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Discover India Through 21 Must-Read Books

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Discover India Through 21 Must-Read Books

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

1. Immortal India  

By Amish Tripathi

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. 

2.  Discovery of India 

By Jawaharlal Nehru  

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. 

3. The Great Indian Novel  

By Shashi Tharoor

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. 

5. Revolutionaries

By Sanjeev Sanyal

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. 

6. Superstar India

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. 

7. India Unbound

By Gurcharan Das

Category: Economy, History 

Gurcharan Das chronicles India’s economic ascent post-independence, weaving his narrative with personal anecdotes and broader economic analyses. 

8. Military History Of India

By Uma Prasad Thapliyal

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. 

9. Churning the Earth

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. 

11. India Then And Now

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

By Nandan Nilekani 

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. 

14. India At Turning Point

By T S R Subramanian

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

By B.V. Subbarayappa

Category: Science, History 

Delve into India’s contributions to science from ancient astronomy to modern innovations, highlighting a tradition of intellectual pursuit. 

16. Breaking The Mould

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.

17.  India Since Independence

By Bipan Chandra

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

By Shankkar Aiyar

Category: History, Economy  

This book explores pivotal moments in Indian history that were triggered by crises, driving significant socio-economic transformations. 

19. India Divided

By Rajendra Prasad

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

By Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda

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?

By Friedrich Max Muller

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!