The Golden Road

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Dear Friends,

India’s influence on world history is both vast and nuanced, often revealing itself in ways that inspire awe. In his latest work, The Golden Road, William Dalrymple sheds light on India’s pivotal role in shaping ancient global exchanges—from art and religion to science and architecture. Spanning continents from the Atlantic to the Pacific, India’s cultural imprint remains profoundly woven into the fabric of civilizations.

He mentions the historic town of Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), which stands as a testament to this enduring legacy. Under the Pallava dynasty (600-900 AD), it was not only a flourishing port but also a center for artistic and spiritual exchanges with Southeast Asia. The breathtaking rock-cut temples, depicting gods, animals, and mythical creatures, continue to captivate, much like they did for the renowned Sanskrit poet Dandin in the 7th century. These intricate carvings echo the rich cultural interactions that flowed through this city, acting as a gateway for India’s influence across the seas.

For me, Mahabalipuram isn’t just an archaeological wonder; it’s a personal source of inspiration. My family and the BRAHM team often visit the region, just an hour’s drive from Chennai, to connect with master artisans whose craft has been passed down for generations. Each visit leaves me with a deep sense of pride in the cultural heritage these ancient carvings represent—a heritage that fuels a unique vision of rediscovery.

Emperor Jehangir's historic meeting with British ambassador Sir Thomas Roe further exemplifies India’s global prominence. Roe, awed by the grandeur of the Mughal court, marveled at its sophistication. However, the Emperor indifference to European goods highlighted India’s self-sufficiency and cultural strength—reminders of an era when diplomacy and art intersected at the highest levels.

This deep cultural resonance inspired the creation of BRAHM Collection, a curated platform that showcases the art, design, and fabrics reflecting the intricate beauty of the Global South. BRAHM is more than just a collection—it’s an immersive experience aimed at sharing India’s rich cultural story with the world. It has since become one of my most meaningful investments, and I look forward to continuing to learn and share these narratives that speak to the richness of our shared heritage.

Warm regards,

Zack

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Footnotes:

1. Emperor Jehangir’s Meeting with Sir Thomas Roe (1615): This famous diplomatic encounter marked a key moment in European-Indian relations, where Roe witnessed the opulence of the Mughal court. Emperor Jehangir’s disregard for European products symbolized India's robust self-reliance at the time.

2. India’s Cultural Influence in Southeast Asia: Rather than expanding through military conquest, India’s reach in Southeast Asia spread via ideas, trade, and spiritual teachings. Buddhist monks, particularly from Northern India and Afghanistan, carried these ideas far beyond the subcontinent. The result was an indelible mark on local cultures, from Chinese Buddhism to Southeast Asian kingdoms adopting Indian epics and governance structures. Rabindranath Tagore once noted how Indian influence had harmonized seamlessly with local customs, creating something uniquely distinct.

3. Nalanda: One of the world's first universities, Nalanda was a beacon of knowledge, hosting over 10,000 scholars from regions as distant as China and Korea. The richness of India's intellectual history is deep, and ensuring it is remembered and celebrated in its full complexity remains essential.

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