Following a sell-out 2024 tour, the celebrated author returns to inspire and educate Australia on the history, culture and enduring global influence of India
“India was in many ways the forgotten heart of the ancient world … a confident exporter of its diverse civilisation, creating around it a vast empire of ideas, an ‘Indosphere’ where its influence was predominant … Indian art, religions, technology, astronomy, music, dance, literature, mathematics, and mythology blazed a trail across the world, along a Golden Road.”
– William Dalrymple
By popular demand and following a National 2024 sell out tour, celebrated author and historian William Dalrymple will return to Australia in November 2025 for a special encore tour. In this illuminating evening, Dalrymple will explore the rich tapestry of ancient Indian civilisation. Drawing upon a lifetime immersed in Indian culture, and the study of its history, Dalrymple offers a panoramic view of India’s profound influence on the world as explored in his chart-topping podcast Empire, and bestselling books, including The Golden Road, The Anarchy, Return of a King, and The Last Mughal.
From 250 BCE to 1200 CE, India was not merely a land of spiritual depth but a dynamic hub of innovation and exchange. Its contributions in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, art, and philosophy traversed the vast expanse from the Red Sea to the Pacific, shaping cultures and ideas across continents. Weaving narratives of emperors, monks, merchants, and scholars, bringing to life the stories of India’s golden age, Dalrymple examines how Indian thought influenced global traditions, from the architectural marvels of Angkor Wat to the philosophical underpinnings of distant societies.
Tickets on pre-sale from Tuesday 22 July and general on sale from Thursday 24 July via fane.com.au.
Friday, 7 November 2025 Perth Astor Theatre
Sunday, 9 November 2025 Newcastle City Hall
Monday, 10 November 2025 Melbourne Hamer Hall
Wednesday, 12 November 2025 Brisbane QPAC Concert Hall
Thursday, 13 November 2025 Adelaide Town Hall
William Dalrymple draws from a lifetime of scholarship to highlight India’s oft-forgotten position as the heart of ancient Eurasia. From the largest Hindu temple in the world at Angkor Wat to the Buddhism of Japan, from the trade that helped fund the Roman Empire to the creation of the numerals we use today (including zero), India transformed the culture and technology of its ancient world – and our world today as we know it.
Best known for his works on Indian and Islamic history, he has a deep interest in the history and culture of South Asia, particularly India. Dalrymple’s works often explore the intersections of history, culture, and religion, and he is renowned for his engaging narrative style that makes complex historical events accessible to a broad audience.
In addition to his books, Dalrymple frequently writes articles and essays on history, culture, and current affairs, and he is a regular contributor to publications like The Guardian and The New Yorker. He is also known for his work as a documentary filmmaker and television presenter.
An Evening with William Dalrymple promises to be a compelling journey through time, revealing the enduring impact of India’s ancient wisdom on our modern world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious mind, don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from a master storyteller who brings the past vividly into the present.
‘Dalrymple is a brilliant narrator with a gift for bringing historical characters to life.’
THE GUARDIAN
‘A superb historian with a visceral understanding of India’
THE TIMES
‘A master storyteller’
SUNDAY TIMES
AN EVENING WITH WILLIAM DALRYMPLE
Friday, 7 November 2025 Perth Astor Theatre
Sunday, 9 November 2025 Newcastle City Hall
Monday, 10 November 2025 Melbourne Hamer Hall
Wednesday, 12 November 2025 Brisbane QPAC Concert Hall
Thursday, 13 November 2025 Adelaide Town Hall
Tickets Available via www.fane.com.au/WilliamDalrymple
Tour Artwork HERE
Press Images HERE
media enquiries: Tatiana Marchant | Estellar PR
+61 410 655 020 | tatiana@estellar.com.au
ABOUT WILLIAM DALRYMPLE:
William Dalrymple is one of Britain’s great historians, co-host of chart-topping podcast Empire with Anita Anand, and the bestselling author of the Wolfson Prize-winning White Mughals, The Last Mughal, which won the Duff Cooper Prize, and the Hemingway and Kapuscinski Prize-winning Return of a King. A frequent broadcaster, he has written and presented three television series, one of which won the Grierson Award for Best Documentary Series at BAFTA. He has also won the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award, the Sunday Times Young British Writer of the Year Award, the Foreign Correspondent of the Year at the FPA Media Awards and been awarded five honorary doctorates. He writes regularly for the New York Review of Books, The New Yorker and The Guardian.
FANE:
Fane connects you with the most exciting names in culture and entertainment. Whether it’s a book tour, live podcast, or engaging Q&A, Fane offers exclusive access to bestselling authors, cultural icons and emerging talent – in person and online. From intimate theatre settings to large-scale tours, we curate, produce, and promote live shows, bringing you closer to the people you love, and creating lasting experiences that tap into the conversations of the moment.
Fane is trusted for its distinctive and dynamic programming, offering something for everyone. Highlights include Miriam Margolyes, Dolly Alderton, Nigella Lawson, Rory Stewart, Fran Lebowitz, Jameela Jamil, Tim Minchin, Chris Hadfield and Yotam Ottolenghi.
Since launching in 2017, Fane has grown into an industry leader with a global operation. With offices in London and Sydney, Fane events reach audiences in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. To discover more Fane events, visit: www.fane.com.au or @FaneProductions.
HOW TO ACADEMY:
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