A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India: From the Stone Age to the 12th Century (PB)

Don't buy this book if history is not your optional. It's not that it's a bad book, it's just too much reading and knowledge for GS only, it's almost 700 pages book. Don't waste your time. I bought it as history is my optional so - everything is explained in details - it wouldn't bore u, you can easily read it for long time without yawning. - there is a nice space on edge of every page so u can easily write quick points there. - lots of pics, maps and timelines so u don't have to Google everything - good quality printing picture and text quality is of Frontline or yojana magazine so no Terrible maps or pics which u can't even see like rest of the books. Maps r atles quality. If history is your optional, do purchase this book If it's not your optional stick of Tamil board and ncert or may b some notes (if u r being over enthusiastic) they r more than enough.

A wonderful book, covers almost all the topics of ancient history optional syllabus of UPSC. For many topics that are not covered in this book IGNOU BA-MA notes should be referred. You can also land on this book after giving 2-3 readings of IGNOU BA notes, in that case you will be able to extract maximum benefit from this book. But one thing which really makes this book scary is it's weight, volume and microscopic details given about the topics. It is mainly a academic textbook not specifically written for competitive exams, so we have to read this book very selectively. Syllabus and previous year question paper should be referred for this purpose. Only 1/3 or 1/2 of the book is to be read. Don't fell into the trap of extensive microscopic details and huge complicated names given in the book. Maps portion which covers huge weightage in history optional Paper-1 can be exhaustively covered by using this book. Beautiful pictures, maps and diagrams make this book more attractive. Delivery by Amazon was great, got delivery within in 3 days and packing and product both were in good condition.

Developed as a comprehensive introductory work for scholars and students of ancient and early medieval Indian history, this books provides the most exhaustive overview of the subject. Dividing the vast historical expanse from the stone age to the 12th century into broad chronological units, it constructs profiles of various geographical regions of the subcontinent, weaving together and analysing an unparalleled range of literary and archaeological evidence. Dealing with prehistory and protohistory of the subcontinent in considerable detail, the narrative of the historical period breaks away from conventional text-based history writing. Providing a window into the world primary sources, it incorporates a large volume of archaeological data, along with literary, epigraphic, and numismatic evidence. Revealing the ways in which our past is constructed, it explains fundamental concepts, and illuminates contemporary debates, discoveries, and research. Situating prevailing historical debates in their contexts, Ancient and Early Medieval India presents balanced assessments, encouraging readers to independently evaluate theories, evidence, and arguments. Beautifully illustrated with over four hundred photographs, maps, and figures, Ancient and Early Medieval India helps visualize and understand the extraordinarily rich and varied remains of the ancient past of Indian subcontinent. It offers a scholarly and nuanced yet lucid account of India s early past, and will surely transform the discovery of this past into an exciting experience.

The only comprehensive book that I found on Indian History for undergraduate level , Upinder ma'am have taken in all the perspectives, which makes it very easy to understand the life of people as well as culture of ancient India. Really recommend all to read it.

Excellent, masterfully erudite content. A beautifully produced book, lavished with photographs and maps. A joy just to browse. Very interesting anecdotes and snippets in 'boxes'. This book is truly intended to expand horizons, encourage original thinking and highlight areas for future research. It is a beautiful and very affordable reference book, not just a textbook. Far better and thorough compared to any 'popular' historical book. And a truly unique reference for Indian ancient history.

Overall this is a very good book for getting started in ancient history. The writer tries to introduce people with things usually not taught and introduces her own research points in the book as well. Good for a comprehensive approach to history for people who are studying history for studying history but for competitions there are much better books out there for less as there is way too much information in this book. The page quality is cool and there are quality pictures of archeological evidence and landmarks and such.

Its a awesome book for those peoples who want to know history and knowing is their passion. I preferred this book for persons who do not want to give UPSC exam but only want to know about facts and their country there culture. Its a book to gain knowledge about your country, it elaborates many aspects of human life in India. But the only down side of this book is it too much talks about Buddhism, after sometime you will feet that it's repetitive.

Though some sections are not enough worked, it is one of the most useful handbooks I have found until now.

Mi è piaciuto tutto

This is the most comprehensive and well written book on Ancient and Medieval Indian History that I have seen. Starting from the Stone Age and going up to the 12th century this is an excellent reference book, both for the student as well as for the general public. Well illustrated with color maps, photographs and figures, the book is printed and bound beautifully. Regarding the organization of the chapters let me quote from the book: "Each chapter constitutes a chronological unit within a larger framework, providing a comprehensive overview of historical issues and details, and constructing profiles of the various geographical regions in the sub continent. The chapter outline provides a view of the broad organization of the chapter. An opening story from a variety of sources serves as an engaging start for the chapter and also presents a strand from the rich thematic core of the chapter's discussion." I can't put it any better, but can only confirm it is not at all an exaggeration and each chapter looks like an art of work! The links to the early Indian literature, the tools, coins, inscriptions and other archeological evidence, external sources, later scientific interpretations of the evidence, and new directions of research are so well covered in each chapter than one cannot ask for anything more. The book is expensive (Rs.3,500 in India and over $120 in U.S) but well worth it for the serious student of Indian History. I was also told that the author is the daughter of the India's prime minister, Mr.Manmohan Singh. I have not cross checked that, but anyway all Indians can be proud of Upinder Singh's contribution.

Very good - India or south Asia history book. If you learning or studying south Asia or India history, you must have it.

Il libro è ben fatto, forse un po' scolastico ma prorio per questo chiaro nei contenuti, corredato con belle immagini a completamento delle informazioni scritte.