47. Rebels Against the Raj

In this episode of the "Empire" podcast, hosts Anita Anand and William Dalrymple chat with Ram Guha about his latest book, "Rebels Against the Raj: Western Fighters for India's Freedom." After some lighthearted exchanges, the conversation shifts to Dalrymple’s recent book adaptation. The main focus is Guha's work, which highlights several Western individuals who played significant roles in India's freedom struggle, such as Annie Besant, Madeleine Slade, and B.G. Horniman. The discussion delves into their varied motivations and contributions, touching on Besant's complicated legacy and Horniman's deportation followed by his return to India. The episode wraps up with a brief look at Samuel Stokes, an American Quaker who immersed himself in Indian culture and made notable contributions to the apple industry in the Himalayas. Listeners will discover fascinating yet lesser-known figures of the Indian independence movement and their diverse journeys into activism.