Salt of the Sarkar
A New Image of the First World WarIn 2020, Salt of the Sarkar marks the 80th anniversary
of Mulk Raj Anand’s classic novel
What We Do
Through Across the Black Waters by Mulk Raj Anand (1905-2004),
we invite you to explore Lalu’s journey from rural Panjab, India to battle in France
on the Western Front – during World War One.
‘Review and develop a Department for Education plan to teach about the history of the UK and its relationship to the rest of the world – including Britain’s colonial history and the history of migration.’
NEU teaching union
In solidarity with Black Lives Matter Movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, as we move toward a new reality in 2021, we are even more committed to our work with Mulk Raj Anand’s novel and continuing to develop a vital education resource.
Our Story
Across the Black Waters
Salt of the Sarkar
Powerful Fiction – Historical Facts and Photos
The Meaning of “Salt of the Sarkar”
“Salt of the Sarkar” is a term used by the Indian soldiers in their letters home, and in the classic World War One novel Across the Black Waters by Mulk Raj Anand (1940). “Sarkar” means the ruling authority. “Eating the salt” refers to the oath that binds one to a political superior through obligations of protection and loyalty.
A key strand of our work is to broaden young people’s knowledge of the First World War and the contribution of Undivided Indian soldiers – Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and others. Mulk Raj Anand’s novel and writing is also celebrated as a foundation stone of modern and post colonial writing.
Our Story In Photos
As we celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Across the Black Waters we showcase a few photos reflecting our progress over the years discovering and sharing the story of over a million Indian soldiers who fought in World War One.
The Salt of the Sarkar Blog
Cardiff: Creative Collaboration
CARDIFF: CREATIVE COLLABORATION This post was written by Caroline Goffin. Caroline is co-director, with Dominic Rai, of Salt of the Sarkar. TITLE: Salt of the Sarkar: Indian Army on the Western Front 1914 - Fact, Fiction & Ffotograffaeth Introducing a new image of...
Across the Black Waters a must read for schools
Across the Black Waters - a must read for schools This post was written by John Perkins Head of History at Guru Nanak Sikh Academy, Hayes, West London. He delivers the Edexcel course 'India the Road to Independence'. As part of the course he uses the novel,...
The Amazing Journey of Salt of the Sarkar
The Amazing Journey of Salt of the Sarkar This post was written by Caroline Goffin. "There is much to be found that is relevant to encouraging respect, reconciliation and peace in our communities through the experiences of Empire soldiers one hundred years...