THE ASIATIC SOCIETY OF MUMBAI
The Literary Club of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai
invites you to a presentation on the book
“565: The Dramatic Story of Unifying India” by Mallika Ravikumar
on Wednesday, 13th August, 2025 at 5.00 p.m.

The Literary Club of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai cordially invites you to a presentation on the book “565: The Dramatic Story of Unifying India” by Mallika Ravikumar at the Durbar Hall of the Asiatic Society of Mumbai, at 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 13th August, 2025.

The book “565: The Dramatic Story of Unifying India,” narrates the gripping events relating to the accession of princely states, a significant yet lesser-known chapter of Indian history. But for the efforts of the leaders involved like Sardar Patel, V.P. Menon and a host of others, India may well have had pockets of other nations within her borders, and even parts of Pakistan. The book delves into the complex negotiations that averted such a catastrophe and this led to our nation coming together in 1947.

Mallika Ravikumar is a lawyer-turned-writer. With an MA Degree in Ancient Indian History and Culture from St Xavier’s College in Mumbai, she was the curator and chief content writer for the Government of India’s National Virtual Library of India portal on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. She has won the Atta Galatta Bangalore Literature Festival Award for Best Children’s Fiction in 2023, and the Binod Kanoria Children’s Book Award, 2023. Her works have been published by noted publishers like Penguin, Hachette, Speaking Tiger, Karadi Tales, and Katha, amongst others.
Please join us for tea at 4.30 p.m.

- Prof. Mangala Sirdeshpande, Hon. Secretary Asiatic Society of Mumbai.
- Meenal Kshirsagar, Vice President of the Society & Chairperson - ASM LitClub