What do you think?
Rate this book
Inked in India
‘The exchange of the reed pen for the fountain pen is part of India’s economic transition and is reflected in the attitudes of these two great leaders, Gandhi and Ambedkar.’
In the early 1900s, a Bengali doctor created the first Indian fountain pen in Varanasi. Despite this early start, foreign-made pens dominate the Indian market, with no notable Indian brand available to customers.
Inked in India traces this journey of make and unmake, from a pre-Independence India with a strong manufacturing base for pens, nibs and ink, to the post-Independence economic policies which eroded that competitive advantage and led to economic churn and the exit of foreign firms from the country. Going beyond the nostalgia and lost sheen of fountain pens, it tackles economic transition and the impact of policy on local enterprise.
Just as there has been exit, post-liberalization, there has been entry too, in what is often perceived to be a sunset sector. The book takes stock of what it will take to transform the unmake in India to make in India, so that Indian fountain pens have a global presence. The first-ever documentation of all known fountain pen, nib and ink manufacturers, Inked in India will be of great interest to fountain pen aficionados and economic enthusiasts alike.
In the early 1900s, a Bengali doctor created the first Indian fountain pen in Varanasi. Despite this early start, foreign-made pens dominate the Indian market, with no notable Indian brand available to customers.
Inked in India traces this journey of make and unmake, from a pre-Independence India with a strong manufacturing base for pens, nibs and ink, to the post-Independence economic policies which eroded that competitive advantage and led to economic churn and the exit of foreign firms from the country. Going beyond the nostalgia and lost sheen of fountain pens, it tackles economic transition and the impact of policy on local enterprise.
Just as there has been exit, post-liberalization, there has been entry too, in what is often perceived to be a sunset sector. The book takes stock of what it will take to transform the unmake in India to make in India, so that Indian fountain pens have a global presence. The first-ever documentation of all known fountain pen, nib and ink manufacturers, Inked in India will be of great interest to fountain pen aficionados and economic enthusiasts alike.
- GenresNonfiction
190 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2022
4 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Bibek Debroy
158 books390 followersBibek Debroy was an Indian economist, who served as the chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. He was also the Chairman of the Finance Ministry's 'Expert Committee for Infrastructure Classification and Financing Framework for Amrit Kaal'. Debroy has made significant contributions to game theory, economic theory, income and social inequalities, poverty, law reforms, railway reforms and Indology among others. From its inception in January 2015 until June 2019, Mr. Debroy was a member of the NITI Aayog, the think tank of the Indian Government. He was awarded the Padma Shri (the fourth-highest civilian honour in India) in 2015.
Bibek Debroy's recent co-authored magnum opus, Inked in India, stands distinguished as the premier comprehensive documentation, capturing the entirety of recognized fountain pen, nib, and ink manufacturers in India.
In 2016, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the US-India Business Summit. In 2022, he was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC). In February 2024, Debroy was conferred Insolvency Law Academy Emeritus Fellowship, in recognition of his distinguished leadership, public service, work and contributions in the field of insolvency.
Bibek Debroy died on 1 November 2024, at the age of 69. He had been admitted to All India Institutes of Medical Sciences in New Delhi one month prior.
Bibek Debroy's recent co-authored magnum opus, Inked in India, stands distinguished as the premier comprehensive documentation, capturing the entirety of recognized fountain pen, nib, and ink manufacturers in India.
In 2016, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the US-India Business Summit. In 2022, he was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Australia India Chamber of Commerce (AICC). In February 2024, Debroy was conferred Insolvency Law Academy Emeritus Fellowship, in recognition of his distinguished leadership, public service, work and contributions in the field of insolvency.
Bibek Debroy died on 1 November 2024, at the age of 69. He had been admitted to All India Institutes of Medical Sciences in New Delhi one month prior.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 28, 2023
The title itself is misleading. There is little that one can know about the history of fountain pens and inks in India. It is at best a hurried effort to put together the information available on the net and in public domain and pass it off as a piece of original research. The second part of the book is extremely boring and I wonder what has this got to do with the book’s theme. It is a critical analysis of the economic policies with scant attention to its effect on the Indian pen industry. Overall, a poor and avoidable read.
