Unveiling Shashi Tharoor’s Literary Masterpieces: Must-Read Books by the Author

Shashi Tharoor is one of India’s most prominent public intellectuals, known for his eloquent speeches and incisive writings on a wide range of subjects.

Tharoor’s work spans multiple fields, including Indian history, politics, literature, and culture. He has authored over 20 books, many of which have become bestsellers and received critical acclaim.

In this article, we will explore twelve of the best books by Shashi Tharoor; his most significant works, discussing their themes, ideas, and contributions to their respective fields.

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12 Best Books by Shashi Tharoor

1. Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India
2. The Great Indian Novel
3. India: From Midnight to the Millennium and Beyond
4. An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India
5. Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century
6. The Battle of Belonging
7. The Elephant, The Tiger, and The Cellphone
8. Show Business
9. Nehru: The Invention of India
10. B. R. Ambedkar: The Man Who Gave Hope to India’s Dispossessed
11. Riot: A Novel
12. Bookless in Baghdad

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Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India

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“Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India” by Shashi Tharoor is a powerful examination of the impact of British colonial rule on India.

Tharoor confronts the prevailing narratives of British benevolence and argues that the British Empire’s rule over India was far from benign. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, he exposes the economic exploitation, cultural destruction, and political subjugation imposed on India during the colonial era.

Tharoor explores various aspects of British colonialism, including the devastating effects of the partition, the ruthless exploitation of India’s resources, and the deliberate dismantling of indigenous industries.

This book serves as a scathing critique of imperialism and offers a comprehensive understanding of the enduring consequences of British rule in India.

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The Great Indian Novel

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Published in 1989, “The Great Indian Novel” is a satirical retelling of the Indian epic Mahabharata, with the characters and events transposed to the modern Indian political landscape.

The book is notable for its biting wit, its vivid characterizations, and its ability to expose the absurdities and hypocrisies of Indian politics.

Tharoor’s writing is infused with a deep understanding of Indian history and culture, and his retelling of the Mahabharata provides a fresh perspective on one of the world’s oldest and most enduring epics.

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India: From Midnight to the Millennium and Beyond

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“India: From Midnight to the Millennium” is a comprehensive history of India since its independence from British colonial rule in 1947.

Tharoor’s book is notable for its panoramic sweep, covering everything from the country’s political evolution to its economic development, cultural transformations, and social changes.

Tharoor’s writing is lucid and engaging, and his deep knowledge of Indian history and politics allows him to offer fresh insights and perspectives on one of the world’s most complex and dynamic societies.

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An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India

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“An Era of Darkness” is a scathing critique of British colonial rule in India, which lasted for over 200 years until India’s independence in 1947.

Tharoor argues that British colonialism was responsible for a host of economic, social, and cultural injustices that continue to haunt India to this day.

The book is notable for its meticulous research, its powerful argumentation, and its unapologetic indictment of British colonialism.

Tharoor’s writing is passionate and persuasive, and his book has played an important role in sparking a renewed debate in India about the legacy of colonialism.

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Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century

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“Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century” is a thought-provoking book by Shashi Tharoor that delves into India’s evolving role in the global landscape.

Tharoor analyzes India’s historical relationships with other nations and examines its potential to become a major player in international affairs.

Through insightful observations and well-researched analysis, he explores various aspects of India’s foreign policy, including its approach towards major powers, neighbouring countries, and global challenges such as climate change and terrorism.

Tharoor highlights the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for India as it navigates the complexities of the 21st-century world.

“Pax Indica” is a compelling exploration of India’s potential and the significance of its engagement with the global community.

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The Battle of Belonging

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“The Battle of Belonging” is a book that explores the idea of belonging in a globalized and interconnected world, and the challenges that this idea poses for individuals and societies.

Tharoor’s book argues that belonging is a complex and multifaceted concept, shaped by factors such as culture, language, religion, and identity.

Tharoor’s writing is insightful and reflective, offering a nuanced and empathetic view of the struggles and tensions that define the contemporary world.

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The Elephant, The Tiger, and The Cellphone

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“The Elephant, The Tiger, and The Cellphone” is a collection of essays on India’s emergence as a global economic and political power in the 21st century.

Tharoor’s book explores the challenges and opportunities that India faces in a rapidly changing world, including issues such as economic reform, foreign policy, social justice, and cultural identity.

Tharoor’s writing is insightful and thought-provoking, offering a nuanced and balanced view of India’s place in the world.

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Show Business

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“Show Business” is a novel that follows the lives of four young Indians who are trying to make it in the world of Bollywood, India’s vibrant and often chaotic film industry.

The book is notable for its lively and colourful characters, its evocative descriptions of Mumbai’s film scene, and its exploration of the tensions and rivalries that define the industry.

Tharoor’s writing is sharp and witty, capturing both the glamour and the grit of a world that is both alluring and unforgiving.

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Nehru: The Invention of India

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“Nehru: The Invention of India” is a biography of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who served from 1947 until his death in 1964.

Tharoor’s book is notable for its sympathetic but critical portrayal of Nehru, who is often seen as a towering figure in Indian politics and history.

Tharoor offers a nuanced and multi-dimensional view of Nehru, exploring his strengths and weaknesses as a leader, his vision for India’s future, and his complicated relationship with other Indian politicians and intellectuals.

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B. R. Ambedkar: The Man Who Gave Hope to India’s Dispossessed

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“B. R. Ambedkar” by Shashi Tharoor is a concise biography that explores the life and legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, one of India’s most influential social reformers and political leaders.

Tharoor delves into Ambedkar’s early struggles with caste discrimination, his relentless pursuit of education, and his significant role in shaping India’s Constitution as its chief architect.

The book examines Ambedkar’s tireless advocacy for Dalit rights and his efforts to eradicate social inequalities, while also shedding light on his complex relationship with Mahatma Gandhi.

Tharoor skillfully captures Ambedkar’s indomitable spirit and his enduring impact on Indian society, making this book an insightful tribute to a visionary leader.

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Riot: A Novel

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“Riot” is a novel that explores the aftermath of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi, which saw thousands of Sikhs killed in the wake of the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The book is notable for its unflinching portrayal of the violence and trauma that the riots inflicted on ordinary people, as well as its indictment of the politicians and officials who enabled and encouraged the violence.

Tharoor’s writing is both lyrical and hard-hitting, capturing the complexities and contradictions of a society torn apart by communal tensions.

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Bookless in Baghdad

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“Bookless in Baghdad” by Shashi Tharoor is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author’s personal experiences and reflections on literature, identity, and the power of books.

Tharoor shares anecdotes from his time as a diplomat in Baghdad during the early 2000s, where he found himself separated from his vast collection of books due to the chaos of war and the looting of the city’s libraries. Despite the absence of physical books, Tharoor discovers solace in the world of literature and the enduring impact of stories.

Drawing from his vast knowledge and passion for literature, he explores the importance of reading and the ways in which books shape our lives and connect us to different cultures and ideas.

“Bookless in Baghdad” is a captivating exploration of the power of literature and the resilience of the human spirit, highlighting the profound role that books play in our lives.

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In conclusion, Shashi Tharoor’s work offers a rich and multifaceted perspective on India’s history, politics, culture, and society.

His writing is characterized by his wit, insight, and passion, and his books have become essential reading for anyone interested in understanding India and its place in the world.

Whether he is exploring the complexities of Indian history, the challenges of globalization, or the dangers of authoritarianism and majoritarianism, Tharoor’s writing is always engaging, thought-provoking, and deeply relevant to our times.

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