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A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar
A History Of South India 4th Edition is an interesting narrative about the history of the Indian subcontinent southwards of the Deccan plateau.
Summary Of The Book
First published in 1955, A History Of South India 4th Edition is a compelling historical account of South India, starting from the prehistoric times to the fall of Vijayanagar circa mid-seventeenth century. The geographical region discussed in this book, in addition to what is considered a part of South India, includes parts of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Goa.
In addition to the origins of Dravidian people and their culture, the author has also discussed legends related to South India like those of sage Agastya and Parasurama. The book traces the historical background of the region by talking about various dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, Mauryas, and Gangas that ruled different parts of South India during different times. Trade, art, literature, philosophy, and religion have also been emphasised upon in the later parts of the text.
The topics covered in this book include the age of the Mauryan empire, the age of the four empires, the empire of Vijayanagar, the Satavahanas and their successors, Aryanization, art and architecture, and social and economic conditions.
This fourth edition begins with a Prologue by Rajan Gurukkal, an eminent Indian historian, followed by an Introduction by R. Champakalakshmi, a reputed history professor.
A History Of South India 4th Edition contains information that is replete with illustrations, genealogical charts, and maps.
Summary Of The Book
First published in 1955, A History Of South India 4th Edition is a compelling historical account of South India, starting from the prehistoric times to the fall of Vijayanagar circa mid-seventeenth century. The geographical region discussed in this book, in addition to what is considered a part of South India, includes parts of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Goa.
In addition to the origins of Dravidian people and their culture, the author has also discussed legends related to South India like those of sage Agastya and Parasurama. The book traces the historical background of the region by talking about various dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, Mauryas, and Gangas that ruled different parts of South India during different times. Trade, art, literature, philosophy, and religion have also been emphasised upon in the later parts of the text.
The topics covered in this book include the age of the Mauryan empire, the age of the four empires, the empire of Vijayanagar, the Satavahanas and their successors, Aryanization, art and architecture, and social and economic conditions.
This fourth edition begins with a Prologue by Rajan Gurukkal, an eminent Indian historian, followed by an Introduction by R. Champakalakshmi, a reputed history professor.
A History Of South India 4th Edition contains information that is replete with illustrations, genealogical charts, and maps.
540 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1955
115 people are currently reading
1810 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Nilakanta Sastri
38 books77 followersKallidaikurichi Aiyah Nilakanta Sastri (August 12, 1892 – June 15, 1975) was an Indian historian and Dravidologist who is generally regarded as the greatest and most prolific among professional historians of South India
Nilakanta Sastri was born in a poor Brahmin family in Kallidaikurichi near Tirunelveli, on August 12, 1892.[2] He completed his FA in M.D.T Hindu College, Tirunelveli and his college education in Madras Christian College.[3][4]
Sastri obtained his MA by coming first in the Madras Presidency. He joined the Hindu College as lecturer in 1913 where he taught till 1918.[5][6] He served as Professor of History, Banaras Hindu University from 1918 to 1920.[5] After that he became the Principal of the (then) newly started Arts College of Annamalai University.[7] In 1929, he was employed as Professor of History at National College, Trichy. The same year, he succeeded Sakkottai Krishnaswamy Aiyangar[8] as the Professor of History and Archaeology at the Madras University,[1] a post he held till 1946.[3] He was the Professor of Indology (Currently renamed as Department of History and Archaeology) at the University of Mysore from 1952 to 1955.[1][3][5] He was appointed as the ex-officio Director of Archaeology for the Mysore State in 1954. He was also the President of the All-India Oriental Conference in the early 1950s.[9] From 1957 to 1972, he served with the UNESCO's Institute of Traditional Cultures of South East Asia, as the Director of the institute.[1][3] In 1957, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour. In the summer of 1959, he was a visiting professor at the University of Chicago where he delivered a series of lectures on South Indian History .[5] Nilakanta Sastri died in 1975.[1]
Eminent Historian Professor R.S. Sharma writes of him as: "K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, the great historian from South India, was not a revivalist. His "History of South India" is a very dependable book."[10] Tamil historian A R Venkatachalapathy views him as "arguably the most distinguished historian of twentieth-century Tamil Nadu".
