Main Currents in Indian History: Ancient, Medieval and Modern (from the Beginnings to 1964)

Book Details

• Author: Kameswara Rao

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2011

• ISBN: 9788131603680

• Pages: 432

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches

About the Book

Since the beginning of the 18th century, Indian historiography has evolved through diverse ideological frameworks including traditional, colonial, imperialist, nationalist, Marxist, subaltern, interdisciplinary, and postmodern schools of thought. These varying perspectives have significantly influenced how the history of India is perceived, often complicating the historical narrative. As a result, the scope of Indian historiography has expanded from a simplistic chronological account of polity, society, economy, and culture to a more integrated understanding of their interconnections and mutual influences in shaping historical development.

This book presents a synthesized and open-ended narrative that traces India's extensive historical journey—from ancient times to the modern era—capturing all facets of human life and their evolving relationships across time and space. It reflects on how different historians have interpreted historical changes, drawing on more than fifty years of advanced historical research. Designed to be accessible for both students and general readers, this volume serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding India's past through multiple scholarly lenses.

About the Author

K.S. Kameswara Rao has dedicated over 35 years to teaching history at various institutions in Visakhapatnam, Amalapuram, and Kakinada. He retired as Reader in History from Ideal College of Arts and Sciences, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Currently, he is the working editor of the ambitious project “Comprehensive History and Culture of Andhra Pradesh” (8 volumes). His scholarly interests lie primarily in the socio-economic history of India and Andhra Pradesh during the early and medieval periods.