What do you think?
Rate this book
The Origin Story of India’s States
The story of the birth of India's states is the story of the birth and continuing rebirth of India, the nation. It is a story that everyone in India must know, from young to old.
This rigorously researched book lays out the fascinating political and historical circumstances of the birth of India's states and union territories.
This rigorously researched book lays out the fascinating political and historical circumstances of the birth of India's states and union territories.
- GenresHistoryIndiaNonfiction
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2021
47 people are currently reading
288 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 12, 2024
This book is only a primer to the story of the origin of Indian states. This is not some extensive scholarly work documenting the details of unification of Indian states. But the good thing is that it doesn't bore you with all the bureaucratic details which went into the creation of different states. I personally enjoyed reading it because I am particularly a stateless person within India. As in I don't identify myself belonging to this one particular state as the description of the book tries to draw you in.
Rather my cultural affiliations spread at least through 3 or 4 states by virtue of being there and belonging to somewhere else. So I was particularly very interested in reading the origin of those states. Moreover some of the origin stories intrinsically are very interesting to read. As a whole it's a nice lighthearted but academically relevant information for anyone who is curious about the origin of their states in India.
Rather my cultural affiliations spread at least through 3 or 4 states by virtue of being there and belonging to somewhere else. So I was particularly very interested in reading the origin of those states. Moreover some of the origin stories intrinsically are very interesting to read. As a whole it's a nice lighthearted but academically relevant information for anyone who is curious about the origin of their states in India.
November 9, 2021
It's very unlikely we get to know about the origin of each state and union territories of our nation with much details in our history classes unless the teacher wants to discuss something off topic and the students are enthusiastic enough to know history. It's a shame I never got the chance to know the origin story our states in depth until this book. This book dives deeper into the history and unearths the origin story of each State and Union Territories.
This book is highly educative and deeply satisfying at the same time, enriched with valuable informations. Each chapter is dedicated entirely to one state and its origin. Written in simple language it unfolds many aspects and decisions worth contemplating for. The most significant aspect of this book is its unbiased views. But some informations are overlapping because of contemporary changes in other states.
The author's approach deserves more appreciation and love. Everything is described from grassroots level and in a simplified way. I found the formation of Goa very engaging but that's totally my personal opinion, other stories were intriguing too. A must read book for everyone.
This book is highly educative and deeply satisfying at the same time, enriched with valuable informations. Each chapter is dedicated entirely to one state and its origin. Written in simple language it unfolds many aspects and decisions worth contemplating for. The most significant aspect of this book is its unbiased views. But some informations are overlapping because of contemporary changes in other states.
The author's approach deserves more appreciation and love. Everything is described from grassroots level and in a simplified way. I found the formation of Goa very engaging but that's totally my personal opinion, other stories were intriguing too. A must read book for everyone.
June 10, 2022
A number of scholars had argued earlier that two of the most profound experiments which went miraculously right for India after Independence was its decision to bring in various stakeholders to draft a constitution guaranteeing fundamental rights, diversity, secularism, and plurality, and the implementation of the States Reorganisation Committee (SRC) to divide states on linguistic basis. It is vital to assess the evolution of India as a nation-state on a socio-cultural and linguistic basis to understand the idea of an inclusive India. While many states were divided based on language in the initial years, few other states in the recent past were formed based on its socio-cultural lines.
After Independence, the founding members who witnessed the partition were highly reluctant to divide the states as administrative units solely on a linguistic basis fearing the growth of secretarian tendencies. Between 1947 and 1950, different provinces and various princely states of independent India underwent accession and consolidation. However, the post-independent Indian federal structure has weathered many linguistic, religious, ethnic, regional, cultural, and politico-ideological challenges. To overcome these challenges, the Indian Constituent Assembly 1948 appointed the Dar Commission followed by the Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallavabhai Patel, and Pattabhi Sitaramayya Committee (JVPC) to reorganize the states. In 1953, the Union Government came up with the States Reorganisation Committee (SRC) to assess whether conferring statehood based on language would be a plausible administrative solution.
The book briefly narrates the events that lead to the creation of Andhra Pradesh, the first-ever call for reorganization of states by a Telugu leader Potti Sriramulu demanding separate statehood for Telugu people, followed by his death from fasting. Other states such as Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Telangana were formed based on socio-cultural identities. Though the nature of federalism was predominantly based on language in the early 60s and 70s, the nature of federalism had also evolved in the recent past to incorporate governance, economic and social backwardness, inequality, and demand for equal resources distribution. K.M. Panikkar, a member of SRC had warned earlier that the state of Uttar Pradesh can outgrow in size as a powerful political bloc leading to unequal federalism within India. In this regard, the trifurcation of Uttar Pradesh for better governance and resource management is an idea India should consider in the coming years. It was interesting to learn that Goa as a separate state was formed through a referendum, where homogenous populations from different backgrounds came together to determine their self-identity when both Maharashtra and Karnataka tried to absorb Goa into their territory.
