Asia Audiobooks | History

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. The naval battle that would unfold in the waters off the Dutch East Indies in late February 1942 represented the climactic confrontation between Allied naval forces attempting to defend the resource-rich Indonesian archipelago and the rapidly advancing Japanese fleet that had already achieved stunning victories across the Pacific. The Battle of the Java Sea would prove to be one of the most significant and tragic naval engagements of the early Pacific War, marking the effective end of Allied naval resistance in Southeast Asian waters and opening the way for complete Japanese control over the region's vital oil and rubber resources. The strategic context that led to the Java Sea confrontation had been developing since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, which had initiated a carefully coordinated campaign to seize control of Southeast Asia and the southwestern Pacific. The Japanese strategy, known as the Southern Operation, aimed to capture the resource-rich territories of the Dutch East Indies, British Malaya, and the Philippines while establishing a defensive perimeter that could protect Japan's expanded empire from Allied counterattack. The rapid success of Japanese forces in capturing Hong Kong, advancing through Malaya toward Singapore, and landing in the Philippines had demonstrated both the effectiveness of Japanese military planning and the vulnerability of Allied defensive positions throughout the region. The American-British-Dutch-Australian Command, hastily established in January 1942 under the leadership of British General Sir Archibald Wavell, represented an ambitious attempt to coordinate Allied resistance against the Japanese advance despite the enormous challenges posed by geographic distances, communication difficulties, and conflicting national priorities."

Arthur Williams (Author), Digital Voice Marcus G (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Tamil] - Mahabharata Pengal: மகாபாரதப் பெண்கள்

"A proud Aurality tamil audio book production ebook by Swasam Publications. Download FREE Aurality app now on play store and or iphone ios store மகாபாரதம் என்றதும் பெரும்பாலோனோருக்கு நினைவுக்கு வருவது கண்ணன், அர்ஜுனன், துரியோதனன் போன்ற ஆண் கதாபாத்திரங்கள்தான். ஆனால் இந்த மாபெரும் இதிகாசம் நிகழ்த்தப்பட்டது பெண்களால்தான். பெண்களே மகாபாரதத்தை நடத்திச் செல்கின்றனர். அவர்களது ஆசைகள், கோபங்கள், விருப்பம், பொறாமை, வன்மம் ஆகியவையே மகாபாரத நிகழ்வுகளுக்கு அடிப்படை. இக்காவியத்தில் அதிகாரம் பெற்ற ஒவ்வொரு ஆணின் பின்னாலும் ஒரு பெண் இருக்கிறாள். இந்த மாபெரும் காவியத்தின் பெண் கதாபாத்திரங்களை மட்டும் தனியே எடுத்துப் பேசுகிறது இந்தப் புத்தகம். சத்யவதி, குந்தி, காந்தாரி, அம்பை, திரெளபதி, பானுமதி, இடும்பி, சர்மிஷ்டை என இக்காவியத்தில் பயணிக்கும் பெண்களையும், அவர்களது வெற்றிகள், தோல்விகள், துயரங்கள், வலிகள், துரோகங்கள், காதல் என அவர்கள் அனுபவித்த சோதனைகளையும் அழுத்தமாகப் பதிவு செய்திருக்கிறது இந்த நூல். எழுத்தாளர் Jayanthi Nagarajan எழுதி சுவாசம் பதிப்பகம் வெளியிட்டிருக்கும் புத்தகத்தின் ஒலிவடிவம் கேட்போம்"

Jayanthi Nagarajan (Author), Pushpalatha Parthiban (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hindu Mythology Simplified: Vishnu, Shiva, and the Great Epics of India

"Embark on an enlightening journey through the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology with Hindu Mythology Simplified: Vishnu, Shiva, and the Great Epics of India. This comprehensive guide demystifies the complex narratives and profound philosophies that have shaped Indian culture for millennia, making them accessible to modern listeners seeking spiritual insight and cultural understanding. Delve into the captivating tales of Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, known for his ten avatars including Rama and Krishna, each embodying virtues and lessons relevant to contemporary life. Explore the enigmatic persona of Shiva, the destroyer and transformer, whose cosmic dance symbolizes the cycles of creation and destruction inherent in existence. The audiobook also provides a lucid overview of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, two monumental epics that are not only literary masterpieces but also repositories of moral and ethical guidance. Through engaging storytelling and thoughtful analysis, listeners will gain a deeper appreciation of the characters, themes, and teachings that continue to influence millions around the world. Whether you're a student of religion, a lover of mythology, or someone curious about the spiritual traditions of India, this audiobook offers a balanced blend of narrative and interpretation. It serves as an ideal starting point for those new to Hindu mythology and a valuable refresher for seasoned enthusiasts. With clear explanations and relatable insights, Hindu Mythology Simplified bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary relevance, inviting listeners to reflect on timeless truths and their application in today's world. Perfect for anyone interested in world religions, comparative mythology, or the philosophical underpinnings of Eastern traditions, this audiobook is a gateway to understanding the enduring legacy of Hindu myths and their profound impact on human thought and culture."

