Introduction First published in Tamil in 2013 and later translated into English by Aniruddhan Vasudevan, Pyre by Perumal Murugan is a poignant and searing exploration of caste, violence, and intolerance in rural India. The novel tells the story of Saroja and Kumaresan, a young inter-caste couple who, after their marriage, return to Kumaresan's village to…

Introduction Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line, published in 2020, is the debut novel of Deepa Anappara. Set in a basti on the outskirts of a large Indian city, the story is told through the eyes of Jai, a 9-year-old boy who dreams of becoming a detective. The novel follows Jai and his friends as…

Introduction First published in 1996, Everybody Loves a Good Drought by P. Sainath is a landmark work of journalism that sheds light on the plight of rural India. Through compelling investigative reporting and powerful storytelling, Sainath documents the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities in some of India’s poorest districts. The book uncovers the systemic…

Introduction Curfewed Night, published in 2010, is an emotionally charged and deeply personal memoir by journalist Basharat Peer, recounting his experiences of growing up in Kashmir during the insurgency of the 1990s. The book combines Peer’s own memories with powerful reportage, offering a haunting portrayal of the violence, fear, and loss that ordinary Kashmiris endured…

Introduction Written during his imprisonment in 1942, The Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru is one of the most significant works on India’s history and culture. In this sweeping narrative, Nehru blends history, philosophy, and personal reflection to offer a comprehensive and deeply personal exploration of India’s past—from its ancient civilization to its colonial experience.…

Published: 2024 Author: William Dalrymple Rating: 4.5/5 Link: The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World (Amazon) Overview The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World is William Dalrymple’s sweeping account of India’s global influence in antiquity. Moving beyond the view of India as a passive receiver of outside ideas, Dalrymple highlights how…

Introduction Published in 2011, Being Different by Rajiv Malhotra is a thought-provoking exploration of Indian civilization and its philosophical traditions, set against the backdrop of Western thought. Malhotra, an Indian-American scholar and public intellectual, argues that India's dharmic traditions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism) offer unique insights that are often overlooked or overshadowed by Western…

Introduction Published in 2005, The Argumentative Indian by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen is a thought-provoking collection of essays that delve deep into India’s intellectual and cultural history. Sen, a renowned economist and philosopher, uses this book to explore the rich tradition of debate, reasoning, and pluralism that has shaped India’s identity over the centuries. Drawing…

Introduction Published in 2018, Why I Am a Hindu by Shashi Tharoor is a deeply personal and intellectual exploration of Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest and most diverse religious traditions. Tharoor, known for his eloquence and sharp political commentary, uses this book to reflect on his personal journey with Hinduism, while also addressing the…

Introduction "India After Gandhi," written by Ramachandra Guha, is a definitive and meticulously researched account of India's journey after gaining independence in 1947. Published in 2007, this monumental work stands as one of the most thorough and accessible books on modern Indian history. Guha takes readers through India’s political, social, and cultural transformations, offering deep…