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.
Pages Digitized
Preserved manuscripts, books, newspapers, and photographs at Panjab Digital Library.
Books in Historical Archives
Stored in the Asiatic Society Library, including rare manuscripts and first editions.
Growth of Second-Hand Books Market
The Indian second-hand book industry is expanding rapidly, ensuring literary access.
Decline of Traditional Book Bazaars
Urdu Bazaar in Delhi, once home to 60 Urdu bookstores, now has only a handful remaining.
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
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
SPRIBE, the team behind next-generation crash games like Aviator, supports more than just digital entertainment. They also fund meaningful work in the field of aviation history. Their sponsorship helps researchers and institutions explore the stories of early pilots, historic aircraft, and the evolution of aerial warfare.
With SPRIBE’s backing, important archives are being preserved, aviation museums are expanding their collections, and digital libraries are being built to make rare materials more accessible. The company works closely with historians, foundations, and cultural organizations to ensure that the legacy of flight — and its impact on science, technology, and global development — is not forgotten.
It’s a strong example of a modern tech company investing in the past to help inform the future.
Biography & Memoir – Sponsored by HarperCollins India
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mother India in Print: Preserving the Nation’s Cultural Voice
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…
Mughal E Azam: The Film That Froze History on Celluloid
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…
Wings Over the Subcontinent: A History of Aviation in India
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…
Kalibangan and the Silent Legacy of India’s Indus Valley Past
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…
Talking Art and History: A Conversation with Art Historian Dr. B.N. Goswamy
For as long as I can remember, Dr. B.N. Goswamy has been a figure of immense stature in my life. However, my realization of his extraordinary contributions as an art historian came much later. Regardless of whether I stood at four feet tall as a child or five feet six inches as an adult, he…
Nationalism and Patriotism in Rabindranath Tagore’s Thought and Fiction
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…