The History of India in 50 Events: (Indian History - Akbar the Great - East India Company - Taj Mahal - Mahatma Gandhi) (Timeline History in 50 Events Book 4)

“The History of India in 50 Events” is not what some potential readers may think, a list of 50 significant events in India’s history. The tale in the title “in 50 events” is used in a series of history books. This book, like the others in the series, is a comprehensive history of the subject, in this case the country of India, and it contains more than a description of 50 events in that history. The book is relatively short, but it is quite extensive, and the writing is easy to read.The book, just to mention some examples, discusses the Stone Age in the area of around 8,000 BCE, the beginning of the Indus Valley civilization around 5,000, of Harappa around 3,000, of Mohenjo-Doro around 2,600, the Aryans around 1500, the different ancient scriptures of the people from around 1500 to 1100, the founding of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, the Persian conquest of the country, India under the Great empires, and what happened in the country in the 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. The author goes into interesting detail. For example, in discussing the Mumbai terrorist attack in 2008, we learn who may have been involved, what their goal was, how some people were left alone and why, the count of casualties, and why the Indian government is to blame. In short, readers will learn a lot by reading this book and enjoy doing so.

I think that in whether or not to recommend this book, one has to keep in mind what the premise of the book is. As the title states, it is merely a timeline of events. Along with the list of events, there is a brief 2 or 3 paragraphs, (a little more in some cases,) of facts connected to the events. You also have to take into account that these books are meant to be read within about an hour's time.In those aspects, I think that the book met its goals. Yeah, it's a bit like a Wikipedia list, although I think that the book accomplishes more than that. It's meant for someone who's just interested in a quick read to learn about some basic events that shaped India throughout its history. If you'd rather read a more in depth history of the country and its cultures over the centuries, this is not the book for you.

While one can acknowledge the considerable challenge in condensing such a complex history into an hour's read.....The English employed is disappointingly erratic (and gets progressively worse as the book proceeds) and it is littered with punctuation and expression errors.Mentions of the influence of Portugal are conflicting.There is virtually no mention about the lives of the people (or the caste system) through each era....

Though it’s a bit choppy and need slight grammar work this is a quick way to get information and insight in a large country that has been colonized by many European powers over the years. It will bring you up to the last decade in time.It’s not a tourist book but will let you feel a bit more insightful to this country and culture.

This is at best an outline. It desperately needs maps and a pronunciation pestilence been nice. It does wet ones appetite.

I received this as a freebie. To do a good job of covering Indian history would probably take at least 4 volumes. Still this is a good overview of the subject matter.

Fantastic read

India is such a complex nation, yet this book does a great job of highlighting its major historical events from past to present.

This is an interesting subject and much of the material, while superficial, more Wikipedia than a book, gave a good introduction to Indian history. I found some of the pre-European information was treated better than the later colonial period.There were too many typos and grammar errors. These disturbed my confidence in what I was reading. Example;“There were no railway lines in India before 1850, but it everything changed three years later.” Both this sentence and the subsequent reference to 1853 need looking at for grammar and accuracy.“The 19th century was a fundamental year for India.” Is it a year or is it a century?

Pretty superficial in its treatment of the events. It would be better served by perhaps picking fewer events and detailing them to a greater extent. Also based upon the use of grammar and the style of writing I am doubtful that the author has English as a first language. Confusing switches of tenses on occasion.

I liked the concision of the book. The author has selected the biggest events, movements of India's history from ancient times up to 2008. Although it is hard to say how good a book it is, as I am only just beginning to study Indian history and therefore cannot say if the book has missed any obviously necessary major periods or figures, I found it interesting and informative.

I thought before travelling to India this summer I should read up about history of the country. I found out so much new information that I am now confident to explore and understand the culture. Very easy to read so thank you!

Fairly simple read, I was hoping for more insight from ordinary Indians but interesting enough

For those who want a succinct condensation of the events that shaped India. Some typographical errors in the text.

This is ideal for secondary school children embarking on a project it is especially clear and factual offering no bias. It does however lack maps and graphics which would be helpful. If you no nothing about India or discovering your heritage this is a place to start.

While ancient India is covered , there is a very little coverage of modern India and war on independence. The important topic of partition is totally ignored. A good read otherwise

I found that the book covered the 50 events in a very limited way and with frequent mistakes in the use of English grammar.

Bought for my daughter when she was doing a project on Indus Valley. Helped her a little bit.

Enjoyed reading about the main events in India's history whilst on the go traveling - doesn't go into too much detail but useful to get the general idea

Excellent

A succint summery of india perhaps acting as a useful primer for one to read more about this fascinating country

really useful informationfelt like this book brushed up the entire indian historymust read since the book gives essential crisp details of indian incidents

Good