Fans of Downton Abbey, prepare to swap the English countryside for a very different setting. Head to 19th-century India with these three historical dramas, where family, power and romance are intricately intertwined.
With its majestic palaces, political rivalries and impossible love stories, 19th-century India provides a fascinating backdrop for television drama. Fans of Downton Abbey will find the same blend of historical storytelling and complex characters that makes period dramas so compelling. Here are three Indian-themed productions that deserve a place on your watchlist.
Beecham House
Created by Gurinder Chadha, this British drama transports viewers to late 19th-century Delhi, centring on a grand residence recently acquired by the Beecham family. The story follows John Beecham, a former soldier of the East India Company, as he attempts to provide a stable life for his family amid a complex cultural and political landscape.
First broadcast in the United Kingdom in June 2019, the series consists of a single six-episode season. To this day, it is often described as an Indian version of Downton Abbey thanks to its mix of family tensions, intrigue and hidden secrets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3BzsI2pCnU
Beecham House is currently available on Apple TV and on Canal VOD.
The Far Pavilions
Based on Mary Margaret Kaye’s novel of the same name, this British mini-series was first broadcast in 1984 on Channel 4 and HBO. Set in colonial India during the late 19th century, it tells the story of Ash Pelham-Martyn, a British officer born in India who returns to his birthplace and finds himself torn between two identities. Facing discrimination because of his mixed heritage, he reconnects with his childhood love, Princess Anjuli.
Spanning three episodes, the series explores the social and cultural divisions of the era while developing romantic storylines reminiscent of those that have contributed to the success of Downton Abbey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeuYzKsnte4
The Far Pavilions is currently available on Apple TV.
Jhansi Ki Rani
Broadcast on Zee TV between 2009 and 2011, this Indian series recounts the life of Lakshmi Bai, one of the most celebrated figures of resistance against the British Empire in the 19th century. From her childhood as Manikarnika to her role as the warrior queen of Jhansi, viewers follow her remarkable journey, shaped by political struggles and conflict.
With nearly 480 episodes, the production boasts meticulously recreated sets and costumes that immerse audiences in an India undergoing profound transformation. While set in a very different context, its richly realised historical world may appeal to fans of Downton Abbey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwynM0yMuig
Jhansi Ki Rani is currently available on Zee TV’s YouTube channel.
Want to discover new series? Find your next watch in these articles:
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