20. Nationhood, the Indian constitution, and the railways

The novel follows Kimball O'Hara, a white orphan boy living in British India, who becomes embroiled in the 'Great Game' of espionage while also being spiritually bound to a Tibetan Buddhist lama. Kim navigates between his life as a spy and his role as the lama's disciple, traveling across India and encountering various cultures and characters. The story explores themes of identity, imperialism, and spiritual quest, set against the vibrant backdrop of Indian society under British rule.

In this book, Peter Frankopan challenges the traditional Western-centric view of history by arguing that the Persian Empire and the Silk Roads were pivotal in shaping global civilization. The book explores the network of trade routes that connected Europe, Asia, and the Far East, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, religions, and cultures. It covers the rise and fall of empires, the spread of Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, and the modern geopolitical significance of the region, including the impact of China's Belt and Road Initiative. Frankopan emphasizes the interconnectedness of the world and how events in the Silk Roads region have influenced global history from ancient times to the present day.

This book surveys the role of individual Muslim men and women in India and Pakistan from 1850 through decolonization and the partition period. It examines the relationship between Islam and nationalism, discussing political and religious movements, culture, and art. The work provides insights into the history of Muslims in South Asia, covering topics such as press, poetry, and politics in late nineteenth-century India, and the creation of Pakistan.

In *India as I Knew It*, Sir Michael O'Dwyer recounts his time in India, focusing on his tenure as Lieutenant Governor of Punjab. The book includes his account of the Amritsar troubles in 1919 and provides insights into the political climate and his administrative challenges during that period. It offers a historical perspective on British rule in India and the events leading to the Indian independence movement.