Johnny Nelson (Author), Myriam Berger (Narrator)

Audiobook

Love Partitioned

"Set during India’s Independence struggles leading to the Partition of India and Pakistan, this compelling novel tells the inspiring story of Mangla, her interactions with her mother Ammaji, her best friend Basanthi, and her husband Anand as they navigate their own conflicts of religion, sexuality, social privilege. Raised on Gandhi ideals of peace and unity, Mangla strives to become the social change in women's education, advancement, and social freedom she wishes to see, allowing her daughter Mina to dream of a better future for herself and other Indian children. Mangla’s personal triumph over betrayal, loss, and incredible odds is sure to instill hope and compassion in readers both young and old. Love Partitioned is informed by the author’s own historical journey as a refugee during this turbulent time in India."

Manjula Waldron (Author), Caroline L George (Narrator)

Audiobook

Decent Interval: An Insider's Account of Saigon's Indecent End Told by the CIA's Chief Strategy Anal

"Widely regarded as a classic on the Vietnam War, Decent Interval provides a scathing critique of the CIA's role in and final departure from that conflict. Still the most detailed and respected account of America's final days in Vietnam, the book was written at great risk and ultimately at great sacrifice by an author who believed in the CIA's cause but was disillusioned by the agency's treacherous withdrawal, leaving thousands of Vietnamese allies to the mercy of an angry enemy. A quarter-century later, it remains a riveting and powerful testament to one of the darkest episodes in American history."

Frank Snepp (Author), Eric Jason Martin (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hiroshima

"Brought to you by Penguin. When the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945, killing 100,000 men, women and children, it was the beginning of a terrifying new episode in human history. Written only a year after the disaster, John Hersey brought the event vividly alive with this heart-rending account of six men and women who survived despite all the odds. He added a further chapter when, forty years later, he returned to Hiroshima to discover how the same six people had struggled to cope with catastrophe and with often crippling disease. The result is a devastating picture of the long-term effects of one very small bomb. © John Hersey 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025"

John Hersey (Author), George Guidall (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Many Lives of Syeda X: A People’s History of Invisible India

"'A trenchant and invaluable people's history of the bottom of the pyramid in the world's most populous nation' Financial Times What does the life of an ordinary working-class, Muslim woman look and feel like in modern India? Award-winning journalist Neha Dixit traces the story of one such faceless Indian woman, from the early 1990s to the present day. What emerges is a picture of a life lived under constant corrosive tension. Syeda X left the holy city of Banaras (now Varanasi) for Delhi with her young family in the aftermath of riots and communal violence in the early '90s. In Delhi, she settled into the life of a poor migrant, juggling multiple jobs a day - from sewing soccer balls and removing the stems from raisins, to shelling almonds sold in bulk to multinationals and assisting in illegal abortions. Syeda has held over 50 different jobs in 30 years, earning paltry sums in the process. And if she ever took a day off, her job would be lost to another faceless migrant. We meet an unforgettable cast of characters: a rickshaw driver in Chandni Chowk who ends up tragically dead in a terrorist blast; a doctor who gets arrested for pre-natal sex determination; a Hindu nationalist 'cow vigilante' whose sister elopes with Syeda's son; and policemen who delight in beating up young Muslim men. Written with empathy and deep insight, The Many Lives of Syeda X is a portal to a harsh, hidden world. It is the story of untold millions and a searing account of urban life in new India."

