Author: Khushwant Singh
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2012
Language: English
Pages: 318
ISBN/UPC (if available): 81-7223-651-4
Description
The celebrated author offers a highly readable and rewarding initiation into a complex ancient civilization. In broad, vivid sweeps he encapsulates the saga of the upheavals of a sub-continent over five millennia, and how their interplay over the centuries has molded the India we know today. The book also provides insights into India's ethnic diversity, religions, philosophy, art and culture, political currents, architectural splendors and the galaxy of men and women who have helped shape its intricately inlaid mosaic.
Khushwant Singh tells the story of the land and its people from the earliest time to the present day. Through broad, vivid strokes he recounts the saga of the upheavals of a subcontinent over five millennia, and how their interplay over the centuries has moulded the India of today. Moreover, Khushwant Singh offers perceptive insights into everything Indian that may catch one's eye or arouse one's curiosity: its ethnic diversity, religions, customs, philosophy, art and culture, political currents and the galaxy of men and women who have helped shape its intricately inlaid mosaic. He is also an enlightening guide to much else: India's extensive and varied architectural splendors, its art and classical literature.
Khushwant Singh's own fascination with the subject is contagious, showing through on every page and in every sidelight that he presents. India: An Introduction holds strong appeal for just about everyone who has more than a passing interest in the country: Indians as well as those who drawn to it from farther afield. And for a traveler, this work is that are companion: erudite, intelligent and lively.
Contents
Introduction
The Land and the People
Hinduism - 1
Hinduism - 2
Hinduism - 3
Jainism and Buddhism
Islam and Indian Muslims
Indian Christians
The Sikhs
The Parsis
The Hindu Period
Advent of Islam
The Mughals
British India
Freedom Movement - 1
Freedom Movement - 2
Nehru
Nehru as prime Minister
Indira Gandhi