No One Saw It Coming William Dalrymple: China’s Game of Thrones
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Nov 24, 2025 
William Dalrymple, a historian and author known for his expertise in South Asian history, dives into the captivating saga of Wu Zetian, China's first and only female emperor. He reveals her extraordinary rise from concubine to monarch, leveraging Buddhism as her secret weapon for legitimacy. Dalrymple discusses her bold maneuvers in the brutal court politics, including accusations against rivals leading to their demise. He also connects her reign to the spread of Buddhism in China while tracing its decline in India, painting a vivid picture of power, faith, and intrigue.
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Child Concubine Enters The Court
- Wu Zetian entered the imperial harem at age 15, a move that elevated her family's status.
- William Dalrymple recounts her early life and placement in the court as a pivotal personal origin story.
Xuanzang's Journey To Nalanda
- The monk Xuanzang walked to India and spent two decades at Nalanda copying manuscripts.
- Dalrymple uses Xuanzang's journey to link Indian Buddhist scholarship to Wu Zetian's China.
From Nunnery Back To Palace
- After the emperor died, Wu was sent to a nunnery but later returned when the new emperor, Gaozong, recalled her.
- Dalrymple describes her poetic plea and quick re-entry into court life as crucial turns in her rise.
