A man deeply embedded in West Bengal’s bureaucratic machinery as the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Shantanu Basu is far more than just a civil servant. He is a storyteller, a weaver of historical narratives that transport readers to eras long gone and bring to life the triumphs, tragedies and raw human emotions that have shaped the course of history.

His literary endeavours, particularly his series of Bengali history books, have not only been well received by critics but have also captured the imagination of readers young and old and were a highlight of the Calcutta International Book Fair last year.

In 2017, Basu’s first foray into historical fiction, Falta Theke Palassey (From Falta to Plassey), became an unexpected sensation. Rooted in the rich history of Bengal, the book does not just recount events but takes readers right into the thick of the action. Through his lively dialogues and powerful storytelling, Basu achieved what many historians strive for but few achieve – he brought history to life.

For a student or any other reader, reading this book was like traveling back in time. He felt the dust of the battlefield, heard the whispered conspiracies, and understood the excitement and fear of the people who lived through those turbulent times.

Basu’s passion for history is not new. Since childhood, he has been an avid reader, losing himself in stories of kings and conquerors, of battles won and lost, and of ordinary people whose lives have been turned upside down by the forces of history.

But Basu dreamed not only of reading, but also of creating – of writing books that would do more than educate: they would inspire. His goal was clear: to write stories that would not only tell readers about the past, but also make them “feel”, understand the feelings and motivations of those who lived before us.

“We cannot change our history,” Basu observes, with the wisdom of someone who has spent years studying old texts and forgotten stories. “Many writers retell historical events, but I aspire to do more. My aim is to engage the reader and make them feel the pulse of the era. That is why my writing is so conversational, focusing on the changes and challenges of the times.” His approach has clearly struck a chord, with readers and critics alike praising the way his characters seem to move from the page into the reader’s imagination.