The Golden Road

The Golden Road by William Dalrymple weaves a captivating narrative that takes readers on a journey through the rich and complex history of India's global influence. For over a millennium and a half, India was not merely a subcontinent but the fulcrum of ancient Eurasian civilisation. Through meticulous scholarship and vivid storytelling, Dalrymple unearths how Indian innovations in art, religion, technology, astronomy, music, dance, literature, mathematics, and mythology radiated outward, creating a vast 'empire of ideas' that spanned from the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

This sweeping history reveals how Indian culture and intellectual achievements left an indelible mark on the ancient world. From the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the world's largest Hindu temple complex in Cambodia, to the spread of Buddhism in China, and from the establishment of crucial trade routes that financed the Roman Empire, to the invention of numerals—including the revolutionary concept of zero—India's contributions have shaped global developments in diverse and profound ways.

Drawing from his vast expertise and years of in-depth research, Dalrymple restores India's extraordinary contributions to their rightful place in world history. He explores how the diffusion of Indian ideas helped shape the landscape of knowledge and culture in the ancient world and continues to impact our modern era.

Praise for William Dalrymple and The Anarchy

‘A master storyteller’ – Sunday Times

‘Richly woven, highly readable ... Written with passion and verve’ – Spectator

‘A more masterful and accessible survey ... would be hard to find ... Enthralling’ – Literary Review

Dalrymple’s engaging prose and insightful analysis in The Golden Road make it not only a scholarly triumph but also an enthralling read for history enthusiasts and general readers alike. Through his eloquent narrative, he offers a fresh perspective on India's pivotal role in shaping the ancient world—an essential addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in understanding the interconnectedness of human history and the timeless influence of Indian civilisation.

‘A superb historian with a visceral understanding of India’ – The Times

‘Magnificently readable, deeply researched and richly atmospheric’ – Francis Wheen, Mail on Sunday