Brown History Podcast EP 74: How Ancient India Ruled The World
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May 8, 2025 
Join historian William Dalrymple, acclaimed for his insights on Indian and Islamic history, as he illuminates ancient India's extraordinary legacy. He reveals how India was once a global powerhouse in mathematics, philosophy, and trade, drastically influencing cultures from Rome to Southeast Asia. Dalrymple also challenges misconceptions about maritime trade routes and discusses the impact of colonialism on India's rich maritime heritage. This engaging conversation highlights the need to recognize and celebrate India's profound contributions to the world.
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Ancient India's Global Influence
- India was a millennium-long intellectual and cultural powerhouse spreading ideas beyond its borders.
- Its contributions in mathematics, philosophy, language, and religion deeply influenced Asia and Europe.
India's Soft Power Legacy
- Buddhism and Sanskrit-based Hinduism spread vast cultural influence across Asia as soft power.
- Indian number systems like zero traveled through the Arab world to Europe, revolutionizing mathematics.
Indian Ideas Adapted Abroad
- Southeast Asian adoption of Indian ideas was voluntary and adapted locally, not imposed militarily.
- Hinduism in region lacked caste and patriarchy, showing cultural transformation rather than colonial mimicry.
