A Brief History of India (Hardcover)

by Alain Daniélou (Author), Kenneth F. Hurry (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Our debt to Daniélou's scholarship and humanity is immeasurable. -- The Times Literary Supplement

This work is recommended for all libraries. -- Library Journal, February 1, 2003

Review
"Our debt to Daniélou's scholarship and humanity is immeasurable."
( The Times Literary Supplement )

"A synthesis of events and a survey of the development of India's civilization, social system, and diversity of cultures."
(The Midwest Book Review, December 2003, Vol. 11 No. 12 )

“Alain Daniélou is the foremost living interpreter of Hinduism. His books are remarkable for their clarity and scholarship.”
( Interview Magazine
)

"This work is recommended for all libraries."
(Library Journal, February 1, 2003 )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Inner Traditions; 1 edition (February 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892819235
• ISBN-13: 978-0892819232
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #927,039 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You need to already know India somewhat, September 23, 2005

By	Anand Ranthidevan - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is not your typical history book and definitely not for those looking for "proofs" and "footnotes" and "references" to every little point the author makes. Also, if you are not Indian or have never lived in India or don't know much about the various regions, languages, and geographical makeup of the country -- this is not the book you should be starting with (consider the Traveller's History of India by Sinharaja Delgoda or the Eyewitness Travel guide or another brief illustrated history book).

Danielou's book, once you're reasonably aware of Indian history in general, will make you think for yourself and understand the heavy emphasis that most historians place on scientific proofs rather than possibilities. He has his opinions, and that's what makes this book better than most others. You may choose to agree or disagree, but you'll be better off with his broader perspective of things than with a prescriptive notion based on peer-reviewed and approved concepts.

The first few pages can be difficult if you're looking for a "well-written" essay -- with an introduction, expansion, and summary. That's not how Danielou writes and that's not how this has been translated. I give this 5 stars as it neatly presents the key aspects of an history spanning over 8000 years, articulates alternate thoughts, states the two or more theories, and then presents the author's opinion (with, in some cases, a reference to proof of some kind). I haven't come across many books on Indian history that challenges commonly held beliefs and timelines associated with the "pre-history" and "medieval history." It also spends extra pages on potential inflexion points.

Overall, a must read for someone open to ideas and possibilities, who wants to get a glimpse into why India is as complex as it is, and who likes history teachers and authors with opinions and stories (rather than the preachy kinds). It's probably the only book on Indian history that I'll keep and take with me every time I move.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoroughly "reader friendly" history of India, December 11, 2003

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This thoroughly "reader friendly" history of India provides a synthesis of events and a survey of the development of India's civilization, social system, and diversity of cultures, races, languages and religions. In examining the changing trends of the country Danielou also creates an intriguing survey of how India's courses have affected the world.

26 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars British and Moghul invaders, May 30, 2003

By	Cloarec Jacques (Paris, France) - See all my reviews

I was rather interested by the Library Journal critic concerning "A Brief History of India"(128 N° 2, February, 1)
With regard to the point of view expressed about Moghul and British colonisation, I feel that the critic has an unconscious Western bias, which is one of the main sores in India even today.
Of course, both these invaders also brought something positive with them, but we must remember that prior to their arrival India was one of the richest countries in the world and after their departure one of the poorest.

When you see the destruction made by the Muslims and in particularly by the Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb in Benares, you understand some of the material effects of these invaders, but their permanent attack on the Hindus' social and religious system was even worse.

In any case, I deem Daniélou's point of view is much more realistic that that of the French writer Guy Deleury who wrote recently in `L'Inde continent rebelle - Le Seuil 2000'

Page 257/258

The Indian sub-continent can look back with neither regret nor shame on its short century of British domination, to which it owes its telegraph, its railways, its neo-gothic railway stations, the gaudy uniforms of its sepoy corps d'élite, its metropolitan ports, masonic lodges and even - the supreme paradox - the Congress Party, which led it to independence