From Travancore to Pokhran and Beyond.

Jayita Sarkar's book, "Ploughshares and Swords," provides a comprehensive analysis of India's dual-use civil-military nuclear program from the late colonial era to the 1980s. Sarkar argues that India's nuclear program was always intended to serve both civilian and military purposes, and that geopolitical threats from China, Pakistan, and domestic groups influenced its development. The book also explores the parallel development of India's space program, which had significant overlaps with the nuclear program. Sarkar's research draws on a wide range of international and national archives, highlighting the connections between the Indian government, the Tata business family, and the success of the nuclear program. The book offers valuable insights into the history of nuclear proliferation and non-proliferation in India and will be a valuable resource for researchers in the field. [Extracted from the article]