The second edition of Upinder Singh’s A History of Ancient and Early Medieval India builds on the foundation of its acclaimed first edition by incorporating the latest discoveries and research in the field. This comprehensive volume draws from a diverse range of textual, archaeological, and visual sources to present a seamless narrative of India's complex and dynamic history. Covering politics, economy, society, religion, philosophy, art, and ideas, the book reveals macro-level changes alongside the everyday lives of ordinary people across millennia. Renowned as an excellent introduction for general readers and a definitive textbook for undergraduate and postgraduate students, this edition continues to offer a lucid, detailed, and balanced exposition. It equips readers with the skills to critically assess historical evidence, arguments, and debates, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the rich tapestry of India's past. Through its engaging and insightful exploration of the subcontinent's history, the book maintains its reputation as a classic in the field, providing both a broad overview and an in-depth analysis of ancient and early medieval India.
Upinder Singh is an Indian historian and the former head of the History Department at the University of Delhi. She is the dean of faculty and professor of history at Ashoka University. She is also the recipient of the inaugural Infosys Prize in the category of Social Sciences.