Prominent historian & author of ‘The Golden Road – How Ancient India Transformed The World’, WILLIAM DALRYMPLE (in Scotland) in an exclusive and candid interview via Zoom, talked to NEERAJ NANDA (in Melbourne) about his new book and issues it raises that are often ideologically and historically debated by scholars and historians.
The author answered about nine questions, with penetrating intellectual depth about India’s export of Mathematics and Buddhism to the world, China and South-East Asia in ancient times. He explains why India is the forgotten heart of the ancient world, the meaning og ‘Indospheare’, trade with the Roman Empire, how deliberately Buddhism was spread to other countries, the role of contemporary issues, Angkor Wat as the largest medieval monument in the world, the view of India’s current rulers about the book, and finally, the message of the book. William Dalrymple is eager to write on Palestine now, in the light of the tragic Gaza developments and has an interesting comment about Buddhism and Netanyahu.
The book released globally in 2024 by Bloomsbury, has been topping the charts across the world. William Dalrymple will be returning to Australia in November 2025 for a special encore tour. In this illuminating evening, Dalrymple will explore the rich tapestry of ancient Indian civilisation. Drawing upon a lifetime immersed in Indian
culture, and the study of its history, Dalrymple offers a panoramic view of India’s profound influence on the world as explored in his chart-topping podcast Empire, and
bestselling books, including The Golden Road, The Anarchy, Return of a King, and The Last Mughal.
From 250 BCE to 1200 CE, India was not merely a land of spiritual depth but a dynamic hub of innovation and exchange. Its contributions in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, art, and philosophy traversed the vast expanse from the Red Sea to the Pacific, shaping cultures and ideas across continents. Weaving narratives of emperors, monks, merchants, and scholars, bringing to life the stories of India’s golden age, Dalrymple examines how Indian thought influenced global traditions, from the architectural marvels of Angkor Wat to the philosophical underpinnings of distant societies.
In addition to his books, Dalrymple frequently writes articles and essays on history, culture, and current affairs, and he is a regular contributor to publications like The
Guardian and The New Yorker. He is also known for his work as a documentary filmmaker and television presenter.
An Evening with William Dalrymple promises to be a compelling journey through time, revealing the enduring impact of India’s ancient wisdom on our modern world.
Whether you are a history enthusiast or a curious mind, one cannot miss the opportunity to gain insights from a master storyteller who brings the past vividly into the present.
William Dalrymple’s Australia visit schedule:
Friday, 7 November 2025 Perth Astor Theatre
Sunday, 9 November 2025 Newcastle City Hall
Monday, 10 November 2025 Melbourne Hamer Hall
Wednesday, 12 November 2025 Brisbane QPAC Concert Hall
Thursday, 13 November 2025 Adelaide Town Hall
Organisers – Fane and How To Academy.
Tickets Available HERE
NOTE – The interview is in English with auto-generated subtitles in English by the YouTube inbuilt system.
Interview on YouTube – @satimesSAT
