Was ancient India the world's forgotten superpower? | William Dalrymple | Deja Vu
Al Jazeera English · Published on October 18, 2026
Loved this video? Share it!
Send it to someone who'll love it, or post it on your networks.
Description
Long before Europe ruled the seas, India’s vast ocean trade linked it to the world. Thinkers like Brahmagupta and Aryabhata spread mathematical ideas that shaped the Renaissance and the modern age. Then colonialism shifted the balance of power. As global power shifts back towards Asia, Deja Vu asks whether the colonial era was the exception. In this episode: - William Dalrymple, author and historian Episode credits: This episode was produced by Mohamed Hassan, Marcos Bartolome, Marthe van der Wolf, and David Enders. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. Our engagement producer is Adam Abou-Gad. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan.