- Why in the News?: Recently it won the Mark Lynton History Prize 2026.
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Author: Historian William Dalrymple.
- About the Book: William Dalrymple's The Golden Road explores how ancient India's profound intellectual and cultural exports- from Buddhism and mathematics to art and philosophy- shaped the civilizational landscape of Asia and the Mediterranean, positioning India as the central driver of global exchange.
- The narrative challenges the traditional "Silk Road" focus on China, meticulously documenting a "Golden Road" of maritime and overland routes that diffused Indian influence across the world for over a millennium.
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Other Books by William Dalrymple: The Anarchy: The relentless rise of East India Company, Return of a King, Kohinoor, Nine Lives etc.
Mark Lynton History Prize 2026
- The prize honours historical writing that demonstrates a combination of scholarly excellence and literary quality.
- Award Value: USD 10,000.
- Organized by: Nieman Foundation and Columbia University
- This award is given annually to outstanding historical works.
