128. The Life of the Buddha

This podcast episode features an interview with William Dalrymple about his new book, "The Golden Road," which explores the spread of Indian culture and ideas across Asia between 250 BC and 1200 AD. The conversation begins with an enthusiastic introduction of the book and its cover art, representing ancient Indian cosmology. The discussion then focuses on the spread of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Indian mathematics, highlighting Sanskrit's influence and the surprising presence of Indian cultural elements in seemingly unrelated regions. Specific examples include the naming of places like Singapura (Singapore) and Ayutthaya (Thailand), and the use of Indian numerals globally. The episode concludes with a discussion of the Ajanta caves and their significance as a testament to the artistic and cultural exchange of the time.