Armies of the Raj

From the Great Indian Mutiny to Independence: 1958–1947

"The stories are glorious and told with zest and verve."—Washington Times

"With a profusion of anecdotes conveying the character of India under British rule, Farwell offers a panoramic survey of the Indian army during the 90 years between the Sepoy Revolt and the births of independent India and Pakistan. . . . Farwell is particularly entertaining on the subjects of polo playing, tiger hunting, pig-sticking and promiscuous romancing—all popular forms of relaxation for army men. Other matters of interest include discussion of the Sikhs, whose innate ferocity was fully exploited by the British, and an account of the 1919 massacre at Amritsar—a catalytic event that convinced many that the British would never accept Indians as equals."—Publishers Weekly

"Now that the Raj has gone with the winds of change, Byron Farwell's masterly picture is doubly welcome, . . . whether emphasizing the jewels in its military crown, the Jam Sahibs in its cricket matches, the mutinies, massacres, and finally Independence. Salaam!"—Elizabeth Longford