October 27, 2022
Evolution theory poses many questions for rational minds across the globe. Little things like who invented the wheel, carts, machines, the computer, and other devices and how fire, hunger, continents, and other things were discovered always linger in the minds. Many studies, thesis, documented proofs and facts have always reigned the world to understand the theory of evolution. The theory not only deals with humans, animals, flora and fauna but also the basic sense of communication. Communication is a great place in anyone's life, whether humans, animals, birds, or even plants! The medium differs, but the concept of communication differs. In this connection, drawing and sketching were initially the modes of communication among early humans.
According to internet sources, 'The oldest-known forms of writing were primarily logographic in nature, based on pictographic and ideographic elements. Most writing systems can be broadly divided into three categories: logographic, syllabic and alphabetic (or segmental); however, all three may be found in any given writing system in varying proportions, often making it difficult to categorise a system uniquely. The invention of the first writing systems is roughly contemporary with the beginning of the Bronze Age in the late Neolithic of the late 5th millennium BC.' Without much digressing and getting lost in the history of writing, in this book – Inked in India by Bibek Debroy with Sovan Roy, a beautiful sentence - As is only to be expected, ink is older than pens, not to speak of fountain pens, caught my attention. Thus, I read the book with much interest and enthusiasm.
The book is divided into seven chapters, and each chapter has wonderful information. The amount of research the authors have done will reflect on every page and stage. The first chapter introduces the readers to the 2003's National Mission for manuscripts, which is further explained and links for reference are mentioned in the book's footnotes. The chapter explains how and when the ink was made, the many ways it was used and such fascinating things along with quills and other ways of writing. The second chapter dates back to India in the 1920s, and the usage of ink, pens and letters that mark historical events are discussed here. The very exhilarating history of the Indian fountain ink pen is talked about in detail in this chapter.
In the further chapters, the book gives extremely interesting details of the history of the fountain pen in India that is linked with India's freedom. The book is written in an easy language with an apt vocabulary. The font and the page setting with the necessary footnotes make the book more readable. This is a must-read book and recommended to every reader!!!
According to internet sources, 'The oldest-known forms of writing were primarily logographic in nature, based on pictographic and ideographic elements. Most writing systems can be broadly divided into three categories: logographic, syllabic and alphabetic (or segmental); however, all three may be found in any given writing system in varying proportions, often making it difficult to categorise a system uniquely. The invention of the first writing systems is roughly contemporary with the beginning of the Bronze Age in the late Neolithic of the late 5th millennium BC.' Without much digressing and getting lost in the history of writing, in this book – Inked in India by Bibek Debroy with Sovan Roy, a beautiful sentence - As is only to be expected, ink is older than pens, not to speak of fountain pens, caught my attention. Thus, I read the book with much interest and enthusiasm.
The book is divided into seven chapters, and each chapter has wonderful information. The amount of research the authors have done will reflect on every page and stage. The first chapter introduces the readers to the 2003's National Mission for manuscripts, which is further explained and links for reference are mentioned in the book's footnotes. The chapter explains how and when the ink was made, the many ways it was used and such fascinating things along with quills and other ways of writing. The second chapter dates back to India in the 1920s, and the usage of ink, pens and letters that mark historical events are discussed here. The very exhilarating history of the Indian fountain ink pen is talked about in detail in this chapter.
In the further chapters, the book gives extremely interesting details of the history of the fountain pen in India that is linked with India's freedom. The book is written in an easy language with an apt vocabulary. The font and the page setting with the necessary footnotes make the book more readable. This is a must-read book and recommended to every reader!!!
Read
November 7, 2022Inked In India: Fountain Pens and a Story of Make and Unmake
Authors: Bibek Debroy with Sovan Roy
Published by Rupa Publications
Genre: Non-Fiction
No Of Pages: 190
MRP: Rs. 595/-
Copy of Inked In India Purchased from @padhegaindia . Thank you for the great service!