One of the biggest takeaways from the book is that, throughout history, independent India had its fair share of problems in maintaining its regional integrity and cooperation, especially during the turbulent years in the North East. But, realizing that every form of mass struggle can transpire into some form of agreement and acceptance from years of negotiation and dialogue, the lessons from the creation of different states give us a sense of hope that the idea of India will prevail.
After Independence, the founding members who witnessed the partition were highly reluctant to divide the states as administrative units solely on a linguistic basis fearing the growth of secretarian tendencies. Between 1947 and 1950, different provinces and various princely states of independent India underwent accession and consolidation. However, the post-independent Indian federal structure has weathered many linguistic, religious, ethnic, regional, cultural, and politico-ideological challenges. To overcome these challenges, the Indian Constituent Assembly 1948 appointed the Dar Commission followed by the Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallavabhai Patel, and Pattabhi Sitaramayya Committee (JVPC) to reorganize the states. In 1953, the Union Government came up with the States Reorganisation Committee (SRC) to assess whether conferring statehood based on language would be a plausible administrative solution.
The book briefly narrates the events that lead to the creation of Andhra Pradesh, the first-ever call for reorganization of states by a Telugu leader Potti Sriramulu demanding separate statehood for Telugu people, followed by his death from fasting. Other states such as Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, and Telangana were formed based on socio-cultural identities. Though the nature of federalism was predominantly based on language in the early 60s and 70s, the nature of federalism had also evolved in the recent past to incorporate governance, economic and social backwardness, inequality, and demand for equal resources distribution. K.M. Panikkar, a member of SRC had warned earlier that the state of Uttar Pradesh can outgrow in size as a powerful political bloc leading to unequal federalism within India. In this regard, the trifurcation of Uttar Pradesh for better governance and resource management is an idea India should consider in the coming years. It was interesting to learn that Goa as a separate state was formed through a referendum, where homogenous populations from different backgrounds came together to determine their self-identity when both Maharashtra and Karnataka tried to absorb Goa into their territory.
One of the biggest takeaways from the book is that, throughout history, independent India had its fair share of problems in maintaining its regional integrity and cooperation, especially during the turbulent years in the North East. But, realizing that every form of mass struggle can transpire into some form of agreement and acceptance from years of negotiation and dialogue, the lessons from the creation of different states give us a sense of hope that the idea of India will prevail.
June 26, 2022
An Easy accessible book, which gives story of Modern States in India.
I enjoyed understanding, diversity, different parts of India.
Sadly, Growing up I was ignorant about rest of India.
Ladakh looks lovely
India can consider,
Upgrading Infrastructure, and making it in-expensive.
Imagine, "Kanyakumari to Ladakh bullet train "[1-hour]
Although, One can learn everything from, Wikipedia.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
I enjoyed understanding, diversity, different parts of India.
Sadly, Growing up I was ignorant about rest of India.
Ladakh looks lovely
India can consider,
Upgrading Infrastructure, and making it in-expensive.
Imagine, "Kanyakumari to Ladakh bullet train "[1-hour]
Although, One can learn everything from, Wikipedia.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
November 16, 2021
The story of making of the Indian nation state is an interesting one. As the Britishers left there were three scenarios at hand, a separate country called Pakistan, another called India but within the geography of India there were multiple princely state which were given the choice to join either of the two countries or be a separate nation state of their own. From there Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was given the humongous duty to persuade these princely states to join the Indian state. But that’s not entirely the story of making of the states in India and that’s what this book traces.
Of the present 28 states and 8 union territories each one of them have a unique history and this book beautifully described each one of them. It also traced each and every event which lead to their formations. What I was afraid about when I picked it up was the fact that it had the potential to become a strict academic book but luckily the pace and the style in which the author wrote it made it an easy read. I would surely recommend it to everyone who wants to know more about the making of India and have a good time at the same time.
Of the present 28 states and 8 union territories each one of them have a unique history and this book beautifully described each one of them. It also traced each and every event which lead to their formations. What I was afraid about when I picked it up was the fact that it had the potential to become a strict academic book but luckily the pace and the style in which the author wrote it made it an easy read. I would surely recommend it to everyone who wants to know more about the making of India and have a good time at the same time.
