Palaces of the Raj: Magnificence and Misery of the Lord Sahibs (Routledge Library Editions: British in India)

Product Details

• Author: Mark Bence-Jones

• Publisher / Brand: Taylor & Francis Ltd

• Language: English

• Edition: 1st Edition

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 242

• Release Date: 11 September 2018

• ISBN / EAN: 9781138293427

• Package Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches

Product Description

The Government Houses of British India by Mark Bence-Jones is a richly detailed and evocative work that explores the grandeur and complexity of British-Indian social life through the lens of the architectural marvels that once housed colonial rulers. Originally published in 1973 and reissued in this elegant first edition paperback by Taylor & Francis Ltd, the book offers readers a fascinating insight into the cultural and political tapestry of the British Raj.

Spanning 242 pages, this work examines the palatial residences known as Government Houses, which stood not only as symbols of imperial authority but also as stages for a distinctive colonial lifestyle filled with ceremony, contradictions, and color. Bence-Jones masterfully brings these residences to life, detailing the architectural features while also populating them with vivid portrayals of the men and women who lived within their walls.

The narrative seamlessly blends architectural history with social commentary, uncovering a chapter of British-Indian heritage that is often overlooked. Ideal for readers interested in colonial history, British architecture in India, and South Asian studies, this book paints a vivid portrait of a bygone era where buildings and social structures reflected the grandeur and complexity of the empire.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a student of colonial studies, or an admirer of historical architecture, The Government Houses of British India provides a captivating and informative journey through one of the most defining periods of Indian and British history.