Engineering Marvel, Human Triumph: The Untold Story of Colonel Pennycuick

In “Who Gives a Dam: Colonel John Pennycuick C.S.I. and the Periyar Project,” readers are treated to a riveting account of one of colonial India’s most ambitious and transformative engineering feats. This meticulously researched work illuminates the extraordinary vision and determination of Colonel John Pennycuick, whose ingenious dam project in southern India changed the landscape and lives of millions.

The author deftly navigates the complex political, social, and engineering challenges Pennycuick faced while constructing the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River in the late 19th century. What emerges is not merely a technical chronicle but a deeply human story of perseverance against overwhelming odds.

Particularly compelling is the book’s exploration of Pennycuick’s personal sacrifices. We learn how the British engineer invested his family fortune in the project when funding was threatened, demonstrating a rare commitment that transcended colonial self-interest. This nuanced portrayal avoids simplistic narratives, presenting Pennycuick as neither colonial hero nor exploiter, but as a complex figure whose legacy continues to impact modern India.

The author’s vivid descriptions of the harsh terrain, monsoon devastation, and technological limitations of the era bring to life the sheer audacity of the undertaking. Technical aspects of the dam’s construction are explained with clarity that will satisfy engineering enthusiasts without alienating general readers.

Perhaps most valuable is the book’s examination of the Periyar Project’s lasting impact. The transformation of barren Madurai into fertile agricultural land reverberates through generations, and the author thoughtfully explores how Pennycuick became venerated by local farmers—a rare instance of colonial memory being preserved with genuine gratitude.

While occasionally verging on hagiography, this book succeeds in rescuing from obscurity a remarkable engineering achievement and the equally remarkable individual behind it. For readers interested in colonial history, engineering innovations, or the complex interplay between infrastructure and society, “Who Gives a Dam” offers an illuminating journey into a little-known chapter of history whose ripples continue to shape lives today.