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The Courtesan, The Mahatma And The Italian Brahmin : Tales From Indian History
From a Maratha prince who parodied caste to a Muslim deity in a Hindu temple; from a courtesan who became a warrior princess to another who sang for the gramophone; from a woman with no breasts to a goddess with three; and from an Englishman who venerated sacred Sanskrit to imperious Victoria Maharani—the essays in this collection open a window into India’s past, and to a world of such astonishing richness that it is surprising how much of it has been forgotten or expunged.
To dip into these essays is to be absorbed in India’s story and reflect on the experiences of men and women whose lives were full of drama and action. We discover the advent of the railways, just as we learn about the history of Indian football; we hear of the hated Lord Curzon’s love of India’s monuments, even as we unravel the story of the photographer who was Jaipur’s maharajah. In the hands of a consummate historian and storyteller, these men and women speak also of the concerns and perspectives of the present, showing us what was, and what might have been.
An exhilarating journey with the author of The Ivory Throne and Rebel Sultans, The Courtesan, the Mahatma & the Italian Brahmin is a retelling of history no reader will want to miss.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2018
451 people are currently reading
3055 people want to read
About the author
Manu S. Pillai
10 books780 followersManu S. Pillai was born in Kerala in 1990 and educated at Fergusson College, Pune, and at King's College London. Following the completion of his master's degree, where he presented his thesis on the emergence of religious nationalism in nineteenth-century India, in 2011-12, he managed the parliamentary office of Dr Shashi Tharoor in New Delhi and was then aide to Lord Bilimoria CBE DL, a crossbencher at the House of Lords in London in 2012-13. That same year he was commissioned by the BBC as a researcher to work with Prof. Sunil Khilnani on the 'Incarnations' history series, which tells the story of India through fifty great lives. The Ivory Throne is Manu's first book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
December 17, 2019
Boring and dullish book. Book is a just a collection of newspaper weekly column. You can read those columns in Mint Lounge, The news minute and Open magazine website as well. I think some of the essays the author has re published here are from his previous books Ivory thrones and Rebel Sultans which was a huge disappoinment. Obviously we expect new content rather than publishing his old work from columns and his previous two books. This book has limited depth, no new research and offers nothing new but an opportunity for the author and the publishers to milk the growing interest in the genre.
And oh yess! How can i forget to add. This book is heavily dependent from the sources of Romila Thapar, Irfan Habib, Richard Eaton, Sanjay Subrahmanyam, Satish Chandra, Abraham Eraly, Wendy Doniger and Sheldon Pollock. And we already know what kind of history they write. Entire leftist cabal who dominate Indian history and distort it according to their agenda.
And oh yess! How can i forget to add. This book is heavily dependent from the sources of Romila Thapar, Irfan Habib, Richard Eaton, Sanjay Subrahmanyam, Satish Chandra, Abraham Eraly, Wendy Doniger and Sheldon Pollock. And we already know what kind of history they write. Entire leftist cabal who dominate Indian history and distort it according to their agenda.
April 6, 2020
This book is an amorphous mixture of stories from the pre-British and British periods of Indian history. It strings together 25 chapters from India's early and medieval periods and 35 chapters from the British era. Each chapter is totally independent of the others and there is no inconvenience if you started reading them from the end of the book first. These were a series of articles that appeared in the 'Mint Lounge'' publication. These materials are the leftovers from the author’s research for his books ‘The Ivory Throne’ and ‘The Rebel Sultans’. It is also coloured with political overtones as the author aligns with the ultra-liberal gang of former leftist scholars, taking up cudgels against the rising tide of nationalism enveloping the country. He wastes no chances to peer into the lives of nationalist icons like Swami Vivekananda or Rani Lakshmi Bai and manages to come up with some little known facts or legends that would put them in a bad light. Readers can clearly discern his sly smile at the end of such a chapter on account of the vicious job satisfaction he is deriving from making a slur on that great leader’s credibility in the popular mind. Manu S Pillai is an acolyte of Shashi Tharoor and writes in newspapers.
Pillai argues that the religious divide between Hinduism and Islam is not clearly defined that can be grouped into mutually exclusive niches. As he says, black and white were not the colours through which these voices perceived their world. There was an elite visualisation of 'Turks' and there was another of ‘Hindus’, but boundaries between the two were not rigid. He identifies the crystallization to have taken place, at least in the south of India, by the early seventeenth century, in the aftermath of the destruction of the Vijayanagara Empire by the unified onslaught of the Deccan’s Muslim sultanates. Rayavacakamu, a panegyric composed in Madurai in this period shows the consolidation among Hindus of a sense of common identity in competition with Muslims. However, he points out a few mercenaries of the other religion who fought in the armies of Vijayanagara and the Sultanates to vainly ascribe notions of the modern concept of secularism to this medieval battle that was driven on by communal sentiments of the sultanates. Besides, Rayavacakamu is not a reflection of reality, but only an articulation of elite political preoccupations, with one or two agendas. Luckily for the readers, the author does not find any anticipation of the twenty-first century rise of Hindutva in this medieval work of fiction.
