Reference
A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India
The most complete modern textbook on ancient India, rich in sources, maps and archaeology.
Recommended reading
A curated shelf for exam preparation and for curious readers — from NCERT basics to the standard references and the best popular histories. Every note is our own.
Era
Prehistory & Harappan 2
Reference
Ancient Cities of the Indus Valley Civilization
An archaeologist's lavishly illustrated account of the Harappan cities.
Ancient India 4
Reference
Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300
An authoritative, interpretive history of early Indian society and states.
Reference
The Wonder That Was India
A timeless, beautifully written survey of ancient Indian civilisation.
Reference
A History of South India
The classic survey of the south, from prehistory to the fall of Vijayanagara.
Reference
Ashoka in Ancient India
A vivid biography of Ashoka built from his own edicts.
Medieval India 6
Reference
Medieval India: From Sultanat to the Mughals (2 vols)
The detailed two-volume treatment for readers who want more than the single-volume textbook.
Reference
The Colas
The definitive study of the Chola empire, its kings and administration.
Reference
The Delhi Sultanate: A Political and Military History
A scholarly history of the Sultanate and its wars with the Mongols.
Reference
The Mughal Empire
A compact, respected overview of the Mughal state from Babur to its decline.
Reference
The Marathas 1600–1818
How the Maratha state rose from Shivaji's swarajya to a subcontinental power.
Reference
A History of Assam
The classic history of Assam and the Ahom kingdom.
Modern India 2
Reference
India's Struggle for Independence
The standard narrative of the national movement from 1857 to 1947.
Reference
From Plassey to Partition and After
A balanced, analytical history of colonial India; excellent for Mains answers.
World history 1
Reference
Mastering Modern World History
The favourite for UPSC world history: world wars, revolutions and the Cold War.
Neighbouring countries 3
Reference
A History of Sri Lanka
The standard history of Sri Lanka from Anuradhapura to independence.
Reference
A History of Nepal
A concise, reliable history of Nepal from the Gorkha unification to the republic.
Reference
A History of Bangladesh
The land, people and politics of Bangladesh, from ancient Bengal to today.
Read, then test yourself. Explore the map · Take the quiz