Book Review

Hi Everyone,

Book Review

Title:  India's ancient past

Author: R. S. Sharma

Review:

The book begins with the approaches of various historians towards the writing of ancient Indian history. It then discusses about the nature of sources which helps in constructing ancient Indian history. It further throws light on the prehistory of India, the Indus Valley civilization, the origin of the Indo-Aryans, the geographical background, the linguistic groups, the origins of Jainism and Buddhism.  It also further explains the beginning and formation of Mahajanapadas, the rise of the Magadha kingdom, and the Iranian and Macedonian invasions.

The period of the Mauryas, Central Asian countries, Satvahanas, Guptas, and the rule of Harshavardhana is also elaborated. The author also discusses the varna system, urbanization, commerce and trade, development in science and philosophy, and the cultural legacy of ancient India.

The author also analyzes the process of transition from ancient to medieval India.

The author was a renowned scholar of ancient India and the book will be helpful for students preparing for competitive exams and students of history.

Although, I would have given the rating of 4. But the pages not being in sequence makes it very complicated to read.

Rating: 3.5/5

Note: The book reviews are my personal and not sponsored.

Book Review

Hi Everyone,

Book Review

Title:  The Penguin History of Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300

Author: Romila Thapar

Review:

The book begins by a survey of the prehistory of India,the Indus Valley civilization, the vedic age, the rise of Buddhism and  Jainism, the formation of states and kingdoms and the cultural history of ancient India.

The book is written by an eminent historian in which the author explores the development of various schools of historiography in India. The author gives an insight about the rise and fall of Indian kingdoms and their causes. It also discusses about the social, economic and political conditions in ancient India.

The author also gives us a brief overview of the transition from ancient to early medieval India.She also notes about the progress in Indian art and  architecture during the ancient period.It also gives us information about the cultural history of ancient India.

The language used by the author is simple and lucid.

Rating: 3/5

Note: The book reviews are my personal and not sponsored.