Dalal tells India’s story from pre-Harappan times to rise of Modi Govt in latest book
Monday, 20 March 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
A Complete History of India by noted author Roshen Dalal provides a look at the history of the nation from before the Harappan civilisation to the rise of the Narendra Modi government. The book captures India’s vast and vibrant history from its first inhabitants to its many empires and dynasties, the art, the technology and its economy and religions.
The book is a brilliant primer for everyone who wants to know more about India’s history through interesting anecdotes that aren’t found in most history books. It speaks of how India came to be from a mere land mass billions of years ago to its current multicultural self that is full of languages, regional and state histories, and even a tinge of nationalistic fervor.
The author states, “I wrote this book to provide an accurate, analytical and nuanced account of India’s history incorporating the latest research. India’s vast and complex history has many different strands and this book brings together the main events and characters along with aspects of change, as India moves forward in the twenty-first century.”
This book traces the captivating story of Indian history, from the earliest times to the present, covering key social, political, economic and cultural milestones. Going beyond a mere retelling of chronological events, it provides fascinating anecdotes interspersed with trivia, and supplemented with rich illustrations and maps, to make history interesting and engaging for young learners. The concise chapters cover the entire march of Indian history the advent of the first people, the rise and fall of the Harappan civilisation, the emergence of Buddhism and Jainism, all the prominent dynasties-from the Mauryas to the Mughals and the Marathas-the arrival of the Europeans, the British regime and the Indian resistance from the revolt of 1857 to Independence. It also illuminates MK Gandhi’s contribution to the freedom struggle, India during WWII, the partition and its aftermath, nation building and the constitution, governments from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi, and finally provides a commentary on all the prime ministers and presidents of independent India.
Roshen Dalal was born in Mussoorie but has since lived in various places in India. She has an MA and a PhD in ancient Indian history from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Having taught both at the school and university levels, she has been involved in research in the fields of history, religion, philosophy and education. A prolific writer, Roshen is well-known for her bestselling Puffin History of India and The Puffin History of the World, both in two volumes, as well as India at 70: Snapshots Since Independence.
