The Illustrated Cultural History of India

by A.L. Basham

In A Cultural History of India, first published in 1975, A.L. Basham brought together scholars from across the globe to provide international viewpoints on the rich cultural heritage of India. With contributors from across the world covering a wide array of topics including religion, philosophy, social organization, literature, art, architecture, music, and science, the book presented a comprehensive survey of India's rich cultural heritage. Over the years the book became a classic in its own right.

The Illustrated Cultural History of India , an adapted and illustrated version of the original book, aims to sensitize young readers to the country's historic past and rich cultural heritage, and the need to preserve it. Key chapters cover the Indus civilization, Ashokan India and the Gupta Age, ancient Indian religions, philosophy, classical literature, early art and architecture, music, Muslim architecture in India, Islam, Sikhism, the nationalist movement, and modern Indian literature, and are complemented by extensive visuals, making for an informative and interesting read.

Genres: India, History, Nonfiction, Cultural

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Professor Arthur Llewellyn Basham (24 May 1914 – 27 January 1986) was a noted historian and indologist and author of a number of books.Possibly his most popular book is The Wonder That was India (Sidgwick & Jackson, London, 1954) - published seven years after the 1947 Independence of India. Revised editions of the book were released in 1963 and then 1967. Rupa & Co, New Delhi brought out a paperback edition in 1981. Macmillan Publishers Ltd., London, brought out a paperback edition in 1985. By 2001, the paperback version was in its 37th edition. Amazon.com staff review/book description reads "most widely used introduction to Indian civilization. Although first published in 1954, it has remained a classic interpretation."
Basham also wrote "History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas", based on his PhD work done under L. D. Barnett. He also wrote "The Origins and Development of Classical Hinduism" jointly with Kenneth G. Zysk. A book about Basham, written by Sachindra Kumar Maity (published 1997, Abhinav Publications, ISBN 81-7017-326-4) is entitled Professor A.L. Basham, My Guruji and Problems and Perspectives of Ancient Indian History and Culture. the book includes 80 of Basham's letters addressed to the author. Thomas R. Trautmann a professor for history and anthropology at the University of Michigan, dedicated his book "Aryans and British India" (1997, University of California Press) 'In memory of A. L. Basham, British Sanskritist historian of India, guru, friend'.

Reviews

[Riku Sayuj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each essay is a masterpiece of condensed information in this collection. The layout of the book with the text interwoven with the images and the illustrations is worth the distraction every time.

[Deepak Jacob · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title of the book seems to be a misnomer as it is actually a collection of articles by various authors. The book is not as good as Basham's original work, but yet the illustrations and lucid explanations would serve the purpose.

[Vikas Garud · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays written by experts on different periods of Indian History. I personally felt disappointed as I didn't get much from it. Essays on Indus Civilization & early Aryans are too disappointing...but it also contains brilliant essay on Hinduism by S.Radhakrishnan.
One may read it to get broad awareness about Indian Culture...