A compelling chronicle of the evolving Indo-US relationship, from early encounters to modern-day influence.
The fame of figures like Priyanka Chopra, Sundar Pichai, Indra Nooyi, and TCS’s sponsorship of the New York City Marathon reflects the deep ties between India and the US today. While early connections from the 1780s were limited and shaped by the British Raj, the relationship has grown remarkably, fueled by migration, trade, and cultural exchange—despite occasional setbacks like the Bhopal disaster.
Missions, Mantras, Migrants and Microchips takes a long view of this relationship, uncovering both famous and forgotten figures—from Ida Scudder to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Drawing on deep research, historian Leonard A. Gordon offers a definitive account of the Indo-US connection.
About The Author:
Leonard A. Gordon was educated in New York City public schools, at Amherst College, and at Harvard University. His book, Bengal: The Nationalist Movement (1974) was awarded the Watumull Prize of the American Historical Association. Brothers against the Raj: A Biography of Indian Nationalists Sarat and Subhas Bose was published in 1990 and an abridged version in 2014. He was co-editor of The Sources of Indian Traditions, 1700-the present.
Leonard’s teaching career at Columbia University and at the City University of New York spanned 1967 to 2002. From 1985 to 2021 he was director of the Taraknath Das Foundation which awarded grants to Indian graduate students in the U.S., gave an annual award for supporters of ties between India and the US and supported small NGOs in India. From 1963 onwards he has visited India many times for research and to reconnect with his Indian friends.
The official release for the book is April 10th 2025.
