Laxminama: Monks, Merchants, Money and Mantra by Anshuman Tiwari

Empire. Trade. Religion.Three crucial forces that have been almost equally responsible for shaping human civilization so far. Yet, the politics of empire has dominated history and popular discussion. Irrespective of the political upheavals, however, India has always been an open market-welcoming traders from far-off lands, promising them a fair bargain. Indian entrepreneurs since ages had developed their own sophisticated institutions and wide community-based networks. This open, liberal and robust ‘bazaar economy’ thrived unhindered till the advent of European trading companies, who brought with them the notions of monopoly and state controls. Business in India blossomed in tune with liberal religious thought and Indian intellectual tradition always fostered the spirit of questioning. Laxminama is an account of how the country’s open market and its liberal religious outlook have nurtured each other throughout the centuries. Told through a medley of stories, this is the saga of India’s socioeconomic power that has characterized not only the country’s vibrant pluralistic society but also much of global history. An untold narrative of India’s geographies, products and pioneers this is an unforgettable album of heroes, who championed game-changing ideas at the intersection of faith and enterprise.