From the consequences of colonialism on the country’s economy and culture to the emergence of an independent state where an internal struggle and resolvable obstacles persist, it is a fitting tribute to the spirit and resilience of India, perfect for reflecting on its journey as we mark this special day
You can not only watch films like Mangal Pandey and Gandhi but also listen to stories of the freedom struggle. Photo Courtesy: Special Arrangement
India will celebrate its Independence Day on August 15, and we should be proud as Indians of how far we have come, even though we have a long way to go.
Stories about India's independence struggle are eternal and will be told for many decades to in the future.
Even as you celebrate this year, the best way to do it is through stories. Explore tales from India's tumultuous historical journey through the voices of the most compelling writers and storytellers like Shashi Tharoor, Khushwant Singh, Chetan Bhagat, and more.
Here is a handpicked selection to take you on a journey through India’s past. From the consequences of colonialism on the country’s economy and culture to the emergence of an independent state where an internal struggle and resolvable obstacles persist, it is a fitting tribute to the spirit and resilience of India, perfect for reflecting on its journey as we mark this special day.
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An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India
In An Era of Darkness, Shashi Tharoor peels back the romanticised veil of the British Raj and depersonalises it by providing a detailed account of the exploitation, injustice and the economic drain of the nearly two centuries of colonial role, ranging from the mid-18th century after the Battle of Plassey in 1757 to India’s Independence in 1947. With wit, strong insights and deeply researched anecdotes, he dynamically discriminates against the myth that Britain “developed” India, showing instead that it systematically de-industralised the country, leaving lives upended, culture degraded and opportunities stolen. This audiobook is a moral reckoning in which listeners are reminded that the freedom we enjoy was wrestled back from one of history’s longest and most calculated acts of subjugation.
Discovery of India
After nearly two centuries of British domination, India stands on the verge of independence at the end of An Era of Darkness. Continuing that theme, Jawaharlal Nehru’s Discovery of India (which he wrote while imprisoned!) takes a much more personal and expansive approach. We traverse the wonderful distance from the ancient world of the Vedas and Upanishads over the ages, finally arriving at the twilight years of the British Raj. Nehru’s meditative prose, shaped within the walls of Ahmednagar Fort, functions as a poignant homage and a comprehensive examination of India’s culture, philosophy and enduring spirit. This audiobook is a moving piece that presents an introspective rediscovery of the soul of India.
India’s Struggle for Independence
While Nehru’s account took listeners on a journey that reflects India’s timeless spirit from the ancient times to the final years of the British Raj, Bipin Chandra’s creation picks up the thread to vividly chronicle the century-long fight, from the Revolt of 1857 until the dawn of independence. Through archival research and first hand accounts, the piece captures landmark events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Salt March and the birth of mass movements under Mahatma Gandhi, including contributions of peasants, workers, women and revolutionaries. He also discusses the Quit India Movement, Subhas Chandra Boses’s Indian National Army and the political turmoil that hastened Britain’s exit in the 1940s.
India’s Wars: A Military History, 1947- 1971
Arjun Subramaniam’s work is an engaging account of India’s military history in the first decades after independence. It thoroughly examines the 1947-48 Kashmir conflict, the police actions in Hyderabad and Junagadh, the 1962 conflict with China, the wars with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971, and smaller operations such as the liberation of Goa. It describes the courage, sacrifice and spirit of Indian soldiers across land, air, and sea. The author thoughtfully addresses lessons learned, leadership challenges and the need for better synergy between the three services. Rich with first-hand anecdotes and personal stories of veterans, it stands as a tribute to those who partake in military service, and a plea for greater transparency in India’s military history.
The End of India
Khushwant Singh’s audiobook is a searing critique of the rising communalism, intolerance and violence in post- independence India. Drawing from his bitter memories of Partition and his experiences of witnessing repeated outbreaks of communal violence, he argues that India faces an existential threat not from external enemies but from within; from those who actively encourage hatred based on religion, caste and majoritarian politics. He revisits tragedies like the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, the burning of Graham Staines, killings in Punjab and Kashmir, and in particular the Gujarat riots of 2002 that exposed the perilous coalition of religion and politics. The audiobook is an urgent wake-up call to resist the rise of fanaticism before it is too late.
What Young India Wants
In What Young India Wants, renowned author and motivational speaker Chetan Bhagat distills his newspaper columns into a passionate manifesto for contemporary India. In simple, conversational language, he addresses concerns such as adolescent suicides, corruption, bureaucratic incompetence and outdated morals. Rather than being critical, he proposes solutions and urges listeners to take action. Essays are organised into sections on society, politics and youth, topped with two thoughtful short stories and open letters to Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi that provoke reflection on the nation’s future.
Service: Audible
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Mangal Pandey
Mangal Pandey: The Rising seeds India’s struggle for independence which were initially planted in 1857. The movie follows sepoy Mangal Pandey (Aamir Khan), whose loyalty towards the British army falls apart when he learns of the new rifle cartridges and how they are greased with pig and cow fat, offending both Hindu and Islamic faiths. What began as a private act of rebellion transforms into the spark that sets off the First War of Independence. Through Mangal Pandey’s friendship with a British officer and his growing disillusionment, we see a man torn between duty and conscience.
Gandhi
In Gandhi, Oscar-winning director Sir Richard Attenborough unfolds 56 transformative years in the life of one of history’s most revered leaders. Ben Kingsley delivers a powerful portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi, capturing his unwavering commitment to non-violence, his deep faith in the goodness of people, and his profound spiritual and political journey toward India’s independence. The film navigates his moral convictions and landmark campaigns with remarkable humility and power, offering a deeply humane picture of the freedom fighter. Embellished with historical weight and emotional insight, it stands as a moving ode to the man who chose non-violent resistance to change the course of an entire country.
The Legend Of Bhagat Singh
The film tells the story of Bhagat Singh (Ajay Devgn) a young man whose life was irrevocably altered by the brutality of British oppression. The film documents the freedom fighter’s transformation from an idealistic student into a revolutionary leader who led the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association after the death of Lala Lajpat Rai in 1928. Through stirring visuals and poignant scenes, the film depicts Bhagat Singh’s daring acts as well as his profound humanism. It is a tribute to a young man who readily accepted the concept of sacrifice at the young age of 23 years, leaving a legacy that still inspires.
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
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