Author Nandini Das, Born in India, Secures the 2023 British Academy Book Prize

India-born author Nandini Das has been awarded the prestigious 2023 British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding, a renowned international non-fiction accolade valued at GBP 25,000. Her winning book, ‘Courting India: England, Mughal India, and the Origins of Empire,’ marks her debut in the realm of academia and literature. It offers a unique perspective on the origins of the British Empire by delving into the narrative of England’s inaugural diplomatic mission to the Mughal courts during the early 17th century.

The award ceremony, held at the British Academy in London, revealed Nandini Das as the victor of this year’s prize. As a Professor in the English faculty at the University of Oxford, the 49-year-old writer explores the nuanced beginnings of empire, employing contemporary sources from Indian and British political figures, officials, and merchants to breathe life into these early cross-cultural encounters.

Professor Charles Tripp, Chair of the prize jury, commended Das’s brilliant writing and meticulous research. He underscored the contrast between a Britain marked by poverty and insecurity and a flourishing, confident Mughal Empire.

The British Academy Book Prize, formerly known as the Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize, was established in 2013 to recognize and celebrate outstanding works of non-fiction that exhibit intellectual rigor and originality, contributing to a better understanding of global cultures and their interactions.

Professor Julia Black, President of the British Academy, acknowledged the importance of well-researched books in enhancing cross-cultural understanding. The other nominees for the 2023 prize included works by authors Kris Manjapra, Tania Branigan, Daniel Foliard, Irene Vallejo, and Dimitris Xygalatas.

The judging panel for this year’s British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding included Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Professor Rebecca Earle, Fatima Manji, and Professor Gary Younge. Das’s achievement is a testament to her insightful exploration of a pivotal historical moment and its enduring relevance in today’s global context.

_{Repurposed article originally published in The Hindu}