Lovable Yet Irritable William Dalrymple Honoured for ‘Golden Road’

Renowned historian William Dalrymple has been awarded the 2026 Mark Lynton History Prize for his latest book THE GOLDEN ROAD: HOW ANCIENT INDIA TRANSFORMED THE WORLD , bringing global recognition to his decades-long engagement with India’s past. The award, carrying USD 10,000 , honours books that combine scholarly depth with literary excellence .

Dalrymple’s work presents a fresh interpretation of ancient history, arguing that India stood at the centre of early global exchanges. The book introduces the idea of a “Golden Road” , through which India spread its influence across Asia and beyond via trade, religion, and mathematics . The jury described it as a “perspective-shifting” work that will reshape how historians view ancient connections.

The prize is part of the J. Anthony Lukas Book Prize, administered by the Nieman Foundation for Journalism and the Columbia University School of Journalism. Reacting to the honour, Dalrymple said he was “thrilled” , especially given the list of past winners he deeply admires.

Over the years, Dalrymple has built a wide readership with books such as CITY OF DJINNS , IN XANADU , WHITE MUGHALS , THE LAST MUGHAL , RETURN OF A KING , THE ANARCHY , and NINE LIVES . His writing reflects a deep affection for India , and he has played a major role in making its history accessible to global audiences.

Yet, Dalrymple remains a debated figure in academic circles. While admired for his engaging storytelling , he is often criticised for taking narrative liberties . A notable example is WHITE MUGHALS , where he portrays a colonial-era relationship as a romance. Some historians argue that such relationships, in reality, often involved power imbalance, coercion, or forced arrangements , rather than simple love stories.

This duality defines Dalrymple’s appeal. He is both a gifted storyteller and a historian who invites scrutiny . His books are widely read and highly engaging, but they also require readers to remain aware of nuance rather than accept every narrative at face value.

With THE GOLDEN ROAD winning global recognition in 2026 , Dalrymple’s place as one of the most influential popular historians of India stands firmly established— admired, questioned, and widely read .