THE GOLDEN ROAD - How Ancient India transformed the World

‘The Golden Road’ is a fascinating new book by William Dalrymple, the acclaimed writer and contemporary historian of India. Most notably remembered for his books about the Moghul empire and the British Raj, ‘The Golden Road’ is now in paperback and makes an alternative book club choice - especially if you are curious about the role of India on the rest of the world.

Dalrymple’s latest book considers a thorough and intriguing argument that puts forward the notion that India from as early as 250BC to 1200AD transformed the world: exporting religion, art, science, medicine, and language along a 'golden road' that stretched from the Red Sea to the Pacific, creating a vast and profoundly important empire of ideas.

In book club we compared our varying experiences of India, South East Asia and Europe, welcoming Dalrymple’s enthralling account of India's influence on trade and other empires. This included the discovery of valuable currencies of Indian peppers and spices, excavated in Italy and found in places such as Pompeii. Thanks to India's ability to move fast by sea, we also appreciated India's exotic textiles that were exchanged for Roman coins. And for those who have visited South East Asia, Dalrymple explains the role and impact of Buddhism which spread its religious beliefs as well as offering the currency of protection that seafarers and rulers were keen to invest in especially to ensure safe travel, good health and a better afterlife.

Whilst some readers wished for a lighter narrative others appreciated Dalrymple’s attention to detail and his rigorous research and referencing. There was almost too much to discover in this book and in some respects demanding of the reader’s attention, especially with hundreds of references and an extensive bibliography. But worth persevering and making time to read.