1. The East India Company

The Anarchy recounts the remarkable rise of the East India Company from its humble beginnings in 1599 to its military dominance over the Indian subcontinent by 1803. The book details the company's territorial conquests, starting from the Battle of Plassey in 1757, and its eventual control over large swaths of Asia. Dalrymple draws from previously untapped sources, including Indian, Persian, and French materials, to provide a vivid and detailed story of corporate greed, violence, and the fall of the Mughal Empire. The book also explores the broader implications of corporate power and its impact on colonial rule.

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.

In 'Empireland', Sathnam Sanghera offers a fresh critique of the British Empire and its lasting impact on British society. The book is a personal journey of discovery, where Sanghera explores how the Empire has influenced his own life and the broader British culture. He delves into the complex legacies of the Empire, discussing its formation, its moral complexities, and its ongoing effects on demographics, attitudes, and cultural norms. Sanghera argues against a simplistic 'balance sheet view of history', instead presenting a nuanced and balanced account that highlights both the beneficial and harmful aspects of the Empire. The book also addresses issues such as slavery, racism, and the exploitation of colonial resources, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the Empire's history and its continued influence on modern Britain.