The Hindu community is a conglomeration of numerous castes and sects. It is a wonder that this diverse mass somehow manages to stay afloat under a common identity that transcends all the differences. There are upper castes and there are lower castes and it is well known that the upper castes persecuted the lower ones in the past. It is also true that in some parts of the country where the light of emancipation has still not spread adequately, the oppression still lingers on. But what makes this woeful practice in the contemporary society different from the age-old custom is that legal and social recourses are now open for the downtrodden. But scholars like Pillai find it expedient for their divisive philosophy to enhance the dichotomy to the breaking point. They always try to make a split. This book excavates stories from the fourteenth century where Dalits of extreme piety are harassed by the Brahmin elite. He even suggests that to the Brahmin on the street, the ‘Turk’ was not more alien than the untouchable (p.66). It is also suggested that a Malayali is traditionally more strongly linked with Arabia than northern India (p.342)! No references from authentic sources are given in the book to validate this wild hypothesis. It also rules out the principle of purity in the past. Pillai argues that certain sections of people today immerse in a quest to find the ‘true’ essence or purest version of the past. The irony is that such a past does not exist and what exists is not pure, but rich and layered and marvelously complex. The author also gives frequent references to Brahmins and other Hindus in Muslim administrations as proof of the alleged happy state of affairs. However, on that point, the British Raj was beyond reproach as it was practically run by Indians but we still find it alien.
The Mappila riots of 1921 took place in Malabar, Kerala. The riot began in response to Gandhi's call to oppose the British who dispossessed the Ottoman sultan of Turkey from power after the First World War. This incident has no direct relationship to Indian politics, but Gandhi found this ideal to extract support from Muslims, who were indifferent, if not outright hostile, to the freedom struggle. Since the sultan also happened to be the religious leader of Muslims as the caliph, his defeat was cleverly portrayed as an affront to Islam. Muslims in Malabar violently rose up against the British but after receiving some harsh military defeats early on, turned against the Hindus because they were easy targets. Thousands were killed, raped and forcibly converted to Islam. However, leftist historians still show extreme hesitancy to stare the truth in the face. Their favourite line is that the communal riot was a peasant rebellion when in fact it was nothing but ethnic cleansing on the largest scale Kerala has ever seen. Strangely, Pillai concedes that it was indeed communal (p.130). He also admits that unprecedented savagery was unleashed. Hindu and Christian homes were targeted by Mappilas, cows were slaughtered in temples, with assailants putting their entrails on the holy image and hanging on the walls and the roof (p.130). At the same time, he exonerates bigotry in Malabar in the various jihads in the nineteenth century by labelling them as response to provocations. In 1851, he says, a Nair landlord was killed after he forced a Mappila to replace the call to prayer with ‘a summons to eat swine’s flesh’ (p.128). No references are cited for this outrageous assertion.
The author seems to be so turned off by the appearance of national unity in India that he sets out to malign its heroes. He comes up with a few obscure quotes of Swami Vivekananda to ‘prove’ that he thought on caste lines on some occasions. He also accuses that ‘consistency is not Vivekananda’s strong point’ (p.309). The spiritual leader’s real name was Narendranath and Pillai even stoops to comment that he chose the name ‘Vivekananda’ because ‘it rolls easily off the tongue’. Similarly, he churns through some sources to claim that Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi was in fact in league with the British and she turned against them reluctantly. Juxtaposed with this deep calumny against the national heroes, the eulogy of Angami Zapu Phiso is conspicuous by contrast. He was a stout anti-Indian leader of Nagaland who left the country to Britain to fight for Naga independence. Pillai is full of praise for this seditious politician. Readers can't help wondering at the amount of venom these ‘liberal’ intellectuals are spreading. Probably in some future editions of this book, he might even find space for Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale too.
This book is not for serious reading. Probably it would function well in a long train journey. The author has relied on too few sources to accord any semblance of authenticity to the arguments. The only saving grace is the illustrations by Priya Kuriyan. She has made some really nice portraits.
The book is recommended for simple reading.