In 1915, a Bengali historian Jadunath Sarkar, wrote an essay Confessions of a History Teacher in the Modern Review regretting the lack of acclaimed historical works in vernacular languages and stressed that efforts should be made to write history books and teach history in vernacular languages.[11] Nilakanta Sastri, who was then a young teacher in Thirunelveli, wrote a letter to the newspaper opposing Sarkar's suggestion by saying that "English serves me better as a medium of expression than Tamil - I mean in handling historical subjects. Perhaps the vernacular is not so well off in this part of the country as it should be".[11] Sastri's comments evoked sharp criticism from the nationalist poet Subramanya Bharathi.[11][12] According to Venkatachalapathy, Sastri's Tamil proficiency was not good and he relied on Tamil scholar S. Vaiyapuri Pillai for understanding Tamil literary works. Thus he was not able to analyze the changing meaning of words over time. Venkatachalapathy says, the professional historiography in Tamil Nadu practiced during K. A. Nilakanta Sastri's period there was rarely any interrogation of sources (except in terms of authenticity and chronology.
In all, Nilakanta Sastri authored 25 historical works mostly on the history of South India.[1]
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1929). The Pāṇḍyan Kingdom from the Earliest Times to the Sixteenth Century. Luzac.
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1932). Studies in Chola history and administration. University of Madras.
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1935). The Cholas. University of Madras.
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1936). A comprehensive history of India. Orient Longman.
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1941). Historical method in relation to problems of South Indian history. University of Madras.
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1945). Gleanings on social life from the Avadanas. Indian Research Institute.
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1946). Furth
Nilakanta Sastri was born in a poor Brahmin family in Kallidaikurichi near Tirunelveli, on August 12, 1892.[2] He completed his FA in M.D.T Hindu College, Tirunelveli and his college education in Madras Christian College.[3][4]
Sastri obtained his MA by coming first in the Madras Presidency. He joined the Hindu College as lecturer in 1913 where he taught till 1918.[5][6] He served as Professor of History, Banaras Hindu University from 1918 to 1920.[5] After that he became the Principal of the (then) newly started Arts College of Annamalai University.[7] In 1929, he was employed as Professor of History at National College, Trichy. The same year, he succeeded Sakkottai Krishnaswamy Aiyangar[8] as the Professor of History and Archaeology at the Madras University,[1] a post he held till 1946.[3] He was the Professor of Indology (Currently renamed as Department of History and Archaeology) at the University of Mysore from 1952 to 1955.[1][3][5] He was appointed as the ex-officio Director of Archaeology for the Mysore State in 1954. He was also the President of the All-India Oriental Conference in the early 1950s.[9] From 1957 to 1972, he served with the UNESCO's Institute of Traditional Cultures of South East Asia, as the Director of the institute.[1][3] In 1957, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour. In the summer of 1959, he was a visiting professor at the University of Chicago where he delivered a series of lectures on South Indian History .[5] Nilakanta Sastri died in 1975.[1]
Eminent Historian Professor R.S. Sharma writes of him as: "K.A. Nilakanta Sastri, the great historian from South India, was not a revivalist. His "History of South India" is a very dependable book."[10] Tamil historian A R Venkatachalapathy views him as "arguably the most distinguished historian of twentieth-century Tamil Nadu".
In 1915, a Bengali historian Jadunath Sarkar, wrote an essay Confessions of a History Teacher in the Modern Review regretting the lack of acclaimed historical works in vernacular languages and stressed that efforts should be made to write history books and teach history in vernacular languages.[11] Nilakanta Sastri, who was then a young teacher in Thirunelveli, wrote a letter to the newspaper opposing Sarkar's suggestion by saying that "English serves me better as a medium of expression than Tamil - I mean in handling historical subjects. Perhaps the vernacular is not so well off in this part of the country as it should be".[11] Sastri's comments evoked sharp criticism from the nationalist poet Subramanya Bharathi.[11][12] According to Venkatachalapathy, Sastri's Tamil proficiency was not good and he relied on Tamil scholar S. Vaiyapuri Pillai for understanding Tamil literary works. Thus he was not able to analyze the changing meaning of words over time. Venkatachalapathy says, the professional historiography in Tamil Nadu practiced during K. A. Nilakanta Sastri's period there was rarely any interrogation of sources (except in terms of authenticity and chronology.
In all, Nilakanta Sastri authored 25 historical works mostly on the history of South India.[1]
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1929). The Pāṇḍyan Kingdom from the Earliest Times to the Sixteenth Century. Luzac.
