food history with Dr. Kurush Dalal, archaeologist and culinary anthropologist, as he joins Kunal Vijayakar on A Century of Stories. Discover how colonial rule, regional migration, and evolving local markets shaped Indian food traditions—from lost recipes to ancient cooking techniques. This episode uncovers the rich and diverse diet of Indians in the 1800s and early 1900s, bringing back forgotten flavours and culinary wisdom. Learn about: What our ancestors actually ate during British India The…
S1 · E54 · 1 Aug 2025 · 48 min

India's most controversial away series ft. Gaurav Kalra | Cricket

As things heat up between India and hosts England in the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy 2025, we take a look at one of the most controversy-ridden India tours which almost caused a diplomatic row. Our guest Gaurav Kalra, who followed all the developments from close quarters as a journalist on that tour, tells us what all went down when India travelled Down Under in 2007-08 in this episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E53 · 25 Jul 2025 · 37 min

Changing relationship between Indian cricket and media - ft. Sharda Ugra | Cricket

The breakneck speed at which Indian cricket has moved in the last thirty years has meant that a lot around it has changed as well, and that includes its relationship with the media. Sharda Ugra, who has been writing about Indian cricket for the last 35 years, sheds light on how player-journalist relationships have changed in her time as a journalist in this episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E52 · 17 Jul 2025 · 36 min

What makes the Rohit Sharma story special? ft. Jatin Paranjape | Cricket

Soon after winning his second ICC trophy as a captain in the form of the Champions Trophy, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Tests. Having already retired from T20Is after winning the World Cup in 2024, Rohit will eye on the 2027 ODI World Cup as his swansong. India cricketer and former national selector, Jatin Paranjape, who saw the growth of Rohit Sharma’s cricketing journey from close quarters, talks about what made Rohit so special as a cricketer in this episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…
S1 · E51 · 10 Jul 2025 · 41 min

Evolution of wicket-keepers in the 21st century ft. Deep Dasgupta |Cricket

Rishabh Pant recently became the first Indian wicketkeeper to hit two centuries in a Test while his counterpart Jamie Smith blitzed his way to an 80-ball century in the following Test. South African wicket keeper Lhuan-dre Pretorious struck a sparkling century on Test debut. But things were quite different for wicket keepers for most part of cricket’s history. What changed three decades ago? And who were the men who ushered in this new era? Former Indian wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta discusses the transformation of the role of wicket-keeper in this century in this episode of A Century of…
S1 · E50 · 4 Jul 2025 · 42 min

What happened to the West Indies? ft. Shishir Hattangadi | Cricket

The mighty West Indies ruled cricket for about 20 years and gave the world some of the best cricketers. However, the decline post 1995 has been equally spectacular, making many wonder what went so drastically wrong in a team full of champion cricketers. Our guest Shishir Hattangadi explains the reasons that led to the graph dipping for West Indies mid 1990s onwards in this episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E49 · 26 Jun 2025 · 47 min

My Cricketing Idols ft. Rajdeep Sardesai | Cricket

In this unique episode, Rajdeep Sardesai, a cricket tragic among many other things, takes us down the memory lane to talk about the cricketers who left a huge impression on him in his five decades of watching the game. Hear him passionately tell stories of how he fell in love with cricket because of some fine cricketers in this episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E48 · 19 Jun 2025 · 42 min

Team India in transition | Cricket

Team India starts its tour to England with a new captain and several fresh faces as four mainstays of the Test lineup in the last few years are no longer with the team. Former National Selector Jatin Paranjape shares his thoughts on how this transition has been handled by the management while also looking back at some of the major transitions the team has gone through in the last three decades in this episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E86 · 18 Jun 2025 · 28 min

From Doordarshan to Digital: The Untold Story of Indian Advertising ft. Ambi Parameswaran | India

In this episode of A Century of Stories India, host Kunal Vijayakar interviews advertising titan Ambi Parameswaran on the evolution of Indian advertising. Discover how Indian advertising strategies turned from Western influenced sensibilities to Indian idioms and cultural narratives. As they built equity, brands and their advertising gave a voice and identity to generations of Indians, shaping and reflecting the transformation of the country. In this Episode Indian Advertising Evolution: Colonial to unique Indian identity & global impact. Legendary Indian Ads: Iconic marketing, jingles, &…
S1 · E47 · 13 Jun 2025 · 46 min

