📚 Shashi Tharoor – Books, Awards & Popularity
Book Title | Year | Awards / Recognition | Why it was Popular / Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
A Wonderland of Words: Around the World in 101 Essays | 2024 | 🏆 Golden Book Award (2025) | Celebrated collection of essays showcasing Tharoor’s range across politics, culture, literature, and global affairs. |
Ambedkar: A Life | 2022 | — | Short, accessible biography of B.R. Ambedkar. Praised for highlighting his role in social justice and constitutional development. |
The Battle of Belonging | 2020 | — | Sparked debate on nationalism, citizenship, and democracy in India. Became a part of political discourse. |
The Hindu Way: An Introduction to Hinduism | 2019 | — | Explored India’s pluralistic Hindu traditions, countering exclusivist interpretations. Widely cited in socio-religious debates. |
The Paradoxical Prime Minister: Narendra Modi and His India | 2018 | — | Critical study of PM Narendra Modi’s governance; popular for its sharp political critique. |
Why I Am a Hindu | 2018 | — | Defended liberal, inclusive Hinduism. Popular among secular and moderate circles; challenged right-wing narratives. |
An Era of Darkness / Inglorious Empire | 2016 (India) / 2017 (Global) | 🏆 Ramnath Goenka Award (2016), 🏆 Sahitya Akademi Award (2019) | Exposed the economic and cultural damage of British colonial rule in India. Sparked global debate on reparations and colonial accountability. |
India: From Midnight to the Millennium | 1997 | — | A widely read analysis of India’s 50 years post-independence and its future. Used in universities and policymaking discussions. |
The Great Indian Novel | 1989 | 🏆 Hindustan Times Literary Award (1990), 🏆 Commonwealth Writers' Prize (1991) | Retelling of the Mahabharata as modern Indian political satire. Became a classic of postcolonial literature. |