History Extra podcast The West's enduring fascination with Asia
Jan 29, 2024
Historian and author Christopher Harding explores the enduring fascination of the West with India, China, and Japan. From early encounters with war elephants and Indian philosophers to Marco Polo's journeys challenging European beliefs, the podcast delves into the impact of Asia on the West. It also discusses the portrayal of Buddha in 'The Light of Asia', the darker side of Western fascination with Asia, and the growing influence of Asian ideas on Western society.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Introduction
00:00 • 4min
Exploring India: Early Western Interest and Encounters
04:25 • 5min
The Impact of Marco Polo's Accounts on European Fascination with Asia
09:33 • 3min
The European Fascination with Asia
12:42 • 15min
The Portrayal of Buddha in 'The Light of Asia'
27:31 • 5min
The Darker Side of Western Fascination with Asia
32:51 • 12min
The Fascination with Asia in the West
44:49 • 4min