April 29, 2022
A great compilation of the history of India's states!
Would recommend to read chapters as per your interest as you would a coffee table book, rather than reading it sequentially.
Would recommend to read chapters as per your interest as you would a coffee table book, rather than reading it sequentially.
May 3, 2022
*4.5/5
Well researched (almost looks like a thesis), covering an integral and important part of post-modern Indian history.
Well researched (almost looks like a thesis), covering an integral and important part of post-modern Indian history.
November 10, 2021
The Origin story of India's states is an extremely well researched book that talks about the history behind the origin or formation of all the Indian states and Union territories. There's very less awareness and knowledge when it comes to the political or geographical history of our country as this topic is taken very lightly in schools and so many people are not even aware of the facts about the state they are residing in for decades. This book is a savior for all those who are keen to know more about the same.
Each chapter covers one state or Union territory in alphabetical order, hence making it look so well planned and structured. Everything is explained in great detail keeping in mind even the tiniest information required. The writing style is engaging too. There is an additional Do you know fact included before every chapter. If you're interested to dig deep into the geographical history of India, this is certainly the right pick for you.
Each chapter covers one state or Union territory in alphabetical order, hence making it look so well planned and structured. Everything is explained in great detail keeping in mind even the tiniest information required. The writing style is engaging too. There is an additional Do you know fact included before every chapter. If you're interested to dig deep into the geographical history of India, this is certainly the right pick for you.
December 1, 2021
This book is like a bouquet made of different types of flowers. The origin story of India's states is a very intriguing account of the genesis of India's states.
It is an excellent book that contains historical facts and wonderful insights into India's States origin. He tried to connect many known facts and some missing links in lucid language. This book is very carefully referenced and it helps the readers to get imagery of the aspects that he has written in vivid details using many useful anecdotes.
The best thing about this book is that the author categorically illuminated the unique aspects of Indian history, and how our nation has been built.
With elegance, authority and a prodigious amount of research, fair-minded and elegantly written.
It also comprises maps for an adequate understanding.
Stylistically, it looks original, research and interpretation of the author is fresh. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in India's geography and its history.
It is an excellent book that contains historical facts and wonderful insights into India's States origin. He tried to connect many known facts and some missing links in lucid language. This book is very carefully referenced and it helps the readers to get imagery of the aspects that he has written in vivid details using many useful anecdotes.
The best thing about this book is that the author categorically illuminated the unique aspects of Indian history, and how our nation has been built.
With elegance, authority and a prodigious amount of research, fair-minded and elegantly written.
It also comprises maps for an adequate understanding.
Stylistically, it looks original, research and interpretation of the author is fresh. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in India's geography and its history.
August 26, 2022
Reads like a collection of poorly written Wikipedia articles. Very repetitive articles. This book could have been good in the hands of an experienced writer and researcher, after all the subject matter is interesting. There is absolutely no feeling for the main players, very little context and almost no history of the states.
December 8, 2021
This is very good book having detailed information about formation of each and every Indian state and UT. Deep researched work by Venkat and recommend this book for all ages.
November 10, 2021
• “The federation is a union that is indestructible”. The line as stated by Dr.B.R Ambedkar bears sheer poignancy with the whole of the book at hand and the same shall be briefly presented below.
• Delving deeper into the same, the length of the book remains to be 304 pages and the overall theme is concerned with tracing the origins of the country and for the same, most primacy is held by tracing the origins of the states as the same would be an objective assessment. The chapters of the book have been divided based on the name of states thereby connoting simplicity of expression. The first chapter of the book is titled “Andhra Pradesh” and as one may surmise, it details the history of the state by detailing all the relevant historical facts and the relevant history that makes the state what it is. The next chapter is titled “Arunachal Pradesh” and this chapter also opts for the same manner of presentation as in the first chapter. The third chapter is titled “Assam” and how it was removed by the British from the direct purview marks the beginning of the chapter at hand. As the chapters progress further, one may surmise that the rest of the chapters would be the states and the Union Territories of India.
• The writing style of the book also operates on the tenets of simplicity, accuracy, and expressiveness as the author straight away cuts to the chase by giving the necessary historical insight and from the title itself the reader may guess as to what is to come for them. The combined effect of all these elements make it a must read for anyone willing to explore India and all that is within it.
