The Anarchy

The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire

William Dalrymple

The book chronicles the rise of the East India Company, detailing how a private enterprise managed to establish control over the Indian subcontinent through a combination of trade, military force, and cunning diplomacy. It explores the devastating impact of the company's governance on India, including widespread corruption, famine, and the systematic extraction of resources.

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Return of a King

The Battle for Afghanistan, 1839-42

William Dalrymple

The book narrates the history of the First Anglo-Afghan War, detailing the British invasion of Afghanistan and the catastrophic retreat from Kabul. It provides a comprehensive account of the political and military blunders, the cultural clashes, and the key figures involved in the conflict.

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City of Djinns

A Year in Delhi

William Dalrymple

The book is a travelogue that delves into the rich tapestry of Delhi's history, culture, and people, as experienced by the author over the course of a year. It intertwines personal encounters and observations with deep historical research, uncovering the layers of the city from its ancient foundations to its modern-day complexities.

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The Last Mughal

William Dalrymple

The book delves into the decline of the Mughal Empire through the life of the last emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, during the 1857 Indian Rebellion. It provides a detailed account of the cultural and political atmosphere of Delhi at the time, culminating in the brutal suppression of the uprising by the British.

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Nine Lives

In Search of the Sacred in Modern India

William Dalrymple

The book explores the lives of nine individuals in India, each representing a different religious path in the diverse spiritual landscape of the country. Through personal stories, it delves into the challenges and complexities of maintaining traditional religious practices in a rapidly modernizing society.

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