Designed for undergraduate and graduate courses in Indian civilization and history, this text provides a sweeping look at the long and varied history of India and how this complex legacy has shaped, and is shaping, the nation's modern polity. It offers unique political-historical coverage of India from pre-history into the 21st century.

Part I offers an overview of Pre-modern India from pre-history to 1857. Part II covers India under the British from 1859 to 1947. Part III, the major portion of the text, looks at Independent India after 1947. An Epilogue brings the book full circle, with a portrait of modern India contrasted to modern China, mirroring the comparison of traditional China in the opening chapters.