Manu Pillai: Uncovering The Real Lives Of India’s Maharajas (BONUS)

Tara and Michelle reconnect with Manu Pillai about writing and publishing his latest book, ‘False Allies’ during the pandemic. Manu explains how and why he used Raja Ravi Varma’s art to direct his research. And how this book is structured much differently than his previous works. He takes Tara and Michelle deep into the world of empowerment and political intrigue with the story of Jamnabai. Were Indian royals (especially women) as easily manipulated by the British as we thought? Did the pandemic affect his writing? Should Manu start his own podcast? Tune in to join these discussions and more!Book Mentions:Desperately Seeking Shah Rukh by Shrayana BhattacharyaThe Begum and the Dastan by Tarana Husain KhanThe Nutmeg’s Curse by Amitav GhoshThe Last Queen by Chitra Banerjee DivakaruniFor a more in-depth conversation about Manu’s writing process and previous books, tune in to Episode 1.1. Manu S. Pillai is the author of the critically acclaimed The Ivory Throne (2015), Rebel Sultans (2018) and The Courtesan, the Mahatma and the Italian Brahmin (2019). Formerly chief of staff to Shashi Tharoor MP, he is also a winner of the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar (2017). His essays and writings on history have appeared in Mint Lounge, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Open, New Statesman and other publications. Read his latest book: https://www.amazon.in/FALSE-ALLIES-Indias-Maharajahs-Varma/dp/9391165893'Books and Beyond with Bound' is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D'costa of Bound talk to some of the best writers in India and find out what makes them tick. Now trending in 27 countries! Read more: https://boundindia.com/books-and-beyond-podcast/ Applications for The Bound Publishing Course 2026 are now open.The Bound Publishing Course is a 3-month intensive course on book, magazine, and digital publishing. Through live sessions, workshops, and industry-facing projects, participants gain practical publishing skills and exposure to careers across the industry.Cohort size: 50 seatsFirst round of acceptances: 15th June 2026Applications are reviewed on a rolling bas‘Books and Beyond with Bound’ is the podcast where Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa uncover how their books reflect the realities of our lives and society today. Find out what drives India’s finest authors: from personal experiences to jugaad research methods, insecurities to publishing journeys. Created by Bound, a storytelling company that helps you grow through stories. Follow us @boundindia on all social media platforms.