The Wonder That Was India: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of The Wonder That Was India, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
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.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
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.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
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.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Varna and caste ordered society
Basham explains the idea of the four varnas and the many castes, or jatis, that shaped social life.
He describes both how the system worked and the inequalities it created.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Daily life was rich and varied
Basham describes food, clothing, festivals, games and family life in ancient India.
He paints a picture of a society that enjoyed pleasures and celebrations as well as religious duties. Ordinary pleasures mattered as much as ritual.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Religions grew in conversation
Basham traces Vedic religion, the rise of Buddhism and Jainism, and the development of later Hinduism.
He shows how these traditions influenced and borrowed from each other over many centuries.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Art reflected spiritual ideas
Basham admires the temples, sculptures and paintings of ancient India, from Buddhist stupas to Hindu temples.
He explains how art expressed religious ideas and celebrated beauty and the body. He saw great skill in this tradition.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Literature and science flourished
Basham describes the Sanskrit epics, poetry and drama, along with achievements in grammar, mathematics, astronomy and medicine.
He argues that India made lasting contributions to world knowledge. Much of this knowledge travelled far beyond India.
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