This book's a treat for mango lovers. Highly-praised and well-researched, Mangifera Indica by Sopan Joshi is an exploration of the mango's role in India, going beyond history to look at agriculture, trade, and cultural significance. It also covers the science (botany/ecology) without being a dry textbook, offering a 'biography' of the fruit's co-evolution with humans. The book treats the mango as something deeply embedded in Indian life, showing up in religion, literature, diplomacy, and even as a kind of social currency across economic divides. 

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Mangoes are, as the author says, India's favourite 'bribe': a gift that no one can refuse, and one that opens many doors. "It is both our great distraction and a reliable means of conversation," he adds. Just as the British talk about the weather, Indians talk about the mango." / Excerpt from 'A Slice of Mango' by Manupriya from Shaastra :: vol 03 issue 09