From Raj to Rajiv – Mark Tully & Zareer Masani

Title: From Raj to Rajiv
Authors: Mark Tully & Zareer Masani
Publisher: BBC Books
Edition: First Edition, 1988
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 174
Size: 6 in x 9 in

From Raj to Rajiv (First Edition, 1988) by Mark Tully and Zareer Masani offers a profound and insightful journey through the turbulent and transformative years of modern India. Published by BBC Books, this 174-page hardcover edition examines the political, economic, and cultural shifts that shaped the nation from the twilight of British colonial rule to the dynamic yet complex leadership of Rajiv Gandhi.

Drawing on their vast journalistic experience and firsthand knowledge, Tully and Masani present a vivid chronicle of India’s post-independence evolution. The book captures the nation’s challenges — from Nehru’s idealism and Indira Gandhi’s authoritarianism to Rajiv’s attempts at modernization — weaving a narrative that balances factual depth with human stories. Through penetrating analysis and interviews, the authors uncover how India’s colonial legacy continues to influence its governance, social structures, and identity.

Written in accessible prose and grounded in historical accuracy, From Raj to Rajiv is more than a political commentary; it’s a mirror reflecting India’s journey toward democracy, progress, and self-discovery. The 6 x 9-inch hardcover edition offers a collectible format for readers and researchers who value authentic accounts of 20th-century Indian history.

This work remains essential reading for students of politics, sociology, and South Asian studies, as well as general readers seeking to understand how India transformed from the British Empire’s crown jewel into the vibrant democracy of the late 20th century.