#3524
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Inglorious empire
What the British Did to India
Book • 2017
In this book, Shashi Tharoor provides a detailed and incisive reassessment of British colonialism in India.
He argues that Britain's rise was built on the plunder and exploitation of India, leading to significant economic and social decline in the country.
Tharoor demolishes the myths of British imperialism as enlightened despotism, showing how every supposed imperial 'gift'—from railways to the rule of law—was designed to serve British interests.
He highlights the destruction of India's textile industry, the entrenchment of institutionalized racism, and the massive human suffering caused by British rule, including millions of deaths from starvation.
The book is a passionate and well-researched critique of colonialism and its lasting impact on India.
He argues that Britain's rise was built on the plunder and exploitation of India, leading to significant economic and social decline in the country.
Tharoor demolishes the myths of British imperialism as enlightened despotism, showing how every supposed imperial 'gift'—from railways to the rule of law—was designed to serve British interests.
He highlights the destruction of India's textile industry, the entrenchment of institutionalized racism, and the massive human suffering caused by British rule, including millions of deaths from starvation.
The book is a passionate and well-researched critique of colonialism and its lasting impact on India.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 4 episodes
Mentioned by Rudyard Lynch when discussing contrasting perspectives on the British Empire, comparing it to Niall Ferguson's book.
41 snips
Explaining the British Empire
Mentioned by William Dalrymple when discussing books that critically evaluate the British Empire in India.
Introducing Empire
Mentioned by 
Kavita Puri as the author of several books, including the best-selling 'Inglorious Empire' and 'The Struggle for India's Soul'.
Kavita Puri as the author of several books, including the best-selling 'Inglorious Empire' and 'The Struggle for India's Soul'.
India at 75: Can Britain and India be friends?