Pillai argues that the religious divide between Hinduism and Islam is not clearly defined that can be grouped into mutually exclusive niches. As he says, black and white were not the colours through which these voices perceived their world. There was an elite visualisation of 'Turks' and there was another of ‘Hindus’, but boundaries between the two were not rigid. He identifies the crystallization to have taken place, at least in the south of India, by the early seventeenth century, in the aftermath of the destruction of the Vijayanagara Empire by the unified onslaught of the Deccan’s Muslim sultanates. Rayavacakamu, a panegyric composed in Madurai in this period shows the consolidation among Hindus of a sense of common identity in competition with Muslims. However, he points out a few mercenaries of the other religion who fought in the armies of Vijayanagara and the Sultanates to vainly ascribe notions of the modern concept of secularism to this medieval battle that was driven on by communal sentiments of the sultanates. Besides, Rayavacakamu is not a reflection of reality, but only an articulation of elite political preoccupations, with one or two agendas. Luckily for the readers, the author does not find any anticipation of the twenty-first century rise of Hindutva in this medieval work of fiction.
The Hindu community is a conglomeration of numerous castes and sects. It is a wonder that this diverse mass somehow manages to stay afloat under a common identity that transcends all the differences. There are upper castes and there are lower castes and it is well known that the upper castes persecuted the lower ones in the past. It is also true that in some parts of the country where the light of emancipation has still not spread adequately, the oppression still lingers on. But what makes this woeful practice in the contemporary society different from the age-old custom is that legal and social recourses are now open for the downtrodden. But scholars like Pillai find it expedient for their divisive philosophy to enhance the dichotomy to the breaking point. They always try to make a split. This book excavates stories from the fourteenth century where Dalits of extreme piety are harassed by the Brahmin elite. He even suggests that to the Brahmin on the street, the ‘Turk’ was not more alien than the untouchable (p.66). It is also suggested that a Malayali is traditionally more strongly linked with Arabia than northern India (p.342)! No references from authentic sources are given in the book to validate this wild hypothesis. It also rules out the principle of purity in the past. Pillai argues that certain sections of people today immerse in a quest to find the ‘true’ essence or purest version of the past. The irony is that such a past does not exist and what exists is not pure, but rich and layered and marvelously complex. The author also gives frequent references to Brahmins and other Hindus in Muslim administrations as proof of the alleged happy state of affairs. However, on that point, the British Raj was beyond reproach as it was practically run by Indians but we still find it alien.
The Mappila riots of 1921 took place in Malabar, Kerala. The riot began in response to Gandhi's call to oppose the British who dispossessed the Ottoman sultan of Turkey from power after the First World War. This incident has no direct relationship to Indian politics, but Gandhi found this ideal to extract support from Muslims, who were indifferent, if not outright hostile, to the freedom struggle. Since the sultan also happened to be the religious leader of Muslims as the caliph, his defeat was cleverly portrayed as an affront to Islam. Muslims in Malabar violently rose up against the British but after receiving some harsh military defeats early on, turned against the Hindus because they were easy targets. Thousands were killed, raped and forcibly converted to Islam. However, leftist historians still show extreme hesitancy to stare the truth in the face. Their favourite line is that the communal riot was a peasant rebellion when in fact it was nothing but ethnic cleansing on the largest scale Kerala has ever seen. Strangely, Pillai concedes that it was indeed communal (p.130). He also admits that unprecedented savagery was unleashed. Hindu and Christian homes were targeted by Mappilas, cows were slaughtered in temples, with assailants putting their entrails on the holy image and hanging on the walls and the roof (p.130). At the same time, he exonerates bigotry in Malabar in the various jihads in the nineteenth century by labelling them as response to provocations. In 1851, he says, a Nair landlord was killed after he forced a Mappila to replace the call to prayer with ‘a summons to eat swine’s flesh’ (p.128). No references are cited for this outrageous assertion.
The author seems to be so turned off by the appearance of national unity in India that he sets out to malign its heroes. He comes up with a few obscure quotes of Swami Vivekananda to ‘prove’ that he thought on caste lines on some occasions. He also accuses that ‘consistency is not Vivekananda’s strong point’ (p.309). The spiritual leader’s real name was Narendranath and Pillai even stoops to comment that he chose the name ‘Vivekananda’ because ‘it rolls easily off the tongue’. Similarly, he churns through some sources to claim that Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi was in fact in league with the British and she turned against them reluctantly. Juxtaposed with this deep calumny against the national heroes, the eulogy of Angami Zapu Phiso is conspicuous by contrast. He was a stout anti-Indian leader of Nagaland who left the country to Britain to fight for Naga independence. Pillai is full of praise for this seditious politician. Readers can't help wondering at the amount of venom these ‘liberal’ intellectuals are spreading. Probably in some future editions of this book, he might even find space for Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale too.
This book is not for serious reading. Probably it would function well in a long train journey. The author has relied on too few sources to accord any semblance of authenticity to the arguments. The only saving grace is the illustrations by Priya Kuriyan. She has made some really nice portraits.
The book is recommended for simple reading.
