COOLIE'S GREAT WAR Hardcover

"Coolie's Great War: Indian Labour, Empire and the First World War 1914-1921" by Radhika Singha offers a groundbreaking and meticulously researched account of the massive, yet largely overlooked, contribution of Indian non-combatant laborers, often referred to as 'coolies,' to the British war effort during World War I. The book delves into the recruitment, experiences, and ultimate fate of hundreds of thousands of Indian men who served in various capacities across war zones—from the battlefields of France to the harsh conditions of Mesopotamia and East Africa—performing vital tasks such as construction, transport, and logistics. Singha illuminates their often brutal conditions, the complexities of colonial recruitment, and the lasting impact of their service on both their lives and the broader imperial system, bringing to light a forgotten chapter of global history.