India's Geological Wonders Explained | Beyond Temples & Forts | Prof. P. K. Ghanekar

What if India's oldest heritage isn't built by human hands—but carved by nature over billions of years? #indianhistory #indianheritage #indiangeography When we think of India's heritage, we often picture magnificent temples, majestic forts, and ancient monuments. But beneath them lies a far older story—one written in mountains, volcanoes, caves, rivers, and rocks that have shaped not only our landscape but also our civilisation. In Episode 09 of The Heritage India Show, we are joined by Prof. P. K. Ghanekar—renowned botanist, environmentalist, mountaineer, researcher, and author of over 100 books—to explore India's extraordinary geological heritage and understand why it deserves the same respect and protection as our cultural monuments. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. What is geological and natural heritage, and why does it matter? 2. How India's 4-billion-year geological history shaped our civilisation 3. The fascinating stories hidden in mountains, rivers, caves, and rock formations 4. Five geological wonders every Indian should know about 5. The Deccan Traps and their influence on India's geography, biodiversity, agriculture, and settlements 6. How geology influenced the location of forts, temples, caves, and ancient cities 7. Threats posed by climate change, mining, urbanisation, and mass tourism 8. How young Indians can become responsible explorers of our natural heritage 9. Books, museums, geological parks, and resources for learning more about India's geological legacy About the Guest: Renowned botanist, environmentalist, mountaineer, and author, Prof. P. K. Ghanekar served as the Head of the Department of Botany at Abasaheb Garware College, Pune, for nearly 38 years, inspiring generations of students through field-based learning. A passionate explorer of India’s natural and historical heritage, he has authored 100+ books (including more than 57 on botany, geology, forts, trekking, and travel) and is widely regarded as one of Maharashtra’s foremost writers on the Sahyadris, forts, biodiversity, and environmental conservation. ---------------------------------------- About The Heritage India Show The Heritage India Show is a scholar-led, fact-based podcast dedicated to exploring India’s civilisational heritage across history, culture, architecture, literature, and knowledge systems. Our mission is simple: Revive the Glory of Bharat. About the Host: Managing Director at Heritage India Communications Pvt.Ltd Connect with me here : admin@heritage-india.com Support the Mission If you believe in reviving awareness about India’s heritage, share this episode and help us take these conversations to a wider audience. Follow Us Website: https://www.heritage-india.com/ Instagram:   / ourheritageindia   Facebook :   / ourheritageindia