Oct 05, 2015 06:52 PM
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The History of India’s Geography This book by Sanjeev Sanyal is delightfully easy to read if you can get over your penchant for lurid bestsellers. The truth is that fact is often much more exciting than fiction. This 323 page masterpiece will enhance your knowledge in a most entertaining manner.
Of Genetics and Tectonics This chapter uses the continental drift theory to tell us how natural geographical boundaries were formed. It also discusses latest standpoints regarding India’s gene pool. I’m happy to see that the author is one of those who do not find the theory of an Aryan Invasion very plausible. With sub-headings such as Populating India, Who are the Indians? and Castes or tribes, this chapter lays the background for a fascinating journey through our historical geography.
People of the Lost River The second chapter examines the connection between the Harappan Civilization and the River Saraswati. The sub-headings are: The Harappan Civilization, Dealing with Slums and Tectonics, The Merchants of Meluhha, What happened to India’s First Cities?, Where did the Harappans Go?, The Rig Veda, Can One Reconcile the Two Accounts?, What happened to the Saraswati?, Land of the Seven Rivers, and The Bharatas. The author attributes the disappearance of our ancient cities as being due to the river Saraswati’s drying up.
The Age of the Lions You will find that the lion is much discussed by Sanyal, be it to tell us where they lived and what has now become of them or to discuss how the lion was used as an emblem in ancient and modern India. This chapter is about the late Iron Age, the time of Buddha, Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya, of Alexander the Great... The first highways were being constructed, Sanyal informs us.
The Age of Merchants In this chapter we get to know about the Southern Indian ports of the Chola dynasty. It is one of my many favourite chapters in this book as Sanyal has an anecdotal style which makes reading very lively.
From Sindbad to Zheng He Here we see the various travelers who came to ancient India for trade and other reasons. It is also quite exciting and you will be awestruck to read about modern places and what happened there in those times. The sub-heading, The Mughal Hunt, is very exciting - almost like reading a historical novel. In fact, this book, instead of being a dry, data filled account, is more like a delicious historical drama.
The Mapping of India Reading this will show you all about the history of geographical maps in different parts of the world in the olden days. These accounts are both funny and thought provoking as we watch how the Europeans used their maps to carve chunks of the world for themselves.
Trigonometry and Steam Sanyal traces the map-making skills and the technology that the foul European nations used to take over so many countries including India.
The Contours of Modern India This chapter reveals much about Calcutta and Delhi and how the British as well as ancient Indian rulers designed and redesigned them. He speaks about partition, of how Bangladesh was born and the pain that lingers but he does all this with a delicacy that is praiseworthy.
Every Indian, scholar, student or not, must buy this book.
