READERS’ CORNER
Journey across India through these books that shed light on the intriguing history, culinary landscape, and vibrant culture of the country.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE TAJ: A PORTRAIT OF AGRA Royina Grewal
The city of Agra goes beyond the Taj Mahal, and probably nothing can vouch for the fact better than this book by Royina Grewal. From how its strategic location lured all—from the Lodhis and Mughals to the British, to how it fell prey to neglect, and what could be done to restore its glory—this interesting read takes you through a fascinating journey of Agra, one lane at a time.
PRICE ₹ 295/US$4 WHERE TO BUY amazon.in
DASTAN-E-GHADAR: THE TALE OF THE MUTINY Zahir Dehlvi
Having lived through the Revolt of 1857 that ended the Mughal dominion in India, Zahir Dehlvi originally wrote this memoir of mutiny in Urdu in 1914. It was later translated to English in 2007 by historian and author, Rana Safvi. Vivid, rich, and moving—this is a compelling account that chronicles the fading glory of the Mughal court in India.
PRICE ₹ 599/US$8 WHERE TO BUY amazon.in
THE ROOM ON THE ROOF Ruskin Bond
This book tells the tale of a young AngloIndian orphan boy living in a European colony in Dehradun. He juggles between his strict guardian’s rules and forced English values, the absolute solitude, a blurry future, and his fading Indian identity. Written by Ruskin Bond when he was just 17, this work of fiction takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
PRICE ₹ 250/US$4 WHERE TO BUY flipkart.com
CHAI, CHAAT & CHUTNEY: A STREET FOOD JOURNEY THROUGH INDIA Chetna Makan
An ode to her travels in India and the delicious food that she discovered on the way, this elaborate cookbook by Chetna Makan takes cues from dishes common on the streets of India and lends them a personal touch. It is a collection of interesting chapters that bring out authentic tastes of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
PRICE ₹ 1,446/US$20 WHERE TO BUY amazon.in
THE IVORY THRONE: CHRONICLES OF THE HOUSE OF TRAVANCORE Manu S Pillai
Painting a clear picture of Kerala’s history with anecdotes, this book makes for a riveting read. The historical non-fiction is an engaging narrative of the ruling family of Travancore in the 19th century, the life story of Sethu Lakshmi Bayi—the then monarch of the province, and the slow death of the matrilineal society in the state.
PRICE ₹ 750/US$11 WHERE TO BUY flipkart.com