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1932). Studies in Chola history and administration. University of Madras.
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1935). The Cholas. University of Madras.
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1936). A comprehensive history of India. Orient Longman.
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1941). Historical method in relation to problems of South Indian history. University of Madras.
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1945). Gleanings on social life from the Avadanas. Indian Research Institute.
Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta (1946). Furth
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 22, 2017
Anyone who wants to know more about the history of southern part of India must read this book. Our history textbooks have largely ignored South Indian history and it's a great effort on the part of KA Nilakanta Sastri to write this book covering the entire history of South India up to the fall of Vijayanagara Empire.
June 12, 2020
Fantastic overview and for the most part, just the right amount of detail for amateur history buffs. 5* for the content, but docked a * because it is a somewhat difficult read. It would have been superlative if the style was a touch less academic. I would personally have liked a little less emphasis on dry facts and a bit more analysis, but l guess the objective of the author is to stay true to stating the facts and not over-indulge in interpretative commentary. In a way, it's good too given the challenges of honest interpretation. A slight brahmanical perspective exerts itself on occasion, but given his own background and the time it was written, it's remarkably free from bias for the most part.
On the content itself, it's a tour de force. It's certainly made me want to visit many more places in the South (some in the North, geographically for me :-)) - when we can all travel again, that is! l am hopeful it will also help me appreciate the architecture better. Also makes me want to dig deeper into some of the literature from that period - both secular and religious, though that's probably unlikely in the near future.
On the content itself, it's a tour de force. It's certainly made me want to visit many more places in the South (some in the North, geographically for me :-)) - when we can all travel again, that is! l am hopeful it will also help me appreciate the architecture better. Also makes me want to dig deeper into some of the literature from that period - both secular and religious, though that's probably unlikely in the near future.
October 28, 2020
Sastri's work on South Indian history is a paragon concise of polity, war, culture, numismatics, anthropology, and whatnot. Initially, it takes time to get the intrinsic grip towards the timeline unless you are a student of history. The proportional volume of data for a particular time can resort in a very short period while reading through the book. An individual acquired taste for history also plays a role to comprehend what Sastri has written, for my innate interest in religion, art, and architecture with philosophy it was more intriguing from the midsection. Accounts of Sankara(ADI) have been elucidated with lucid details and bi/trifurcation of Indian philosophy and it traces in history have been summarised with a precise timeline. The Indian schools of thoughts like Advaita Vedanta, Mimamsa, Vishista Advaita their transformation and values give more light to understand the complexities of Indian religious consciousness, which can be comprehended effortlessly through the lens of K.A.N. of course rise and fall of every South Indian kingdom and their patronage for the language and culture made India richer, which every Indian should know about.
April 29, 2018
Slightly dated now as more research has been done but obviously a magnificent work on the subject.
April 24, 2013
Books on Indian history generally concentrate the history of the land North of Vindhyas. I think, this is the foremost among the books published on the history of the South, i.e., south of vindhyas, that now cover, Andhra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu ( and a part of Maharashtra, Orissa). This is very elaborate with lots of names and years, and at the first read, I found it quite confusing to recognize the topography, that is being discussed; but a revision helped a lot. This work throws light on the history of the land akin to my native.
September 6, 2020
Comprehensiveness : 4.5/5
Readability : 2/5
This book is an academic one and reads like a History textbook. It is deeply researched, footnoted and thorough. Going into the literature, architecture, natural landscape and in details of the empires of South India.
It's great to read in detail about the rise and fall of South Indian empires but I wish it had been more vivid and more of the book.There is also 30 pages on literature in the south which is basically naming 1000s of authors and their works. Not particularly exciting for a lay reader.
I hope someone else writes about the Chola empire as historically rigorously but more narratively than in this book. Something more akin to Abbas Amanat's History of Iran or Simon Sebag Montefiore's History of the Romanovs.
Readability : 2/5
This book is an academic one and reads like a History textbook. It is deeply researched, footnoted and thorough. Going into the literature, architecture, natural landscape and in details of the empires of South India.
It's great to read in detail about the rise and fall of South Indian empires but I wish it had been more vivid and more of the book.There is also 30 pages on literature in the south which is basically naming 1000s of authors and their works. Not particularly exciting for a lay reader.
I hope someone else writes about the Chola empire as historically rigorously but more narratively than in this book. Something more akin to Abbas Amanat's History of Iran or Simon Sebag Montefiore's History of the Romanovs.
