TRUE TO THEIR SALT Hardcover

True to Their Salt: The British Indian Army and an Alternative History of Decolonization" by Ravindra Rathee offers a radical and deeply personal retelling of India's colonial past, focusing on the pivotal and often overlooked role of Indian soldiers in the British Empire. Drawing from extensive research, including his grandfather's experiences, Rathee examines how a predominantly Indian army enabled British rule for two centuries and how their eventual loyalty breach during World War II significantly contributed to India's independence. Beyond battles, the book delves into the daily lives of these soldiers, exploring recruitment, salary, faith, and their struggles against racism and abandonment, providing a comprehensive and often uncomfortable look at the complex relationship between the Indian soldier and the British Raj, challenging conventional narratives of decolonization.