The ‘Golden Road’ of William Dalrymple >>>>> A Conversation on India's Civilizational Influence >>>> 32nd FETE-Friday Evening Team Meet : Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

 The ‘Golden Road’ of William Dalrymple

A Conversation on India's Civilizational Influence

32^nd FETE-Friday Evening Team Meet 

(November 13, 2026)

Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

The 32^nd Friday Evening Team (FETE) meeting of like-minded journalists, held at the Hyderabad Press Club, on November 13, 2026, took up at the outset, a particularly thought-provoking theme: ‘The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World,’ the acclaimed work of historian and author William Dalrymple. The conversation was initiated by Nagesh Kumar, the former Resident Editor of The Hindu, Hyderabad, an exceptional position. He is a senior member of the Club and is its former President and Secretary (both).

His introduction to the subject opened up an engaging intellectual discussion on India's extraordinary contribution to world civilisation and the extent to which ancient Indian knowledge, philosophy, spirituality, mathematics, literature, art and commerce travelled beyond the country's geographical boundaries. What made the discussion particularly meaningful was its larger perspective.

That perspective is: India was not merely a recipient of ideas from other civilisations, but it was also a major source of ideas that shaped societies across Asia and beyond. The conversation offered an opportunity for FETE members to revisit this remarkable chapter of India's past and reflect upon its relevance to the country's present and future.

The following reflections capture the understanding and collective deliberations of the members, inspired by the book and the stimulating exchange of thoughts at the FETE gathering, initiated by Nagesh Kumar. The participants included: GK Murthy, Subbarao, myself, Vijay Oddiraju who recently became the club member, and an energetic and enthusiastic young guest of the evening Kavin Pillai, a Public Policy and International Relations Professional.

Rediscovering India's Forgotten Glory

As the conversation progressed, the discussion gradually unfolded into an absorbing intellectual journey, drawing the members into a deeper appreciation of India's civilisational heritage. There are books that inform us, books that entertain us, and occasionally books that make us reconsider what we thought we already knew. William Dalrymple's ‘The Golden Road’ belongs to the third category. It is not merely a historical account of ancient India, but it is an invitation to rediscover India's extraordinary place in the making of world civilisation.

What is significant about this book, as detailed by Nagesh and as delved by other members of FETE, is its attempt to correct a historical imbalance. Much of the world's conventional understanding of ancient history has been presented through the achievements of Greece, Rome, Egypt, China and, subsequently, Europe. India's contribution, despite its enormous reach, has often remained inadequately acknowledged.

Dalrymple brings this neglected dimension into focus and reminds that ancient India was not an isolated civilisation looking inward. It was an intellectual, commercial, spiritual and cultural powerhouse that actively influenced societies across continents. The central theme of the book is fascinating. For approximately fifteen centuries, beginning around 250 BC and extending to about 1200 AD, India was at the heart of an extensive network of cultural and commercial exchanges. Dalrymple calls this network the 'Golden Road'.

Unlike an empire established through military conquest, this was an empire of ideas. Indian influences travelled across the Red Sea, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, carried by merchants, monks, scholars, travelers and seafarers. What distinguishes this historical expansion is its character. Indian civilization did not always need armies to establish its presence.

Its philosophies, religious traditions, literature, artistic expressions and scientific knowledge travelled across geographical boundaries and became part of the cultural foundations of distant societies. This is perhaps one of India's greatest civilizational achievements: its ability to influence without necessarily imposing, to communicate without demanding uniformity, and to enrich other cultures while allowing them to retain their individual identities.

One of the most remarkable dimensions of India's global influence was its spiritual contribution. Buddhism, which originated in India, travelled far beyond its birthplace. Through the dedication of monks, teachers and royal patrons, it reached Sri Lanka, Central Asia, China, Korea and Japan. It did not merely introduce a new religion, but it carried with it Indian philosophical thought, ideas about compassion, human suffering, discipline, meditation and liberation.

Similarly, Hindu traditions and Sanskritic learning travelled extensively into Southeast Asia. Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand and other regions absorbed and adapted elements of Indian religious philosophy, mythology, literature and temple architecture. The magnificent Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia stand as extraordinary testimonies to this civilisational interaction.

