For decades, Charles Allen has travelled the length and breadth of India, revealing the spirit of the sub-continent through its history and people; here he heads for Coromandel, the eastern coast of the peninsula. In this illustrated history, Allen uncovers the very different culture and identity of the pre-Aryan Dravidian south. During Allen's explorations, he meets local historians, gurus, and politicians, and with their help uncovers some extraordinary stories about the past. His sweeping narrative takes in the archaeology, religion, linguistics, and anthropology of the region, and he clarifies how these have influenced contemporary politics.