Tatya Topes Operation Red Lotus by Parag Tope

About The Book:

Tatya Tops Operation Red Lotus is a quest to understand the real history of the Anglo-Indian War of 1857. A quest by the contemporary members of the Top family, that led to the discovery of the dramatic battle maneuvers of their ancestor, the legendary Tatya Top, as well as the true import of the War. Despite Indias defeat, this War significantly reversed the course of events, and allowed the survival of the worlds oldest living civilization. A War that has been wished away behind the smokescreen of euphemisms: rebellion, revolt, uprising and most famously the sepoy mutiny", is now viewed in its proper context. Operation Red Lotus solves the 150 year mystery of the chapati and lotus messages that were making the rounds of villages and garrisons months before the first shot was fired. It details the logistical issues that were overcome to allow the Indian troops to march over a million man-miles in the early months of the War. Hundreds of never before published Urdu letters written to Tatya during the War, were translated in this effort. The letters provide an insight into Tatyas administrative acumen in running a full-fledged independent government and demonstrates that the leaders of the war had a clear vision for a free India. Fascinating troop movements and battles are illustrated using several dozen military style maps and schematics, offering the reader a near ringside experience of Tatyas chess like moves and counter moves. Yet, Operation Red Lotus is not just a military chronicle limited by the period it covers; it also addresses issues of modern relevance. Operation Red Lotus offers an Indic paradigm to what freedom really means. It provides a platform for the dream of a resurgent India and its charisma as the eternal nation.