The deeper significance is that the Ramayana and Mahabharata, Indian philosophical traditions, and the stories of Rama, Krishna and other divine manifestations did not remain confined to the Indian subcontinent. They became part of the cultural imagination of numerous societies. The Ramayana, in particular, acquired distinctive local expressions across Southeast Asia. This demonstrates that India's epics possessed a universal appeal that transcended language, geography and political boundaries.

Mathematics: India's gift to the modern world

Perhaps the most enduring contribution of India to global civilisation lies in mathematics. The decimal place-value system and the development of zero transformed the way humanity calculated, measured, recorded and understood quantities. The numerical system that the world uses today has deep Indian roots, transmitted westwards through Arab scholars and subsequently adopted in Europe.

The contributions of Indian mathematicians and astronomers, including Aryabhata and Brahmagupta, deserve special recognition. Their work helped advance arithmetic, algebra, astronomy and mathematical reasoning. The significance of zero cannot be overstated. It is not simply another numerical symbol. It is a conceptual breakthrough that made sophisticated mathematical operations possible and ultimately facilitated developments in science, engineering, commerce and modern technology.

It is remarkable to think that a mathematical tradition developed in ancient India continues to support virtually every digital transaction, scientific calculation and technological operation in the contemporary world. India's intellectual heritage is therefore not merely something to be admired in museums or remembered in history books. It is embedded in our everyday lives.

Trade, prosperity and India's global connections

Dalrymple also draws attention to India's remarkable commercial importance. Ancient India was known for its textiles, spices, precious stones, handicrafts and other valuable commodities. Indian merchants maintained extensive connections with the Roman world, Arabia, Persia and Southeast Asia. The movement of goods was accompanied by the movement of ideas. Ports, trading centres and commercial settlements became meeting places for people of different languages, beliefs and traditions.

India was not simply receiving wealth from foreign markets; it was also influencing tastes, lifestyles and economic activity across the ancient world. The movement of Roman gold and silver into India is particularly revealing. It challenges the simplistic notion that India was historically a passive participant in global economic relationships. The ancestors were active participants in international commerce, supported by sophisticated production systems, skilled craftsmanship and established maritime networks.

Knowledge flourished through openness

Another important lesson one can draw from this book concerns the nature of Indian intellectual achievement. India's greatness did not emerge from intellectual isolation. Its scholars interacted with knowledge traditions from Persia, Babylon, Greece and other parts of the world. They absorbed, examined, refined and advanced ideas. This openness is an essential aspect of civilisational maturity.

The greatness of a culture should not be measured merely by how much knowledge it claims to possess, but also by how generously it receives knowledge from others and how creatively it contributes to the collective progress of humanity. This is a lesson particularly relevant to present-day India. Everyone should take pride in Indian heritage, but pride must never become intellectual arrogance. The ancestors demonstrated that confidence and curiosity can coexist.

The India we must rediscover

The conversation in the FETE, observed that, reading The Golden Road inevitably raises a larger question: What happened to this extraordinary position of India? Historical developments, changing political structures, disruptions in trade routes and the emergence of new centres of power gradually altered the networks that had sustained India's extensive influence.

Later colonial interpretations of history also contributed to an inadequate appreciation of India's intellectual and cultural achievements. But history should not become an instrument of either self-glorification or self-pity. It should become a source of understanding. India's ancient achievements are not a guarantee of present greatness. They are a responsibility placed upon succeeding generations.

One must rediscover Indian classical literature, preserve the languages, encourage scientific inquiry, understand philosophical traditions and present its heritage to the world with scholarship and authenticity. Indian temples should not be seen merely as places of worship, but also as repositories of architecture, sculpture, mathematics, astronomy, music and social history.

The epics should not be treated merely as stories from the past, but as enduring explorations of human character, duty, sacrifice, relationships and moral responsibility. FETE observed as a consensus that: What makes The Golden Road particularly valuable is that it changes the direction from which one looks at history. Instead of asking how India received civilisation from the rest of the world, it encourages to understand how India itself became one of the great sources from which the world received knowledge, spiritual thought, artistic inspiration and scientific advancement.

Therefore, India's greatest contribution may not have been any single invention, religion, mathematical discovery or literary masterpiece. It was the civilisational temperament that enabled so many different forms of knowledge and expression to flourish and travel. India's heritage is not the property of Indians alone. It is part of humanity's common inheritance.

