Coromandel: A Personal History of South India

A well written book on history of South India. As a Tamil I have read widely on the subject from both from Tamil and English sources. But, this is an outstanding book that shows little bias, chooses its sources from written records of mostly British, but is eqally aware of recent research by Indian historians and archeologists. As a foreigner, he cannot be accused of ‘Tamil nationalism’. I liked his self-declation in the preface when he says, ‘If you that Hanuman and his monkey army helped Rama build the bridge linking Indian mainland to the island of Lanka .......... [ dear reader], please fead no further’. This is a timely warning. Failure to distinguish between historical facts and mythology is one of the weaknesses of many Indians.

Not as charming or easy to take on board as his other offerings

It was captivating; morever my Great great great (six times) grand was mentioned in the account.I found the account quite personal as well.

Good read

An historical novel, which gives a good picture of England and then India in 16th Century.. It is enjoyable reading.

Excellent buying experience

A very interesting read and informative book on the history of south -east of India

Scholarly and detailed. Well worth your time and effort. However at places his personal biases detract from his undoubted commitment towards objectivity.

I thought from the title that 'personal history' meant his story in South India and there is a bit of that. However, it is a detailed history of the area and the various religions in it. A complex and rich history, but more than I needed. I did finish it and if I ever go to South India it would be a great source of information.

Absolutely enlightening and true to the title. The author does a great job of illuminating not just the history of south India, but the state of Indian history. A must read for any intellects even remotely interested in India and story.

Despite being almost overwhelmed by the wealth of information contained in this book and knowing that I wouldn’t remember even a fraction of what I was reading I thoroughly enjoyed Charles Allen’s personal history of South India and breezed through the more than 400 pages on its civilizations, geography, culture, art, architecture, peoples, languages, etc., etc.In fact, I enjoyed the author’s writing so much that I’ve put several of his books on my want-to-read-list.

A well-documented history of India’s Dravidian, kinder, milder South, full of fascinating detail. And also a philippica against the Hindutva tribalism that threatens to bias and diminish India’s true history, and indeed its secular democracy.