Dalrymple challenges the Eurocentric view of history by showcasing ancient India not as an isolated subcontinent, but as a global superpower. He reveals how, for over a millennium, India's influence radiated outward through trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. This influence was not driven by conquest, but by the sheer attractiveness of Indian ideas and philosophies, along with its mastery of trade and technology.

Unlike empires built on military might, Dalrymple argues that India built an 'empire of ideas'. This empire was established through the dissemination of knowledge, religion, art, and technology. He explores how Indian mathematics, including the concept of zero, revolutionized global understanding of numbers. He traces the spread of Buddhism from its Indian birthplace to become one of the world's major religions, and examines how Indian artistic motifs and architectural styles influenced the design of temples and palaces from Cambodia to Indonesia.

The book doesn't simply end with the decline of ancient India's influence. Instead, Dalrymple connects the dots to the present, illustrating how the 'Golden Road' continues to impact our lives. From the enduring popularity of yoga and meditation to the use of Indian spices in global cuisine, the legacy of ancient India is woven into the fabric of our modern world. Dalrymple highlights how understanding this legacy is crucial for a more accurate and inclusive understanding of global history.