In his latest book, ‘The Golden Road,’ renowned historian William Dalrymple delves into the ancient and early medieval history of India, revealing a civilization that was a global powerhouse, a cradle of culture, and a source of influential ideas. He explores the fascinating trade networks and cultural exchange that connected India to the Roman Empire, China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, highlighting the significant role India played in shaping the world we know today.
In 1816, an eruption from Mount Tambora in Indonesia caused unprecedented global climate change, leading to a year without a summer. The eruption ejected massive amounts of sulphur into the atmosphere, forming sulphate aerosols that reflected sunlight and prevented it from reaching the Earth’s surface. This resulted in a year of abnormally cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and devastating crop failures worldwide. The effects were particularly severe in Europe and North America, where widespread hunger, riots, and disease outbreaks occurred. The event highlights the far-reaching consequences of volcanic eruptions and their potential to disrupt human societies.
