Guts, Glory and Empire: The Epic Story of Goans in Zanzibar, 1865–1910

Discover a groundbreaking historical account of ambition, identity, and resilience in Guts, Glory and Empire by acclaimed historian Selma Carvalho!

About the Book: Set against the vibrant and turbulent backdrop of mid-nineteenth-century Zanzibar—a major global crossroads for monsoon-driven trade routes connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia—this sweeping human story chronicles the journey of Goans who arrived as sailors, cooks, and clerks and ultimately rose to become one of East Africa’s wealthiest and most influential communities. Flourishing under the reign of Sultan Barghash bin Said, early pioneers like C. R. Souza, D. B. Pereira, and Brás Souza carved out remarkable paths as physicians, musicians, and trusted interpreters. Navigating a complex web of European imperial ambitions, British arch-imperialists like John Kirk and Gerald Portal, and the ambiguities of their own colonial status as Portuguese citizens, these ambitious figures pushed back against the erosion of their civil liberties. In this compelling and unprecedented work, Selma Carvalho restores vital South Asian voices to Indian Ocean histories, delivering an unputdownable narrative of an extraordinary community.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Groundbreaking History: A pioneering work of historical non-fiction that sheds light on the lesser-known diaspora and profound impact of Goans in East Africa.

• Expert Authorship: Written by Selma Carvalho, a respected researcher and author known for meticulously documenting Goan migration and history.

• Rich Narrative Scope: Explores themes of identity, colonial power dynamics, resistance, and the intricate intersections of South Asian and African history.

• The Perfect Gift: A fascinating, thought-provoking present for history enthusiasts, scholars of the Indian Ocean world, diaspora studies readers, and lovers of true historical epics.