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.

A New Republic - Episode 13: Gandhi In London

Aug 29th, 2014 16m 29s

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.

A New Republic - Episode 12: The Nehru Report

Mar 6th, 2014 23m 14s

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

A New Republic - Episode 11: Simon Says

Dec 15th, 2013 20m 20s

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 New Republic - Episode 10: The Aundh Experiment

Sep 23rd, 2013 24m 9s

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.

A New Republic - Episode 9: In the name of the father

Apr 11th, 2013 22m 48s

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

A New Republic - Episode 8: Dyarchy

Mar 5th, 2013 12m 32s

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

A New Republic - Episode 7: A colony betrayed

Feb 6th, 2013 16m 20s

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".

A New Republic - Episode 6: The Great War

Dec 18th, 2012 22m 42s

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.

A New Republic - Episode 5: A Little Debate

Dec 7th, 2012 19m 42s

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

A New Republic - Episode 4: Representation

Nov 27th, 2012 18m 57s

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.

A New Republic - Episode 3: A Nation In Flames

Nov 19th, 2012 16m 20s

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

A New Republic - Episode 2: Rebellion

Nov 7th, 2012 14m 29s

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.