India - Maria Angelillo

To grasp the dynamic nature and volatile essence of ancient India, whose continuityand vitality are a constant source of wonder and fascination, requires afamiliarity with the history and culture of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

This book presents a chronological picture of Indian history from 2500 BC to AD1192—from the dawn of Indian culture, represented by the Indus Valley Civilization,until the defeat of Prithviraj’s Rajput army at Tarain by the Islamic warriorsof Muhammad of Ghur. Tarain was one of the decisive battles in Indian history,marking the advent of Muslim rule over large areas of the subcontinent.

The author places the most familiar—and sometimes also misunderstood—aspects of Indian culture in their historical and cultural context, making themeasily understood by the non-specialist reader. Ancient India was the scene of thebirth and development of some of the most distinctive features of Indian cultureand identity, such as the three great native religious traditions of the ancientperiod (Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism), and the caste system, aspects whichare discussed in detail.The rich array of photographs, combined with an analytical yet straightforwardtext, present a picture that restores the vital beauty of India, a country thatnever ceases to enchant our eyes, souls and minds.