Jimmy Forrester-Fellowes

A fascinating read that touches on a broad range of topics including India's history, politics, geography, economics, religion & modern-day India. I've thoroughly enjoyed dipping my toes in to the history of the Indus civilisation, Mughal Empire, the British Raj and the rise & fall of the East India Company. It's interesting reading about the growing pains of India as it struggles with issues such as energy, women's rights and poverty all whilst its GDP skyrockets. The author shares his own adventures over a number of years painting a wonderfully vivid & real (warts and all) image of India from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, the 'burning ghats' Ganges of Varanasi through to the White sand beaches and forrest's of Goa. As well as the authors experiences (and those that took part in his tourist interviews) the book references and quotes academic works and other publications. The authors intelligent & insightful commentary makes these inclusions digestible and informative even for casual readers like myself. Overall this is a thorough and excellent book. Highly recommended to all inquisitive minds looking for a read covering many aspects of India, past & present.