Imagining India is a remarkable Hindi translation of Ramachandra Guha's internationally acclaimed work, India After Gandhi. This book serves as a meticulous and deep documentation of India's political, social, and cultural journey post-1947.
Unlike traditional histories that typically stop at the independence struggle, Imagining India reveals that the story after freedom has been equally challenging, filled with struggles and inspiration. Guha addresses a wide range of topics, from conflicts, movements, and communal riots based on religion, caste, language, and class, to the resilience of Indian democracy. His captivating narrative is supported by solid evidence and research, making the complex topics accessible to all readers.
The translation by Sushant Jha maintains the original sentiments and sequences of events, ensuring that it is both engaging and comprehensible for its audience. It shines a light on the unsung heroes who have strengthened democracy at the grassroots level, including tribal communities, farmers, and laborers who often go unnoticed in mainstream discourse.
This book includes sections on:
- The India post-partition: Displacement, reconstruction, and the new constitution
- Crisis arising from religion, language, and caste – and the democratic efforts to combat them
- Anonymous heroes: Tribals, farmers, and workers who have never been in the spotlight
- New images of leaders – balancing private and political life
- Historical movements and reforms fortifying the foundation of democracy
Recognized as a Book of the Year by both Outlook and The Economist, this work was also honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2011. Imagining India is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the profound narrative of India after independence, making it a valuable addition to your collection.
