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True to Their Salt: Indian Soldiers and the British Empire
Indian soldiers made a pivotal contribution to the British Empire and Great Britain's development from a small, relatively poor island to a dominant military and industrial power.
Under the British Crown, following the Mutiny of 1857, India's military became a vital link to holding the Empire together. From the jungles of south-east Asia to the deserts of Africa, and the hills of north-east India to the forests of Burma, the Indian army would become the pride of the Raj.
Upon India's independence, the army continued to be one of the finest inheritances of Empire. This book looks at the world of the Indian soldiers who enlisted in the armies of India under British rule, and how they served with such dedication and loyalty. The extent to which the soldiers acted as an effective control over the coercive power of British rule in India is also examined, as well as the implications and logistics involved in running such a complex military machine.
The first comprehensive single-volume history of India's soldiers in the British Empire, written with flair and rich in detail, this book offers a vital new perspective to mark the 75th anniversary of Indian independence.
Under the British Crown, following the Mutiny of 1857, India's military became a vital link to holding the Empire together. From the jungles of south-east Asia to the deserts of Africa, and the hills of north-east India to the forests of Burma, the Indian army would become the pride of the Raj.
Upon India's independence, the army continued to be one of the finest inheritances of Empire. This book looks at the world of the Indian soldiers who enlisted in the armies of India under British rule, and how they served with such dedication and loyalty. The extent to which the soldiers acted as an effective control over the coercive power of British rule in India is also examined, as well as the implications and logistics involved in running such a complex military machine.
The first comprehensive single-volume history of India's soldiers in the British Empire, written with flair and rich in detail, this book offers a vital new perspective to mark the 75th anniversary of Indian independence.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 15, 2022
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 5, 2026
A well written book giving an insight into origins of Indian army since the company days. A deep account which brings out what led an Indian sepoy to fight for colonial powers. The books brings out the part of military history which has been whitewashed in the modern history books, i.e, the racial discrimination which the sepoys were made to suffer at the hands of their British officers and more importantly the cowardice with which the troops were abandoned by those who were supposed to lead them.
The final part of the book brings out the ugly truth which has been hidden from the Indians since Independence. While independence, in official history, is credited to MK Gandhi and INC (in spite of failed movements till then), the final chapter makes it amply clear that the real reason British were forced to quit India was due to indianisation(forced by circumstances) of officer cadre of armed forces and general discontentment among the ranks due to actions of INA. INC were a footnote at best.
The gist- British could rule India due to loyalty of the Sepoy to the Raj, and in modern days, till the time Indian Soldier is faithful to the constitution, the country will prosper.
The final part of the book brings out the ugly truth which has been hidden from the Indians since Independence. While independence, in official history, is credited to MK Gandhi and INC (in spite of failed movements till then), the final chapter makes it amply clear that the real reason British were forced to quit India was due to indianisation(forced by circumstances) of officer cadre of armed forces and general discontentment among the ranks due to actions of INA. INC were a footnote at best.
The gist- British could rule India due to loyalty of the Sepoy to the Raj, and in modern days, till the time Indian Soldier is faithful to the constitution, the country will prosper.
May 21, 2023
Good book though its certainly not comprehensive. Picks up few themes and deals them well. Evolution of early company army till buxor war is covered in detail but after that complete silent. Early mutinies, disparity in pay, afghan and Mesopotamia campaign, Azad hind fauj and naval mutiny covered well. This book infact makes one curious about more such obvious hidden chapters of colonial Indian army.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2023
A crazy mixture of inputs from innumerable unsubstantiated sources .. a dilettante writer. A for effort an F for results
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews