The sapphire sea at Mamallapuram still shines under the sun, with astonishing sculptures of gods, goddesses, and animals carved on the rocks behind. In the heyday of the Pallava dynasty, Mamallapuram was a bustling seaport, with ships carrying goods like textiles, spices, and gold to Southeast Asia. William Dalrymple’s ‘The Golden Road’ challenges the traditional narrative of the Silk Road, showing how India was at the heart of ancient trade routes. The book explores the peaceful spread of Indian influence through merchants, monks, and missionaries, shaping cultures and exchanging knowledge. India’s rich intellectual tradition, mathematical innovations, and cultural contributions to the modern world are highlighted, making it a must-read for history buffs.
https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v46/n17/ferdinand-mount/one-way-traffic