Hardcover: 135 pages

Publisher: South Asia Books (December 1993)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 8185026238

ISBN-13: 978-8185026237

Product Dimensions: 1 x 9.8 x 13 inches

Two ancient civilisations, contemporaneous, both growing along the banks of rivers which flow down from mountains, through desert. Both rivers support crocodiles and both people worship river gods and crocodiles and worship cows and have a wonderfully developed cosmogony. Both have a form of caste system. Both have contributed immensely to world culture in almost every field. Surely they must have interacted despite the vast geographical distances involved. There is evidence to suggest contact between the two from around BCE 3000 with the findings of Indian muslin, cotton and dhania (coriander) in Egypt. We are on firmer ground from about the third century BCE. During the time of Ptolemy Euergetes an Indian sailor was found shipwrecked on the coast of the Red Sea. He was taken to Alexandria where, in exchange for hospitality, he agreed to show the Ptolemy's men a direct sea route to India across the Indian Ocean. Thus began a most profitable period of contact between these two nations. A short while later the discovery of the Monsoon winds and how they could aid sailing lent more impetus to trade and further contact from the African side. Indians and Arabs had been using these winds to advantage for a long time. During Emperor Ashok's reign ambassadors were exchanged. Contact continued until Egypt came under Roman Law. After a short hiatus renewed ventures were undertaken now bigger and powerful markets of Rome clamouring for goods. Although trade was the reason for exchange many ideas that influnced each other's art and iconography also passed back and forth. Egyptian scholars went as traders and proselytisers. Did Indian indeas influence Egyptian mosque minarets? Did Egyptian art assist in the development of Indian drama and music?
There is a large body of evidence which documents the close relatioships between these two countries. There has always been evidence to suggest indirect means of contact between these two; the book sets out to show a direct one. The authors have brought together eminent scholars to write about this contact . The book is a wonderful read for a lay person and a great guide to the history student or one wanting to pursue a more detailed examination of this fascinating exchange. The book is generouly illustrated and each chapter gives a well outlined reference guide.