E.M. Forster · 1924 · rail

E.M. Forster's 1924 novel, a subtle and devastating study of friendship and empire, in which a misunderstanding at the Marabar Caves exposes the impossibility of true equality between ruler and ruled in British India. One of the great English novels of the twentieth century. The route runs from the coast inland to Chandrapore and the caves, and on to Mau; the fictional places are sited approximately.

1. 1
   Bombay

   English visitors, Mrs Moore and the young Adela Quested, arrive in India by sea, eager to see the real country beneath the Raj.

2. 2
   Chandrapore

   To the dusty provincial town of Chandrapore on the Ganges, where the warm-hearted Dr Aziz befriends them across the gulf of empire.

3. 3
   Marabar Caves

   An ill-fated excursion to the ancient, echoing Marabar Caves ends in a confused accusation that sets English and Indian against each other.

4. 4
   Mau

   Years later, in the Hindu state of Mau, Aziz and his English friend Fielding meet once more, and try, and fail, to be friends in a country not yet free.