"Indica: A Deep Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent" by Pranay Lal offers a captivating journey through the geological and biological evolution of India, filling a significant gap in the literature by presenting a comprehensive and accessible account of the region's deep past. Lal, a biochemist, meticulously pieces together evidence from various scientific disciplines, including geology, paleontology, and biology, to illustrate how the Indian subcontinent was formed and how life evolved on it over billions of years. The book is replete with fascinating, often surprising, details, such as the discovery of an Indian dinosaur perhaps fiercer than T-Rex called Rajasaurus, the significant role of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers in global carbon sequestration, and how geological events shaped iconic landforms and even the climate of cities like Bengaluru. Lal's passion for natural history shines through in his lucid and engaging narrative, which is enhanced by a rich collection of images, illustrations, and maps. Beyond simply recounting the past, "Indica" also serves as a poignant reminder of the threats facing India's natural heritage, highlighting the destruction of invaluable fossil sites and unique geological formations due to quarrying, development, and lack of awareness. The book champions the importance of conserving not just the visible but also the hidden geological and biological treasures that lie beneath our feet. Overall, "Indica" is considered a landmark work in Indian popular science writing, inspiring readers to look at the land around them with a newfound appreciation for its incredible natural history.