June 29, 2019
Nothing new to offer. This book is just a collection of essays that author has written in various newspaper/magazine columns over the years. All he did is he divided the book into three parts- Before the Raj, Stories from the Raj and an Afterword. I have already read all these essays in those columns. You can also read these essays from the following links. And don’t worry, not a single essay is missing, I even cross checked it. It was a huge let down for me. And I am going to return this book.
Here is the link:
1) Live Mint:
https://www.livemint.com/Search/Link/...
2) The news minute:
https://www.thenewsminute.com/author-...
3) Open magazine
http://www.openthemagazine.com/author...
Here is the link:
1) Live Mint:
https://www.livemint.com/Search/Link/...
2) The news minute:
https://www.thenewsminute.com/author-...
3) Open magazine
http://www.openthemagazine.com/author...
April 22, 2020
I dont think i can do justice to writing a good review for this book.
This collection of essays brings forth people from yesteryears, long forgotten, to light and tells their story, from what might have actually happened to how some stories were fictionalised.
It gave me a jolt everytime i realised that i was not actually reading a novel but of people who lived and died here at some point of time.
I was absolutely enamoured by the stories of the various female protagonist throughout the history, some long forgotten and yet others mystified to go with the patriarchal norms of the society.
When compared to his previous works, these are not just collection of historical anecdotes. But these are more or less a political commentary, of the last drawing parallels with the present.
This collection of essays brings forth people from yesteryears, long forgotten, to light and tells their story, from what might have actually happened to how some stories were fictionalised.
It gave me a jolt everytime i realised that i was not actually reading a novel but of people who lived and died here at some point of time.
I was absolutely enamoured by the stories of the various female protagonist throughout the history, some long forgotten and yet others mystified to go with the patriarchal norms of the society.
When compared to his previous works, these are not just collection of historical anecdotes. But these are more or less a political commentary, of the last drawing parallels with the present.
September 2, 2022
Holding expectations with books is a single edged sword most of the time, at least for me that is the case.
This book isn’t the history of India but it badly wished to be exactly that.
These are 2-4 pages essays/blog on individuals/important events of India in the Pre-British Raj and post it.
And it can’t be denied that there were come interesting stories and anecdotes related to our Raj history, however that is all it ever was. Most of the chapters were dedicated to the lives of courtesans [I don’t know what was I expecting when I saw the word in the title], many important personalities have been omitted [they probably didn’t lead enough interesting or scandalous lives maybe?].
At times the tone of the author is morally superior and seeks to set the history of the period right in the context of today’s standards. Each chapter consists of at least one image which gives even less space for the author to elaborate on the topic/incident. Every single chapter was built in a way that by the time you got hooked to the topic, the chapter ended.
Instead of doing a solid job on a topic the author has merely acted like a dilettante with most of the incidents.
He also got involved in the “what ifs” of history. And surprisingly the one on Vijaynagara empire was pretty good. The one dealing with Gandhi not so much.
Credit where credit’s due, this book set out to achieve a commendable goal of unearthing certain lost names and tried to tell their tale. It could’ve been much better had it been a bit longer and didn’t repeat the same arguments of so many historians.
It is interesting to see young authors dealing with periods of history and let go of their hold on the urge to not comment on everything from today’s perspective. Let’s see what lies ahead. Let history be history and just tell it the way it is or rather was.
My experience was ruined by expectations, in case you’re planning to read it, I have already set the bar pretty low so, you’re welcome.
This book isn’t the history of India but it badly wished to be exactly that.
These are 2-4 pages essays/blog on individuals/important events of India in the Pre-British Raj and post it.
And it can’t be denied that there were come interesting stories and anecdotes related to our Raj history, however that is all it ever was. Most of the chapters were dedicated to the lives of courtesans [I don’t know what was I expecting when I saw the word in the title], many important personalities have been omitted [they probably didn’t lead enough interesting or scandalous lives maybe?].
At times the tone of the author is morally superior and seeks to set the history of the period right in the context of today’s standards. Each chapter consists of at least one image which gives even less space for the author to elaborate on the topic/incident. Every single chapter was built in a way that by the time you got hooked to the topic, the chapter ended.
Instead of doing a solid job on a topic the author has merely acted like a dilettante with most of the incidents.
He also got involved in the “what ifs” of history. And surprisingly the one on Vijaynagara empire was pretty good. The one dealing with Gandhi not so much.
Credit where credit’s due, this book set out to achieve a commendable goal of unearthing certain lost names and tried to tell their tale. It could’ve been much better had it been a bit longer and didn’t repeat the same arguments of so many historians.
It is interesting to see young authors dealing with periods of history and let go of their hold on the urge to not comment on everything from today’s perspective. Let’s see what lies ahead. Let history be history and just tell it the way it is or rather was.
My experience was ruined by expectations, in case you’re planning to read it, I have already set the bar pretty low so, you’re welcome.
