The History of the Maharaja with Manu S. Pillai

Alas, the Maharaja’s tour with Poster House is ending, and the Rogue will take his final bows. While we’ve come to love his charming, mischievous, and exuberant personality, there’s still more to be discovered about this beloved mascot. Join historian and author Manu S. Pillai as he delves into the history of India’s maharajas, revealing the political complexities behind the character. Stories of sedition, secret political alliances, and espionage will have you asking if the stereotypes of the Maharajas were ever valid.

Manu S Pillai is the author of the award-winning The Ivory Throne (2015), Rebel Sultans (2018), The Courtesan, The Mahatma & The Italian Brahmin (2019), and, most recently, False Allies (2021). Besides working with parliamentarians in India and the United Kingdom, he has also been a researcher with the BBC on its “Incarnations” history series. A winner of the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar–awarded by India’s National Academy of Letters to young writers, he has been a newspaper columnist and contributor to multiple publications in India. Manu recently completed his PhD at King’s College London. 

This hybrid event will take place over Zoom. It will be simultaneously screened in the museum’s workshop space where a selection of Indian snacks and tea will be served.