What a family Simple and complex, traditional and modern, religious and rational, moneyminded and moneyrenouncing, Indian and international, fiercely individualistic and inspiringly loyal P. Lal. In a life spanning nine decades Krishna Kumar Birla, son of the legendary Ghanshyam Das Birla, witnessed events that shaped India in the twentieth century and had close associations with iconic figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Madan Mohan Malviya, Jayaprakash Narayan, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. Head of one of Indiaand,s leading business houses, K.K. Birla embraced principles in which the creation of wealth, philanthropy and political leadership were all regarded as part of nationbuilding. Written in a style that is simple and translucent in its sincerity, Brushes with History brings alive an important era in the life of the nation, its changing social mores, evolving principles of corporate governance and enduring family values. In an affectionate and moving tribute, K.K. Birlaand,s daughter, Shobhana Bhartia, acquaints readers with her father and ,s spiritual strength and moral values which were an integral part of his life.