At the Court of the Fish-Eyed Goddess: Travels in the Indian Subcontinent by William Dalrymple (Hardcover)

The book is divided into five sections, each focusing on a different region or theme. The first section, “In the Kingdom of the Fish-Eyed Goddess,” describes Dalrymple’s travels in Kerala, a state in southern India. Here, he explores the region’s unique culture and history, including its matriarchal societies and its traditions of snake worship.

The second section, “The Last Mughal,” tells the story of Zafar, the last Mughal emperor of India. Dalrymple traces Zafar’s life from his rise to power to his eventual imprisonment and death by the British.

The third section, “In the Shadow of the Great Game,” focuses on Dalrymple’s travels in Afghanistan. Here, he explores the country’s long history of conflict, from the time of Alexander the Great to the Soviet invasion in the 1980s.

The fourth section, “The Raj at Home,” takes a look at the British Raj, the period of British rule in India from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Dalrymple examines the impact of British rule on Indian society and culture.

The fifth and final section, “In Praise of Idleness,” is a reflection on the importance of travel and leisure in a world that is increasingly focused on work and productivity.

“At the Court of the Fish-Eyed Goddess” is a well-written and informative book that provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Indian subcontinent. It is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about this region of the world.