March 29, 2020
The ivory throne was magisterial while bringing hitherto unknown facets of pre-modern Kerala. The Rebel Sultans provided the reader with nuances that is often lost in the prevailing us and them dynamics with religious overtones that dominate the political landscape now.
This particular book being a collection of essays is not intended by author to be a connected and continuous stream of story telling that the author's precious books were. But this one doesn't provide OMG moments that the other two effortlessly managed.
There are exhilarating anecdotes and bites of authentic tales that are revelations. This
one can be read one chapter at a time since all chapters stand independently of each other. While this makes it a good companion for travels, snacks and evening tea, it looses the charm when political undertones are stressed upon.
There is, I felt, a conscious attempt to paint events/people in secular backdrop. It may very well be that religion as we understand today may not have been the predominant determinant whilst choices had to be made. Just as it is naive to believe in colonialist versions of Hindu-Muslim-Modern ages of history, it is an oversimplification to force cosmopolitanism in every historical narration. The best of motives, does not provide a valid excuse for sermonising.
This particular book being a collection of essays is not intended by author to be a connected and continuous stream of story telling that the author's precious books were. But this one doesn't provide OMG moments that the other two effortlessly managed.
There are exhilarating anecdotes and bites of authentic tales that are revelations. This
one can be read one chapter at a time since all chapters stand independently of each other. While this makes it a good companion for travels, snacks and evening tea, it looses the charm when political undertones are stressed upon.
There is, I felt, a conscious attempt to paint events/people in secular backdrop. It may very well be that religion as we understand today may not have been the predominant determinant whilst choices had to be made. Just as it is naive to believe in colonialist versions of Hindu-Muslim-Modern ages of history, it is an oversimplification to force cosmopolitanism in every historical narration. The best of motives, does not provide a valid excuse for sermonising.
January 13, 2020
This book had so much potential , but is such a let down . The objective of bringing out hidden stories from an ancient India is noble , and some tales - be it Annie Besant , What if the Mahatma had lived , and the ones on Macaulay and Clive are interesting in parts . But overall , the research feels very superficial and shallow and poorly transmitted . And the overriding pro - Mughal bias is a bit too in the face . I laboured to finish this
May 8, 2020
Do not expect a book...it is an anthology of discrete writings... Which, (from other reviews) come across as a re hash out of his columns.Maybe Mr. Pillai should stick to writing for Mint Lounge.. those are definitely more readable...or, like a friend mentioned, get a better editor!
July 23, 2021
3.5
Courtesan Mahatma and the Italian Brahmin reads like a novelized Amar Chitra Katha but to his credit, unlike comic strips, Pillai conjures up equally colorful, moving and infinity accessible portraits of episodes from India's profuse history, with words alone. His elegant prose will enchant you to binge read the novel if you have the faintest interest in the subjects on offer.
The level of pleasure one derives from the work is contingent on one's expectations. Its not a serious work of scholarship and the inherent structure also creates a roadblock. Due to the cramped nature of each chapter, there is simply no space for the narrative to penetrate deeper into the subject matter.
But, the allure of the book lies in the tid-bits of information that lend a new dimension to familiar figures. Whether it's Curzon's love for monuments or Alauddin Khilji's timidness with respect to his wife and mother-in-law, everything seems fascinating. Some reviewers have criticised Pillai for cherry picking this obscure dimensions because that fiddles with the idea of a character that they have in their own minds. Pillai must be smirking because that's the point.
Favourite Chapters:
"The Woman with no Breast"
"Maratha Prince's Morality Play"
"Periyar in the Age of Anti-Nationals"
Courtesan Mahatma and the Italian Brahmin reads like a novelized Amar Chitra Katha but to his credit, unlike comic strips, Pillai conjures up equally colorful, moving and infinity accessible portraits of episodes from India's profuse history, with words alone. His elegant prose will enchant you to binge read the novel if you have the faintest interest in the subjects on offer.
The level of pleasure one derives from the work is contingent on one's expectations. Its not a serious work of scholarship and the inherent structure also creates a roadblock. Due to the cramped nature of each chapter, there is simply no space for the narrative to penetrate deeper into the subject matter.
But, the allure of the book lies in the tid-bits of information that lend a new dimension to familiar figures. Whether it's Curzon's love for monuments or Alauddin Khilji's timidness with respect to his wife and mother-in-law, everything seems fascinating. Some reviewers have criticised Pillai for cherry picking this obscure dimensions because that fiddles with the idea of a character that they have in their own minds. Pillai must be smirking because that's the point.