November 13, 2020
This is a wonderfully written academic text which has stood the test of time (for about 50 years, I think). It captures the history of South India very well -- albeit there has been update in prevalent theories.
This is NOT a popular read. History students use it as a textbook, as its meant to be. Despite this fact, Sastriji makes it a fair enough read for the lay reader. This is very much unlike David Shulman's Tamil, where he tries his best to make it hard for his readers, or Nehru's extremely dry and agonizingly repetitive Glimpses of World history. You will need to invest sufficient time and energy
for this book, but is a very enjoyable read in the end.
5- stars, highly recommend this book.
This is NOT a popular read. History students use it as a textbook, as its meant to be. Despite this fact, Sastriji makes it a fair enough read for the lay reader. This is very much unlike David Shulman's Tamil, where he tries his best to make it hard for his readers, or Nehru's extremely dry and agonizingly repetitive Glimpses of World history. You will need to invest sufficient time and energy
for this book, but is a very enjoyable read in the end.
5- stars, highly recommend this book.
August 25, 2020
The book is more a detailed political history from the prehistoric times till the 17th century enumarating the various dynasties of The Cholas, Pandyas, Pallavas, Chalukyas ,Rashtrakutas, leading up-to the great Vijayanagar and Bahmani kingdom
Mostly of the region south of vindhyas
The second part is more interesting describing the evolution of various languages and the influence of Sanskrit on it the customs and traditions
The early prevelance of Buddhism and Jainism till the fifth century AD and subsequent rise of Hinduism when the earlier ones almost totally lost
More a history textbook ..but some interesting insights.. A bit less detailing would have made it more interesting
Mostly of the region south of vindhyas
The second part is more interesting describing the evolution of various languages and the influence of Sanskrit on it the customs and traditions
The early prevelance of Buddhism and Jainism till the fifth century AD and subsequent rise of Hinduism when the earlier ones almost totally lost
More a history textbook ..but some interesting insights.. A bit less detailing would have made it more interesting
June 28, 2022
If you want to study a civilization you must study it's architecture. Since, architecture gives a glimpse into insight of intellectual capabilities of that era or civilization.
For long, Indians have been kept away from real history , thanks to fake historians like Irfan Habib and Romila Thapar and a generation has grown up to be apologetic of their own culture.
This book is just a first step to understand a culture which is still prevalent in Southern India remotes.
PS: author has taken an assumption of Aryan Invasion theory in North India which can be best avoided in study of demography of India South of Vidhyas.
For long, Indians have been kept away from real history , thanks to fake historians like Irfan Habib and Romila Thapar and a generation has grown up to be apologetic of their own culture.
This book is just a first step to understand a culture which is still prevalent in Southern India remotes.
PS: author has taken an assumption of Aryan Invasion theory in North India which can be best avoided in study of demography of India South of Vidhyas.
October 31, 2021
A somewhat dry history mostly describing empires, their wars and architecture. Good for getting a basic understanding of what happened when in South India. Cannot really vouch for the objectivity though, although the bias does not make it unreadable.
November 13, 2025
A detailed treatise on South Indian history
July 3, 2022
A very detailed book, meant for reference only I would say. It's packed with data on wars, successions and such like. A typical "maps and chaps" history book that puts the average reader off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2022
A tremendous resource for anyone interested in the history of India. The book is encyclopedic in scope and may intimidate many readers but is well worth wading through and having on your shelf for reference.
Histories of India routinely give short shrift to the history of South India and this book is an admirable (and perhaps the only?) corrective that the general reader has recourse to. Published in 1955, I imagine that the book is quite dated by now... yet, it still appears to be the 'go to' resource for readers seeking to understand the history of South India.
Among the many insights I gained from reading this book, the one that amazed me the most was the tremendous competition between Buddhists, Jains and Brahmins for royal patronage and the treasure trove of buddhist and jain literature produced in the south. Just delving deeper into and unpacking this one dynamic could result in a completely new understanding of ancient Indian history... budding history PhD's, please take note!
Histories of India routinely give short shrift to the history of South India and this book is an admirable (and perhaps the only?) corrective that the general reader has recourse to. Published in 1955, I imagine that the book is quite dated by now... yet, it still appears to be the 'go to' resource for readers seeking to understand the history of South India.
