Inglorious Empire

In this compelling reexamination of colonial history, Shashi Tharoor explores how British imperialism transformed India from a major global economy in the 18th century into a nation weakened by centuries of exploitation. He critically challenges the justifications of imperial rule, revealing how many of the so-called benefited developments were primarily aimed at serving Britain’s interests. Tharoor’s analysis exposes the destructive impacts of colonial policies, including deindustrialization and systemic violence, offering a stark view of Britain’s colonial legacy in India.