It’s not easy to condense 60 volatile years of Indian (and sub-continental) history into a single book, but Guha rises to the occasion. The most objective history of the country that I have read thus far, it’s remarkable that it doesn’t lean toward either the Leftist view or the Sangh-parivar’s vision. An easy read, Guha paces the book well. While I’d have liked greater detailing of some critical points and issues, I appreciate Guha’s wisdom in choosing to maintain his distance to provide a m... (show more)

It’s not easy to condense 60 volatile years of Indian (and sub-continental) history into a single book, but Guha rises to the occasion. The most objective history of the country that I have read thus far, it’s remarkable that it doesn’t lean toward either the Leftist view or the Sangh-parivar’s vision. An easy read, Guha paces the book well. While I’d have liked greater detailing of some critical points and issues, I appreciate Guha’s wisdom in choosing to maintain his distance to provide a masterful perspective. The extensive bibliography contains many nuggets of information as well. This ought to be prescribed reading for all Indians. Want to know the circumstances in which the Kashmir imbroglio came close to being solved and how politicians with limited vision messed it up each time? Or why linguistic division of states is likely the master-stroke to preserve the unity of the country? Read this book. (show less)

superb..if you were to read one book about post colonial India - this is it. (also because there are so few of contemporary history books on India). Beautifully written (has a pace of a good fiction book !), well researched, comprehensive and addresses what is unique about India - which as a concept was 'destined for failure' being 'too multicultural/ diverse' to succeed as a working democratic country - but somehow survived ! As unbiased a view as is possible of such recent trail of events..... (show more)

superb..if you were to read one book about post colonial India - this is it. (also because there are so few of contemporary history books on India). Beautifully written (has a pace of a good fiction book !), well researched, comprehensive and addresses what is unique about India - which as a concept was 'destined for failure' being 'too multicultural/ diverse' to succeed as a working democratic country - but somehow survived ! As unbiased a view as is possible of such recent trail of events..It is quite a tome so not easy to lug around but well worth the effort. Will await anything that Mr Guha writes now with much anticipation. (show less)

Ramchandra Guha presents the (hi)story of independent India with much verve, passion, reasearch and objectivity. This unputdownable volume traces the journey of the nation from the days of stalwarts like Nehru, Patel & Ambedkar who laid the foundations of this great, democratic, secular state, to the modern day jamboree of politics, seamlessly retelling the stories of factionalism, secessional tendencies, naxalism, casteism, religious fanaticism and all the troubles that have besieged the... (show more)

Ramchandra Guha presents the (hi)story of independent India with much verve, passion, reasearch and objectivity. This unputdownable volume traces the journey of the nation from the days of stalwarts like Nehru, Patel & Ambedkar who laid the foundations of this great, democratic, secular state, to the modern day jamboree of politics, seamlessly retelling the stories of factionalism, secessional tendencies, naxalism, casteism, religious fanaticism and all the troubles that have besieged the nations since. His description is wonderful and analysis superb. A must read by all accounts... (show less)