Among the many insights I gained from reading this book, the one that amazed me the most was the tremendous competition between Buddhists, Jains and Brahmins for royal patronage and the treasure trove of buddhist and jain literature produced in the south. Just delving deeper into and unpacking this one dynamic could result in a completely new understanding of ancient Indian history... budding history PhD's, please take note!
December 17, 2020
Fascinating account of history of South India till the 16th century.
I can’t believe how ignorant I was about history of South India before reading this book!
I must add that this is not an ‘easy read’; this book may disappoint a ‘casual’ reader.
The initial chapter describing the geography of the area was confusing for me. And then, there are so many dynasties and kings and innumerable wars (with everyone apparently fighting everyone else!), it is impossible to keep track of the sequence of events and the chronology or succession, unless a serious effort is made to keep track of things (which I didn’t try to do).
I have a keen interest in the history of (South) India and I found the book fascinating and enlightening in many ways.
Highly recommended reading.
It is a pity a kindle edition is not available, I bought the paperback edition on Amazon.in
I can’t believe how ignorant I was about history of South India before reading this book!
I must add that this is not an ‘easy read’; this book may disappoint a ‘casual’ reader.
The initial chapter describing the geography of the area was confusing for me. And then, there are so many dynasties and kings and innumerable wars (with everyone apparently fighting everyone else!), it is impossible to keep track of the sequence of events and the chronology or succession, unless a serious effort is made to keep track of things (which I didn’t try to do).
I have a keen interest in the history of (South) India and I found the book fascinating and enlightening in many ways.
Highly recommended reading.
It is a pity a kindle edition is not available, I bought the paperback edition on Amazon.in
September 14, 2020
Not a book for a casual reader, Its more of a History text book.
This book covers a great deal of information, Covers various kingdoms , Literature, Religion, Architecture of south India from prehistoric period to 17th Century. While it is good to read about about various dynasties of south India but requires more narration to keep it interested. Chapters about Literature and architecture are tough to read for a layman like me as there are lot of names with out any narratives. Have to appreciate the research done for writing this , there are like more than thousand references in the book.
This book covers a great deal of information, Covers various kingdoms , Literature, Religion, Architecture of south India from prehistoric period to 17th Century. While it is good to read about about various dynasties of south India but requires more narration to keep it interested. Chapters about Literature and architecture are tough to read for a layman like me as there are lot of names with out any narratives. Have to appreciate the research done for writing this , there are like more than thousand references in the book.
January 13, 2020
The approach is what makes it the best
It’s a documentary with complete professionalism
No one , no one has written history with the references from sculptures, inscriptions , literatures , coins , copper plates , excavations and taking the view of foreign visitors at that point of time
Very important thing is interpreting all these information to provide actual fact
THE BEST
It’s a documentary with complete professionalism
No one , no one has written history with the references from sculptures, inscriptions , literatures , coins , copper plates , excavations and taking the view of foreign visitors at that point of time
Very important thing is interpreting all these information to provide actual fact
THE BEST
May 20, 2020
A bit outdated, and rather too romantic for my tastes. But it provides a glimpse into a different era of historiography when serious historians felt it was their duty to contribute to "nation-building" by adding nonobjective commentary. This book still contains valuable information and provides a glimpse into the general attitudes of historians in post-independence India.
August 2, 2020
A must have companion with the other RC Majumdar books, helps in filling out the gaps in history with this masterful version. My only grudge is the lack of mid chapter breaks and everything just gels into one another if you aren’t paying full attention!!
May 13, 2019
A quintessential book...!!!
October 8, 2019
Extremely informational for anyone deeply interested in South Indian history. This is not an easy read but definitely worth the effort.
