10 must Read books on Indian history.

Introduction

Hey there history buffs! If you’re anything like me, you love delving into the rich past of India. But let’s face it, our education system only touches the surface of the vast and diverse history of this incredible country. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 10 books on Indian history that you might not have heard of, but are absolutely packed with knowledge. These books are not just informative, but also an absolute joy to read. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of lesser-known, but incredibly insightful books on Indian history!

List of 10 Must read books on Indian history

The Wonder that was India by A.L. Basham

“The Wonder That Was India” written by A.L. Basham, offers a comprehensive and authoritative survey of ancient India. First published in 1954, this book has been considered as a masterpiece in its field.

The book starts by taking you on a journey through the early civilization of the Indus Valley and the reasons behind its decline. It then moves on to delve into the rise of the mighty Mauryan Empire and the legacy of Ashoka the Great. The book also shines a light on the Gupta Empire, a period marked by great advancements in science and the arts.

The Mughal invasions also play a crucial role in shaping the history of India, and “The Wonder That Was India” explores the impact of these invasions on Indian society and its culture and religion.

‘The Wonder That Was India’ is amongst excellent books on Indian history and culture, and is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning about the fascinating and diverse culture of India.

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The lost river by Michael Danino

“The Lost River: On the Trail of the Sarasvati” by Michel Danino is a must-read for anyone interested in books on Indian history. This captivating exploration of India’s mysterious Sarasvati river takes readers on a journey through the region’s rivers, tracing the path of the once-mighty river from its origins in the Indian Himalayas to its eventual disappearance in the Thar Desert.

Saraswathi River is the river that is not present at now and it is considered that it is the mystical River but the author over here has taken down the number of evidences from the ecological site and the historians and has clearly created a concept that there was a river that flowed from Haryana through Rajasthan and then it came down till Rann of Kutch and it round into the sea so this is all the book is all about the Lost River on the trail of the Saraswat

Danino’s in-depth research and analysis of historical accounts and geological evidence, combined with his personal experiences, weave together a fascinating narrative of the lost river. He explains the river’s revered history as a sacred river in ancient Vedic texts, and examines the evidence of its eventual diversion and disappearance.

This book is a testament to Danino’s quest to uncover the truth behind the lost river and its mysterious disappearance. Through his journey, he offers a captivating account of the ancient history of India and the Sarasvati River, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Indian history and mythology.

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The Goa inquisition by A.K. Priolkar

A.K. Priolkar’s book, The Goa Inquisition, is a thorough examination of this period of history. Focusing on the period between 1560 and 1774, Priolkar examines the various aspects of the Goa Inquisition, including the religious, social and political implications of the event. He also looks at how it impacted the lives of the people, as well as its impact on trade, commerce and the economy.

The Goa Inquisition was a historical event during the 16th century that saw the Portuguese colonial forces in India attempt to eradicate non-Christian religious practices and convert the local population to Catholicism. The Goa Inquisition was the first, and one of the longest-running, inquisitions in the world, lasting from 1561 to the early 19th century.

The book is composed of four volumes and is divided into 22 chapters. Each chapter focuses on a particular aspect of the Inquisition, such as its spread to other parts of India and its impact on the local population. Priolkar analyses the situation in detail, focusing on the strategies employed by the Portuguese colonial forces to convert the population, as well as their efforts to eradicate non-Christian religious practices. He also looks at the various attempts to counter these measures, such as armed resistance and the rise of syncretic religions.

The Goa Inquisition is an important source of information for anyone looking to learn more about this period of Indian history. Through his detailed analysis, Priolkar sheds light on the social, economic, and political implications of the event and provides an invaluable resource for researchers and students alike.

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The South African Gandhi by Ashwin Desai and Ghulam Waheed

The South African Gandhi by Ashwin Desai and Ghulam Waheed is a unique and captivating book that tells the story of the life of Mahatma Gandhi during his formative years in South Africa. It reveals the evolution of his character and the development of his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, which he eventually applied in India during his struggle for independence.