• Delving deeper into the same, the length of the book remains to be 304 pages and the overall theme is concerned with tracing the origins of the country and for the same, most primacy is held by tracing the origins of the states as the same would be an objective assessment. The chapters of the book have been divided based on the name of states thereby connoting simplicity of expression. The first chapter of the book is titled “Andhra Pradesh” and as one may surmise, it details the history of the state by detailing all the relevant historical facts and the relevant history that makes the state what it is. The next chapter is titled “Arunachal Pradesh” and this chapter also opts for the same manner of presentation as in the first chapter. The third chapter is titled “Assam” and how it was removed by the British from the direct purview marks the beginning of the chapter at hand. As the chapters progress further, one may surmise that the rest of the chapters would be the states and the Union Territories of India.
• The writing style of the book also operates on the tenets of simplicity, accuracy, and expressiveness as the author straight away cuts to the chase by giving the necessary historical insight and from the title itself the reader may guess as to what is to come for them. The combined effect of all these elements make it a must read for anyone willing to explore India and all that is within it.
August 13, 2024
i think books like this deserves 2.5 stars because it has equal good and bad stuff
pros
1 honestly the concept alone is great it's hard to find this information on the internet and i am glad someone actually collected information of all the states
2 not very long every state is summarised in a few pages which makes it a good read
3 good for academic purposes
cons
1 the biggest in my opinion is the alphabetical classification of states like i thought that states having similar history will be merged instead they are written so far away like Punjab and Haryana due to alphabets
2 repetition - states having similar history writes the same information multiple times
3 lack of contest - there are so many concepts which are not explained properly like i still don't understand the deal with type a type b type c divisions plus i feel that some context could be given regarding the political movements in various states
4 no visual data - i felt the author could have used more maps to give a clearer idea
pros
1 honestly the concept alone is great it's hard to find this information on the internet and i am glad someone actually collected information of all the states
2 not very long every state is summarised in a few pages which makes it a good read
3 good for academic purposes
cons
1 the biggest in my opinion is the alphabetical classification of states like i thought that states having similar history will be merged instead they are written so far away like Punjab and Haryana due to alphabets
2 repetition - states having similar history writes the same information multiple times
3 lack of contest - there are so many concepts which are not explained properly like i still don't understand the deal with type a type b type c divisions plus i feel that some context could be given regarding the political movements in various states
4 no visual data - i felt the author could have used more maps to give a clearer idea
May 17, 2022
An unique book which provides insight into how each of the Indian states came to be in todays form. It is very interesting for me as expect for my own state, I haven't heard how other Indian states evolved in to present form.
There are separate chapters for each of the States and Union territories , Book can be bit more enjoyable to read if author could club few of the states like Bihar and Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Haryana etc. together as they share lot of common history and thereby avoiding unnecessary repetition throughout the book.
There are separate chapters for each of the States and Union territories , Book can be bit more enjoyable to read if author could club few of the states like Bihar and Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Punjab and Haryana etc. together as they share lot of common history and thereby avoiding unnecessary repetition throughout the book.
August 21, 2022
This book talks about a story of importance that somehow seems to have been obscured away from the mainstream. I highly appreciate the content, the research and the approachability of the writing. However, the book is painfully repetitive and I wish it was structured better. And it also seems to skip a lot of interesting stories which could have been a substitute for the repetition - like what happened to Travancore; which is reduced to almost a minor anecdote in this book.
Overall though would recommend this as a beginner's guide on how modern India became what it is!
Overall though would recommend this as a beginner's guide on how modern India became what it is!
May 19, 2022
A very interesting take on how the many princely states and British dominions came together to form modern India. I learnt of many interesting facets like out of the 400 plus princely states at the time of independence, half of them were located in Gujarat and that an IAS was made a Prime Minister for a day in order to amalgamate Daman & Diu.
A tad bit repetitive though with the starting of many of the chapters but a unique read nonetheless.
A tad bit repetitive though with the starting of many of the chapters but a unique read nonetheless.
February 4, 2022
A very interesting book that shows that each state has unike and complicated story. I miss a map for each state. Then it will be 5 stars!
June 3, 2022
Very interesting topic. Book rather short to cover it well. Felt like listening to Wikipedia entries. Not much information deeper than that.
June 29, 2022
This could have been so much better, with more interesting trivia, a little bit of history, and maps.
December 29, 2022
Could have consolidated states with shared histories into a common chapter, seemed rather repetitive
June 29, 2023
More like a textbook with very basic knowledge.
December 8, 2023
As said in the comments it is a dry information with accounts of each state. No anecdote or details.. Just information.. One can always go deep.
Book #25 series Indic books
Book #25 series Indic books
August 2, 2024
The book fields some interesting information but over simplifies certain narratives.
September 23, 2024
This book is highly recommended to the readers who are interested in the post-independence history of all the Indian states.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews