BOOKS FOR THE BACKPACK

Journey across India through these books that shed light on the intriguing history and vibrant culture of the country.

THE ADVENTURES OF FELUDA: THE GOLDEN FORTRESS

Satyajit Ray

Satyajit Ray wasn’t just a world-renowned filmmaker; he was also a gifted writer who created perhaps the most famous fictional detective in Bengali literature: Pradosh C Mitter, a.k.a. Feluda. In this delightful novel, which has an equally thrilling film adaptation, Ray uses Rajasthan as an engaging backdrop to craft a tale about reincarnation, hidden treasures, and nefarious conmen.

PRICE ₹ 150/USD2 AVAILABLE ON amazon.in

ONE POINT TWO BILLION

Mahesh Rao

From rural Punjab to the wealthy environs of Delhi, and further on to the tea plantations in the Nilgiris—there are many places to visit in Mahesh Rao’s book about the diverse nature of India’s existence. The 13 stories, spanning 13 states, peek into the lives of both the fortunate and the unfortunate to show a country that is united in the face of uncertainties that life throws at its 1.2 billion citizens.

PRICE ₹ 497/USD7 AVAILABLE ON flipkart.com

AWADH SYMPHONY: NOTES ON A CULTURAL INTERLUDE

Aslam Mahmud

The kingdom of Awadh may not exist anymore, but its diverse culture, art, and food continue to flourish in its former capital, Lucknow. In Mahmud’s book, we get to see these rich facets of Awadh up close: ceremonies, dastangoi (the art of storytelling), courtesans, printing presses, bazaars, games, and more—all are discussed and brought to life in great, evocative detail.

PRICE ₹ 387/USD5 AVAILABLE ON amazon.in

MATCHBOX: STORIES BY ASHAPURNA DEBI

Translated by Prasenjit Gupta

Ashapurna Debi was born at the beginning of the 20th century, yet her writings are as relevant and universal today as they were when she wrote them. Although the 21 short stories in this collection are set in the Bengal that existed decades ago, the tales they narrate could take place in any modern-day Bengali household.

PRICE ₹ 399/USD5 AVAILABLE ON amazon.in

LATITUDES OF LONGING

Shubhangi Swarup

The geographical extent of Swarup’s writing is evident in the title of the book itself. From Andaman Islands to the Kashmir Valley, characters traverse across pages in search of companionship and answers to life’s questions. The environment of every city, mountain, and island plays an integral part in how these characters achieve their goals (or don’t).

PRICE ₹ 262/USD3 AVAILABLE ON amazon.in