December 5, 2024
#Preparatory books for another Degree:
This book, extensively regarded as a pivotal work on South Indian history, offers an all-inclusive account of the region's progression from prehistoric times to the downfall of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 16th century. The book traces the history of South India through its dynamic political, cultural, and economic transformations. Sastri meticulously examines early prehistoric settlements, the rise of the Sangam period, the prominence of early Tamil dynasties like the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas, and the influence of Buddhism and Jainism on South Indian culture. The narrative gains particular depth in its discussion of the Pallavas, Cholas, and Chalukyas, as Sastri delves into their governance, architectural achievements, and cultural contributions. The focus on the Vijayanagar Empire—the zenith of South Indian political and cultural power—forms the book's climax. Sastri analyzes its political stability, administrative framework, military innovations, and the eventual collapse under the weight of foreign invasions and internal discord. Sastri’s scrupulous use of literary, archaeological, and epigraphic sources provides a seasoned historical account. His proficiency is obvious in his nuanced clarifications of inscriptions and texts. The book goes beyond political history to explore religion, art, literature, and architecture, offering a rounded understanding of South India's past. Written in articulate prose, the book equilibriums academic diligence with readability, making it handy to both scholars and general readers. R. Champakalakshmi’s contributions in the revised edition seeks to bridge gaps in the original text, integrating more recent archaeological finds and historiographical deliberations. Her perceptions predominantly boost the discussions on societal structures, trade networks, and regional variations in South Indian culture. Simultaneously, it should also be noted that while Sastri’s work is monumental, a section of analysts contend that the narrative of this tome intermittently echoes the colonial historiographical structure predominant during his time, with an overemphasis on the dynastic sequence of events. Moreover, although the majority of the narrative discusses caste and religion, it could delve deeper into the lived familiarities of marginalized communities. Nonetheless, we can safely conclude that with its comprehensive research, nuanced investigation, and intense storytelling, the book remains an indispensable read for history enthusiasts and scholars alike. In its updated edition, R. Champakalakshmi provides additional insights, further enriching the narrative. To conclude, this masterpiece has stood the test of time, shaping our understanding of South Indian history for generations. Sastri’s erudition, joined with Champakalakshmi’s apprises, guarantees the book remains relevant in current historical discourse. For anyone seeking a foundational text on the region’s rich past, this work is purely obligatory.
This book, extensively regarded as a pivotal work on South Indian history, offers an all-inclusive account of the region's progression from prehistoric times to the downfall of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 16th century. The book traces the history of South India through its dynamic political, cultural, and economic transformations. Sastri meticulously examines early prehistoric settlements, the rise of the Sangam period, the prominence of early Tamil dynasties like the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas, and the influence of Buddhism and Jainism on South Indian culture. The narrative gains particular depth in its discussion of the Pallavas, Cholas, and Chalukyas, as Sastri delves into their governance, architectural achievements, and cultural contributions. The focus on the Vijayanagar Empire—the zenith of South Indian political and cultural power—forms the book's climax. Sastri analyzes its political stability, administrative framework, military innovations, and the eventual collapse under the weight of foreign invasions and internal discord. Sastri’s scrupulous use of literary, archaeological, and epigraphic sources provides a seasoned historical account. His proficiency is obvious in his nuanced clarifications of inscriptions and texts. The book goes beyond political history to explore religion, art, literature, and architecture, offering a rounded understanding of South India's past. Written in articulate prose, the book equilibriums academic diligence with readability, making it handy to both scholars and general readers. R. Champakalakshmi’s contributions in the revised edition seeks to bridge gaps in the original text, integrating more recent archaeological finds and historiographical deliberations. Her perceptions predominantly boost the discussions on societal structures, trade networks, and regional variations in South Indian culture. Simultaneously, it should also be noted that while Sastri’s work is monumental, a section of analysts contend that the narrative of this tome intermittently echoes the colonial historiographical structure predominant during his time, with an overemphasis on the dynastic sequence of events. Moreover, although the majority of the narrative discusses caste and religion, it could delve deeper into the lived familiarities of marginalized communities. Nonetheless, we can safely conclude that with its comprehensive research, nuanced investigation, and intense storytelling, the book remains an indispensable read for history enthusiasts and scholars alike. In its updated edition, R. Champakalakshmi provides additional insights, further enriching the narrative. To conclude, this masterpiece has stood the test of time, shaping our understanding of South Indian history for generations. Sastri’s erudition, joined with Champakalakshmi’s apprises, guarantees the book remains relevant in current historical discourse. For anyone seeking a foundational text on the region’s rich past, this work is purely obligatory.
November 29, 2020
I was on a time travel of sorts for the last few days—one part of me in prehistoric times and another part visiting my high school history classes. I suddenly realize now that the study of History and Tamil Literature is closer to my heart than others subjects for which I am normally identified with.
I was in my element in the study of History and Tamil Literature throughout my schooldays. By reading once more about Chandragupta Maurya, Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, Hoysalas, Kakatiyas, Bahmanis and Vijayanagar empire, I was on a trip down the memory lane to those wonderful years of yore.
