These books about India will give you an insight into India then and now, and where it is headed
As India celebrates its Independence Day on August 15, what better way to dive into the essence of our vibrant country than through a well-curated list of books? From the depths of its rich history to the complexities of its modern-day politics, these 21 books about India will simply and spell out into what makes the nation tick—its people, culture, economy, and enduring spirit.
Why Read Books About India?
India is a country where the past and the present coexist in an intricate mosaic of diverse narratives. Understanding India’s journey, the seminal events that have shaped its path, and the dynamic forces driving its future is essential for anyone looking to grasp the pulse of this burgeoning superpower.
In line with this, we’ve rounded up a selection of books that paint a comprehensive picture of India’s multifaceted identity.
Dive In: 21 Books About India
Category: Culture, History
Amish Tripathi explores India’s ancient civilization, vibrant culture, and indomitable spirit through a series of articles, debates, and speeches that bring the past and present dialogues into sharp relief.
Category: History
Penned during Nehru’s imprisonment in 1942, this book is a tribute to India’s complex and unique history and culture, offering insights from ancient texts to colonial times.
Category: Politics, History
Tharoor reimagines the epic Mahabharata, setting it against the backdrop of 20th-century Indian politics, blending myth with biting satire.
4. Modi & India
By Rahul Shivshankar & Siddhartha Talya
Category: Politics
This book scrutinises the political landscape under Narendra Modi’s leadership, discussing the ideological shifts and their implications on India’s democratic fabric.
Category: History
Explore the lesser-known narrative of India’s freedom struggle through the eyes of its revolutionaries, who fought not just with non-violence but also through armed resistance.
By Shobhaa Dé
Category: Politics
This book scrutinises the political landscape under Narendra Modi’s leadership, discussing the ideological shifts and their implications on India’s democratic fabric.
Category: Economy, History
Gurcharan Das chronicles India’s economic ascent post-independence, weaving his narrative with personal anecdotes and broader economic analyses.
Category: Military History
From ancient battles to modern-day strategic defense, this book covers the comprehensive military history of India, highlighting the valour and strategy of its forces.
By Aseem Shrivastava, Ashish Kothari
Category: Economy, Environment
This critique of India’s rapid economic growth examines its impact on societal equity and ecological sustainability, proposing a model for a more balanced future.
10. Nation at Play
By Ronojoy Sen
Category: Sport, Culture
This book on the history of sport in India reflects on how sports reflect the socio-political changes in India, tracing the evolution from regal entertainment to mass engagement.
By Bimal Jalan
Category: Economy
Jalan navigates India’s economic transformations, offering a vision for future reforms anchored in the lessons of the past.
12. Rebooting India
Category: Technology, Governance
Envisioning a tech-driven governance model, this book discusses how technology can address India’s chronic challenges and harness its demographic dividend.
13. My India
By Jim Corbett
Category: Biography, Adventure
Journey through the wild landscapes and vibrant communities of Northern India with Jim Corbett, whose tales of adventure bring out the spirit of the Indian wilderness.
Category: Governance
A critical examination of India’s governance issues and potential reforms, blended with personal insights and forward-looking commentary.
15. Science In India
Category: Science, History
Delve into India’s contributions to science from ancient astronomy to modern innovations, highlighting a tradition of intellectual pursuit.
By Raghuram Rajan & Rohit Lamba
Category: Economy, Policy
Analysing India’s economic pathways, this book discusses alternative development models to leverage India’s strengths in a globalized world.
Category: History, Politics
A comprehensive narrative on India’s political and social evolution post-independence, detailing the key figures and policies that shaped the nation.
18. Accidental India
Category: History, Economy
This book explores pivotal moments in Indian history that were triggered by crises, driving significant socio-economic transformations.
19. India Divided
Category: History, Politics
A profound discussion on the partition of India, offering insights into the socio-political forces that culminated in the division of the nation.
20. India Today, India Tomorrow
Category: Politics, Future
A compilation of essays looking at India’s future trajectory in the global context, reflecting on the nation’s policies and aspirations post-pandemic.
21. India: What Can it Teach Us?
Category: Culture, Philosophy
Max Muller’s essays urge the West to learn from India’s philosophical richness, advocating for a deeper understanding of its cultural ethos.
These 21 books about India provide a panoramic view of its past achievements and future possibilities. Whether you’re a history buff, a political enthusiast, or simply curious about India, this list promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of a nation that continues to shape the global narrative in profound ways.
Dive into these reads and discover the India that was, is, and could be!