Favourite Chapters:
"The Woman with no Breast"
"Maratha Prince's Morality Play"
"Periyar in the Age of Anti-Nationals"
August 25, 2019
This book has some pieces of brilliance and some very trite narratives. Mr Pillai does a great job with describing stories from Indian history featuring women, be it Balamani, Begum Samroo, Meera bai. One does not commonly come across a good recounting of women in Indian history and the author illustrates his vignettes with nuance. Where the book falls short is in places where the author tries to take shots at the current Hindu nationalists by describing the syncretic nature of heroes like Shivaji. It surprises me that someone who is a trained historian would try to compare current narrative with what happened 4 centuries back without giving due attention to how things evolved to the current narrative. In that sense it appeared like a vain attempt at demonizing right wing nationalism in India. There are many valid ways to critique but comparing the attitudes of Hindu rulers be it Vijayanagara or Marathas with what is going on currently in the political scene in India is to skip details/nuance to prove a point.
March 30, 2020
This is essentially a series of essays. Most of it seems like a rush job. It did have some interesting chapters which were longer. The Afterword was definitely the best part.
June 29, 2024
I generally don’t write reviews but this book is sooo horrendous that it has compelled me to write one. This book feels like the product of the author taking 10 random history books and copy pasting random excerpts from them into a single copy which promises to bore you to death in the name of short stories.
July 14, 2022
A book I had lots of expectations from but somehow it seemed less like historic retelling and more like political commentary. There were some good chapters related to the women of course.
November 10, 2022
This is a Highly biased collection of essays based on Author's own opinions rather than facts. Its not even that well written. I find it hard to justify why this is a bestseller other than that it satisfies some leftist narrative or 'itch'.
March 13, 2021
Reading several reviews on Goodreads for Manu Pillai’s works informs me not only of my lack of knowledge of upcoming, well admired Indian authors with a passion for India’s history beyond the rhetoric but also tells me to be glad that I indeed have been unaware and hence so much better poised to enjoy this outing and many others to the fullest
A collection of 61 essays - many of which have appeared in popular daily publications, The Courtesan, the Mahatma and the Italian Brahmin is a work of ardent, devoted pursuit of the idea of an India that cannot be defined by anything except the diversity of its populace, a culture that has absorbed, evolved, transformed with every change tuihat those from within and without brought upon it.
That it’s author leans left of centre and potentially seeks to set right (pun intended) the wave of right wing nationalism that seems to have swept across the nation - diluting with it the very existence of plurality that is the essence of its fabric, is also just as evident and not necessarily distracting or luring (as the readers own political leaning might be) - assuming of course that those reading are open minded centrists, willing to explore what history textbooks in school so woefully short sell
So here we have stories of men and women both popular and forgotten in history’s long walk down the centuries - a quick but glorious glimpse into the lives of the people behind the image in some cases (Meerabai, Savarkar, Dara Shukoh, Khilji, Jodhabai, Macaulay, Victoria, Viswesaraiya) and the unveiling of those lost in translation and transmission through the ages in others (Balamani, Periyar, Janaki Ammal, VO Chidambaram Pillai, Arthur Cotton, the eponymous Roberto de Nobili)
It would serve the reader well to expect bite sized and perfect to illustrate the idea and the importance of context - the author’s cause being championed in this book - and not in depth exploration of cause, effect and impact.
The language Mr. Pillai chooses is mostly conversational and while spell binding the writing may not be, engaging it most certainly is. Of particular substance among the 61 pieces are the what ifs on the existence of the Raj and the death of the mahatma, the strong support Shashi Tharoor’s proclamation of inhuman, unapologetic exploration suffered by India receives in the essays on Railways vs. irrigation, the complete lack of science and knowledge exploration in the Indian narrative of the 19th and early 20th century and finally the many accounts of female agency that women snatched for themselves despite the circumstances around them.
Pick this up when you find yourself wondering about the nation you claim as your own or threaten to disown when it disappoints you.
A collection of 61 essays - many of which have appeared in popular daily publications, The Courtesan, the Mahatma and the Italian Brahmin is a work of ardent, devoted pursuit of the idea of an India that cannot be defined by anything except the diversity of its populace, a culture that has absorbed, evolved, transformed with every change tuihat those from within and without brought upon it.
That it’s author leans left of centre and potentially seeks to set right (pun intended) the wave of right wing nationalism that seems to have swept across the nation - diluting with it the very existence of plurality that is the essence of its fabric, is also just as evident and not necessarily distracting or luring (as the readers own political leaning might be) - assuming of course that those reading are open minded centrists, willing to explore what history textbooks in school so woefully short sell
So here we have stories of men and women both popular and forgotten in history’s long walk down the centuries - a quick but glorious glimpse into the lives of the people behind the image in some cases (Meerabai, Savarkar, Dara Shukoh, Khilji, Jodhabai, Macaulay, Victoria, Viswesaraiya) and the unveiling of those lost in translation and transmission through the ages in others (Balamani, Periyar, Janaki Ammal, VO Chidambaram Pillai, Arthur Cotton, the eponymous Roberto de Nobili)
It would serve the reader well to expect bite sized and perfect to illustrate the idea and the importance of context - the author’s cause being championed in this book - and not in depth exploration of cause, effect and impact.