Be it the history teacher Padma Miss who never gets tired of telling, "Arun has a beautiful memory," or history teacher and school Principal Ramdoss Sir who is more restrained in his words of praise but nevertheless had me in his good books, I fondly remember PERKS Matriculation Higher Secondary School for all this nostalgia.
As for Tamil Literature, here are some names and phrases that are permanently engraved in my memory, which too was recounted in this excellent book: தலையாலங்கானத்துச் செருவென்ற பாண்டியன் நெடுஞ்செழியன், வள்ளல்கள் பாரி, ஆய், காரி, ஓரி, இமயவரம்பன் நெடுஞ்சேரலாதன், தகடூர் எறிந்த பெருஞ்சேரல் இரும்பொறை, ராஜராஜ சோழன், கடாரம் கொண்டான், கலிங்கத்துப்பரணி and so on.
#Bookstagram #Books #TamilLiterature #SouthIndia
I was in my element in the study of History and Tamil Literature throughout my schooldays. By reading once more about Chandragupta Maurya, Chalukyas, Pallavas, Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, Hoysalas, Kakatiyas, Bahmanis and Vijayanagar empire, I was on a trip down the memory lane to those wonderful years of yore.
Be it the history teacher Padma Miss who never gets tired of telling, "Arun has a beautiful memory," or history teacher and school Principal Ramdoss Sir who is more restrained in his words of praise but nevertheless had me in his good books, I fondly remember PERKS Matriculation Higher Secondary School for all this nostalgia.
As for Tamil Literature, here are some names and phrases that are permanently engraved in my memory, which too was recounted in this excellent book: தலையாலங்கானத்துச் செருவென்ற பாண்டியன் நெடுஞ்செழியன், வள்ளல்கள் பாரி, ஆய், காரி, ஓரி, இமயவரம்பன் நெடுஞ்சேரலாதன், தகடூர் எறிந்த பெருஞ்சேரல் இரும்பொறை, ராஜராஜ சோழன், கடாரம் கொண்டான், கலிங்கத்துப்பரணி and so on.
#Bookstagram #Books #TamilLiterature #SouthIndia
February 17, 2021
Using it as reference book, so couldn't complete the whole book yet.
Many advancements especially in archaeology has been made since the time the book is written so some would consider it outdated.
I wanted to get some idea about the medival south Indian history especially that of Tamilnadu ( for my exams) and this memoir has fulfilled it's purpose so far. The author has provided a template for the readers(I think researchers could be his target audience) regarding the basic accounts of various foreign travellers , the geography of the region, the art and architecture of different dynasties etc. It's easy for me to build-up from the template the author has provided on the given subjects. Not gonna lie this book is dumped with facts in certain areas but my current interests aligns with the scope of the book and it becomes an interesting read.
Many advancements especially in archaeology has been made since the time the book is written so some would consider it outdated.
I wanted to get some idea about the medival south Indian history especially that of Tamilnadu ( for my exams) and this memoir has fulfilled it's purpose so far. The author has provided a template for the readers(I think researchers could be his target audience) regarding the basic accounts of various foreign travellers , the geography of the region, the art and architecture of different dynasties etc. It's easy for me to build-up from the template the author has provided on the given subjects. Not gonna lie this book is dumped with facts in certain areas but my current interests aligns with the scope of the book and it becomes an interesting read.
September 12, 2022
Mr Sastri has taken a very interesting topic and given a very strong foundation for South India's history for others to build upon. Very detailed description of dynasty ruling at a given period are recorded by the author. It requires a lot of memory power to retain so many names and their story, and credit to author for having the patience and memory to record them. Decent History read!
February 4, 2020
Nice Book Going To Buy
November 2, 2022
Read this book long time back in Hindi. I was lucky to get hold of this book because my elder sister was preparing for UPSC.
October 31, 2023
I wish I could have finished this book. Maybe I will try again some other time to continue it.
August 10, 2025
Great man and HIS great book.
A history book of this kind must have good maps illustrating it . It does have many, but of an undecipherable quality. That's a huge letdown. And I think it might be the flaw on the part of the publisher / printer. Such a sorry state of unconcern to a great book .
A history book of this kind must have good maps illustrating it . It does have many, but of an undecipherable quality. That's a huge letdown. And I think it might be the flaw on the part of the publisher / printer. Such a sorry state of unconcern to a great book .
Want to read
December 2, 2015ok
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews