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.

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.

Helpful

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.

I bought this book on the recommendations of some of my seniors. If you are preparing for UPSC with optional subject of History then you ought to know features of this book. Why you should read Upinder Singh? 1. References- to enlighten self with the accurate knowledge (apart from this book), the author has provided references. Eg- Pg no. 83: To understand the Mesolithic period see Allchin and Allchin, 1997 edition: page no. : 88-110. 2. Explanation of even basic of the basic as well as the hardest of the hard technical terms so that even a layman could mean the reading. Eg- Polychrome (more than one color) AND querns and mullers (grinding or food processing tool). 3. A large ocean of factual details especially for those who want to live the ancient life while reading. Eg- Various sites and their detailed period wise classification. Author gives a detailed analysis and provokes us to live the ancient life. Every single thing has a flip side. Upinder Singh also lacks at some points. Negatives of the book: 1. She used satellites maps without international border. We know in UPSC, there comes a50 marker question solely based on map. Had she provided us maps with national/international border(s), the map reading would have been much easy. Now its very difficult to mark the site directly in your map notes by taking book's reference. Solution: The author has provided coordinates on the outline of the map. You can use them to locate the site. 2. Misinformation. Eg Pg no 272/4th paragraph/7th line: The author says that Kalashoka shifted capital to Patliputra. But NCERT and many standard books mention that it was Ajatshatru who shifted the capital. History is just an interpretation of past by historians. By considering observer's bias angle, there could be as many as possible variety of interpretations. But we need to stick to NCERT for competitive examinations. 3. Misinformation/confusion. I am not sure about this whether it is wrong but then also as I found it difficult to digest, I must mention. Eg: Pg 413/1st paragraph/8th line-"trade declined after Marcus Aurelius' in late 2nd century BCE...." Fact is Marcus died in 180 AD, i.e. 2nd century AD. This could be a printing mistake but for a fresher it could prove a mislead. 4. Repetition of lines as they are, at times. Eg: pg no 500/read 3rd line under the heading of "Craft Production, Guilds and Trade". The 3rd line reads, " The Indore plate of Pravarasena-II mention......". This same sentence is repeated on next page no 501/5th paragraph/2nd line. We can understand that the author did this to maintain the continuity. But to a reader like me who want to establish some connections between different points, this spoon feeding exercise is unnecessary. It prevents readers from being very attentive while reading. Because we know she is going to repeat it. Overall, the book really deserves 3/5. It is a humble request and earnest appeal to the author to try rectifying the mistakes. Happy Reading.