Life Analysis: Modern Portrayal of Mahatma's Existence, Constructed From Various Pieces
In her latest work, "The Other Mohan in Britain's Indian Ocean Empire," author Amrita Shah delves into the life of her great-grandfather, Mohanlal Killavala. The book, published by HarperCollins India and spanning 400 pages, offers a captivating journey through Gujarat, India, South Africa, Mauritius, Surat, and Mumbai.
Mohanlal Killavala, a man of mystery, traveled to South Africa for several years and acquired a second wife there. His South African sojourn was seldom mentioned among Shah's family, but Shah's research revealed a more sinister side to his presence in the country.
The book provides insights into the beginning of apartheid in South Africa, a period that Mohanlal Killavala was actively involved in through Gandhi's Satyagraha movement. However, the mysterious second wife of Mohanlal Killavala remains an unsolved mystery, with Tarabai, the daughter of Shah's grandmother, being the second wife in question.
The book's style is characterized as subtle and hard-hitting Punjabi social realism, offering a unique perspective on emigration and the search for better opportunities. The story is described as delectable and worth reading slowly, making it a must-read for those interested in history, family narratives, and the little-known British Empire in the Indian Ocean.
Shah's journey to uncover her ancestors took her all the way to the tip of Africa and to Mauritius. Initially, she followed Gandhi's footsteps in the hope that one Mohanlal would lead to the other. Along the way, she found a document that revealed Mohanlal Killavala's presence in South Africa may have been more sinister than previously thought.
"The Other Mohan in Britain's Indian Ocean Empire" ends with this unsolved mystery, leaving readers with a thought-provoking exploration of family history, colonialism, and the human spirit. The book is priced at Rs 699 and is available now.
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