India-England Rivalry in the 21st Century | Cricket

A new chapter is set to be added to the India-England cricketing rivalry in the 21st century as the two teams lock horns in a five match Test series in England. Former Indian cricketer and commentator, Deep Dasgupta, who was part of the Indian side when they met England for the first time in this century in 2001-02, talks about that tense series and how the rivalry has grown stronger in the ensuing years in this episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E85 · 9 Jun 2025 · 47 min

What’s REALLY Inside Your Favourite Mithai? ft. Shubhra Chatterji | India

Get ready to drool as we dive deep into India’s incredible world of sweets (mithai) — from temple prasads to Instagram-worthy experiments! Join Kunal Vijayakar and Shubhra Chatterjee (culinary researcher & filmmaker) as they unwrap the origins, flavors, and wild innovations of Indian desserts. Ever tried Pyaz ki Kheer or Mutton ka Halwa? Did you know a sweet was once served to confuse a groom? From banana polis to lasoon ki kheer, explore how local ingredients and cultures shape sweets across India. We travel from Puri’s legendary temple prasad to the streets of Surat, with…
S1 · E46 · 6 Jun 2025 · 51 min

1971 - The year that changed Indian Test cricket | Cricket

As a new-look Team India gets ready to take on England away from home, our guest Rajdeep Sardesai takes us back to 1971 when India registered their first series win over England. The year, however, began with another special series win in the West Indies, where a young Sunil Gavaskar combined with a veteran Dilip Sardesai to give India a new self-belief. Hear the veteran journalist roll back time with stories from 1971 in this episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank.
S1 · E84 · 2 Jun 2025 · 34 min

History of Biryani in India ft. Shubhra Chatterji | India

Dive into the fascinating history of Biryani in India with host Kunal Vijayakar and culinary expert Shubhra Chatterji in this episode of A Century of Stories: India. We explore how this beloved dish traveled from the Persian courts to the Indian subcontinent, evolving into Hyderabadi, Kolkata, Lucknowi (Awadhi), and other iconic Biryani styles that continue to capture our hearts and palates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E45 · 29 May 2025 · 36 min

The Defunct IPL Teams | Cricket

The Indian Premier League expanded in 2022 to make it a 10 team tournament from the 8 team tournament that it was when it began in 2008. However, there have also been teams that once were part of this extravaganza but no longer are. Former Mumbai Captain Shishir Hattangadi who was the Director of Cricket of one such team in the inaugural edition recalls the journey of few such teams on this episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E83 · 26 May 2025 · 32 min

The Untold Origin Story of Bollywood ft. Bharat Gothoskar | India

Why did India’s biggest film industry take root in Mumbai? From the first silent film screenings to the dream factories of Girgaum, this episode of A Century of Stories: India , brought to you by IDFC First Bank, traces the fascinating story of how Bombay became Bollywood. Join host Kunal Vijayakar in conversation with heritage expert Bharat Gothoskar as they explore: The rise of cinema halls in Grant Road The studio boom in Dadar and Andheri How the partition shifted India’s film power to Bombay The evolution from black-and-white reels to Netflix and OTT This is the story of how…
S1 · E82 · 19 May 2025 · 39 min

Things you never knew about Mumbai ft. Bharat Gothoskar | India

Mumbai wasn’t always India’s financial powerhouse—but how did it get there? In this episode, Kunal Vijayar sits down with heritage expert and city chronicler Bharat Godoskar to explore the fascinating journey of Mumbai, from its early colonial days to becoming the economic engine of India. Join us as we uncover the city’s rich history, pivotal moments, and the forces that shaped it into the bustling metropolis it is today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 · E44 · 12 May 2025 · 38 min

The Analysis Boom in the IPL | Cricket

As the ongoing Indian Premier League edition moves towards its business end, we talk to noted cricket analyst Sankar Rajgopal to understand the impact of data and analysis on IPL teams’ pursuit to success. Sankar, who has worked previously with multiple IPL teams in the past, shares his insight on how analysis is shaping cricket’s future on this episode of A Century of Stories: Cricket podcast presented by IDFC FIRST Bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About A Century Of Stories

A Century Of Stories is a English history podcast from IVM Podcasts. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: IVM Podcasts
Language: English
Category: History
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 42 min
Latest episode: 5 Aug 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1701423625
Website: ivmpodcasts.com

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