Book Review: ‘The Other Mohan’ by Amrita Shah

Book Title: The Other Mohan
Author: Amrita Shah
Publisher: Fourth Estate India
Number of Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-9362139610
Date Published: Nov. 11, 2024
Price: INR 431

Book Review

During British rule, the “indentured labor system” facilitated the mass migration of Indians to plantations in British colonies such as the Caribbean, South Africa, Mauritius, and Fiji, serving as a replacement for labour lost after the abolition of slavery. The initiative gained momentum under Sir George Grey, Governor of the Cape Colony, who advocated for an indenture program to bring Indian laborers to South Africa under seemingly favorable terms that often proved exploitative in reality. Amrita Shah’s “The Other Mohan“ deserves immense praise for shedding light on this underexplored chapter of history, making it accessible to the present generation.

Published by Fourth Estate India, in “The Other Mohan“, Author Amrita Shah explores the life of her great-grandfather, Mohanlal aka Mohanlal P.Killawalla, and his journey from pre-Independent India to South Africa, uncovering a compelling narrative of migration and resilience.

Amrita Shah’s decade-long research spans regions like India, South Africa, Mauritius, and Britain, revealing the intricate history of the Indian diaspora in the western Indian Ocean. Through this lens, she examines the migration of traders, indentured laborers, and political exiles, connecting their stories to the larger forces of colonial capitalism. She not only traces Mohanlal’s role in Gandhi’s satyagraha movement but also reframes the narrative to focus on the entrepreneurial spirit of ordinary Indian migrants who navigated the socio-political challenges of their time.

Check out our Latest Book Reviews

This richly layered book weaves Mohanlal’s experiences with the broader history of Indian migration, beginning at the medieval port of Surat and extending to colonial hubs like Bombay, Durban, and Port Louis. Amrita Shah delves into the difficult lives of South Africa’s Indian community, who faced racial discrimination, high taxes, and the infamous Black Law requiring fingerprint registration. In this turbulent context, figures like Gandhi emerged, inspired by the plight of Indian migrants. Shah’s exploration transcends the conventional focus on Gandhi’s resistance, spotlighting stories of opportunism and enterprise that shaped the diaspora’s legacy.

Combining personal history with historical analysis, “The Other Mohan” also serves as a travelogue, capturing the spirit of a modern-day journey into the past. Shah paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs of South African Indians, who have left an indelible mark on the country’s cultural and political landscape. From their cuisine and traditions to their activism against apartheid-era policies, their resilience echoes in Gandhi’s peaceful protest movement, which began in South Africa and inspired global struggles for freedom. Shah’s book is both a tribute to her ancestor and a broader reflection on the untold stories of the Indian diaspora.

The advent of the Internet, social media, and recent video features on Indians who migrated decades ago to places like Burma and the Fiji Islands has ignited a renewed interest in exploring family roots, especially from the pre-independence era. Amrita Shah’s “The Other Mohan” exemplifies the art of transforming meticulous historical research into an engaging narrative that resonates with readers eager to connect with their heritage. Similarly, Krishna Gubili’s ‘Viriah’, originally published in English in 2011 and later translated into Telugu, shares this commitment to uncovering ancestral stories. The Telugu book chronicles Krishna’s decades-long quest to trace his family history, focusing on his ancestor Viriah, who migrated to the Fiji Islands in 1906. Like “The Other Mohan“, the book intertwines personal discovery with a broader exploration of migration and identity, creating a powerful narrative for readers to reflect on their histories.

“The Other Mohan” seamlessly weaves personal narrative with historical investigation and cultural insight. Amrita Shah’s evocative storytelling sheds light on the overlooked narratives of the Indian diaspora, presenting a nuanced view of migration and heritage. This book is a heartfelt homage to the perseverance, ingenuity, and legacy of those who influenced history.

Highly recommended to every Indian!

Books are love!

Get a copy now!

---