During the 19th-century Great Game, as the British and Russian Empires vied for control of Central and Southern Asia, Tibet remained a zealously guarded, unknown land. Britain dispatched a cohort of spies, disguised as pilgrims and wanderers, to penetrate this forbidden territory, tasked with gathering vital topographical and cultural intelligence.

Parimal Bhattacharya vividly reconstructs the daring missions of these intrepid explorers. Follow Kinthup, a tailor whose arduous four-year journey aimed to confirm the Tsangpo and Brahmaputra as the same river, enduring slavery before a successful, yet tragic, return. Discover Sarat Chandra Das, a schoolmaster who secretly compiled extensive data and ancient manuscripts, later becoming a renowned Tibetologist.

The book also features figures like Eric Bailey, an officer involved in the 1903 British invasion, who later retraced Kinthup’s footsteps. Weaving biography with precise historical knowledge and the author's own treks, Bells of Shangri-La brings to life an unprecedented chapter of exploration and espionage.

Why You Should Read?

• Uncover the hidden history of British espionage and exploration in forbidden Tibet.
• Experience the incredible true stories of forgotten figures like Kinthup and Sarat Chandra Das.
• Delve into the geopolitical intrigues of the Great Game through a unique blend of history, biography, and travelogue.
• Gain insights into the cultural landscape of Tibet as encountered by these early Western and Indian adventurers.