| HISTORY & "INDIA" A History of India , Romila Thapar Romila has done an excellent job. I have read many books on Indian history and none else even come close to it. The author treats all most all aspects of Indian history in the most professional way. Very easy to read, though her style of Enlish is slightly older one. The book deals with north India more thoroughly than south India. A must have for every personal library, especially for NRIs. It transformed my entire outlook of India & Indians and their relationship with other Asian nations. The Wonder that was India , A. L. Basham This is the "standard introductory textbook" that is also a true joy to read for any layman who wants some accurate information on early India. At the time the book was first published (1954), Professor Basham was teaching at the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London.Later he moved to the chair of Asian Civilisation, at the Australian National University, Canberra. His book remains a perennial despite his passing. This is a classic work on pre-Muslim Indian history. The author's scholarship is evident on every page. While the preface specifically states that the book is intended mainly for a Western audience, South Asians especially should find this book salutary reading--it is an account of their history that is both objective and respectful, a healthy contrast to the unscientific views of history that are often put forth by right-wing politicians in India and Pakistan. The book is a little dated when it talks about the Indus valley civilization. Discovery of India , Jawharlal Nehru This is an all time classic on Indian History written by the former Prime Minister of India. He has an impressive perspective from his position as a leader of the freedom movement , then as a Prime Minister. His own intelligence , his cultured family and his imposing and awesome vision make this an all time favourite and a great introduction to Indian history. Freedom at Midnight , Larry Collins and Dominque Lapierre I can only say that this book is really splendid. It is like all history books should be: it describes historical events and portrays the personality of the persons that played a role in it, but it also concentrates on the common people that lived in that time, on their dreams, on their beliefs... And this last part is surely what makes of this book a great book: the fascinating diversity of the indian religions, the manifold of colours and scents of India are depicted vividly. And also very vivid are the personalities who appear in this book, the "little" ones as good as the "big" ones. For example the figure of Gandhi is depicted in all his greatness and spiritual authority, but also the strange parts of his character are shown. The same for Nehru or for Mountbatten. And in this way all the meetings of this persons become like the scenes in a thrilling novel. If you read this book youŽll learn to love India like I do! Autobiography of an Unknown Indian, Nirad Chaudhuri I can only say that this book is really splendid. It is like all history books should be: it describes historical events and portrays the personality of the persons that played a role in it, but it also concentrates on the common people that lived in that time, on their dreams, on their beliefs... And this last part is surely what makes of this book a great book: the fascinating diversity of the indian religions, the manifold of colours and scents of India are depicted vividly. And also very vivid are the personalities who appear in this book, the "little" ones as good as the "big" ones. For example the figure of Gandhi is depicted in all his greatness and spiritual authority, but also the strange parts of his character are shown. The same for Nehru or for Mountbatten. And in this way all the meetings of this persons become like the scenes in a thrilling novel. If you read this book youŽll learn to love India like I do! My Experiments With Truth , M K Gandhi Gandhi mentions in this book that it is yet another experiment with truth. This book definitely lives up to its title because it is one of the most frank and honest pieces of writing I have read. Gandhi has not attempted to embellish his actions by using fancy words, but rather, given us a true account of what he felt and perceived. I had expected this book to read as if the writer were a wise man, but it reads like the writer is another human. Gandhi maintains that human connection throughout the book, and while it is sad to end the book, so much of Gandhi stays within you after finishing, that it is as if the book never ended. It is a little difficult to put this book in the history section - classically it is wrong . But Gandhi is such a towering personality and this book such an outstanding account of him and his actions that it cannot but help be a glimpse into India's history and the people. HOME saslekh@yahoo.com |
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