The FETE meeting found this account deeply inspiring. But it was also observed that the admiration should be accompanied by a sense of responsibility. None can live indefinitely on the accomplishments of their ancestors. Everyone must demonstrate the same intellectual curiosity, cultural confidence, creativity and generosity in our own times. The Golden Road may belong to history, but its spirit need not remain in the past. The real message of ‘The Golden Road’ is that, future generations must ensure it continues to shine.

From Global Power Equations to Domestic Governance

A Wider Political and Social Discourse

The context for initiating this particular strand of discussion was initially rather passive. However, as the conversation gathered momentum, several perspectives emerged, transforming it into an animated exchange on global politics, international relations, world history and India's position in the evolving global order. The participants explored the subtle distinctions between political power, international influence and civilisational superiority, particularly in the Indian context.

One line of thought strongly maintained that India had historically occupied a superior civilisational position and possessed the potential to regain and sustain that standing in the future. Another, somewhat more cautious observation questioned whether contemporary India was presently living up to that historical stature. The underlying proposition that India had been superior in the past and could be so in the future, while its present position invited critical examination, generated considerable discussion.

The conversation then moved from India's external standing to the internal architecture of its political governance since Independence. A significant observation concerned the progressive concentration of executive authority in the hands of the Prime Minister, accompanied by increasing domination and control over Cabinet colleagues. Participants examined whether this tendency represented an institutional evolution of India's parliamentary democracy or a gradual weakening of collective Cabinet responsibility.

Interestingly, the discussion did not restrict itself to any particular political dispensation. Examples extending from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi were brought into the deliberations, with references to successive Congress and non-Congress governments. Arguments both in favour of and against the proposition were articulated with conviction. Though the initial positions appeared divergent, the exchange ultimately moved towards a broader convergence.

And moved eventually to the need to examine the concentration of political authority through the institutional and constitutional framework rather than through partisan preferences. The intellectual depth of this segment was further enriched by references to the writings of eminent political thinkers Harold Laski and TH Green. Their works on political thought, the nature of the state, individual liberty and the organisation of political authority were extensively recalled.

In particular, the idea of oligarchical tendencies in the exercise of power became a point of reference. The discussion sought to understand how democratic institutions, despite their representative character, could increasingly come under the influence of a limited political executive or concentrated centres of authority. The larger question was whether democratic legitimacy alone was sufficient to prevent the emergence of oligarchical patterns within governance.

Moving from the larger questions of political power to the immediate realities of ordinary citizens, the table also expressed considerable concern over the exorbitant increase in the prices of essential domestic food commodities. Rice, in particular, became an example of the disconnect between market descriptions and consumer experience. The irony of rice being sold as fine rice, while its quality was questioned by consumers as being closer to coarse rice, yet commanding prices approaching Rs. 100 per kilogram in most provision stores, attracted sharp observations.

The participants questioned the growing burden on household budgets and the need to examine the affordability of basic food requirements. The discussion brought home an important point: the success of governance must ultimately be assessed not merely through macroeconomic indicators or international standing, but also through the everyday purchasing power and quality of life of ordinary households.

Another interesting subject that received attention was the nature and content of school education in India and abroad. Participants compared educational syllabi and curricular approaches, with particular reference to the United States and International Baccalaureate (IB) schools. The discussion touched upon the differences in educational orientation, the manner in which children are introduced to history, society and the world around them, and the relevance of curriculum design in preparing young minds for an increasingly interconnected world.

The larger concern was whether Indian school education adequately balances national history, civilisational understanding and cultural inheritance with international awareness, analytical thinking and contemporary knowledge. References to educational practices abroad, particularly in the United States and IB institutions, provided useful points of comparison.

The discussion highlighted the importance of looking beyond prescribed textbooks and examining whether the educational system genuinely equips children to question, understand and engage with the complexities of the world. Taken together, these exchanges demonstrated the expansive character of the FETE fellowship. The conversation moved effortlessly from India's position in global history and international relations to the concentration of executive power, the intellectual foundations of democracy, the rising cost of essential commodities and the future of education.

