India’s complex history since its independence is a rich space for writers and historians to explore; many have done so and written brilliant books about the subject. Let this Republic Day inspire you to read some of them. This is a list of the best books—both fiction and nonfiction—to start with, personally handpicked by The Bombay Circle Press.
What better way to celebrate Republic Day than to read the work of the man who chaired the committee drafting India’s constitution? This book is a collection of three of B.R. Ambedkar’s most famous and influential speeches. Read this book to better understand the jurist, economist, social reformer and political leader’s vision for the country after gaining independence.
This historical fiction novel by Beena Kamlani tells the story of a young man and a young nation, struggling to define themselves. The book follows Shiv Advani as he travels to London pre-independence to train to become a barrister with the goal of fighting for freedom and later adapting the legal system in an independent India. The book provides a unique look into the philosophies and history behind the freedom struggle while intimately exploring one man’s personal journey.
Another pre-independence novel that explores the identity of India, this time from a very different perspective. Two Englishwomen who are unsatisfied by the insular Anglo-Indian community on their arrival to their country, set out to explore the ‘real India’. Written by an English author and published in 1924, this book is about both British and Indian people living under imperialism.
Written by the historian, Ramachandra Guha, this book comprehensively details India’s history as a democratic country. It highlights many early challenges including ones that came up while drafting the Constitution and while forming the first governments. It also explores pivotal moments like Partition, wars, the Emergency and regional struggles. This is the perfect read to understand the more long-term impacts of early decisions made in independent India.
Asha Thanki’s novel begins shortly before the Partition continues through the student movements in the 1970s to modern day New York. It explores identity, motherhood, inheritance, trauma and art through historical magical realism. This intergenerational tale woven with magical realism is the perfect read to reflect on the country’s history through the eyes of its women.
This nonfiction book explores the history of the Five Year Plans that were instrumental in planning the economy, its data system and even its democracy. It ties together everything from computers to Bollywood to Hindutva. It attempts to uncover how planning defined the Indian republic.
These nonfiction and fiction recommendations provide interesting information about various aspects of India shortly before and in the decades after independence. These are the best books to read this Republic Day. Check out The Bombay Circle Press’ bulletin for more book recommendations for all occasions.