A. L. Basham

The Wonder That Was India

1. IDEA 1

   A sympathetic portrait of ancient India

   Basham wrote this survey of Indian civilisation before the arrival of Muslim rule for Western readers. Unlike some earlier British writers, he approached ancient India with admiration and respect, describing it as one of the world's great cultures.

2. IDEA 2

   Civilisation began in the Indus Valley

   Basham begins with the Harappan cities, praising their planning, drainage and trade. He notes how much about them remained mysterious, including their script, which still has not been deciphered. Their achievement still impresses archaeologists.

3. IDEA 3

   Kings ruled within moral limits

   Basham describes ancient Indian ideas of kingship, in which rulers were expected to protect people and uphold dharma. He discusses texts on statecraft and how real kings often fell short of these ideals.

All 8 ideas from The Wonder That Was India →