The diversity of subjects, and the willingness of participants to approach them from differing perspectives, reinforced the essential character of the Friday Evening Team: a forum where contemporary concerns and enduring intellectual questions can coexist without the constraints of a predetermined agenda.

A Special Guest: Connecting Policy,

International Relations and Entrepreneurship

Adding another interesting dimension to the 32^nd FETE meeting was the presence of its special guest of the day, Kavin Ramesh Pillai, a young professional whose academic and professional journey attracted the attention of the gathering. Kavin introduced himself as a public policy and international relations professional. He completed his Master of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo in 2024 as a MEXT scholar.

His exposure extends to international conferences, competitions and conference hosting, besides professional assignments spanning think-tank research, policy and strategy consulting, defence analysis and market analysis. FETE noted with interest that, currently serving as the Manager of BNI Secunderabad (Business Network International), Kavin offered the team an interesting insight into the organised world of business referrals and entrepreneurial networking.

BNI, founded in the United States in 1985, is a global business referral organisation built around the principle of structured networking. Its chapters bring together business owners and professionals who meet every week to introduce their respective businesses, exchange qualified referrals and build relationships based on mutual trust. One distinctive feature of BNI is its policy of permitting only one representative from each profession in a chapter.

Thus, a chartered accountant, builder, lawyer, printer or other professional can occupy an exclusive position within the group without competing with another member from the same profession. This exclusivity, combined with disciplined meetings, brief business presentations, referral exchanges, recognitions and social interactions, creates an environment of professional confidence and mutual support.

The network, however, extends far beyond individual chapters. Members can develop business relationships across cities, states, countries and international markets. Its exclusive BNI Connect digital platform facilitates these wider connections, enabling members to discover opportunities beyond their conventional geographical and professional boundaries. In his present assignment, Kavin is personally connected with more than 300 entrepreneurs and successful business owners across Hyderabad.

The network encompasses real estate developers, builders, chartered accountants, lawyers, doctors, printers, branding agencies, interior designers, management consultants, IT companies, manufacturers, traders and financial advisers, among others. A particularly interesting aspect of his presentation was the connection he established between business networking and public policy. Most of these enterprises are owner-managed MSMEs, which constitute the backbone of the city's economy.

Yet, their everyday challenges, aspirations, expansion plans and contributions rarely receive adequate representation in mainstream policy discussions or national media narratives. For someone with an academic grounding in public policy and international relations, this direct association with entrepreneurs provides a valuable opportunity to understand the realities of the economy from the perspective of those who actually operate businesses, generate employment and create wealth.

Kavin's interest in joining the FETE circle of journalists at the Somajiguda Press Club was also noteworthy. Introduced to the group through one of the earlier guests Durga Prasad, he expressed his enthusiasm for interacting with experienced journalists and other distinguished participants, recognising the value of such platforms for intellectual exchange, professional networking and wider understanding.

The FETE team found his presence refreshing. His combination of international academic exposure, policy orientation, business intelligence and youthful enthusiasm added a contemporary professional perspective to the gathering. The 32^nd FETE meeting demonstrated how a conversation that began with India's ancient contribution to global civilisation through The Golden Road could also embrace the challenges and opportunities of contemporary India.

Thus, the conversation took another meaningful direction, bringing knowledge, enterprise, public policy and society into a common frame of reference. It was a fitting reminder that meaningful conversations become richer when different generations, professions and experiences come together.

The 32^nd FETE meeting once again demonstrated the unique character of this Friday Evening fellowship. What began with a discussion on India's extraordinary civilisational contribution to the world gradually expanded into political philosophy, contemporary governance, economic realities, education and the emerging relationship between public policy and entrepreneurship.

The presence of a young professional like Kavin (And Senior Press Club Member Nagesh Kumar) added another generational and professional dimension to the deliberations. The evening reaffirmed that meaningful intellectual engagement need not be confined to formal seminars, academic institutions or organised conferences. It can flourish equally well around an informal table where journalists, professionals and individuals from diverse backgrounds are willing to listen, question, disagree and reflect.

Perhaps this is the enduring strength of FETE: a fellowship where the wisdom of the past, the complexities of the present and the possibilities of the future meet around one table, without an imposed agenda but with an abundance of intellectual curiosity.