This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. In Xanadu

   A Quest

   

   "In Xanadu" is a travelogue that follows the journey of a young historian and writer as he retraces Marco Polo's route from Jerusalem to the fabled city of Xanadu in Mongolia. Along the way, the author weaves together a rich tapestry of history and adventure, engaging with diverse cultures and landscapes. His travels take him through the Middle East, South Asia, and into the heart of China, offering insights into the complex interplay between past and present, and the enduring allure of one of history's most legendary journeys. The narrative is as much a personal coming-of-age story as it is a homage to the spirit of exploration and discovery.

   The 6407th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Golden Road

   

   The Golden Road examines how India, in the ancient and early medieval periods, exported religion, art, science, mathematics and institutions across Eurasia—from Afghanistan to Japan. It traces the movements of merchants, scholars, artisans and missionaries to show India’s role as a central economic and cultural hub shaping civilizations such as Angkor and Ayutthaya.

   The 7633rd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Anarchy

   The Relentless Rise of the East India Company

   

   The book provides a detailed account of the rise of the East India Company and its transformation from a modest trading enterprise into a powerful, quasi-governmental force that played a pivotal role in shaping the history of India. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, it explores the complex interplay of commerce, politics, and warfare that allowed a private company to conquer vast territories and exert control over millions of people. The narrative delves into the personalities, battles, and strategies that defined this period, shedding light on the broader implications of corporate power and colonialism.

   The 8060th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Last Mughal

   The Fall of a Dynasty, Delhi, 1857

   

   Set against the backdrop of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, this historical narrative delves into the final days of the Mughal Empire, focusing on the life of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor. The story captures the tumultuous period when the British East India Company tightened its grip on India, leading to a violent uprising. Through a rich tapestry of personal accounts, letters, and historical documents, the book paints a vivid picture of a city in chaos, the cultural and political upheaval, and the tragic downfall of a once-great dynasty, offering a poignant reflection on the end of an era and the beginning of British colonial rule.

   The 14984th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Age Of Kali

   Indian Travels and Encounters

   

   A collection of vivid travel reportage from the Indian subcontinent in the late 20th century, portraying a region riven by communal violence, political upheaval and social decay while capturing the lives of ordinary people caught in crises—from militant insurgencies and military rule to refugee crises and criminal underworlds. Through eyewitness scenes and interviews, the book sketches how ideological extremism, corrupt institutions and historical grievances reshape communities and daily life, yet also highlights moments of resilience, humor and human complexity amid chaos.

   The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Nine Lives

   In Search of the Sacred in Modern India

   

   In this captivating exploration of spirituality across the Indian subcontinent, the narrative weaves together the stories of nine individuals, each embodying a unique path to enlightenment. From a Jain nun who renounces the world to a Baul singer who finds divinity in music, these personal journeys reveal the diverse tapestry of faith and devotion that defines India. Through intimate portraits and vivid storytelling, the book delves into the complexities of belief, tradition, and the quest for meaning in a rapidly changing world, offering a profound reflection on the enduring power of the human spirit.

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7. 7. From The Holy Mountain

   A Journey Among the Christians of the Middle East

   

   In this captivating travelogue, the author embarks on a profound journey through the remnants of the Byzantine Empire, tracing the footsteps of two monks from the 6th century. As he traverses the Middle East, from Mount Athos in Greece to the deserts of Egypt, he encounters a tapestry of cultures, religions, and histories that have shaped the region. Through vivid storytelling and keen observations, the narrative delves into the complexities of faith, identity, and the enduring legacy of Christianity in a land where ancient traditions and modern challenges coexist.

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8. 8. A Deadly Triangle

   Afghanistan, Pakistan and India

   

   This insightful analysis delves into the complex and often volatile relationship between India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, exploring the historical roots and contemporary dynamics that have shaped the region's geopolitical landscape. The narrative examines the intricate interplay of cultural, religious, and political factors that fuel tensions and conflicts, while also highlighting the strategic interests and interventions of global powers. Through a nuanced exploration of these interconnected nations, the work offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that define South Asia's future.

9. 9. City Of Djinns

   A Year in Delhi

   

   This captivating narrative delves into the rich tapestry of Delhi, unraveling its layers of history, culture, and mystique. Through a blend of historical research and personal anecdotes, the author embarks on a journey to uncover the city's past, from its ancient roots to its colonial influences and beyond. The story is interwoven with encounters with a diverse array of characters, each offering unique insights into the city's enduring spirit and resilience. As the narrative unfolds, the city emerges as a living entity, shaped by the myriad of civilizations that have called it home, and the djinns that are said to inhabit its very essence.

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10. 10. White Mughals

    Love and Betrayal in Eighteenth-Century India

    

    Set against the backdrop of 18th-century India, this historical narrative delves into the complex and often romantic interactions between the British colonizers and the local Indian populace. At its heart is the captivating love story between James Achilles Kirkpatrick, a British Resident in Hyderabad, and Khair-un-Nissa, a young noblewoman of the Mughal court. Their relationship, emblematic of the cultural and political exchanges of the time, challenges the rigid boundaries of colonial society. Through meticulous research, the narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and the intricate tapestry of cultural assimilation and resistance during a transformative period in Indian history.

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11. 11. Koh I Noor

    The History of the World's Most Infamous Diamond

    

    This captivating historical narrative delves into the tumultuous and blood-soaked history of one of the world's most famous diamonds, tracing its journey from the mines of India to the treasuries of powerful empires. The story unfolds through a series of dramatic events, including betrayals, wars, and political machinations, as the diamond changes hands among various rulers and empires, each eager to possess its legendary beauty and power. The narrative not only explores the diamond's storied past but also reflects on the broader themes of colonialism, greed, and the human obsession with wealth and power.

12. 12. Return Of A King

    The Battle for Afghanistan

    

    Set against the backdrop of the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842), this historical narrative delves into the tumultuous events surrounding the British Empire's attempt to install a puppet king, Shah Shuja, on the Afghan throne. The book intricately weaves together the perspectives of various historical figures, from British officers and Afghan leaders to ordinary soldiers and civilians, painting a vivid picture of the cultural clashes, political machinations, and military blunders that led to one of the most disastrous campaigns in British military history. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, it explores themes of imperial ambition, resistance, and the enduring complexities of Afghan society.

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