Books Like...
In "White Mughals," William Dalrymple tells the story of a tragic love affair between British Resident James A. Kirkpatrick and Khair un Nissa, a noble Persian Indian woman, set against the backdrop of 18th-century British India. The book provides a detailed account of the cultural integration and relationships between Europeans and Indians during this period, highlighting the complexities and nuances of colonial interactions. Dalrymple's writing style is described as captivating, immersive, and rich in historical detail, offering a unique insight into a lesser-known aspect of British history in India.
If you liked White Mughals, here are the top 45 books to read next:
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'The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire' by William Dalrymple is a historical narrative detailing the rise of the East India Company and its takeover of the Indian subcontinent. The book covers events from the late 16th century to the early 19th century, focusing on the Company's exploitation of political disunity, military tactics, and economic conquest to amass wealth and power. Dalrymple's writing style is described as vivid and clear, presenting a sordid picture of corporate greed, political manipulation, and cultural clashes during this tumultuous period in history.
Dalrymple weaves together accounts of key figures such as Robert Clive, Warren Hastings, Tipu Sultan, and Shah Alam, shedding light on their roles in the Company's expansion and the downfall of the Mughal Empire. Through extensive research and use of historical documents, the author paints a detailed narrative of how a small group of merchants from a distant land managed to overthrow one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires of the time, leaving a legacy of corporate power and exploitation in their wake.
On 24 September 1599, while William Shakespeare was pondering a draft of Hamlet in his house downriver from the Globe in Southwark, a mile to the north, barely twenty minutes’ walk across the Thames, ... - #2
'The Last Mughal' by William Dalrymple is a detailed and informative historical account of the Indian Mutiny of 1857, focusing on the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar II. The book vividly portrays the decline of the Mughal Empire, the uprising against British rule, and the tragic fate of Zafar. Dalrymple's writing style combines extensive research with a narrative that reads like a novel, offering a compelling insight into the cultural and political landscape of 19th-century India.
The book not only delves into the personal tragedy of Zafar but also explores the broader historical context of the Indian Mutiny, shedding light on the religious, social, and political tensions that led to this pivotal moment in Indian history. Through a mix of firsthand accounts, detailed descriptions, and nuanced analysis, Dalrymple paints a vivid picture of Delhi under siege, capturing the complexities of colonialism, rebellion, and the clash of ideologies.
With a salute from the cannon stationed on the ramparts, and an arc of fireworks and rockets fired aloft from the illuminated turrets of the Fort, the two gates opposite the great thoroughfare of Chan... Shashi Tharoor's 'Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India' provides an expansive and detailed account of how India was plundered and impoverished by British rule. Tharoor highlights the destruction of India's thriving economy, the exploitation of Indian resources, and the devastating impact of British imperialism on Indian society. Through historical facts and narratives, the book debunks myths of benevolent British rule and exposes the true nature of colonialism in India, shedding light on the atrocities committed by the British Empire.
Tharoor's writing style is engaging and informative, offering a wealth of research and depth on the subject of British imperialism in India. The book presents a critical analysis of British colonial looting, discrimination, and exploitation, while also emphasizing the resilience and resistance of the Indian people against oppressive colonial forces. With a focus on historical evidence and detailed accounts, 'Inglorious Empire' challenges readers to confront the dark realities of colonial rule and its lasting impact on India.
