The episode of Deja Vu examines ancient India's forgotten contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and maritime trade, which influenced the Renaissance and modern times. It discusses the shift in power due to colonialism and asks whether the colonial era was an exception to India's global influence.
Key points
Ancient India's global influence was significant before the colonial era.: Ancient India's global influence was significant before the colonial era.
The episode questions whether the colonial era was an exception to India's historical con…: The episode questions whether the colonial era was an exception to India's historical contributions.
India's contributions to mathematics and astronomy had a profound impact on the Renaissan…: India's contributions to mathematics and astronomy had a profound impact on the Renaissance and modern times.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Deja Vu
Was ancient India the world’s forgotten superpower?
In Deja Vu’s latest episode, William Dalrymple explores ancient India’s global influence – and how it was overlooked.
Long before Europe ruled the seas, India’s vast ocean trade linked it to the world. Thinkers like Brahmagupta and Aryabhata spread mathematical ideas that shaped the Renaissance and the modern age. Then colonialism shifted the balance of power. As global power shifts back towards Asia, Deja Vu asks whether the colonial era was the exception.
In this episode:
- William Dalrymple (@DalrympleWill), author and historian
Episode credits:
This episode was produced by Mohamed Hassan, Marcos Bartolome, Marthe van der Wolf, and David Enders. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. Our engagement producer is Adam Abou-Gad. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan.
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