A Brief History of Modern India

This thoroughly revised and enlarged volume of A Brief History of Modern India masterfully charts a captivating chronicle of India’s modern history, tracing its turbulent journey from the arrival of European powers in the 15th century to the glorious achievement of independence in 1947.

Beyond political milestones, this book is packed with essential reference tools and explores the deep socio-economic transformations that shaped the nation, highlighting profound social reform movements, such as peasant movements and workers’ movements; the evolution of constitutional, administrative, and judicial developments; the evolution of the press; advancements in education; and the stark economic realities of colonial governance.

Extending beyond 1947, the narrative assesses the immediate challenges faced by a newly sovereign nation, such as communal riots following the Radcliff’s Boundary Award, the division of financial, defence, and administrative resources, the rehabilitation of refugees, the integration of princely states, the making of the constitution, and the milestone achievements of successive democratically elected governments. The book also incorporates various developments under the governments that came after the Nehruvian era.

It comprises many modified chapters enriched with fresh information, besides the pruned ones.

Enriched with an Appendix section, this edition offers a beautifully curated tribute to the iconic women freedom fighters associated with the national movement, in addition to those covered in the main chapters.

Key Highlights

• History of modern India from the arrival of Europeans to independence in 1947

• Establishment and expansion of British rule

• Socio-economic developments during the colonial period

• Social and religious reform movements

• Growth of the press and progress of education

• Economic impact of British administrative policies

• Tribal movements and workers' movements

• Constitutional developments and the freedom struggle

• Profiles of notable personalities and women freedom fighters

• Reference charts and tables covering Congress sessions, caste movements, governors-general, viceroys, newspapers and journals

• Overview of challenges and developments in post-independence India

• Useful for UPSC Civil Services and other competitive examinations

Book Details

• Author: Rajiv Ahir

• Edition: 32nd Edition, 2026

• Pages: 1112

• Binding: Paperback

• ISBN-10: 81-6862-701-6

• ISBN-13: 9788168627017

• Publisher: Spectrum Books Pvt. Ltd.

• Hindi Edition: Available

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