Media Copy of Devi for Millennials, thanks to @rupa_publications
I have the utmost respect for Mr Bibek Debroy’s work. I read his book Bhagavad Gita for Millennials earlier this year and have been wanting to read his translations of the Mahabharata since forever. For those who are unaware, Mr Bibek Debroy is the chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. Debroy has made significant contributions to game theory, economic theory, income and social inequalities, poverty, law reforms, railway reforms and Indology among others. He is also an anchor for the fortnightly show Itihasa on Sansad TV.
Sovan Roy works for the Government of West Bengal and writes on science, history of science, Indology, technology, environment, and ecology. He has published in the popular media, as well as in scientific journals.
The book Inked in India, is a love letter to fountain pens, going in detail of the history of Ink and Fountain Pens in the country. This book traces the various pen manufacturers and ink companies from the nineteenth century onwards, highlighting the industry as a whole and detailing early entrepreneurs and their various experiences. The book is not only an extremely important document because it systemically charts the course of the Indian fountain pen and ink industry as it evolved through the ages to where it is now, but it is also a historical treatise because it chronologically documents the industry's passage over time. It goes without saying that the book is extremely well researched, right down to the smallest details. The book is divided into seven chapters, each of which contains useful information. The amount of research done by the authors will be evident on every page and stage. The first chapter introduces readers to the 2003 National Mission for Manuscripts, which is expanded upon and referenced in the book's footnotes. The chapter explains how and when ink was created, how it was used
Continue reading the full review here: https://www.keetabikeeda.in/post/inke...
Authors: Bibek Debroy with Sovan Roy
Published by Rupa Publications
Genre: Non-Fiction
No Of Pages: 190
MRP: Rs. 595/-
Copy of Inked In India Purchased from @padhegaindia . Thank you for the great service!
Media Copy of Devi for Millennials, thanks to @rupa_publications
I have the utmost respect for Mr Bibek Debroy’s work. I read his book Bhagavad Gita for Millennials earlier this year and have been wanting to read his translations of the Mahabharata since forever. For those who are unaware, Mr Bibek Debroy is the chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India. Debroy has made significant contributions to game theory, economic theory, income and social inequalities, poverty, law reforms, railway reforms and Indology among others. He is also an anchor for the fortnightly show Itihasa on Sansad TV.
Sovan Roy works for the Government of West Bengal and writes on science, history of science, Indology, technology, environment, and ecology. He has published in the popular media, as well as in scientific journals.
The book Inked in India, is a love letter to fountain pens, going in detail of the history of Ink and Fountain Pens in the country. This book traces the various pen manufacturers and ink companies from the nineteenth century onwards, highlighting the industry as a whole and detailing early entrepreneurs and their various experiences. The book is not only an extremely important document because it systemically charts the course of the Indian fountain pen and ink industry as it evolved through the ages to where it is now, but it is also a historical treatise because it chronologically documents the industry's passage over time. It goes without saying that the book is extremely well researched, right down to the smallest details. The book is divided into seven chapters, each of which contains useful information. The amount of research done by the authors will be evident on every page and stage. The first chapter introduces readers to the 2003 National Mission for Manuscripts, which is expanded upon and referenced in the book's footnotes. The chapter explains how and when ink was created, how it was used
Continue reading the full review here: https://www.keetabikeeda.in/post/inke...
September 12, 2022
This is literally a history book with such rich details, it leaves one contemplating with a question: What if.. Fountain Pen collectors can relate to some if not the entire gamut of timeline presented here
Tracing the various pen manufacturers and ink companies from 19th century onwards, this book highlights the industry as a whole detailing about early entrepreneurs & their various experiences.
One of the chapters that makes for fascinating read is the one on Mahatma Gandhi & Ambedkar. While Mahatma Gandhi was against fountain pens and preferred reed pens to symbolize village industry, Ambedkar's preference for pens makes a fascinating read.
The book goes into great detail about the various policies and legislation that led to "Unmake in India" as the title suggests. A golden opportunity to be a world leader was lost thanks to our complicated processes and short ended foresight
The detailed comparative analysis of other countries in the same industry should give a reference for entrepreneurs to come. As a personal connoisseur of TWSBI, Lamy, Sailor & Pilot pens, I can relate to the anguish experienced by the authors on Indian made pens
Page 161 would perhaps been updated if the book came out a few months later with William Penn acquiring Sheaffer brand also. At the end of the book, the authors make a point for 5G, a new generation of pen makers with a high quality pen that would be internationally loved. As a pen lover, I eagerly wait for the day for an international brand with "Made in India" proudly on that.
