How Nazis and the ‘Little Führer of Bombay’ spread their web in war-time India

Their methods of pressurising the press, intimidating civil society members, well-funded propaganda and deceit are all too familiar.

Gautam Pemmaraju

· Apr 23, 2023 · 11:30 am

Hyderabad Liberation: An Urdu journalist’s murder in 1948 warns India about the perils of autocracy

Political parties still invoke the legacy of Shoebullah Khan, but his killing reminds us of the dangers of speaking truth to power.

Gautam Pemmaraju

· Sep 17, 2022 · 09:00 am

Jazz, Bolsheviks and Miss X: A real-life spy story from 1930s Bombay

A fascinating intersection of politics, state surveillance intrepid travelling African-American musicians, sexual politics and the role of women in spycraft.

Gautam Pemmaraju

· Aug 07, 2022 · 11:30 am

The curious case of Inspector Derojinsky: A White Russian in the colonial Bombay Police

He was most valuable officer of the Foreign Branch of the police during a period of great volatility and heightened surveillance.

Gautam Pemmaraju

· Jan 23, 2022 · 11:30 am

Sam Zaman, pioneer of the Asian Underground, influenced everything from US rap to Bollywood beats

The frontman of the band State of Bengal was a gifted musician and a generous mentor.

Gautam Pemmaraju

· May 23, 2015 · 03:30 pm

With Andhra Pradesh bifurcation, Hyderabad awaits new opportunities

Hyderabad hopes that the new administration will revitalise the city as an economic and cultural powerhouse.

Gautam Pemmaraju

· Mar 13, 2014 · 05:44 am