The Rough Guide History of India

Rating:
Summary: Neat and useful, but out of date
Review: The small size of this book, and a chornological organisation of key events makes it a very handy reference tool to India's history, especially for last 2000 years or so. You could also carry it around and dip into it whenever you have the time.

But you also need to be careful. The presentation is out of touch with archaelogical findings and interpretations of the last 50 years or so. For instance, it refers to Aryan invasion theory, which has been abandoned by every historian, because there is no evidence of a massacre at the sites. The extent of the Sindhu-Saraswati civilation (Indus Civilation), 2.5 million square kilometres, mapped by the ASI is not mentioned.

It also makes some religious booboos. For instance, talking of the Shiva Linga, it tells us that Hindus worshipped a 'phallus' at Somnath. Shiva Linga actually refers to an oblong stone, which symolises Shiva, as any Hindu scriputre will tell you.

So buy it, but read it with caution.