Shadows At Noon

Shadows At Noon tells the story of South Asia's twentieth century in eight chapters, authored by the Director of the Centre of South Asian Studies at Cambridge University, an undisputed authority on the subject.

This book differs from standard narrative histories of the subcontinent that concentrate exclusively on politics. Here, nature, objects, technologies, cultures, and people's evolving relationships to these elements and to each other take centre stage.

The structure of the book is unorthodox and thematic rather than chronological. Chapters address specific questions that might arise in the mind of a 'lay' but thoughtful reader. Each chapter remains chronological within itself, analysing change over a century in one particular sphere. This format allows the reader to explore issues such as the changing character of nationalism, migration, or consumption over time and in depth.

Shadows At Noon is a bold and innovative work that challenges the standard narratives of 'inherent' differences between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The purpose of the book is to make contemporary South Asia intelligible while sharing with the reader its infinite colour and excitement. The book does not condescend to the reader or attempt, in facile ways, to simplify the history of a vast and almost mythically intricate society.