India South Asia: Short Hist

Rating:
Summary: Exceptional study of the region
Review: I'm very impressed with this book which looks at the history of the whole region rather than looking at India in isolation. I'll be using it as required text in my class this year as I think it's possibly the best one volume history book currently available that meets the needs of students.

Rating:
Summary: Not a good text for people new to South Asian History
Review: Ludden's book presents South Asian history from the perspective of Identity. Although this approach is interesting, it can be hard to follow for student new to the subject.

Instead, I would recommend Keay's "India - A History" or Wolpert's "A New History of India".

Once you have mastered the general timeline and the religious and cultural cross-currents then Ludden's work may be more accessible.