Status Updates From The Shade of Swords

Have to read a history of Afghanistan some day. Maybe William Dalrymple's book.

Finally understand the background and significance of the Third Panipat War in 1761 between the Marathas and Ahmed Shah Abdali + Mughals. Also, about Mr.Barelvi who raised the banner of Jihad against the British. Road to 2 books clear perhaps -> Panipat by Vishwas Patil and Partisans of Allah by Pak historian Ayesha Jalal.

"He would best perform his duty to God in this matter, if by his effort and industry that sea might become navigable as far as to the Indians who are said to worship the name of Christ, and that thus he might be able to enter into relation with them, and to incite them to aid the Christians against the Saracens (Muslims)"
The Europeans believed Indians too were Christians !!!

Filled of names and events like a typical school history textbook. Different from his other books which had analysis and insights. It rightly went out of print.

A jungle of dates names and events that you have to hack through, though all your effort is rendered futile as no clear path may emerge in the end

names, names, and names

The bloody history of rise and rise of Islamic Empire