Rating: 
Summary: Comprehensive and Balanced
Review: Stanley Wolpert's book on the history of India remains the most comprehensive and readable work ever written on this subject. The extensive story of the people of the Indian subcontinent, belonging to four different nations, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, from 2500 BC to the end of the 20th century is beautifully laid out in this book. Wolpert has successfully and honestly documented the struggles and aspirations of the people of this subcontinent.India is a land of complexities and contradictions, with variety in faith, ethnic background, language and lifestyle. Therefore it is hard to capture the spirit of this land and its people. Wolpert has been successful with his mastery and expertise over the cultures, languages and faiths of these people belonging to various subgroups. Above all, it is his love for this land and its people that is evident in the pages of this well-written book. For anyone interested in India this is the book to begin with, and indeed it is an easy read.
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating
Review: The different empires that ruled and the different religions and their influences were explored in some detail in this book. The early civilizations, the Deli Sultanate, the Mogul Empire, the British Empire, and the breakup were all described. Also interesting was the rather detailed analysis of current politics and political intrigue within India, but it did go on a bit too much. And the recent modernizations combined with the dramatic story of Gandhi, and the many leaders in India after him that tried to rule such a divided land made for an engaging story. Learning about Kashmir was important, and the several wars fought between India and Pakistan. Also the pact between the USSR and India at the same time as the cooperation with the USA during the Cold War was interesting and pragmatic. Finally, following the way India has gone from desiring to be self-sufficient to a more open and market economy, and the dramatic effects this process has had on the nation was absolutely fascinating. Overall I learned to appreciate the extreme diversity, pride, and richness of Indian history and culture. But the book's one lacking factor was giving a personal feel to the Indian culture. It inspires me to read more on the culture and religion of India, as this history seemed more political in its orientation.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: This was an excellent book. I am an Indian, and went through schooling in India where we were shoved "politically correct" history through our throat. This book clears up so much. For instance even today Indian textbooks refer to the mughal invaders as great men (to pacify certain minority communities). Mr. Wolpert is not averse to write about them as they actually were; marauders and looters. Not only I feel better informed about India, but I have a better perspective about my own self, and psyche. A must read if you want to know the history of India in a few interesting pages. Although it is a history text, it reads like a novel.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: This was an excellent book. I am an Indian, and went through schooling in India where we were shoved "politically correct" history through our throat. This book clears up so much. For instance even today Indian textbooks refer to the mughal invaders as great men (to pacify certain minority communities). Mr. Wolpert is not averse to write about them as they actually were; marauders and looters. Not only I feel better informed about India, but I have a better perspective about my own self, and psyche. A must read if you want to know the history of India in a few interesting pages. Although it is a history text, it reads like a novel.
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