Yarkand and Gurdial Sarai: The Forgotten Indian Trade Route Beyond the Himalayas For centuries, the names Yarkand and Gurdial Sarai were deeply connected with the history of India's northern frontiers. Long before modern political boundaries were drawn, these places formed an important part of the ancient trade network linking the Indian subcontinent with Central Asia. Situated beyond the mighty Karakoram Pass, Yarkand was once a thriving destination for Indian traders, explo

India and Afghanistan share a relationship that predates modern political boundaries, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, trade and intellectual movement across South and Central Asia. Long before contemporary nation states emerged, merchants, scholars, pilgrims and artisans travelled through mountain passes and river valleys linking the Indian subcontinent with Afghanistan. These interactions facilitated the spread of ideas, religious traditions, craftsmanship and comm