The historic Silk Route that once linked the Roman Empire with China was much more than a trade passage; it served as a vibrant medium for cultural exchange, said author and retired IPS officer D.V. Guruprasad in Belagavi on Tuesday.
Speaking at the launch of his 100th book, Silk Route (in Kannada), during an interactive session at the Belgaum Club, Mr. Guruprasad noted, “The Silk Route was not just a roadway, but a living entity that fostered the development of enlightened civilizations. It enabled the blending of diverse languages and traditions and served as a unifying thread across continents.”
Describing the book as historical non-fiction rather than a travelogue, he said, “I have tried to bring forth historical facts that continue to shape our present.” He revealed he is currently working on five more titles, including a comprehensive account of drug lord Pablo Escobar, all of which are expected to release together in June.
His fascination with the Silk Route began in childhood, inspiring him to read widely on the subject. His influences include The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan, In Xanadu by William Dalrymple, Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron, and Sun Shuyun’s Ten Thousand Miles Without a Cloud.
He shared that he spent over ten years preparing for the book, including two years of travel to 36 of the 40 countries along the route. “I met scholars, historians, and everyday people. I plan to visit the remaining four countries once political conditions improve and hope to write a sequel,” he said.
The book concludes by highlighting how the Silk Route shaped the world in spirituality, culture, science, trade, and agriculture. “My exploration of how Buddhism spread from India globally has inspired me to consider writing on spirituality,” he added.
Superintendent of Police Bheemashankar S. Guled introduced the book, calling it a “treasure trove” that compresses over 3,000 years of history into 235 pages. Interacting with young readers, he quizzed them on ancient civilizations and read excerpts from the book.
Dr. Guled described the work as both thrilling and informative. “It takes readers on a journey from China to Rome, portraying rulers, traders, commoners, and even bandits,” he said.
Rani Channamma University Vice-Chancellor C.M. Thyagaraj praised the book’s ability to spark curiosity in young minds, especially those who have drifted from reading. “It’s history made simple, engaging, and accessible,” he said.
Brigadier Joydip Mukherjee, Commandant of the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, officially released the book. He stressed the importance of such literary efforts in Indian languages for enriching research and scholarship.
Longtime reader M.K. Jainapur, known for purchasing the first copy of each of Guruprasad’s books, received a signed copy.
A minute of silence was held in memory of Ramakant Joshi from Manohara Grantha Mala, the book’s Dharwad-based publisher.
The event was hosted by Belagavi Geleyara Balaga, World on Wheels, and Belgaum 360. Writer Sarjoo Katkar, Excise Superintendent Vijay Hiremath, and Assistant Drug Controller Raghuram Nidavanda were also in attendance.
