When one painstakingly evaluates the abundant relics and chronicles of times long past, an enthralling world unfurls. Countless spiritual beliefs and budding theologies, astute clergymen and crafty fighters, monarchs, their elected deities, remarkable artistry, unique architectures, distinguished linguists, renowned astronomers, accomplished mathematicians, knowledgeable polymaths, and adventurous maritime traders appear, bartering their wealth and wisdom. Upon careful evaluation and intricate organisation of this historical mosaic, an intriguing book — as magnificent as its title suggests — comes into existence. Such is “The Golden Road”, a documentation by William Dalrymple, illuminating India’s two millenniums long, remarkable history and pervasive influence that didn’t take the muscular route of domination but indeed, unfolded through a subdued blend of commerce and monastic teachings.
The ancient Indian kingdom bequeathed ideas that have persisted and inspired contemporary thinking, like the decimal system, zero, algebra, trigonometry, geometrics, medicinal practices, metallurgy, astronomy, and the universally used algorithm. Dalrymple embarks on a journey tracing these innovations, exploring their genesis and their ensuing propagation Eastwards and Westwards. He then details how they’ve contributed significantly to human evolution, by influencing, among other things, the arts, architecture, language and philosophical thought.
In the opening sections, Dalrymple references a closing note from an account by the Buddhist monk, Xuanzang, which remains perhaps the most exhaustive notes on Central Asia and India during the seventh century. Xuanzang declared his commitment to verify all matters, never surrendering to guesswork. Dalrymple faithfully adheres to the same credo, as he meticulously assembles historical fragments, backed by an impressive two hundred pages of footnotes and bibliography for validation, thus creating an intriguingly complex narrative.
Through “The Golden Road,” Dalrymple presents India at its most influential peek, depicting a country that was unprejudiced, liberal, and fervently open to fresh ideas. It’s indeed a fascinating journey to embark on upon completing the book.
Xi Jinping : The Crimson Sovereign and His Transformative Influence on Modern China: A remarkable manoeuvre in the art of Machiavellian politics.
Ireland’s Sorcery Past: A thorough exploration of the nation’s historical dalliance with the occult.
Dalrymple convincingly argues that India has asserted its most significant influence during periods of openness, plurality, and endorsement of co-existence and tolerance. The burning query that lingers for every reader – Does India have the potential to relive its former glory?
Proceeding the week, Hope Road is set to publish Cauvery Madhavan’s most recent narrative work, The Inheritance.