12. Can the Indian Influence be Resurrected?

I recently visited India to explore how this country evolved and what drives it today (and to continue my research on how India shaped the world). In the 1450 years from about 250 BC to 1200 AD (called The Common Period), Indian religion, trade, science, technology, mathematics, and culture had a profound impact across the world from the Red Sea to the Pacific. Notably, the strength of India’s ideas was key to spreading Indian influence—not through the power of its sword!

Battle by Invading Muslim Forces

End of the Mass Transfer of Soft Power

The diffusion of ideas came to an end due to two invading forces forcing India into isolation and the growing power of China. The first invasion occurred between the 8th to 16th centuries, with Muslim forces from the Central Steppe. Next came the impact of the Mongols, who created the Silk Road from the South China Sea to the Mediterranean. During this period, Marco Polo (750 years ago) was a high-profile figure, alongside the Persian language taking over.

Finally, the second invasion came from the Mughals in 1526, lasting until Britain took over. All these factors cumulatively led to the diffusion of Indian soft power coming to an end.

Can the Indian Influence be Resurrected?

Today, India is once again a rising power in the world. The country’s past demonstrates it has the potential to once again become a dominating centre of influence through technological innovation and basic science developments. Restoring and developing these capabilities is the major challenge for India over the next decades.