Sunil Amrith Books

Sunil Amrith is a historian exploring migration in South and Southeast Asia and its role in shaping present-day social and cultural dynamics. His focus on migration, rather than political forces such as colonial empires and the formation of modern nations, demonstrates that South Asia and Southeast Asia are tied by centuries of movement of people and goods around and across the Bay of Bengal. Amrith combines theoretical frameworks of oceanic and environmental history with archival, ethnographic, and visual research to chart how migration transformed individuals, families, and communities. His examination of the emergence of diverse, multiethnic coastal communities sheds new light on the social and political consequences of colonization.

Unruly Waters
416 pages
15 hours of reading
4.3(13)Add rating
Asia's history has been shaped by its waters. In Unruly Waters, historian Sunil Amrith reimagines Asia's history through the stories of its rains, rivers, coasts, and seas - and of the weather-watchers and engineers, mapmakers and farmers who have sought to control them. Looking out from India, he shows how dreams and fears of water shaped visions of political independence and economic development, provoked efforts to reshape nature through dams and pumps, and unleashed powerful tensions within and between nations. Today, Asian nations are racing to construct hundreds of dams in the Himalayas, with dire environmental impacts; hundreds of millions crowd into coastal cities threatened by cyclones and storm surges. In an age of climate change, Unruly Waters is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand not only Asia's past and its future.
Migration and Diaspora in Modern Asia
240 pages
9 hours of reading
3.7(19)Add rating
The book explores the evolution of modern migration, highlighting its connections to the rise and fall of empires and the transformative effects of modernity. It examines how historical events and societal changes have shaped migration patterns, providing a comprehensive understanding of the forces driving people to move across borders in contemporary times. Through this lens, it offers insights into the complex interplay between migration and the historical context of globalization.
The Burning Earth
An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years
432 pages
16 hours of reading
Exploring the intricate relationship between humanity and the environment, this global environmental history offers a compelling narrative that is both accessible and engaging. Sunil Amrith delves into the historical context of environmental changes, highlighting key events and figures that have shaped our world. The book stands out for its readability and depth, making complex themes understandable and enjoyable for readers. It is a significant contribution to the understanding of environmental issues on a global scale.

Unruly Waters

Migration and Diaspora in Modern Asia

The Burning Earth