Read the book to know more about the history of Indian Pens and Inks. This is also a good reference on policy making, government participation & creation of a ecosystem to sustain an industry.
Tracing the various pen manufacturers and ink companies from 19th century onwards, this book highlights the industry as a whole detailing about early entrepreneurs & their various experiences.
One of the chapters that makes for fascinating read is the one on Mahatma Gandhi & Ambedkar. While Mahatma Gandhi was against fountain pens and preferred reed pens to symbolize village industry, Ambedkar's preference for pens makes a fascinating read.
The book goes into great detail about the various policies and legislation that led to "Unmake in India" as the title suggests. A golden opportunity to be a world leader was lost thanks to our complicated processes and short ended foresight
The detailed comparative analysis of other countries in the same industry should give a reference for entrepreneurs to come. As a personal connoisseur of TWSBI, Lamy, Sailor & Pilot pens, I can relate to the anguish experienced by the authors on Indian made pens
Page 161 would perhaps been updated if the book came out a few months later with William Penn acquiring Sheaffer brand also. At the end of the book, the authors make a point for 5G, a new generation of pen makers with a high quality pen that would be internationally loved. As a pen lover, I eagerly wait for the day for an international brand with "Made in India" proudly on that.
Read the book to know more about the history of Indian Pens and Inks. This is also a good reference on policy making, government participation & creation of a ecosystem to sustain an industry.
February 15, 2023
Until earlier in January, when I received 'Inked in India' as a gift, I didn't even know that the history of writing equipment, especially fountain pens, would interest me much.
But as I started reading through this one page by page, my curiosity grew. Before this book, I only knew about fountain pens as the kind of pens that would leak out and spoil clothes and exams. But reading this book taught me that in fountain pens itself, there are various models and types.
Reading 'Inked in India' takes you through the history of pens in India from the colonial era to the early years of independence and the present modern age. And the story is interesting.
What didn't go well with me was the overuse of numbers and economics behind pen manufacturing and the industry. For someone like me who doesn't enjoy lots of numbers, those parts of the book, were a little bleak and monotonous.
I understand that the authors, Bibek Debroy and Sovan Roy, are experts in this subject matter and they have definitely done a great job with their research on this book.
I would recommend this book to all those who are actual fountain pen enthusiasts and would enjoy the stories and economics behind fountain pens better than me.
But as I started reading through this one page by page, my curiosity grew. Before this book, I only knew about fountain pens as the kind of pens that would leak out and spoil clothes and exams. But reading this book taught me that in fountain pens itself, there are various models and types.
Reading 'Inked in India' takes you through the history of pens in India from the colonial era to the early years of independence and the present modern age. And the story is interesting.
What didn't go well with me was the overuse of numbers and economics behind pen manufacturing and the industry. For someone like me who doesn't enjoy lots of numbers, those parts of the book, were a little bleak and monotonous.
I understand that the authors, Bibek Debroy and Sovan Roy, are experts in this subject matter and they have definitely done a great job with their research on this book.
I would recommend this book to all those who are actual fountain pen enthusiasts and would enjoy the stories and economics behind fountain pens better than me.
February 4, 2023
I collect and use fountain pens. I have many books on the subject. This book has very little to do with fountain pens or ink. It is one long lamentation and excuse for why India did not produce decent pens, throughout it's history. I would think the book was written by a lawyer or statistician who had no love or interest in pens. Only the related laws, quotas, import, export, and rulings as excuses for why Indian pens tended "to be more fountain than pen." As I neared the end of this book, I found myself grateful it was only 190 pages long. It seemed so much longer.
May 20, 2023
A must read for all fountain pen enthusiasts.
Although the language at times is boring and difficult to grasp, only those who majored in economics can understand, the book is well researched and targets only a selected segment of our society...the society of fountain pen lovers.
Although the language at times is boring and difficult to grasp, only those who majored in economics can understand, the book is well researched and targets only a selected segment of our society...the society of fountain pen lovers.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews