A Concise History of South India: Issues and Interpretations

by Noboru Karashima

The course of south Indian history from pre-historic times to the contemporary era is a complex narrative with many interpretations. Reflecting recent advances in the study of the region, this volume provides an assessment of the events and socio-cultural development of south India through a comprehensive analysis of its historical trajectory.
Investigating the region's states and configurations, this book covers a wide range of topics that include the origins of the early inhabitants, formation of the ancient kingdoms, advancement of agriculture, new religious movements based on bhakti, and consolidation of centralized states in the medieval period. It further explores the growth of industries in relation to the development of East-West maritime trade in the Indian Ocean as well as the wave of Islamicization and the course of commercial relations with various European countries. The book then goes on to discuss the advent of early-modern state rule, impact of the raiyatwari system introduced by the British, debates about whether the region's economy developed or deteriorated during the eighteenth century, decline of matriliny in Kerala, emergence of the Dravidian Movement, and the intertwining of politics with contemporary popular culture.
Well illustrated with maps and images, and incorporating new archaeological evidence and historiography, this volume presents new perspectives on a gamut of issues relating to communities, languages, and cultures of a macro-region that continues to fascinate scholars and readers alike.

Genres: History, India, Nonfiction, Indian Literature

418 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2014

About the author

Noboru Karashima (辛島昇 Karashima Noboru?, 24 April 1933 – 26 November 2015) was a Japanese historian, writer and Professor Emeritus in University of Tokyo, Japan. He also served as Professor Emeritus at the Taisho University, Japan. He was a prominent scholar of Asia in the studies of South Indian and South Asian histories. He has rewritten historical accounts on medieval South India and published a number of writings.

Professor Karashima played a critical role in developing Indo-Japan cultural ties and was conferred the Padma Shri award in 2013, one of India's highest civilian award, for his contribution in the field of Literature and Education.[3] In a rare gesture the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh handed over the award personally to Professor Karashima in Tokyo. He died in 2015.

Reviews

[Balasubramaniam Vaidyanathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is no absolute truth in history. It depicts the perspective of the narrator and has all the perversities/ prejudices of the narrator loaded into it.

In technical domain, Data Management Body of Knowledge states the following - ‘Most people assume that, because data represents facts, it is a form of truth about the world and the facts will fit together. But facts are not always simple or straightforward. Data is a means of representation. ‘

I remembered the above definition while reading it.

I liked the book in parts.

This book is not having a waterfall flow. It is a collection of essays by different authors. Karashima edited it. It does give a picture of south india during various periods, albeit with colored glasses in some places.

Articles by Y Subbarayalu, Noburu Karashima & P Shanmugam were of very good quality.

I especially liked the analysis of governance and agrarian systems during Chola, Vijayanagara & Nayaka periods by Noburu Karashima. He also mentioned about the origin of castes during late chola period. It is worth reading.

While discussing about early period, Y Subbarayalu & P Shanmugam presented all the facts meticulously. I would have given 5 stars for this section but for one remark about jainism being favoured by early kings - this was not presented with facts, While all the available evidences of the early period suggests vedic religion practice by the kings. To prove this point, author quotes ‘Vadakkiruttal’ by Kopperuncholan and equates it to jain practice ‘Sallekhana’. However author conveniently forgets the practice of ‘Prayopavesa’ of vedic times.

I didn’t get much details about 19th century societal changes (This was the problem I noticed in Rajmohan Gandhi’s Modern South India too)

The information given for 20th century is straight out of dravidian movement writers. No fact check. I felt like I was reading ‘Dravida Iyakka Varalaaru’. This part is certainly a blemish to this book. In my opinion Ramachandra Guha’s ‘India after gandhi’ gives a right perspective of 20th century dynamics.

No, It doesn’t unseat Nilakanta Sastri’s book from the throne.

[Sudhir Ponnuswamy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author develops, through his essays the South Indian history with an objective manner. South Indian history, by any author of Indian origin seems at times biased towards a very parochial version of Vedic Hinduism.

[Rick Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detailed, Academic, Passionless, Historical Textbook for South India


Outline:
Common Era:

Brahmi Script

1st Century BCE to 5th Century A.D:

Sangam Literature

6th to 9th Century:

Bhakti Movement & Capitals

10th to 12th Century:

Chola
13th to 14th Century:

Fall of Old States

15th to 17th Century:
Vijayanagar

18th to 19th Century :

British Era

20th Century:

Independence and After

South Indian Cuisine:

[Priyanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hit of A Concise History of South India: Issues and Interpretations by Noboru Karashima is its thorough and scholarly approach to the often-overlooked history of South India. Karashima, a renowned historian, successfully weaves together complex historical narratives spanning the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagar empires, providing a balanced account of political, cultural, and economic developments. The book also excels in addressing South India’s distinct contributions to the subcontinent’s history, including trade networks, temple culture, and linguistic diversity. It’s a valuable resource for anyone looking to gain insight into a region that’s often overshadowed in broader Indian history books.

The miss may be its academic tone and structure, which could feel dense or overwhelming to readers unfamiliar with South Indian history or historiography. While the book aims to be a concise history, it is still packed with details, making it more suited for serious students of history than casual readers. Additionally, the focus on historiographical issues and interpretations might sideline readers looking for a straightforward narrative rather than an analysis of historical debates.

The in-between lies in its scope and ambition. Karashima covers a vast period and provides a wealth of information, but this breadth can sometimes come at the expense of depth in certain areas. For instance, while trade and economic systems are well covered, the social and cultural dynamics of everyday life in South India may feel underexplored. However, for those interested in historical analysis and the evolution of South Indian historiography, the book offers valuable interpretations that bridge the gap between academic and accessible.