The language Mr. Pillai chooses is mostly conversational and while spell binding the writing may not be, engaging it most certainly is. Of particular substance among the 61 pieces are the what ifs on the existence of the Raj and the death of the mahatma, the strong support Shashi Tharoor’s proclamation of inhuman, unapologetic exploration suffered by India receives in the essays on Railways vs. irrigation, the complete lack of science and knowledge exploration in the Indian narrative of the 19th and early 20th century and finally the many accounts of female agency that women snatched for themselves despite the circumstances around them.
Pick this up when you find yourself wondering about the nation you claim as your own or threaten to disown when it disappoints you.
December 20, 2020
Truth be told, I don't recall the last time a book had bored me so much and no, that's not because of it being from a history genre. I, for one, really enjoy reading history.
And yes, this book even if it has to be picked, is meant only for the history buffs, the kinds who don't mind names of kingdom flying all over the place , and not just casual history seekers.
First of all, this isn't a book per se. It's a collection of essays, which( I realised post my purchase) have previously appeared as pieces in newspapers and magazines.
I don't appreciate these being passed off as a new( and quite an expensive ) book without a mention on the cover.
The chapters are too long and seem to drag on unnecessarily. This may have worked when these were single pieces in a newspaper but not when there are so many of them as are part of a heavy book.
They definitely need better editing.
Anyone who can sit through a couple of chapters and has some socio political understanding will be able to see that chapters have been written with a clear agenda.
Some of the chapters' endings make you go: That's it ? That was the point of the chapter ? It's almost like a message being fed again and again. And without anything concrete to back it up with.
I am rarely, if ever, so harsh on a book that I can't sit through the entire thing. It's a personal thing that I have to finish books but this one I gave up on ..Because of lack of good content , good editing and no direction..
And yes, this book even if it has to be picked, is meant only for the history buffs, the kinds who don't mind names of kingdom flying all over the place , and not just casual history seekers.
First of all, this isn't a book per se. It's a collection of essays, which( I realised post my purchase) have previously appeared as pieces in newspapers and magazines.
I don't appreciate these being passed off as a new( and quite an expensive ) book without a mention on the cover.
The chapters are too long and seem to drag on unnecessarily. This may have worked when these were single pieces in a newspaper but not when there are so many of them as are part of a heavy book.
They definitely need better editing.
Anyone who can sit through a couple of chapters and has some socio political understanding will be able to see that chapters have been written with a clear agenda.
Some of the chapters' endings make you go: That's it ? That was the point of the chapter ? It's almost like a message being fed again and again. And without anything concrete to back it up with.
I am rarely, if ever, so harsh on a book that I can't sit through the entire thing. It's a personal thing that I have to finish books but this one I gave up on ..Because of lack of good content , good editing and no direction..
April 5, 2022
A wonderful collection of essays from various spatial and temporal dimensions of Indian history. A timely reminder of all the Indias that have always existed, of the diversity that is the very soul of that strange land, and of the inability of time or tyrants to tame it to fit some imagined homogeneity.
Finding hope through our history- this book is a treat.
Finding hope through our history- this book is a treat.
April 21, 2020
It needs a better translation. Some of the stories are interesting but not really a page-turner. You had to Power through the book to finish it.
June 19, 2021
Fairly interesting anecdotes but could've been edited to make them more erudite and entertaining.
August 3, 2020
On reading this book ( which is more a collection of essays and articles), I realized how lopsided our education has been wrt the history of the India, which has largely focused on the history of the north mainland India.
This is a great book as a crash course into the history of different parts of the country, across ages.
This is a great book as a crash course into the history of different parts of the country, across ages.
July 17, 2019
The Courtesan,the Mahatma & the Italian Brahmin - this collection of 61 essays is an absolute delight to read. Filled with narratives of various famous and not so famous historical figures across multiple time periods (from before and after the Raj). This book manages to keep you hooked while you learn about the diverse and complex history of India which is not black and white as it is made out to be in the times we live in.
These essays are not an in depth look at these personalities or a deep dive into the life and times they lived in but it does enough to whet ones appetite and get us thinking .
I believe Manu.S.Pillai succeds in achieving what he sets out to do, as he says himself in the introduction " this book seeks only to light the way,and to reiterate the importance of the age old principle: context."
These essays are not an in depth look at these personalities or a deep dive into the life and times they lived in but it does enough to whet ones appetite and get us thinking .
I believe Manu.S.Pillai succeds in achieving what he sets out to do, as he says himself in the introduction " this book seeks only to light the way,and to reiterate the importance of the age old principle: context."
