Step beyond the familiar tales of dynasties and famous monuments to uncover the hidden chapters of India’s past. In Fifty Grey Shades from Indian History, award-winning author Prabir Ghosh presents fifty intriguing events spanning over 4,000 years, thirty breathtaking but lesser-known architectural wonders, and the captivating, often ignored histories of ten major Indian cities.
Written in a crisp, thriller-like style for Gen Z and curious readers alike, each story draws on meticulous research—archives, memoirs, old newspaper clippings, and classic historical texts—to reveal the mysteries, grey areas, and pivotal moments that have shaped India far beyond mainstream history books.
- Can you give us an overview of your book and explain how it addresses the major challenges or themes of today’s world?
Indian history is full of mysteries, myths, and surprises. It is difficult to cover all recorded events, so historians usually focus on major dynasties and mainstream incidents. Behind these, however, lie many fascinating yet lesser-known events—some of them game changers—that often escape attention.
In Section A, the book presents fifty such events for Gen Z readers. Section B explores thirty lesser-known architectural wonders across India, and Section C introduces the long-ignored historical backgrounds of ten important Indian cities. - What inspired you to write this book, and what unique expertise or experiences do you bring to the subject?
While researching my earlier book India—Glimpses of Her Journey, I encountered numerous overlooked historical events. My urge to share these hidden stories inspired this new work. Though rarely discussed, each event is backed by strong historical evidence and occurred during different periods. I sourced material from archives, old newspapers, British officers’ memoirs, and renowned historians, shaping the narratives with a touch of suspense while remaining true to the facts. - What key insights or takeaways can readers expect?
Readers will discover the “grey side” of fifty significant events spanning from 2000 BCE to 1991, learn about thirty often-ignored architectural marvels, and gain concise histories of ten major Indian cities—stories most people have never heard. - What challenges did you face while writing, and how did you overcome them?
Separating fact from mystery was a constant hurdle, especially for topics shrouded in controversy. Collecting and verifying information took nearly a year. Another challenge was shaping these accounts into engaging, thriller-like narratives rather than dry history, so that the book remains both informative and entertaining. - What do you hope readers will gain, and how might it impact their lives?
I hope the book sparks curiosity and critical thinking, helping readers appreciate the complexity of India’s past while enjoying a lively, page-turning read. - How does your book stay relevant in a rapidly changing world?
As Winston Churchill said, “The further backward you can look, the further forward you can see.” Gen Z, with their fast-paced lives, may not have time for massive history tomes. This book delivers crisp, well-researched stories that read more like thrillers than academic texts, offering a fresh, lasting way to engage with history.
Get your copy today and set off on an unforgettable journey through India’s hidden history!
