Books and Authors

1. Important Books and Authors Related to Indian History

1.1. Ancient Indian History

• “The Wonder That Was India” by William Wilson Hunter

  • A comprehensive overview of ancient Indian civilization.
  • Highlighted the cultural and intellectual achievements of ancient India.
  • Often cited in SSC and RRB exams for its broad coverage of Indian history.

• “Indus Valley Civilization” by R.S. Biswas

  • Details the archaeological findings and significance of the Indus Valley civilization.
  • Important for understanding early urban development in India.

• “The Mahabharata” by Pandit Kishan Chandra

  • A critical edition of the epic, providing insights into ancient Indian society, religion, and politics.
  • Often referenced in exams for its literary and historical value.

• “The Ramayana” by Pandit Kishan Chandra

  • Another critical edition of the epic, focusing on the socio-political aspects of ancient India.
  • Frequently asked in exams for its cultural and historical significance.

• “Asoka’s Inscriptions” by D.C. Sircar

  • Analyzes the edicts of Emperor Ashoka, providing insights into his governance and religious policies.
  • Key for understanding Mauryan administration and Buddhism in India.

1.2. Medieval Indian History

• “The Mughal Empire” by John F. Richards

  • Explores the political, military, and cultural aspects of the Mughal Empire.
  • Often included in exams for its detailed analysis of Mughal administration and culture.

• “The Delhi Sultanate” by A. K. S. Lambton

  • Focuses on the political and administrative structure of the Delhi Sultanate.
  • Important for understanding the transition from Islamic rule to Mughal dominance.

• “The History of the Sikhs” by Khushwant Singh

  • A detailed account of Sikh history from its origins to the formation of the Khalsa.
  • Frequently asked in exams for its coverage of Sikh contributions to Indian history.

• “The History of the Marathas” by Jadunath Sarkar

  • A comprehensive study of the Maratha Empire, its rise, and decline.
  • Key for understanding the socio-political dynamics of the 17th and 18th centuries.

1.3. Modern Indian History

• “India Wins Freedom” by Abul Kalam Azad

  • A personal account of the freedom struggle, written by a prominent leader.
  • Often cited in exams for its firsthand insights into the independence movement.

• “The Story of the Indian Freedom Movement” by Jadunath Sarkar

  • A detailed chronicle of the independence movement, covering key events and leaders.
  • Important for understanding the socio-political context of the freedom struggle.

• “The Making of Modern India” by R.C. Majumdar

  • A critical analysis of the socio-political changes in modern India.
  • Frequently included in exams for its comprehensive approach to modern Indian history.

• “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra

  • A widely used textbook for understanding the freedom movement and its key figures.
  • Often featured in SSC and RRB exams for its detailed coverage of the independence struggle.

1.4. Regional and Cultural Histories

• “The Oxford History of India” by R.C. Majumdar

  • A multi-volume series covering the entire history of India.
  • Often referred to in exams for its authoritative and comprehensive coverage.

• “The History of the Punjab” by B.N. Pande

  • Focuses on the history of the Punjab region, including its role in the freedom movement.
  • Important for understanding regional contributions to national history.

• “The History of the Deccan” by R.C. Majumdar

  • Details the history of the Deccan region, including the rise and fall of various dynasties.
  • Frequently asked in exams for its coverage of regional history.

1.5. Key Authors and Their Contributions

1.6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q: Which book is considered the most comprehensive on ancient Indian history?

  • A: “The Wonder That Was India” by William Wilson Hunter.

• Q: Which book provides a detailed account of the Mughal Empire?

  • A: “The Mughal Empire” by John F. Richards.

• Q: Which book is a must-read for understanding the freedom struggle?

  • A: “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra.

• Q: Which book is widely used for the study of the Delhi Sultanate?

  • A: “The Delhi Sultanate” by A. K. S. Lambton.

• Q: Which book is considered a classic on the history of the Marathas?

  • A: “The History of the Marathas” by Jadunath Sarkar.

1.7. Summary Table

1.8. Important Terms and Definitions

• Critical Edition: A scholarly edition of a text that includes notes, commentary, and analysis.
• Edicts of Ashoka: Inscriptions left by Emperor Ashoka, providing insights into his governance and religious policies.
• Mughal Empire: A vast empire in South Asia ruled by Mughal emperors from the 16th to 18th century.
• Delhi Sultanate: A series of Islamic dynasties that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the 13th to 16th century.
• Freedom Movement: The political and social struggle for independence from British colonial rule in India.

1.9. Exam Focus Areas

• SSC and RRB Exams often focus on:
  • Critical editions of ancient texts.
  • Key events and figures in the freedom struggle.
  • Regional histories and their contributions to national history.
  • Authors and their works on specific dynasties and periods.