India Moving: A History of Migration

Book Details

• Publisher: Vintage Books

• Author: Chinmay Tumbe

• Language: English

• Edition: 2022

• ISBN: 9780143457435

• Pages: 304

• Cover: Paperback

• Package Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches

About the Book

India Moving by Chinmay Tumbe is a groundbreaking exploration of the vast history of Indian migration, mapping the journey of millions from, to, and within India. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of migration across time, from adventure and indenture to martyrs and merchants, covering diverse regions and stories—from Kashmir to Kerala, and even extending to Japan and Jamaica. Tumbe uses a rich combination of evidence, arguments, and wit to unpack the historical and contemporary trends in migration.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the global slave trade, the movement of business communities like the Marwaris, Gujaratis, and Chettiars, as well as the refugee crises that have shaped modern migration patterns. Tumbe also delves into the roots of mass migration from states like Bihar and Kerala and connects these movements to everyday life, linking migration with cultural icons such as mangoes, dosas, and pressure cookers.

India Moving not only presents the scale and diversity of Indian migration but also argues that greater mobility is essential for preserving India’s pluralistic traditions. Through a captivating narrative, Tumbe paints a picture of migration’s significant role in shaping both the Indian subcontinent and the broader world.