KOLKATA, India -- The dynamic author has a Master of Science in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Madras and a PhD in International Politics from the University of Adelaide in Australia. He has authored ten books on various aspects of strategy and security which also touch on history and politics. He is a competent amateur historian with a passion for Indian history and has now embarked on writing it in several volumes. As the title of the book suggests, the author has treated the retelling of Indian history more as a trek, examining interesting aspects while maintaining a thread of continuity through keeping to the chronology of events as far as possible.

This book is the first volume of what the author envisages as a series and takes the reader to the start point, which commences in the prehistoric period of Indian history. Thereafter, the book discusses the Indus Valley Civilisation, foreign invasions and the gradual establishment of kingdoms in the Gangetic plains. The book continues the journey to explain the rise and eventual fall of the great Maurya Empire. In doing so the author provides deep insights into the development of religious thought, the establishment of Buddhism and Jainism as recognisable religions. He also provides a detailed analysis of the developments in the Deccan and Peninsular India, an area that is very often neglected in the telling of Indian history. The book provides insightful commentary on the gradual Aryanisation of the South India, through recalling anecdotes and legends.

The author has conducted in-depth research using a large number of sources and then gone on to interpret the major events of the period covered in a bold and thought provoking manner, while also providing his own considered viewpoint on certain developments. Of note is that he has used a number of stories that have been prevalent in the sub-continent that embellish the otherwise stark facts of history. The book provides a graphic account of ancient India in a pragmatic and engaging manner.

‘From Indus to Independence…’ show cases both the good and the bad that happened through the early history of India. The author has kept the narrative at a level that should attract the younger reader and the book is a great source of information and knowledge for those who are interested in learning more about the beginnings of the great nation of India. The book will be a useful addition to educational institutions that impart historical knowledge to students and to those who want to undertake more detailed study in the field of Indian history. This volume that provides a view of the ‘Old India’ is a ‘must read’ for everyone with an interest in Indian history.

Book : From Indus to Independence - A Trek Through Indian History

Author : Dr. Sanu Kainikara

ISBN : 978-93-83271-68-9

Price : Rs. 395.00

Website: www.sanukainikara.com

Publishing Date: November 2013

Publisher: Power Publishers

Language: English