Delving into history of modern India ...

India's modern history has always fascinated me but for many years, I had regrettably found no time to learn about it more systematically. However, I have began a few days ago to read Lawrence James' Raj - The Making of British India (London, Abacus, 2003). It is a thick book with 722 pages but since I do not aspire to be an expert on Indian affairs, it puts no pressure on me. There is also no deadline as it is a pleasure reading.

For those who are worried that I might be brainwashed into seeing India from an imperialist historian's perspective, allow me to assure you that I have read enough anti-imperialist literature for my mind to be always on alert of attempt of cultural subversion. I also know the same book has another title Raj: The Making and Unmaking of British India and Lawrence has also written another book The Rise and Fall of the British Empire which I read some years ago.