October 29, 2019
This book is a refresher course for those who are interested in history but forgot what they read in History textbooks. Also has many interesting stories about little known characters in Indian history.
But I wish it had longer stories with further analysis. Also, the political leanings/biases of the author are very evident and put you off in some places. If one chooses to ignore that, it’s informative in many parts.
But I wish it had longer stories with further analysis. Also, the political leanings/biases of the author are very evident and put you off in some places. If one chooses to ignore that, it’s informative in many parts.
December 13, 2022
The book involves a lot of minor historical incidents, which makes this book so vague and substandard considering his first book.
July 7, 2024
Random stories about random people that honestly made no sense!
December 21, 2024
Rating - 3.75 stars
NPS - 9 (Promoter)
India has a long tradition of bright mind, poking holes in some distinctly un- bright ideas.
This is a collection of essays written or re-published by the author for the polarised society. The book is divided into two main sections - stories before the Raj and stories from the Raj.
But fantasy is perhaps best tempered with the evidence left by reality: great empires often fell because of internal contradictions, not external enemies; due to the misguide policies of their rulers, rather than the arms of the invader.
While I appreciate the efforts gone into the book, any of the essays are a miss. Out of 60, only 25 essays enthralled and captured by attention.
My Top 3 essays from Part 1 -
1. The Italian Brahmin of Madurai
2. Basava, Women and the Lingayat Tradition
3. The Woman With No Breasts
Bonus - The World of Shivaji Maharaj
My top 3 essays from Part 2 -
1. Football and Nationalism in India
2. The Ammachies of Travancore
3. I’m a Naga First, a Naga Second and a Naga Last
You will only like the essays that call out to you, all a personal choice. I like Manu’s other works better.
NPS - 9 (Promoter)
India has a long tradition of bright mind, poking holes in some distinctly un- bright ideas.
This is a collection of essays written or re-published by the author for the polarised society. The book is divided into two main sections - stories before the Raj and stories from the Raj.
But fantasy is perhaps best tempered with the evidence left by reality: great empires often fell because of internal contradictions, not external enemies; due to the misguide policies of their rulers, rather than the arms of the invader.
While I appreciate the efforts gone into the book, any of the essays are a miss. Out of 60, only 25 essays enthralled and captured by attention.
My Top 3 essays from Part 1 -
1. The Italian Brahmin of Madurai
2. Basava, Women and the Lingayat Tradition
3. The Woman With No Breasts
Bonus - The World of Shivaji Maharaj
My top 3 essays from Part 2 -
1. Football and Nationalism in India
2. The Ammachies of Travancore
3. I’m a Naga First, a Naga Second and a Naga Last
You will only like the essays that call out to you, all a personal choice. I like Manu’s other works better.
April 13, 2021
Just finished reading Manu Pillai's third book The Courtesan, the Mahatma and the Italian Brahmin. Having read his other two books I took this book with a lot of expectations. This book is an anthology of articles that the author has written in various magazines. Since I have not read any of those articles most of the content was new to me. Some stories related to Nangeli, Italian Brahmin, Savarkar, Periyar, Phules and so on was very interesting. I felt the main theme of most of these tales is to emphasize the plurality of Indian culture, "a civilization with no single origin" and to criticize the drive towards confirmation in the name of nationalism. This the author has brought out clearly in the afterword. Good book to read if you have not read those articles.
March 18, 2021
The most interesting part of this book is how it leaves you with a chuckle every now and then (many a times, sarcastic). The language used keeps you entertained and very much 'in present time' while itself being a box of historical events. However, the choice of topics varies like anything and hence it might not work in every tale. Some are intriguing and some make you feel - ah, alright, lets move further. Definitely, the author's work is commendable-gathering unknown stories from corners of this vast land of ours - add more to that, unknown stories of well-known personalities. The art does complement the words too. Overall, a keepsake, this book is, to read a handful chapters in a while. That would be more suitable style to read and finish this information overload. Go ! Pick it up !
December 10, 2024
A very informative, eclectic set of essays exploring India’s past and present identities. This book is testament to India’s existence as a collective of diverse groups and ideologies as opposed to a singular, monolithic national identity. Hope more Indians read this book.
July 6, 2020
Books on history are often bland. They can sometimes take a hundred-odd pages to become interesting. With essays on various happenings around India, Manu S. Pillai’s The Courtesan, the Mahatma and the Italian Brahmin: Taales from Indian History is a breezy, fun page-turner.
If you are new to reading about history in India and want to read interesting things cut down to interesting bits, this would be an ideal book to start with.
If you are new to reading about history in India and want to read interesting things cut down to interesting bits, this would be an ideal book to start with.
September 24, 2019
am i the only one who thought this was going to be historical fiction? i saw the hype all over twitter and didnt even bother to read the book blurb. turns out its a series of essays. not really my thing. i didnt finish it.
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