Think you know history’s heroes? Think again. We delve into the lives of history’s most celebrated figures, peeling back the layers to separate myth from fact and asking the question: were they truly heroes or anti-heroes?
History, grand pronouncements, epic stories and towering figures cast in bronze. As we know, it is often written by the victors, shaped by biases with convenient omissions, and coloured by perspectives. It’s a tapestry woven with both light and shadow and we’re here to delve into those shades of gray.
Join us as we challenge the traditional narratives surrounding historical figures you thought you knew. We are cracking the facade to uncover the darker sides of these iconic individuals, questioning their heroism and redefining their legacies.
Is there more to their stories than the glorified tales we’ve been told? Were their actions truly heroic, or do they conceal a more complex, often controversial truth? Tune in to the Anti-Hero podcast where we rediscover history together, one episode at a time.
Episode 1: Mahatma Gandhi–Hero or Hypocrite?
In our first episode, we turn our lens to Mahatma Gandhi, the iconic leader of India’s independence movement. Revered for his philosophy of non-violence, Gandhi is a symbol of peace recognised around the world. But was his legacy truly black and white, or do controversy and contradiction cloud his image? Join us as we explore the lesser-known aspects of Gandhi’s life and leadership with Indian politics and history enthusiast, Simran Dey.
Episode 2: Florence Nightingale- A heroic yet controversial force
We unfold the truths of English social reformer Florence Nightingale in our second episode of the Anti Hero podcast. Popularly known as “The Lady with the Lamp”, Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing, coming to prominence while providing medical care to injured soldiers in the Crimean War. However, with some of her contentious views and beliefs, did she truly deserve to be the hero she is known as? Join us as we dive into the life of Florence Nightingale and explore her contributions to public health, with PhD scholar Aravind Khandekar.