India’s rich tapestry unfolds beyond the usual tales of emperors and battles. This exploration delves into unique historical vantage points, from the unsung Jewish community of Kerala to the roar of vintage cars, each offering a fresh lens to understand the subcontinent’s vibrant past. Through a blend of captivating fiction and insightful non-fiction, we embark on a journey that redefines what it means to know Indian history.
The Automobile: An Indian Love Affair by Gautam Sen
Gautam Sen’s “The Automobile: An Indian Love Affair” explores Indian history through the lens of the automobile. It delves beyond just the machine, tracing how cars became objects of passion, freedom, and social change in India. From empowering women to shaping the nation’s infrastructure, the book offers a unique perspective on India’s journey through the 20th century.
Loot by Tania James
“Loot” by Tania James is a historical adventure that follows a gifted young Indian woodcarver, Abbas. Recruited to create a mechanical tiger for a sultan, Abbas finds himself caught between warring empires. The novel tracks the tiger’s journey across continents, weaving a tale of colonialism, displacement, and the fight for cultural preservation through the lens of a captivating object.
Tide of Fortune by Manubhai Madhvani with Giles Foden
“Tide of Fortune” chronicles the rise and fall of an Indian business dynasty in East Africa. Through the patriarch Manubhai Madhvani’s eyes, we witness a family building a vast empire, only to see it snatched away by political upheaval. The book offers a unique perspective on Indian history, weaving personal triumph and tragedy with the social and political currents of a continent.
Goa: A Daughter’s Story by Maria Aurora Couto
“Goa, a Daughter’s Story” by Maria Aurora Couto isn’t just a history lesson. It’s a personal account of Goa’s 450-year evolution, interwoven with the author’s own experiences. Through a daughter’s lens, we see Goa’s transformation from a Portuguese colony to a modern Indian state. The book sheds light on the cultural clashes, religious influences, and the lingering effects of colonialism, offering a unique perspective on Indian history.
The Last Jews of Kerala by Edna Fernandes
“The Last Jews of Kerala” by Edna Fernandes chronicles the fading Jewish communities of Kerala, India. Divided by skin tone, the Black Jews and White Jews have coexisted for centuries, marked by both tolerance and internal conflict. Through their story, Fernandes offers a unique lens into Indian history, revealing a little-known chapter of Jewish life that thrived for millennia before facing extinction.
His Majesty’s Headhunter: The Siege of Kohima That Shaped World History by Mmhonlümo Kikon
“His Majesty’s Headhunters” reframes the WWII Battle of Kohima, often called “India’s forgotten battle.” It centres on the Naga people, previously labelled “headhunters,” and their crucial role in halting the Japanese advance. By giving voice to this untold perspective, Kikon sheds light on a pivotal moment in Indian history and challenges the traditional narrative of the subcontinent’s role in the war.
Pick up any one of these 6 Books That Explore Indian History From Unique Vantage Points from any Kunzum store or WhatsApp +91.8800200280 to order. Buy the book(s) and the coffee’s on us.