Book Review by Prabhmehar Kaur Khanduja – BBA First Year-Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce.
Review- Overview and Structure
Structured chronologically, the book begins with India’s ancient history and covers the colonial period, independence, and the challenges of modern-day India. Allen divides the text into distinct sections based on historical periods, making it easy for readers to follow the progress of Indian civilization through time.
The book aims to provide an accessible introduction to India’s complex past. The author does not aim to cover every possible detail but focuses instead on significant political, social, and cultural developments. In doing so, the book presents India as a dynamic civilization with a rich tapestry of traditions, religions, empires, and interactions with the wider world.
The Ramayana and Mahabharata: Foundations of Indian Culture
The book begins with two of India’s most revered epics—the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These foundational stories are condensed and presented as narratives that illustrate not only the moral and spiritual teachings of ancient India but also the cultural values that have shaped Indian society for millennia. The Ramayana tells the tale of Lord Rama’s righteous battle against the demon king Ravana, emphasizing ideals like duty, righteousness, and devotion. The Mahabharata, with its tale of family conflict, war, and the Bhagavad Gita’s philosophical depth, introduces complex ideas about fate, morality, and dharma.
Gautam Buddha and The First Emperor of India
The story of Gautama Buddha traces his journey from a prince living in luxury to an enlightened teacher who renounced his worldly life to seek the truth. offering an accessible entry point into Buddhist philosophy and its profound influence on India.
The Maurya Empire (c. 322–185 BCE) receives significant attention, particularly under the leadership of Emperor Ashoka, the first emperor of our country. Allen highlights Ashoka’s transformation from a ruthless conqueror to a proponent of non-violence and Buddhist principles after the Kalinga War. Ashoka’s edicts, which promoted social welfare, religious tolerance, and moral governance, are presented as one of the first examples of an emperor attempting to govern with a sense of ethical responsibility.
Merchants of Ancient India: A Global Trade Network
The story of India’s ancient merchants highlights a thriving economic system long before colonial rule, painting a picture of trade routes that connected India to the wider world.
In particular, Arab traders played a crucial role in facilitating the exchange of goods and culture between India and the Middle East, especially in spices, textiles, and precious stones. The thriving Arabian Sea trade routes enabled the flow of goods between India and the Arab world, fostering cultural exchange and the spread of Islam to the Indian subcontinent.
Additionally, the Portuguese emerged as significant players in India’s trade during the Age of Discovery. The arrival of Vasco da Gama in 1497 and the subsequent Portuguese colonization of parts of India marked a new chapter in the country’s trading history. Portuguese merchants not only controlled key ports like Goa but also introduced European goods and technologies, reshaping the dynamics of Indian commerce. The chapter underscores the role of these foreign merchants in facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, which deeply influenced India’s economic and social fabric.
The Medieval Period: Islamic Invasions and the Mughal Empire
The medieval period in Indian history, characterised by the arrival of Islam and the rise of powerful Muslim dynasties, is given substantial attention in the book. The author traces the initial Islamic incursions into India, from the raids of Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century to the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century.
The book presents a balanced view of the Sultanate, acknowledging the military prowess of the Delhi Sultans while also underlining the contributions they made to Indian architecture, culture, and governance. The period saw the construction of iconic structures such as the Qutub Minar and the development of a unique Indo-Islamic culture that blended Persian, Central Asian, and Indian elements.
The Mughals, starting with Babur and reaching its zenith under Akbar, are presented as the architects of one of the largest and most influential empires in Indian history. Allen’s discussion of Akbar’s reign stands out, as he highlights the emperor’s policy of religious tolerance, which sought to integrate Hindu elites into the Mughal administration and promote a syncretic culture.
The Mughal period also saw a flourishing of art, architecture, and culture, with iconic structures like the Taj Mahal symbolising the era’s grandeur. However, the author also dwells on the darker aspects of Mughal rule, such as the imperial expansionism and the eventual decline of the empire under weak successors, notably Aurangzeb.
Lord William Bentinck, Lord Dalhousie, and Lord Ripon: Architects of British Rule
This chapter focuses on three important British figures—Lord William Bentinck, Lord Dalhousie, and Lord Ripon—who played significant roles in shaping British policies in India. Lord William Bentinck is remembered for his social reforms, including the abolition of Sati and the promotion of Western education. His tenure also witnessed important changes in the Indian judicial system.
Lord Dalhousie is known for his administrative reforms and expansionist policies, such as the Doctrine of Lapse, which had significant consequences for the princely states of India. His infrastructural initiatives, including the expansion of the railway system, are also notable contributions.
Lord Ripon, on the other hand, is remembered for his relatively progressive reforms, such as the Indian Local Self-Government Act and his efforts to reduce British interference in Indian affairs. Ripon also played a role in attempting to reduce the harshness of British policies, especially during the later years of colonial rule, earning him a more favorable reputation among many in India.
British Colonialism and the Road to Independence
The section on British colonialism in India is a critical part of the book, as it examines the period from the arrival of the British East India Company to the eventual independence of India in 1947. The book explores the various phases of British rule, from the initial trading presence to the consolidation of power following the defeat of the Marathas and the annexation of vast territories.
The impact of British colonialism on Indian society is discussed in detail. The author describes how the British introduced new systems of governance, transportation, and education, but also imposed exploitative economic policies that damaged India’s traditional industries and led to famines and widespread poverty.
The author narrates the rise of Indian nationalism, which culminated in the 1947 partition and the creation of independent India. The partition, with its associated violence and mass displacement, is portrayed as one of the most tragic consequences of British colonial rule. The complexities of independence, with its promises and challenges, are explored with sensitivity and depth.
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