Karwaan Press – Inspiring the Future Through the Past

Exploring the Legacy of Print, Rare Books, and Literary Heritage


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Unraveling the Past, Shaping the Future

Karwaan Press is a journey through time—a space where history, literature, and the power of the written word come together. We uncover the stories of publishing, rare archives, and the profound impact of print on society, bridging the past with the present.

Explore Rare Literary Archives

Step into the past with a curated collection of historical newspapers, rare books, and forgotten manuscripts. From the first Indian printing presses to revolutionary publications, we preserve the voices that shaped history.

Engage with Historians & Scholars

Connect with experts in publishing history, literary criticism, and journalism. Through in-depth discussions and research, discover the evolution of print culture and its lasting impact on society.

Reviving Lost Stories & Literature

Unearth forgotten literary works, out-of-print editions, and archival documents that once defined public discourse. Our platform ensures these stories remain accessible to researchers, students, and book lovers.

Unravel the Power of Print Media

Trace the influence of historical newspapers, journals, and political pamphlets on India’s social and political landscape. Explore how the press has documented revolutions, reforms, and cultural movements throughout time.

85M+

Pages Digitized

Preserved manuscripts, books, newspapers, and photographs at Panjab Digital Library.

117K+

Books in Historical Archives

Stored in the Asiatic Society Library, including rare manuscripts and first editions.

6.8%

Growth of Second-Hand Books Market

The Indian second-hand book industry is expanding rapidly, ensuring literary access.

60+

Decline of Traditional Book Bazaars

Urdu Bazaar in Delhi, once home to 60 Urdu bookstores, now has only a handful remaining.

Explore Our Literary Collection

Discover a world of knowledge through carefully curated books and archives. Whether you’re a historian, researcher, or book enthusiast, Karwaan Press brings you an extensive selection of literature covering diverse themes.

Archaeology

Uncover ancient civilizations, lost artifacts, and the history of excavation.

Aviation

Explore the evolution of flight, pioneering aviators, and wartime aerial battles.

Biography & Memoir

Read the life stories of visionaries, revolutionaries, and literary figures.

Entertainment

Dive into the history of cinema, theater, and the cultural impact of performing arts.

Fiction

Experience classic literature and historical novels that have stood the test of time.

Folklore

Discover myths, legends, and traditional storytelling from different cultures.

History

From ancient empires to modern revolutions, explore the defining moments of the past.

Local & Family History

Trace the roots of communities, families, and historical settlements.

Sport

Relive the greatest moments in sporting history, from legendary athletes to iconic events.

Who Supports Historical Research?

The study and accessibility of historical literature are made possible through the support of corporations and private sponsors that recognize the importance of preserving the past. These companies actively fund research and digitization projects, ensuring that historical knowledge remains available for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike.

History – Sponsored by Tata Trusts

logo tata tusts

Tata Trusts, one of India’s oldest philanthropic organizations, actively supports historical research, digital preservation of rare manuscripts, and funding for academic publications. Their initiatives help digitize historical newspapers, preserve archives, and fund research projects that explore India’s social, political, and cultural history.

Aviation – Sponsored by SPRIBE

Biography & Memoir – Sponsored by HarperCollins India

logo harper collins

HarperCollins India, a major publishing house, sponsors the research and publication of biographies and memoirs of historical figures, revolutionaries, and literary icons. By supporting historical authors and archives, they ensure that personal narratives and influential life stories remain accessible to modern readers.

Folklore – Sponsored by Amar Chitra Katha

logo amar chitra katha

Amar Chitra Katha, India’s most well-known publisher of mythological and historical comics, funds research into Indian folklore, legends, and oral storytelling traditions. Their sponsorship supports the publication of folk narratives, digitization of rare regional stories, and cultural research on traditional storytelling methods.

Meet our Authors

At Karwaan Press, we collaborate with some of the most passionate and insightful writers dedicated to preserving and exploring India’s literary and historical heritage. From rare manuscripts to modern analyses of press history, our authors bring the past to life through their research and storytelling.

A cheerful young man in a casual green jacket, smiling warmly while standing outdoors.

Ravi Sharma

A historian and author specializing in colonial-era newspapers and India’s freedom press, Ravi has spent years uncovering lost journals and editorials that shaped nationalist discourse.

A woman in a traditional saree, holding a notebook and pen, deep in thought while standing in a study.

Ananya Iyer

A scholar of folklore and regional literature, Ananya delves into the storytelling traditions of India, bridging the gap between oral narratives and early print culture. Her writings revive forgotten voices from rare manuscripts and local publishing houses.

A traditionally dressed Indian scholar wearing a turban, working on a laptop in a library, symbolizing the blend of traditional wisdom and modern technology.

Vikram Sen

An expert in modern journalism and the digital shift in Indian publishing, Vikram’s research focuses on how traditional press institutions have adapted to contemporary challenges.

Latest News

Mother India in Print: Preserving the Nation’s Cultural Voice

Illustrated vintage-style poster of Mother India holding the national flag and a map of India, with bold red text reading “MOTHER INDIA” above her.

When we say Mother India, we’re not just talking about geography. We’re talking about memory, movement, and meaning etched in ink, paper, and time. Through rare publications, lost manuscripts, and historical archives, platforms like Karwaan Press are rebuilding the narrative of a country that has always used stories to survive. In this space, literature and…

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Mughal E Azam: The Film That Froze History on Celluloid

Still from Mughal-E-Azam showing Prince Salim and Anarkali exchanging a gaze, dressed in regal Mughal attire, framed by an opulent palace interior.

Some stories never die — they echo across generations, like a royal whisper in a marble hallway. Mughal E Azam, released in 1960, isn’t just a film. It’s a monument in motion, a cinematic Taj Mahal, lovingly crafted by K. Asif to immortalize the forbidden love of Prince Salim and Anarkali. But beyond the tragic…

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Wings Over the Subcontinent: A History of Aviation in India

A sepia-toned image of an early Indian pilot standing beside a vintage Puss Moth aircraft labeled "INDIA VT-ACT" on a rural airfield.

By Dr. Arjun Pillai, Aviation Historian and Fellow of the Indian Institute of Historical Research The Dawn of Indian Skies: First Flights and British Influence The story of aviation in India begins in the early 20th century, during the British colonial era. The first powered flight on Indian soil was recorded in 1910, when French…

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Kalibangan and the Silent Legacy of India’s Indus Valley Past

Ruins of Kalibangan showing mud-brick fire altars and walls under a clear sky, revealing ancient urban planning in an expansive desert landscape.

In the sands of Rajasthan lies a story older than most modern cities. Kalibangan, one of the most important yet overlooked sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, offers a rare glimpse into how ancient Indians lived, worshipped, and organized their world nearly 4,000 years ago. While Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa steal the spotlight, Kalibangan is where…

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Nationalism and Patriotism in Rabindranath Tagore’s Thought and Fiction

A black-and-white photograph of Rabindranath Tagore seated with female students, engaged in a discussion, symbolizing his role in education and intellectual discourse.

Rabindranath Tagore, often celebrated for his intellectual breadth, was more than a poet or philosopher. His influence spanned literature, painting, social reform, and education. His reflections on nationalism and patriotism stand out for their clarity and continued relevance. Through essays and fiction, Tagore examined these powerful ideas not just as political principles, but as forces…

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