How India changed the World – Tales of Trade and Influence - four online talks by Raaja Bhasin

Perhaps, India’s greatest contribution to the world can be summed up in one word: ‘zero’. This began as a symbol for nothingness and went on to change mathematics, the way we do business or run computers. In the 7th century, this was first formalised by the philosopher-mathematician, Brahmagupta who lived in western India. Via the Middle East, this, and other mathematical concepts spread around the world. Not all changes were as dramatic, but many had a profound impact. Taking a leap over several centuries, when Europe took the world’s centre stage with its expanding colonies, the exploitation of India’s immense resources and markets would have an enormous global impact. ‘What can we bring and what can we send?’ became the catch-line after the arrival of the British and other European powers on the Indian sub-continent in the 16th and 17th centuries. Beyond dominance and retreat, a complex interface was evolving, one which would leave a deep impression on economies and on societies in many countries.

This series of four lectures, seeks to inform and entertain. Through the lens of communications, commodities and migrations, we explore a legacy that hides in plain sight.

The talks take place every Tuesday from 15th April–6th May 2025 at 4.30pm (London) and, including Q&A, will last just under an hour. They are available for viewing for eight weeks after the last episode is streamed (1st July 2025).