JULY 1, 2025

7 Indian history books everyone should read

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India’s story isn’t just about kings and wars. It’s about ideas, people, cultures and revolutions who shaped one of the oldest civilisations on Earth.

To truly understand this journey, these seven books offer powerful insights into India’s past, its struggles and the making of modern India.

In his book, Jawaharlal Nehru, traces India’s journey from ancient civilisations to British rule. He wrote it during his imprisonment from 1942 to 1946.

The Discovery of India

This book tells the story of India  after 1947. It examines how the country navigated democracy, conflicts, and social change after independence.

India after Gandhi

The Argumentative Indian explores how India’s traditions of debate, discussion and diversity have shaped its identity over centuries.

The Argumentative Indian

This book tells the story of 1857 through the eyes of Bahadur Shah Zafar, capturing the final days of the Mughal Empire and the rebellion that changed India.

The Last Mughal

This book reveals how British colonialism drained India’s wealth, crippled its industries and left deep scars on its economy and society.

An Era of Darkness

This book traces India’s journey from prehistoric times to 1300, covering ancient kingdoms, empires, society, culture and political changes.

History of Early India

This book chronicles the rise and fall of the Deccan Sultanates, with its ambitious rulers, fierce battles and centuries of political and cultural change.

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