The book chronicles Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa as a lawyer and civil rights activist, his efforts to build a cross-racial movement against racial injustice, his numerous courtroom strategies, as well as his religious and philosophical reflections. It also expresses the authors’ admiration for Gandhi’s courage and determination, and their conviction that the principles he espoused in South Africa remain highly relevant today.

The South African Gandhi is an important work that sheds light on an often overlooked period in Gandhi’s life, and provides a deep insight into his character and the evolution of his ideas. It is a powerful book that paints a vivid portrait of a remarkable man, and serves as a reminder that the principles of love and nonviolence he embraced remain relevant in the modern world.

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The Arthashastra by Vishnu Gupta chankaya

Vishnu Gupta, better known as Chanakya or Kautilya, was an Indian economist, philosopher, and royal advisor who wrote the Arthashastra, a treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy.

The Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise in Sanskrit which details the rules of governance, economic policy, and military strategy. It was written by Chanakya between 350 and 283 BCE, during the Maurya Empire era. The Arthashastra covers topics such as taxation, foreign policy, diplomacy, economics, civil administration, defence, and the use of armed forces.

The Arthashastra is divided into fifteen books, each containing various topics related to statecraft. The topics covered include the duties of a king, royal conduct, the duties of ministers, foreign policy, taxation, trade and commerce, economic measures, civil codes, the use of force, and military strategy. The Arthashastra also provides advice on running a successful kingdom, such as how to distribute resources, collect taxes, maintain public order, and use propaganda to influence public opinion.

Chanakya’s work has been highly influential and widely studied in India and other parts of the world. It is still used as a source of reference by scholars, political leaders, and administrators. Its principles served as the basis of many important laws and regulations in India, such as the Tax Code and the Land Acquisition Act.

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The Theft of India by Roy Moxham

The Theft of India: The European Conquests of India by Roy Moxham is an eye-opening history book that chronicles the brutality of the European conquests of India. The book is based on an incredible amount of research, and it examines the military tactics used by the Europeans, the economic exploitation of India, and the destruction of its cultural heritage.

Moxham starts by delving into the history of the East India Company, and how it gradually gained control over India. He also looks at the events that led to the eventual dissolution of the Company in 1858. Throughout the book, Moxham paints a vivid picture of the cruelty and violence inflicted upon the people of India, and his narrative is both shocking and heartbreaking.

The Theft of India also sheds light on the economic exploitation of India and how the Europeans extracted resources from the country. He looks at how the wealth from India was transferred to Britain, and the impact this had on India’s development. Moxham also examines the destruction of India’s cultural heritage, as the Europeans took artifacts, artwork, and literature.

The Theft of India is an important and timely book, as it serves as a reminder of a time when Europe had complete control over India. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of imperialism and colonialism, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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The Rigvedic people Dr.B.B lal

The Rigvedic People: An Introduction to the History and Culture of the Early Indian Civilization is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient India and the early Harappan civilization. Written by world-renowned archaeologist, Professor B.B. Lal, this book offers an in-depth look at the Rigvedic people and their culture, religion, and social structures.

As one of India’s greatest living archaeologists and one of the world’s most renowned experts in the field, Professor Lal has a career that spans over 50 years. In this book, he showcases the cultural continuity of Indian civilization, starting from the beginning of the Harappan era and continuing until the present day.

With maps, figures, and detailed analysis, Professor Lal provides a comprehensive overview of the Rigvedic civilization. He studied the remains, customs, and funerary practices of the Rigvedic people, as well as the religion, architecture, and social life of the time. Through his extensive research, Professor Lal concludes that the Rigvedic people were sophisticated and had a well-developed urban lifestyle.

This book is not only a great resource for students of history, anthropology, and religious studies, but it is also an important reference for anyone interested in the archaeology of ancient India. Professor Lal’s research has been used as a reference point in subsequent archaeological work, and his book, The Rgvedic Religion: A Historical Analysis, is considered a seminal work in the field.

So, if you want to learn about ancient India and the early Harappan civilization, then The Rigvedic People: An Introduction to the History and Culture of the Early Indian Civilization is a must-read. With Professor Lal’s extensive experience and knowledge, this book offers a unique and insightful perspective on the Rigvedic people.

