Historian William Dalrymple has made some eye-opening statements about India’s significant role in the ancient world. According to him, many people mistakenly view India as a less important player than it actually was, primarily due to the popularized myth of the Silk Road. He spoke at the recent India Press Live World Summit, emphasizing the need to correct this historical narrative.
Dalrymple Challenges the Silk Road Narrative
William Dalrymple pointed out the issues with the way the Silk Road has been depicted in many books. The traditional map shows a single trade route stretching from the Mediterranean to the South China Sea. He argued that this view is misleading and overlooks India’s central role in ancient trade.
“The way the Silk Road is shown makes it appear that India is on the sidelines,” he explained during the summit. “But that’s not true at all. My latest book, ‘The Golden Road,’ argues that this perspective is fundamentally flawed. Recent research and maps from Oxford University reveal the true shape of ancient trade between India and the Roman Empire.”
Highlighting India’s Cultural Influence
Dalrymple highlighted India’s soft power and cultural influence on the world between 250 BC and 1200 AD. He explained that this era, rather than just representing an ‘Indian century,’ encompasses a much broader ‘Indian millennium’ where India was a cultural leader on the global stage.
“Between those years, India was at the center of the world,” he asserted. This timeframe marked a period of vast cultural exchange and influence that is often overlooked in history books.
Remarkable Discoveries
One of the most striking examples Dalrymple shared was the recent discovery of a Buddha statue during an archaeological excavation in Egypt. “This isn’t just any statue; it’s a beautifully carved head of Buddha made from marble sourced from modern-day Turkey,” he revealed. “The statue was found in a temple located on the Red Sea.”
He emphasized that such discoveries are not isolated incidents. Just as Buddha’s head was found thousands of miles away from its origin, Indian influence can be seen in many parts of the world, like Angkor Wat in Cambodia. “Angkor Wat is a testament to India’s architectural and cultural impact, featuring scenes from epic Indian tales like the battles of Kurukshetra and Lanka, based on stories that originated in India,” he continued.
Unpacking Colonial Narratives
Dalrymple also addressed the reasons why this rich history isn’t as widely recognized. “Colonialism played a significant role in how history was recorded and viewed. Figures like Macaulay suggested that English literature was superior to the entire written legacy of India,” he explained.
This dismissal of India’s historical importance has led to a skewed perception of its role in global history. On the contrary, Dalrymple pointed out that ancient Rome and India were each other’s main trading partners, far more than China during that time.
Evidence from Archeology
Dalrymple showed a map illustrating the locations of Roman coin hoards discovered in India. “Not a single Roman coin has ever been found in China, but India is full of them,” he noted. This serves as strong evidence of the commercial ties between India and Rome during the early centuries.
“Hordes of Roman gold have been found around the coast of India, indicating the high demand for Indian goods,” he added, emphasizing the significant trade relationship that existed between the two civilizations.
Spread of Indian Art and Ideas
The historian further discussed how Indian art and ideas traveled along trade routes, influencing cultures far beyond its borders. He explained that “Indian deities and artistic styles found their way to China, demonstrating India’s impact on art and culture throughout Asia.” By the 2nd and 3rd centuries, the influence of Indian Buddhism in China was evident as it began to adapt to local customs, while Chinese artists began replicating Gupta sculptures.
Nalanda: The Ancient Center of Learning
Dalrymple described Nalanda University as a beacon of knowledge in ancient India, drawing students from various regions, including China, Korea, and Japan. “Think of Nalanda as the Ivy League or the Oxbridge of the ancient world. It was a hub for knowledge encompassing science, mathematics, and astronomy,” he stated.
He illustrated how the layout of Nalanda closely resembles modern universities, as students from diverse backgrounds gathered there to learn. “These young monks and scholars traveled from distant lands to study at Nalanda’s impressive library, which contained invaluable knowledge of various subjects.”
Sanskrit: The Language of Diplomacy
Sanskrit also played a crucial role in India’s connection to other cultures. Dalrymple highlighted its status as the language of diplomacy and culture, extending from Kandahar to Bali. He noted how scripts derived from the ancient Palava script laid the foundation for modern scripts in Southeast Asia, particularly Khmer and Thai.
India’s Historical Impact Revealed
In summary, Dalrymple’s arguments underscore the importance of recognizing India’s historical impact on the world. His discussions at the India Press Live World Summit serves as a call for historians and scholars to reevaluate narratives that have minimized India’s role in shaping civilizations.
He passionately pointed out the need to challenge long-standing misconceptions about the past. “It is essential we acknowledge the true influence of India, not merely as an implicit participant but as a driving force in the evolution of cultures and civilizations across vast distances.”
In a world where understanding our shared history is crucial for fostering global connections, Dalrymple’s insights remind us that India’s legacy is far-reaching and profound. The tales of trade, culture, and intellectual prowess presented during the summit highlight how much we can learn from diving deeper into history – a history that proudly positions India at its heart.