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For King and Another Country

Indian Soldiers on the Western Front, 1914-18
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( 72 ratings, 16 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
For King and Another Country by Shrabani Basu explores the lesser-known narratives of Indian soldiers who fought in World War I. It delves into their experiences and contributions on various fronts, highlighting their courage and dedication. Shrabani Basu brings to light the complex challenges these soldiers faced, intertwining their personal stories with the broader historical context.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in learning about the crucial contributions and personal stories of Indian soldiers who fought during World War I. The detailed narrative provides a gripping perspective on the diverse cultural and historical impact these soldiers had while serving with the British Empire, enriching your understanding of military history.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Over a million Indian soldiers fought in the First World War, the largest force from the colonies and dominions. Their contribution, however, has been largely forgotten. Many soldiers were illiterate and travelled from remote villages in India to fight in the muddy trenches in France and Flanders. Many went on to win the highest bravery awards.

For King and Another Country tells, for the first time, the personal stories of some of these Indians who went to the Western Front: from a grand turbanned Maharaja rearing to fight for Empire to a lowly sweeper who dies in a hospital in England, from a Pathan who wins the Victoria Cross to a young pilot barely out of school.

Shrabani Basu delves into archives in Britain and narratives buried in villages in India and Pakistan to recreate the War through the eyes of the Indians who fought it. There are heroic tales of bravery as well as those of despair and desperation; there are accounts of the relationships that were forged between the Indians with their British officers and how curries reached the frontline. Above all, it is the great story of how the War changed India and led, ultimately, to the call for independence.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

For King and Another Country by Shrabani Basu is praised as a stirring and fresh account of the contribution of Indian soldiers in World War I that is both beautifully written and compellingly different. It highlights the debt of gratitude owed to Indian soldiers and the nation, capturing the epic drama and human tragedy of the war. The book restores to history the valorous men forgotten by the country they served, telling of young soldiers, special religious considerations by the British, and remarkable acts of bravery.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781408880111

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 June 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Shrabani Basu was born in Calcutta, graduated from St Stephen’s College, Delhi, and earned her Master’s at Delhi University. She has been the London correspondent of Ananda Bazar Patrika group since 1988, writing for Sunday, Ananda Bazar Patrika and The Telegraph. Basu has appeared on several radio and television programmes in the UK including Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4 and several documentaries on Queen Victoria, Noor Inayat Khan and curry. She founded the Noor Inayat Khan Memorial Trust in 2010 to campaign for a memorial for the WWII heroine. The memorial was unveiled by Princess Anne in November 2012. She is the author of Curry: The Story of the Nation’s Favourite Dish, Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan and Victoria & Abdul: The True Story of the Queen’s Closest Confidant.

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