In contrast to such flamboyant Orientalist fantasies as The Indian Tomb, which were produced and directed by Germans and intended for Western audiences, this Indo-German co-production on the life of Gautama Buddha (adapted by Niranjan Pal from Edwin Arnold's poem of the same name) was initiated by Indian theatrical impresario Himansu Rai, who imported German director Franz Osten and cinematographers Josef Wirsching and Willi Kiermeier to India to make the film with an Indian cast. Living an indolent life in a luxurious palace, Prince Gautama (Rai) is insulated by his family from the harshness of the world outside. But he is destined to learn greater truths: shocked to discover the pain and suffering of so many in his kingdom, he abandons his privileged existence, and his wife Gopa (Seeta Devi), to become a wandering teacher, eventually finding enlightenment and founding Buddhism. Featuring superimposed images and deep-focus shots that were highly impressive for the time, Light of Asia astutely combines a deeply felt spirituality with the surefire attraction of Indian exotica, which helped make it a considerable success in Europe.