William Dalrymple

William Dalrymple, a historian and author known for his expertise in South Asian history, joins Tristan Hughes to unravel the rich tapestry of Indian influence on Southeast Asia. They discuss the decline of Roman-India trade that redirected merchants to the region, and the rise of powerful Indian trading guilds. Dalrymple highlights the cultural transmission of Hinduism and Buddhism, culminating in the majestic Angkor Wat. He details its architectural marvels, including its bas-reliefs telling epic tales and the strategic significance of Khmer civilization in history.