One of the largest rivers of the world, the Indus is a major Asian river. It rises in Tibet’s mountains and flows west across Northern India, and through the neighbouring Pakistan. Considered as the river that fed civilizations since the beginning of time, the Indus is worshipped. Around 5000 years ago, it was on the banks of the Indus that a civilization grew and prospered. The repeated mention of this river in India’s most ancient text, the Rig Veda, shows the importance of this river in the history of this region. Empires Of The Indus: The Story Of A River takes the readers on a journey along the 2000 miles of the river, illuminating its history, as well as its relevance today. Albinia reveals the glory of the Indus, its rich heritage, and how the river has now been reduced to half of its former glory. It was the all-pervading presence of the Indus in India’s history that prompted Albinia to find out more about this enchanting river, worshipped by peasants and sung about by poets. In her explorations along the banks of this river, she discovers and reveals some enchanting, intriguing, mesmerizing and even horrifying truths about the history of these ancient civilizations. The historical river has been frequented by several explorers from around the world. Conquering the Indus Valley and plundering its riches, was the mission of several explorers and traders. The Greeks, the Afghans, and the Britishers waded through the Indus, and plundered the riches of this fertile land. Albinia traces this river’s path from Karachi, Pakistan, to India, and then up to Tibet. In this entertaining book, she gives penetrating insights about the river and its civilizations. She uncovers historical truths, cultures, traditions, political inclinations and agendas, during the course of her journey. Her travels are interspersed with interviews with various people from different strata of the society. From the Bhangi community in Karachi, Albinia meets different people who help her understand the background of the Indus region. The author faces a daunting journey, sometimes hiding herself in a burka, at other times trekking punishing mountain ranges. Empires Of The Indus: The Story Of A River has won several awards. It won the only prize awarded in the UK for travel related books, the Dolman Best Travel Book Award, and also the Somerset Maugham Award and the Jerwood Prize.