‘Govind Narayan's Mumbai: An Urban Biography from 1863’

[Anthem Press]

‘Govind Narayan's Mumbai: An Urban Biography from 1863’ edited and translated by Murali Ranganathan, foreword by Gyan Prakash
ISBN: 9781843312772; List Price: £50.00 / $80.00
Available for sale at a discount on www.amazon.co.uk or www.amazon.com.

The expansion of Mumbai over the last four centuries has been documented in great detail by both contemporary writers and historians, yet this narrative stands out as an alternative, unique and authentic voice. Quite simply, it is a book about the city like no other. Govind Narayan’s Mumbaiche Varnan was the first full account of Mumbai in any language, written just before the explosive growth and renovation of the city. Guiding the reader on a tour of the sights and sounds of an emerging city struggling to shake off colonialism and wrestling with the formation of its own budding identity, Narayan’s beguiling book offers descriptions of Mumbai’s daily life, its people and its institutions: the parts of the whole that come together to create this diverse and vivacious place. In addition to a detailed structural overview, the author provides a ground level account of the street life and market places rife with gambling and criminal activity. In every sense, this valuable text is a rare and enthralling glimpse into a fascinating period and place otherwise lost to time. Translated into English for the first time, and fully illustrated and with a detailed glossary and biography of the author, this edition does full justice to this remarkable historical document. This is a key title for students of South Asian literature and history, and for anyone enthralled by classic travel literature and the emergence of urban biography.

Govind Narayan (1815–1865) was one of the leading authors of his age, producing a series of original books that were principally designed to strengthen the moral fibre.
Murali Ranganathan lives and works in Mumbai. After having worked in various jobs, Murali turned to research. Govind Narayan's Mumbai is his first publication.
Gyan Prakash is Professor of History at Princeton University.