Embarrassed by the Empire

Srinath Raghavan

Ferdinand Mount’s view of colonialism may be short on historical insight but the story he tells is riveting

For all their posturing and weighty pretences, the Indian elite’s life of letters is still strangely beholden to the British

Pavan Varma believes the liberation of our colonised mind requires us to learn from our ancient past. But did the past he envisages ever exist?

Treacherous sea voyages, jungle hunts and wistful observations make for an engrossing read.

The author on Calcutta’s elusive connection with its literary tradition and the anarchy caused by the Hungry Generation

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