GATEWAY TO INDIA

Keep these iconic books handy to get an insight into the colourful world of India.

INDIA’S UNENDING JOURNEY Mark Tully

Part memoirs, part travelogue—this fascinating timely work by Sir Mark Tully tells the tale of his journey through the many faces of India, his home for 40 years. In an old-fashioned way, Tully finds a balance between the spiritual and the material, giving an insight into India’s otherworldly side. PRICE `413/US$ 5.6 WHERE TO BUY flipkart.com

SHANTARAM Gregory David Roberts

Taking one through the dark underbelly of India’s financial capital, Mumbai, this crime drama starts when an Australian felon escapes and reaches the teeming streets of the city in search of a new life. The book successfully captures the essence of the chaotic lives of slum-dwellers in Mumbai. PRICE `426/US$ 6.08 WHERE TO BUY flipkart.com

CITY OF DJINNS: A YEAR IN DELHI William Dalrymple

A travelogue on

New Delhi punctuated with historical facts and anecdotes, this one deals with the experiences that the formidable travel writer had while unravelling the city’s riches over a year. What seems like a fling at the start, soon turns into a lasting romance between the writer and the capital city. PRICE `489/US$ 7 WHERE TO BUY amazon.in

THE CITY OF JOY Dominique LaPierre

Published in 1985, this political drama played a great role in shaping the landscape of Kolkata, which was later nicknamed after the book. Taking one through the vibrant streets of Kolkata, the engaging read explores themes of class separation, caste system, religions, and the struggle of the poor in India. PRICE `200/US$ 2.8 WHERE TO BUY amazon.in

INDIAN FOOD: A HISTORICAL COMPANION K T Achaya

Don’t mistake it for another cook book. Right from the prehistoric to modern times, it takes you on a journey of history, rituals, beliefs, and methods that have, over the time, shaped the gastronomical scene in India. The book talks about how Indian cuisine has influenced the global culinary scene. PRICE `547/US$ 8 WHERE TO BUY amazon.in