India and and the Worikb: A History in Nine Stories Paperback – 1 November 2017

Awesome book on this exhibition with sharp photographs with accompanying commentary printed on high quality paper. Perfect for history enthusiasts.

My interest in this exhibition was piqued when I first read William Dalrymple raving about it....And then I kept on reading even more glowing reviews in different places.The subject “India and the World” chronologically divided into nine sections certainly sounded interesting one that I had never had heard done before - It involved collaboration between three museums British Museum, The National Museum New Delhi and CSMVS (not to mention few private collections) over three years. Ironically despite visiting Kalaghoda and nearly all galleries around CSMVS I have never visited this museum even once in my 17 years in Mumbai. I assumed it would be one of those boring museums maintained in a typical government fashion with no real interest to engage the citizens or showcase the vast art heritage and history of India.This exhibition has proved me wrong completely!!The presentation,style, narration even the audio guides everything speaks of world class touch and is as good as what you would see at the best of museums globally.Over 230 pieces have been carefully curated and picked to showcase a linear sequence of time 1. Shared Beginnings 2.First Cities 3. Empire 4. State and Faith 5. Picturing the Divine 6. Indian Ocean Traders 7. Court Cultures 8. Quest for Freedom 9. Time UnboundIf you have never seen an exhibition on history and seen only this one it would be enough so well crafted it is. For those who wish to see this catch it before 18thFeb after which it moves to Delhi.Or else buy this coffee table book which covers each of the artefacts exhibited in the same order and with a one page commentary.Three hours still proved less to soak in everything and as we had to leave as the doors were being shut by the guards I couldn’t but help buy this book in the Museum Shop as a keepsake of the best exhibition I have ever seen in my life.P.S. Got my own personalised bookmark created inside the exhibition. The letter are in ancient Roman script and below is my handpicked word in Brahmi script from Ashoka’s times.....you can also get coins made the way they used to in olden times and give ur suggestions on what should we leave as exhibits for generations born 1000 yrs hence !Loved every bit!

I expected a lot from the book after reading the description. Not worth the price. I won’t recommend buying it.