DH Web Desk
An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India
In An Era of Darkness, Shashi Tharoor unravels the romanticised myth of the British Raj, exposing nearly two centuries of colonial exploitation from 1757 to 1947. With sharp insights and researched anecdotes, he debunks the idea that Britain “developed” India, showing instead how it deindustrialised the nation and stole opportunities. This audiobook is a powerful reminder that India’s freedom was hard-won against a calculated system of oppression.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Discovery of India
Following nearly 200 years of British rule, An Era of Darkness ends with India on the brink of freedom. Jawaharlal Nehru’s Discovery of India, written in prison, takes a broader and more intimate view, tracing India’s history from the Vedas through to the British Raj’s decline. This audiobook invites listeners to rediscover India’s soul.
Credit: Special Arrangement
India’s Struggle for Independence
Nehru’s story spans India’s spirit from ancient times through the British Raj’s last years; Bipin Chandra’s history continues from the 1857 Revolt, vividly documenting the independence movement. Using archival and firsthand sources, it covers landmark events such as Jallianwala Bagh, the Salt March, and Gandhi-led mass movements, emphasizing peasants, workers, women, and revolutionaries. It further discusses the Quit India Movement, Bose’s INA, and the political turmoil that hastened British departure in the 1940s.
Credit: Special Arrangement
The End of India
In this hard-hitting audiobook, Khushwant Singh reflects on India’s descent into communal strife and intolerance. Drawing from Partition and events like the anti-Sikh riots, Graham Staines' murder, and the Gujarat riots, he argues that the true danger lies within, a nation torn by hate and divisive politics. It’s a stark reminder of what happens when fanaticism goes unchecked.
Credit: Special Arrangement
What Young India Wants
What Young India Wants by Chetan Bhagat is a thought-provoking collection that addresses India's key challenges, ranging from corruption to youth struggles. Using a simple and engaging style, Bhagat proposes constructive solutions while encouraging civic action. Organized into sections on society, politics, and the youth, it also includes two stories and letters that spark reflection on India's path forward.
Credit: Special Arrangement