1613–14 British East India Company sets up a factory in Masulipatnam and a trading post at Surat under William Hawkins. Sir Thomas Roe presents his credentials as ambassador of King James I to the Mug...'Sahib: The British Soldier in India 1750-1914' by Richard Holmes is a comprehensive study of the British soldier's life in India during the British Empire's rule. Holmes delves into the soldiers' experiences, covering topics such as adaptation to local customs, relationships with the native population, and the challenges faced in a foreign land. Through a series of vignettes, Holmes paints a vivid picture of the soldiers' lives, exploring their courage, bigotry, kindness, and leadership amidst the backdrop of India's diverse cultures and landscapes. The book is written in a lucid and detailed style, drawing on first-person accounts to provide a nuanced insight into the British Army's unique existence in India.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS MAPS GLOSSARY INTRODUCTION Prologue: Drums on the Sutlej I. In India’s Sunny Clime The Land of the Pagoda Tree Empires Rise and Wane The Honourable Company ‘The Devil’s Wind’ The...- #5
'India: A History' by John Keay is a comprehensive overview of India's history from ancient times to the present day. The book delves into various aspects of Indian history, including the impact of British colonization, the Mughal dynasty, and the partition of India in 1947. Keay's writing style is described as high-grade journalism, presenting the information in an articulate and engaging manner that makes the complex history of India understandable and entertaining.
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'The Discovery of India' by Jawaharlal Nehru is a historical and factual work that provides a chronological history of India, emphasizing the continuity of Indian philosophy over millennia and its ability to absorb foreign invaders and ideas. Nehru also delves into the impact of British colonization on India, highlighting the country's rich cultural heritage and its interactions with neighboring regions like Afghanistan, Greece, and Persia. The book is written in a fluid and engaging style, with Nehru's personal insights adding depth to the narrative and offering a glimpse into the mind of a prominent figure in India's independence movement.
It is more than twenty months since we were brought here, more than twenty months of my ninth term of imprisonment. The new moon, a shimmering crescent in the darkening sky, greeted us on our arrival ... Return of a King: The Battle for Afghanistan by William Dalrymple is a detailed historical account of the first Afghan War, focusing on the British invasion of Afghanistan in the 1840s. The book delves into the political and military disasters that led to the wiping out of a British army and the downfall of the puppet state they established in Afghanistan. Dalrymple's writing style is described as well-researched, detailed, and enlightening, offering insight into the complexities of Afghan history and culture.
There may be easier places to research a history book than Afghanistan and Pakistan, but few which provide more unexpected diversion in the course of hunting down texts, letters and manuscripts. On th...- #8
In 'The Siege of Krishnapur' by J.G. Farrell, the story is set during the Great Mutiny of 1857 where an outpost of the British Empire comes under siege, leading to a clash between rationalism and spirituality, and the erosion of British ideals and way of life. The book focuses on the besieged British characters, depicting their struggle to maintain decorum and standards of behavior amidst deprivation and danger. The narrative explores themes of imperialism, colonialism, and the absurdity of the British justification of their colonial policy.
Anyone who has never before visited Krishnapur, and who approaches from the east, is likely to think he has reached the end of his journey a few miles sooner than he expected. While still some distanc... The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes is a comprehensive history of the founding of Australia as a penal colony, detailing the brutal and harrowing conditions faced by convicts and settlers. Hughes weaves a narrative that spans nearly a hundred years, from the initial discovery of Australia to the end of the convict system, incorporating detailed accounts of the transportation of convicts, the challenges faced by the first settlers, and the interactions with the indigenous population. The book is praised for its meticulous research, compelling storytelling, and the author's ability to bring to life the complexities and cruelties of Australia's early history.
Never had a colony been founded so far from its parent state, or in such ignorance of the land it occupied. There had been no reconnaissance. In 1770 Captain James Cook had made landfall on the unexpl...- #10
"Dreadnought" by Robert K. Massie is a detailed account of the naval arms race and political developments leading up to World War I, focusing mainly on Britain and Germany. Massie skillfully intertwines biographical sketches of key figures with discussions on the dreadnought arms race, providing an intimate history of the major players in British and German history from 1850 to 1914. The writing style is engaging and informative, bringing to life the personalities involved and the events that shaped the prelude to the Great War.
Queen Victoria was mostly German. Her father, Edward, Duke of Kent, fourth son of King George III, was a Hanoverian, a descendant of George Louis, Elector of Hanover, brought to England in 1714 and pl...