In the first of two episodes on the Government of India Act of 1935, I set the context for this masterpiece in Imperial legislation that somehow persists in the daily life of all Indians. Bonus feature: Slightly sexier voice.
In this episode we explore the aftermath of the Simon Commission, and the sham that were the Round Table Conferences. Sham... but also British political masterstroke. The Indians got seriously played.
In this episode we explore the complex context and implications of the Nehru Report, why it left Jinnah feeling humiliated, and how it had both positive and negative outcomes. It also contains a selfie featuring Gandhi, Nehru, Jinn... ok, not
In this episode we look at the fiasco that was the Simon Commission. This attempt to review Indian government was a failure, but it set the foundation for India's eventual independence. It also perhaps helped make the Indian National Congress t
A full 12 years before independent India drew up its constitution, a small princely state in Western India ratified its own Gandhian constitution. This is a highly compact telling of the story of the Aundh Experiment.
In the first of a two-part series of episodes we look at Gandhi's visions of Indian statehood and constitutionalism. The Mahatma is often seen as an exemplary freedom fighter, but a somewhat naive nation builder. The podcast begs to differ. Fea
In this episode we look very briefly at the legislative implications of the Government of India Act of 1919. While this was an act that was widely reviled at the time, it ironically continues to have lasting influence on the Indian republic. Be
In this episode we look at the aftermath of the First World War on India's nationalist movement, the economic state of affairs, and how British politicians betrayed India's hopes of self-government. Highlights include use of the word "puke".
This week we look at India's participation in the First World War, and how the war created an environment for the next phase of India's constitutional history. Featuring a field trip to Brighton and a tiny village in France.
This week we take a break from the story-telling to chat with Rohit De, an expert on the Indian constitution and its history. We briefly review at the ground we've covered so far and then preview the story ahead. De also tells us why there was
In this episode we talk about the legislative implications of the Indian Councils Act of 1909. Features some mild racism and the only Indian family to ever be elevated to royalty in England. Oh, and Finsbury Park.
In this first part of a two-part story we look at the context surrounding the drawing up of the Indian Councils Act of 1909. This episode outlines the genesis of Indian extremism during this period, the Morley-Minto reforms and the partition of
This episode talks about the aftermath of the First War of Independence, especially the Government of India Act of 1858. Featuring cameo appearances by Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria.