Talking Books brings together readers and authors for casual but serious conversations at a bar! Nandini Nair, the Arts and Books Editor of Delhi-based Open Magazine, curates this event. It has the intimacy of a drawing room conversation and the energy of a bar. Readers can purchase their copies of the books during the event courtesy of the folks from Pagdandi Book Store. This month’s edition of Talking Books will feature Manu S. Pillai in conversation with Nandini Nair.

Manu S. Pillai is a critically acclaimed author. Gods, Guns & Missionaries: The Making of the Modern Hindu Identity, his fifth book, examines power, faith and identity across centuries. Through in-depth research and in lucid prose, Pillai argues that Hinduism is not a monolithic tradition and that it has been shaped by various influences. By detailing the encounter between Hinduism and Christianity during the colonial period, he shows how all religions are born and grow and change in historical time. His latest book is packed with anecdotes and details, interesting facts and fascinating characters. It makes history come alive and shows there are no easy answers or straightforward trajectories. His previous bestselling books include The Ivory Throne (2015), Rebel Sultans (2018) and False Allies (2021). He holds a PhD in history from King’s College London. His essays and writings on history have appeared in various national and international publications.