'A classic ... wonderfully enjoyable' WILLIAM DALRYMPLE'The story of South Asia told with verve
wit and brilliance' ANURADHA ROY'Chatterji writes with infectious relish' DOMINIC SANDBROOK
Based on decades of scholarship this is the authoritative history of South Asia in the 20th
century Shadows at Noon tells the subcontinent's story from the British Raj through
independence and partition to the forging of the modern nations of India Pakistan and
Bangladesh. Unlike other histories of the region which concentrate exclusively on politics
here food leisure and the household are given as much importance as nationhood migration and
the state. Thematic rather than chronological each chapter illuminates an overarching topic
that has shaped South Asia. This format enables us to explore issues - like the changing
character of the family or the 'Indian diet' - over time and in depth. Chatterji's purpose is
to make contemporary South Asia - its cultural vibrancy diversity social structures and
political make-up - intelligible to everyone. In so doing this bold innovative and personal
work rallies against standard narratives of 'inherent' differences between India Pakistan and
Bangladesh and reveals the many things its people have in common. 'Truly magnificent' MIHIR
BOSE'Wonderful' SIR MARK TULLY
