India and South Asia: A Short History

by David E. Ludden

With coverage not only of India, but also of Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, this book surveys nearly 5000 years, from the early settlers of pre-history to the Tamil Tiger conflicts and the overseas migration of modern South Asians. Particularemphasis is placed on the last 200 years, while the key theme of shifting regional identities underpins the author's insights into the social, economic and spiritual past of this region. This is an account of the colonial influences, political intrigues and religious differences that constitute the history of India and South Asia.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, India, Indian Literature

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2002

Reviews

[Elaine]

This book covers a lot of material! I knew little about South Asia and found this a bit too detailed for an introduction to the region. I wish the maps were better; the map of contemporary political divisions doesn't even show Karachi. Pondicherry was misspelled as Pondichery at least twice.

[Cody]

This is a rather broad, though good, treatment of South Asian history from the beginning of recorded history into the modern day. Ludden provides a very broad description of mostly political history for ancient and classical society, though does offer a more detailed description of medieval society. However, the book mostly focuses on colonial and post-colonial developments, as this takes up about half of the book. Ludden's focus is primarily on the general changes over the course of these various periods, which is helpful. Definitely a good starting place for learning South Asian history, so long as you keep in mind that this is only meant as a broad, general treatment of things.

[Arnab Chaudhuri]

Its not about the political ones that we have read for so long. David had shown how the political events had aided in changing the course of the society

[Darya Silman]

I couldn't finish it...