A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India

A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Dr. Upendar Singh is a comprehensive and well-researched book that provides an in-depth analysis of the history of ancient and early medieval India. The book covers a period of approximately two thousand years, starting from the Indus Valley Civilization and continuing until the end of the 12th century.

The book provides a detailed account of the political, social, economic, and cultural developments that took place during this period. Dr. Singh examines the major dynasties that ruled India during this time, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and the Rajputs. He also provides a thorough analysis of the social and economic structures of ancient and early medieval India, including the caste system, the role of religion, and the influence of trade and commerce on society.

One of the key themes of the book is the examination of the cultural achievements of ancient and early medieval India. Dr. Singh provides a detailed account of the contributions made by the people of India in the fields of art, architecture, literature, and philosophy. He also examines the religious and philosophical movements that emerged during this time, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism, and their impact on Indian society.

Another important aspect of the book is the examination of the political developments that took place during this period. Dr. Singh provides a detailed account of the rise and fall of the major dynasties, as well as the political and military conflicts that took place between different states. He also explores the role played by different groups and communities in shaping the political landscape of ancient and early medieval India.

Overall, A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India by Dr. Upendar Singh is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of ancient and early medieval India.

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The Principle Upanishads by Dr Sarvopalli Radhakrishnan

This classic book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of Indian philosophy. Written by renowned philosopher Dr Sarvopalli Radhakrishnan, The Principle Upanishads provides a comprehensive exploration into the sixteen ancient Hindu scriptures that form part of the Vedas.

With its over hundred pages long introduction, The Principle Upanishads delves into the spiritual and philosophical implications of each of the Upanishads and their role in Hinduism. Radhakrishnan offers insightful analysis into the texts, making them accessible and easier to understand for readers. He explains key topics such as karma, reincarnation, Brahman, and Atman, and sheds light on the ideas and beliefs of the Vedic lifestyle.

In this book, Radhakrishnan demonstrates the significance of the Upanishads in Hinduism and how they continue to influence the religion today. He provides a comprehensive overview of the texts, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the teachings and importance of the Upanishads.

Overall, The Principle Upanishads is an invaluable book for those seeking to deepen their knowledge of Indian philosophy and the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. Whether you are a student of religion, philosophy, or just a curious reader, this book is sure to offer a rich and enlightening experience.

Still no trace of an Aryan invasion by Koenraad Elst

Still No Trace of an Aryan Invasion: A Collection on Indo-European Origins by Koenraad Elst is a highly recommended book for those interested in the origins of the Indo-European language family and the Aryan invasion theory.

In this book, Elst critically examines the evidence for the Aryan invasion theory and its impact on the understanding of ancient Indian history. He challenges the prevailing view that the Indo-European language family, which includes Sanskrit, was brought to India by migrants from Central Asia. Instead, he argues that the similarities between the languages in this family can be explained by a process of convergence rather than invasion.

Elst provides a comprehensive overview of the various theories and debates surrounding the Indo-European language family, including the linguistic and archaeological evidence. He presents a well-rounded and nuanced argument that is sure to challenge the preconceived notions of many readers.

This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the Indo-European language family and its origins. Elst’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow along and understand the complex ideas presented in the book. He draws on a wide range of sources and provides a balanced analysis of the evidence.

Overall, Still No Trace of an Aryan Invasion is an important contribution to the ongoing debate surrounding the origins of the Indo-European language family. It offers a fresh perspective on a highly controversial topic and provides valuable insights for those interested in the history and origins of India.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this blog has introduced 10 books on Indian history that are often overlooked and not taught in schools. These books delve into the rich and diverse history of India, uncovering fascinating stories and facts that are not widely known. We hope that this blog has encouraged you to explore these books further and deepen your understanding of India’s history.

It is important to note that the content covered in these books does not reflect any biases or preconceived notions. Our aim was simply to highlight some of the lesser-known, but highly informative books on Indian history that are worth exploring. Whether you are a history buff or simply curious about India’s past, these books are sure to provide you with new and enlightening perspectives.