Neha Dixit (Author), Manju Malhi (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Panjabi] - Sikh Nasalkushi Da Khurakhoj Part-1: Chashamdeedan ate Sbutaan di Zubani

"Sikh Nasalkushi Da Khura Khoj: Authored by Gurjant Singh Ball and Sukhjeet Singh Sadarkot Sikh Genocide da Khura Khoj is a powerful and eye-opening book that uncovers the lesser-known truth about the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. While most people are aware of what happened in Delhi, Kanpur, Bokaro, and Hondh Chillar, this book reveals that the attacks on Sikhs were not limited to just these places. Written by Gurjant Singh Ball, this important book investigates how Sikhs were also targeted in other parts of India with the same cruelty and planning. It focuses on six states — Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu — and shares shocking stories backed by eyewitnesses and real evidence. Sikh Genocide da Khura Khoj is one of the first books to explore these forgotten chapters. It gives a voice to the victims and brings hidden facts to light. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the full scale of the Sikh genocide beyond what is commonly known. You can order it from Sikh Siyasat and get it delivered anywhere in the world."

Gurjant Singh Ball, Sukhjeet Singh Sadarkot (Author), Mehar Singh (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Panjabi] - Akali Darshan: Azaadi di Larayi vich Ahinsak Sangarsh

"Akali Darshan: Edited by Prithipal Singh Kapur and translated by Dalip Singh Uppal Akali Darshan is a powerful book that shares the inspiring story of the Guru Ke Bagh Morcha, a key event in the Akali movement. What makes this book unique is that it was written by a non-Sikh, showing how deeply the Morcha touched people beyond the Sikh community. The book aims to spread awareness about the importance of peaceful protest and the strong anti-British spirit during India’s freedom struggle. Akali Darshan presents the Guru Ke Bagh Morcha as a symbol of courage and a source of inspiration for many other movements against British rule.You can order it from Sikh Siyasat and get it delivered anywhere in the world."

Edited by Prithipal Singh Kapur (Author), Mehar Singh (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Opium War: How the Chinese Qing Dynasty Got Poisoned For Profit

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. The Opium War - How the Chinese Qing Dynasty Got Poisoned For Profit Imagine a world where a single commodity holds the power to unravel an empire. A substance that is so strong, so addictive, it courses through the veins of a whole civilization, making merchants into monarchs, emperors into desperate bargainers. This is the story of opium in China — a story not just of drugs and war, but also of greed, diplomacy and unintended consequences. If we take the long view, 19th century China was an altogether self-sufficient superpower. The Qing Dynasty, with its inflexible traditions and isolationist practices, ruled over a formidable and prosperous empire. Chinese silk, porcelain, and, most of all, tea were in high demand in Britain. Grab a copy of this book now!"

Hitori Nakamoto (Author), Digital Voice Madison G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Women of Feudal Japan: Samurai, Geishas, and Empresses

"This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. The role of women in the Samurai culture of feudal Japan is often overshadowed by their male counterparts. However, women played a significant part in the preservation and continuation of the samurai tradition. While most people associate the samurai with men wielding swords and adhering to the Bushido code, women within samurai families were expected to uphold their own set of values and responsibilities. These women were more than mere caregivers or household managers; many of them were skilled in martial arts, served as warriors in battle, and played vital roles in defending their families and clans. At the heart of the samurai ethos was the Bushido code, which outlined the virtues of loyalty, honor, courage, and self-discipline. While this code was primarily designed for men, its influence permeated into the lives of samurai women as well. Samurai women were expected to uphold these principles in their own way, often by managing the family estate, educating children in the ways of honor, and maintaining the moral and physical well-being of their households. In a time of constant war and upheaval, their roles were vital in sustaining the family's legacy and honor. One of the most prominent ways in which women embodied the values of Bushido was through the concept of the onna-bugeisha, or 'female warrior.' These women were skilled in martial arts, particularly the use of the naginata (a pole weapon) and the katana (sword). They were trained to fight alongside men in battle, defending their homes and family members during times of conflict. While the idea of a female warrior may seem unusual in most cultures, it was relatively common in feudal Japan, where the constant threat of war meant that even women had to be prepared to fight for their survival."

Layla Gupta (Author), Digital Voice Charlotte G (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Manual of Buddhism

"A Manual of Buddhism By Dudley Wright Introduction by Professor Edmund J. Mills Narrated by Oberon Michaels Buddhism has a vast array of scriptures but a relatively small body of essential doctrines. In this short treatise the author presents a systematic introduction to Buddhist teaching, commencing with a discussion of the Noble Eightfold Path. Other topics include the Buddhist views of God and enlightenment, and the practice of Buddhism in the world of today. Dudley Wright (1868 - 1949) wrote extensively on a wide variety of religious subjects and was also active as an investigator of the paranormal. He was a practising Freemason, who believed that all religions shared a common basis. Production copyright 2025 Voices of Today"

Dudley Wright (Author), Oberon Michaels (Narrator)

Audiobook

Asia Audiobooks in History