Guiding the reader on a tour of the sights and sounds of an emerging city struggling to shake off colonialism and wrestling with the formation of its own budding identity, Narayan's beguiling book offers descriptions of Mumbai's daily life, its people and its institutions: the parts of the whole that come together to create this diverse and vivacious place. This valuable text is a rare and enthralling glimpse into a fascinating period and place otherwise lost to time.

The first ever book on Mumbai written in the Marathi language, this is a historically fascinating and revealing urban biography of nineteenth-century India.

About the Author

Govind Narayan (1815-1865) was one of the leading authors of his age, producing a series of original books that were principally designed to strengthen the moral fibre.

Murali Ranganathan lives and works in Mumbai. After having worked in various jobs, Murali turned to research. 'Govind Narayan's Mumbai' is his first publication.

Gyan Prakash is Professor of History at Princeton University.

Reviews

'A good read for anyone interested in understanding what makes Bombay Mumbai' -Frederick Noronha, 'Navhind Times'

'Essential: Ranganathan has done everyone interested in Indian history, and in Mumbai in particualr, a great service by translating and editing Govind Narayan's 1863 masterpiece... An explanatory foreword from noted historian Gyan Prakash rounds out the translation of this indispensable 19th century text.' -S. L. Hoglund, 'Choice'

'Ramanathan's brief biography and bibliography add to the value of this window on nineteenth century Bombay, and his inclusion of photographs of the mid-nineteenth century aptly illustrate some of Govind Narayan's observations. In all, this is a valuable resource for those who wish to explore urban life in mid-nineteenth century India through the eyes of a sharp and knowledgeable observer.' -Janaki Nai, Professor of History at the Centre of Studies in Social Sciences, Kolkata, in 'Studies in History'

Book Information
ISBN 9781843312772
Author Murali Ranganathan
Format Hardback
Page Count 407
Imprint Anthem Press
Publisher Anthem Press
Weight(grams) 454g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 155mm * 26mm