Early Indians : The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From Hardcover – December 21, 2018

It is a very well researched book on a complex subject that is also well written. It summarizes results in several research papers and books on population genetics, archaeology, and linguistics pertaining to prehistory, early settlement, and civilization in the Indian subcontinent. A current of common sense and objectivity underlies the entire book. The final chapters in the book are especially valuable and consists of a detailed summary, an epilogue, and a set of frequently asked questions that are answered.

The book provides so much historical data along with new DNA analysis as new as 2018. A must read for history buffs and for those from South Asia.

The book takes on racial/cultural theories being used for political purposes by discussing new scientific research challenging them. For that it is to be commended. A previous reviewer complains that the author is a journalist and so is unqualified to discuss the subject yet points to a physician who writes about the Vedas as a better source. However, journalists are trained to write on facts objectively whereas physicians are not so trained.

Book covers wide range of theories from Out of Africa, Harappan Civilization, Eurasian Steppe nomads, Aryan Migration, Evolution of Languages, North Indian, South Indian and Caste systems. Explains how agriculture, domestication of animals , language and urban development influenced Early Indians. Appreciate author's reference to various research papers on archeology and genetics to validate the theory.Must read for anyone interested in the origins of people from Indian Subcontinent. Takes you back in time of early human period.

Tony Joseph has a knack of simplifying complex scientific ideas and presenting them in an easily consumable manner. I have a richer appreciation of our origins as Indians.

Very insightful.... the author has done tremendous research.....if someone is interested in understanding the very beginnings of our people, this is probably one of the best ones around......this book also details the irrefutable evidence generated by genetic archaeology...... Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Very well written book on how the present population of the Indian subcontinent became what it is with well researched information. The writing of the narrative is excellent and very easy to read and understand for laymen. I highly recommend this book.

This book is unique in the context of Indian history because it adds essential evidence from population genetics to already-available archaeological and linguistic proofs. And it all adds up. A lot of the population genetics evidence quoted in Early Indians is recent, from the past decade. At the end of the book, the reader can only walk away with a better understanding of our history. Each of its key conclusions squashes the ideology and beliefs of right-wing fundamentalists.In closing, Hats of to Mr Joseph for fine piece of writing.

Generally, Indian authors don't write books based on huge volume of research. Research by them, in general, is hollow. Very few Indian authors have achieved the feat of writing a book which settles questions backed by solid research. Tony Joseph is the latest addition to this.He answers the uncomfortable question about who Indians are backed by genetics and archaeology and doesn't worry about backlash which could have been generated.I was amazed that a person who has spent his lifetime in journalism can dive into genetics and archaeology and write decisively about a question which has plagued all of us - WHO WE ACTUALLY ARE?This book is a fascinating account of a painstaking work of putting together a lot of evidences to answer the basic question.

Fantastic book, I good for the scholar and the average person.

Very interesting and easy to read.

It is a must read for anyone from South Asia, who wants an unbiased account of the early genetic and historical developements pertaining to the peopling of India.Especially keeping in mind of the fact that, there is almost negligible ancinet DNA evidence coming from inside the present borders of the country of India, being a great handicap in drawing conclusions.It covers the populaion movements to India from Middle Paleolithic (300,000 to 50,000 BP) to Late Bonze Age (1200 BC to 1150 BC) and what effect it has on the genetics of an average North Indian or South Indian induvidual among others.The emphasis given on understanding the Harappan Civilization is commendable.Like Sir Mortimer Wheeler said all those years ago "Indra stands accused!" is persuasively proven to be in some cases true.

A good book to read to understand the human prehistory of early Indians with DNA and other evidences.