India Through Archaeology: Excavating History (English)

When I picked up this book, little did I know that I would be embarking on a breathless ride zipping across the length and breadth of the subcontinent, squinting up at giant structures, peering into dark caves or digging up treasures in modest backyards. This is a book that chronicles human habitation of the subcontinent. It is a narration of the the life and times of humankind in the subcontinent from the prehistoric to early medieval . It is also a story of archaeology; its genesis and growth , its heroes, its hits and near misses and, its role in unearthing (literally) the antiquity of India. It is the story of how the archaeologist , using great powers of observation, intuition, deduction and imagination, recreates entire worlds from odd bits and fragments hiding just under our feet or sometimes, in plain view!Clearly, Devika Cariapa is not only knowledgeable about archaeology, but is passionate about her field of learning. And it is her love and regard for archaeology that imbues the book with a joyous curiosity and an easy fresh style of narration that takes the reader tripping through India’s past. Using pictures, well illustrated maps, and cartoon strips , the author achieves a rare feat; she makes a book on archaeology and the past read like an adventure thriller. In this book you will not only discover Bhimbetka, but also the story of how it was a lucky find on a hunch. You will also meet some famous archaeologists that you might know about already and a few like the extraordinary Bhagwanlal Indraji, whom you have probably never heard of.The past is presented in a series of vignettes. Bhimbetka, Mohenjodaro, Muziris, Hampi, Naneghat Pass, Takshashila …. In each of these, the author takes us through the journey of its discovery, the unfolding of the significance of that discovery, and how it eventually shaped our understanding of our past.There are cross references to other civilizations and cultural practices. In one illustration in the book, a wealthy and powerful man stands admiring the pillar he has had built. “ How did I do this?” he exclaims ecstatically. The poor craftsmen in the background think , “ With our help.” No doubt they dare not say this aloud. And this is what sets this book apart; it chronicles and celebrates the ordinary people and their talents. And the long dead and buried past is transformed into bustling thriving communities, caravans, markets and villages, anxieties and aspirations, much like our own. There are kings and sultans in this book for sure, but there is much more than an arid narration of deeds of rulers. In the process, the book sheds light on the amazing ethnic and cultural diversity of the country. Culturally, we are born of many ancestors, who have together bequeathed us our unique civilization.We must not lose sight of our rich legacy. It is also sobering to be reminded of the inevitable impermanence of the seemingly permanent edifices, institutions, cultures and civilizations that humans build in the hope of a shot at immortality.While sticking to a broadly chronological structure for the sake of sequence, the book abounds in short dashes down alleys of anecdotes, events and quirky asides; hidden treats that make reading this book such a pleasure. The lively and witty illustrations by Ashok Rajagopalan make for a fun experience by themselves. At no point though, the book loses sight of its aim to tell the story of India through archaeology. She also raises the tricky issue of preserving a living monument, an old structure, very much in use for its original purpose.The author concludes the book with the ongoing excavations at the Purana Qilla complex in the Capital and leaves us agape at the emerging layers of civilization upon civilization that lie beneath the noisy overcrowded metropolis. A tantalizing preview of yet another unfolding of India’s rich and colourful past.I will not be surprised if this book for children soon joins those evergreen books that are penned for children but possess an equal appeal for adults.And lastly, a word about the size and presentation of the book: It is neither small and cramped , nor huge and heavy; it’s just right.Bindu Gurtoo

I was a little apprehensive that the book would whitewash some unpleasant history and be left leaning. I was pleasantly surprised to see the focus on history through archaeology from pre-historic times and on lesser known Indian history of the Cholas, the Vijayanagar empire. Author tactfully avoids talking about the brutality of the Islamic invasion of India by not giving too much space to the Mughals. This is a refreshing change from the texbooks which gloss over just the administrative reforms continued by the early Mughals (read Akbar) as the only Indian history worth discussing on impressionable minds while not objectively assessing the grave damage it did to the collective damage it did to India and indeed Indian-ness. Author to be commended for a thoughtful and lucid presentation of the vast history of India.

An excellent book well written and illustrated it’s almost like a coffee table book . Though meant primarily for young readers it’s as relevant for adults . It explains in concise engaging style the composite history of India , making it a useful medium of learning and passing on knowledge , particularly in times of global families.

A very useful primer on Indian history. It is easy to read . A number of concepts are explained in simple terms. The maps complement the topics. A number of interesting bits of information from other parts of the world. This is just the kind of book I was looking for teaching young learners on timelines. I am pairing it with A Children's history of India by Subhadra Sen Gupta. I only wish we also had these two books in hindi.

Beautiful illustrations, relevant information .Found it apt for 9-14 year olds curious about the beginnings of civilization and foundation of archaeology.Stories,anecdotes and even cartoons make the book interesting and engaging

Lovely overview of the various archeological thrillers of our times....now I wish to do the harappan tour before anything else.

I use this to teach my school students. Best for visualisation. Recommended if your students/kids are curious about India's ancient past.

Easy to read with interesting facts

The content of the book is excellent - but about half a dozen pages were stuck together, as if the package had become wet sometime.I have disentangled them, and very little of the print is unreadable. .