ISBN: 9788125036845    Publisher: Orient Blackswan Year of publishing: 2009     Format:  Paperback No of Pages: 351        Language: English

History of Modern India presents an authoritative overview of the history of what was known as British India. The text is largely based on the author's research on nationalism and colonialism in India and also draws from the works of eminent historians of the period. Challenging and revising colonial and nationalist interpretations of history, this book moves away from a largely political narrative to a social, economic and religious history of modern India. It explains how conditions in India during the eighteenth century helped the British East India Company establish its rule in India. It also gives us important insights into the primary aim of colonial rule which was the economic exploitation of India through trade and investment. The topics are arranged thematically in order to showcase the various forces that went into the making of independent India. However, in the entire arrangement of themes, the chronology of the period is enmeshed innovatively with the various forces that evolved both as a cause and effect of British imperialist rule of the subcontinent. The book also provides a detailed account of the nationalist movement and introduces us to the contributions of different individuals who were behind the nationalist movement. A comprehensive textbook for students of history and interested readers, History of Modern India is essential reading for a broad based understanding of the making of modern India.
Read less

Bipan Chandra is a renowned author and historian from India. Apart from this book, Chandra has written a number of other books, and they include Essays on Colonialism, The Epic Struggle, Communalism in Modern India, The Rise And Growth Of Economic Nationalism In India: Economic Policies Of Indian National Leadership, Indian National Movement: The Long Term Dynamics, and In The Name Of Democracy: The JP Movement And The Emergency. Chandra was born in Himachal Pradesh, and he completed his schooling from Forman Christian College in Lahore. He completed his degree from Stanford University, USA, and went on to earn a doctorate from the University of Delhi. For several years, Chandra served as a professor at Hindu College, Delhi. Later, he taught history at Jawaharlal Nehru University. In the year 1985, he was selected to be the General President of the Indian History Congress. He has also served as the Chairman of the National Book Trust, New Delhi. Chandra has also been a part of the University Grants Commission, New Delhi.
Read less