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Inglorious Empire
- What the British Did to India
- Narrated by: Shashi Tharoor
- Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins
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Publisher's Summary
Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Inglorious Empire written and read by Shashi Tharoor.
In the eighteenth century, India's share of the world economy was as large as Europe's. By 1947, after two centuries of British rule, it had decreased six-fold. The Empire blew rebels from cannon, massacred unarmed protesters, entrenched institutionalised racism, and caused millions to die from starvation.
British imperialism justified itself as enlightened despotism for the benefit of the governed, but Shashi Tharoor takes demolishes this position, demonstrating how every supposed imperial 'gift' - from the railways to the rule of law - was designed in Britain's interests alone. He goes on to show how Britain's Industrial Revolution was founded on India's deindustrialisation, and the destruction of its textile industry.
In this bold and incisive reassessment of colonialism, Tharoor exposes to devastating effect the inglorious reality of Britain's stained Indian legacy.
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Critic Reviews
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- Vishwa Hiremath
- 17-08-21
Great book.
Amazing book, depicting atrocities of colonial rule in India. Book aptly Covers the ill effects caused by colonialism in all the sectors and political and geographical influence. Pros and cons and relevance of Gandhian ideology covered in the last chapter was delicious. Overall great book. Thanks
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- Deepanwita Nath
- 17-07-20
Stupendous!
Loved it. Listening to Indian history in the voice of Mr. Tharoor is a fan moment.
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- Kewal Krishan Bhardwaj
- 19-03-21
Antique piece of history
Well narrated by socialist Shashi Tharoor. As Mr Tharoor concluded he must have joined CPIM not INC.
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- Atul Saboo
- 26-07-19
India's Pre independence history
Eloquent and informs the struggle India went through and that it still hunts it wounds so deep that still imped her growth.
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- Amazon Customer
- 04-07-19
A part of history I never knew.
Amazing narration, and perfect speed, a detailed count of the British exploitation of India, her resources, and their divide & rule policy, explained beautifully by Mr Tharoor. This book must be read by all Indians.
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- Gaurav P likhite
- 05-08-20
Excellent book
Beautifully written and narrated, a great learning experience. Very thoroughly researched.
Must read for every Indian.
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- Shyam
- 20-11-19
Well-researched, written & narrated
Every word of this book was informative and interesting! Kudos to Shashi Tharoor for a wonderful research and extensive bibliography too!
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- Makrand Pataskar
- 19-11-21
Thank you for the facts about pseudo Brits rule
Brings our tears and anger, just listening to these facts and knowing how maliciously a great civilization and a commerce was brought down and reduced to dust. Sadly even today the mindset of a common Indian stays damaged as they look to the west for inspiration.
A public apology should have been issued after the release of these facts but knowing these shameless Brits, I am not surprised that none came.
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- Veedee
- 28-01-21
Must Read for History Lovers
Narration was Impressive. Shashi Tharoor proved his points with facts and figures. The Book is not just about his own ideas but he also mentioned views and opinions of various Historians, Politicians, Scholars by quoting their exact phrases. Book is well Researched and his narration really connects the reader. From time to time I got goosebumps listening to the Events which took place in Colonial India. The only nit picking if I had to mention is the use of the English words which is hard to understand for an Average Reader especially if his/her mother tongue is not English. Other than that, a Must Read Book.
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- RG
- 03-12-22
Perfect book for Children...
and an apt book that should have found its place in schools. This is the history that should be taught to every Indian right when they're in CBSE, ICSE, State board, Matric or any state syllabus. Like the memes in WhatsApp...Read this book if you're a true Indian hehe!!
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